Many people looking to jump onto the RVing trend experience sticker shock when they walk onto dealership lots. Inflation and increased costs for manufacturing have driven RV prices through the roof. However, there are still some cheap travel trailers available. You just have to find them.
We’ve found several excellent options if you’re in the market for an inexpensive travel trailer to start your RVing dreams.
Let’s dive in and see which one is right for you!
What Is Considered a Cheap Travel Trailer?
Cheap is a relative term that varies from one shopper to the next. However, in the world of campers, especially travel trailers, anything less than $28,000 is typically a cheap travel trailer. These units are typically less than 25 feet but still have many modern amenities like bathrooms and kitchens. These can make excellent trailers for weekend trips to make memories with your family.
Most brands have a budget-friendly line of trailers. Some of the most affordable travel trailers are from Keystone, Forest River, and Jayco. These are all established brands with a reputation in the RV community. While they may not be as spacious or luxurious as other models, they can work for many weekend camping trips.
Is It Better to Buy a Used or New Travel Trailer?
When making a large purchase like an RV, many like the security of buying a new one. This is because new RVs typically come with a warranty, which many think will come to their rescue when things go wrong. While this can be true in some circumstances, these warranties sound better than they are.
You have to consider that RVs depreciate incredibly fast. An RV can be worth a fraction of its original value in a few years. As a result, we typically encourage people to buy a used RV. No RV is perfect, especially a new one. Some of the best RVs are a few years old and have experienced relatively regular use.
These are ideal because the original owner likely discovered any issues and addressed them. If you can find a gently-used RV with correct maintenance, you can save money and the headache of dealing with poor craftsmanship from the factory.
Pro Tip: We took a closer look at What You Need to Know About Travel Trailers before you buy.
The 8 Cheapest Travel Trailers On the Market Today
If you’re looking for an RV but don’t want to break the bank, we have eight options. Are there cheaper options? Absolutely, but these are some of the units we think give you the most bang for your buck. We’re taking a look full-size travel trailers that offer all the standard amenities in this list.
Keystone Hideout 178RB
The Keystone Hideout 178RB is over 21 feet long and weighs approximately 3,300 pounds. However, there’s plenty of space to sleep four relatively easily. Your family will indeed feel right at home in this unit.
Walking up the LCI Solid Steps and into this rig, you’ll see the spacious queen bed on your right and the dinette booth to your left. The interior farmhouse look provides a very residential feel. The massive countertop offers plenty of space to prepare meals and store goodies during your adventures.
The MSRP for the 178RB starts at around $23,000. When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat this unit!
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS
The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS measures over 21 feet and weighs roughly 3,400 pounds. Forest River has packed a tremendous amount into the Rockwood Geo Pro, offering an outside shower, WiFi booster, solar prep, and a 200W roof-mounted solar panel with a 1,000W inverter. Now you have more freedom and can stay outside crowded campgrounds.
The Geo Pro G20FBS from Rockwood starts at around $28,800. Considering everything you get, you don’t want to overlook this travel trailer!
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7
While the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 may not be the longest travel trailer, it still has plenty worth considering. It is only 18 feet long and weighs approximately 3,500 pounds, so you won’t need a massive truck to haul it. It’s the perfect camper for short trips and long weekends.
The modern farmhouse interior design of these cheap travel trailers will help you to relax no matter where you park. The table becomes the main sleeping space, and kids will love the bunk beds. You don’t need much space inside when your adventures await you outdoors.
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX7 starts at a budget-friendly $22,134. This shows you don’t have to break the bank to start making memories with your family.
Forest River Wolf Pup 14CC
The Wolf Pup 14CC combines durability, functionality, and comfort into a single trailer. This trailer is just over 19 feet long and weighs around 3,900 pounds. However, the rear entry of this unit is a unique feature. You walk into this unit with the shower on one side and the bathroom on the other.
Besides the queen-sized bed, the dinette becomes an additional sleeping space. You can comfortably sleep four individuals in this camper. Forest River uses every inch of available space to cram a tremendous amount into such a small area.
The MSRP for the Wolf Pup 14CC is approximately $28,500.
Pro Tip: We took a closer look to uncover Is a Wolf Pup a Good Camper?
Open Range Conventional 172FB
The Open Range Conventional 172FB is roughly 19 feet long and weighs 3,750 pounds when fully loaded. It sleeps up to four and has an aluminum-walled construction. The easy-to-clean residential vinyl flooring helps ensure your rig looks good as new for years to come. This is a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly RV that won’t hurt your bank account. It has everything and more that you could need.
The Open Range Conventional 172FB starts at a budget-friendly $23,730.
Pro Tip: Before you head out on a big adventure with your travel trailer, discover Why Your Travel Trailer Needs a Weight Distribution Hitch.
Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FD
The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FD is just over 20 feet long and weighs around 3,200 pounds. You’ll have plenty of room in your tanks with a 31-gallon fresh water tank and a 27-gallon gray and black water tank. This is an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable space to sleep and escape the weather. The full bathroom and kitchen can help you enjoy the comforts of RVing on the road.
Where this rig shines is with the outdoor storage. There’s a pass thru storage and multiple storage compartments around the outside. You’ll have no problem finding spots to store your gear and equipment.
The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FD starts at around $32,000. It may not be the cheapest on our list of trailers, but it’s worth the extra bucks.
Starcraft Autumn Ridge 180BHS
The Starcraft Autumn Ridge 180BHS is an excellent option for a weekend or week-long adventure. You’ll enjoy RV life in campgrounds and on the road as comfortably as possible. At just over 22 feet long, it’s roomy enough to provide sleeping space for six without requiring a massive campsite. It weighs under 5,000 pounds, so you won’t need a diesel-guzzling truck to haul it.
The Starcraft Autumn Ridge starts at around $24,000. It’s many of the bells and whistles you want in an RV without the hefty price tag.
What Time of Year Are Cheap Travel Trailers the Lowest Price?
The time of year when travel trailer prices are the lowest is typically the fall and winter. This is the slowest time of year for RV dealerships, and they’re more likely to be more generous regarding deals. Most dealers see a massive decline in their sales toward the end of the camping season.
Dealerships know that those looking to buy an RV must wait months to take it on its maiden voyage. In addition, they want to make room for any new models that manufacturers can send their way.
Pro Tip: Travel comfortably in one of these 6 Best Rear Kitchen Travel Trailers You Have to See.
Your Gateway RV Might Be a Cheap Travel Trailer
Many people errantly assume that to enjoy RVing; you must spend $100,000 on an RV and have a massive truck to haul it. However, we’ve shown you eight of the cheapest travel trailers that will do the job. While $20,000+ isn’t something to take lightly, it’s a far cry from $100,000. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you. The perfect camper for you is out there. Keep looking!
Which of the cheap travel trailers on our list best suits your needs? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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Annette Shifflett
Saturday 3rd of June 2023
You didn't mention any of the fiberglass, lightweight travel trailers. Not only can the be 2,500 lbs or less, they don't have as many issues with leaks and such because-no seams! They have great warranties and you don't have to worry about paying extra for every amenity as most are standard. I just purchased a Casita 17' and I am going to live in it. A regular SUV can pull it since it is much lighter than the metal travel trailer.
Janine Joyner
Friday 26th of May 2023
I am on my 4th Whitewater Retro camper trailer and love it. My 2021 trailer cost me less than $24,000 which we ordered with twin beds. The model is 189 Retro in teal and white outside and in with white and black checkered floor. It has everything one needs to travel short or long distances. If I had any changes I'd make, they are to remove the bathtub for a full shower and wish there was room for a generator to enable occasional boondocking camping. This manufacturer has changed hands during covid days and have included another line of campers called Intrepid, but in my opinion, they are not nearly as precious as the Retro models. Retrospective stand out in any campground. Intrepid looks like every other camper with typical gray, beige, black and white colors. I wish I could send you a picture of my Retro. You'd understand why I love it and why in every campground I am asked to give tours to other campers.
Our first was too small at 15 feet. Our second was 17 feet but traded it for the 195 model to have a full shower bathroom. We should have kept the 195 Retro. But as we got older, we wanted twin beds and bought the 189 feet Retro. No regrets, however, because my husband passed away in June 2022, and with twin beds I can comfortably travel with a girlfriend or relative. Janine J
George Campbell
Thursday 20th of April 2023
I like the looks of the High Land open range conventional 172 FB
Pam
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
I noticed you mentioned short camping trips a couple of times in the article. Are these not recommended for full-time RV living? I belong to some Facebook groups and know people are using them for FT Rving. But then I also see posts where trailers often have integrity issues and wonder if using them as an every day thing is too much.
Larry
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
@Pam, it's true when they say " you get what you payed for". Hope you like to do maintenance. In all actuality,they are fun. Like my wife says, " it's way better than a tent"!
Deborah Kerr
Monday 17th of April 2023
Thanks for the good information!