If you have a family of 6, you’re probably thinking that RVing isn’t an option for you. However, regardless of how large your family is, there is a wide range of RVs out there that can accommodate you.
Many of these RVs have floor plans that include bunk beds, extra rooms, and more living space than standard RVs. As such, they’re more than capable of handling 6+ people–with enough space left over, so everyone can have their privacy.
Selecting the Perfect RV for Your Family of Six
When you need an RV for 6+ people, size and the number of beds are two of the biggest factors to consider. While common sense dictates that size and sleeping capacity go hand in hand, this isn’t always so.
In many instances, mid-sized travel trailers, fifth-wheels, and Class C motorhomes are the most family-friendly. These types of RVs often have innovative sleeping options, such as sofa beds, bunk beds, and dinettes that convert into beds.
Therefore, while length is important, it’s not the only thing to consider in terms of family friendliness. The best RVs capable of handling a family of six will also include other features, such as:
- An outdoor kitchen to free up interior space
- Seat belts built into the chairs and couches of motorhomes
- An overhead bunk on Class C motorhomes
- Smaller bedrooms and bathrooms to make space for extra sleeping arrangements
- At least one slide-out on each side of the RV
- Lots of storage space to accommodate everyone’s belongings
- Large holding tanks for black and grey water
Class A Motorhomes for Large Families
While many Class A motorhomes prioritize luxury for two or three people, some models are built for families. Family-friendly Class A motorhomes include the following features:
- Length: 30 to 40 feet
- Special license required: No
- Towing capacity: 10,000 to 15,000 for a diesel pusher; 5,000 to 10,000 for gas motorhomes
- Notable amenities: Convertible dinette and sofa bed, a second bathroom, lots of storage in the underbody, spacious kitchen, and king-sized bed in the main bedroom.
Class A motorhomes are the biggest type of RV on the market. They can weigh up to 30,000 pounds and are popular among families. However, they’re also the most expensive type of RV and can cost anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 and beyond.
Popular Class A Models for Large Families
Class A motorhomes often go in one of two directions. They will either be very family-friendly OR built for luxury and have minimal sleeping arrangements–apart from a large master bedroom. Here are some of the top options for a Class A family RV that comfortably sleeps at least six people.
Image courtesy of Tiffin (Model pictured: Tiffin Allegro 36UA)
Each of these motorhomes is family-friendly in different ways. The Fleetwood Bounder and Tiffin Allegro have three slide-outs, two bathrooms, and bunk beds, while the Winnebago Vista features an innovative StudioLoft bed that other RVs don’t have.
What the three models have in common is tons of storage and a spacious kitchen and living area when dinettes and tables aren’t being used as beds.
Fifth Wheels for Large Families
Fifth-wheel campers are, perhaps, the most popular option for families of six. Fifth-wheels are known for being long and spacious. Their elevated front area, which is often used as a living space or bedroom, also garners a crowd.
- Length: 35 to 45 feet
- Special license required: No
- Towing capabilities: A pickup truck with a towing capacity of 10,000 to 20,000 pounds
- Most notable amenities: Rear bunk with up to four beds, multiple slide-outs, full kitchen with pantry and three-burner stove, tons of storage, and an extra bathroom.
In most cases, you won’t have a hard time finding a family-friendly fifth wheel. While some fifth-wheel models are built for luxury and two to three people, most larger models are designed specifically for families.
Popular Fifth-Wheel Models for Large Families
Whether you have young kids or older children, fifth-wheels are the perfect camper for the whole family. Here are some of the most well-known family-friendly models:
Image courtesy of Keystone (Model pictured above: Keystone Raptor)
Certain fifth wheels, such as the Keystone Raptor, are toy haulers that include an open rear garage. But if you need extra sleeping space, you can upgrade this area into a bedroom. Many toy haulers even include drop-down bed options so that the garage can switch between a bedroom and a living area.
Travel Trailers: Versatile and Affordable
Buying a travel trailer is the perfect option if you’re looking to save money on an RV built for up to six people. Travel trailers are tow-behind RVs that are lighter and smaller than fifth-wheels–but that incorporate innovative floor plans to make them family-friendly.
Most travel trailers include either a front or rear bunk with two to four beds–as well as dinettes and sofas that convert to beds.
- Length: 26 to 36 feet
- Special license required: No
- Towing Capabilities: A pickup truck or SUV with a towing capacity of 5,000 to 12,000 pounds.
- Most notable amenities: Innovative sleeping arrangements. Many models only have one bathroom, more room in the tow vehicle, a master bedroom with a queen bed, and a small kitchen.
Best Travel Trailers for Six
Compared to their massive fifth-wheel relatives, travel trailers are not large RVs. Typically, they don’t have an overly spacious interior or pass-through storage, but they make up for it with creativity and ingenuity.
Here are some of our top travel trailers that can comfortably sleep up to six people.
Image courtesy of Jayco (Model pictured above: Jayco Feather)
Unlike a fifth wheel, a travel trailer won’t sit on your truck bed when you’re towing it. That means you can use the truck bed as extra storage (for all your outdoor items that don’t fit into your camper or the inside of your truck).
Key Features to Look For in an RV for Large Families
If you don’t like any of the options we’ve listed and want to look for your own family-friendly RV, here are key features to look for. These features are also what we took into consideration when making our selections!
Innovative Sleeping Solutions
Every RV, no matter how big or small, needs innovative sleeping solutions to provide enough sleeping space for 6+ people. There simply isn’t enough room for six people in three bedrooms, which means that creativity is essential.
In most cases, extra beds come in the form of pull-out couches and convertible dinette tables. Larger RVs with a rear bunk room typically have two sets of bunk beds, making them perfect for larger families.
Some models, such as Class C motorhomes, also have a small space above the driver for an overhead bunk. Even more innovative, toy haulers often feature a drop-down overhead bunk, capable of sleeping two people.
Holding Tanks
If you plan to do any amount of off-grid camping without full hookups, you will need a camper with large holding tanks. If you’re camping with a family of six or more people, the holding tanks need to be even larger. Otherwise, if everyone showers, uses the bathroom, and washes dishes, your tanks will fill up in a day or two.
Dual Slide Outs
While slide-outs are common on most RVs, family-friendly RVs often include slide-outs that are placed directly across from each other.
Dual slide-outs make a huge difference in providing extra space for kitchens, living rooms, or bedrooms.
Storage, Storage, Storage
Finally, storage space is essential if you’re serious about camping with a large family or group. In most cases, because the interior is getting used up for living and sleeping space, storage will have to be in the underbody of the camper. Whether it’s pass-through storage or simple compartments, it doesn’t matter as long as you have plenty of space.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a new or used RV, finding one with enough space for the whole family is essential. The last thing you want is to make someone sleep in your tow vehicle or pack a tent when joining you on your adventures.
Once you find and purchase the right RV for you and your family, you’ll need to protect it when it’s not in use. Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace, to find suitable, safe, and affordable RV storage for your rig.
That way, when you (and your five other family members) want to hit the road, it’s ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Camper for a Family of 6?
The best camper for you and your family of six depends on your preferences and budget. If you are looking for an affordable option, a travel trailer or Class C motorhome is the way to go. However, if you have room in your budget and want an RV with maximum storage and an extra bathroom, consider a fifth-wheel or Class A motorhome.
Can an RV Sleep 6 People?
Contrary to what you might think, plenty of RVs can comfortably sleep 6 or more people. Some RVs can even sleep up to 10 or 12 people (depending on the layout and features).
