The Coolest Campers in Every Size and for Most Budgets

When we decided to take stock of the state of campers of 2020, we faced a daunting task. Over the last several years, technologies from broadband to solar to lithium power, LED lighting, and high-efficiency refrigeration and air conditioning are simply getting better all the time and being integrated in all sorts of novel ways into new camper builds. This has created an explosion of innovation capitalized on by upstart #vanlife, off-road, and truck-camper manufacturers. Facing that barrage of innovation, storied manufacturers like Winnebago and Airstream have responded with newfound inventiveness of their own. In short, this means there’s a ton of cool stuff out there from camper makers who are packing remarkable luxuries and livability upgrades into small spaces. Here, along with some important things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to get a camper for yourself, are eight of the best, from small to large.

Try Before You Buy
Before you drop tens of thousands of dollars for a camper, here’s a tip: Rent one first. If you have a particular model in mind, you can probably find it on RVShare or Outdoorsy. Taking one out for a few days will quickly reveal shortcomings, ideal features, and things you’d not even considered.

Safety
For this review, we’re bullish on safety. And that, frankly, disqualified many manufacturers before we even started. RV makers—even ones that retrofit vans—have long been exempt from the same strict safety guidelines that auto manufacturers adhere to. As you can imagine, it’s expensive and difficult for RV manufacturers, who don’t approach the kinds of economies of scale as automakers, to crash test a fully equipped camper. While you shouldn’t be surprised to find tricked-out van campers lacking rear airbags, a remarkable number of RVs still rely on old-fashioned lap belts instead of safer three-point shoulder belts for rear passengers. Consider a couple of other points. First, a one-piece van camper is inherently safer than a cutaway camper built with a rear fiberglass/aluminum shell. Second, a pickup truck camper with forward cab seating for all passengers is safer still.

A Few Final Considerations
Really take into account how you’re going to use a camper. If you’re visiting somewhere very hot, noisy A/C-running generators can be not only annoying for you but your neighbors. Consider a unit with a lithium power system or a generator run by the engine. Also, manufacturers generally recommend against idling diesels for long periods, so if you’re going to park with the dash A/C on for long periods, a gas engine is probably best. In buggy places, screens should be small enough to filter out no-see-ums. And if you’ll be winter camping, serious winterproofing to prevent frozen and burst pipes should be premium, and ask whether you or your family really want to deal with cooking outside in the elements. (That’s one reason we really dig the Opus campers below.)

Though there’s plenty of romance around being “self-contained” in your own camper van, consider not only the safety but practicality, simplicity, and dramatically lower cost of a pull-behind travel trailer. Once at the campsite, you can detach and drive away instead of breaking down camp to sightsee, fetch s’more fillings, or grab an emergency medication.

Finally, when you buy, take into account your financing options. Many RVs can be financed for as long as 20 years. Think hard about whether you want a 20-year note, but it can bring monthly payment levels down to that of a car. Oh, and if you buy a camper from an RV dealer, make sure you understand every, single element, and that all systems are working properly before you sign those final papers and drive off the lot.

How We Chose
I’m an avid camper who has written a lot about and covered this space for years. I also started my own hobby rental business and upfit campervans on the side. I’ve checked out some of the models here in person at the annual Overland Expo festival; others I’ve seen at RV dealers or simply checked out at campgrounds on jaunts with my family. The Provan Bengal Tiger is a small Class C off-road-capable camper I’ve been fascinated with since I profiled the company in 2005. Friends own the Airstream and Opus, so I was able to get some time in those, too.

For this article, I focused on covering a cross-section of campers for—aside from their safety—the innovation, reputation, and level of affordability for the average buyer. If you’re looking for a rarified Class A big rig or a F-650-powered Class C
slide-out, sorry, they’re not here.