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Average RV Costs (with 19 Example Prices)

Published on March 29th, 2018 by Nicole Malczan
This post was updated on September 23rd, 2021

It’s hard to say what average RV costs look like these days. There are so many types of RVs to choose from! Some people think buying a Class A RV makes sense. Other drivers would prefer to hitch a travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer to their truck or SUV. No matter your preferences, though, one deciding factor in which type of RV you’ll choose is the cost.

Average RV Costs for Trailers and Motorhomes Vary Wildly

RVs can cost between $10,000 and $300,000 depending on the style and features. A moderately-appointed camper trailer pulled behind a truck might cost $20,000. The average RV cost of a fifth-wheel may cost $40,000. Most motorhome prices usually start around $100,000.

As you can see, there are definitely some price fluctuations depending on the type of vehicle you’re most interested in. First narrow down the type of RV. Then consider the manufacturer and whether you want a new or used vehicle. These factors will again play a role in the final price you’ll end up paying.

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Here’s what to expect all across the board for average RV prices. I’ve thoroughly researched the prices of 19 RVs of all kinds. These vehicles are all new and from 2019 (unless otherwise indicated). Used versions of these RVs may cost less.

To augment the pricing, I will also explain the different types of RVs. This lets you make the best decision about which vehicle will best suit your lifestyle and your budget.

Purchasing an RV is an investment that requires a lot of time and research. One way we recommend doing your due diligence is trying one before you make a purchase. RVShare is a great way to find and rent cool RVs. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re ready to purchase your own cool adventure vehicle!  You can see your local inventory of RVs by clicking here.

Example Prices for Average RV Costs

  1. Forest River Inc. Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome: $280,041+
  2. Coachmen Leprechaun 240FS (450 Ford) Class C Motorhome: $68,700+
  3. Dutchmen Astoria 2513RLF Fifth-Wheel: $50,682
  4. Keystone Passport Express 239ML: $18,595
  5. 2019 Jayco Embark 37MB Class A Motorhome: $295,200+
  6. Thor Motor Coach Compass 24LP Class B Motorhome: $114,975
  7. 2015 Palomino PaloMini 177BH Travel Trailer: $10,000+
  8. Winnebago Cambria 27K Class C Motorhome: $129,394
  9. Northwood Arctic Fox 28-5C Fifth-Wheel: $42,985+
  10. Thor Motor Coach Outlaw 29J Class C Toy Hauler: $123,450
  11. Jayco Jay Sport 10SD Camper Trailer: $13,495+
  12. 2017 K-Z RV Connect C191RBT Travel Trailer: $20,402
  13. Thor Motor Coach Hurricane 35M Class A Motorhome: $144,675
  14. Prime Time RV LaCrosse 339BHD Travel Trailer: $46,727
  15. Heartland Bighorn BHTR 39 D Traveler: $49,999
  16. Winnebago Minnie Winnie 22M: $80,118+
  17. Thor Motor Coach Tuscany 45AT Class A Diesel Motorhome: $429,660
  18. Keystone Sprinter 312MLS Travel Trailer: $36,994+
  19. Starcraft Autumn Ridge Outfitter 17RD Travel Trailer: $11,999

Why the RV Price Fluctuations?

There were at least a dozen RV manufacturers represented in that list of 19 price points. Why was there such a wild fluctuation in prices? Why is a Heartland Bighorn Travel and a Winnebago Minnie Winnie—both travel trailers—almost separated in price by more than $30,000?

Here are a few reasons this is the case:

  • Manufacturer reputation: Starcraft and Heartland are much smaller manufacturers than say, Thor Motor Coach, Keystone, or Jayco. If you see those three latter brands, you’re very familiar with them already. Such brands use their reputation and popularity to boost the prices of their products. Of course, these manufacturers also probably have more RVs you can choose from. For instance, the lesser-known K-Z RV only manufactures toy haulers, fifth-wheel trailers, and travel trailers. A company like Jayco though sells Class A through Class C motorhomes as well as other vehicle types.
  • Age of the RV: A brand new 2018 or even 2019 RV is going to be the most expensive model on the market. That’s just how it is. Shop for an RV that was produced between 2014 and 2017. You could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
  • Availability of the vehicle: How widely-available is the RV? Is this a vehicle from a big brand name like Jayco or a smaller manufacturer? For instance, in my research, I stumbled upon an RV brand that only sells its vehicles in Canada. If you buy an RV from a manufacturer like that, you can expect to pay more. The vehicle is not as widely available.
  • Floorplan: I admittedly randomly picked the floorplans for all 19 RV examples above. Some were the smallest and the least expensive floorplans. Others were the biggest and thus the most expensive floorplans. Want more space for queen-sized or king-sized beds, full bathrooms, full kitchens, and larger dining and living spaces? Expect to pay more money for your RV.
  • Extra features: The prices above are all baseline prices. This does not account for any customizable extra features you may want to get. Some people opt to choose the flooring, décor materials and patterns, interior, and exterior color of their RV. Others want as much high-tech equipment possible, like built-in TVs. If that’s you, expect to tack on several more thousands of dollars to any of the prices above.

Why Average Prices of RVs Vary

With the price out of the way, another big consideration you’ll have to think about when choosing which type of RV is best for you is the vehicle type. There are tons of different RVs out there to choose from.

In this next section, I will go over each of those types in-depth. This will help you make an informed shopping decision.

Tent Trailers Features and Costs

Pop-Up Tent Camper for casual camping

Sometimes called pop-up tent trailers, tent trailers are a type of travel trailer. That means that instead of driving the tent trailer itself, you would hitch it to your truck, SUV, or other vehicle and pull the trailer with you.

These trailers are often small in stature but will include a kitchen space with a dinette as well as a bed or two. That said, you may sacrifice some amenities like a shower or a toilet. You can often cook in a tent trailer with an included stovetop. You should also be able to fit a smaller refrigerator in there as well.

With windows or screens, your passengers can enjoy the view no matter where your travels take you. These also allow for sufficient ventilation in the trailer so you don’t have to worry about the growth of mold.

Now, why are these called tent trailers? Well, because of the large retractable tent, of course. These tents are often made of canvas so they’re durable. They can withstand rain, wind, and light snow, but obviously, you don’t want to leave the tent open in the elements for too long. That could lead to rips, holes, tears, or other damage.

If you’re the type who enjoys camping in the great outdoors, then a tent trailer is perfect for you.

Hard-Side Travel Trailers Features and Costs

Tent trailer with hard sides for extra comfort.

If you prefer something a little sturdier than a tent trailer, then you’ll probably gravitate towards a hard-side travel trailer. You get all the space you would out of a larger travel trailer with the security the hard sides provide. That means you can enjoy longer trips on the road, even in inclement weather.

The door allowing entry into the trailer is often larger, and the sharp and angular design allows for the placement of more windows. Inside, you can fit many modern luxuries, such as a kitchen, cooking space, refrigerator and freezer, and a dinette. There’s room for beds and you may get more bathing options with a hard-side pop-up trailer than you would with a tent trailer. There should be adequate space for either a toilet or a shower, but very rarely both unless you want to shell out for the biggest floorplan available.

With so much space in your trailer, you won’t really mind spending your nights inside, sleeping away among nature until the morning lets you continue your journey.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers Features and Costs

The last type of travel trailer we’re going to cover is the fifth-wheel trailer. They tend to include floor plans with multiple levels and can measure as long as 40 feet. They’re also often the most expensive travel trailer.

Six passengers can comfortably stretch their legs in this trailer, which must be attached to a pickup truck by buying a fifth-wheel hitch. Smaller vehicles will likely not be able to pull the pure heft of a fifth-wheel trailer. Luckily, there are some fifth-wheel trailers that are made to weigh less and be compatible with those vehicles.

There may be several picture windows in your trailer, which allow the best views out of all the trailer types we’ve covered. You may also get a few slide-outs (sometimes as many as four). This provides more space in the living area or bedroom. Slide outs may expand three feet or more!

Speaking of living, you’ll be able to do it more like you would at home with a fifth-wheel trailer. You will have plenty of storage space, more entertainment options (which is great if you have kids you’re traveling with), great cooking amenities like a stovetop and perhaps even a mini oven, a bigger dining area, and more bathing options. You should expect a toilet and a shower in your fifth-wheel. There’s also room for several beds.

Class A Motorhomes Features and Costs

Motorhome luxury camping

Then there are motorhomes, which are by far the largest vehicles of all. You do drive a motorhome, unlike a travel trailer. This can take some practice and getting used to at first, because you have to change your driving techniques to accommodate for the extra length, weight, and heft of a motorhome.

Motorhomes are often divided into three classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Of these, Class A weighs the most. This RV thus has the space for the most passengers as well as the most room to relax and kick back. Some of these vehicles may be up to 45 feet long at most, with the shortest Class A motorhomes often 25 feet. Still, even if you get a smaller Class A RV, you’ll still find there’s more room in this than any of the trailers outlined above.

If you’re the type who always brings friends or family with you on long road trips, then a Class A motorhome will give everyone the room they need. There should be a sense of privacy for each passenger, although there probably won’t be individual beds for four or five people. Instead, you may get two king-sized (and maybe even California king-sized) beds and perhaps bunk beds for the kids.

Another Fun Fact About Motorhome Features

Speaking of space, the ceilings are often the tallest of what you’ll find in an RV. This is ideal for taller passengers who feel like they can never stand straight up when in their vehicle.

You also get plenty of storage space for stashing clothes, gear, equipment, food, and other essentials. Some of these storage spaces are obvious, while others are subtler and may be retractable or otherwise hidden.

You should be able to fit a full kitchen, with a refrigerator, freezer, oven, stovetop, and even a microwave. You could even have a full bathroom with a sink, shower, and toilet.

The views are the best. Not only is the gargantuan windshield amazing, but Class A motorhomes often feature great panoramic windows throughout the vehicle.

Of course, Class A motorhomes are going to be the most expensive, so that is something to keep in mind.

Class B Motorhomes Features and Costs

A tricked out Class B Overlander Van

Then there’s Class B motorhomes. These are the most lightweight of the three motorhome models. They are comparable in size to most large travel trailers (but with the security of a motorhome). If you only bring a passenger or two with you, then you should have no issues with the limited space of these vehicles. If you prefer to bring more, then you may want to look into a Class A or even a Class C motorhome.

You may get a single queen-sized or king-sized bed here and perhaps a pull-out couch as well. There’s no room for bunk beds for the majority of floorplans. You’ll also have far less storage space and fewer windows. The kitchen nook will be smaller, and you may have to forego a shower or a toilet with some floorplans.

You also can’t expect as much in terms of views, as there probably won’t be as many windows. You will have to pack lighter too to make up for the smaller storage areas.

Class C Motorhomes Features and Costs

Example of modern Class C motorhome

Lastly, there are Class C motorhomes. Think of these as the in-between option between the heft and high prices of Class A and the much smaller size and affordability of Class B. Talking money, Class C motorhomes are often more expensive than a travel trailer or a Class B motorhome, but not quite as costly as Class A. In short, you’ll probably be able to find one that’s about six figures or just under.

There’s often not as much space available with Class C motorhomes, so there may be an overhead bed and maybe a second queen-sized or king-sized bed in the bedroom nook. If you travel with a spouse or romantic partner, you can take that second overhead bed and make it a living room area, office, or anything you want. If you feel your Class C motorhome is a little cramped, this is a good idea.

There will also be less of a learning curve when it comes to driving your Class C motorhome. This weighs far less, so if you’re used to handling a bigger vehicle, like a heavy-duty truck or SUV, then driving this RV should be a piece of cake.

There’s decent storage room, especially if you convert the overhead bed space into something useful. You can generally expect a couple of windows, but not as many as a Class A motorhome. The windshield will also not be nearly as big as well.

The kitchen and bathroom nooks are usually smaller than a Class A, but not as much so as a Class B. You may have to forego some kitchen amenities, though, which isn’t a huge sacrifice.

It’s best to keep your passenger limit to two, maybe up to four people. It depends on the brand of RV you choose.

Conclusion on Average RV Prices

If you’re contemplating buying your own RV, it helps to know average RV costs. This information lets you know how much you can expect to shell out. Remember, the age, manufacturer you choose, condition of the vehicle, and additional features will all influence the cost. These extras drive sticker price up or down.

The 19 average RV prices included in this article are a good baseline. Use this data to start budgeting for your own RV.

Happy shopping!

12 thoughts on “Average RV Costs (with 19 Example Prices)”

  1. Great Article, super informative!
    I am a single male looking for a drivable home, cause I am not wasting my money on rent or a mortgage that won’t be paid off until I am six feet under, I live in Vancouver of course! For how much longer I cannot say with any certainty. What I would like to find is a drivable home such as the class C, I only say this cause your article finally informed me on the differences, thank you. Can you, or any one reading recommend or point me in the direction of perhaps more education on the issue or a particular model that might suit my needs, I mean a place or site that can help me navigate through the world of RVs to find a potential home! Once again thank you for explaining all the differences. I am as I said a single male who would need space and the ability to store collectibles as I am opening a site to sell all forms of collectibles from Sports cards to Starwars figures an memorabilia. If there is any place or person that comes to mind that may be able to help I would be very appreciative. Great article, stay safe and take care everyone!!!!….. 😃 😊

    Reply
  2. it was useful to know about the different class sizes. I would have assumed c would be less than b. I almost went searching for wrong thing.

    Reply
  3. Been RVing for about 25 years. 1 5th wheel, 3 motor homes. Llike traveling in a motorhome the best, but prices are getting crazy. Plus, you had better be handy both mechanically and jack of all trades with any RV. The worse about all is lack of quality control. However, you also must keep in mind that when driving down a highway or pulling a trailer, particularly the freeways in CA which are crap, it would be equivalent to your home going through an 7.0 earthquake. However, another downfall is the lack of good and reasonably priced RVParks. When we started out, the price was average of $15 to $20 a night. Nowadays you are looking at at average of $45 to $75 a night depending on amenities. We are just about out of the RVing lifestyle due to costs.

    Reply
  4. I heard Jayco’s are trash, I have nothing to base that on, just heresay. My RV is a 2012 shadow cruiser, so far so good, just a minor problem here or there. You have to have a handy mindset if you want to own an RV… just my opinion.

    Reply
  5. Class B is definitely not the cheapest motorized RV, as you state in your article. Have you priced out Road Trek, Pleasure Way, etc., whether new or used? In fact, Class B is the most expensive, if you look at the cost per square foot.

    Reply
    • I want a. trailer to live in year round park it on my land l like a tiny house they are building these days but l would like a pill behind not to travel in set it up like a tiny house about 32 foot to built porch on and tie downs on it and underpinning just me and my husband

      Reply

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