Buying a motorhome or RV is a big decision and investment. In addition to making sure you choose a rig that’s big enough for you and has everything you need, you also need to purchase one that’s within your budget.
Unfortunately, motorhomes are more expensive than ever due to inflation, demand, and the rising cost of labor and materials. However, there are still plenty of affordable options available that can fit any budget. Finding them simply takes a little more research and effort–compared to those RV purchases where money isn’t a factor.
Best Budget-Friendly Class A Motorhomes
When most people think of Class A motorhomes, the last thing they think of is “budget-friendly.” Instead, Class A motorhomes are typically valued for their many luxurious amenities, including solid surface countertops, a residential refrigerator, vast interior space, and other luxurious features.
While it’s true that Class A motorhomes are typically the most luxurious and the most expensive, there are a few affordable options to choose from. Each of these options will have many of the amenities of other Class A rigs, but they’re built with more affordable materials. Here are our top affordable Class A picks:
- Fleetwood Bounder 36F – $128,625
- Jayco Alante 29F – $172,418
- Forest River FR3 34DS – $194,972
Image courtesy of Fleetwood RV (Model pictured above: Fleetwood Bounder 36F)
As you can see, none of these motorhomes are less than $30,000. However, if you want a new Class A motorhome, you won’t be able to find anything for less than $100,000–unless you’re okay with purchasing an RV riddled with factory defects and other mechanical problems. For comparison purposes, the best Class A motorhomes typically cost between $400,000 and $1,000,000, so anything under $200,000 is considered affordable in the world of Class A RVs.
Best Affordable Class B Options
While it’s impossible to find a new Class A motorhome for less than $100,000, there are plenty of affordable Class B options. Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are typically smaller, have a less spacious feel, and have fewer amenities than Class A and C alternatives.
However, thanks to the increasing popularity of Class B motorhomes, most of them include a queen bed, a half bath or wet bath, and air conditioning. Plus, many come solar panel-ready. As such, they’re great options for one to two people and for those who may want to camp off-grid.
- Pleasure-Way Tofino – $86,000
- Winnebago Solis 59P – $92,000
- Thor Scope – $80,595
Image courtesy of Pleasure-Way (Model Pictured above Pleasure-Way Tofino)
Although Class B RVs are still fairly pricy, longer and more luxurious models can sell for upwards of $200,000. Additionally, certain models, like the Winnebago Solis, have smaller Class B motorhomes that are even more affordable, depending on your needs.
Best Economical Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are often thought of as a happy medium between Class A RVs and Class B RVs. They have a similar shape and style as that of Class A motorhomes but are typically smaller and less luxurious. However, they’re larger and feature more amenities than Class B models, and can often house up to six people at a time.
Most Class C Motorhomes feature bunk beds, a power awning, a double-door refrigerator, a galley kitchen, and a small lounge area. However, because they are less aesthetically pleasing on the outside, they are typically the cheapest type of motorhome available.
- Gulf Stream Conquest – $74,000
- Forest River Forester – $75,000
- Thor Motor Coach Chateau – $78,000
Image Courtesy of Forest River (Model pictured above: Forest River Forester)
As you can see, while Class C motorhomes are bigger and include more than Class B camper vans, they’re usually more affordable. However, the bigger your Class C RV gets and the more you add to it, the more expensive it will be.
Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Affordable RV Manufacturers
While there are certainly some affordable RVs available, the market is generally dominated by rigs that offer more luxury touches and amenities. Tiffin Motorhomes, Thor Motor Coach, and Newmar, for instance, have some of the best and most expensive motorhomes in the industry.
However, there are a few lesser-known and more economical brands that make high-quality motorhomes with plenty of amenities. These rigs often include everything from LED lighting and extra storage space to a family-friendly living area and off-road capabilities. Here are some of the best budget-friendly motorhome brands around!
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Affordable RV
Now that you know what some of the most affordable motorhomes are, let’s look at how to choose the one that’s right for you.
Size Requirements
The most important thing to consider when buying motorhomes and travel trailers is size. Size is especially important with budget-friendly motorhomes because these economical options tend to be much smaller than higher-priced options. Therefore, while it’s important to stick to your budget, there’s no point in buying a motorhome that isn’t big enough to hold you and your family.
Shower and Bathroom Situation
Another thing you often give up with more affordable motorhomes is multiple bathrooms. Some options, such as Class B camper vans, often only have a wet bath, which is where the toilet and shower are placed in the same area. If one or more full bathrooms are a deal-breaker for you, you may need to venture into higher price points.
Features and Amenities
When you purchase a motorhome on a budget, that means you’ll have fewer amenities–but it doesn’t mean you won’t have any. Most of the motorhomes in this article include at least a powered awning, a queen-size bed, and a small kitchen. Some of them even have a separate master bedroom, an entertainment center, and more!
But rest assured, you’ll be able to get by without your dream dinette and an open floorplan. Because affordable RVs typically have less room than more expensive rigs, you often have to choose which amenities mean the most to you.
Pre-Loved Motorhomes: A Path to Affordability
No matter how much research you do and how basic you’re willing to go, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a new motorhome for less than $50,000.
As such, if you want to spend between $25,000 and $30,000, your best bet is to purchase a used RV.
While used motorhomes have a higher risk of mechanical issues, leaks, and electrical malfunctions, they’re also a fraction of the price of new motorhomes. Ultimately, buying used is the route we decided to take when we purchased our travel trailer. Sure, there was a higher risk of things going wrong with it, but we decided that not blowing our entire camping budget on the camper itself was the smartest thing to do.
There are plenty of great resources to find used travel trailers and motorhomes, including RV Trader, Auto Trader, and Facebook Marketplace.
Final Thoughts
While finding an affordable RV is difficult, it’s very possible when you do enough research and look in the right places. You can also save a ton of money by purchasing an older motorhome and remodeling the interior to fit your needs.
As a new RV owner, you can also maximize savings by researching affordable RV storage options, like Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace offering safe and affordable motorhome storage near you!
Storing a small teardrop trailer or other compact RV? Find private garages near you.
Storing a larger rig? Rent an RV pad, storage yard space, or driveway in your neighborhood. Neighbor makes RV storage simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of RV Can I Get With $30,000?
If you want to purchase an RV for less than $30,000, your options are limited to used motorhomes and small travel trailers.
What’s the Cheapest State to Buy a Motorhome?
While it varies, the cheapest states to buy a motorhome are usually Arizona, Texas, or Florida because RVing is more popular in these areas.
Is It Cheaper to Live in a Motorhome?
Living in a motorhome is generally cheaper than living in a traditional home, with monthly costs averaging around $1400 to $3000 for an RV compared to around $5000 for a starter home.
What Time of Year Is the Cheapest to Buy an RV?
The best time of year to buy an RV is in winter, well before the camping season begins, or in late fall, after the camping season ends.
