8 Budget-Friendly Travel Trailers that Cost Less Than $16,000

Who Says You Have to Spend a Lot of Money to Own an RV?

Image Caption: Photo Credit: Coleman

It’s no secret that RV travel has grown in popularity in recent years as first-time buyers and younger campers flock to the lifestyle. One of the biggest reasons for that success is an increasing number of budget-friendly models that make purchasing a vehicle easier and more affordable than ever. In fact, the entry-level market segment has never had so many great options to choose from, making it easier than ever to buy an RV.

To help even more people experience the fun and relaxation that comes with camping, we went in search of the most affordable RVs currently available. We came up with some surprisingly great options that cost far less than you might expect.

These are our picks for the best RVs that cost less than $16,000.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Coleman

Coleman Lantern LT 17R

Priced at $15,995, the Coleman Lantern LT 17R comes in just under our budget price point. But this model offers many great features, including luxury items like an electric fireplace, air conditioning, a residential high-rise faucet, and a full-size dinette. Add in plenty of onboard storage, a power awning, solar and backup camera prep, and a nicely-appointed kitchen, and you get an entry-level model that feels more upscale.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Coleman

The 21’5” travel trailer comfortably sleeps three and weighs just 2,970 pounds. This makes it easy to two behind a wide variety of vehicles, including some mid-size SUVs. The open interior space makes it an excellent choice for couples and small families looking to relax at the campsite.

Buy the Coleman Lantern LT 17R at Camping World

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Forest River

Forest River Rockwood Tent 1640LTD

Forest River’s Rockwood Tent model is a pop-up towable that delivers a lot of value for its $14,995 price tag. Standard features include an illuminated awning, a built-in fan to improve ventilation, and an outdoor grill for meal prep. The trailer comes with four stabilizer jacks, a power roof lift, and an integrated rack for securely hauling bikes, kayaks, and other outdoor gear.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Forest River

The 1640LTD floorplan includes sleeping space for four people, a spacious dinette, and an onboard mini-fridge. The trailer’s 1,465-pound weight and 11’9” length make it easily towable and accessible for first-time buyers or those looking to make the jump from tent camping.

Buy the Forest River Rockwood Tent 1640LTD at Camping World

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: SylvanSport

SylvanSport Go

If you’re looking for a versatile travel trailer that can serve as a cargo hauler or camper, the SylvanSport Go is the RV for you. With a dry weight of 840 pounds and an extremely low profile, the Go is towable by almost any vehicle. Once at the campsite, this pop-up model transforms into a comfortable and spacious tent on wheels, with an interior height of 6’5” and room to comfortably sleep four.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: SylvanSport

Other features include a fold-down dining table, comfortable beds, and plenty of integrated mesh windows for enhanced ventilation. The trailer easily converts into a gear hauler, for bikes, kayaks, and other toys, before quickly transforming back into an RV at the campsite. This versatility is practically unmatched by any other model on the market, and with a starting price of $14,495, it is a fantastic bargain too.

Buy the Go camper from SylvanSport

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: InTech

inTech Flyer Pursue

Built for off-road adventure, the inTech Flyer Pursue is a compact towable that falls into the teardrop category. This model features an all-aluminum frame that is both rugged and lightweight. Add in all-terrain tires and excellent ground clearance, and you end up with a go-anywhere, do-anything adventure trailer light enough to be towed by a family sedan.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: inTech

Features include interior LED lighting, a built-in Bluetooth sound system, a MaxxAir roof vent, and an onboard power system—with solar prep—to keep mobile devices charged. The Flyer Pursue has room for two adults and comes with a slide-out kitchen that includes a two-burner stove, a removable table, a 12V refrigerator, and other amenities. Starting price? $14,350.

Buy the Flyer Pursue from inTech

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Rustic Trail

Rustic Trail Papa Bear

Small and lightweight teardrop trailers don’t come much better than the Rustic Trail Papa Bear. Priced at $15,991, this model has a dry weight of 1,295 pounds and is just ten feet long. That makes it small enough that it stores neatly in a garage. But don’t let its diminutive stature fool you. It still comes with plenty of great features.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Rustic Trail

The Papa Bear is large enough for two to three people and includes amenities like a removable dinette, onboard storage, and two folding rear stabilizer jacks. Sliding windows, a roof vent, and a screen door provide excellent ventilation, while LED lighting and USB charging ports are standard. An optional queen-size bed is a much-appreciated luxury after a long day on the trail, while a 5,000 BTU air conditioner keeps campers comfortable even in warm conditions.

Buy the Papa Bear from Rustic Trail

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Oregon Trail’R

Oregon Trail’R DoDrop Alpha

RVers with an active lifestyle will love the DoDrop Alpha from Oregon Trail’R. With its off-road tires, rugged chassis, and durable suspension, this teardrop is a mobile base camp built for hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, and other adventurers. Best of all, it won’t break the bank with its starting price of $13,250.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Oregon Trail’R

Some of the DoDrop Alpha’s standard features include a birch wood interior with integrated storage and shelving, LED lighting, a roof vent, and a 12V power system. The towable has a custom-built roof rack for carrying outdoor gear, like mountain bikes and kayaks. The unit is highly customizable, too, with add-on options like a portable power bank, solar panels, electrical braking systems, upgraded tires, and much more. Oregon Trail’R can customize this model to suit your specific needs.

Buy the DoDrop Alpha from Oregon Trail’R

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Polydrops

Polydrops P19 Shorty

Polydrops makes some of the most unique and distinctive teardrops on the market, offering lightweight models at affordable prices. New for 2023, the company is unveiling the P19 Shorty, a smaller and even more budget-friendly option. This towable starts at $12,500 while still managing to deliver a lot of great features. Those include an aluminum, rust-free chassis, space to sleep two adults, a 110V power system, LED lighting, and a surprising amount of storage.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Polydrops

The trailer weighs 640 pounds, which allows it to pair well with an electric tow vehicle. Its smooth, aerodynamic design makes it efficient out on the road and eye-catching at the campground. Optional add-ons include a modular kitchen, a 2” rear hitch receiver, and an off-road package with upgraded suspension and tires.

Buy the P19 Shorty from Polydrops

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Hiker Trailer

Hiker Trailers Mid Range Deluxe

This off-road adventure trailer is another model that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Standard features include 110V AC shore power, stabilizing jacks, interior lighting, and lots of onboard storage. The towable rides on a rugged frame, heavy-duty axles, and all-terrain tires, making it the perfect boondocking companion. The interior space has room for two adults, and a rear galley kitchen that is ideal for making delicious meals at the campsite.

RVs under $16000

Photo Credit: Hiker Trailer

What really sets the Mid Range Deluxe apart is its level of customizability. The camper comes in three different sizes and gives prospective owners a chance to truly make it their own. Options include a custom premium paint job, an integrated Goal Zero power station, upgraded interior and exterior lighting, solar panels, and more. Essentially, you can start with a blank slate for $8,499 and create your dream towable based on your specific needs and budget.

Buy the Mid Range Deluxe from Hiker Trailers

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