When it comes to RVing in the modern age, most people are looking for technological advancements, lots of interior space, and the comforts of home. As such, much of the design focus with RVs is on creating large, modern campers that are essentially homes on wheels.
While these types of RVs are the most popular, another group of RVers prefers small, retro campers to modern, flashy ones. Retro campers have a vintage charm and feel that modern rigs lack.
In fact, retro campers are becoming so popular that some RV makers are designing campers that look retro and vintage on the outside but are completely updated on the inside.
If you’d prefer to roll up your sleeves and handle the renovation work yourself, you can purchase an older vintage model and update it just how you like it.
Top Picks for Small Vintage Campers
As we said in the introduction, you can go one of two routes with vintage campers. Option #1: You can purchase a brand-new retro-style travel trailer with a classic look. Or Option #2: You can purchase an old one and update it yourself.
Regardless of what you prefer, here are our top picks for retro RVs.
The Riverside Retro 166
- Starting Price – $27,000
- Notable Features – Tiny kitchen, dinette set, queen bed, bathroom
If you want a travel trailer that blends the old with the new, the Riverside Retro 166 is the way to go. These mini campers feature vintage colors and a circa 1960s and 70s design, but they have modern features on the inside.
If you opt for a new 166, it comes with a cozy sleeping area that includes a queen-sized bed, a tiny kitchen, and a bathroom. You can also purchase older models and update them yourself, but be aware that an earlier model may not include a furnace or air conditioning, while new models do.
TAB 320 Teardrop
- Starting Price – $32,000
- Notable Features – Air conditioning, furnace, birch wood cabinetry, solar options, U-shaped dinette set, add your own internet, and two-burner stove.
The TAB 320 Teardrop is one of the most popular vintage campers on the market today. Although these rigs are small and may feel cramped for more than one person, they are aerodynamic, easy to tow, and absolutely adorable!
The TAB 320 is modeled after the classic teardrop camper that became extremely popular in the 50s and 60s but features numerous modern conveniences. These tiny rigs come complete with a small kitchen, wet bath, media center, and full bed.
*Note: Nucamp also offers more customization options than most other RV makers so that you can create a one-of-a-kind RV.
Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser 17RWD
- Starting Price – $23,000
- Notable Features – A fully equipped galley kitchen, dry bath, sleeping capacity of up to four, full kitchen with refrigerator, U-shaped dining area with dinette cushions and set.
The Gulf Stream Coach Vintage Cruiser is the epitome of retro charm blended with modern amenities. It has a unique and instantly recognizable seafoam green exterior and says vintage cruiser on the side, making it a timeless symbol of a bygone era of camping.
The Vintage Cruiser also has a rustic (but tastefully decorated) interior, complete with a full bathroom and kitchen.
Vintage Cruiser is also one of the most versatile camper options, as there are numerous floor plans and layouts to choose from.
Dub Box: Retro Camper Caravan
- Starting Price – $21,000
- Notable Features – Panoramic windows, rooftop popup option, stainless steel sink, two-burner stove, retro-style fridge.
If you’re looking for the coolest and most unique take on a vintage travel trailer, the Dub Box Retro Caravan is the way to go. The Dub Box looks identical to the iconic Volkswagen van, but it’s a tow-behind travel trailer instead of a motorized vehicle.
In addition to a retro exterior, the Dub Box is fitted with vintage furniture, appliances, and colors on the inside. While each of these components is brand new and modern in how they operate, they look like something out of a 60s diner.
On both the inside and the outside, the Dub Box easily has the most vintage look and feel of any travel trailer on the market.
Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper
- Starting Price – $26,500
- Notable Features – Full kitchen, solar panels, skylight, rear pop-out that increases living space
For a unique spin on the classic teardrop design, consider the Gidget Retro Teardrop Camper. The Gidget Retro was one of the first teardrop campers to feature a rear pop-out that nearly doubled the usable living space.
In addition to a unique retro exterior and design, the interior is modern and updated, boasting a pressurized cold water system, gas cooktop, cooler, and more.
However, Gidget went out of business in 2022, so you will have to purchase one through a third-party dealer.
Happier Camper: HC1 Lightweight Travel Trailer
- Starting Price – $25,000
- Notable Features – Rear hatch door, sleeping capacity for up to five, tiny kitchen, classic retro design with modern comforts
The Happier Camper HC1 Lightweight Travel Trailer does a better job of blending a retro exterior design with a modern interior. The Happier Camper exterior is a fresh, slightly smaller take on the classic Scamp and is towable with nearly any vehicle.
This retro, innovative little camper makes up for its small space with a well-thought-out design and multi-purpose features. It features a couch that converts into a bunk bed, an adaptive bench that converts into a bed, and a rear hatch door that opens to a kitchen. This rig might be small, but it makes the most of what little space it offers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Retro Camper
Now that you know some of the top retro travel trailers on the market, let’s look at how to choose the one that’s right for you.
Size and Space
Part of the reason to opt for a retro camper is because they’re small and super light, which means you can tow it with most vehicles.
While finding something small and light is important (as far as convenience is concerned), it’s essential to choose a camper that’s big enough to meet your needs. Some retro campers have more living and sleeping space than others, so be sure you choose one that can house you and your family.
Condition of the Camper
If you decide to purchase an older retro camper and update it yourself, make sure it’s capable of being fixed.
Layout and Features
Whether you buy an old or new travel trailer, the interior layout and features included are both key components. Features and layout will determine how much living space you have as well as how many people can comfortably travel with you.
With this in mind, ensure your retro camper of choice fits your needs and desires before making your purchase.
Part Availability
Depending on which retro trailer you purchase, you’ll have easier access to parts than with others. For instance, The Gidget and Dub Box were released by companies not based in the United States, meaning it would be more difficult to find parts for these particular models of campers.
Budget
Last but not least, it’s important to choose a retro camper that’s within your budget. That way, you and your loved ones can go on more trips together and make the most of the great outdoors.
The Benefits of Going Small with Retro Campers
If you’re intrigued by the idea of buying a retro RV but aren’t sure if a tiny camper is the way to go, here are a few advantages of going small.
- You can tow retro campers with smaller vehicles than are required to pull typical travel trailers. In some cases, you may not even have to upgrade your vehicle.
- Retro campers turn the heads of other campers, as most RVers appreciate the throwback look.
- Having a smaller camper space will create a more intimate camping experience.
- Most vintage camper designers leave a lot of room for customization.
Final Thoughts
Once you know which retro camper is right for you and you make your purchase, it’s important to protect your investment. Even though retro campers are smaller than other travel trailers, you might not have space to safely store them on your property.
Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace, to find safe, affordable storage for your vintage RV. Neighbor even has climate-controlled options to ensure your retro trailer is ready for your next camping adventure.
