Best Small Travel Trailer for Family of 4
It's more complicated than you'd think to discover the all-time small RV for a family. Many small campers are set up perfectly – for a couple. Or mayhap a family of three with a baby or toddler.
But, as your family grows, it gets more challenging to discover a camper that can fit your presentlyhoped-for developed size kids. ð
We get it. Equally a family unit of 4, we started the procedure of researching and planning for our perfect small camper well-nigh 2 years ago.
I think we considered every option out there – campervans, travel trailers, teardrops, offroad trailers, and truck bed campers, but to name a few. We visited RV lots, RV shows and spent countless hours researching before deciding on the ideal solution for us.
The best part? Our hours of inquiry led us not but to the best choice for our family of four but also to several more slap-up choices that might be perfect for yours. And I'm going to share them all with you in the side by side few minutes.
I've pulled together our favorite modest RV's for a family of four in multiple categories, pros and cons of each, and – of course – which one we chose for our family.
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Why choose a small camper?
Though reasons for choosing a small RV for a family of four can vary, for us, the decision to choose a small camper came down to a few fundamental items.
- Manueverability – A smaller RV is easier to manuever – menses. I knew that if I were ever going to take trips on my ain with the kids, I would be style less stressed if I wasn't towing thirty feet behind me. Plus, one of the biggest things we were looking for was the ability to tackle woods service roads and overlanding.
- Maintenance – Wait, I'm but going to be honest. I already take a house to clean and maintain. I don't need a second i. That might alter if we ever decide to travel full-time, just we wanted something like shooting fish in a barrel to clean with minimal maintenance and fewer features to break.
- Lightweight – We practise a lot of winter travel and snowboarding, so the thought of pulling a long, heavy RV on snowy roads is not highly-seasoned in the least to us. Plus, a lightweight RV leads me to my next reason to choose a small RV.
- Gas – The bigger the RV, the more gas (and money) information technology volition take to travel with it. We wanted to choose an option that would preserve our mileage as much as possible.
- Storage – We wanted an option that nosotros could store at our house. Luckily, nosotros don't have an HOA, so there are no rules against it, and we keep it neat, of class. We decided if nosotros had to store our RV away from the firm, we would be less likely to use information technology as often. And, why pay for something if you don't utilise it plenty to justify the price?!
A Note About Atomic number 82 Fourth dimension
Before nosotros go into our best picks, I desire to mention a piffling thing called lead fourth dimension. If you're non familiar with the term in the RV earth, lead time is essentially the time between when you initiate your guild and when your order is complete.
Unfortunately, as of October 2021, the lead time on many RV'southward, travel trailers, and campers are a MINIMUM of 6 months. In reality, many are taking up to eighteen months for delivery. As you're shopping, I think it's of import to know this early in the process so you can program accordingly.
Thankfully, many companies have a reasonable downward payment to secure your spot, and you can look to pay the remainder, via cash or financing, until delivery. For reference, on our camper, we paid $500 to reserve our spot in the production line on Dec 28, 2020, and paid the remainder on August 3, 2021, when we took delivery.
Best Small Travel Trailers & Offroad Camping ground Trailers
First, let'southward talk virtually the all-time travel trailers under 5,000 pounds. There is no shortage of small trailers on the market today, but these are our favorites in this category.
Aero Teardrops Sellwood Retro Mode Trailer
Outset up is the Aero Teardrops Sellwood Retro Way Trailer, and I have to say that this is one of the cutest trailers on our list. Information technology instantly makes me call back of my childhood days and my great-grandparents – until I look within at all the extra features, that is.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: Convertible dinette (35" x 79") and convertible burrow (50" ten 80")
- Length: xiii ft.
- Base weight: 2500 lbs.
- Starting price: $26,499
- Additional info
Pros
The Sellwood has a sleeping chapters to fit 4 people, a fully equipped kitchen, and on-need hot water. Plus, standard features include a Bluetooth stereo and flat-screen TV with a DVD player! You lot can even customize the size band color on your trailer!
In improver, you lot have the pick of an option with and without a bath, so you tin make up one's mind which is all-time for y'all (and your wallet). You tin can also add an optional hammock for sleeping space, which brings me to the cons.
Cons
Both of the beds are convertible options, and the dinette is only a twin size. So, unless your kids are super tiny, you'll need that optional hammock to truly sleep four.
Taxa Outdoors Cricket
The Taxa Outdoors Cricket is a true lightweight travel trailer with a base of operations weight of only 1753 pounds with some pretty sweet features, including a ii-burner stove and a 5000 BTU air conditioner.
- Sleeps: four (ii adults and 2 small kids)
- Bed arrangement: Dining surface area converts to a full-size bed (75" x 59"), optional berths for 2 kids (60" ten 22")
- Length: 15'
- Base weight: 1753 lbs.
- Starting price: Approximately $29,000
- Additional info
Pros
This smaller camper trailer is made with a rugged design for all your adventures, and we honey the pop-upwardly roof pattern for extra height and ventilation. In addition, the optional berths for kids allow for additional sleeping infinite with a smaller footprint and lighter weight.
One of the all-time things about this particular model is because this is such a lightweight trailer, it can be towed with almost whatever vehicle (though don't forget to take the weight of your family and gear into account).
Cons
While the optional berths are fantabulous for pocket-sized children, they may present a challenge every bit your kids abound with a weight capacity of 130lbs and a length of threescore″. My 11 year quondam would already exist too long for these. ð
Taxa Outdoors Mantis
Though the Cricket and the Mantis are both fabricated past Taxa Outdoors, they accept completely dissimilar floor plans, and we have to say we beloved the boosted infinite and sleeping arrangements in the Mantis.
- Sleeps: 4+
- Bed system: Dining area converts to a full-size bed (78" x 54") with under-bed storage, Folding couch converts to a bunk bed (76"x22" and 77" x 26"), Optional Thule Tepui 3-person rooftop tent, optional hammock.
- Length: 19'
- Base weight: 2972 lbs.
- Starting cost: Approximately $41,000
- Additional info
Pros
Like its little blood brother, the Mantis is fabricated with a rugged design and pop-up roof for meridian and ventilation. With the actress space, you likewise get more living infinite as well as larger freshwater (20 gals) and greywater (22 gals) tanks.
Near significantly, though, is the additional sleeping space to more than easily fit the entire family – plus friends! With the convertible dining area, folding couch bunk bet, rooftop tent, and hammock, you could potentially sleep upwardly to 8 people!
Cons
All that extra space does come with some cons. The Mantis is over one,000 pounds heavier than the Cricket and four feet longer, limiting your options for tow vehicles. Plus, you lot'll have to crush over more cash on those monthly payments (or upfront) for the extra space.
Airstream Basecamp 20X
Did you lot know the start Airstream factory was built in the 1930s?! Needless to say, they are no stranger to the RV world, and one of the newest additions to their lineup is the Basecamp. It comes in 2 models, the Basecamp sixteen, which sleeps ii (so it's not included on our list), and the Basecamp 20, which sleeps 4!
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed System: Demote seating that converts to a total bed (41" x 78") and Convertible dinette (43" x 78"), though the shapes are unique.
- Length: 20 ft
- Base of operations weight: ii,635 lbs
- Cost: $48,300+
- Boosted info
Pros
The Basecamp 20 on its own is a solid trailer camper that can have you where you want to go. Still, 1 of our favorite features is the ability to upgrade to the Basecamp 20X, which is the model nosotros are highlighting hither. The addition of the X-Package gives you rugged features to allow you to truly get off the beaten path with things like a three" elevator kit, all-terrain tires, stainless steel rock guards, and more.
In add-on, you have color choices when it comes to the interior decor, the ability to add together an optional attachable tent, and that window is incredible!
Cons
Airstreams accept always had a unique shape, and the Basecamp 20X is no different. Notwithstanding, that also means beds that are a little oddly shaped. In addition, this definitely isn't the cheapest small RV on our listing at a starting cost of $48,300 for the Basecamp 20X (the standard Basecamp 20 will save you nearly $7,000).
Black Series HQ12
When it came to choosing our own camper, Black Series was loftier on our listing. Truth be told, they were our forepart runner for a long time (with the HQ17), though ultimately, we made a different choice. Many of our favorite features from the HQ17 are also nowadays on the HQ12.
- Sleeps: four
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed, overhead bunk, pullout tabular array that converts into a bed
- Length: 19 ft.
- Base weight: 4422 lbs
- Starting price: $65,999
- Additional info
Pros
Blackness Series was at the top of our list for an offroad camper trailer because they are fully cocky-contained, ruggedly congenital, take BOTH an indoor and outdoor kitchen. Non to mention, they nevertheless manage to put it all together in a luxurious package. Another huge perk is the inclusion of a Dometic DF Series Furnace to proceed you lot warm on those cold nights.
Blackness Serial should definitely be a top contender if y'all plan to do any off-roading or dispersed camping ground. With independent suspension, a quad shock pattern, a rugged outside, and more, they are created to get wherever you go.
Cons
The biggest con for the HQ12 is the toll. With a starting price of over $65,000, this is i of the nigh expensive travel trailers on our listing. In addition, during our research, we constitute that if you plan to use it throughout the winter instead of winterizing and storing information technology, y'all will likely want to add on a winterizing package from your dealer on top of the already steep price. Though, if you're willing to part with that much cash, y'all'll take one of the coolest rigs out there.
Opus OP15
When information technology comes to luxury and rugged features, the OP15 is 1 of the first options that comes to mind. This camper is full of options to brand your adventures comfortable and has enough space to fit a family of four.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: King bed (76" x 71") and Bunk Beds (80" x 45", 80" ten 33")
- Length: 257" travel manner, 280" at camp
- Base weight: 4960 lbs
- Starting Price: $53,000
- Additional info
Pros
This camper has one of the near beautiful interiors nosotros accept seen in an off-road camper. The solid bamboo drawers provide plenty of storage, and we honey how the bunk beds are permanently gear up – plus, the curtains are a squeamish touch for a bit of privacy.
In addition, we also love how the roof pops up at campsite for extra room and ventilation merely closes for a lower profile when towing.
Cons
This isn't the cheapest camper trailer on our list, though it does make up for most of the price in features and blueprint. In addition, it's quite a scrap heavier at its base weight of 4960 lbs, then if you need to stay under 5,000 lbs total, including your gear, this choice won't work for you.
Nonetheless, for u.s.a., the biggest drawbacks are the lack of an indoor kitchen (even though we're in beloved with the outdoor kitchen) and heater. Because many of our adventures include winter trips in snowstorms here in the Pacific Northwest, an option with a heater and the ability to cook indoors was a must. Of grade, I'g sure we could take establish add-on solutions, but we would prefer non to at this toll point.
Boreas EOS-12 Camper Trailer
The Boreas EOS-12 is assembled in Colorado and finds its spot on our list because of its lightweight, rugged features that can easily sleep a family unit of four (or fifty-fifty v) in a meaty bundle.
- Sleeps: 4 adults (5th child with fold downwards bunk selection)
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed, Convertible dinette (double bed), optional fold-down bunk
- Length: xix'three"
- Base weight: 3500 lbs
- Starting price: $74,990
- Boosted info
Pros
When it comes to taking care of the family, cooking, and staying clean, the EOS-12 is fully equipped with everything you demand. It has features like an indoor wet bath, a l-gallon capacity of freshwater, 25 gallons of greywater, a shower room pick, and water filtration system.
But, don't let the comforts fool you. This camper trailer is mighty capable with 20" of clearance for off-route adequacy, all-terrain tires, independent intermission, and more.
Cons
The Boreas EOS-12 takes the lead for the most expensive small RV on our listing, with a starting price of near $75,000.
BRX Trailers X2+
Born in my home state of Northward Carolina, BRX (founded as Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers) is edifice some serious hard-core overland trailers for any adventures you have upward your sleeve.
- Sleeps: v
- Bed system: Queen bed, 3-person Thule Tepui Rooftop Tent
- Length: sixteen ft 9 in
- Base weight: 2450 lbs
- Starting price: $44,000
- Additional info
Pros
The BRX X2+ is fully equipped for getting you off the beaten path with offroad features such as a Max Coupler Multi-Axis Hitch, Timbren 3500 lb Axle-less Break, 22" of ground clearance, and more.
In add-on, the X2+ has lots of other features, including a 3-person Thule Tupui rooftop tent making your sleeping chapters 5, an canopy room, solar charging system, a Dometic 55 L libation, an AC and heating unit, and a ii-burner Partner gas stove.
Bonus: At the time of publish in the fall of 2021, BRX is reporting a lead time of merely ii-3 months, which is excellent news if you're itching to get into a camper sooner than average!
Cons
At a starting cost of $44,000, the X2+ is no small chunk of change, and they require a 50% deposit to secure your spot in line.
Best Camper Nether 5,000 lbs for Family of 4 With the Most Privacy
Forest River R-Pod Due west Declension RP-201
If you lot've ever been to an RV show or lot, you've probable heard of Wood River. They have a lot of models available. However, the Forest River R-Pod Westward Coast RP-201 is our pick for the near privacy.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed (in a airtight-off bedroom), Convertible sofa bed
- Length: 25'
- Base weight: 4379 lbs
- Starting toll: $32,948
- Additional info
Pros
It has a separate bedchamber! Do you lot really need to know annihilation else?! Kidding. Kind of. ðĪŠ
Seriously though, this is the only camper that we have seen under 5,000 lbs that truly has an entirely airtight-off bedroom, which is a huge perk.
Cons
That individual bedroom comes at a toll, with this existence one of the heaviest and longest campers on our list. At twenty-five feet, I'm non fifty-fifty sure I would call this a small camper anymore. Still, information technology is lightweight and offers a cute, comfy interior!
Best Tent Trailers
Opus OP4
The Opus OP4 (and OP2) are the Transformers of the tent trailer earth. If your kids are anything similar my boys were at five, owning one of these would win you cool points for life. Needless to say, if we always buy one of these, I'm naming it Optimus Prime.
- Sleeps: 6
- Bed organisation: 2 double beds (five'7" ten 4'ii")
- Length: 17' closed, xx' open
- Base of operations weight: 3100 lbs
- Starting toll: $27,000, plus options
- Boosted info
Pros
Okay, offset of all, tin nosotros only talk about the ease of setup with this thing?! Permit me just say that anything that makes setting up at military camp easier equally parents is a win. Opus delivered with their rapid deployment feature. You literally inflate the OP4 in under two minutes with the flip of a switch. ðĪŊ
Simply that lone wouldn't have made us include it on the listing. This tent trailer also has plenty of sleeping infinite for families with 2 double beds and a seating area that tin transform into a 3rd bed. Plus, you can also make that front bed a Male monarch size with an optional extension.
With all that space, ease of utilise, and rugged features, this camper is prepare for simply about any adventure you tin can throw at it.
Cons
The biggest cons for us on the OP4 are similar to the OP15. Considering we spend a lot of time adventuring when the weather is…well..less than stellar (or downright frigid), for us a camper trailer actually needs to have an choice for cooking indoors and a heater. Unfortunately, neither come standard on the OP4.
That said, even though they don't come standard, you do have some options available as add-ons to address these cons:
- You accept the pick to add a Truma Furnace (sixteen,000 BTU) propane heater or a Dometic Coolcat AC & Heatpump (10,000 BTU) to keep you warm in the winter.
- In addition, in that location are two options for creating a cover or enclosure over your outdoor kitchen, which may be enough for many people. Both the AIR Annex and the AIR Canopy are inflatable and attach to your camper. The AIR Canopy provides coverage from the dominicus and pelting, while the AIR Annex also provides additional living space.
Ultimately, we nonetheless chose an option with an indoor cooking area because we regularly encounter loftier-wind snowstorms, merely these options brand our cons for the OP4 minor concerns.
Best Teardrop Trailers (Including Rugged Offroad Options)
TC Teardrops 5×10 (Overland option)
TC Teardrops is a small family unit-run business that makes each camping trailer one at a time for your family.
- Sleeps: 4 (2 adults and 2 small children)
- Bed arrangement: Main bed plus double bunk (58"x42")
- Length: xiv'six"
- Base weight: 1150-1200 lbs
- Starting price: $8500-$nine,600, plus options (plan to double that if you want it fully loaded)
- Boosted info
Pros
1 of the almost incredible things about this company is that because they custom-make their trailers, you lot accept more choices than you do with another options – including over 200 different colors for the sides of your camper.
In addition, the five×ten" allows for a single (21"W 10 58" Fifty) or double (42" x 58" L) bunk that tin can hands fit two small-scale children. You as well take the option of adding an awning and side tent for boosted living and sleeping space.
The Overland model besides includes upgrades on features such every bit Falken A/T Tires, seven" electric trailer brakes, Lock N Curl articulating hitch, and more than.
Cons
The bunk bed is only 58"L, which means it'southward really but suited for younger children (my 12-year-old is already too alpine for this option).
Oregon Trail'r TerraDrop Alpha
The TerraDrop Alpha from Oregon Trail'r is another great choice for an off-road capable teardrop.
- Sleeps: two (4 with added rooftop tent)
- Bed organisation: Queen sized bed inside with optional rooftop tent
- Length: 8 ft
- Base of operations weight: 1200-1500 lbs
- Starting cost: $22,500 for TerraDrop Alpha, options added ala-carte
- Additional info
Pros
The Alpha coating is designed to provide a durable seamless outside, which means it will resist impairment and keep you dry. The base-level parcel includes a welded-on wheeled tongue jack, off-road multi-axis coupler organization, all-terrain tires, and more to truly take you where y'all want to go.
You accept many options available to customize information technology just how you want, such as awnings, solar heated outdoor shower, solar connectivity, electrical braking system, and more.
Cons
You'll have to add the rooftop tent every bit a minimum to slumber iv.
If you choose to fully load the trailer with most or all of the (many) available options, your price will jump significantly to $35-40,000.
Aero Teardrops The Steel
The Steel is the flagship model for Aero Teardrops, and it's even so around for a skilful reason. It'southward functional, lightweight, and has everything you lot need to get out and hazard with your family unit.
- Sleeps: 2-4 with optional rooftop tent
- Bed system: Main bed 54" ten 80", optional rooftop tent
- Length: xiv ft.
- Base weight: 1500 lbs.
- Starting cost: $16,999
- Additional info
Pros
Aero Teardrops is a family unit-endemic visitor from Tigard, Oregon (PNW for the win!)
Some of the features that stand out on this teardrop trailer are the ability to convert the upper chiffonier into a bunk for a minor child, the underfloor storage, and options to configure the galley to your preferences.
The Steel is also bachelor in a High Clearance Bundle with oversize tires and wheels, heavy-duty axle, and Jeep-style fenders to get you out further on your adventures.
Cons
You'll need to add together the rooftop tent option to sleep a family of iv.
Similar most camper companies, their pb time is currently several months long. Even so, when available, they practice listing ready-to-purchase trailers on their website as well.
Timberleaf Travel Trailers – The Classic
The Archetype from Timberleaf Trailers is precisely what y'all would expect from its name – plus a whole lot more.
- Sleeps: 2 (iv with your own added rooftop tent)
- Bed arrangement: Main bed sleeps 2 (80" x 57")
- Overall Length: Classic 168"
- Base weight: Archetype 1500 lbs
- Starting price: Archetype starts at $23,400, fully loaded $38,000+
- Additional info
Pros
The blueprint of this trailer truly is archetype. Only, the options and features are so much more. Timberleaf has some of the best options for customization that we've seen anywhere, allowing you to cull things like the color of your trailer and the countertop color and design. In addition, they have available options like off-road options, awnings, additional shelving, heaters, fans, and more than.
Cons
In their build options, Timberleaf Trailers allows you to add a rooftop rack. However, there is no standard selection to add a rooftop tent. That said, I emailed Timberleaf and they shared that they adopt to not limit your choices on tents, only they are happy to work with customers to ensure they go the option they need.
Colorado Teardrops Pinnacle Pinnacle
The Superlative Top from Colorado Teardrops is one of the toughest teardrops in their lineup and is meant to handle whatsoever adventures you have planned.
- Sleeps: 4+
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed and bunk beds that fold into a sofa
- Overall length: 173"
- Base weight: 1850 lbs
- Starting cost: $32000
- Additional info
Pros
This camper trailer is genuinely designed for overland use with Timbren beam-less suspension, articulating hitch, rock sliders, and more. But don't allow that fool you. It'south also incredibly functional with under-flooring storage, an outdoor galley kitchen, and optional on-demand hot water and shower.
Cons
They aren't the to the lowest degree expensive option out there, and your cost will creep closer to $40,000 fully loaded.
Note: If you lot don't need overland utilize, consider their Mountain Massive Teardrop. With a dry weight of 1470 lbs, sleeping infinite for 4, and a starting toll of $26,500, information technology's another dandy option for your adventures.
Best Small Truck Bed Campers
If you take a car or SUV, you tin can get alee and spring right to the next section. If yous have a truck but still want a lightweight camper with a smaller footprint and without having to tow on overland adventures, a truck bed camper can be a corking option.
Choosing the Best Lightweight Truck Bed Camper
Payload vs. tow capacity
When y'all're looking at the weight of truck bed campers, 1 matter to keep in heed is that your tow capacity on a truck might easily be 10-xv,000 pounds. Only, don't be fooled. That is Not the same as your payload capacity, which is what you'll demand to accept into account for a truck bed camper.
For instance, our Ford F350 has a towing capacity of twenty,000, but our payload capacity is around 3,700. And, that weight technically needs to include your camper, supplies, and the people you'll have in the vehicle. Yes, some people volition push button this and never have problems, but when nosotros're hauling our kids and gear on forest service roads away from easy service, that's not something I'yard willing to gamble.
Truck bed length/bed closure
Depending on the length of your truck bed and the camper you choose, you may demand to take the tailgate off completely. Notwithstanding, some options may let you to close the tailgate or leave it in place for a fleck of a "porch." If being able to leave the tailgate on and close it is very important to you lot, make sure you lot measure for clearance to ensure fit.
Spotter Campers Kenai
If you lot're looking for a camper that can accommodate a family of iv, is still lightweight, and you don't really desire to tow a trailer, this is your pick!
- Sleeps: 4+
- Bed arrangement: Queen size bed over the cab, optional rooftop tent, and convertible dinette.
- Overall length: 145.5"
- Base weight: 1370 lbs, 1908 lbs fully loaded with options including rooftop tent, awning, jacks, fridge, etc.
- Starting price: $24,900, fully loaded comes in effectually $37,000
- Boosted info
Note: If you don't demand the shower option or additional storage, Watch also has two lighter weight smaller options, the Olympic (base weight 1133 lbs) and the Yoho (958 lbs)
Pros
The Scout Kenai has a perfect residual between condolement and functionality while maintaining a minimalist design and relatively small size. Information technology can give you the features you need without sacrificing weight past using uncomplicated systems and features instead of heavier, more complex choices.
We dear the sleeping options for 4+ that include a queen-sized bed over the cab, a Roofnest roof height tent, and a convertible dinette. Though, to be fair, the dinette is best suited for small children.
The 4-flavour insulation and Newport Real Flame Fireplace are perfect for skiing or snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest and across. Plus, the drain pan surface area works dandy for the optional shower kit but also for hanging your snow gear to dry out.
With reinforced aluminum framing, optional indoor/outdoor cooktop, hanging storage bags, and more, information technology can be outfitted with everything you need and nothing you lot don't.
Cons
Many of the options that make it perfectly equipped do not come standard at the base price. The beauty of that is that yous don't pay for features you don't demand or care almost.
If you opt for the RinseKit shower, plan on it pulling a lot of ability from your solar-powered Goal Zilch Yeti 1500X to heat. It'due south great for summer adventures as the h2o is comfortable from the estrus of the day. If you lot want hot h2o in winter, the Joolca water heater might be a ameliorate choice. In addition, it has no onboard gray water system. However, that is easily remedied by attaching a hose and drove container.
While the Kenai does accept a heater for those cold winter nights, there is currently no option for air conditioning. You tin can open up the windows and turn on the small-scale fan, but it's non likely to continue you cool on the hottest of summer days.
All-time Unique Camper Trailer (for Electric Vehicles!)
Colorado Teardrop Campers – The Bedrock ™
The Boulder™ from Colorado Teardrop Campers is and then innovative I simply couldn't leave it off the listing. Made specifically for owners of electrical vehicles, it's made in Colorado and fix for all seasons.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed organization: Queen, 2 bunk beds
- Overall length: 195"
- Base weight: 1950 lbs
- Starting price: $55,000 (with electric current preorder pricing, you can salvage upwards to $10,000 and take one of the first models available)
- Boosted info
Pros
The Bedrock™ has a fully insulated cabin, galaxy-gazer window, large galley, and a banking concern of EV batteries that allows you lot to recharge on your adventures. Because towing with an EV decreases your range, the extra bank of batteries ways you'll exist able to go further on your adventures. According to Colorado Teardrop, the bank should go yous the equivalent of its non-towing range or more.
Cons
They aren't bachelor quite yet. And, they certainly aren't the least expensive out in that location. But, if yous reserve yours now, you can relieve a big chunk off the listing cost and get several perks for being the first to order.
What to Look for When Choosing the All-time Small-scale Camper for a Family of 4
Okay, so now what? You lot've seen our top picks for the best pocket-size campers for families of four. But, how do you choose the best one for YOUR family unit?
Here are some things we recall are the most important to consider a camper that works for the whole family. In fact, they are the things that we took into consideration when choosing our camper.
What is Most Important to You
The truth is that no matter which camper y'all cull, there are probable to be some compromises. Just like buying a house or a car, y'all're unlikely to find 1 that checks every single item on your wishlist. So, it's super important to make up one's mind what your priorities are equally a family when you lot're buying so that y'all can filter your options through and make the best conclusion for yourself.
For case, hither are some questions to enquire yourself as you lot prioritize your options:
- Where practise yous programme to use your camper?
- What time of the twelvemonth practice you want to camp?
- How long practise you expect your trips to exist?
- What can your tow vehicle handle?
- Is the floor plan functional for yous?
- Is an indoor kitchen a must?
- What sleeping arrangements will piece of work for your family unit? What most in a few years when your kids have grown?
- Is there enough storage (or can you add actress) to accommodate your family?
- What can you lot budget for your camper?
- How much maintenance are y'all willing to do?
Where Y'all Programme to Use Information technology
This is a huge consideration and one of the cardinal decision-makers for us. If you're planning to apply your camper primarily on the highway and in major campgrounds, any of these options will exist suitable.
Still, if you accept plans to explore any forest service roads, have overlanding dreams, or plan to do hard-cadre off-roading, your needs are going to be completely dissimilar. We knew we wanted to explore forest service roads and overland, so a model built for that type of use was key.
The other cistron in where y'all want to use your camper is your physical location. For instance, if you live in Florida or the Southwest, y'all will probably prioritize a unit with air-conditioning. If y'all're in the Pacific Northwest like us, a heater is probably the bigger priority.
When You Want to Apply it
Adjacent on the priority list is when you want to use your new camper. For instance, if you only program to use your camper during spring, summer, and early on fall, you take enough of choices. But, if yous plan to do any winter camping or use your camper every bit a base for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, yous'll want to choose a camper that will keep y'all warm and is equipped for travel on the snow.
Maintenance Requirements
One of the things we realized when nosotros were looking is that the maintenance requirements for modest campers can vary. A LOT.
Many small trailers are fully equipped with all niceties, including freshwater, greywater, and blackness tanks, requiring more piece of work to clean out. Some also need winterizing every season. Others are more simple and require very piddling maintenance other than cleaning and general upkeep.
Information technology's worth it to spend a little time researching the requirements for your top contenders and deciding if the maintenance requirements fit into your schedule – and budget.
Length of Trips
Knowing how frequently and how long your trips typically are tin help y'all determine what is best for you as well. Do yous love to road trip, or are y'all just planning to use it at a few local campgrounds each year?
For instance, nosotros plan to take a couple of weekend trips a calendar month and a handful of longer trips each year, so a smaller, easier to maneuver choice is perfect for us. If we were planning to live in our camper full-fourth dimension, permit's just say I call up the only choice on this list would be the R-Pod. Mama occasionally needs her private space for sanity. ðĪŠ
Functional Floor Plan
Okay, so this is one of the virtually essential things, in my opinion. Though information technology'south yet an opinion, so have it as you lot wish. For us, having a camper that required beds to exist set and taken down every. single. night. was non an option.
Nosotros've spent some time renting campervans and RV's that required sleeping spaces to be converted to seating spaces or dining spaces, and information technology drives me upwards the wall. I feel like even if nosotros're at a site for a calendar week, I never feel settled having to set up and have down each night. Nosotros were open up to a camper that required a quick set upon inflow at military camp for one or more beds, simply not a complete setup and takedown each day.
That said, I know when you lot're looking at small campers, infinite is at a premium, and so it might be hard to find an option that doesn't crave some conversion. And, that'southward okay. As long as the trade-offs in the balance of the floorplan piece of work for you.
Sleeping Arrangements
This is 1 of my biggest pet peeves in the RV world. When we first started looking, we saw so many campers that claimed to have sleeping infinite for four.
Bologna.
They might take enough sleeping space if you're children are teeny tiny ambrosial babies and toddlers.
Simply, guess what? Those babies and toddlers grow up FAST, and sometimes they terminate up at 5'four" with bigger anxiety than you before they even hit twelve. And, they aren't slowing down anytime shortly.
And then, a convertible "bed" that's 24 inches wide and 48 inches long is a cop-out, in my opinion. Or when they expect two "people" to slumber on a space marginally bigger than a twin bed. Even when our kids were smaller, that would have been a nightmare to go them to sleep and hear "his feet are on my side" a bajillion times.
All I'm saying is to have into consideration what you lot need now, just as well what you'll demand equally your kids grow.
Nutrient and Gear Storage
This falls back a bit to some of the things we've already mentioned. If you're merely taking weekend trips, you'll need a lot less storage. Just, if y'all program to be off-grid for weeks at a time, you'll want to brand sure you lot accept plenty of storage for your food and clothing.
Another affair to consider is what activities you plan to do when you're camping. If you plan to practice winter sports, biking, or other activities, consider how yous will fit your gear.
More things to Consider When Buying a Modest Camper for Your Family unit
Aside from the features specific to each camper, there are a few other things to consider when purchasing your new RV.
Size and Historic period of Your Kids
Equally I mentioned earlier, choosing a camper with adequate sleep infinite to grow with your family is a priority. However, some other thing to consider is if yous have older teens, they may not go with y'all on every trip due to other obligations, and they'll likely be moving out or going to higher soon, then something like a convertible slumber space might exist totally fine.
Your Tow Vehicle
A key thing to include in your choice is what vehicle yous will be using. You'll need to know the towing capacity of your vehicle if you decide to become with a teardrop or modest trailer. However, if you're planning on a truck bed camper, make certain to consider the payload of the camper, your family unit, and your gear as you're making your option.
Price
Equally you lot probably noticed, the costs for small campers can vary widely. Y'all can start with a simple teardrop camper for around $ten,000, or yous tin become all out for fully loaded options and spend $75,000 or more!
Because they vary so much in price, it's a expert idea to look at your budget, savings, and financing options before you fall in dear with a particular model.
Should You Consider Alternate RV Types
Lastly, you may desire to consider if a different type of RV would be better suited to your family of 4. There are many dissimilar options – all with their own sets of pros and cons – simply if y'all're all the same not sure, some options to consider are:
- Grade A RV's – You know those RV's that expect like a tour bus? Yup, that'south a Class A. They are big, comfortably appointed, and can set you back anywhere from $twoscore,000 to a few hundred thou.
- Class B RV's or Campervans – If we hadn't gone with a small-scale RV, a campervan would have been our choice. They can be built from several unlike sizes of vans, but our favorites are those on the Sprinter chassis. You can observe options with proper seating for a family of four (hard to find in many driveable RV's) and all the amenities you could dream up. DIY builds are very popular if you're looking to save some money, or you can have custom builds done that can range from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.
- Form C RV's – Class C campers are built with a cab attached to the camper. They are smaller than Class A's but drive more like a regular vehicle.
- Toy Hauler – A toy hauler is a bigger camper trailer that has enough of room for – you lot guessed information technology – your toys. If you lot love to ride dirt bikes, ORV's or but demand an ample garage storage space, these could be the best pick for you!
- Fifth Wheel – Fifth wheels are large camper trailers that use a special mount in the truck's bed. They are popular because they provide more infinite and are more than stable than other campers of similar size.
We but really considered the Class B, Toy Hauler, or 5th Wheels out of all these. Despite our all-time efforts, we have never found a Form A or C RV that has seating for all four of usa that we are comfortable with.
And, I know…in that location'south a lot of opinions on this, but I have trusted Car Seats for the Littles for years for sharing the facts and information related to car seat and child vehicle safety. When we were looking for an RV, I went straight to their site and constitute this article about RV Travel with Children to help usa make our decision.
Which Small Camper Did We Option For Our Family of Four?
Drum roll please…ðĨ
Later on much consideration (and a VERY close second from Black Series), we landed on a Scout Kenai for our family.
It was a tough conclusion, but ultimately, we made our decision based on a few primal factors:
- Nosotros planned to use the camper all year round.
- It has enough room to sleep four regular-sized adults. Our oldest is almost as tall as me at 12, and he isn't slowing down. ð
- We spend a lot of the winter in the snowfall, and nosotros weren't neat on towing in the snow and water ice if we didn't have to.(And, by we, I mostly hateful me. ð)
- A camper with a heater and options to sleep 4 Within was essential for us (though, to exist honest, it will be a footling tight if nosotros don't apply the rooftop tent).
- We wanted simple functionality instead of fancier systems that require more than time and money to maintain.
- It was of import for us to have solar power, so the choice for the solar panel and Goal Aught Yeti 1500X was huge for usa.
Will it be perfect? Of course not. At that place are trade-offs no matter which choice we chose, and the same will be true for yous.
Which Small-scale Camping ground Trailer Should You lot Choose?
I wish I could give you a 1-size-fits-all reply, just the truth is, at that place isn't one. Your family is unique in your needs, so what I discover essential might not be the same for you.
Ultimately, after learning almost the best minor RV'southward for a family unit of four, we propose you make a listing of the central features that are non-negotiable for your family, as well every bit features on your wishlist, and notice one that ticks the almost boxes.
Then, if you have the chance, see one in person or discover one to hire on Outdoorsy.
If that doesn't work, get creative!
For instance, we couldn't see a Kenai in person earlier nosotros ordered, but we were able to see another model by Lookout, which helped us feel confident.
If you know someone who owns the camper you're thinking of, ask them if you tin can have a tour – even if you lot only "met" them online. Seriously. People love showing off their gear, and I'll bet you get a yep!
After taking a expect through our list, which minor RV stands out for you and your family?
Additional Resources to Assist You lot Programme Your Camping Adventures
- Ridiculously Easy Camping ground Food Ideas (That Don't Demand Refrigeration!)
- The Brilliant Apps All Campers Need to Know About
- What to Bring Camping ground: A Beginner's Guide to the Essentials
- Camping Etiquette 101: What You lot Should (and Shouldn't) Do
Source: https://thestokefam.com/best-small-camper-for-family-of-4/
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