travel with camper

The Complete Guide to Traveling the US by RV

Kristin Luna

July 20, 2023

The past few years have brought many changes to the way we travel as a society, with road trips closer to home all the rage and RV travel becoming an increasingly more popular method to get around, no matter the age group.   

In fact, more than nine million US households now own an RV, and the RV Industry Association reports that RV sales were up 31.2% in fall 2020 over the same period the year prior.  

Considering traveling by RV for the first time? Whether you’re buying or renting, here are some things you need to know before you hit the road.

Test drive the lifestyle first

RV travel is a convenient way to pack up your home and go—but it isn’t for everyone. Before you sell all your belongings and become a full-time van lifer—or even set out on a multi-week trip with the family—consider renting an RV for a weekend first and hitting up a state park close to your house (you know, just in case).   

Companies like Outdoorsy and RVShare have an inventory of campers and standard and compact RVs at locations across the country that allow you to test out various mobile rigs (and the concept itself) before signing up for a longer trip.

The most basic camping option is a towable pop-out trailer. These compact homes—well-suited for couples and solo travelers without a lot of baggage—expand beyond their size and can often be towed with a car instead of a truck until reaching a camping destination.   

The next step up in options is towable but with hard sides that, unless there are extensions, stay in place, even while mobile. These trailers come in two different towing configurations that are dependent on the hook-up you have on your full-size truck: The fifth-wheel attachment is within the bed of the truck while the standard trailer is attached at the hitch.   

The last option, a full-on motorhome, ditches the separate vehicle entirely and can also be considered a bus. These are self-contained units and come in an almost infinite array of options, with high-end models costing well over $1 million; they’re perfect for luxury travelers, larger families living on the road together or those who want minimal setup each time they reach a new campsite. 

Lengthen your stay

Looking to save on travel? (Let’s be honest—who isn’t?) Eliminating both the cost of flights and hotels, traveling by RV is a smart way to keep costs low and extend your time on the road. For example, the longer you stay in one place, the cheaper your stay will be at many RV parks and campgrounds thanks to heavily discounted weekly or monthly rates.   

Before you commit to your length of stay, do a cost comparison of a few days versus a few weeks, and you might find that staying longer works out to roughly the same price; even if you can only stay three weeks, sometimes it’s more economical to just book the month-long rate anyway. Another bonus: Staying put longer means you’ll save money on gas and really get to know your surroundings.

Whether you’re looking to hit the road full time, or just plan to be gone a few weeks, you’ll want to slim down your belongings for a couple reasons. First, unlike staying at a hotel, you won’t be unpacking on the other side, meaning everything you carry with you, well, stays with you (and there’s nothing like feeling claustrophobic in your own temporary home on wheels).   

Second, you’ll find you need a lot less than you think you do when traveling by RV, and the majority of campgrounds have laundry facilities where you can wash your clothing. You’ll also save money in the long run by your RV not being overweight should you have to check in at weigh stations. Weigh-station rules are state-specific and often only apply to commercial vehicles, so while weighing your rig is not something you’ll likely have to do often—if ever—there is a small chance depending on your rig and where you’re traveling. In some states, any vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds in Gross Combined Weight Rating (or GCWR) is required to pull over and be weighed at all weigh stations. The AAA Digest of Motor Laws explains the rules for each state. 

Park for free

Don’t want to blow your whole travel budget on RV campgrounds? You don’t have to. Many nationwide entities like Walmart, Cabela’s, and Lowe’s have company-wide policies in place that allow RVs a free place to park in their lots overnight. To be sure and cover all your bases, always call the store manager in advance to check that there aren’t any local ordinances or individual store policies that would prohibit overnight parking. 

Embrace boondocking

Once you’re comfortable in an RV, you might just be ready to level-up and try boondocking. Boondocking, or camping in the wilderness sans hookup, allows you to be closer to nature and further from the crowds, and it doesn’t cost a penny.   

The downside? You won’t have access to water, electricity or sewer, so you best plan in advance. Boondocking is particularly prominent on Bureau of Land Management land out West, and you can park for free in National Forest dispersed campsites and along many National Forest roads.   

One thing to note is that you are responsible for carrying all of your own trash out, meaning you need to be equipped with sealable containers and trash receptacles. Some of the best boondocking spots are remote with little to no cell service, so be prepared; pack an emergency kit with all first aid, navigational and roadside tool needs, and double-check you have enough water and power to get you through the number of days you’ll be off the grid.

Sign up for memberships

Many RV parks give discounts to Good Sam, AAA, or AARP cardholders, and if you’re prioritizing one campground experience, like a KOA, it may be economical to invest in that organization’s membership, too.   

Others to consider: The America the Beautiful pass from the US National Park Service, which allows a family—the pass owner and three accompanying adults age 16 and older (kids 15 and below are free)—entrance to all parks for just $80 a year. Harvest Hosts allows you to RV camp at more than 2,000 wineries, breweries, and farms in the US and Canada. If you’re 62 or older, you can take advantage of the Lifetime Senior Pass for $80.

Know before you go

While it can be tempting to learn on the go—and sure, that’s a lot of the beauty of this style of travel—you’ll want to do a test run with your RV or camper out of your own home or at a local campground before hitting the road for real so you can get to know where the electrical, water and sewage hookups are located and how to use each function. 

One of the benefits of staying at an RV campground (versus primitive camping or boondocking) is that you’ll be able to connect to your designated spot’s electrical and water hookup, which enables your appliances to siphon from this source of power rather than using your battery or propane; it also allows you to keep reserves of water onboard.

If you’re traveling by RV or mobile home, remember that you’ll be carrying around all your water and waste with you: both grey water (shower and sink) and black (toilet). You’ll want to dump both regularly at any designated spot: every RV campground will have one, and many truck stops, gas stations and nicer rest stops also have spots where you can flush your accumulated waste.

Rules of the road

Still nervous about setting out on your own? Don’t be. RV travel will soon feel like second nature after you’ve been doing it for a spell. Here’s a check list of road rules—and some camping know-how—to keep with you as you’re learning the ropes.  

• Always chock your wheels as soon as you arrive at a campground and before you leave your vehicle to explore by foot. Once a trailer is unhooked from a vehicle, it can shift dangerously.
• Balance and level out the camper to ensure a good night’s sleep.
• Always triple-check your hookups, and batten down any open windows or hatches before hitting the open road.
• Stay out of the fast lane unless it’s absolutely necessary to pass a much slower vehicle. Vehicles that are towing trailers are generally illegal to drive in the far left lane.

Looking for inspiration on where to go? Check out our list of the top bucket-list experiences in every US state or read about our favorite US road trips. Then join Going and get cheap flights delivered right to your inbox.

Freelance Writer

Published July 20, 2023

Last updated March 26, 2024

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Journey With Confidence

14 RV Travel Tips From Seasoned RVers

• RV Lifestyle

These RV travel tips will improve your camping experience. Photo via Shutterstock

Do You Know About These RV Travel Tips From Seasoned RVers?

If you’re new to RVing, these RV travel tips will make a huge difference in your camping experience. If you’re a seasoned RVer, you may have already learned some of these things the hard way, but there may be some tips you had not yet considered.

1. Plan ahead

It is always less stressful when you have a plan and you are executing it.  When we first started RVing, the only tools we had were large paper maps, a notebook, and the Woodall’s Campground Directory. These were crude and ineffective trip planning tools, but it was all we had. 

Now you can use RV LIFE Trip Wizard , RV LIFE Campgrounds , and the RV LIFE App with RV-Safe GPS  to help you plan everything from how far you can travel comfortably in one day, to where to get gas, how to find RV camping resources that are part of your membership clubs, and what route to take to avoid unsafe roadways.

2. Shorten your travel distance to a comfortable drive

There was a time, many years ago, when we would drive our 33’ motorhome for 12 hours straight. We were weekend warriors then and were only able to cobble together a few extra days for a bit longer trip on rare occasions.  

When the 4 th of July fell on a Wednesday, we celebrated because we generally would expand that into a 5-day weekend. On those occasions we’d try to get as far away as possible, but that meant we were driving long distances over many consecutive hours. 

Fortunately, I was younger then and I found driving the RV to be about as relaxing as driving a car, but looking back on it now, I have to admit, there were many times I should not have done that because it just wasn’t safe.

Everyone has their own threshold of driving tolerance. For some who can get on the road early, it may be 400 miles. For others, it may only be 200 miles or maybe you want to limit your day by drive time, not miles.

RV LIFE Trip Wizard lets you do just that.  You can plan your drive time by distance or hours and set distance rings radiating out from your current campsite, so you know about where you’ll be at the end of any travel day.  You can download the maps and info so even if you’re high in the mountains with no cell service you still have your trip information. 

Regardless of what your personal preferences are, you should limit the time you spend behind the wheel on travel days.

3. Get your chores done early to get an earlier start

When you know you have a travel day coming up, get as many of your chores done ahead of time as you can. Get the laundry washed, folded and put away, the refrigerator stocked up, boil some eggs, make your sandwiches, get your truck gassed up before you hook-up to the trailer, and pick-up and stow the gear around your campsite, so on travel days you can get as early of a start as possible.

4. Watch the weather

One of our top RV travel tips is to watch the weather on your travel days. If the temperature plummets and the roads are icy or frosty, you may need to alter your travel plans. 

Don’t take chances on snowy, icy, or frosty roads. It’s hard enough to drive a car in these conditions, but having the extra weight of an RV can make those conditions extremely dangerous. 

Don’t be caught off-guard. Even heavy rain and wind can be dangerous when driving an RV or pulling one.  Get several good weather apps and study each one to see which one most reliably predicts the weather wherever you are.  

One app may say the winds will be mild while two other apps report high wind warnings.  After using these apps for some time, you’ll get a sense of which ones are typically more accurate.

One of our top RV travel tips: Watch the weather! It can sneak up on you. This was a bright sunny day, 20 minutes before this storm overran the RV park in Eastern Oregon. Photo by P. Dent

5. Stay south of the snow zone

By planning your travels using RV LIFE’s RV LIFE Trip Wizard , you can plan to be south of the snow zone year-round.  If you’re a full-time RVer, then being a snowbird (going south in the winter and north in the summer) makes sense.  You may want to spend your summers up north to enjoy the milder temperatures and lovely places to camp, but even birds know when it’s time to head south.

Don’t wait too long and get caught in snowy conditions. It makes it much harder to travel after the weather turns cold and it can be hazardous and uncomfortable to be in an RV in extremely cold weather.  

6. Know when to postpone your travel plans

Driving an RV or pulling a trailer or 5 th wheel in extremely windy conditions can be both stressful and dangerous. In our travels, we have seen several rigs on their side because of the wind. 

Recently, a truck pulling a trailer was forced off the side of a bridge over a 200-foot canyon on I-84 in Idaho. The trailer was lying on its side near the edge but still on the bridge. The truck and its occupants were completely off the bridge and were dangling precariously with only the safety chain between the truck and trailer holding them there. 

The couple and their two dogs were successfully rescued after the longest hour of their lives, as they dangled helplessly hundreds of feet above the river and wondered if the safety chain would hold. This accident was the result of the strong winds blowing across the bridge. 

I’ve driven our motorhome in heavy winds and frankly it’s exhausting. It feels like you’re continually fighting to maintain lane control and every overpass and passing truck creates more challenges.  If you can postpone your travel plans and let the heavy winds blow on by, I’d recommend it.  At the very least, if you must drive in strong winds, think about shortening your trip, and at the very least….slow down.

7. Know your RV dimensions

The new online apps, especially the ones from RV LIFE , have taken most of the stress out of planning, navigating, and locating suitable stopping points in your journey. Now with RV-Safe GPS , your specific RV dimensions are calculated into your route planning. You get turn-by-turn real time navigational information which will get you exactly where you want to go. 

If you want to experience the frustration of just using paper maps, turn all your apps off and just reference whatever paper maps you happen to have in your rig. You’ll quickly discover that paper maps don’t have all the roads, just the major roads, and figuring out what exit to take is more of a guessing game than a certainty. 

I’ve done it both ways, and frankly I can’t figure out how we ever got to our destination before the creation of RV LIFE Trip Wizard and the RV LIFE App . These aren’t just handy in an RV, they are a necessity.

8. Read campground reviews

The same thing can be said for RV LIFE Campgrounds . This RV LIFE website goes hand in hand with RV LIFE Trip Wizard .  You can see all the campgrounds along your route near your next stopping point, which is calculated by either distance or drive time.  

You can even sort these parks by your preference for memberships, amenities, or park types, etc. Then by referencing the integrated RV LIFE Campgrounds, you can see what other RVers have experienced in these campgrounds.  Before all this was available, we used the big Woodall’s Campground Directory as our only guide to finding a campground in an unfamiliar location. 

The problem was the ads were about ½” high and 3” long.  All that could be listed was the name, address, and phone number for the campground.  But back then, cell phone hadn’t yet been invented, so calling a campground from the road while you were driving to that stopping point was not practical. 

We would pick a likely campground based on nothing more than its name, try to find it by using our paper map, which often turned into a frustrating exchange between the navigator and the driver.  When we finally arrived at a campground, we learned quickly to park the motorhome on the outside of the campground and walk into (and sometimes through) the park to see if our 33’ motorhome would fit and if there was room enough to turn around without removing the toad. 

Now with RV LIFE Campgrounds , you can read all about the park, amenities, interior roads, any surprises on the road as you approach the park, and so much more. With one-touch dialing on your cell phone, you can call ahead and reserve a space, and then navigate right to the park without any battles between the navigator and the driver.

9. Travel in the daylight

This one RV travel tip will eliminate so much stress on travel days and if you’ll make it a habit, you’ll also be much safer as you travel. Just make it a rule: Always drive in the daylight.  It’s easier, safer, and more enjoyable. 

If you need to cover more distance, then leave earlier.  Driving in the daylight will greatly reduce the likelihood that you’ll hit an animal in the roadway, or encounter a drunk in your lane. If you have trouble with your rig and you’re broken down on the side of the road, it’s much safer in the daylight, and you’re more likely to find the help you need quicker during business hours.

We used to drive long into the night, and I am amazed that we did not get in wreck doing so. Limited visibility, animals in the road, tired distracted drivers, and fatigue, all add up to an accident waiting to happen. 

Do yourself and your family a favor and make the commitment to drive your RV only during daylight hours. When you arrive at your destination, it’s easier to navigate within the park and it’s easier to set-up your rig if you can see.

10. Take breaks from driving

Another travel tip many seasoned RVers employ is to take breaks often during your drive time.  Just a 10-minute break to stretch your legs, go to the restroom, and get a snack, will make the drive time more relaxing.  

Additionally, I would advise you to eat a light lunch. Don’t skip it.  The extra fuel will keep you alert, but don’t eat a large heavy lunch because the blood in your body will flow more to your stomach than your brain and that can make you a little groggy. Eat a wholesome light lunch to be as alert as possible.

11. Have a Plan B

Use RV LIFE Trip Wizard to plan your trip, but don’t be too rigid.  Have a Plan B.  Maybe you experience engine trouble or can’t get all the way to your desired destination before sunset. Maybe you encounter strong winds and need to tuck in somewhere to wait it out.  By being flexible and having a Plan B, you will reduce your travel stress.

Everything doesn’t always work out the way you thought it would, and knowing that you’re flexible enough to adapt to whatever challenge you confront will help you enjoy your journey.

12. Keep vehicles in excellent repair

This seems obvious but when you follow RVers on Instagram or Facebook, you’re constantly reading about people who have some difficulty with their rigs, from blown-out tires , to worn-out wheel bearings, to broken hoses, and onboard fires. The more you invest in preventative maintenance , the better off you’ll be out on the highway. 

Don’t ignore the basics of oil changes, brake jobs, battery replacement, and certainly get all those malfunctions that just pop up fixed as quickly as possible. The more confidence you have in your vehicles, the less stress you’ll feel on the road.

This goes for both the vehicle you drive and the vehicles you tow. Keep track of all your RV and vehicle maintenance with an online tool like RV LIFE Maintenance , which also sends timely reminders when important maintenance is due.

13. Keep distractions (pets/kids/radio) under control

Driving requires a high degree of attention, but driving an RV or pulling one requires even more attention, so you need to control the internal distractions in order to focus on your driving. Pets wandering around inside your motorhome or kids crying or fighting with one another can be very distracting. Even the radio pulls your attention from outside to inside your vehicle and all of that can diminish your perception of dangerous conditions that are developing in the traffic flow. 

If you travel with pets, confine them. If you have children, give them things to keep them busy, and tune the radio to something that you can relegate to a less active level of attention. 

There’s a time and place for pets and kids to play, but not while you’re driving. Keep distractions to a minimum. Photo by P. Dent

14. Don’t drive drunk or drowsy

Some people think a little alcohol won’t affect them. Many think RV driving on pharmaceutical drugs will be okay. But that is not always true. Any amount of alcohol will alter your vision. Some prescription drugs are as bad as illegal narcotics. All of them can slow your reaction time and dull your perception. Both can render you unfit for driving. 

If you need prescription drugs, can someone else in your party do the driving? Or can you drive for a short time before taking your drugs? Can your doctor prescribe a drug that is safe for travel days?

Conclusion 

All these RV travel tips may seem obvious, but remember to follow these simple guidelines faithfully. If you compromise on drive time, or drive after dark on rare occasions, or let the dogs bark and bounce around while you’re driving, you may be putting yourself and everyone else in danger.

For more RV travel tips, check out this video from EnjoyTheJourney.Life :

The many RV forums online are also full of useful RV travel tips. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more. There are also RV-specific forums such as Air Forums , Jayco Owners , and Forest River Forums .

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Live and Travel Full-Time by RV

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of people giving up the daily grind to live and travel in vans, RVs, and other nontraditional abodes. While traveling in an RV has been something people have been doing for decades, new sharing economy websites , better resources online, more modern vans, and a growing community that can provide support have made it easier for anyone to travel full-time in an RV.

What used to be traditionally and predominantly an activity for older, retired, or family travelers is now something people of all ages are trying to do.

One just has to look up #vanlife on social media to see!

(An aside: I hate the #vanlife movement. The faux Instagram movement does nothing for me. Just a bunch of millennials searching out that perfect sponsored photo and talking about how woke they are (for the most part)).

But #vanlife aside, RV travel is a wonderful way to see the world.

“How do you travel in an RV?” is one of the questions I’m most asked.

So today, we’re going to the experts and talking full-time RV with nomads Marc and Julie from RV Love . This couple joined my blogging program a few years ago, hoping to find a way to spread the gospel of living and traveling in an RV to the wider world. (Spoiler: they did. And they just published a book with Simon & Schuster about it too! )

They’ve been driving around in their RV for nearly five years and, today, they share their wisdom about how to travel by RV:

Nomadic Matt: Tell us about yourselves! How did you get into this? Marc and Julie : We’re Marc and Julie Bennett, full-time RVers since 2014, living, working, and traveling in our motorhome as we explore North America and the world! We met on the dating website eHarmony while both living in Colorado in 2010, married in 2011, and hit the road three years later!

Why did you pick traveling in an RV as your way to get around? We knew we wanted to do a lot more extended travel while we were still working. We get such little vacation time here in the USA , and we didn’t want that to limit our lives. So we started exploring different ways to bring more travel and adventure into our everyday life without Marc having to give up his job as project manager of operations, which he was able to do from home.

We considered international travel, but there were two main reasons why wasn’t a fit: the challenge of time zones, and more specifically, we wanted to travel with our dog Coda. Plus, we love to drive, so RVing was really the ideal solution for us. We love that wherever we go, we’re always home, and we’re not living out of suitcases.

We’re both passionate about driving, so it makes sense that we would choose to live and travel by RV, although we usually prefer more sporty rides when it comes to entertainment, as we both have a love for sports cars and convertibles.

What’s life like living and traveling around in an RV? We just entered our fifth year on the road full-time as RVers, and we recently changed from a 2012 36’ gas Class A motorhome to a 1999 40’ diesel motorhome! We bucked the trend and went bigger (and older and cheaper, but much higher quality), and we’re actually doing a complete remodel of our RV this summer.

Traditionally, we spend about 80% of our time in campgrounds and about 20% dry camping, but we recently installed a big lithium battery bank and solar system on our RV, so we plan on spending a lot more time camping off the grid out in nature in the coming years. We try to spend 2-3 weeks in each location, but that varies on where we are, the weather, and what projects we have on our plates. We moved pretty fast in our first 3+ years, having visited all 50 states while still working full-time.

This year, we have so many big and exciting projects on our plates, we’re really feeling the need to slow down, catch our breath, and get caught up on our content! We tend to wing our plans a lot more than we used to, as we’re more comfortable and confident RVers now.

An average day depends on whether you have to work or not. We love that we no longer have a commute and that the views outside our windows change every week or so. Nature is a big part of our everyday life, so it can be easier to get in more walking, hiking, biking, or kayaking. We definitely get to see more sunsets — that’s a big thing for a lot of RVers.

RV life is still life. You need to go grocery shopping, make meals, do laundry, pay bills, and do housework. Then there’s RV maintenance and repairs! There’s almost always something to do on an RV — tighten screws, replace parts, troubleshoot issues, check your tire pressure, fix whatever’s broken.

Upon arrival at a destination, it usually takes less than 30 minutes to set up. It may sound like a hassle, but if you’re staying a week or more, it becomes a small percentage of your time. And RV life can be as social as you like. We tend to mostly stay in campgrounds, so it’s not too difficult to meet new people. And we also go to RV rallies to meet up with our RVing friends, who we stay in touch with online. It can take a little time to build your RV community, but if you put yourself out there, it can happen pretty quickly!

Do you need a lot of mechanical skills to do this? When you’re traveling around in an RV, if you aren’t already handy, you’ll learn to be! It’s definitely an advantage to become somewhat mechanical and familiar with simple tools. The RVing community is very helpful and supportive when it comes to finding answers for issues you may have — whether online (in social media groups) or in person. At RV parks and campgrounds, you will usually find someone reasonably experienced and mechanically oriented nearby. If you are not skilled or it’s a complex job, you can usually find a local or mobile repair person to perform needed maintenance or repairs.

We recommend sticking with a less complex RV when starting out. The more simple the RV, the more reliable and easy to fix they are likely to be, and you can tackle many repairs yourself. As full-time RVers driving a Class A motorhome, we only need to take our RV into repair facilities 2-3 times per year on average.

Many RV repairs are fairly simple, and that’s when YouTube and Google are your friends! One of our favorite YouTube channels is the RV Geeks , who make DIY how-to videos to help you make simple repairs and upgrades. It’s often more convenient (and definitely cheaper) to do many RV repairs yourself. And you may even want to consider an extended service contract to cover your RV for repairs outside of the manufacturer’s warranty period and help limit repair costs.

Are there any personality traits you think are necessary for living in an RV? Flexibility, adaptability, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor! Just like any other kind of travel, things don’t always go the way you want , RVs break (or break down), and travel plans go awry when you least expect it, so you need to be able to find a creative solution, often on the fly. It really helps to be handy or at least be willing to have a go at DIY fixes. RVers learn to become much more self-sufficient pretty quickly.

Anyone can RV if they really want to. It doesn’t matter about your age, life stage, relationship status, or financial situation. In our book, we share the inspiring story of 69-year-old Frieda who hit the road solo after her husband passed away and drove to Alaska to celebrate her 70th birthday. She’s been on the road for two years now and is still going strong.

Another great case study from the book is Nik and Allison (31 and 30). They share why they decided to RV and explore the country before they started a family. They follow the FIRE philosophy (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and save more than 50% of their income so Nik can be a stay-at-home dad. RVing for a year and a half while still working allowed them to do a lot of travel affordably while keeping them on track with their financial and life goals. 

There really is no “one way” to RV, just the right way for you. That’s why, when writing our book  Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road , we wanted to create a roadmap for people that would help them hit the road and thrive, keeping them on track with their personal goals while they’re doing it. That’s been a big part of our own success. We’re almost five years in now and still living and loving the RV Life. Now we’re showing others how they can do it too.

A lot of people are embracing RV/van life these days. Why do you think that is? We think it’s a perfect storm of several things colliding simultaneously:

• A lot of people are questioning the traditional American Dream as a path to success or happiness — the idea of postponing your life, travels, and experiences until retirement just doesn’t really make sense, and of course, the future is promised to no one. Why not travel while you have youth and health on your side?
• Technology is enabling us to live and work from pretty much anywhere, and more companies are allowing people to work remotely, and more people are starting their own businesses.
• Then there’s social media and FOMO! With the increased awareness that RV or van life is possible through watching people’s YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and Instagram feeds, other people are beginning to realize you can travel and see cool places, and live or work in forests or by lakes — and they want to do it too. America has long been famous for iconic road trips — and RVs and van life offer the ultimate freedom : exploring the country on wheels.

How much money will people need before they dive into RV life? It’s a good idea to pay off as much unsecured debt as possible before hitting the road. Less debt lightens your load and allows you to really enjoy the freedoms of RV life.

It all depends on how you want to RV, and your budget. Generally, we recommend people try to save up a few months of living expenses to get started, and as a backup for unforeseen challenges and expenses. Life happens, and you just never know when you may be hit with an unexpected expense or expensive RV repair.

As a guide, as long as you plan and budget carefully, and make a good RV purchasing decision, it’s possible to RV full-time for about $2,000–$3,000 per month. Some do it for less, and others do it for way more. But across the board, we find most RVers end up spending about the same in their RV life as they did in their regular life.

Just like in traditional life, you just have to plan to live and travel within your means. Plus, your ability to earn an income while you travel is a huge factor. If you can work from the road while you RV — as was the case for us — it can be a pretty simple trade.

For example, we sold our townhome and traded our mortgage payment, HOA, utility bills, and two car payments for:

• A used RV, which we financed
• A less-expensive car that we paid cash for
• Campground and fuel expenses

What we previously spent on home repairs and maintenance for our home is now redirected to our RV. Same goes for RV insurance and roadside assistance. We tend to spend a bit more on eating out and entertainment, as we’re always on the move and experiencing new places. But it’s easy to save money by making meals in your RV, and there’s no shortage of things you can do for free, like hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Many people (like us) are able to work remotely with just an internet connection. Some work seasonally, then take a few months off to travel and explore. Other careers, like nursing, hospitality, agriculture, and construction are highly transferable to new locations, especially for seasonal work. For some lines of work, it can actually be easier to find jobs by having the ability to follow the work around the country.

We have met people who live full-time in vans or RVs frugally, for less than $20,000 per year. And we have seen others who spend well over $60,000 per year. Like all other forms of travel (and life!), expenses are variable, depending on how you do it.

What tips do you have for people who aren’t sure what RV, van, or trailer they should get? Buying an RV can be expensive, and buying the wrong RV can be even more expensive! Like anything with wheels, RVs depreciate (hard), and so doing your research in advance pays off. Before you even set foot on an RV dealer’s lot or go check out the RV you found on Craigslist, ask yourself:

• Who is traveling with you? 
• How much do you plan to travel? (weekends, part-time, full-time)
• Where do you want to go? (campgrounds and RV parks or off-grid camping in national forests?)

Generally speaking, you’ll want to choose the smallest RV that you feel that you can comfortably live in. Smaller RVs offer more flexibility to access more places. Larger RVs are more comfortable for extended travel but will be more limiting in terms of where you can take them, especially if you want to stay in national parks and do off-grid camping.

Don’t overinvest in your first RV — it’s the one that will teach you what is most important to you and your travel style. Start out by buying used. You will avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve. Plus, you’ll have a much better idea of what’s important to you when it comes time to buy your second RV. It’s possible to nail it with your first RV purchase, but not without a lot of research and clarity around your priorities .

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when starting out? Full-time RVing is not a vacation, it’s a lifestyle. It’s exciting when you start. You want to go everywhere and see and do everything. Try to create a sustainable travel pace from the beginning. Stay longer in an area. It’s cheaper – in terms of fuel and campground fees – and you’ll really be able to immerse yourself, explore, and even feel like a local for a while.

Second, it’s easy for people to think they need a big RV to be comfortable, especially when coming from a bigger home. In the RV lifestyle, your environment and views are constantly changing, so your world feels a lot bigger, even if your living space isn’t. It’s easier to live in a smaller space than you might expect, especially with way less “stuff.” Remember our advice above when it comes to choosing the right RV, so you can avoid that expensive mistake.

And finally, it can be hard to resist buying gadgets and gear before you even buy your RV! Every RV has cupboards and storage of different sizes and shapes, and you won’t know what fits where until you have your RV. Save money by hitting the road with the essentials, then spend some time traveling before investing in too many upgrades or gear. You’ll want to make sure they are going to be a fit for your preferred travel style. You can always buy what you need as you go. Don’t take too much stuff! You need less than you think and can get what you need as you travel.

Do you have any recommended companies for vans/RVs? What about resources for finding where to camp/park? It’s a good idea to consider renting an RV or van first, to see if you even like the lifestyle. You can rent RVs from rental companies or from private individuals using a platform like RVshare , which gives you more variety in the types of RVs you can choose from.

This is really useful for helping you decide what kind of RV is right for you, before buying one. It may seem expensive, but making the wrong decision isn’t cheap either! Many large RV dealerships rent RVs, there are large rental chains like cruiseamerica.com or www.roadbearrv.com , but if you want to rent an RV from individuals for more variety, consider doing so via rvshare.com .

It is difficult to make specific recommendations about buying RVs, as there are hundreds of manufacturers, models, and types, and RVs are not like cars. The options, features, and price range of RVs vary widely. That said, we generally recommend buying a preowned RV, as they are usually more affordable, and, contrary to cars, you will generally experience fewer issues with a well-maintained preowned RV than with a brand-new unit. That’s because every RV — much like building a new house or condo — will have a “punch list” of items that need to be fixed for the first few months (or more) after you drive it off the dealer’s lot.

You can find RVs at RV dealers, on websites like RVTrader.com , as well as on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and from friends and family. Local RV parks often have a community notice board of RVs for sale, too.

If you want to camp for free on public lands, there are websites like Campendium.com and Frugal Shunpiker’s Guides to find free camping areas. And there are thousands of RV parks and campgrounds around the country, which you can you find online, through apps, and in camping directories.

You can also look into camping memberships that offer discounts on your stays. For example, we spend a lot of time in a campground membership network that literally saves us thousands of dollars per year. Other websites and apps we recommend include CampgroundViews.com , Campendium, and AllStays. There are a ton out there, and you can find many more resources in our book and at our website, RV Love of course! 🙂

If you want more information, Marc and Julie Bennett are RVers who live, work, and travel from the road full-time, and since hitting the road in 2014, have visited all 50 USA states, plus Canada and Mexico. They are co-authors of  Living the RV Life: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road , and you can follow along on their journey via their website RV Love as well as their social media channels!

If you’d like to dive deep and get hands-on help on starting your own RV life, they also run online courses at RVSuccessSchool.com . As a Nomadic Matt reader, you can get 10% off their course with the code NOMADICMATT. Just input the code when you sign up!  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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RV vs. Hotel: Which is More Economical?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

More and more, digital nomads, couples and families are dipping their toes in the recreational vehicle craze.

But when weighing RV vs. hotel, which is the better deal? Here are six trip factors to consider as you make this travel decision.

The number of people on your trip

Some hotels allow you to squeeze four people into a hotel room, which might work to decrease costs, especially if you snag a hotel deal . But if you have five or more people, an RV might be your most cost-friendly option. There are multiple RV sizes, and choosing certain ones could allow you to avoid paying double (two rooms instead of one) at a hotel.

The location of your trip

Is where you're headed remote or well-populated? Will traveling in an RV allow you better access to your destination? What’s the closest hotel to your intended location? You might find it more convenient to stay in an RV, because you’re not limited to the confines of a hotel. If you’re vacationing at, say, a national park , lodging can be limited or nonexistent. Vacation with an RV, and you’ll have better odds of actually getting to stay in the middle of the action, as long as campground space is available.

The distance

The more miles you log, the more money you have to spend on gas. Consider how gas efficient your car or RV is, as well as the vehicle maintenance costs. Also, think about your travel rewards strategy: Do you need to meet a monthly minimum spend or are you aiming to earn rewards via gas credit cards ?

Your travel style

Do you like cooking your own food, or do you like trying a new restaurant every night? If you don’t mind making your own PB&Js on the road, RVs can pan out to be a big money saver by allowing you to cook your own store-bought groceries . Note that some RV rental companies will charge you a fee to rent cookware.

And how much do you value waking up to a sunrise over the ocean? A hotel with a beachfront view can command a hefty premium. If you demand the views on vacation but don’t mind whether you sleep in a Ritz-Carlton or an RV, you won’t have to try too hard to find a campsite with ocean views for less than $100 a night.

What travel rewards could you earn?

Are you are able to pay for hotel nights with rewards from travel credit cards or hotel credit cards? Perks like free nights and free breakfast can offset lodging expenses.

How often you travel

You probably can’t afford to buy a hotel outright, but you might be able to buy your own RV. If you travel often enough, you could find it more economical to skip the RV rental company and purchase an RV.

Renting an RV can come with additional fees you didn’t anticipate, such as fees for:

Miles driven.

Using items inside the RV, such as cookware and bedding.

Offsetting environmental expenses rental companies incur, like for oil disposal.

RV ownership comes with its own expenses, such as:

Registration and taxes (the Department of Motor Vehicles has a tool to calculate registration fees and taxes for motor homes in some states).

Maintenance.

If you’re considering financing an RV purchase , use our RV loan calculator to understand how much you’ll owe over the course of the loan:

The bottom line

If you are paying for several nights of hotel stays and meals for five or more people, RV travel can come out cheaper depending on your travel style and amenity requirements.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

RVing with Rex

Living his dream, Rex Vogel is a Snowbird with a passion for RVing, photography, hiking, and birding.

The Ultimate RV Travel Bucket List: 51 Best Places to Visit in North America

Your road map to hidden gems, cherished natural wonders, and iconic monuments across North America

Are you looking for travel bucket list ideas for your next RV trip? Running out of ideas or looking for fresh ones? From epic classics to exciting newcomers, we have selected the 51 most amazing places to visit or things to do in the U.S. and Canada. Of course, there are many more than 51 places worth visiting.

We have traveled by RV in 47 states and four Canadian provinces but barely made a dent (and our list continues to grow longer and longer).

It’s time to pack the RV and discover beautiful and awe-inspiring places across North America. Following are many of our favorite destinations in the US and Canada to satisfy your wanderlust.

Badlands National Park : South Dakota

With ochre-tinted buttes, graceful spires, and fossil-rich landscapes, Badlands National Park, in southwest South Dakota, entrances visitors with its ethereal vistas.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park : North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts outdoorsy types with its sublime mountain scenery and beautiful old-growth forests.

Banff National Park: Alberta

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is Canada’s first (and arguably most beautiful) National Park.

Charleston : South Carolina

With its Spanish moss, historic architecture, coastal scenery and graceful antebellum mansions, Charleston oozes Southern charm.

Bryce Canyon National Park : Utah

Otherworldly rust-colored hoodoo rock formations are on full display at this popular national park.

Blue Ridge Parkway : North Carolina and Virginia

The nearly 500 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks.

Sedona : Arizona

Sedona attracts nature lovers with its desert landscapes, surreal red rocks, and enchanting vortexes, places where the earth’s energy is reportedly amplified.

Joshua Tree National Park : California

With jaw-dropping desert scenery, prickly Joshua trees, and distinct boulder rock formations, Joshua Tree mesmerizes visitors with its eye-catching landscapes.

Zion National Park : Utah

If your perfect bucket-list includes hitting scenic hiking trails, it’s hard to rival the otherworldly landscapes in Utah’s Zion National Park.

Wells Gray Country : British Columbia

Wells Gray has something to offer every outdoor interest: lush alpine meadows, birding and wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and 41 breathtaking waterfalls.

Boston Freedom Trail : Massachusetts

Walk this 2.5-mile path (just follow the red-brick line) that passes 16 historical landmarks from Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church to Bunker Hill and Old Ironside.

Scenic Byway 12 : Utah

The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on Scenic Byway 12 winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks.

Green Mountain Byway: Vermont’s Route 100

The billboard-free Route 100 winds through some of Vermont’s most quintessentially Vermonty villages, with all the cider donuts and country stores that go with them.

Dead Horse Point State Park : Utah

Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point is an iconic peninsula of rock sitting on top of incredible vertical sandstone cliffs.

Tombstone: Arizona

Arguably America’s most infamous Old West town, Tombstone, is the perfect place to see what life was like during the days of the Wild West.

Jekyll Island Club Resort : Georgia

Follow in the footsteps of visitors like J.P. Morgan and the Pulitzer family as you golf, bike, boat, swim, or trot along on a horse-drawn carriage.

Santa Fe : New Mexico

A city that embraces its natural environment, Santa Fe is a city whose beautiful adobe architecture blends with the high desert landscape.

Remember the Alamo : San Antonio, Texas

Home of the famous 1836 battle, the beautiful 300-year-old former Spanish mission turned fortress is the heart of San Antonio and Texas’ most visited historic landmark.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge : Georgia

Hop aboard a flat-bottomed boat and keep your eyes peeled for alligators, egrets, and hawks during a tour of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument : Arizona

Canyon de Chelly has sandstone walls rising up to 1,000 feet, scenic overlooks, well-preserved Anasazi ruins, and an insight into the present-day life of the Navajo.

Mesa Verde National Park : Colorado

A great concentration of ancestral Pueblo Indian dwellings, built from the 6th to the 12th century, can be found on the Mesa Verde plateau in southwestern Colorado.

Red Rocks State Park : Sedona, Arizona

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery.

Monument Valley : Arizona and Utah

The iconic landscape of Monument Valley symbolizes the American West worldwide with its towering buttes and sweeping skies.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park : Kentucky

My Old Kentucky Home State Park honors the home that was the symbol of Stephen Foster’s endearing song, the stately mansion on the Rowan Estate known as Federal Hill.

Mitchell Corn Palace : South Dakota

The World’s Only Corn Palace is a quirky but cool multi-purpose arena in Mitchell.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument : Washington

The eruption of Mount St. Helens caused a huge landslide to sweep through the Toutle River Valley and remove 1,306 feet from the top of the volcano.

Shiner : Texas

Shiner, Texas is home to 2,069 people, Friday’s Fried Chicken, and—most famously—the Spoetzal Brewery where every drop of Shiner beer is brewed.

Gulf State Park: Alabama

Gulf State Park’s two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sand, surging surf, seagulls, and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into.

Icefields Parkway: Alberta

The Icefield Parkway is a 144-mile highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields, and vast sweeping valleys.

Cherohala Skyway : North Carolina and Tennessee

Travel the Cherohala Skyway and enjoy panoramic vistas as you wind through the Southern Appalachian high country.

Catalina Highway : Arizona

With a nearly 7,000-foot elevation change in a mere 24 miles, the Catalina Highway is a brilliant ascent with countless curves, numerous vistas, and three major switchbacks.

Myakka River State Park : Florida

Seven miles of paved road wind through shady hammocks, along grassy marshes, and the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. See wildlife up-close on a 45-minute boat tour.

Natural Bridges National Monument : Utah

These three majestic natural bridges were formed by the power of water in a landscape usually defined by its absence. View them from an overlook or hit the trails.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument : Arizona

Organ Pipe Cactus is the only place in the U.S. where the organ pipe cactus grows wild.

San Antonio Missions : Texas

The San Antonio Missions are a group of five frontier mission complexes situated along a 7.7-mile stretch of the San Antonio River.

Incline Railway : Chattanooga, Tennessee

Take the incline railway up a 72.7-percent grade on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. It’s like driving up an insanely pretty wall.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: California

See all four types of volcanoes—cinder cone, composite, shield, and plug dome. Plenty of hydro- and geothermal activity is still found in Lassen Volcanic National Park today.

Okanagan Wine Region : British Columbia

Okanagan wine region is possibly the most scenic wine region in North America and a place where RVers and other normal people can afford to taste wine.

Cedar Breaks National Monument : Utah

At an elevation of over 10,000 feet, Cedar Breaks looks down into a majestic geologic amphitheater, a three-mile long cirque of eroding limestone, shale, and sandstone.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park : Alberta

A wide green valley, steep sandstone cliffs, strange rock formations called hoodoos, and rock art—all of these things make Writing-on-Stone a special place.

Lake Powell : Utah and Arizona

Spend a week on Lake Powell boating through slot canyons, anchoring on deserted beaches, and camping under the stars.

Creole Nature Trail : Louisiana

Louisiana’s prairies, marshes and shores teem with wildlife, and a drive along the Creole Nature Trail gives visitors a chance to experience nature’s bounty up close.

Grand Canyon National Park : Arizona

“Grand” doesn’t do this canyon justice. Measuring approximately 277 river miles in length, up to 18 miles in width and a mile deep, this massive chasm is a natural wonder.

Jasper National Park: Alberta

The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is the wildest of the mountain parks and contains the world famous Columbia Icefields.

Congaree National Park : South Carolina

Congaree National Park showcases the largest tract of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent.

Black Hills : South Dakota

Driving through this corner of South Dakota takes you through some of the most rugged, distinctive, and beautiful land in America.

Blue Bell Ice Cream : Brenham, Texas

Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor, view how Blue Bell is made, shop in the Country Store, and learn more Blue Bell Creameries in the Visitor Center.

Colonial Williamsburg : Virginia

A living history museum and two art museums offer something for everyone, from hands-on activities to original 18th-century buildings to a folk-art collection.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Awaken your senses and explore the birthplace of Bourbon as you embark on a self-guided journey to discover the story behind Kentucky’s Bourbon Culture.

Ohio Amish Country : Holmes County

Ever wish you could turn the clock back to a time when life was simpler and the wheels turned a little more slowly? Now you can.

Arches National Park : Utah More than 2,000 sandstone arches dot the 47,000-acre landscape of this national park.

Worth Pondering…

“My favorite thing is to go where I have never been,” wrote photographer Diane Arbus, and so it is with us.

COVID took my job and my home - so I hit the road in a camper

Mar 12, 2021 • 12 min read

Greyson with one of the two rescue dog companions he's traveling with. ©Greyson Ferguson

When the world shut down with COVID-19, Greyson Ferguson bought and renovated a 1960s camper, and took the opportunity to see the United States in a way he never expected. 

Editor's note: during  COVID-19  there are restrictions on travel.  Check the latest guidance in the United States  and always follow local health advice.

A year ago things were looking good. My freelance writing career continued to progress nicely, a publisher requested a draft of my novel, and I finally had the money saved up to move out of Arizona and make the trek to Philadelphia . Without a care in the world and everything going my way, my move-out date at the end of March 2020 couldn’t come fast enough. 

I just didn’t anticipate March coming in with a sledgehammer. As the month progressed and COVID-19 took hold, what I thought looked up suddenly looked anything but. Freelance jobs froze or stopped altogether. The entire east coast of the United States locked itself down. Moving companies stopped renting equipment. Suddenly, without steady work or even a city to move to, I found myself scrambling. 

I’d already put in my move-out notice and the Arizona apartment had rented out my space, so I couldn’t extend the lease. Philly, along with the rest of the East Coast, was locked down tight. I’d saved a little over $6000 for the move, which I knew I’d burn through quickly unless freelance work came back quickly. But, with every news report and daily White House briefing, confidence in that potential faded quickly. 

I opted for the only idea that made any logical sense to me: buy a cheap camper, travel the US rent-free, and work the remaining freelance gigs I still had from national parks. 

With my move-out date fast approaching, I didn’t have the time to buy one in Arizona, so I packed up my things and moved them, along with my two dogs, back to my childhood home in Michigan where I could stay with my mom while searching for the right camper.

First tip for buying a campervan in a pandemic – if you see one for sale, offer to buy it instantly. If not, someone else will. With nearly all forms of summer vacation on hold, people were snapping up campers at record numbers. So, when a 1960s travel trailer went for sale I drove to the other side of the state to buy it. I had no idea what to look for, other than to check for wheels and a door (some of the campers I saw had neither). 

Hitting the road in a camper, with no plan

In truth, I had very little planned out. I’d follow the changing foliage north, across the Mackinac Bridge, and then, to wherever imagination and road would take me. 

It rained the first night, but what would a voyage be without a proper christening? The following morning the rain escorted me to my first site 500 miles from my departure location I arrived in Ottawa National Forest in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  Eventually, birch trees took the place of rain as a sea of yellow leaves and whitebark swallowed me whole. The forest directed me away from the highway. Away from humanity. Eventually, it emptied me out onto a small, private beach, overlooking the wide river.  

Why I wanted to freedom camp

After five days I left my river overlook. I wanted to stay longer. Not only for the view, but the true expense of such a journey lies with gas. At ten miles a gallon, the more I drove, the more costly the trip would become. I didn’t know how long water would last or how quickly the dogs would chow through their food. I knew the first few stops would offer more guidance to what I should expect moving forward. 

Traveling in a trailer or camper can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it. The longer you remain in one location the less expensive it becomes (most spots allow for up to 14 days, with some exceptions). Yet water and weather dictate the length of any stay as much as the desire to move on. To reduce water usage I’d avoid cooking with it.

I didn’t plan on paying to camp anywhere. At least whenever I could avoid it. RV parks didn’t attract me. Paying $60 a night to park five feet from the next RV and share accidental, awkward eye contact while taking a morning constitutional didn’t sound enticing. I wanted to freedom camp, aka not connect to water or electricity and just be out, in the middle of nowhere, as much as possible. 

To help aid in that quest, I purchased an America The Beautiful national parks pass. I also discovered the world of the Bureau of Land Management, which is basically government land available to plop down on, only without the fanfare and advertising. 

And, when free camping didn’t make itself available, I found myself stopping more than a few times at, yes, Walmart. Not every Walmart allows overnight parking, and they won’t come out and ask you to move during daylight. You’ll receive a flashlight tap on your window at 2 am, instructing you to move. So it’s best to call ahead or pop in and ask Customer Service. 

Traveling in a camper in winter

As is the case in life, timing is everything. I left Michigan in early October in hopes of escape before the snow hit. I twisted through Wisconsin and Minnesota, skies threatening to burst, but the cloudy dams held winter at bay. I drifted into North Dakota and the Badlands National Park before heading south (The Badlands National Park is 800 miles west from my Ontonagon River, Michigan stopping point).

I navigated through eastern South Dakota, a truly breathtaking drive, with small lakes and waterways lapping up to the highway’s edge like a curious pup sniffing at her bowl of food for the first time. 

The road took me into Nebraska, and after a few dead ends, parks closed due to COVID, and a Walmart night tucked in there somewhere, I ended up staying inside the Nebraska National Forest (220 miles Southeast from The Badlands). A hilly, wooded, secluded area, I had no idea Nebraska offered more scenery than waving husks of sun-kissed corn. The forested rock formations gave me a window into the soul of a state I never knew existed. 

Other stops did not prove as lucky. Numerous entrances into the Rocky Mountains were blocked due to forest fires, while other national forest offshoots were closed for the season, as local park departments didn’t want to deal with snowed-in campers. To compound the issue, city ordinances throughout Colorado make sleeping overnight in a car illegal, so my time in the state proved shorter than sweet. 

COVID-19 hindered much of New Mexico with the state government shutting down state parks to outsiders. Eventually, I found myself looking into the political leanings of each state, simply because it offered a window into how much, or how little, would be open upon my arrival. 

The journey is what you make it 

With such a journey, no two are the same. My path will differ from yours. You can learn from my mistakes. Take stock in my own lessons on the road. And yet the adventure will be all yours and only yours. 

You’ll discover the calming serenity of making coffee in your camper as the steam embraces your face while you’re surrounded by nothing, and yet everything. You’ll experience unexpected detours, which may open you up to adventures completely unexpected. You’ll find a thrill in meeting other travelers who share a similar passion for the road, yet come equipped with a completely different backstory. 

It’s not all fun and games. There’s sitting in traffic because the two-hour drive into the Florida Keys turned into a seven-hour drive due to an accident. There’s having someone park you in and the need to wait for that driver to return before you can leave. There’s after-midnight security knocks and people questioning your decisions to travel indefinitely in a camper. 

But that’s okay. Because it’s your own journey, your own adventure, and that’s what makes it special. Regardless of how you started it. Or where you want it to take you. Who knows though, as my drive continues we may eventually cross paths.  

  Traveling with pets in a camper

I never thought twice about bringing my dogs with me. A senior golden/springer mix and a three-legged pit, I wouldn’t have dreamed of leaving them behind. The pit handles driving just fine. Most days I see her watching the world pass by like a grandmother sipping sweet tea from her porch, waiting for the birds. 

The other dog? Well, she has some road anxiety. If driving days are spread apart and we’re on the highway she’s fine. But stop-start traffic leads to heavy panting, strange whimper-coughs, and excessive drooling. I’ve found if I take her for a long walk before jumping into the truck she’s too worn out for anxiety. Other than that, I’ve tried CBD and hemp treats for dogs, the vet said to test out motion-sickness medicine, but nothing helped. Thankfully, as long as we’re moving and the windows rolled down, she enjoys the wind in her face. 

Tips on buying a campervan

I did learn a thing or two about buying a retro camper. For starters, if the seller says it’s never leaked before, they are either bull-face lying, or they’re clueless. The thing is 60 years old. It’s made out of aluminum and plywood. It’s leaked. Probably all over. I spent most of my renovation time ripping out and replacing walls, which led me to another discovery: old campers have next to no insulation. So I pumped the camper full of it.

But let’s say you’re shopping for a camper and it’s not in the midst of a pandemic. There are pros and cons to just about any design. A camper van is easy to drive, there’s no towing to deal with, and it’s super easy to stealth camp (aka pull over and sleep in the vehicle). However, if you have a campsite and need to leave for whatever reason, you won’t have a vehicle to leave behind and mark your territory. With a travel trailer, it’s easier to set down the trailer and drive off. So you have more flexibility with a trailer, at the expense of dealing with towing. 

Something to also consider is the total length (from the bumper of the van/tow vehicle to the end of the trailer/camper). Several national parks have length restrictions. Parks like Yellowstone allow up to 40ft, but some national parks, usually those with slender, twisty roads, may allow a maximum of 27ft. With a camper van, this isn’t a problem, but if you’re towing the travel trailer it’s something to consider (my pickup, for example, is about 18ft, which means if I purchased a 23ft trailer I’d be too big to drive through most national parks).

For anyone interested in renovating their own retro camper there are some great books, YouTube channels, and blogs out there. My personal suggestion would be to insulate the floor. It’s nothing but a subfloor and laminate on top. Floor insulation goes a long way in keeping the cold out. Beyond that, paint the entire interior with cabinet paint. It’s more durable and forgiving than regular wall paint. Also, don’t upholster with white fabric. Why I thought this would work when traveling with two dogs I’ll never know. 

Essential gear

Campers are made to be lightweight. That also means it’s going to break down. Whether it’s 60-years-old or six-months-old, it’ll run into problems. It’ll spring leaks. Something will gouge the floor. A panel will pop open. A solid battery-powered drill might be the MVP of any tool kit. I carry both wood screws and self-threading metal screws. Rubberized aerosol cans are also great for quick fixes or for waterproofing repairs.  

Maintain a spare gas can and keep it full. It’ll help in a pinch, and it’s there should you need it for a gas generator. Speaking of generators, I invested in two when I was starting out. One gas and one solar. It’s important to not go cheap on either of these. I bought a cheap gas generator and it worked three times before dying (when buying a gas generator opt for an inverter generator, not one of those construction site generators. Those are loud, obnoxious, and everyone within 10 miles will hate you). As for a solar generator the bigger you can afford the better. These things are truly fantastic, make zero noise, and can pull a charge from your car battery while driving (as long as you’re driving it won’t run the battery down). When shopping for a solar generator/battery bank look for one that allows you to charge it while using its power bank at the same time. You’ll pay a few bucks more for that feature, but needing to disconnect from your power source because the sun’s out and you want to charge is frustrating. 

The internet

This was my biggest concern when researching my journey. How in the world could I continue working and connect to the internet when in the middle of nowhere? Sure, my cell phone plan says “unlimited”, but after about 10 gigabytes worth of data, the cell company throttles it down to unusable. 

After all kinds of research, I came across a $40 cell service called  Visible,  I’ve run my laptop, watched Hulu, streamed music, the Super Bowl, and everything else without any issue. Just turn the phone into a hotspot and it’s good to go. 

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10 things to know before traveling in a camper van, according to someone who lives in one

• As someone who lives in a camper van, I've learned great tips and advice about traveling in one.
• Some of my best decisions were investing in easy-to-clean clothing, maps, and titanium utensils.
• Having power banks and a high-quality, large backpack has also made my travels easier. 

Living in a camper van feels sort of like camping all of the time — I cook my meals on a small gas stove, spend a lot of time outside, and don't have a lot of creature comforts.

As someone who loves camping, this is a great way to live, but there was a big learning curve when I started traveling in a camper van. But after a few months, I learned tricks to making van life work .

Here are some of the most important things to know if you plan on hitting the road in a camper van, according to someone who lives in one.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published in July 2020. 

Investing in high-quality clothing can make travel easier.

Buying good-quality clothing is imperative for camper-van travel because there's limited storage space and few opportunities to wash clothes.

Since I could only afford to invest in a few high-quality things, I made sure to prioritize items that were lightweight, quick-drying, SPF-infused , and convertible (like hiking pants that zip into shorts).

One of my best purchases is my SPF hat — I wear it almost every day on the road because it helps keep my face and ears from getting burnt while also keeping my hair out of the way.

I've also had luck investing in items made out of materials like Merino wool, which  dries super quickly and doesn't need to be washed after each wear.

Buying extra storage is great for long-term trips.

When I upgraded my van with a roof-storage compartment, I gained the equivalent of a closet where I keep luggage, extra linens, firewood, and cleaning supplies.

Since I plan on traveling across seasons, it's nice to have extra space to store items that I don't use every day and bulky items that don't easily fit in my vehicle. 

My roof box also allows me peace of mind — the durability and key-locking system make it tough to break into. Plus, with less frequently used items stored up above, my in-van storage is much more accessible.

I suggest buying backpack that distributes weight and holds a lot of things.

Since camper-van travel requires a lot of posting up at coffee shops and eating meals in parks, it was important for me to get a spacious, well-fitting, comfortable backpack.

This is one of the items that I end up using almost every day — and I usually have to pack it full, especially in cities where I'm not comfortable leaving my valuables unattended in my van.

I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on a backpack, but I made sure to get one with hip and sternum straps to take the load off of my shoulders when walking around.

Even though I bought my pack online, many stores that sell outdoor gear offer free fittings to make sure backpackers are wearing their packs safely.

Easy-to-wash, multi-use utensils and dishes can save you a lot of time.

Many rental camper vans come with a kitchen outfitted with plates, mugs, and utensils.

Since I bought my van outright, I had to make sure to fill it with kitchen items that are easy to wash and are multipurpose, since kitchen space is even more limited than storage space.

My partner and I use titanium sporks, which are commonly used for camping or through-hiking, since they are very durable and easy to clean. 

Camping plates are also great because they help cut down the number of dishes we use since they typically have a wide lip, meaning they can be used as a bowl or plate. They also make eating on your lap easier, which is a common occurrence on van nights. 

When cooking, try to keep the dishes you'll be using to a minimum.

In a full kitchen , I might use multiple cutting boards, prep bowls, eating dishes, and different utensils for each part of the process. In the van, I make sure to minimize the number of dishes I use as much as possible.

So before we cook, we make a plan for all of the dishes we'll use during prepping, cooking, and eating.

With small kitchens and even smaller sinks, plus no running water, we have to wash everything by hand and with a hand-pump sink. Since we aim to leave no trace, washing dishes in the river is not an option.

For single-serving meals or if I'm especially tired, I'll sometimes even eat right out of the pan.

Always be prepared for cold and rain, even during summer months.

In many places, like in New Zealand where I'm currently traveling , the weather can change on a dime. 

Rainy, chilly van days can be super cozy and comfortable — but I've found it's important to be prepared. I always have my rain jacket with me because it's pretty miserable to crawl into bed in a camper van when you're damp from the rain.

I also use my Buff , a type of multifunctional headwear, almost every single day because it keeps my neck warm in the winter and wicks sweat in the summer.

Even on warm days, it's nice to have a Buff or neck gaiter to cut the chill of the breeze (plus it doubles as a face covering for safety).

Having a few different types of lights is important.

In a camper van, indoor lighting can be harsh, drawing in bugs and ruining a cozy vibe. And, most importantly, I can't bring these lights with me when I need to use the bathroom or get something out of my storage compartment.

On a daily basis, I use a cheap headlamp that takes AAA batteries and is very efficient. 

I also recommend buying a few solar-powered items — even though they can get expensive, in my experience, they're totally worth it. 

For example, my partner and I use a solar-powered lantern every night for soft, portable lighting. It recharges itself and we've found that some bugs are less attracted to the incandescent light, too.

Dumping and filling the water tanks in a van is crucial, and my partner and I do it every chance we get.

Most vans come with a clean-water tank, which feeds into a hand-pump or electric sink, and a gray-water tank, which collects water from the sink drain. In vans with a toilet, a separate brown-water tank holds toilet waste.

These tanks obviously fill up, and my partner and I have learned to dump our gray and brown water every chance we get, so we never have to deal with having to brush our teeth with nowhere to spit.

It's imperative to always use leave-no-trace etiquette when traveling in a camper van, so we check a map to find a designated dump spot as we approach cities and towns.

Generally, when we dump our tanks we fill up our clean-water tank since many dump locations and gas stations in New Zealand have a nearby drinking-water tap. 

It's also important to read the signs at every dump and fill station — my partner and I have watched several people wash dishes in the same location that someone just poured all of their wastewater out. This is a great way to make yourself very, very sick.

Electricity isn't always easy to come by, so power banks come in handy.

I've had some trial and error figuring out how to charge my phone and laptop while on the road or parked in a remote camping space.

With my power inverter, I can use wall plugs in my van — but only while the van is on. Through internet research, I learned that unless I had a leisure battery, which is a second battery typically stored in the back of a camper van, I would be drawing power from my car battery if I charged things while the van wasn't running.

Because of this, I've learned to carry a couple of power banks for my smaller electronics that I can recharge while I'm driving or when I stop at a public library for some WiFi.

We always download offline maps and carry a paper map just in case

Being able to view maps on our phones makes life on the road a lot easier .

We use Google Maps and, when we have WiFi, we download offline maps for large areas. This is a lifesaver for times when we lose phone service , and it's also less taxing on our phones' batteries.

In addition to downloading offline maps, I recommend keeping a paper map on hand just in case. There have been a few times where our phones have died and we found ourselves on a road that Google hasn't quite mapped yet. 

Keeping a paper map is also great for tracking our trajectory, and we'll likely keep it as a souvenir after our travels.

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Wild Junket

13 Things We Love About Traveling in a Campervan

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Traveling in a camper van is one of the best ways to see the world —   especially with what’s happening in the world now. Thanks to covid19 travel restrictions and social distancing measures, it has become more popular than ever to travel by campervan.

Like many others, we have jumped on the bandwagon and bought a camper van after dreaming for years! We’ve just returned from our first trip with the van: a month-long road trip around France and Spain. And we are completely smitten! Our home on wheels gave us the freedom to enjoy the wild outdoors, while having modern comforts.

Traveling by campervan is unlike any other types of travel we’ve done (and we’ve traveled around the world to more than 100 countries). There are so many things we LOVE about traveling in a camper van and today I’m here to share them with you.

Disclaimer: To be clear, we do not live in our van — and we do not intend to. So our perspectives of traveling in a campervan might be different from that of vanlifers (who actually live and work long-term on a van).

Table of Contents

An Incredible Sense of Freedom and Flexibility

We travel slower and deeper, we experience more for less, we consume and waste less, we get to camp in epic spots, we leave no trace, we are outdoors all the time, we watch the sunset everyday, it makes traveling with kids easier, everything we need is with us, we need very little to live comfortably, we learn to appreciate little things in life, it is a rollercoaster ride, what we love about campervan travel.

For the first time in years, we didn’t have a fixed plan or itinerary. We just knew we wanted to explore the South of France and end up in southern Spain to see family. So we hit the road without any idea where we were going!

We decided where to go as we went along and we just went with the flow. Our days were spent visiting small villages, hiking, swimming, discovering interesting sights and just spend time together as a family. Each night, we’d look for a scenic spot to park for the night, cook and drink wine.

For me, this was the thing I love most about traveling in a camper van: the sense of freedom and flexibility. It reminded me of our old backpacking days when all we had was time.

Traveling on a camper van gave us the opportunity to not just see our destination, but also everything in between. We explored so many interesting corners of France that we would have missed had we traveled by plane or train.

Because of the backroads we traversed, we made so many surprising discoveries. Like the natural swimming hole we stumbled upon in Limoux, the stunning trail that cross paths with marmots in the Pyrenees, and a gorgeous lake in the Gorges du Verdon…

As Ralph Waldo said “ It is not the destination, it’s the journey. ” Indeed, traveling in a camper van definitely allowed us to appreciate the journey and gave us a deeper travel experience.

Perhaps because we were traveling slower, we felt like we saw and experienced more on this road trip than on any trip we’ve done in Europe. Without a fixed agenda, we had time for everything.

And that the same time, this road trip was a lot of cheaper than what we usually spend. Traveling in a camper van is definitely much more budget-friendly than flying and staying at hotels.

Not only did we save on accommodation, we also cooked in the van everyday and saved on food. Because we spent more time nature, we saved on expenses we would have incurred in cities. On this trip, we probably saved around $600 on flights and $1400 on accommodation .

While traveling in our camper van, it immediately became very obvious how much water we were spending and how much waste we were producing.

Because we had to physically empty our wastewater, we could see the amount of water we used each time to wash our plates or brush our teeth. It made me a lot more conscious with our water consumption and also taught my daughter to conserve water.

It was the same thing with our waste: I was shocked to see how often we had to empty our trash bin. It made me think twice when buying anything. We also started to recycle more, reduce plastic use and opt for biodegradable stuff.

Boy did we find some incredibly scenic spots to park on this trip! In the Pyrenees, we camped on mountain peaks and spectacular ridges overlooking winding valleys. In Provence, we slept next to beautiful lavender fields and were lulled to sleep by the aroma. In Limoux, we parked in the midst of vineyards and sunflower fields.

On our previous campervan trip in the US , we had to camp a few times at Walmart carparks and gas stations. Finding picturesque camping spots in France and Spain was much easier than we expected.

Park4night is our go-to app for finding free camping spots. The app has a huge database created by other travelers, so the reviews are always honest and reliable. Another app we also used to find parking is Campercontact .

Mind you, we were not this lucky every night. Some days we would have to park next to the road or sleep in camping parks to refuel on electricity. These campsites have everything from pools to bathrooms, showers and restaurants. They cost around $10-20 per person (we spent $50/night of parking).

Because we camped out in nature every night, we were more aware of the importance of keeping our environment clean. We always made sure to keep the camping spot exactly how we found it, and also pick up litter if we found any.

Traveling in a camper van really made us think more about the impact we make on the environment. It was another teaching opportunity for us to educate Kaleya on how to protect our environment.

For me, sleeping in a camper van is akin to sleeping outside but in the comfort of my bed and with easy access to the toilet. Imagine all the perks of camping without sacrificing on comfort!

Because we were traveling in summer, we could sleep with our windows open and the temperature was perfect. That also meant we could wake up to see sunrise from our bed and enjoy the view through our windows.

When we were not sleeping, we spent all of our time outside — either exploring, hiking, swimming or having our meals on our camping table. It felt great to be outdoors all the time, especially since the weather was great!

How often do you watch the sunset at home? We hardly do.

But on this trip we saw the sunset almost every evening. And it was magical.

At the end of each day, we would cook and then hang out on our camping chairs   with a beer in hand and watch the whole sky turn into a shade of gold. It was such a privilege having the time and opportunity to stop and enjoy beautiful moments like these.

At night, we also got to see the stars if we’re lucky. It was amazing to sleep in the mountains and see a million stars above our heads.

I’m not going to lie, traveling with kids can be challenging at times. Especially when you have an active toddler or emotional baby. Logistics is something you need to plan and consider when traveling with the little ones.

Traveling with a camper van definitely makes traveling with kids easier, as you’re often in wide open spaces where kids have the freedom to roam and be free. Having a home on wheels also gives kids the security and stability they need. Kaleya definitely loved having our van as an anchor point; she called the van “our home”.

To keep Kaleya entertained, we packed a big box of toys, lego, books and coloring pens for her. Having a TV in our van also helped on long drives!

Just like how Kaleya likes having a “home”, we really like having everything we need with us on the camper van.

Our van has two comfortable king-sized beds with proper mattresses, sheets and blankets. We also have a fully functioning kitchen with a 2-burner gas stove and a small sink. We even have a cassette toilet that we can use in our own privacy! (Check out this post for a van tour.)

As we have a bike rack, we brought along our bikes for leisurely short rides. We also packed our laptops, photography gear, camping gear and engine tools. There is so much storage space on the van that we bought lots of cushions and throws to make the van feel like an actual home.

But once we started our campervan trip, it became clear to us how little we actually needed every day to live comfortably.

Even though our van had a lot of storage, we quickly realised many things we brought were not necessary at all. Instead of bringing so many pots and pans, we only needed just one of each. Rather than having all kinds of cutlery and plates, we only used one set per person. Not to mention the excessive amount of cables, electronics and toiletries we had.

Traveling in a camper van made us think about what was important and what wasn’t. It also gave us an opportunity to teach Kaleya that material things aren’t essential.

When you’re traveling on a camper van, you start to notice the small things in life that you’ve taken for granted, like running water. Little, everyday things suddenly become luxuries — like a shower or endless electricity.

As we didn’t have a built-in shower in our van, it was normal for us to go for days without a shower. In a bid to stay clean, we went to public pools or lakes almost everyday to cool off from the heat, and to shower.

Like many things in life, good things don’t come easy. Traveling by camper van can come with its challenges: some people encounter engine problems (thank god we never did!), others require huge adjustments or face lack of personal space etc.

Not everyone’s experience will be the same. Adjust your expectations, be mentally prepared for things to go wrong, and don’t compare your experiences with what you see on Instagram . There will be days when you feel absolutely on top of the world, and days that are more challenging.

Traveling in our camper van has been one of the best experiences we’ve had as a family, and we cannot wait to keep exploring and creating memories with our van! If you are interested in campervan life, I would definitely suggest  renting a campervan for a few days to test it out!

Are you thinking of buying or renting a camper van? Let us know if we can help in any way! I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Just leave a comment below!

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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10 Things You Need to Know Before Living in a Campervan

Written By: Katie Diederichs

Digital Nomads

Updated On: April 1, 2023

Imagine exploring a new place with open road ahead and your home at your back. If the thought of traveling in a campervan brings a surge of wanderlust and makes your hands itch to be at the steering wheel, living in a campervan may be your next perfect adventure!

My husband and I have spent the past 3 months living in a 6-by-13-foot camper van. It has been one of the greatest adventures of our marriage.

Table of Contents

All About Living in a Camper Van

We are huge advocates of campervan life but can tell you firsthand that it isn’t always s’mores around a campfire and skinny-dipping in hot springs.

We’ve traveled around the world to more than 40 countries, yet exploring in a campervan is different than any other type of travel we’ve experienced.  There are challenges and joys unique to this type of tiny living in a camper.

Before you go ahead and trade in your jet-setting ways for a home on wheels, know that you may need to make some drastic changes to your travel style.

Whether you’re traveling in an RV or a campervan, there are some very important things you should consider before you hit the road.

Packing gets more complicated in a Camper V an

When you’re packing for a trip and have just one suitcase or backpack in which to fit everything, it can be a hair-pulling, nail-biting puzzle with no right answer.

It might seem that all your problems would be solved when you upgrade from a 50-liter backpack to an 80-square-foot campervan. But that’s hardly the case. Sure, you have more space, but it gets a bit more complicated than that.

You’ll need to pack enough to make your campervan a fully-functioning home – kitchen, sleeping area, living space and all – with just a fraction of the room of your actual home. So yeah, you can pack more. But it also opens up a whole new slew of decisions.

The tradeoff for a more complicated packing list is that you’re able to travel with some of your favorite comforts, like a French press and a fluffy pillow.

Personal space is no longer personal

If you’re traveling with a companion – whether it’s a partner, children, pets, or all of the above – you’re going to have to get comfy with your newfound lack of space. Your personal bubble will be popped several times a day. (Scratch that. Several times each minute.)

When you’re living in a tiny space, you sacrifice privacy. You give up the ability to, say, pass gas without anyone knowing. You might have to get creative about finding time alone.

But the beautiful part of giving up your personal space is you will be rewarded with quality time with your favorite people or furry friends. Hopefully your companion is someone you actually enjoy spending time with!

Before you even consider moving into a campervan with your partner,  be sure to ask each other these 20 questions .

You’ll thank me when you realize how many arguments you’ve avoided by asking your travel buddy these important questions.

Your consumption will be visible

When you stay in hotels, it’s easy to take a 20-minute shower without noticing how much water goes down the drain because when it disappears down those tiny holes it is out of your mind. And when someone else is emptying the bins you throw your trash into, the amount of waste you produce may seem small.

But when you transition into traveling in a small space, your consumption is magnified.

You will suddenly see the exact amount of water it takes to do dishes because you have to physically empty your wastewater instead of letting it disappear into a drain underground.

When you live in a tiny space, your eyes will be seriously opened to how much you consume because it’s not something you can simply ignore.

Normal things become luxuries

There’s nothing like living in a campervan to make little, everyday things seem like luxuries. When you aren’t showering daily, it feels oh-so good when you do (especially when the pressure is high and the water is hot).

And don’t get me started on ice. Lukewarm water just doesn’t quite give you the same satisfaction as an icy glass of H2O on a hot day!

It’s quite humbling actually when you start noticing all those little things you typically take for granted. Many people around the world live their lives without these luxuries, and it’s good for the soul to take notice of our privilege every once in a while.

You’ll have more control over your budget

Traveling in an RV or campervan allows you to really control your budget. That’s not to say that it’s cheap, but you suddenly have the option of cooking your own dinner instead of eating out for every meal.

You can forgo Starbucks and brew your own cup o’ Joe instead. And forget about paying ridiculous rates for a hotel room. You’re in a traveling home, after all!

All that said, gas ain’t cheap when you’re towing a small home behind you, and sometimes you’ll want to splurge after roughing it for a bit. It all balances out, but RV travel puts the control in your hands.

You’ll grow as a person

Traveling in a campervan or RV means you’ll run into some bumps in the road, both literally and figuratively.

Sometimes when you’re traveling, other people take care of those bumps for you, like a guesthouse owner who moves you to a different room because the air-conditioning isn’t working quite right.

When you’re traveling in an RV however, you’ll need to take ownership of any hiccups, like fixing the AC yourself. You’ll feel empowered when you solve problems and forge your way all by yourself.

Even if you don’t intend to live in an RV long-term, you’ll grow as a person and learn the world around you. And that’s a pretty powerful thing.

You’ll travel slow and deep

Traveling with your home will make you realize you can’t hop around as fast as you would with just a suitcase. It’s exhausting!

When you’re the one behind the wheel instead of a bus driver, you’ll reconsider an itinerary that includes hopping around 8 cities in 8 days.

When you’re in the driver’s seat, you have the opportunity not just to see your destination cities, but also the “in-between”. You know, the small towns and hole-in-the-wall cafes that you’d never venture to had you been traveling by plane, train or taxi.

You’ll drive on small roads and get glimpses into people’s lives as you pass by, giving you a more complete, more authentic experience than if you skip the “in-between”. You’ll come to appreciate slow travel and the beauty of a day that doesn’t move too fast.

You have to seek out interactions with locals

When you stay at hotels and take public transportation, you are likely to interact with locals and other travelers on a regular basis.

One of the more challenging parts about traveling in a campervan is that you have to work a little harder to seek out interaction and get the lowdown on local hotspots.

You’ll definitely have people who are curious about your home along the way, so use this as an opportunity to ask about their favorite things in the area.

You’ll need to make sacrifices

If you’re used to business class flights, plush hotel rooms and fine dining, seeing the sights in an RV will mean you’ll have to make some adjustments to the way you travel.

Even if you’re an experienced backpacker and are no stranger to “roughing it,” there are some certain differences between sleeping in hostels and parking on the side of a road for the night.

You won’t always have Internet access while traveling in an RV, and you may not be able to shower as often as you’d like. You’ll need to get creative with meals, and the air-conditioning might not be the strongest you’ve ever had. But in exchange for all these sacrifices comes a beautiful reward.

You will feel the wind blowing through your hair on the open road with endless possibilities ahead.  Too corny?  Okay, let’s just say that you’ll get to experience an adventure that many only dream about.

You’ll realize that the best parts of travel don’t necessarily come with a butler or an eye-watering price tag. You will learn to appreciate little things and come to value simplicity over extravagance.

Freedom is a tangible thing

RV life means you have nearly endless freedom. Want to sleep in the mountains tonight and next to the ocean tomorrow? No problem.

You’ll start to seek out detours that you wouldn’t be able to take otherwise. The world seems more accessible when your home has wheels. And there’s something so strangely satisfying about having all your necessary belongings in 80 square feet of space.

It may sound cliché, but campervan life gives freedom an entirely new meaning.

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• Drive the Arctic Highway
• 20 Essential Tips for Driving the Mongol Rally

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Katie Diederichs

In 2014, Katie and her husband, Ben, quit their full-time jobs and set off on a 3-month adventure in South America that never really ended. Along the way, they taught English in South Korea, worked on a remote farm in the Ecuadorian Andes , trekked to Everest Base Camp and traveled the US in a campervan named "Vinny" Follow the adventure at: TwoWanderingSoles / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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18 thoughts on “10 Things You Need to Know Before Living in a Campervan”

I hope you’re doing great.

Thanks for sharing your valuable information regarding traveling with campervans. I recommend to every traveler please read this useful information which will come in handy in your journey

Thanks & Regards

Current situation makes me think more and more about living in a campervan. Maybe it´s the best time now. I just experienced renting a campervan to travel Norway last summer. Omg it was the biggest amount of freedom I ´ve experienced in life <3

Great Adventure Experience! May you have a great experience during travel in campervan. Great post thanks. We are just thinking to explore Norway with campervan. Thinking to cover all most places in a month. May our experience make this trip unforgettable

Some excellent tips here – it sounds like the sacrifices of space are worth it for the freedom and cheaper travel. One to think about for the future,

Nice article, and perfect timing! We are thinking about hiring a van to explore the Pacific Northwest this summer. We love the idea of slow and deep travel for sure! Meeting locals is always fun and one of the things we enjoy about travel. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thank you for sharing this beautiful journey. I loved the pictures!

Wow what an incredible … I feel like having an experience of traveling through europe in a campervan with my girlfriend and also spending in australia which is an amazing place. I liked the post.

Just got a 1969 VW Bus that I’m traveling around the world in and I love the lifestyle change. I’ve been traveling full-time for the past 5 years and it is so much slower, cheaper and more fun.

Awesome destination must watch it. lovemytour.com

Australia is a great place to travel around in a campervan. My friends and I rented Wicked vans and drove from Brisbane to Cairns. It was a lot of fun!

I love the idea of a campervan for a vacation but I’m not sure I could do it as a lifestyle. Although it’s not trendy to say so, I do like my physical things. I <3 my shoes and bubble baths.

Having just come back from a month long camper trip from Australia, I found myself nodding vigorously to these points. Oh how I miss it!

Thanks for posting!

Lovely and very interesting post, Katie & Ben!

I always tend to go for hotels because I like the convenience, but this sounds so intriguing. Unfortunately, I will have to find someone to go with me if I choose to go for this… I can’t imagine driving a campervan for 8 hours straight by myself hahaha! Oh gosh, I want to get out my comfort zone because your pictures are amazing and I want to experience that too! I can imagine that driving through Canada with a campervan is fantastic.

Great great post and very helpful tips. Looking forward to more posts from you!

Great post! Your pictures are absolutely stunning and sounds like a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for sharing it.

I absolutely loved this post – I would have loved to travel around with a campervan – perhaps on my next trip to Australia. Nice photos.

Thanks so much for the kind words, Ephesus! Hope you come check out our website, Two Wandering Soles, to see more of our tips and photos 🙂

Katie, Two Wandering Soles

It seems wonderful to get around with a campervan. Truly inspiring blog post and inspiring photos for the travellers. It is very obvious from the photos that you had great time around.

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13 Best Travel Trailers for Road Trips and Camping

Hit the open road and camp in comfort with the best travel trailers.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

With so many brands, sizes, and amenities to choose from, it can be difficult to know which travel trailer is right for your next adventure in the great outdoors . Paige Bouma, executive vice president of sales and operations of Trader Interactive, knows a thing or two about RV travel. She has been taking RV vacations with her family for years, often traveling for 30 weekends a year. According to Bouma, towable RVs (like travel trailers) are great for camping , and there are a number of choices to consider. "Families looking to experience the great outdoors have several choices when it comes to trailers they can tow behind their car, SUV, or pickup," she said. "The traditional travel trailer comes in a variety of lengths and weights, and provides a multitude of amenities and a sleeping capacity for any size family to go camping."

With this in mind, we've rounded up 13 of the best travel trailers so you can plan your next road trip . Whether you're a first-timer looking for tips to get started or a frequent traveler trying to decide on your next RV rental , this list includes fan favorites like Airstream, Winnebago, and Jayco travel trailers, ranging from luxury vehicles to small and lightweight campers.

1. Airstream Classic Smart Trailer

Airstream travel trailers are among the most luxurious, spacious, and advanced towable RVs. They say not to mess with a good thing, but Airstream's new and improved Classic Travel Trailer is an exception. This elegant and roomy travel trailer is best for long trips, with lots of space and innovative amenities, like a heated bathroom and handcrafted cabinetry. Now, this iconic trailer has smart-control technology, allowing you to adjust the lights, awning, and air-conditioning as well as monitor propane, battery, and tank levels from your phone. This trailer can be between 30 and 33 feet long and can sleep up to five people with four different floor plans. Airstream is currently working on more improvements for future RVs, including off-road capabilities and advanced electric vehicle compatibility.

2. Winnebago Micro Minnie

Winnebago travel trailers are beloved in the RV world, and the Winnebago Micro Minnie is one of their most popular options, even winning the RV News Top Lightweight Towable Trailers Award in 2021. This compact, seven-foot-wide trailer offers a number of floor plans to choose from, with features like a spacious kitchen with a sink, a double-door refrigerator, a microwave, and a cooktop. Each floor plan also has windows designed for cross ventilation. With a starting weight of 3,360 pounds , the Micro Minnie is the perfect tow for electric vehicle owners. It also comes solar-ready, with a spacious, walkable roof. With certain packages, the trailer even includes off-road tires, perfect for the boondock explorer. Once you've settled into your campground, take the fun outside with its patio speakers and a power awning featuring LED lighting.

3. Jayco Jay Flight

The Jayco Jay Flight has been a family favorite for years. This travel trailer has a large range of floor plans, offering options with luxurious kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, comfortable seating, spacious lounge areas, and more. Jayco's elite package offers solar prep, which, depending on your rig, comes with corresponding batteries, inverters, and Go Power! kits for sidewall and roof-mount prep. It's important to keep in mind that certain floor plans may exceed an electric vehicle's towable weight limit. Jayco prides itself on its craftsmanship and construction so you know this trailer can handle any adventure you embark upon.

4. TAB Teardrop Camper

If you're looking for a small travel trailer, the TAB Teardrop Trailer might be the best choice for you. This nuCamp RV is perfect if you're traveling alone or with a partner. It is compact, but still has amenities such as a wet bath, a kitchen, and a dining area that converts to beds. Available with the TAB Teardrop Trailer is the Boondock Package, which includes everything for your off-roading needs, including the Boondock Aluminum Platform, aggressive off-road tires, heady duty entry door step, and much more. The Convenience Package comes with a solar roof package, perfect for electric vehicles.

5. Happier Camper Traveler

The new, lightweight Traveler trailer from Happier Camper has vintage vibes and flexible, modular seating to accommodate the needs of anyone hitting the road. This travel trailer has a floor grid and Adaptiv components so you can customize your space with areas for sleeping, dining, lounging, and more. Plus, it's towable by standard cars so you don't need a large SUV. The Happier Camper Traveler is 17 feet long with 85 square feet of walkable floor space — the layout is up to you, thanks to the modular design.

6. KZ Durango Half-Ton

The KZ Durango Half-Ton RV is a fifth wheel trailer that offers eight unique floor plans, complete with a washer and dryer, maple-glazed farmhouse-style carpentry, an electric fireplace, a double-door refrigerator, and so much more. KZ offers an "Off The Grid" package, which includes solar panels for their already solar-ready roof. The Durango Half-Ton is perfect for full-time traveling or a weekend getaway with the whole family.

7. Casita Spirit

As far as lightweight travel trailers go, the Casita Spirit is a great option for families on the go. This trailer can sleep three to five people, with dinettes that convert into double and single beds. The Spirit comes in two 17-foot models, while add-on options include roller shades, a furnace, and more. Casita offers a plethora of internal and external add-ons, including — but not limited to — solar panels, a surge protector, and an Anderson "No Sway" Distribution Hitch, as well as a maintenance tool kit to be used inside or outside the trailer.

8. Keystone Hideout

Keystone touts the Hideout as a perfect travel trailer for first-timers. The Hideout has several sizes and floor plans, and it comes with a three-year limited structural warranty, LTE and Wi-Fi antenna, tinted windows, high-quality kitchen appliances, and more. Most floorplans are towable by standard cars, however, the model's heft makes it durable to sustain off-road bumps and swerves. The Hideout features a walkable roof and multiple options for SolarFlex™ solar panels, providing high-quality energy great for electric vehicles.

9. Forest River Alpha Wolf

The lightweight Alpha Wolf trailer from Forest River's Cherokee line was named "Best in Show" by RV News in 2018. According to the Forest River site, the Cherokee Alpha Wolf "offers the best mix of floor plan diversity and top-shelf amenities while at the same time creating a tougher, lighter, better insulated shell." The interiors of this travel trailer look beautiful and modern while providing areas to cook, relax, and dine. Alpha offers multiple packages to personalize your trailer experience, including the Juice Package for all your solar needs.

10. Grand Design Reflection

If you're looking for a towable luxury RV with great value, the Reflection by Grand Design might be right for you. This trailer offers a beautifully designed kitchen, a spacious shower with a glass door, and more. The RV comes with a mandatory Solar Package, 4-Season Protection Package, Peace of Mind Package, and the Ultimate Power Package, with additional add-on packages available to make your Reflections RV experiences as comfortable as possible. This RV is great for owners of electric SUVs and for those who wish to go off-road.

11. Opus OP 15 Hybrid

Looking for a spacious, lightweight, off-road trailer? Then look no further than the Opus OP 15. This hybrid, family-friendly trailer comes fully loaded with a king-size bed, twin bunk beds, an indoor bathroom, a four-burner stove, off-road and alloy tires, and solar panels. The interior is decorated with bamboo cabinetry and features 6'6'' of headroom. The Opus OP 15 was designed specifically to be an off-road, off-grid getaway while remaining easy to use for families and first-timers.

12. Alto Series F2414

Alto's Series F2414 travel trailer is designed to make hitch traveling with an electric vehicle easier than ever before. The trailer comes packed with four beds that can be converted to dining/lounge areas, a full kitchen, a small bathroom, and furniture that can be moved for outdoor fun. It sleeps five comfortably, six with the purchase of an additional electric bed. The interior design takes some inspiration from European trailers while maintaining an all-American flair. Solar panels can be purchased for an additional cost. The F2414 is towable by most SUVs.

13. Polydrops P17A

If you're looking to travel in something high-tech that will undoubtedly turn heads, look no further than Polydrop's P17A1 trailer. This California-made vehicle is specifically engineered to be the most aerodynamic travel trailer on the market. Its unique design and lightweight frame lend it to unlimited possibilities. The P17A's minimalist design comes fully insulated with built-in solar panels, storage, built-in speakers, a kitchenette, an awning, a control panel (for LEDs, air conditioning, chargers, and more), and a full-size mattress. This trailer was made to work hand-in-hand with electric vehicles, with its design specifically created to use less electricity, allowing for more travel and less charging time. Though one of the smaller trailers on this list, the P17A1 is sure to impress even the most traditional trailer travelers.

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Beginner's Guide to RV Trailers

How to choose the right model for you

Traveling by RV is a resurging trend amid the coronavirus pandemic, with families seeking an escape while maintaining social distancing. A motorhome or travel trailer allows you to see the country without the need to use public lodging, restaurants, or even restrooms.

“We are noticing increased interest in the lifestyle both virtually through online resources and resuming interest in states where dealerships are open when compared to when the pandemic began,” says Sam Jefson, a spokesman for Winnebago Industries, maker of Winnebago and Grand Design motorhomes and travel trailers.

Trailers are the least expensive way to get into the recreational vehicle (RV) lifestyle. That’s because owners often need nothing more than the family SUV or truck to haul them. They’re much cheaper and simpler to get started with than a motorhome , and they come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and prices.

Because a trailer can be removed, the SUV or truck that hauls it can be used year-round rather than serving solely as a vacation coach, as is the case with an all-in-one RV. Plus, the vehicle towing the trailer is likely to have modern safety features that are just now arriving in some RVs, including forward collision warning , automatic emergency braking , blind spot warning , and robust crash protection. Tow vehicles also provide the ability to safely travel with kids and their car seats , an option that's often not available in motorhomes.

Trailers also offer a lot of flexibility when you’re on a campground. You can unhitch the trailer, leave it behind, and use the tow vehicle to explore. This means you don’t have to pack things away inside the camper and disconnect all the power and water lines each time you want to leave the park, like you have to do when traveling in a motorhome. And a tow vehicle will be a lot easier to handle when sightseeing, especially when navigating downtown roads, parking, and getting food at a drive-thru.

Still, there’s a compromise for that flexibility. Towing an RV trailer requires drivers to develop new skills that are very different from those needed to drive a car. A lot of space is needed to park a long tow vehicle and trailer combination. Learning how to reverse the trailer takes patience and practice. You also need to learn how to safely hitch and unhitch the trailer. Of course, you need to own a vehicle that's capable of safely towing the trailer you have in mind.

Approach this aspect with care, as it's very easy to buy more trailer than a vehicle can comfortably handle. (Learn more about what you need to know before you use your pickup to tow .) There are several types of recreational trailers to consider, outlined below.

Safe Practices for Traveling Now

The RV lifestyle has social distancing built in, but there are times when you'll be around other people.

"RVing and boating are great ways for families to get back out and enjoy the enrichment that comes with active outdoor lifestyle activities,” Jefson says. But he adds that campers should follow guidelines from federal and state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in determining when and how to use an RV.

Traveling in an RV always involves certain logistics, such as scheduled maintenance, park reservations, route planning, and stocking up on provisions. But during this pandemic, you may need to be more methodical and self-sufficient.

Darryl Saunders, a traveler who pulls a 27-foot Airstream Globetrotter, shared several tips with Consumer Reports from his recent experiences on the road:

• Plan your stops. Park closures, restrictions, and crowding are all factors now.
• Double-check your reservations to make sure they are still valid.
• If you're traveling to a destination for a certain attraction, make sure it's open. Saunders mentioned that a place he wanted to see (Sequoia National Park) was closed.
• Plan ahead for food. Many businesses are now reopening, but there are still restrictions. And remember that you won't be able to go through a drive-thru with a large trailer.

Many travelers recommend checking with RV parks about their amenities because some, including restrooms, laundry facilities, and on-site convenience stores, may be closed. Ask about specific rules regarding social distancing, which can have an on impact on pool usage, playgrounds, and campfires.

Restrictions vary by region, and they'll certainly change throughout the year. They may include the need to self-quarantine after traveling in certain states. Check the restrictions for your state and those you plan to travel through, because they could have a significant impact on your plans.

Folding or Pop-Up Trailers

Jeep / Scott Lane Jeep / Scott Lane

Sitting only about 4 feet high when towed, pop-up trailers can be raised by hand crank or electrically at a campsite. Most have tentlike sides and extensions that pull out of either end. Some brands, such as Aliner and TrailManor , have hard sides, providing more durability and insulation.

Length: 8 to 20 feet Weight: 1,000 to 4,000 pounds Sleeps: Two to eight people Price: $10,000 to $30,000

• Least expensive type of trailer.
• Can be very lightweight; the smallest ones can be towed by many cars.
• Low aerodynamic profile helps fuel economy.
• Pull-out end extensions, which typically house beds, create large sleeping spaces for what is a relatively short trailer.
• Some hard-sided models can be put up very quickly.
• These often lack the luxuries of larger trailers, such as a private toilet (or any bathroom facility at all).
• There isn’t much insulation from noise or cold.
• Tent-sided models need more maintenance, and the fabric requires replacement eventually.
• Tent-sided models are prohibited in some campgrounds because of the danger posed by bears.

Travel Trailers

Winnebego / www.joehendricks.com Winnebego / www.joehendricks.com

Travel trailers are the most widely sold and most varied type of towable RV. They have solid walls and often feature a slide—a section of wall that either pulls out or motors out to provide more space inside when camping.

Travel trailers come in a wide variety of sizes and designs:

• Small retro-inspired “teardrop” trailers that are essentially a tent and bed on wheels.
• Small molded fiberglass trailers, such as the Casita and Scamp, have drawn passionate fan bases for their low-maintenance designs.
• Midpriced trailers from companies such as Forest River, Gulf Stream, and Jayco offer a lot of space and features for the money.
• The iconic Airstream has a distinctive aluminum body. Aerodynamic and low to the ground, these are easy to tow but are expensive for their size.

Smaller trailers typically have a single axle; larger trailers can have two (or even three). More axles increase towing stability and let you limp the trailer to safety in case of a single flat tire, but they can also add to tire replacement costs.

Many small trailers can be pulled by a midsized SUV. As trailers increase in size and weight, it is necessary to increase the capability of the tow vehicle. Make sure you pay attention to the key weights: the tongue’s and total trailer’s.

The tongue extends from the trailer and puts direct downward pressure on the hitch, so it’s essentially considered a payload. Then there is the weight of the entire trailer, which is how much the vehicle has to pull. Some vehicles may look appropriate until you factor in the added weight of passengers and cargo, including water in the tanks.

Many SUVs and trucks can be equipped with transmission coolers to ease the strain of a trailer on the drivetrain. Consider adding anti-sway bars or a load-leveling kit for a travel trailer, even a smaller one.

Consumer Reports / jb Consumer Reports / jb

Length: 8 to 40 feet Weight: 1,000 to 10,000 pounds Sleeps: Two to eight people Price: $10,000 to $150,000

• Rigid walls provide some insulation from cold and noise compared with a pop-up trailer or tent.
• Very little setup time.
• A wide variety of lengths and weights.
• A suitable tow vehicle is required, which may need to be larger and more powerful than you think.
• Towing requires drivers to learn (and practice) different driving skills.
• Larger trailers won’t fit into small campsites.

Hybrid or Expandable Trailers

Hybrid or expandable RV trailers increase sleeping space without the downsides—the added length and weight—that come with getting a bigger trailer. They do that by combining the hard-sided body of a conventional travel trailer with the pullout end extensions typically found on a folding trailer. This design can let you use a smaller tow vehicle while still providing enough sleeping space and amenities for the whole family.

Length: 8 to 26 feet Weight: 2,500 to 5,500 pounds Sleeps: Four to eight people Price: $10,000 to $40,000

• Extra sleeping space without added length and weight.
• Takes more setup time than a typical travel trailer.
• Tent-sided material needs to be maintained, and the fabric may need replacing eventually.
• Doesn’t do as good a job at blocking sound in noisy campgrounds as fully hard-sided trailers do.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers

AJ Mueller AJ Mueller

Fifth-wheel trailers are designed to be towed by pickup trucks. The front of this type of trailer extends over a pickup bed that has a hitch that sits beneath the forward quarters. The trailer slides into place in the pickup truck bed.

Fifth-wheel trailers are generally large and heavy, requiring at least a half-ton truck equipped by the factory to handle a heavy payload. A handful of manufacturers make smaller fifth-wheels that can be easily towed by smaller trucks, such as Escape fiberglass trailers. It's common to use a heavy-duty truck to tow a fifth-wheel. If you're shopping for a trailer and a tow vehicle, consider a pickup truck with dual rear wheels (often referred to as a “dually”) to pull the largest trailers for better stability and payload capacity. Look at the specific capabilities on the truck you own or plan to buy, because truck cargo and towing capacities can vary widely depending on the engine, the cab configuration, and transmission gearing.

Winnebego Winnebego

Length: 20 to 40 feet Weight: Typically 7,000 pounds and up, excluding a few small models Sleeps: Four to eight people Price: $20,000 to $150,000

• Provide more living space for their towing length.
• Fifth-wheel hitches tend to be very stable for towing.
• Typically has a dedicated bedroom in front.
• Often needs a heavy-duty truck.
• Tall height might not fit under some bridges.
• The truck bed’s use will be limited when you’re towing.
• Not many truly small fifth-wheel trailers are available; “lightweight” ones typically weigh at least 7,000 pounds.

Toy Haulers or 'Sport-Utility Trailers'

Toy haulers or “sport-utility trailers” can come in any travel trailer type. They usually have an enclosed garage in back, designed for carrying motorcycles, ATVs, or other outdoor playthings. A ramp is built in off the back of the trailer, letting you drive these toys out. The ramp itself can often be used as a porch once the toy is unloaded.

Length: 18 to 40 feet Weight: 3,000 to 10,000 pounds Sleeps: Four to eight people Price: $10,000 to $150,000

• Lots of storage space.
• Provides garage space to keep things dry or store tools.
• Garage can be used for additional sleeping space or a room to hang out in.
• Unique porch functionality.
• Shrinks available living space.
• Putting heavy ATVs or motorcycles at the rear can hurt trailer balance and handling.

Truck Campers

Truck campers slide into the back of a pickup truck’s bed—no towing needed. Often they stick out over the top of the truck’s cab to increase living space. Lightweight “expedition style” models usually have tentlike fabric sides that pop up to add headroom.

The key for truck-camper owners is having enough payload capacity. Some pop-top lightweight models fit into smaller trucks, but the typical hard-sided truck camper is too heavy for a half-ton truck, unless that truck is carefully optioned to maximize payload. Most owners tend to use heavy-duty trucks.

Length: 6 to 12 feet Weight: 1,000 to 3,000 pounds Sleeps: Two to four people Price: $15,000 to $50,000

• Compact and easy to drive; not much bigger than the truck itself.
• Allows for off-roading adventures.
• Some specialty models fit in midsized trucks, such as the Toyota Tacoma.
• Not much living space.
• It can be a high climb to get in.
• Typical hard-sided truck campers require a heavy-duty truck.
• It can be a hassle to install and remove from truck.
• Often expensive for their size.

Bottom Line

No matter which recreational trailer or RV you buy, take time making your decision. A common adage is to “buy your third trailer first” because many people who stick with this hobby go through two or three RVs before they find the right fit. In other words, pace yourself and do your research.

You can accelerate that process (and maybe save grief and money) by renting an RV before you buy. That will help you sort out which kind of floor plan and features are important for your type of camping and your family.

Shopping for a Pickup Truck?

See our pickup truck buying guide and ratings.

What to Know About Towing

There are so many vehicles to satisfy your inner adventurer. On the " Consumer 101 " TV show, Consumer Reports expert Mike Monticello explains to host Jack Rico what to know about getting these beauties from point A to point B.

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The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2023

From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures.

Touring the country is a magnificent and popular adventure. Using a camper trailer is an economical way of getting around for long and short journeys. It can be less expensive than hotels, requires less maintenance and upkeep than a motorhome, and the tow vehicle can be used for trail and around-the-city duties.

Well-constructed trailers allow us to venture through and settle in closer to nature, away from everyday distractions. Setups with solar panels, battery power, water tanks, and propane help us go even further off-grid and stay untethered longer.

After testing a wide variety of camper trailers, our team narrowed it down to the top 10 designs that suit a wide variety of trip goals and needs. If you have questions about camper trailers, check out the buyer’s guide and FAQ at the end of this article. Otherwise, hop to a category that interests you or scroll through our picks:

• Best Overall
• Best Runner-Up
• Best Budget
• Best for Off-Road Travel

Best of the Rest

The best camper trailers of 2023, best overall camper trailer: taxa outdoors tigermoth.

Hauling a camper trailer with conventional comforts is a balancing act when the places you adventure to are among the toughest to reach. Fortunately for exploratory travelers , the TigerMoth Overland ($27,900), made by Taxa Outdoors, is cozy, functional, and a haul-anywhere trailer without being high-maintenance, heavy, or difficult to maneuver.

One of our favorite features is that the sleeping area converts into a dining area, workspace, or group hangout. The swing-up side door creates great airflow when you’re sitting at the kitchen table and expands the space while providing protection from the elements. 

We also dig the axleless suspension and 1.5 feet of ground clearance. For families, the ceiling is outfitted for a rooftop tent. Read all the nitty-gritty details in our full review of the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer .

• Dry weight: 1,458 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 2,400 lbs.
• Exterior length: 12 ft., 9 in.
• Exterior height: 7 ft.
• Exterior width: 6 ft., 7 in.
• Price : $27,900
• Convertible, adaptive space
• A fair amount of storage room
• Solid, functional window and bug shades
• The bed padding isn’t plush or innately comfortable
• It lacks an outdoor shower and sink
• The awning isn’t durable

Check Price at Taxa Outdoors

Best Runner-Up: Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS

Winnebago’s Micro Minnie model ($24,977) is a luxurious choice for family or group trips to haul behind an SUV or half-ton truck . The layout includes an easy-to-use Murphy bed with a regular queen-size mattress and windows for cross-ventilation.

Beneath, the pass-through storage has an insulated door, which is clutch with the bed directly above. The dinette has a push-down table that converts into another bed.

The kitchen is complete with a microwave, refrigerator, and three-burner cooktop. The deep barn sink can be capped off with a cutting board that sits flush with the counter. Another flip-up bunk bed creates additional storage for bulky equipment like bikes. And the bathroom features tons of storage space for linens and headroom in the shower.

• Dry weight: 4,500 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 7,000 lbs.
• Exterior length: 25 ft., 5 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in. (with A/C)
• Exterior width: 7 ft.
• Price: $24,977 (well below the MSRP of $40,971)
• 44 cu. ft. of exterior storage
• Power awning with LED lights to easily enjoy outdoor space
• 15-inch lift and off-road tires
• LED exterior lights
• Only 7 feet wide
• Lightweight but still heavier to haul compared to ultralight trailers for smaller groups

Check Price at Travel Camp

Best Budget Camper Trailer: Colorado Teardrops Canyonland

The Colorado Teardrops Canyonland trailer ($26,500) is a popular choice among crossover and SUV drivers. The cabin and galley are built with maple wood, which creates a warm light, and the bottom of the trailer is protected by a steel powder-coated plate. The queen-size bed platform converts into a table and bench, which is a wonderful option for road trips that exceed a week.

The streamlined underfloor storage is a great spot for bedding or other slim items. We tested the Canyonland model with the overhead skylight and loved the nighttime view of the stars. The electric fan and screened windows offered great air circulation when needed.

From an à la carte menu, you can add more features like solar panels and cargo racks for an extra cost. Check out our full review of the Colorado Teardrops Canyonland trailer .

• Dry weight: 1,150 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 2,200 lbs.
• Exterior length: 8.5 ft.
• Exterior height: 3.8 ft.
• Exterior width: 5 ft.
• Price: $26,500
• Welded, aircraft-grade, structural aluminum frames for rigidity and a long lifespan
• Comparatively low price point
• A multitude of options are available, such as a skylight window, battery and solar power panels, roof rack, and more
• Interior cabinetry lacks a way to secure items from moving while in transit
• The kitchen galley door blocks weather from above but not sideways elements like wind
• We wish the trailer included blinds for the side windows and skylight

Check Price at Colorado Teardrops

Best for Off-Road Travel: Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper

We really appreciate the 1.9-foot ground clearance, off-road tires, articulating hitch, and Timbren axle-free independent suspension of the Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper ($49,995). Just in case you get stuck, there’s a heavy-duty D-ring to drag the trailer out with a winch.

The frame features additional weld strength, including extra gussets that provide torque resistance for extreme off-road travel. The outside compartment has pass-through storage, a utility box, and a power box that includes two batteries, a power transfer case, and a prewired 140-watt solar panel . There’s also a water heater and outdoor shower.

The cook station features a pantry, drawers, a two-burner stove, a deep sink, and cabinets. There’s also a slideout refrigerator with an optional freezer compartment. A pop-down work table extends from the back of the spare tire, and the bike rack hookup doesn’t interfere with accessing the galley.

Its optional bonus storage holds two extra 5-gallon jerry cans. And the optional rooftop tent (for an additional $3,000) can sleep three kiddos or two adults.

• Dry weight : 2,600 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 3,600 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15 ft.
• Exterior width: 7.4 ft.
• Price: $49,995
• Birchwood cabinetry
• Interior LED lights
• Removable step for entry
• Wind-resistant, 180-degree awning
• Lacks interior daytime lounge space
• Doesn’t have built-in floor space to remove shoes inside
• Expensive construction

Check Price at Vorsheer

Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0

This off-road trailer ($31,500) is comfortable, functional, and durable for boondocking in rugged environments. The high-density, queen-size memory foam mattress is welcomed after a long day outdoors.

The exterior storage bins are powder-coated for durability, and they have lockable compression latches that block dust. The water tank boasts a 31-gallon capacity. It has 23 cubic feet of interior storage and 13 cubic feet of storage in the rear cabinet.

We appreciate the 55L fridge-freezer that pulls out. The dropdown dual-burner stove and deep sink are smart, streamlined designs. The sink has a cover to convert into a prep counter.

It’s also a luxury to have hot water on demand and an outdoor showerhead to rinse off the grime.

Note: You can opt for upgrades that swap out the standard bed for a convertible bed-to-couch or add a rooftop tent .

• Dry weight: 1,700 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 3,500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13.8 ft.
• Exterior height: 6.6 ft.
• Price: $31,500
• Timbren axleless suspension and all-terrain tires are dependable for off-road travel
• The trailer is built with aluminum and a powder-coated steel frame for durability
• 23 Zero Peregrine 270 Awning provides 270 degrees of outdoor protection
• Rooftop storage bin for firewood or other items
• 1.75 ft. of ground clearance
• The pantry is located on the back, while the kitchen is on the side

Black Series HQ19

The Black Series HQ19 ($59,995) is one of the only full-size tow-behind trailers we’ve tested that truly can handle off-road adventures, plus there’s a bunch of space for gear. We loved the Polyblock hitch, which has 360-degree articulation, and the suspension.

Overall, the build is luxuriously comfortable. It features a queen-size bed and loads of storage for skis, ski boots , bike pumps, packs, camp chairs, a battery generator, and more.

Our cross-country travel was cozy thanks to the oven, washing machine, fridge, freezer, outdoor kitchen, dinette, oversize windows, robust solar system, full-size stall shower, and hot water. Check out our full review of the Black Series HQ19 .

• Dry weight: 6,122 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 10,000 lbs.
• Exterior length: 26 ft.
• Exterior height: 10 ft.
• Exterior width: 7.5 ft.
• Price: $59,995
• Tows smoothly on-highway and off-road with excellent suspension
• Tons of storage space
• Includes a washing machine
• Lacks USB plugs inside
• The fridge is propane or plug-in only versus solar- or battery-powered

Forest River Explore R-Pod RP-193

The R-Pod RP-193 travel trailer ($37,433) is a great match for family trips. The queen-size Murphy bed is easy to convert into a daytime sofa, plus a pair of twin bunk beds. Another sofa provides seating for five.

The indoor kitchen features a large pantry, a two-burner stove, and a deep sink with a cover. There’s an outdoor griddle, too, to help keep odors outside. Altogether, the trailer has a good layout for getting good shuteye, recovering from a day outside, or hunkering down from harsh weather.

• Dry weight: 3,654 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): Unavailable
• Exterior length: 22 ft., 11 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 10 in.
• Exterior width: 8 ft.
• Price: $37,433
• Plenty of space for perishables in the 6 cu. ft. refrigerator
• A 10-foot awning provides nice sun and rain protection
• Storage cubbies in the bathroom are a bit tight

Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer

To reach remote trailheads with this Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer ($23,900), we’re drawn to the off-road package with the Timbren Axleless suspension and 4-inch lift for a 1.5-foot clearance. The setup also boasts all-terrain tires, an articulating hitch, and jeep-style fenders with corner steps.

Considering aesthetics, the design is top-notch. It features fine woodworking throughout the exterior kitchen galley and the interior storage cubbies around the queen-size bed. This is a great choice for single travelers or couples.

• Dry weight: 1,500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 14 ft.
• Exterior height: 6 ft.
• Exterior width: 83-85 in.
• Price: $23,900
• Large skylight in cabin
• Well-crafted kitchen cabinets with various storage options
• Seven 12V LED lights total
• Condensation builds inside the trailer overnight (so we keep rags handy)
• No floor indoor space for the dog’s bed
• Not much cargo space for gear

nüCamp RV Tab S Teardrop Camper

This classic teardrop design is suitable for weekend adventures or longer road trips. The nüCamp RV Tab S Teardrop camper ($31,523) features a galley kitchen, wet bath, and dinette that converts into a comfortable sleep space that can be split or full.

From the windows to the appliances and cabinetry, this camper is well-built and super easy to tow behind a medium-size SUV or pickup truck. We also appreciated the off-road tires and easy-to-clean floor.

• Dry weight: 1,946 lbs.
• Max capacity (GVWR): 2,900 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15 ft., 3 in.
• Exterior height: 7 ft., 8 in.
• Exterior width: 6 ft., 8 in.
• Price: $31,523
• Optional hot water system and central A/C
• Two-burner glass-top stove
• Storage doors stay closed while on the go
• The wet bath is a little tight
• Not ideal for taller folks above 5’10”

Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB

After testing the Flying Cloud 23FB on a turkey hunting trip, we found it was a great size for two friends or partners on a road trip. The Flying Cloud ($85,300) features an indoor shower, bathroom, kitchen, and dining table. Every component on this Airstream felt sturdy, from the door latches to the light switches.

The digital thermostat and furnace were super responsive, and the stereo was solid. The build also managed temperature swings, keeping us cool in the day’s heat and warm at night. Read our full review of the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB .

• Dry weight: 4,806 lbs. (with gas and batteries)
• Max capacity (GVWR): 6,000 lbs.
• Exterior length: 23 ft., 9 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 9 in. (with A/C)
• Price: $85,300
• Queen-size bed with a pillow-top memory foam mattress
• Optional rooftop solar package
• Heavy-duty deadbolt on front door
• Microwave in kitchen
• Windows can be challenging to open
• Space feels a bit tight with three adults

Check Price at Airstream

Why You Can Trust GearJunkie

We get that people want the best value on gear before spending their hard-earned money. Our expert team carefully selects the products we cover and vigorously researches (and tests) our top choices. Bottom line: The GearJunkie staff is dedicated to exhaustive analysis and helping our readers make informed choices. 

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Camper Trailer

The dry weight of the camper trailers listed in our guide ranges from 1,458 to 6,122 pounds. That weight typically excludes water, gas, batteries, or additional accessories like rooftop tents and racks. Pay attention to the dry weight of the camper so you can determine if the build is within the payload of your vehicle.

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum total weight the trailer can safely weigh. The GVWR includes the dry weight, also known as the curb weight, plus the weight of people, accessories, supplies, and all your outdoor gear.

The GVWR of these trailer picks ranges from 2,200 to 10,000 pounds. You’ll need the GVWR so that you can calculate how much equipment you can safely haul in the trailer on the road, as well as how many people can sleep inside.

Clearance & Tires

If you plan on driving through rugged terrain that would require 4WD, you should invest in a trailer with generous ground clearance and off-road tires , and consider an articulating hitch to prevent toppling over on uneven terrain. Sturdier tires can also provide better traction on slick roads with snow or rain.

The ground clearance of the off-road models on our list range from 1.5 to 1.9 feet on the Timberleaf Classic Teardrop Trailer , Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper , Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 , and Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Overland .

When we take a close look at tires, the TigerMoth Overland is outfitted with the 225/75R16 ( Cooper Tires Discoverer AT3 LT ), offering a tread guard against rocks and gravel, extreme durability, and solid grip on wet roads or trails.

By comparison, the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB has Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 Tires, which are great for towing stability and a high load capacity but are not ideal for rough terrain.

Sleep Space

At a minimum, our favorite compact travel trailers offer space for two people to sleep. A portion of these designs include cabins with a nonconvertible queen-size bed. Other trailer designs have options for a couch-to-bed conversion, like the TigerMoth Overland or Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 , or a structure that supports a rooftop tent.

The larger travel trailers on our list feature a range of comfortable overnight options. The designs range from daytime couches and fold-down Murphy beds to bunk beds to dinettes that transform into a bed. If you’re a taller or wider person, pay attention to the specific bed size.

For instance, the Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS has a full queen-size mattress, whereas some trailers will have a narrower queen-size mattress. The Winnebago Micro Minnie 2306BHS also has a bunk bed that can fold up, so more space is available for storage when the bed isn’t needed.

Also, not all mattresses are created equal. The pad in the TigerMoth Overland is firm with no cushion or give. However, the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 features a high-density memory foam mattress, and the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB has a pillow-top memory foam mattress.

A handful of the tidiest travel trailers have indoor space that’s solely dedicated to a queen-size bed and cubbies. Other tight trailers have beds that convert into a daytime couch or even have a table that can be easily installed. We like that even when the couch is pulled down into a bed in the TigerMoth Overland , there’s still a space to pull our shoes on and off.

Many trailers include an awning, which becomes a gem when you consider how much more space everyone will have to lounge out of the sun and rain at camp. Larger travel trailers typically have indoor sofas and dining tables that often convert into a bed.

Pricier, larger travel trailers have indoor kitchens with a range of features. Inside, you’ll often find a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, oven, sink, two- or three-burner stove, cabinets, countertop space, and dining table.

More compact, less expensive travel trailers have outdoor kitchens, and there’s a variety of unique designs. A galley organizes the kitchen area on the back of the rig, like on the Timberleaf Classic Off-Road Teardrop Trailer .

Other designs have pull-out drawers or fold-down units with the pantry, stove, sink, or countertop like the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 or the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer .

The spacious travel trailers on our list have indoor bathrooms with a toilet and standup shower. Tinier travel trailers don’t have an indoor bathroom, but a handful have an outdoor shower head with warm water hookups like the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 and Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper .

If your camper trailer doesn’t have an indoor bathroom and you’re posted up in a remote place, be sure to research that location’s human waste and Leave No Trace requirements — whether that means digging a cathole or using a WAG bag.

Interior Storage

Interior storage space is great for organizing apparel, cosmetics, electronics, and other comforts. Inside, travel trailers often feature storage space like shelves and cubbies, but not all offer a latch system to hold items in place while driving around.

There can also be storage space beneath the mattress. The Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer had an aluminum interior frame, which extended onto the doors, with numerous holes to clip carabiners, hang dish towels, or slide in hangers to dry gear like our dense wetsuits .

Larger travel trailers usually have ample storage space, including cubbies beneath sofas, cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen, and even hanging closets.

Exterior Storage

Outside, tidy travel trailers can also have a toolbox, tongue box, or racks for storing gear and equipment. Large travel trailers also often have storage compartments facing outward, which sometimes include pass-through storage space.

Doors & Windows

We really appreciate it when the doors and windows are built to last in a travel trailer. One of the most unique door configurations is on the Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer . There’s a back door that swings open and a second door that opens upward like the gullwing doors on the DMC DeLorean in “Back to the Future.” Nearly the entire wall serves as a sturdy canopy.

Windows are great for allowing ample light and can help a space feel bigger, but shades are equally important for privacy and to block out the light of the full moon or campground lamp. Slide-down shades can black out the inside of the trailer, and bug screens can enable airflow regardless of bug activity. It’s also nice to have windows that can be locked when they’re cracked.

Electric, Solar, Gas, and Water

You’ll need to closely consider how much energy and resources you’ll need between trips to a gas station, store, or an overnight stay with shore power.

Even if you don’t plan to charge your laptop or watch television — an option in larger travel trailers — it’s nice to have battery power. The battery can run indoor and outdoor LED lights around the kitchen and doors, as well as the roof exhaust fan — and it can charge up phones. Many travel trailers feature a prewired solar inlet to get an energy boost off solar panels, too.

Each trailer will have a specific capacity for gas and water carry. For instance, the Off Grid Trailers Expedition 2.0 water tank boasts a 31-gallon capacity. The Vorsheer XOC Extreme Overland Camper has upgrade options for a 30-gallon water tank and bonus storage that holds two extra 5-gallon jerry cans. The Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Camper Trailer holds one 5-gallon jerry can.

In contrast, larger travel trailers have a greater water capacity, in great part to manage the bathroom. The Black Series HQ19 comes with a 50-gallon water tank for supply, a 26-gallon gray water tank for collection (for all used water except from the toilet), and a 26-gallon black water tank for all toilet waste.

Often trailers include an indoor smoke detector, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide detector.

How much weight can you tow?

Check your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual for the payload, max towing, and tongue weight rating. Be sure not to exceed those caps with what’s hauled in the trailer and in the vehicle.

What camper trailer features allow off-road capability?

If you intend to off-road with your trailer, be sure to pick one with durable, all-terrain tires that can handle paved, gravel, dirt, and rocky surfaces. Look for a steel frame, ample clearance, axleless suspension, burly fenders, and articulating hitch.

How long do camper trailers last?

Most camper trailers will last between 10 and 15 years. However, numerous factors determine the lifespan of a camper trailer, and the most unpredictable is the human element. Outside elements that affect the lifespan of a camper trailer include the original design, build quality, usage, and storage when not traveling.

Assuming it is a quality-built trailer, is stored properly when not in service, and received regular maintenance, it’s normal to see camper trailers in use after 15 years from when it was bought brand new.

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Based among the awe-inspiring peaks of Crested Butte, Colorado, Morgan Tilton is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie honing the SnowSports Buyer’s Guides alongside warmer coverage. More broadly, she’s an adventure journalist specializing in outdoor industry news and adventure travel stories, which she’s produced for more than a decade and more than 80 publications to date. A recipient of 14 North American Travel Journalists Association awards, when she’s not recovering from high alpine or jungle expeditions she’s usually trail running, mountain biking, or splitboarding in Southwest Colorado, where she grew up and lives today. From resort to backcountry and human-powered to motorized travel, she loves sliding across snow.

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The 15 Best Camper Vans for Road-Tripping in Style

Now you can experience #vanlife in comfort and style..

Senior Staff Writer

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The first years of this decade have already provided ample evidence that it’s important to get away from our daily lives from time to time.  And you don’t have to suffer the airport hordes or step foot on a plane to do so. We currently find ourselves in something of a golden age for luxury trailers, which has made it easier than ever to take your life on the road without sacrificing many, and in some cases any, of the comforts of home. And now, there are plenty of manufacturers and dedicated conversion shops giving the same treatment to vans and other similar vehicles. They may not be able to sleep as many people as their hulking cousins—with one key exception—but these all-in-one wonders come loaded with perks such as high-end kitchens, Wi-Fi-enabled multimedia systems, and plush beds. Plus, their relatively smaller size means they are more agile, off-road friendly, and easier to park. Below are 15 campers that will let you experience #vanlife in comfort and style.

Our Best Camper Van Picks

Best overall: airstream interstate 24x, best for off-roading: jayco terrain, best for weekend getaways: mercedes-benz eqt marco polo, best for off-the-grid trips: winnebago solis, best for cyclists: outside van tails, best for camping (anywhere): storyteller overland beast mode 4×4, best to live in: loki expeditions discovery series, best all-electric option: tonke eqv.

• Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl

Best With a Bathroom and Shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

Best for $50,000: caravan outfitter free bird, best for families: winnebago boldt, best for winter road trips: sportsmobile sprinter 4×4, best conversion: boho old faithful, best for diy couples: ford transit trail.

Airstream. Thankfully, the company isn’t afraid to branch out. Just look at the  Interstate 24X , the trailer maker’s attempt to take the camper van to new heights. Built on the bones of a  Mercedes-Benz  Sprinter—like a lot of the models on this list—the vehicle has everything you need to rough it in comfort. Airstream has done a lot to maximize space in its climate-controlled cabin. A modular dining table doubles as a desk, and it can be easily converted into the largest sleeping area in a Class B Motorhome. There’s also a full mini kitchen and bathroom. You can take the van off-roading, too. In addition to a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine that churns out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque, it also comes equipped with four-wheel drive, a height-adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the all-around beast starts at $213,850.

Special Features: —A climate-controlled living area that has been designed to maximize available space. —A modular dinner table, a mini-kitchen and a bathroom with a toilet.

Jayco is best known for its hulking travel trailers, but like Airstream, it can do compact, too (well, compact enough to fit in a parking space, that is). The US company’s new  Terrain  model, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to veer from the beaten path. As the name suggests, it’s designed for off-roading, with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an additional trailer if you need more room. Inside, it’s a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space beneath. There’s even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

Special Features: —Equipped with Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer and a heavy-duty tow hitch. —Kitchenette can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

Mercedes-Benz clearly doesn’t want to relinquish its title as the go-to van maker for outdoor lovers. At last year’s Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the German marque showed off a prototype based on its upcoming all-electric EQT van called the Marco Polo. The stylish EV has everything you need for a weekend at the campground and is more compact than the ubiquitous Sprinter. When the van’s rear seats are folded down, the back can be used as either a sleeping area with room for a double bed or a cooking and entertaining space. The kitchen doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other entries on this list, but it does have a pull-out stove, fridge and sink. There’s also a pop-up, roof-mounted tent if your travel party includes more than two. The Marco Polo is a concept, but Mercedes will sell a module that will allow you to turn any EQT into a camper van when the $51,500 EV goes on sale in the spring.

Special Features: —All-electric power train, so you don’t have to worry about doing too much damage to nature while you explore it. —Its  camping  gear—from the bed to the kitchenette—is part of a module that can be fully removed when you need more cargo room.

The Winnebago Solis is for adventurers who don’t want to be confined to the campground. The van is available with an optional power kit that has everything a group of up to four adults needs to spend a few days off-the-grid. The setup, which includes an inverter, a shore battery converter, a battery energy converter, a solar energy converter and an alternator energy optimizer, can produce enough power to keep the van and all its features running for up to 72 hours. On top of that, the van features a kitchenette, a convertible entertainment area with room for a double bed, and a full-width wet bath.

Special Features: —A unique power kit that can provide enough power to spend up to 72 hours off the grid. —Still has all the features you’d expect from a luxe camper van, including a full-width wet bath.

If you like to mix biking and camping, Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brand’s  Tails  model is a camper van designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a roll-over sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle that’s basically an on-the-go bicycle repair shop, with a fold-down work table, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn’t enough, it somehow has room for six bikes, even when the bed is laid out for the night.

Special Features: —The back of the van is basically a bicycle-repair shop with a fold-down table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools. —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeping area is out.

This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure van. The  Beast Mode 4×4  is the outfit’s most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you may have guessed from the company’s name). It’s a true 4×4 powered by a 188 hp turbodiesel V-6 that’s strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its slick retro-style livery is offset with loads of useful off-roading gear, too, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and a side ladder and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to relax after a day of exploring, including a cushy lounge that can be converted to a full-size sleeping area. There’s even a climate-control system to ensure you’re comfortable no matter the weather outside. It’s priced at a flat $198,746, for everything listed above.

Special Features: —Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow 5,000 extra pounds. —Surprisingly cushy lounge for an off-roading beast.

Let’s get this out of the way: the Loki Expeditions Discovery Series isn’t technically a camper van. It’s a giant expedition vehicle, but because its cabin is installed directly onto a heavy-duty truck chassis you also don’t need anything to tow it. The vehicle’s cabin is what separates it from anything else on this list. Loki Expeditions has turned a shipping container—yes, you read that right—into a full-featured living space that has all the amenities you’d expect to find in a luxury apartment, including a full kitchen with a large fridge, an entertainment area with a U-shaped banquet, and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It’s also big enough to sleep six adults, with room for two in the dedicated bedroom and four in the entertainment area. And because the heavy-duty vehicle, which starts at $550,000, has all-wheel drive, you can take it practically anywhere.

Special Features: —Cabin has all the features you’d expect to find in a well-appointed apartment and can sleep six adults. —Built on a burly heavy-duty truck chassis that gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path.

Looking for an EV you can take to the campground. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size—it’s smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter—Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to outfit it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a workspace along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two more, too). Best of all, there are two variants available—the Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and the Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

Special Features: —Fully electronic power train means you won’t have to worry about filling up the tank (though the battery is another story). —Can sleep up to four even despite its relatively compact size.

Best for G-Wagen Lovers: Terracamper Tecrawl 

The Tecrawl isn’t a camper van per se, but it’s hard to leave something this cool off a list like this. Terracamper’s latest offering is based on one of Mercedes-Benz’s most legendary vehicles, the G-Wagen . The German shop has dreamed up a modular accessory kit for the luxury 4×4, that starts at $11,900 and includes a roof-mounted tent, a convertible sofa, and a pull-out kitchenette with a fridge box. Thanks to the ingenious setup, the boxy SUV can sleep up to three and act as your home base next time you want to rough it for the weekend. And because it’s a G-Wagen you can take it as far off-road as you want.

Special Features: —A G-Wagen but has room for up to three people to sleep. —Packs a brawny powertrain that’s well-suited for off-road adventures.

Thor Motor Coach makes camper vans for those uninterested in making sacrifices. With the  Sanctuary , the company has taken Mercedes-Benz’s already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live on—on or off the grid. The off-road-ready vehicle comes in two configurations—the 19P ($148,680), which features a back bench that converts into a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed there’s still plenty of room for other creature comforts, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV and a kitchen with a sink, a dual-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven and a fridge. An Onan 2500 LP generator keeps everything up and running, too, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There’s also retractable power awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

Special Features: —Full-featured bathroom has a sink, a shower and a toilet. —Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

Caravan Outfitter’s third-generation Free Bird isn’t the most feature-laden camper van out there, but it has everything you and the family need to spend a weekend (or more) at the campground. The van, which starts at $50,810, is built on the relatively compact Ford Transit Connect platform but still has room for a full-size bed, a multi-purpose table that can be used as a dinette or workstation, and a pull-out kitchenette with a sink. Because it’s smaller than other options on this list, it only has room to sleep two, but there are several enticing add-ons, including roof- and rear-mounted capsule tents, in case you’re traveling group includes more people.

Special Features: —It’s the rare camper van that’s small enough to be comfortably parked inside your garage. —Caravan Outfitters offers several intriguing add-ons so you customize it to your liking.

Airstream isn’t the only famous RV maker that’s gotten into the camper van game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxe  Boldt . Despite being nowhere near as long as one of its campers—it caps out at 22 feet in length—the $230,276 van has everything you’d expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a fully functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several interior decor options to choose from, each of which delivers an updated take on classic Winnebago style. The Boldt is designed for paved roads and campgrounds, but if you want a more rugged ride, the brand also offers the off-road-ready  Revel.

Special Features: —Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there’s plenty of room for you and yours. —Enough space for dedicated entertaining and sleeping areas.

Take one look at  Sportsmobile’s Sprinter 4×4  and it’s clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit’s stripped-down take on Mercedes’s ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the toughest terrain. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with a full-featured kitchen. If you want even more room, you can also opt for a pop-up sleeping area that’ll make it that much easier to lounge in comfort.

Special Features: —Well insulated throughout, but also has space for a propane furnace or heater. — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive mean it can take on any terrain.

Struggling to find a camper van that’s just right? Boho might be able to help. The Arizona-based company specializes in conversions and will work with you to create the vehicle of your dreams. The company offers several 20- to 24-foot layouts—of which the most popular is the appropriately named Old Faithful—that can be further tailored to meet your needs, whether your priority is multi-season versatility, lots of cooking space, or spending serious amounts of time on the road. The company also offers plenty of cool add-ons too, like wood paneling and flooring.

Special Features: —Versatile layouts that can be further customized so that you’re getting the exact van you want. —The wooden interior option looks better than it has any right to.

Ford’s ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter off its perch. The Detroit giant unveiled its own camper van, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van but is taller, wider and outfitted with protective body cladding. It’s also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the camper van of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a slew of features that will come in handy at the campground, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves, a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It also available in three body configurations—medium-roof, standard length; high-roof, standard length; and high-roof, extended length—one of which should fit your needs.

Special Features: —It’s basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper. —Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.

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Road tripping through Europe with a campervan in 2024 (Itinerary)

With another eventful year behind us, where our trips were less wild and our adventures less spontaneous than they used to be. A year where we were constantly inspired by the beautiful pictures and crazy videos that our social media algorithms presented us.

Since we knew the roads would be calmer in November so we decided to follow our ‘Saved Instagram pictures’ and enjoy a wonderful autumn trip through Europe.

Our bucket list took us from the outskirts of Brussels to gorgeous medieval German castles, from the astonishing Dolomites to the picturesque Venice, and finally from fashionable Milan to the peaceful Strasbourg – How is that for an adventure?

In this itinerary, we’ve listed all the info you’ll need for a road trip through Europe with a campervan; what items to pack, how to rent a campervan, itinerary ideas, and finally: some tips for a fantastic adventure on the road.

Page Contents

Our road trip summarized in numbers. 

• 1x stuck in the Italian snow
• Crossed 7 country borders
• 0 Speeding tickets
• … a thousand new adventures and stories to tell about

The roadtrip

After an earlier adventure in which we discovered the Dolomites with a campervan , we immediately knew that we wanted to travel the same way; through Europe with a campervan! 

As we see it, this is the easiest solution to travel through various countries while still complying with all the COVID measurements and having a minimal risk for infection; we’d stay in our own bubble while still having all the comfort we needed: large beds, a small kitchen, and even a shower!

Our goal would be to drive from Brussels to Venice and back while discovering the most fabulous places we could find; after all, we had an immense amount of inspiration and a huge bucket list of places to visit. 

Essentials for a road trip in a campervan

Are you planning to go on a campervan road trip, but want to make sure you have the essentials with you? We briefly listed the essentials that made sure our trip was a success.

Ecoflow River Pro Powerstation

As content creators, we’re always haunted by our fear of not having enough power, from the fear of being stranded in the middle of nowhere without a GPS to the fear of having a dying camera battery just when you’re about to shoot your favorite location. 

Either way: We’ve all been there, so we all know these are valid worries! No wonder why one of Google’s top road trip-related searches is about finding or generating power. While there are various solutions, we found one that put our minds at ease before starting our road trip; The Ecoflow River Pro Powerstation !

In essence, the Ecoflow River Pro is a massive power bank with 2 AC power outlets and a few USB connections, generating enough power to charge our Macbook M1 Pro laptop 13 times, our smartphone 58 times, and our Sony A7III camera over 30 times. Due to its dimensions, the River Pro can usually last 8 hours, being a massive help for every road trip.

When you’re planning to cross various borders or wander around mountain passes, you’ll have to switch radio stations regularly, or you’ll end up with noise. Our trick? Make sure everyone has made their own Spotify playlist in advance! That way, you won’t be bothered by the noise and leave room for spontaneous singalong moments to occur.

Data Roaming

If you are located in Europe and are traveling through various countries, you’ll need to ensure that your data roaming is enabled on your phone to keep having an internet connection. 

You shouldn’t worry about the amount of roaming you use, thanks to the European Union’s roaming regulations which say data providers can’t charge for roaming in the European Union. However, keep in mind: Switzerland is not included in this regulation! So don’t forget to turn off your Data Roaming when entering Switzerland.

What have we learned about road tripping through Europe with a campervan?

Our campervan trip through Europe confirmed something we already knew: that it’s very easy to travel between European countries. A 100 kilometers drive can bring you to a different cultural and diverse community.

Next to this, we had a few other learnings as well. 

The ease of a camping site with decent facilities

While traveling in a sustainable campervan, you’ve got different options in terms of camping:

• You could visit an official campsite which has loads of facilities.
• You could park overnight at Highway stops.
• You could wild camp and stay at a new place every night.

Most European countries have different rules and regulations about camping, but generally, they (Switzerland, Italy,…) aren’t allowing wild camping … which makes it technically illegal. However, in most cases, overnight parking where you don’t set up camp or leave in less than 24 hours is allowed. 

Our tip? Make sure you can drive off at any moment so that nobody can complain about it.

The thing is: If you’re on the road for over a week, you’ll need to clean your campervan and want a more luxury shower. Don’t hesitate to stop wild camping and pause at a camping site with decent facilities. 

The ease of planning

Being prepared for your campervan trip ensures that you can switch gears faster and need to spend less time worrying. The things that helped us a lot were:

• Backup locations. Since we used our itinerary as a guideline, we had the flexibility to skip specific locations because of bad weather. Having backup locations made it less of a hassle to find hidden gems.
• Ecoflow River Pro . We knew we would probably wild-camp a lot, which meant not having the power to charge our electronic devices (laptop, camera,…). Luckily our friends at Dutchtravelshop.nl hooked us up with this mobile power station, which we didn’t have to recharge one single time during our 8-day trip.

The costs Tolls and Vignettes

Something we have underestimated is the fact that most European countries have toll roads, which can make your trip very expensive very fast. Luckily, there are exceptions, such as Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium.

Some countries such as Austria and Switzerland are working with a vignette, which is a prepaid motorway toll in the form of a sticker you typically purchase from petrol stations before you cross the border and which you stick on your windscreen.

Alternatively, you can always avoid tolls by picking alternative routes on Google Maps or Waze, but these will guide you through the smaller roads, resulting in a slower and longer route. 

Our tip? If you have the time, save your money and go for the slower, more scenic route. If you’re in a hurry or have a tight schedule: go via the tollways.

Our road trip Itinerary

Since the lockdown started, we’ve been saving Instagram pictures of destinations that inspired us and deserved a place on our bucket list. We’ve added them all to a Google Maps collection and started planning the regions we wanted to visit.

From there on, we casually decided that we wanted to visit the Dolomites, Venice, and Milan. Because the beauty of a road trip in a campervan is that you can make up your itinerary along the way: when you’re experiencing bad weather, you can just start a few 100 km’s and adjust your itinerary as you go.

Additionally, once your start to post Instagram stories or timeline pictures of your trip, people will automatically start to recommend locations that weren’t on your bucket list to start with!

Remember that our style is to have a flexible road trip itinerary and adjust our planning accordingly. As a result, we’ll need an internet connection during our trip, which can’t always be found when traveling to rural destinations like the dolomites.

DAY 1 – Getting started

Our first day was mainly focused on picking up our campervan, unpacking the bags, and learning how to drive the campervan properly. Ultimately we already wanted to drive to our first location so that we could start our hike early!

Pickup Campervan in Brussels

We started our trip by picking up the campervan in Brussels in the afternoon, where we finally met the owners of the campervan face-to-face, received an extensive explanation of how the campervan functions, and finally managed the paperwork (for example; noting down the milage of the car, check for damages, etc).

After unpacking our bags and filling the drawers, we started driving towards our adventure! We left Brussels around 3 pm and drove straight to our first stop in Rheinland-Pfalz. Just when we crossed the steep hills of Malmedy, darkness fell over the highway, and fog started to appear. 

Since the darkness prevented us from sightseeing opportunities, we quickly arrived at our first stopover and sleeping place – the “Wanderparkplatz” in Nothweiler on the German-French border . This parking is located in the middle of the woods, which explains why we came across some wild boars on our way to the parking spot.

Wegelnburg – Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler

After (wild) parking at Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler, we looked up at the sky and noticed how beautiful the stars were in the sky. We decided to unpack our Nanlite Pavotube II’s light tubes and used them to illuminate the (unlit) hiking trail, looking for the perfect spot to stargaze.

We decided to follow the winding hiking trail that crosses the German-French border until we found an open spot, which we used to capture the stars.

Day 2 – Chasing castles

We knew in advance that during our road trip to Venice, we had to pass through the German provinces of Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg. Both regions are known for their medieval castles, of which most have a panoramic view.

Our goal was to visit the most impressive castles on our route to Venice.

Wegelnburg, Germany

Wegelnburg , a ruined castle located in a forest on the French-German border, is best known for its panoramic view and incredible sunrise.

We wanted to witness that specific 7 am sunrise, so to observe this, we had to start our hike at 6 am, where we followed the zigzagging hiking trail to the Wegelnburg. This took us 5 kilometers, regularly crosses the German-France border, and passes by several other ruins on its way. The hike was covered in darkness since the sun was still about to set, making it an authentic experience. However: seeing the sunbeams roll over the mountains with such a fantastic panoramic view was just … unreal.

Be aware tho: the entrance of Wegelnburg is surrounded by fencing, so at first, we thought it was closed to visitors, but nothing could be further from the truth!

We found a shorter hiking trail on our way back, which brought us directly to the village, only 200 meters walk to the Wanderparkplatz Nothweiler. 

Schloss Lichtenstein, Germany

To make our route to Venice even more interesting, we aimed to visit interesting stopovers every 2 to 3 hours (+- 200 to 300 km). In this instance, we drove towards Schloss Lichtenstein : a 12th-century fortress built on top of an 800-meter high cliff.

We noticed that the castle was managed from a commercial point of view, where everything involved a cost: parking, entering the courtyard, etc. 

Nevertheless, the panoramic view over the valley and the fantastic color palette of the surrounding trees, hills, and valley made it worthwhile. It also struck us how beautifully everything had been restored and how detailed they had for their sculptures.

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Located less than 40 kilometers from Schloss Lichtenstein, you can find Germany’s most visited castle: Hohenzollern Castle! The castle has been known as “The Crown of all Castles” ever since 1267. Reason enough for us to visit it and admire it with our own eyes!

Our tight itinerary wouldn’t allow us to stop by the Hohenzollern Castle for an extended visit, so we decided to admire the castle from Zeller Horn’s legendary viewpoint ; It’s the mountain range located about 1.5 kilometers away, at the same height as the fortress. As a result, you have the best view of the castle and the surrounding area.

We have to be honest tho: it took us a while to find the exact location of the Zeller Horn viewpoint, but once we found it … we loved it! You can judge for yourself … 

Plansee, Austria 

While we had already discovered some of the most amazing places, we decided to push our luck: our goal was to visit Plansee lake, located just beyond the Austrian border, and search for its very instagrammable viewpoint that looks down over the lake.

Unfortunately, a combination of traffic jams and mandatory stops (buying our Highway Vignette to enter Austria) caused us to arrive just after sunset. We learned during our road trip through the mountains that as soon as the sun has set, it’ll be pitch dark in a matter of minutes. The same goes for our visit to the Plansee lake: as soon as we crossed the bridge, we couldn’t move without using our Nanlite lights.

After our short stop at the lake, we decided to continue our journey to a place to sleep for the night: the legendary Innsbruck city.

Innsbruck city

We’ve visited Innsbruck city numerous times, and we may even say that it’s our favorite city in Austria. This is because of its beautiful mountain background, architectural gems, alternative culture, and Innsbruck’s importance on the winter sports community.

Once we arrived, we decided to head downtown to reminisce memories from the past and see how the historic buildings (such as the Liberation Monument on Landhausplatz and the building with the golden roof) are lit up at night.

We decided to end our evening at the Hard Rock cafe to explore the same downtown area the next day after dawn before the shops opened.

Day 3 – Arriving in the Dolomites

During our previous road trip, we visited the Dolomites and missed out on a few of our bucket-list locations. Since the Dolomites were only a slight detour from our route to Venice, we decided to give some of these places a second chance … but not before we wandered around Innsbruck first! 

Innsbruck, Austria

Imagine the feeling of waking up, opening the doors of your campervan, and looking out across the streets of Innsbruck with their impressive mountains as a backdrop. Well, that’s precisely how we woke up!

After a quick shower in our campervan, we decided to wander around the city again and rediscover the same historic buildings, but this time using daylight. 

Another reason why we stayed in Innsbruck is that we’ve been following Holzkern Watches on Instagram for ages and noticed we could visit their shop in Innsbruck. We made an appointment, and were welcomed by their store manager Stefan who explained to us more about Holzkern’s philosophy and lifestyle, showed us how an automatic watch works and how to replace the chains of a wristband.

During our visit to the store, we fell for the charms of the La Concorde watch and the Intergalactic watch , which we took home as a reminder of our road trip.

MMM Corones

Since we visited the Dolomites last year, the MMM Corones (being designed by Zaha Hadid) have been on the top of our bucket list. When we entered the region around the Dolomites, we noticed that the lakes weren’t frozen and the roads were not covered with snow … so our first reaction was to visit MMM Corones.

Unfortunately: the ski lifts were closed because the season hadn’t started yet, and the roads were now permanently closed and accompanied by prohibition signs. So one thing is sure: MMM Corones can only be visited in a dignified manner when the ski lifts are open.

With pain in our hearts, we had to make a cross over our visit from MMM Corones, but luckily there are plenty of other places to visit in the region … so we decided to drive to the legendary Lago di Braies .

Lago di Braies

Lago Di Braies – also known as Pragser Wildsee – is the biggest lake in the Dolomites and is known as the most beautiful lake of the Alps because it’s surrounded by beautiful pine forests, towering limestone peaks, and included a unique boathouse. As a result, most people know it as (“Lago di Instagram”). 

The last time when we visited the lake, it was totally frozen and covered in snow. This setting certainly had its charm, but we also wanted to visit Lago di Braies before the snow fell. Unfortunately, there was so much fog that we still couldn’t admire the lake in its best condition. Next time!

St. Johann church in Villnostal

Noticing that the sunset was approaching fast, we decided to revisit one of the most legendary sites in the Dolomites: St. Johann in Ranui Church in Val di Funes, Villnostal.

While driving over the winding roads, we noticed that the weather conditions would be utterly different from our previous visit: there wouldn’t be any snow, but the church and its surroundings were covered in fog. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t notice too much of the sunset since the fog blocked all the sunbeams. By the time we left the church, it was already pitch dark.

Alpe di Siusi & Earth Pyramids Renon

We decided to drive up to Compatsch to experience the sunrise at Alpe di Siusi to save some time. Last time, we missed this view since it’s located in a nature resort and has a curfew for cars: no-one can drive by between 9 am and 5 pm.

This time, we could access the road to Compatsch, but while we were driving up the mountain, it started to snow, almost to the level of a snowstorm. When we arrived in Compatsch, our van got stuck, and a local farmer had to pull us out of the snow. 

According to the local weather forecast, it would snow for the entire night, and we would miss the sunrise anyway since it would be covered in fog. In fear of getting stuck, we decided to go back down the mountain and skip our visits to both Alpe di Siusi and the Earth Pyramids of Renon. 

We ended up spending the night at a truck stop next to the road.

Day 4 – The road to Venice

We knew it wouldn’t be the shortest route to Venice, but we decided to drive via Santuario Madonna Della Corona and Lake Garda since it captured our imagination.

Santuario Madonna Della Corona 

What’s more astonishing than an ancient place of worship, located 800 meters into the side of a cliff? We wanted to experience it, so we drove towards Santuario Madonna Della Corona, only a 15 minutes drive from Lake Garda (the Italian part)!

We parked at Localita Santuario 1 in Spiazzi, on a parking lot that usually wouldn’t allow campervans and mobile homes, but we decided to risk it since it was empty. The reason for this might be the thick fog that stood over the mountain, on the fact that it’s not the most touristic period to visit Santuario Madonna Della Corona.

Although we could not fully admire the Santuario Madonna Della Corona due to the thick fog, the location continued to impress us. We also had the opportunity to check our fitness by climbing the steep stairs to access the sanctuary.

After arriving, we learned that this sanctuary is a place of pilgrimage that already existed before the year 1000! We’ve listed our findings in this specific destination article about Santuario Madonna Della Corona .

Lagi di Garda

In less than 24 hours, we went from a small snowstorm in the Dolomites to a 20-degree summer breeze at Lake Garda. 

The small town was quite dead, considering the tourist season was already over here, so we just briefly wandered through the city. Our goal was to catch the sunset in Venice before 5 pm anyway, so we quickly left the lake.

Venice City

Where we spent the past few days in quiet or remote regions, with endless possibilities to park and wild camping … Venice would be a bit more crowded and strict. That’s why we decided to spend the night at the campsite of Venezia village, which had some fantastic facilities: decent showers, an elegant restaurant, and a clean swimming pool. 

An additional advantage was that there is a bus stop in front of the campsite, with busses that go directly to Venice. The ride to the city takes no longer than fifteen minutes and drops you off at Piazzale Roma.  

By 4 pm we arrived at the tourist center, where we were overwhelmed by history and architecture! Strolling with our camera in hand, we followed the small corridors of the city, arriving at a (relatively empty) San Marco square just after sunset.

Unfortunately, The darkness brought in some shady types, from aggressive salespeople who punched us on the shoulder to get our attention to pickpockets popping up from sketchy streets and following us until we noticed them. As a result, we decided to skip the rest of the city and return the following day.

Pro-tip; Gelateria il Doge’s ice creams are known as the best in the old town.

Day 5 – From Venice to Milan

By now, our road trip was already halfway through, so after enjoying Venice’s charms in the morning, we had to start on our way back. This time we chose to spend the night in the city of Milan since we wanted to discover some of their ancient buildings as well.

Be aware: Something we didn’t realize before going on this trip is how many toll stops you can find in Italy, especially between Venice and Milan.

Venice, the city of canals

Since we ended our wanderings around Venice early the night before, we decided to sleep in first… and then head back into the city!

This time we parked our campervan in Venezia Tronchetto Parking because we were only planning to stay in the city for a few hours. Ultimately, we stayed for 4 hours and realized that we had paid more for this parking spot (without any facilities except) than staying an extra night in the camping Venezia Village. Yikes!

Unlike the previous evening, where we walked to San Marco square via Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, we now had the time to take a different route: via Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

Milan and its impressive Duomo di Milano

Since we took our time to wander around Venice, we arrived in Milan during rush hour and had to endure several traffic jams before arriving in “Camping Village city of Milan.”

The campsite’s reception was already closed, but luckily google maps had a function that allowed us to know perfectly see what public transport connections would lead us to the Duomo di Milano. Our trip was a bit more delicate since we needed to transfer from the bus to the metro, in a place we had never visited before. Luckily we had google maps to fall back on.

Since this route to the center of Milan took almost an hour commute, we only found the time to discover the illuminated cathedral and the neighboring streets. To make it easy for us, we also made a quick McDonalds stop here.

Day 6 – From Milan to Strasbourg

We had less than two days to cover 1000 kilometers and go from Milan to Brussels. This gave us enough time to visit the center of Milan and then leave for Strasbourg in the afternoon.

Milan, Italy

Since Milan is such a beautiful city accompanied by ancient architecture, a sense of fashion, and art … we made a small “bucket list” of locations that we had to see during our visit to the city center. 

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco – also known as Sforza Castle – is a fortress that was built during the 14th century. 

Over the centuries, the fortification was destroyed in various wars, by the troops of Napoleon and during World War II. It was extensively rebuilt in 2005 and currently houses several of the city’s museums and art collections. That’s why it’s currently one of the most famous landmarks in Milan.

Arco della Pace

Arco della Pace is a huge triumphal arc located where the ancient Romans built their city gate. The gate is called “The Porta Sempione” and refers to the district it was located in.

While the origin of the arc can be found in 1807 when Napoleon was in command of the city, the construction of the “Arch of Peace” was paused when the city of Milan fell under the control of the Austrian Empire. The construction of the Arch was resumed in 1826 and was finally completed in 1838.

Bosco Verticale

The Bosco Verticale – or Vertical Forest – are two residential towers built in 2014 and are already known as the most iconic and most recognizable buildings of the last decade in Milan.

Pictures of the building often surface on Instagram and Pinterest, as it is iconic for its pioneering incorporation of a vertical forest.

Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano, is without any doubt the most known building in Milan.

It is logical too since they started the constructions in 1386 and only finished working on it more than six centuries later: in 1965! What’s even more impressive is the fact that the cathedral contains over 3400 different statues.

Strasbourg, France

As mentioned: Milan is still a 1000km drive from Brussels, so we had to keep going if we wanted to back on time! We decided to pass via Switzerland, which meant buying a new vignette when crossing the border and disabling our roaming data.

Once we arrived at Strasbourg, we parked at Parkplatz Friedhof since it was close to the city center, and parking on a Sunday would be free of any charge.

Day 7 – Back to Belgium

Every fairy tale comes to an end, and unfortunately, ours too. It was the last day where we were actually on the road; we wanted to enjoy it until the end. That is why we chose to discover Strasbourg in the morning and pass quickly via Veves Castle in the afternoon.

Being a university city on the border of France and Germany, Strassbourg is a very characteristic and cultural city, with enormous history. Proof of this is the street art that can be found all around the city or the ancient buildings scattered around the city (such as their cathedral).

We had some help from some locals; we were advised to discover the part of the city known as “Le Petit Paris.”

Vives Castle

What’s a better way to end our trip than to visit a 12th-century castle? We arrived rather last-minute: 10 minutes before the castle closed, so we didn’t have the chance get to explore it from the inside … but the sunset made up for it!

If you don’t know about Veves Castle yet, make sure to read the extensive guide we wrote, it contains the history of the castle, the legends around the castle and how to reach it. 

A fascinating part about the castle is that the same family has owned it for the last 800 years, and that is classified as an exceptional heritage by the region of Wallonia. As a result, the castle is referred to as Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

Day 8 – returning the campervan

Our last day was mainly focused on bringing back the campervan, where we had to pack our bags, clean the campervan in a self carwash, and ultimately fill in the paperwork again ( check for damages, note the number of kilometers we’ve driven,…).

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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Planning an RV road trip across the border from the United States into Canada (or vice versa) and wondering what to expect? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, it’s essential to know the rules and regulations for a Canadian border crossing ahead of time. From documents to inspections for pets, plants, people, food, and firearms, there are many things you need to consider and plan for before you leave. 

In this article, we’ll provide you with helpful tips, insights, and valuable links. As well as the questions you’re likely to be asked and how to handle them. By planning ahead and following these guidelines, you can ensure your border crossing is as quick, smooth, and stress-free as possible. 

Quick Links to sections of this post:

What’s it really like doing a canadian border crossing.

• Disclaimer: This information is subject to change by Border Controls
• Are Canadian border crossings stressful? 
• 10 Tips for a Smooth Canadian Border Crossing
• Questions they may ask

What NOT to do

• How to Plan Your Border Crossing
• What are the COVID-19 requirements?
• Other Health, Medical, and Radiation Considerations
• Traveling with Pets, Children, Plants, Food, and Alcohol
• Are Firearms allowed in Canada?
• Speed limits and fuel
• Video: our first Canadian border crossing experience with our RV
• Useful Links

Over the years, we’ve done a Canadian border crossing from the USA – and back again – several times with our tow vehicle. Crossing at four different locations spanning east to west. Crossing the USA-Canada border by RV is different than with a regular car.

Like all countries, Canada and the USA both have specific rules and regulations around border protection. Rules about what you can, and even more importantly, what you CANNOT bring into the country. When traveling in an RV, you are much more likely to have those items on board—compared to boarding a plane with just a suitcase or two!

Remember: This Information is Subject To Change

As you might expect, the information shared in this post may be subject to change by the Canadian and USA border agencies at any time without notice. We consider this article and our video to be a good overview. 

But we always recommend you double-check the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) and US Customers and Border Protection (CBP) websites before your visit. We’ve rounded up all the links at the bottom of this article as a handy reference for when you need them.

But first, let’s address the elephant in the room…. our biggest fears are usually the unknown!

Are Canadian border crossings stressful?

Unless you’ve done border crossings before, they can be unnerving. You never quite know what to expect, and each time can be a different experience. It’s another country, after all. You could face anything from lengthy delays to difficult border agents and an interrogation. 

Others might experience confiscation of food, duties charged on goods, or even an inspection of their RV and/or car. To us, the latter feels like the worst scenario of all, and we do everything to try and avoid it! 

Over the years, we have crossed the USA-Canada border many times in our RVs. Overall, we have found our border crossings to be relatively quick and incident-free in both directions. But it’s not always the case.

When you know what to expect and plan, you can increase your chances of a quick and easy border crossing. Of course, we cannot personally guarantee this. But following our tips and suggestions will get you off to a great start.

10 Tips for a Smooth Canadian Border Crossing in Your RV

• Have your Photo ID documents for all passengers ready in advance – that includes Passports, Green Card, etc. – and hand them to the driver
• Stop using cell phones. Turn off cameras, GoPros, and radios/music on approach to the border control area
• Roll down windows so agents can clearly see all passengers
• Keep your seatbelts buckled
• Remove your sunglasses so the agents can see your eyes
• Stay calm, relaxed and look the border control agent in the eye
• Answer ALL questions truthfully while maintaining eye contact
• Be polite, cooperative, and courteous
• Be prepared to report the goods you are bringing, including food, plants, and any animal products
• Only answer questions you are asked

What Kind of Questions Will They Ask?

USA and Canadian border control agents can ask you just about anything. We’ve shared a list of the questions they have asked us. Plus, a few other common questions we’ve heard from others. This will give you an idea of what to expect.

• Where do you live? (Simply share the domicile on your driver’s license. Don’t over-complicate things by saying you live full-time in an RV!)
• What is the purpose of your visit?
• Where are you staying and for how long?
• What is your citizenship/residency status?
• Do you have any alcohol on board?
• What do you do for a living?
• Do you have any pets on board?
• Who is traveling in the vehicle?
• Do you have any firearms?
• Are any plants or restricted foods on board?

Photo Credit: Erik Anderson

Other questions you may be asked include:

• What are the length, height, and license plates of your RV and tow vehicle?
• Do you have proof of vehicle insurance?
• Are you bringing any goods or gifts?
• Are you conducting any commercial business?

Again, remember to stay calm, maintain eye contact, and be honest. They are just doing their job and trying to determine that you are a trustworthy person who doesn’t pose a threat to the safety of their country. If they have any concerns, they can send you to a secondary inspection for further questioning or to search your vehicle.

And, of course, if you aren’t doing anything wrong and have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about!

• Avoid being sarcastic, defensive, or rude. This will only extend your conversation.
• Don’t bring strangers across the border (of course)
• Avoid bringing firearms, weapons, or ammunition into Canada UNLESS they have been pre-approved

How To Plan Ahead for a Canadian Border Crossing

• There are 26 border crossing locations from the 4,000 miles spanning east to west USA-Canada. So plan your route in advance by finding your nearest border crossing point
• Wait times, rules, and restrictions vary from point to point. So be sure to check the rules relating to your preferred border crossing point in advance via the website or CanBorder app
• Stay in the car/RV lanes (not truck lanes)
• Avoid stocking up on groceries in the days leading up to a border crossing. Consume as much of your fresh food as you can – especially fresh produce and animal products (meat, milk, eggs)
• Drink up! Whittle down your stash of alcohol so you stay within the alcoholic beverage product limit to avoid paying duty and taxes. You’re allowed 2 x 750 ml bottles of wine, 1.14L of liquor, and 24 bottles/cans of beer/ale (355ml each) – per adult
• Smokers – your tobacco limit is 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars
• Offload all firewood in advance in the USA
• Don’t bring any live plants or herbs with you
• Ensure your RV is within its safe, legal weight rating
• Locate (or ask your vet for) copies of your pet vaccination certificates (particularly rabies shots) for dogs and cats three months or older. For other pets/animals. Be sure to check the CBSA or CBP website for rules
• Keep your stash of cash (and cash equivalents such as stocks, bonds,  bank/traveler’s checks, gold, silver, etc.) under $10,000 (CAN/USD) to avoid declaring it. You can carry more, but prepare for more questions
• If you travel with firearms, weapons, and ammunition, you generally cannot bring these into Canada. However, there are exceptions, and you’ll need to pay close attention to the rules around what you can and cannot bring. Be prepared to either store, ship, or declare firearms. See below for more info and links (i.e., DO NOT just show up at the border with firearms!)
• Check and potentially avoid significant delays by checking border wait times via the CanBorder App or website
• Visit the websites of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and USA Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the latest updates and info

Don't leave planning to the last minute!

Your Canadian border crossing (or travel into the USA) may be a relatively simple one. But depending on your situation, it may require more advanced preparation and planning regarding passengers, health, pets, food, plants, and/or firearms. 

Here are a few key things to remember that may require some planning, special arrangements, or sourcing of appropriate documentation. You can also refer to the Useful Links section at the bottom of this article for more.

Do you need a COVID-19 vaccination or have to mask up?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many restrictions related to vaccination requirements, quarantine, masks, etc. But thankfully, most of those restrictions have been reduced or removed in 2023. You can always get the most up-to-date announcements via the border patrol website links .

Health Considerations: Medical Testing and Radiation

An unusual problem may occur if you or one of your passengers has recently undergone any type of medical test involving radiation. Say as a result of cancer treatment or similar. When you cross through most ports, you will be scanned to detect any kind of radiological source. If you test positive for radiation, you will likely be sent for a secondary inspection. So patients who have been exposed to radiation may want to delay an international trip. Or at least bring a note from the doctor explaining the radiation source.

Traveling with Pets

When crossing the USA-Canada border while traveling with pets, know that dogs and cats three months or older need valid signed and dated certificates from a veterinarian verifying vaccinations against rabies. If your pet is under three months old, you will need proof of age. Service dogs traveling with owners are exempt.

Traveling with Children

USA and Canadian Border Control Agents are always looking for child abduction. So they may ask detailed questions about kids traveling with you. This is especially true in the absence of both parents. So if a child is traveling with just one parent, grandparents, or other friends or family members, this scenario may attract further questioning.

If only one parent (or any other family member) is traveling with the child, you will want to have a Consent Letter from the other parent (or both). You will also likely need authorization to obtain medical treatment for the child.

Traveling with Plants 

It is illegal to bring most, if not all, live plants, including herbs, across the border. 

Our RV friend Erik Anderson is an avid researcher and comprehensive RV trip planner. But even he was surprised by the “no live plants” restriction when he completely forgot he had one on board in his motorhome. After a lengthy search by border patrol agents and a lesson on the importance and potential penalties, Erik was allowed to keep his plant. But at every future Canadian border crossing, Erik made sure to either leave his plant behind or ship it to a friend ahead of time.

Guns, Firearms, and Ammunition

Canada has a zero-tolerance policy regarding bringing guns and weapons into the country. If you’re found to be carrying them, and you haven’t declared them, you could be in for a hefty fine and a jail sentence. It is NOT worth the risk. Be sure to check the rules well in advance and stay legal.

When  bringing a firearm into Canada or the USA, it’s advisable to begin the process three (3) months early as complications and processing time can make this a lengthy procedure. This means if you are an RVer who chooses to travel with firearms or weapons, you will need to make arrangements well in advance. Without going into much detail here in this post (that’s what the links are for), here’s a quick overview.

Generally speaking, you may bring up to three allowed guns across the border if you fill out a form and pay a fee. Firearms are typically classified into three categories: Non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. So be sure to do more thorough research via the links for more specific rules, regulations, and procedures for bringing firearms into Canada. This is a significant and complex topic that could probably be a post of its own!

Options To Consider for Your Firearms

The simplest (and quickest) option would be to store your firearms in the USA safely. Find an appropriate facility BEFORE you reach the border crossing. Remember that this also means you must return to the same place to collect them. This makes driving from one side of the country to the other rather inconvenient.

One popular option is renting a local safety deposit box. But you may want to contact the nearest gun shop to your intended border crossing to request their recommendation. Or if you’re heading to Alaska, you can also make arrangements to send them via FedEx care of an address. 

The biggest problem Americans have is forgetting about a handgun they have with them. People from states such as Texas, which allow concealed weapons, get snagged quite often at the border.

So PLEASE check the link on bringing a firearm into Canada to see what category your firearm falls under and to obtain additional information that applies to both countries.

What if your RV gets inspected?

If this happens, you may be wondering what to expect. We have witnessed other RVers standing outside as border control agents and dogs go through their homes on wheels from top to bottom in search of who-knows-what. Some full-time RVing friends of ours recently shared their motorhome was thoroughly searched too. 

Agents went through every cupboard, drawer, even under their bed – during a border crossing into New Brunswick. They had nothing to hide, and nothing was found. But our friends believed they were targeted because hubby didn’t remove his sunglasses when approaching the border patrol officer.

Our RV was searched!

A couple of years later, we had our RV searched when returning to the USA. We had to leave the vehicle and wait patiently inside the border patrol building. They said they specifically wanted to check all of the food and spices we had on board.

Yes, this can feel like an invasion of privacy, but ultimately, we must remember that it is their right to do so. And remember, it is also their job to protect their respective countries. So it’s just one of those necessary evils we must deal with when traveling internationally. It’s like dealing with TSA agents and sniffing canines at the airport.

Tips for Canadian Speed Limits and Fuel Fills

You can finally take a deep breath once you’ve safely crossed the border into Canada. Congratulations, you made it! Now, to avoid speeding fines, missed turns, or sticker shock at the pump, here are a few more things to remember.

• Speed limits in Canada are measured in kilometers, not miles. So once you cross the border, you will start to see signs that say 100. Keep in mind that 100km = 62 miles per hour. Sticking to 60mph is easier to remember and your safest bet.
• If using a GPS that is set to give distance in miles (imperial system), you’ll need to get used to seeing/hearing it in the metric system, i.e., meters instead of feet (1 meter = 3 feet approximately)
• Fuel prices in Canada are charged by the liter, not by gallon. There are 3.78 liters in a gallon, so don’t be fooled at the pump. Gas is more expensive in Canada than in the USA. So those prices aren’t as exciting as they appear at first glance!

Crossing the USA-Canada Border is Totally Worth It!

Finally, yes, we know this may sound like a LOT of hassle to go through just to drive across the border into Canada. But we’re here to say that it really is worth it. Canada is such a beautiful country with wonderful people. And it really does do us all good to get out and experience another country. Even if it is still part of the same continent, speaking (mainly) the same language.

One of the things we love most about our RV lifestyle is the freedom and ability to visit new places, cultures, and countries while taking our homes with us. We also love not having to deal with airports and air travel. 

So grab your passports. Get out there and drive as far and wide as you can. Canada is waiting for you! We have barely scratched the surface of the Great White North, and we definitely look forward to returning many more times. We hope you get there too. Happy travels!

Watch the video about our personal experience

We filmed this video to share our first Canadian border crossing experience with the RV in 2017. In it, we share what they asked us and how we handled it.

Useful Links For Canadian Border Crossings

Canada Links – for Traveling or Returning to Canada

Canada Border Services Agency

Plan Your Trip Across the Border

Border Reminder Checklist

Acceptable travel documents

Check to see if you need a VISA 

Check Border Crossing Wait Times

Duty and Taxes (eg. Alcohol, Tobacco, Goods) 

Bringing a Firearm into Canada

Traveling with Pets  

EZ Border Crossing Website

Thousand Trails Cultus Lake, BC, Canada (where we stayed  on one of our trips)

USA Links – for Traveling or Returning to USA

US Customs and Border Protection

US COVID-19 News and Announcements

USA Border Wait Times

Canada and Mexico Travel (from US CBP website)

What to Expect When you Return to the USA

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GOT COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?

We would love to hear from you. Drop us a note in the comments section below.

40 thoughts on “Canadian Border Crossing Tips With Your RV”

Great article on Canada/US border crossings! So thorough and packed with vital tips. Good job, Julie!

Thank you Erik!

After spending to hours at a border crossing, being interrogated, patted down, yelling at my wife who is handicapped because she was moving slow, had my car razed as in all the trashes were dumped and left , a food bag was turned upside down and food left on the floor, the contents of the glove box left on floor amd seats, several broken plastic trim pieces left, threw away the wooden step my wife uses to get in car. Rude and disrespectful. They let us into canada, but not feeling safe we immediately returned to the US.

Oh no! What a terrible experience, we are so sorry that happened to you! Which border crossing was this at – and when? We have only ever had smooth crossings. Sounds like you got a bad agent having a bad day who took it out on you guys!

We were attempted to cross July 28 at Abbottsford just east of Vancouver. All of the agents must of been having a bad day as I was interrogated by three of them. We just turned around as we didn’t feel safe at all.

Hmm we have crossed there too! I am so sorry you were interrogated and turned off Canada. Usually they are such friendly people! And when we drive over, we immediately feel safe. I hope you get a chance to try it again – maybe at a different check point.

Doing some research just now regarding what’s necessary to get through customs in Canada I came across the following and I wonder what your thoughts are?… “… sufficient ties to the United States to support the narrative that he or she will be visiting impermanently….” the last four years I traveled the United States in a experimental vehicle, a solar tricycle RV and I sleep in the back. In June I expect to be in Washington state, I’m currently in Texas. I can travel east and then South before it gets cold through the United States but I’d rather go through Canada. But how do I convince Canada that I want to return to the United States. If I were to stay in Canada I die because I’d freeze in this vehicle. Is that enough?

First of all, that is awesome that you are doing such an adventure. Second… yes, I would imagine that if you explained to the border agent that you were just looking to ride across Canada during the summer then drop back into the states they would think that is sufficient. But if you actually have a physical home or family in the United States, that would certainly add to your case. Enjoy your trip!

A new question is, “Do you have any cannabis (marijuana)?” You are not allowed to bring cannabis products into or out of Canada.

Also don’t forget that pepper spray is not allowed in Canada.

Thanks for sharing these additions!

An interesting read! I’m planning a road trip this summer (with the dog!), and I think our plan is to hit up some Canadian sites. I typically fly with Charlie when we travel (this has been helpful: https://www.dogsonplanes.com/ ), but I’ve never crossed borders in a car. This was helpful.

Glad it was helpful! We’ve never flown with a pet before, so your website sounds quite useful! Safe travels to you and Charlie! 🙂

Thank you for this blog post. It was a wealth of information for the trip my wife and I took from Arizona to the Canadian Rockies this summer. I wrote a posting on our blog about our experiences as well with the crossing: Crossing the Canadian Border With an RV….The Easy Way.

Thanks again for the article!

You’re welcome. Hope you had a great trip!

We are going to Alaska in a week with our 5th wheel. We have a diesel pickup and want to take extra diesel with us in a 100 gal tank in the back of our truck (taking 50 gals with us). Is there any restrictions on taking extra deisel into Canada?

No sure about that Barry – best to check the border control website as rules can often change https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

Thank you for all the information. My husband has been uneasy about crossing with our RV. We have heard some pretty scary stories!! I printed several pages of your info to help reassure him that it won’t be that bad. Do you know if it is alright to bring meat across if it is in your freezer for your consumption?

Hi Dianne, Oh its’ easy to find scary stories if you go looking for them, but its not so bad at all. We recommend keeping your food stocks as low as possible before crossing the border, even some spices are not allowed. Just follow the tips in our post and read the border crossing website and rules – these are always subject to change – and enjoy Canada! It’s a beautiful country, wonderful people, and well worth the trip 🙂 Enjoy!

In the almost 50 years we’ve live in the US, we’ve crossed the borders many times, having been born there. In 1981, our first trip after becoming US citizens, we counted on our driver’s license for ID as was the custom way back then! Turns out we had a zealous officer, asking ALL the usual questions, then he asked my husband who has a very thick accent to this day “if I were to look at your US citizenship certificate, what’s the first thing I’d notice?” The photo is the obvious answer, but hubby didn’t think of it. Finally, the office look at hubby, and said “prove to me you’re an American with an accent like this!” Wasn’t funny right that minute, but has been funny over the last few decades!

Thank you SO much for this informative post. We were planning on going to Canada this summer, going to Glacier and then up to Banff. We were in Idaho for the eclipse and so many people coming from the north told us about eyes burning and thick smoke from the fires. So we turned south to go home to Texas and hope to make the trip next year. We would have been partially unprepared, especially because we didnt have our cat’s vaccination records. We are so are so thankful for your suggestions and experience.

Glad to hear you found it helpful Carol!

Citrus can be brought into Canada (no citrus is grown in Canada), but cannot be brought into US. Website for current restrictions: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html We find it useful to have a list of fruit, vegetables and meat to refer to. If you have something that is prohibited, so long as you have declared it, it will be taken but no other problem. Similar restrictions exist when entering the US (currently no citrus, peppers, goat or lamb, onions with green). Dog food is to be in original package, mde in USA, no lamb.

Article mentions Auto RV insurance but be aware Canada requires proof that you insurance covers you in Canada speak to your broker or in’s co and get proof of Canadian Insurance.they may not ask to see it but you need to have it.

Also Bear Assault spray can be brought but not pepper spray. Go figure but declare it. I usually keep it handy to show them that it says bear assault spray

Our story is kind’ve funny once we got through. We crossed at Roosville, WY, last year on way to Banff and were in the car lane with our 45 foot coach and jeep tow. An agent on the truck side stepped out and motioned for us to come over to his side. Hubby made as sharp a turn as he could to the right and then left but our window was quite a distance from agent’s window. Agent angry now and told us we shouldn’t have come over if we knew he couldn’t reach us as he isn’t supposed to come out of booth. He exits booth to get our docs and proceeds to lock himself out of his booth. He’s really not happy now as he has to half climb through window to reach phone to have someone come over to unlock door for him. Luckily he was so wanting rid of us he told us to just get going with very few questions. We waited to laugh at the whole experience when we were a good mile away.

OMG that IS funny! Luckily he let you go, couldn’t easily gone the other way. Good idea waiting a mile to have a good laugh! LOL

Never knew Wyoming bordered Canada! LOL

Thank you for a very helpful article! We are planning our first RV trip into Canada next summer – your article will help our border crossing go smoother. And the comments from other readers are great too! Thank you to you and your readers!

Great thanks Linda – yes the entire community has great tips to share and we appreciate them all – this is the great thing when people leave them in the comments, it ultimately helps everyone. Safe travels and enjoy Canada!

Lots of great information packed in to this article! Thanks for putting it together. We completely agree, this is a very big and complex topic to completely understand BEFORE you pull up to the boarder. Thank you.

You’re welcome guys – thanks for sharing your experience with us too! May your next crossing be uneventful!

You may want to visit a recent post from Technomadia … T-Mobile Implements 5GB Data Cap for Canada/Mexico Roaming on Mobile Without Borders.

Thanks will check that out and get up to speed on the latest developments 🙂

yes they just made a change! Will review and make an update to our post = thanks!

A few more tips.

-Do stay in the car/RV lanes with your RV…unless you are too tall to fit under a the customs canopy. We ran into this coming back into the USA at the Carway, Alberta crossing just east of Glacier National Park. We realized at the last minute that our 13’4″ high rig would not fit under their 13’2″ canopy. Oops. In this case, we should have gone to the truck lane, even though there was a gate across it, they would have come out to open the gate. That was a much better scenario than having to open another lane and redirect traffic around us while we unhooked, etc.

– We have been told to NOT apply the air brake at the customs booth. The loud noise annoys/bothers/deafens the customs official.

Happy crossing!

“We have been told to NOT apply the air brake at the customs booth.”

Sorry, I don’t know what that means. I have to step on the break in order to stop!?! Can you please explain?

On our diesel rig (a Super C) we have a parking brake that is also called an air brake. If our rig loses air pressure, the brake is activated by default. This is not to be confused with the brake pedal on the floor that you use for normal braking. Applying an air brake makes a lot of noise, hence the caution!

I hope this helps. Chances are if you don’t know what an air brake is, you don’t have one.

Thanks for sharing Corinne! Good tips!

Google for complete information and forms.

Visitors may import non-restricted firearms (shotgun/rifle) into Canada for legitimate purposes:

sporting or hunting use during hunting season; use in competitions;

in-transit movement (i.e., moving in the most direct route possible from Point A to Point B) through Canada;

or personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada, as long as the customs officer is satisfied that the circumstances warrant the firearm being imported.

Import 200 rounds duty free for hunting purposes, or up to 1,500 rounds duty free for use at a recognized competition.

Self defense is not reason to bring a firearm into Canada.

The cost is $25 (Canadian for a 60 day permit). You can fill out the form prior to your visit or on the day of crossing. Don’t sign the form unit directed to do so. Declare your firearm and ammunition. Takes about 30 minutes to process the form. Don’t bring your firearm into the building.

Prior to DEPARTING the USA, process a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form 4457 and list all firearms. This can be done at any time prior to crossing. If no changes, the approved form is re-usable.

If you have handguns and traveling through Canada to reach Alaska, you can FedEx them to your self (Care Of) at an address in Alaska.

Thank you for sharing that information Joe! As this is a big and complex topic, I have updated the blog post with a bit more info in an overview and provided links for people to get more detail pertinent to their situation – this post is meant as a general overview of all the considerations for a Canadian Border crossing – covering the guns topic would require a whole other article so that is best left to linking to sites that keep on top of the ever changing rules. Cheers.

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Top 3 us camping destinations, plus insider tips for your next outdoor adventure.

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.

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Paull's firsthand tip

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Seyboldt's firsthand tip

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Bauermeister's firsthand tip

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The East Coast offers many tranquil getaways , including the often "underrated" Adirondacks—a mountain range boasting over 3,000 sparkling lakes and ponds and abundant unspoiled wilderness.

Here, you can find various types of camping, from cozy log cabins and traditional tent sites to multiday backpacking trails. One method that caught my interest is paddle camping, described to me by New York native Danny Papes, who's been visiting the area for most of his life.

"My first time paddle-camping was with a group of five in the Adirondacks following the Saranac Lake route, which takes you from Upper Saranac Lake, through Middle Saranac, and then out through Lower Saranac," he explains.

During the journey, most of your gear is transported in the canoe, allowing you to set up camp wherever you choose or stop for a quick dip or lunch break.

There's a brief half-mile stretch where you'll need to carry your canoe between Upper and Middle Saranac Lake, but otherwise, it's a straightforward paddle camping excursion, he says. 

"Paddle camping is an amazing way to experience the great outdoors for multiple nights with friends, especially for those who may not be keen on a long through-hike or living off dry camp food and ultralight equipment," Papes explains.

"Unlike other Adirondack lakes, Middle Saranac is almost entirely undeveloped so as the sun sets, there are loons calling and rodents trying to steal food left at the edges of camp," he says, so remember to pack up your food at night.

Papes' firsthand tip:

The takeaway.

Camping is one of the best ways to connect with nature and disconnect from the stress of daily life.

When you're planning your next camping adventure, consider visiting Big Sur, Southern Utah, or the Adirondacks—each highly recommended by seasoned campers.

READ NEXT: Why Vacations Can Feel Stressful + 5 Tips on How To Relax & Recover While Away

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10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck

We've curated 10 camper trailers perfect for half-ton pickups that cover a broad range of styles, construction, and design characteristics. Among this selection of travel trailers are towable habitats to satisfy an array of interests ranging from relaxed family camping to energetic backcountry exploration.

If you're looking for something that sleeps an entire troop of family members, we've got that. If it's a deep off-road reach you're hankerin' for, that's here, too. If you like something a little cushy while having outdoor adventure close at hand, you're in luck. Take a look, compare features and specifications, and then check out more options and information on each travel trailer manufacturer's website.

Note: All prices listed are MSRP.

10 Perfect Half-Ton Pickup Compatible Camper Trailers

Airstream bambi 22fb : $69,200+.

• Base weight: 3,900 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 500 lbs.
• GVWR: 5,000 lbs.
• Overall length: 21 ft., 11 in.
• Exterior width: 8 ft.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 3 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 4 in.
• Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
• LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
• Freshwater tank: 23 gals.
• Gray water tank: 30 gals. 
• Black water tank: 17 gals.

The Airstream Bambi trailer line is available in four different models ranging from 16 to 22 feet in length. The Bambi is a perfect example of Airstream's classically stylish aluminum design and sturdy construction. We chose to highlight the Bambi 22FB floorplan because it's the largest member of the Bambi family, is easily maneuverable, and is a great fit for a half-ton pickup truck like the Ford F-150 .

Airstream has been a pioneer in the RV industry since its inception in 1931. The Bambi travel trailer line is a masterpiece of maximizing available space while still delivering top-of-the-class features and amenities. The Bambi 22FB is big enough to comfortably sleep four people.

It offers a primary front bed with a view and a fully equipped bathroom. It also offers a large storage closet, spacious and well-equipped kitchen, and convertible U-shaped dinette.

As with most Airstream trailers, the Bambi's exterior is a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure instead of the more typical wood-framed camping trailer construction. Running gear includes a torsion axle suspension and ST 225/75R15 tires on 15-inch aluminum wheels.

The Airstream Bambi 22FB delivers as standard equipment a 26-inch-wide entry door, rear-view monitoring system, LED lighting seemingly everywhere, and an enclosed, aluminum insulated and heated underbelly. Equipment often on the options list of other trailers, like an LED HD television with DVD and omnidirectional antenna, are also standard on this camping trailer.

Coleman Lantern 285BH : $43,320

• Base weight: 6,611 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 869 lbs.
• GVWR: 9,680 lbs.
• Overall length: 32 ft., 9 in.
• Exterior height: 11 ft., 2 in.
• Sleeping capacity: Up to 8
• LPG capacity: Dual 20-lb. tanks
• Freshwater tank: 60 gals.
• Gray water tank: 42 gals.
• Black water tank: 42 gals.

Coleman's iconic pop-up tent trailer that so many began their family camping experiences in a generation ago is no longer being built. However, the Coleman trailer brand and its legendary utility have been transformed under the Dutchmen RV umbrella. A fully featured line of Coleman travel trailers is now available that can serve as a perfect support system for outdoor adventures.

The Coleman Lantern 285BH is on the larger end of our scope of interest here but remains easily towable (with a weight-distributing hitch) using a half-ton pickup truck such as the Chevy Silverado 1500. We think the Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer would be a good choice for a larger family or an extended family group that enjoys the outdoors.

It features bunk beds, a large slide-out with a convertible couch and dinette, and a primary bedroom with a queen-size mattress. This combo makes it capable of sleeping up to eight people.

An insulated structure with a metal exterior panel, wood framing with thermal insulation, and a Lauan (a hardwood plywood) interior panel is a typical trailer construction method used for the Coleman Lantern. Its roof features a Lauan interior panel, wood framing, fiberglass insulation, 3/8-inch decking, and an EPDM (synthetic rubber membrane) top layer.

Standard amenities in the Coleman Lantern include 28-inch entrance doors, a 13,500-BTU air conditioner, a power awning, interior 120V and 12V power outlets, an enclosed underbelly, and an exterior shower. The Coleman Lantern 285BH camping trailer also features a full kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, microwave, 10-cubic-foot fridge, and a large sink kitchen with a high-rise faucet.

Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 (Unplugged Package) : $50,000

• Base weight: 5,306 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 734 lbs.
• GVWR: 7,734 lbs. 
• Overall length: 26 ft., 2 in.
• Exterior height: 11 ft., 3 in.
• Freshwater tank: 40 gals.
• Gray water tank: 40 gals. 
• Black water tank: 30 gals.

Forest River offers more than a dozen different RV brands and configurations ranging from motorhomes, toy haulers, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and pop-up tent trailers in all shapes and sizes. One of our favorites is the Forest River No Boundaries line of travel trailers that are perfect for half-ton pickups.

The Forest River No Boundaries travel trailers are rugged towables, ranging in length from 12 to 25 feet, designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. They offer adaptable storage solutions for bikes , kayaks, SUPs , surfboards, skis, and fishing equipment.

Helping transport you deeper into the wild with higher than typical ground clearance, larger-diameter tires, and a nimble suspension system, the Forest River No Boundaries allows you to set up camp in locations others would find inaccessible.

Our choice would be the Forest River No Boundaries 20.3 Unplugged Package travel trailer. Like all the No Boundaries trailers, 20.3 offers familiar standard equipment and a host of useful options to choose from. The UnPlugged Package model adds four lithium-ion batteries, a digital control screen, remote A/C control, and a heavy-duty solar panel.

Interior living amenities include a sofa and 60×80-inch Murphy bed up front, slide-out with a convertible dinette and well-equipped kitchen mid-ship, 52×74-inch bunk beds, and a bathroom with shower stall in the rear of the trailer. Available options start with a 13.5K-BTU AC unit, 5,500-BTU heat strip, power tongue jack, and a batwing awning .

inTech RV O-V-R Adventure : $61,880

• Base weight: 5,700 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 1,100 lbs.
• GVWR: 8,500 lbs.
• Overall length: 29 ft., 3 in.
• Exterior width: 8 ft., 3 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 6 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 11 in.
• Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
• Freshwater tank: 44 gals.
• Gray water tank: 39 gals. 
• Black water tank: 26 gals.

The inTech O-V-R Adventure travel trailer is what the RV industry refers to as a tow hauler. It does a great job of carrying motorcycles or UTVs and at the same time providing its inhabitants with comfortable and modern creature comforts and amenities.

A lightweight but sturdy all-aluminum frame and body supported by a torsion axle suspension team up to help better manage irregular road surfaces on the way to your outdoor adventure destination.

The versatile interior design utilizes every inch of the space inside the inTech O-V-R Adventure trailer. The voluminous trailer box has a cargo hold length of 13 feet, 3 inches, but can easily be converted from toy hauling duty to living, dining, and sleeping space in a matter of minutes. The well-equipped modern kitchen, wet bath (enclosed shower stall with a porcelain toilet), and large (60×80-inch memory foam queen) front bedroom are static.

Standard equipment for the O-V-R Adventure trailer includes a power tongue jack, 25K-BTU furnace heater, 15K-BTU ducted air conditioning system, and a heated underbelly with line heaters and tank heat pads. The ramp door is 7 feet, 1 inch wide and 6 feet, 7 inches high.

Available options are few because it's already loaded. However, a pair of 75-inch foldup couch/beds for the interior dinette, an 18-foot power awning with wind protection that auto retracts, and an Off-Grid Package that includes a 400W solar power system with a 2,000W inverter perfectly round out the inTech O-V-R Adventure toy hauler trailer.

Jayco Jay Feather 26RL : $52,275

• Base weight: 6,115 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 690 lbs.
• GVWR: 7,500 lbs.
• Overall length: 31 ft., 11 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 8 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 6 in.
• Freshwater tank: 55 gals.
• Gray water tank: 31 gals. 
• Black water tank: 31 gals.

The Jayco Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is a perfect fit for a Toyota Tundra or any of the half-ton pickup trucks available today. The Jay Feather 26RL was designed to offer a large open space in the rear of the trailer with a wide pull-out holding a convertible dinette, a big fridge, and a pantry closet.

Opposite the 26RL trailer's pull-out is a full kitchen with an L-shaped counter and overhead cabinets, a dual sink, a three-burner stove, and a microwave. An entertainment center and LED TV are integrated into the kitchen area and can be seen from the dinette or from the theater seats (optional) along the back wall.

A 60×75-inch queen bed and plenty of storage space make up the roomy front primary bedroom that can be accessed from inside the Jay Feather 26RL trailer or from the outside through a second door. The bathroom in between the front bedroom and main living area is generously sized with an enclosed shower, a separate flush toilet, and a large sink.

Standard equipment includes desirables like a 35K-BTU furnace heater, a 15K-BTU A/C, an 8-cubic-foot fridge, ball-bearing drawer guides, residential-style kitchen countertops, and a 20-foot awning.

Jayco's Jay Feather 26RL travel trailer is built on an I-beam main frame with an integrated A-frame structure for strength and durability. The trailer body is made up of a welded-aluminum-framed, vacuum-bonded laminated side. Its rear walls have a fiberglass exterior siding that is lightweight yet sturdy and well-insulated.

The floor is a 2-inch vacuum-bonded panel with foam insulation, and the waterproof and insulated roof is based on trussed wood (2×2-inch studs) and plywood construction that offers high weight-bearing performance.

Lance Camper 2445 : $89,024

• Base weight: 6,605 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 605 lbs.
• GVWR: 8,700 lbs.
• Overall length: 29 ft., 10 in.
• Exterior width: 8 ft., 3/8 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 5 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 8 in.
• LPG capacity: 20-lb. tank
• Freshwater tank: 45 gals.
• Black water tank: 40 gals.

The Lance 2445 travel trailer is another great match for a half-ton pickup such as the GMC Sierra 1500 . If the name Lance Camper sounds familiar, it should. Lance has been building one of the RV industry's best slide-in truck campers and continues to do so. A few years ago, Lance also began building a full line of high-end travel trailers with the same attention to detail and quality that made its truck camper a bestseller.

Part of a 12-model line of Lance travel trailers running from just under 15 feet to nearly 30 feet in length, the Lance 2445 travel trailer offers a primary bedroom up front with Lance's SkyView dual-pane radius windows, a slide-out carrying a convertible dinette, and bunk beds in the tail end.

Built upon an aluminum frame, the Lance 2445 travel trailer's construction features high-density foam block insulation, dual-layer Adzel composite (no wood) panel, and a crowned roof topped with a synthetic membrane.

Standard interior features of the Lance 2445 travel trailer include an enclosed glass shower stall and porcelain toilet. The kitchen offers a 21-inch oven, three-burner range, microwave, 6-cubic-foot fridge, and undermounted residential-style sink.

Electrical equipment includes ducted A/C, a heater, exterior solar quick connect (SAE port), systems monitor panel, and USB, 120V, and 12V power ports. Among your choice of options for the Lance 2445 travel trailer are a 1,500W inverter, a 190W solar panel, and Lance's own easy-loading roof rack. The optional shock absorber package can make dirt roads easier to manage on the way to find some adventure.

Opus Camper OP15 : $65,000

• Base weight: 5,159 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 410 lbs.
• GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
• Overall (closed) length: 23 ft.
• Exterior width: 7 ft.
• Exterior height (roof closed): 8 ft., 10 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 5 in. (open) / 5 ft., 5 in. (closed)
• Freshwater tank: 63 gals.
• Gray water tank: 17 gals. 
• Black water tank: 10 gals.

Called an off-road hybrid caravan by its builder, the Opus Camper OP15 is a serious overlanding machine designed for those outdoor enthusiasts who like getting far away from it all while having all the comforts and amenities of home. Newly reengineered for severe off-road environments, the independent trailing arm suspension system underneath the bomb-shelter-sturdy Opus OP15 trailer's cabin features dual shock absorbers and larger springs repositioned for improved performance.

The interior of the Opus Camper OP15 trailer increases in size dramatically once it’s parked and the pop-top roof and rear slide-out are extended. Inside the OP15 you'll find a king-size bed, bunk beds, a dining lounge with plush seating and an adjustable table, plenty of storage space, and a full bathroom with shower, sink, and flush toilet.

The OP15 trailer's outdoor slide-out kitchen delivers a stainless-steel sink, a four-burner stainless steel stove, and a food-prep deck. A second outdoor slide-out carries a 12V fridge/freezer combo.

The Opus Camper OP15 scores more off-road points with its 360-degree articulating trailer hitch and large all-terrain tires (including two spares). A fully galvanized welded chassis and drawbar, stone guard, heavy-duty safety chains, and electric brakes are standard equipment.

Fully loaded for off-grid adventure the OP 15 also offers three 100A AGM batteries, a 300W solar panel setup, and utility storage for two 6-gallon fuel cans as standard. You can boost that capability with options such as a DC charger, or lithium batteries and an upgraded charger.

Outdoors RV Back Country Series 24KRS : $80,060

• Base weight: 7,430 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 965 lbs.
• GVWR: 9,995 lbs.
• Overall length: 28 ft., 8 in.
• Exterior height: 11 ft., 6 in.
• LPG capacity: 80 lbs.
• Freshwater tank: 100 gals.
• Gray water tank: 80 gals. 

One of the heavier examples in this buyer's guide of travel trailers well suited for half-ton pickup trucks is the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS. The Back Country 24HRS was designed for the outdoor enthusiast who is more likely to camp off-grid and off-road.

Stocked with standard features such as a 36K on-board LPG-powered generator, a 170W solar panel with controller, and 100 gallons of freshwater capacity, the Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS is capable of sustaining itself and its inhabitants for much more than just a 3-day weekend getaway.

Noted by its builder as designed for "mountain states and western Canada," the Backcountry 24KRS is delivered with equipment that are options on many other travel trailers. Thermal pane windows, triple-layered roof insulation, insulated slide-out floor, insulated exterior luggage doors, and a fully enclosed, insulated, and heated underbelly make it a good choice for winter or shoulder-season camping. Off-road chops include an integrated A-frame chassis with a heavy-duty off-road suspension and beefy six-lug 5,000-pound-capacity axles.

The Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS travel trailer's ability to handle tough roads and long trips is countered with a host of upscale appointments and creature comforts to make the adventure easy to enjoy. A large bathroom is filled with a sink, flush toilet, and roomy shower stall. The kitchen offers a three-burner stove/oven, a large stainless-steel sink with a high-arch faucet, a microwave oven, a huge fridge, and lots of prep space.

Between the 60×80-inch primary bed, a convertible dinette, and a sleeper sofa, there's room to sleep up to six. And the interior is built out in sturdy and attractive cabinetry that offers enough storage space for all your gear.

TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland : $57,874

• Base weight: 3,486 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 510 lbs.
• Overall length: 19 ft.
• Exterior width: 7 ft., 6in.
• Exterior height: 7 ft. (closed) / 10 ft., 1 in. (open)
• Interior height: 4 ft., 7 in. (closed) / Up to 7 ft., 10 in. (open) 
• Freshwater tank: 20 gals.
• Gray water tank: 22 gals.

The TAXA Outdoors Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer is an admittedly nontraditional travel trailer. Its unique nature is part of what makes it a good choice for half-ton pickup trucks like the Nissan Titan . It may look a bit like a giant insect, but the Mantis 5.2 Overland camping trailer has everything you need to enjoy a comfortable middle-of-nowhere experience.

Based on the TAXA Mantis 5.2 (the company's largest floorplan), the Overland edition retains all of the original’s creature comforts and conveniences while inheriting a higher level of off-grid and long-term camping capability.

The Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer is loaded with a fully equipped kitchen, a combo furnace heater/hot water system, storage compartments everywhere, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for four people. An optional pop-up rooftop tent can sleep two more.

TAXA Outdoors added some serious rough-road handling features like a 360-degree rotation/three-axis hitch for optimum trailer control on or off-road. The Mantis 5.2 Overland trailer rides on a powder-coated steel chassis with a 5,200-pound-rated Timbren axle-less suspension system and a 4-inch body lift. This setup gives the trailer 14 inches of ground clearance, perfect for off-road camping adventures.

A mix of aluminum composite panels, Baltic Birch plywood, and an aluminum and steel structural skeleton make up the atypical shape of the TAXA Mantis 5.2 Overland travel trailer. On the long list of available features are handy items like acrylic windows with screens and shades, batwing-style awnings, and exterior hot and cold showers. An integrated 12V electrical system, wet bath with cassette toilet, and 8K-BTU A/C make long trips even more comfortable.

Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX : $51,354

• Base weight: 5,610 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 570 lbs.
• GVWR: 7,285 lbs.
• Overall length: 27 ft., 6 in.
• Exterior width: 7 ft., 6 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 4 in.
• Freshwater tank: 78 gals.
• Gray water tank: 30 gals.

Venture RV currently builds six different travel trailer lines, each offering its own design and engineering flavor. Dozens of Venture RV trailers ranging from 3,000 to 9,000 pounds (base weight) are ideal for a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150.

Our favorite Venture RV line is the Sonic X, of which there are two floorplans. We will focus on the Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer with its large rear-bathroom floorplan.

The Venture RV Sonic X SN220VRBX travel trailer and its SN211VDBX (rear bunk bed plan) cousin are the same length and nearly the same weight. Both feature a high-clearance off-road-capable NXG chassis and two 3,500-pound capacity torsion axles, making it easier to get the Sonic X trailer into campsites others can't reach.

Go-anywhere standard equipment for the Sonix X trailers includes a tubular brush guard, welded tube bumper, roof-mounted LED lightbars, and off-road tires. Designed to be self-sustainable for long periods of time, the Sonix X trailers offer extended off-grid adventure with standard equipment like two 190W roof-mounted solar panels, two 250A lithium-ion batteries, and a 2,000W inverter/charger.

The floorplan of the Venture Sonix X SN220VRBX travel trailer is laid out with a 60×75-inch primary bed (or with a Murphy bed with sofa) up front. The center section of the trailer carries a slide-out holding an 88×47-inch convertible dinette directly across from a well-stocked kitchen that offers a large sink, three-burner stove, oven, and a 7-cubic-foot refrigerator .

The rear section of the SN220VRBX trailer houses a bathroom with a flush toilet, a large sink, and a 34-inch glass radius enclosed shower. A large exterior-accessed storage garage compartment for outdoor gear is standard on both Sonix X trailers.

How Much Can a Half-Ton Truck Tow?

How much trailer can a half-ton truck - F-150, Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, RAM 1500, Tundra, and Titan - tow ?

As an example, tow ratings for the bestselling Ford F-150 can range from 5,000 to 14,000 pounds. This depends upon cab configuration, truck bed size, 2WD or 4WD, engine size, and the final drive ratios (ring-and-pinion gear set ratios).

In addition, some high ratings require additional payload or towing packages. All these aspects combine to establish a pickup truck's maximum tow rating - also referred to as the maximum trailer weight rating.   

The bestselling Ford F-150 cab configuration (according to 2022 model sales) is the SuperCrew. We'll use that as a starting point. The 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.3L V-6 engine and 3.55-ratio axle gears is rated at 5,100 pounds.

On the other end of the scale is the 2023 Ford F-150 SuperCrew short bed 2WD with a 3.5L turbocharged V-6 engine, 3.55 axle gears, and optional payload package scores a 14,000-pound tow rating.

Detailed tow ratings are listed in your truck's owner's manual. Tow ratings for some older trucks can be found on RV.com . The Ford Motor Company website also offers a Towing Guide to help find your truck's maximum trailer weight rating. 

Travel Trailer Terminology You Should Know

There are a few terms that trailer manufacturers use in their specification charts that you should know and understand.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum permissible weight for a trailer, including all cargo, fluids, LPG, and optional equipment.

Unladen, Dry, Tare, or Base Weight: These all mean the same thing - the total weight of the unloaded trailer in standard equipment trim, with no cargo, fluids (freshwater), or LPG.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Sometimes referred to as Rated Cargo Load, this is the maximum amount of cargo weight the trailer can safely hold. This includes everything you load into the trailer, full water tanks, filled propane tanks, and batteries.

Tongue or Hitch Weight: The weight the trailer will place upon the hitch of your truck. More than 500 pounds of tongue weight on a half-ton pickup will likely place undue stress on the rear suspension and unload the front end, adversely affecting the truck's steering and overall handling. In this case, the use of a weight-distributing hitch can redeploy some of the weight from the hitch back to the trailer's axle(s).

Overall or Exterior Length: Commonly refers to the length of the trailer from the hitch ball-coupler to the back of the rear bumper.

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The post 10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck appeared first on GearJunkie .

RV insurance for the open road

Members save 5% on coverage for most RVs through our alliance with Progressive.‍ ‍ See note 1

What's RV insurance?

RV insurance is a lot like car insurance. Most states require a minimum amount of liability protection for motorhomes. For campers and travel trailers that you're pulling behind a car, liability extends from the auto policy of the towing vehicle.

If you're financing the RV, some lenders may require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage.

Whether your RV is your primary residence or just for recreational use, you can customize a policy to fit your needs.

Insurance for travel trailers

If you get comprehensive or collision coverage, you also get vacation liability coverage with travel trailer insurance. This helps protect you if your property’s damaged or if someone gets hurt in or around your trailer.

If your trailer is less than one year old, consider adding total loss protection. You can also add personal effects coverage to help protect the stuff you keep inside your travel trailer.

Ways to cover your motorhome

RV insurance may cover damages and injuries if you cause an accident. You may also be able to add coverage to pay medical, hotel, transportation and windshield repair costs.

Plus, get up to $99,000 in coverage for personal property in your motorhome. We cover luxurious Class A models, Class B campervans and Class C mini-motorhomes.

Insuring a pop-up camper

On top of comprehensive, collision and vacation liability coverage, you can also insure personal property inside your camper.

Add total loss replacement to campers less than one year old to replace your pop-up with the same model or later if it’s totaled.

Coverage for slide-on campers

We offer standard coverage options like comprehensive, collision and vacation liability. You can also get total loss replacement coverage and personal property insurance.

Because you load these types of RVs onto the bed of a truck, we also provide roadside assistance for your slide-on camper and the vehicle towing it.

Insurance for fifth-wheel trailers

You can get comprehensive, collision, roadside assistance and vacation liability coverage.

If your fifth wheel is less than six-years old, consider adding Roof Protection Plus®. This helps repair or replace your roof if it malfunctions from wear and tear, or it damages other parts of your fifth-wheel trailer.

Why get a policy through the USAA Insurance Agency?

Our agency has long-standing relationships with many insurance providers. We monitor those alliances to make sure they meet our standards of customer service and financial stability.

We've worked closely with Progressive for more than 30 years. You can get help from specially trained representatives who'll serve you at the level you expect by calling 800-809-1925 .

How much is RV insurance?

You could pay less than $125 a year to insure a pop-up camper. Or choose a higher yearly payment to cover more expensive motorhomes.‍ ‍ See note 2

How to save on your premium

USAA members get a 5% discount on coverage for most RVs.‍ ‍ See note 1 Here are some other ways to lower your cost.‍ ‍ See note 3

Responsible Driver Discount

If none of the drivers on your policy have accidents or tickets for three years, you could save on your policy.

Paid In Full Discount

In some states, you can get a discount when you pay your 12-month premium all at once.

EFT Discount

Save when you set up automatic payments from your bank account, also known as electronic funds transfers, or EFT.

RV insurance FAQ

Comprehensive coverage can help pay for water damage repairs resulting from weather-related incidents.

Recreational coverage can help protect your RV inside and out while on the road or at a campsite. You may want to consider it if you use your RV part time.

Full-timer's offers broader coverage to help protect those who live in their RV most of the year. It includes personal liability, medical payments and storage shed coverage. It also has loss assessment coverage, which can cover RV association fees to help pay for damages to shared areas.

Both options let you add vacation liability protection. This helps cover bodily injury and property damage costs while you're on vacation in your RV.

It may provide liability coverage for travel trailers and campers, as long as your vehicle is towing them.

Your auto insurance usually won't pay to repair or replace your RV.

It depends. If you're renting an RV, your cost and coverage will depend on the rental location and the type of RV.

It usually won't cover:

• RVs with more than four wheels.
• Drivers not listed on your policy.
• Rentals longer than 30 days.
• The full value of the RV.
• Certain damage to the RV while it's parked.

Explore new places with RV insurance.

Have more questions.

Use our alliance with Progressive to help you get the coverage that fits your needs.

Call Progressive.

T-Mobile’s New Internet Plan Lets You Travel With It for $160

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Frequently roadtrippin’ people with an RV or who like to camp or are stilling clinging to #vanlife, T-Mobile has a new internet plan for you. Be warned, it is not cheap if you want unlimited data.

Called “T-Mobile Away,” this is an internet plan that costs $160 per month for access to unlimited data, includes a gateway device (that needs to be plugged in), allows for up to 64 device connections at a time, will keep you connected while in-motion, and uses all of T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G network. There’s also a $110 per month version that gets you 200GB of data. Both prices require autopay.

Who really is this plan for? T-Mobile really is suggesting it’s for “frequent travelers like RVers, campers and digital nomads.” As someone who isn’t a part of that crowd today, I don’t know what it’s like to need internet on the road 24-7. In the comparison above, I can see that there are several options to choose from, but T-Mobile is saying (of course) that it’s new Away plan is the best because of its feature set. I’ll let you decide, traveling friends.

The new plan goes live May 8.

// T-Mobile

• Home Internet

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Traveling to higher elevations in RV with COPD

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• Last Activity: 4 hours ago, LannyV
• pulse ox monitor
• pulse vs continuous

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Hi, been a while since I have asked any questions but in the meantime I have been doing a lot of reading. The wife and I have been planning on an RV trip, since December, out west taking our Granddaughter who is 14.She is excited about going and I don’t want to disappoint her. But 2 weeks ago I found out I have to be on 2L continuous O2 while sleeping and a week ago, after doing a 6 min walk, they now want me on 3L when sleeping and exerting, otherwise no O2. At this point I don’t have a portable unit, but I am working with my pulmonologist in getting one. The unit I have at home is strictly 120 AC, which I will not always have in the RV. The portable unit I am looking at (Inogen) will run on AC, DC(12v Car/RV supply) or battery. I have several questions:

• My home unit is up to 5l continuous. The Inogen will go to 6l pulse. From my reading I should be okay with the pulse during the day but not sure about at night time. My understanding is with the pulse when you sleep you might not create enough volume of air flow to turn it on thus the reason to use continuous flow. Anyone have any experience with this or recommendations on another unit.
• The next question is….where I current live I am at about 1200 feet in elevation, where we will be traveling to will vary but looks like max will be 8000 feet. I know elevation has an effect on O2 intake and my liters would have to be adjusted for the altitude difference. What is the best way to determine amount of increase I need and how much so I would know if the until can supply what is required. I know probably the best way is by measuring with a pulse ox monitor. The one I have from CVS does not agree with the ones that were used doing the various tests, so I don’t want to rely on it. Again, looking for suggestions.

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