Shopping for an RV is a fun and exciting adventure, but it can turn into an overwhelming experience quickly. There are so many different types of RVs to choose from and then those price tags are crazy. These 2 RVs look pretty much the same, but why is that one so much more expensive? What is the Cost of an RV these days?
Those are both great questions! We have some answers to help you decide on what cost of an RV fits you and how much you can really expect to pay for it.
Why does one RV cost so much more than the next?
What is the cost of an RV to buy?
It comes down to a variety of things such as the type of RV, size, floorplan, options, craftsmanship, and the overall quality of the brand. Telling you how much it will cost you to buy a new RV is much harder than you might think. We will need to break down each variable and then hopefully you will be able to make an educated decision that fits you best.
What types of RVs are there?
RV cost: Why are RVs so expensive?
The type of RV you choose will likely impact the answer to, what is the Cost of an RV? RVs can cost between $10,000 and $300,000 depending on the type and brand that you choose. A pop-up camper you pull behind an SUV or truck can cost a couple of thousand dollars up to $20,000+. The average RV cost of a Travel Trailers or Fifth-wheel may cost $40,000, upwards of well over $100,000. Most motorhome prices usually start around $60,000 and can top out over $750,000 for some models.
When thinking about “how much is an RV”, you first need to take the below into consideration.
These 4 categories below will determine the price of an RV
Size
An RV comes in all shapes and sizes and has a great effect on the price you will end up paying. A small pop-up camper can be as short as 7 feet while larger fifth wheels and class A RVs can be as long as 45 feet.
Floorplans
Just like RVs come in many lengths, they are also available with a variety of different floorplans. King beds, multiple slides, and bunkhouse models. Choosing the right floorplan comes down to how much room you need, how many people will need a place to rest their heads, and really the amenities you must have to be comfortable.
Options
As with anything you buy, bells and whistles make the price tag go up. RVs are no different since they can be ordered with a multitude of upgrades. Washer and dryer, outdoor kitchens, multiple TV sets, upgraded mattresses, and many other comforts of home.
Craftsmanship and overall brand quality
Not all RV manufacturers are made the same. Just like everything else we buy, there are many different levels of quality depending on the maker of the product.
Starcraft and Heartland are much smaller manufacturers than say, Thor Motor Coach, Keystone, or Jayco. If you see those three latter brands, you’re very familiar with them already. Such brands use their reputation and popularity to boost the prices of their products. Of course, these manufacturers also probably have more RVs you can choose from.
Some manufacturers used pressed wood for their cabinets and others solid wood. Aluminum frames are compared to wood frames or staples to secure parts instead of clips and screws.
Research the different brands and know them before you start searching for the perfect RV. Check reviews and get feedback from RV groups and forums.
So,
As you can see, there are definitely some price fluctuations depending on the type of vehicle you are most interested in.
First, narrow down the type of RV.
Then consider the manufacturer and whether you want a new or used vehicle.
These factors will again play a role in the final price you will end up paying. So, how much are RVs to buy these days? The answer really depends on how you answer the questions at the bottom of the article.
Purchasing an RV is an investment that requires a lot of time and research. One way we recommend doing your due diligence is renting an RV before you make a purchase. RVShare is a great way to find and rent cool RVs. It’s also a great way to make sure you are ready to purchase your own cool adventure vehicle!
Current Price of an RV for each type – Notice the range in each
How much are RVs to buy and what does a new RV cost?
Class A
- Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45AT Class A Diesel Motorhome: $429,660
- Forest River Inc. Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome: $280,041+
- 2019 Jayco Embark 37MB Class A Motorhome: $295,200+
- Thor Motor Coach Hurricane 35M Class A Motorhome: $144,675
Class B
- Winnebago Travato 59G: $164,995
- Winnebago Revel: $130,000+
- Thor Motor Coach Compass 24LP Class B Motorhome: $114,975
- Coachmen Crossfit 22D-EB, $94,000+
Class C
- Thor Magnitude BT36 Super C: $226,795
- Winnebago Cambria 27K Class C Motorhome: $129,394
- Thor Motor Coach Outlaw 29J Class C Toy Hauler: $123,450
- Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22M: $80,118+
- Coachmen Leprechaun 240FS (450 Ford) Class C Motorhome: $68,700+
Fifth Wheel
- Keystone Arcadia 3940LT: $71,295
- Dutchmen Astoria 2513RLF Fifth-Wheel: $50,682
- Heartland Bighorn BHTR 39 D Traveler: $49,999
- Forest River Cherokee Arctic Wolf 261RK: $42,998
- Northwood Arctic Fox 28-5C Fifth-Wheel: $42,985+
Travel Trailer
- Prime Time RV LaCrosse 339BHD Travel Trailer: $46,727
- Keystone Sprinter 312MLS Travel Trailer: $36,994+
- 2017 K-Z RV Connect C191RBT Travel Trailer: $20,402
- Keystone Passport Express 239ML: $18,595
- Starcraft Autumn Ridge Outfitter 17RD Travel Trailer: $11,999
- 2015 Palomino PaloMini 177BH Travel Trailer: $10,000+
Teardrop Trailers
- Hütte Hut Teardrop Trailer: $63,900
- Earth Traveler T250LX Trailer: $30,000+
- Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer: $21,500+
- Polydrop Teardrop Trailer: $9,000
Hard Sided Pop up
- Aliner Classic: $22,582
- Forest River Rockwood Hardside: $16,290
- Aliner Scout-Lite: $9,999
Soft-Sided Pop-up
- Forest River Flagstaff Sports Enthusiast Package 206STSE: $19,447
- Jayco Jay Sport 10SD Camper Trailer: $13,495
- Coachmen Clipper LS 806XLS: $10,500+
- Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD: $9255+
Let’s take a look at the different types of RVs you have to choose from. The type you choose will let you know which category you are in when wondering how much are RVs to buy currently and if can I afford one.
Tent Trailers or soft-sided pop-up camper
Often called pop-up campers, tent trailers are a type of travel trailer. That means that instead of driving the tent trailer itself, you would hitch it to your truck, SUV, or other vehicle and pull the trailer with you. Usually, the bottom rung when talking about RV cost.
These trailers are often small in stature but nowadays days will include a kitchen space with a dinette as well as a bed or two. That said, you may sacrifice some amenities like a shower or a toilet (portable ones are available). Upscale models will have a stovetop inside for you to use during inclement weather.
Canvas sides and screened windows for you to take in the views and provide a breeze when needed.
When you arrive at your destination these nifty campers are closed up and compact. Within a few minutes, you can raise the roof or slide out a couple of beds, and be ready for a weekend of enjoyment. The canvas sides are durable and can withstand the elements to some degree. They have been known to leak a little during heavy rains and can be torn if not properly cared for.
A pop-up camper is a bottom rung when asking how much are RVs to buy. This is where many beginners start since the prices are affordable and they are much easier to tow than larger models.
Let’s keep going
Hard-Side Pop-up
Very similar to the soft side pop-up campers, but with a little better protection due to the hard sides you are provided. That means you can enjoy longer trips on the road, even in inclement weather.
Inside, you may find more modern luxuries, such as a kitchen, cooking space, refrigerator and freezer, and a dinette. These hard-sided models often come with a bathroom and wet shower.
With so much space in your trailer, you won’t really mind spending your nights inside, sleeping away among nature until the morning lets you continue your journey.
Teardrop Camper
A teardrop trailer, also known as a teardrop camper trailer, is a streamlined, compact, lightweight caravan, which gets its name from its teardrop profile.
They usually only have sleeping space for two adults and often have a basic kitchen in the rear.
These compact trailers can easily be towed using almost any vehicle you might have in the driveway.
This form of RV camping is perfect for the adventurer on the go that wants to get deep in the wood off the beaten path.
These small RVs are easy to tow on rough terrain and it takes just minutes to pack up and head to your next location.
Travel Trailer RV
How much are RVs to buy? This level is where you see the biggest jump in RV costs across the board.
Travel trailers, while similar to camping trailers in many ways, are more closely related to RVs or mobile homes. Some would call travel trailers a general term for any mobile living trailer. However, the most common definition is a lightweight RV that a conventional ball hitch can tow.
Usually, a drastic step up from a pop-up camper due to the larger interior living space and storage, outdoor storage, home-style bathroom, and the many creature comforts of home.
These pull-behind homes provide better protection from the elements, sound reduction, and room for more family members to enjoy.
Fifth-Wheel RV – Cost can go up to $200K+
A fifth wheel provides some of the larger living spaces when we talk about RVs.
They tend to include floor plans with multiple levels and can measure as long as 45 feet. They’re also often the most expensive travel trailer.
Six passengers can comfortably stretch their legs in this trailer, which must be attached to a pickup truck by buying a fifth-wheel hitch. Smaller vehicles will likely not be able to pull the pure heft of a fifth-wheel trailer. Luckily, there are some fifth-wheel trailers that are made to weigh less and be compatible with those vehicles.
These trailers often have one or more slides to open up the interior living space even further. This provides more space in the living area or bedroom. Slide-outs can expand three feet or more! opposing slides can give you another 6 feet in width in that area of the RV.
You will have plenty of storage space, more entertainment options (which is great if you have kids you’re traveling with), great cooking amenities like a stovetop and perhaps even a mini oven, a bigger dining area, and more bathing options. These trailers usually sleep at least 6 people or more easily. I have seen 3 bedroom 2 bath models and they were not park models (park models are usually not moved often once you find a landing space).
Class B Motorhomes – the cost of an RV can go over $500K
Class B RVs can make you scratch your head at times since they seem to just be glorified campervans. Sticker prices move well past 100K and at times it is hard to see why. How much are RVs to buy? At this level, they can start to become extremely expensive.
Class B RVs are the most lightweight of the three motorhome models. They are comparable in size to most large travel trailers (but with the security of a motorhome). If you only bring a passenger or two with you, then you should have no issues with the limited space of these vehicles. These are really just glorified camper vans with bells and whistles coming out of their ears.
You may get a single queen-sized or king-sized bed here and perhaps a pull-out couch as well. There’s no room for bunk beds for the majority of floorplans. You’ll also have far less storage space and fewer windows. The kitchen nook will be smaller, and you may have to forego a shower or a toilet with some floorplans. Even if you happen to find a shower it most likely will be only a wet bath (a wet bath is basically you taking a shower with the sink and toilet).
Class C Motorhomes – the cost of an RV goes up to $750K+
Next up is the class C motorhome. Think of these as the in-between option between the heft and high prices of Class A and the much smaller size and affordability of Class B.
A class C RV usually has a queen-sized bed about the driver’s seats, a possible pull-out couch, and either a queen or king-size bed in the rear. Nicer models will have one or more slides to help open up the space to make you feel more at home.
Class C RVs will provide less storage than some travel trailers, most fifth-wheels, and class A motorhomes.
The kitchen and bathrooms are usually smaller than a Class A, but not as much as a Class B. You may have to forego some kitchen amenities, though, which isn’t a huge sacrifice. Some models have an option for an outdoor kitchen to help with this limited indoor space.
The nice part about these larger motorhomes is the ability to move to the rear in inclement weather if taking a quick break. Pull behind trailers you would need to exit the vehicle in the pouring rain to run back and enter the trailer.
Class A Motorhomes – the cost of an RV can get into six figures
When talking about how much are RVs to buy, class A shouts, the sky is the limit. I have seen large class A RVs that go well into the millions.
Finally, there is the class A motorhomes, which are by far the largest vehicles of all. You do drive a motorhome, unlike a travel trailer. This can take some practice getting used to at first because you have to change your driving techniques to accommodate for the extra length, weight, and heft of a motorhome.
This RV has space for the most passengers as well as the most room to relax and kick back. Some of these vehicles may be up to 45 feet long at most, with the shortest Class A motorhomes being around 25 feet. Still, even if you get a smaller Class A RV, you’ll still find there’s more room in this than any of the trailers outlined above.
If you’re the type who always brings friends or family with you on long road trips, then a Class A motorhome will give everyone the room they need. There should be a sense of privacy for each passenger, although there probably won’t be individual beds for four or five people. Instead, you may get two king-sized (and maybe even California king-sized) beds and perhaps bunk beds for the kids.
Things to take into consideration
How you plan to camp relates to the price you might want to pay
When trying to decide how much money you are willing to part with there are some important things to consider.
Are you just a weekend warrior or will you be out for most of the camping season making memories?
Do you want to try off-grid or boondocking?
How much time do you plan to spend in your RV?
What category of camping style do you fall under?
Think about this when wondering how much are RVs to buy, a Class B RV is perfect for a couple who loves to travel from place to place. If you are thinking of living in the RV permanently, or you want to bring the entire family along with you, you might want a bigger Class A or Class C.
In fact, bigger RVs will provide you with more glamorous features including roomy living areas, dryers, washers, as well as in-vehicle office stations.
Where do you want to go camping?
The type of motorhome or RV that you want to purchase will depend to a great extent on where you want to go camping.
In case you are interested in camping in open areas, national parks, or even boondocking, you should go for a Class B motorhome.
This is because you will not find it challenging to park any Class B and they are also easily maneuverable. As a result, they would be permitted in the majority of the campgrounds and national parks out there.
On the other hand, Class A and Class C RVs are going to be more restricted to RV parks along with the features and amenities because of their big size.
What should be your budget?
Used as well as new RVs come in a wide price range. Make it a point to figure out how much you want to invest in the RV. It can become a trap when you find the RV of your dreams and it is well over your budget.
Bear in mind that used RVs often come in decent condition. In case you are searching for an RV that you will use for your summer travel or on the weekends, it would be prudent to go for a slightly used model.
Conclusion
When choosing the perfect RV for the lifestyle you have chosen, there are many variables to think about. The price you pay in the end will be directly related to all these variables.
What is the price of an RV? really, is how much you are willing to pay. The sky is the limit when talking about RV cost.
Do your homework and choose what fits you and your family best. Renting first is a great option to see if this is a lifestyle you even want to invest in.
RV life is not for everyone and finding out first before draining the bank account is just a smart idea.
Whatever you choose, it is your choice. Hope we see you out there on the road!
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