Camper Designs for a Family of 4 to Live in
It'due south more complicated than yous'd think to find the best modest RV for a family. Many small campers are gear up upwardly perfectly – for a couple. Or maybe a family of three with a baby or toddler.
But, every bit your family grows, it gets more challenging to detect a camper that can fit your soon-to-be adult size kids. 😅
Nosotros get information technology. As a family of four, we started the procedure of researching and planning for our perfect pocket-size camper almost 2 years ago.
I recall we considered every choice out in that location – campervans, travel trailers, teardrops, offroad trailers, and truck bed campers, only to name a few. Nosotros visited RV lots, RV shows and spent endless hours researching before deciding on the ideal solution for us.
The best part? Our hours of inquiry led us not simply to the best option for our family unit of four but likewise to several more cracking choices that might be perfect for yours. And I'm going to share them all with yous in the next few minutes.
I've pulled together our favorite modest RV'southward for a family of four in multiple categories, pros and cons of each, and – of course – which one nosotros chose for our family.
This post may include affiliate links. Every bit an Amazon Associate I (The Stoke Fam) earn from qualifying purchases. Read more. We encourage y'all to follow all state and federal guidelines during your adventures. As status is irresolute quickly, we suggest you double-check to ensure destinations are open and have the amenities you need prior to heading out.
Why choose a pocket-sized camper?
Though reasons for choosing a small RV for a family of 4 can vary, for the states, the decision to choose a small-scale camper came downwardly to a few key items.
- Manueverability – A smaller RV is easier to manuever – period. I knew that if I were e'er going to accept trips on my own with the kids, I would exist manner less stressed if I wasn't towing 30 feet behind me. Plus, one of the biggest things nosotros were looking for was the ability to tackle forest service roads and overlanding.
- Maintenance – Look, I'm but going to be honest. I already have a house to clean and maintain. I don't need a second i. That might change if nosotros ever make up one's mind to travel total-time, but we wanted something like shooting fish in a barrel to clean with minimal maintenance and fewer features to pause.
- Lightweight – We practice 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 u.s.a.. Plus, a lightweight RV leads me to my next reason to cull a small RV.
- Gas – The bigger the RV, the more gas (and coin) it will have to travel with it. Nosotros wanted to choose an option that would preserve our mileage every bit much as possible.
- Storage – We wanted an option that we could store at our house. Luckily, we don't have an HOA, and then there are no rules against it, and we go along it dandy, of course. Nosotros decided if nosotros had to store our RV away from the house, we would be less likely to utilize it as ofttimes. And, why pay for something if you don't use it enough to justify the cost?!
A Annotation About Lead Time
Before we go into our best picks, I desire to mention a trivial thing called lead fourth dimension. If yous're not familiar with the term in the RV world, pb time is essentially the time between when you initiate your society and when your order is consummate.
Unfortunately, as of October 2021, the lead fourth dimension on many RV's, travel trailers, and campers are a MINIMUM of 6 months. In reality, many are taking up to eighteen months for commitment. Equally you're shopping, I think information technology's important to know this early in the process so you can plan accordingly.
Thankfully, many companies have a reasonable down payment to secure your spot, and you can await to pay the rest, via greenbacks or financing, until delivery. For reference, on our camper, we paid $500 to reserve our spot in the production line on December 28, 2020, and paid the remainder on August 3, 2021, when we took delivery.
Best Modest Travel Trailers & Offroad Camping Trailers
First, allow's talk about the best 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 Style Trailer
Get-go up is the Aero Teardrops Sellwood Retro Style Trailer, and I have to say that this is 1 of the cutest trailers on our listing. It instantly makes me retrieve of my childhood days and my smashing-grandparents – until I look inside at all the extra features, that is.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: Convertible dinette (35" x 79") and convertible couch (l" x 80")
- Length: 13 ft.
- Base weight: 2500 lbs.
- Starting cost: $26,499
- Additional info
Pros
The Sellwood has a sleeping capacity to fit four people, a fully equipped kitchen, and on-demand hot water. Plus, standard features include a Bluetooth stereo and flat-screen TV with a DVD role player! You can even customize the size band color on your trailer!
In addition, you lot take the choice of an option with and without a bathroom, so you can decide which is best for yous (and your wallet). You tin 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 simply a twin size. So, unless your kids are super tiny, you'll demand that optional hammock to truly sleep four.
Taxa Outdoors Cricket
The Taxa Outdoors Cricket is a true lightweight travel trailer with a base weight of but 1753 pounds with some pretty sweet features, including a two-burner stove and a 5000 BTU air conditioner.
- Sleeps: four (2 adults and ii small kids)
- Bed arrangement: Dining area converts to a full-size bed (75" x 59"), optional berths for 2 kids (60" x 22")
- Length: fifteen'
- Base of operations weight: 1753 lbs.
- Starting cost: Approximately $29,000
- Additional info
Pros
This smaller camper trailer is made with a rugged blueprint for all your adventures, and we love the pop-upwardly roof pattern for actress pinnacle and ventilation. In improver, the optional berths for kids allow for additional sleeping space with a smaller footprint and lighter weight.
Ane of the best things almost this particular model is because this is such a lightweight trailer, it can be towed with almost any vehicle (though don't forget to take the weight of your family and gear into account).
Cons
While the optional berths are first-class for pocket-sized children, they may nowadays a challenge every bit your kids grow with a weight capacity of 130lbs and a length of 60″. My 11 twelvemonth old would already be also long for these. 😅
Taxa Outdoors Mantis
Though the Cricket and the Mantis are both made by Taxa Outdoors, they have completely different floor plans, and we have to say we love the additional space and sleeping arrangements in the Mantis.
- Sleeps: four+
- Bed arrangement: Dining expanse converts to a full-size bed (78" x 54") with under-bed storage, Folding couch converts to a bunk bed (76"x22" and 77" ten 26"), Optional Thule Tepui 3-person rooftop tent, optional hammock.
- Length: 19'
- Base weight: 2972 lbs.
- Starting price: Approximately $41,000
- Additional info
Pros
Like its little blood brother, the Mantis is made with a rugged pattern and pop-up roof for height and ventilation. With the extra space, you lot also get more living infinite too as larger freshwater (xx gals) and greywater (22 gals) tanks.
Nigh significantly, though, is the boosted sleeping space to more than easily fit the unabridged family unit – plus friends! With the convertible dining area, folding burrow 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 i,000 pounds heavier than the Cricket and iv feet longer, limiting your options for tow vehicles. Plus, you'll have to shell over more cash on those monthly payments (or upfront) for the extra space.
Airstream Basecamp 20X
Did you know the commencement 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. Information technology comes in two models, the Basecamp 16, which sleeps 2 (so it'due south not included on our listing), and the Basecamp 20, which sleeps iv!
- Sleeps: four
- Bed Arrangement: Bench seating that converts to a full bed (41" x 78") and Convertible dinette (43" x 78"), though the shapes are unique.
- Length: 20 ft
- Base weight: 2,635 lbs
- Price: $48,300+
- Boosted info
Pros
The Basecamp 20 on its own is a solid trailer camper that can take you where you want to become. Still, one of our favorite features is the ability to upgrade to the Basecamp 20X, which is the model we are highlighting here. The addition of the X-Package gives you rugged features to allow yous to truly go off the beaten path with things similar a 3" lift kit, all-terrain tires, stainless steel stone guards, and more.
In addition, you take 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 have always had a unique shape, and the Basecamp 20X is no different. Even so, that also ways beds that are a petty oddly shaped. In addition, this definitely isn't the cheapest small RV on our list at a starting price of $48,300 for the Basecamp 20X (the standard Basecamp 20 will relieve you about $vii,000).
Black Series HQ12
When information technology came to choosing our own camper, Blackness Series was high on our list. Truth be told, they were our forepart runner for a long time (with the HQ17), though ultimately, we fabricated a different pick. Many of our favorite features from the HQ17 are besides present on the HQ12.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed, overhead bunk, pullout tabular array that converts into a bed
- Length: nineteen ft.
- Base weight: 4422 lbs
- Starting price: $65,999
- Additional info
Pros
Black Series was at the superlative of our list for an offroad camper trailer because they are fully self-contained, ruggedly built, have BOTH an indoor and outdoor kitchen. Not to mention, they still manage to put it all together in a luxurious package. Another huge perk is the inclusion of a Dometic DF Serial Furnace to go on you lot warm on those cold nights.
Black Serial should definitely exist a top contender if yous plan to practice any off-roading or dispersed camping. With independent suspension, a quad daze pattern, a rugged outside, and more than, they are created to get wherever you lot get.
Cons
The biggest con for the HQ12 is the price. With a starting price of over $65,000, this is 1 of the most expensive travel trailers on our listing. In add-on, during our research, nosotros constitute that if you plan to utilize it throughout the wintertime instead of winterizing and storing it, yous volition likely desire to add together on a winterizing package from your dealer on superlative of the already steep toll. Though, if yous're willing to part with that much greenbacks, you'll have i of the coolest rigs out there.
Opus OP15
When it comes to luxury and rugged features, the OP15 is one of the first options that comes to heed. This camper is full of options to brand your adventures comfortable and has enough space to fit a family unit of four.
- Sleeps: iv
- Bed arrangement: King bed (76" x 71") and Bunk Beds (eighty" 10 45", 80" x 33")
- Length: 257" travel style, 280" at camp
- Base of operations weight: 4960 lbs
- Starting Price: $53,000
- Additional info
Pros
This camper has i of the about beautiful interiors nosotros have seen in an off-route camper. The solid bamboo drawers provide enough of storage, and we dear how the bunk beds are permanently set up – plus, the curtains are a overnice touch for a chip of privacy.
In addition, we also dear how the roof pops upwardly at campsite for extra room and ventilation just closes for a lower contour when towing.
Cons
This isn't the cheapest camper trailer on our listing, though information technology does make up for about of the cost in features and design. In addition, it's quite a bit heavier at its base weight of 4960 lbs, so if you need to stay under 5,000 lbs total, including your gear, this pick won't piece of work for you.
However, for usa, the biggest drawbacks are the lack of an indoor kitchen (even though we're in honey with the outdoor kitchen) and heater. Because many of our adventures include winter trips in snowstorms here in the Pacific Northwest, an selection with a heater and the ability to melt indoors was a must. Of course, I'one thousand sure we could have found improver solutions, merely we would prefer not to at this price point.
Boreas EOS-12 Camper Trailer
The Boreas EOS-12 is assembled in Colorado and finds its spot on our list considering of its lightweight, rugged features that tin easily sleep a family of four (or even five) in a meaty package.
- Sleeps: four adults (5th child with fold downwardly bunk option)
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed, Convertible dinette (double bed), optional fold-down bunk
- Length: 19'iii"
- Base of operations weight: 3500 lbs
- Starting cost: $74,990
- Additional info
Pros
When information technology comes to taking care of the family, cooking, and staying clean, the EOS-12 is fully equipped with everything you need. Information technology has features like an indoor wet bath, a l-gallon capacity of freshwater, 25 gallons of greywater, a shower room option, and water filtration system.
But, don't permit the comforts fool y'all. This camper trailer is mighty capable with twenty" of clearance for off-road capability, all-terrain tires, independent suspension, and more.
Cons
The Boreas EOS-12 takes the lead for the well-nigh expensive small RV on our list, with a starting price of most $75,000.
BRX Trailers X2+
Built-in in my home state of Due north Carolina, BRX (founded every bit Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers) is building some serious hard-core overland trailers for any adventures you have upwardly your sleeve.
- Sleeps: 5
- Bed organisation: Queen bed, iii-person Thule Tepui Rooftop Tent
- Length: sixteen ft 9 in
- Base weight: 2450 lbs
- Starting toll: $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 Beam-less Break, 22" of basis clearance, and more than.
In addition, the X2+ has lots of other features, including a 3-person Thule Tupui rooftop tent making your sleeping capacity five, an awning room, solar charging arrangement, a Dometic 55 L libation, an AC and heating unit of measurement, and a two-burner Partner gas stove.
Bonus: At the fourth dimension of publish in the autumn of 2021, BRX is reporting a lead time of only two-iii months, which is splendid news if you're itching to get into a camper sooner than average!
Cons
At a starting price of $44,000, the X2+ is no minor chunk of change, and they crave a 50% deposit to secure your spot in line.
All-time Camper Under 5,000 lbs for Family of 4 With the Most Privacy
Forest River R-Pod Due west Coast RP-201
If yous've always been to an RV prove or lot, yous've probable heard of Wood River. They take a lot of models available. However, the Forest River R-Pod West Coast RP-201 is our pick for the nearly privacy.
- Sleeps: 4
- Bed arrangement: Queen bed (in a airtight-off bedroom), Convertible sofa bed
- Length: 25'
- Base weight: 4379 lbs
- Starting price: $32,948
- Additional info
Pros
It has a separate bedroom! Do you really need to know anything else?! Kidding. Kind of. 🤪
Seriously though, this is the only camper that we have seen under 5,000 lbs that truly has an entirely closed-off bedroom, which is a huge perk.
Cons
That private bedroom comes at a price, with this being one of the heaviest and longest campers on our list. At 20-five feet, I'm not fifty-fifty sure I would phone call this a small camper anymore. Still, information technology is lightweight and offers a beautiful, comfy interior!
Best Tent Trailers
Opus OP4
The Opus OP4 (and OP2) are the Transformers of the tent trailer world. If your kids are anything like my boys were at five, owning 1 of these would win you cool points for life. Needless to say, if we always purchase one of these, I'g naming it Optimus Prime.
- Sleeps: half dozen
- Bed arrangement: 2 double beds (5'vii" 10 4'two")
- Length: 17' closed, 20' open
- Base of operations weight: 3100 lbs
- Starting price: $27,000, plus options
- Additional info
Pros
Okay, first of all, can we just talk about the ease of setup with this thing?! Let me merely say that anything that makes setting up at camp easier equally parents is a win. Opus delivered with their rapid deployment characteristic. You lot literally inflate the OP4 in nether two minutes with the flip of a switch. 🤯
But that lone wouldn't take fabricated u.s.a. include it on the list. This tent trailer too has plenty of sleeping space for families with ii double beds and a seating area that can transform into a third bed. Plus, you tin can also make that front bed a King size with an optional extension.
With all that space, ease of use, and rugged features, this camper is prepare for just almost any adventure you can throw at it.
Cons
The biggest cons for the states on the OP4 are similar to the OP15. Because we spend a lot of fourth dimension adventuring when the weather is…well..less than stellar (or downright frigid), for us a camper trailer really needs to accept an option for cooking indoors and a heater. Unfortunately, neither come up standard on the OP4.
That said, fifty-fifty though they don't come up standard, you practice have some options available as add together-ons to address these cons:
- You have the pick to add a Truma Furnace (16,000 BTU) propane heater or a Dometic Coolcat Air conditioning & Heatpump (ten,000 BTU) to keep you warm in the winter.
- In addition, there are two options for creating a embrace or enclosure over your outdoor kitchen, which may exist 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 sun and rain, while the AIR Annex also provides additional living space.
Ultimately, nosotros still chose an selection with an indoor cooking area considering nosotros regularly see loftier-wind snowstorms, simply these options brand our cons for the OP4 small concerns.
All-time Teardrop Trailers (Including Rugged Offroad Options)
TC Teardrops 5×ten (Overland option)
TC Teardrops is a modest family-run business that makes each camping trailer i at a time for your family.
- Sleeps: four (2 adults and ii minor children)
- Bed organization: Master bed plus double bunk (58"x42")
- Length: 14'half-dozen"
- Base weight: 1150-1200 lbs
- Starting cost: $8500-$ix,600, plus options (plan to double that if you want it fully loaded)
- Additional info
Pros
One of the near incredible things well-nigh this visitor is that because they custom-make their trailers, yous have more choices than you do with some other options – including over 200 different colors for the sides of your camper.
In add-on, the 5×10" allows for a single (21"Due west 10 58" L) or double (42" 10 58" L) bunk that tin can easily fit two pocket-size children. You too have the option of calculation an awning and side tent for additional living and sleeping space.
The Overland model also includes upgrades on features such as Falken A/T Tires, 7" electric trailer brakes, Lock N Roll articulating hitch, and more than.
Cons
The bunk bed is but 58"L, which means it'southward really only suited for younger children (my 12-year-old is already also alpine for this choice).
Oregon Trail'r TerraDrop Alpha
The TerraDrop Alpha from Oregon Trail'r is another great option for an off-route capable teardrop.
- Sleeps: two (4 with added rooftop tent)
- Bed arrangement: Queen sized bed inside with optional rooftop tent
- Length: 8 ft
- Base weight: 1200-1500 lbs
- Starting toll: $22,500 for TerraDrop Blastoff, options added ala-menu
- Additional info
Pros
The Blastoff coating is designed to provide a durable seamless outside, which means it will resist damage and keep yous dry. The base-level package includes a welded-on wheeled tongue jack, off-route multi-axis coupler system, all-terrain tires, and more than to truly have you where yous desire to go.
You have many options available to customize it only how you want, such as awnings, solar heated outdoor shower, solar connectivity, electric braking system, and more than.
Cons
You'll have to add together the rooftop tent as a minimum to sleep four.
If you cull to fully load the trailer with most or all of the (many) available options, your price volition jump significantly to $35-twoscore,000.
Aero Teardrops The Steel
The Steel is the flagship model for Aero Teardrops, and it'south notwithstanding around for a practiced reason. It'south functional, lightweight, and has everything you lot need to go out and adventure with your family unit.
- Sleeps: ii-4 with optional rooftop tent
- Bed system: Master bed 54" x 80", optional rooftop tent
- Length: fourteen ft.
- Base weight: 1500 lbs.
- Starting price: $sixteen,999
- Boosted info
Pros
Aero Teardrops is a family-owned company 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 cabinet into a bunk for a small kid, the underfloor storage, and options to configure the galley to your preferences.
The Steel is too available in a Loftier Clearance Bundle with oversize tires and wheels, heavy-duty axle, and Jeep-style fenders to get you out farther on your adventures.
Cons
You'll need to add the rooftop tent option to sleep a family unit of four.
Like most camper companies, their atomic number 82 fourth dimension is currently several months long. Withal, when available, they do list set-to-purchase trailers on their website as well.
Timberleaf Travel Trailers – The Classic
The Classic from Timberleaf Trailers is precisely what y'all would wait from its name – plus a whole lot more than.
- Sleeps: two (4 with your ain added rooftop tent)
- Bed arrangement: Main bed sleeps 2 (80" x 57")
- Overall Length: Archetype 168"
- Base of operations weight: Classic 1500 lbs
- Starting price: Classic starts at $23,400, fully loaded $38,000+
- Additional info
Pros
The design of this trailer truly is classic. Merely, 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 similar the color of your trailer and the countertop colour and design. In addition, they accept available options like off-road options, awnings, boosted shelving, heaters, fans, and more.
Cons
In their build options, Timberleaf Trailers allows you lot to add a rooftop rack. However, there is no standard pick to add a rooftop tent. That said, I emailed Timberleaf and they shared that they prefer to non limit your choices on tents, merely they are happy to work with customers to ensure they get the option they need.
Colorado Teardrops Summit Pinnacle
The Summit Pinnacle from Colorado Teardrops is one of the toughest teardrops in their lineup and is meant to handle whatever adventures you have planned.
- Sleeps: iv+
- Bed system: Queen bed and bunk beds that fold into a sofa
- Overall length: 173"
- Base of operations weight: 1850 lbs
- Starting toll: $32000
- Additional info
Pros
This camper trailer is genuinely designed for overland use with Timbren axle-less suspension, articulating hitch, rock sliders, and more. Simply don't let that fool you. It's also incredibly functional with under-floor storage, an outdoor galley kitchen, and optional on-demand hot water and shower.
Cons
They aren't the least expensive option out in that location, and your cost will creep closer to $40,000 fully loaded.
Note: If y'all don't need overland employ, consider their Mount Massive Teardrop. With a dry out weight of 1470 lbs, sleeping space for 4, and a starting price of $26,500, it'south another great pick for your adventures.
Best Modest Truck Bed Campers
If you have a motorcar or SUV, you tin can go ahead and jump correct to the next section. If you take a truck but withal desire a lightweight camper with a smaller footprint and without having to tow on overland adventures, a truck bed camper tin can be a great pick.
Choosing the Best Lightweight Truck Bed Camper
Payload vs. tow capacity
When you lot're looking at the weight of truck bed campers, i thing to go along in mind is that your tow capacity on a truck might easily be ten-15,000 pounds. But, don't be fooled. That is Non the same every bit your payload capacity, which is what you'll need to have into account for a truck bed camper.
For example, our Ford F350 has a towing capacity of xx,000, but our payload capacity is effectually three,700. And, that weight technically needs to include your camper, supplies, and the people yous'll have in the vehicle. Yeah, some people will push button this and never have issues, but when we're hauling our kids and gear on forest service roads abroad from piece of cake service, that's not something I'thousand willing to risk.
Truck bed length/bed closure
Depending on the length of your truck bed and the camper y'all cull, you lot may need to accept the tailgate off completely. However, some options may allow yous to close the tailgate or exit it in place for a scrap of a "porch." If being able to go out the tailgate on and close information technology is very important to you, make sure y'all mensurate for clearance to ensure fit.
Scout Campers Kenai
If you're looking for a camper that can accommodate a family of four, is however lightweight, and you don't actually desire to tow a trailer, this is your pick!
- Sleeps: four+
- Bed system: 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 around $37,000
- Additional info
Note: If you don't need the shower choice or additional storage, Scout 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 balance between comfort and functionality while maintaining a minimalist design and relatively small size. Information technology can give you the features you need without sacrificing weight by using simple systems and features instead of heavier, more complex choices.
We love the sleeping options for 4+ that include a queen-sized bed over the cab, a Roofnest roof top tent, and a convertible dinette. Though, to be fair, the dinette is best suited for small-scale children.
The 4-season insulation and Newport Real Flame Fireplace are perfect for skiing or snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Plus, the drain pan area works dandy for the optional shower kit merely also for hanging your snow gear to dry.
With reinforced aluminum framing, optional indoor/outdoor cooktop, hanging storage numberless, and more than, information technology can exist outfitted with everything yous need and cypher you don't.
Cons
Many of the options that make it perfectly equipped do not come standard at the base price. The dazzler of that is that you don't pay for features you don't need or care about.
If you opt for the RinseKit shower, plan on it pulling a lot of power from your solar-powered Goal Zero Yeti 1500X to heat. It'south keen for summer adventures as the water is comfy from the heat of the day. If you want hot h2o in winter, the Joolca h2o heater might be a better choice. In improver, it has no onboard grey water organisation. However, that is easily remedied past attaching a hose and collection container.
While the Kenai does accept a heater for those common cold winter nights, there is currently no choice for ac. You can open the windows and turn on the small fan, but it'due south non likely to keep you cool on the hottest of summer days.
All-time Unique Camper Trailer (for Electrical Vehicles!)
Colorado Teardrop Campers – The Bedrock ™
The Boulder™ from Colorado Teardrop Campers is so innovative I only couldn't leave it off the list. Made specifically for owners of electric vehicles, information technology'southward made in Colorado and gear up for all seasons.
- Sleeps: iv
- Bed organisation: Queen, 2 bunk beds
- Overall length: 195"
- Base of operations weight: 1950 lbs
- Starting price: $55,000 (with current preorder pricing, y'all can save up to $10,000 and take i of the starting time models available)
- Additional info
Pros
The Boulder™ has a fully insulated motel, milky way-gazer window, large galley, and a banking concern of EV batteries that allows you to recharge on your adventures. Because towing with an EV decreases your range, the extra banking concern of batteries ways you'll be able to go further on your adventures. According to Colorado Teardrop, the bank should go y'all the equivalent of its non-towing range or more.
Cons
They aren't available quite still. And, they certainly aren't the least expensive out at that place. But, if you lot reserve yours now, you can salve a large chunk off the list price and become several perks for being the kickoff to order.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Small Camper for a Family unit of four
Okay, so now what? Y'all've seen our top picks for the all-time small campers for families of iv. But, how do you choose the best 1 for YOUR family?
Here are some things we think are the most of import 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 you cull, at that place are likely to be some compromises. Just like ownership a house or a car, yous're unlikely to find ane that checks every single item on your wishlist. And so, it's super of import to make up one's mind what your priorities are as a family when you're buying so that you can filter your options through and brand the all-time decision for yourself.
For example, here are some questions to ask yourself as you prioritize your options:
- Where do yous plan to use your camper?
- What fourth dimension of the yr do you desire to military camp?
- How long do yous expect your trips to exist?
- What can your tow vehicle handle?
- Is the floor program functional for you?
- Is an indoor kitchen a must?
- What sleeping arrangements will work for your family? What most in a few years when your kids accept grown?
- Is there enough storage (or tin you lot add together extra) to accommodate your family unit?
- What can yous budget for your camper?
- How much maintenance are y'all willing to do?
Where Y'all Plan to Utilize It
This is a huge consideration and 1 of the key conclusion-makers for u.s.a.. If you're planning to use your camper primarily on the highway and in major campgrounds, any of these options will be suitable.
However, if you take plans to explore any forest service roads, have overlanding dreams, or plan to do hard-core off-roading, your needs are going to exist completely different. We knew we wanted to explore forest service roads and overland, and then a model congenital for that type of apply was key.
The other factor in where y'all desire to use your camper is your physical location. For instance, if you live in Florida or the Southwest, you will probably prioritize a unit with air workout. If you're in the Pacific Northwest like us, a heater is probably the bigger priority.
When You Want to Use information technology
Adjacent on the priority listing is when you want to use your new camper. For instance, if you just programme to use your camper during bound, summertime, and early fall, you take plenty of choices. Simply, if yous programme to exercise whatsoever wintertime camping or utilize your camper as a base for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, you'll want to choose a camper that will keep y'all warm and is equipped for travel on the snowfall.
Maintenance Requirements
Ane of the things nosotros realized when we were looking is that the maintenance requirements for small campers tin vary. A LOT.
Many small trailers are fully equipped with all niceties, including freshwater, greywater, and blackness tanks, requiring more work to clean out. Some too need winterizing every season. Others are more simple and crave very picayune maintenance other than cleaning and general budget.
It'south 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 often and how long your trips typically are can help you decide what is best for you as well. Do you love to route trip, or are yous only planning to utilise it at a few local campgrounds each year?
For instance, we plan to have a couple of weekend trips a calendar month and a handful of longer trips each twelvemonth, so a smaller, easier to maneuver option is perfect for us. If we were planning to live in our camper full-time, allow's just say I recollect the only option on this list would be the R-Pod. Mama occasionally needs her individual space for sanity. 🤪
Functional Floor Plan
Okay, then this is one of the most essential things, in my opinion. Though it's still an opinion, so take it as you wish. For u.s., having a camper that required beds to exist gear up and taken down every. single. night. was not an option.
Nosotros've spent some time renting campervans and RV'southward that required sleeping spaces to be converted to seating spaces or dining spaces, and it drives me up the wall. I feel similar even if we're at a site for a week, I never feel settled having to fix upwards and accept down each night. We were open up to a camper that required a quick fix upon inflow at camp for one or more than beds, only not a consummate setup and takedown each day.
That said, I know when you're looking at small campers, space is at a premium, and then it might be hard to find an choice that doesn't require some conversion. And, that's okay. As long every bit the trade-offs in the residuum of the floorplan work for you.
Sleeping Arrangements
This is one of my biggest pet peeves in the RV globe. When we first started looking, we saw then many campers that claimed to have sleeping space for four.
Bologna.
They might accept enough sleeping space if you're children are teeny tiny adorable babies and toddlers.
But, gauge what? Those babies and toddlers grow upwards FAST, and sometimes they end up at 5'iv" with bigger feet than you lot before they fifty-fifty hit twelve. And, they aren't slowing down anytime before long.
So, a convertible "bed" that's 24 inches broad and 48 inches long is a cop-out, in my stance. Or when they wait two "people" to sleep on a space marginally bigger than a twin bed. Fifty-fifty when our kids were smaller, that would have been a nightmare to get them to sleep and hear "his anxiety are on my side" a bajillion times.
All I'k saying is to accept into consideration what you need now, just also what y'all'll demand equally your kids abound.
Food and Gear Storage
This falls back a bit to some of the things we've already mentioned. If you're only taking weekend trips, you'll need a lot less storage. Just, if you plan to exist off-grid for weeks at a time, you'll desire to brand sure you lot have plenty of storage for your nutrient and clothing.
Another matter to consider is what activities you plan to do when you lot're camping. If you programme to practise winter sports, biking, or other activities, consider how you lot will fit your gear.
More things to Consider When Buying a Modest Camper for Your Family
Aside from the features specific to each camper, at that place are a few other things to consider when purchasing your new RV.
Size and Historic period of Your Kids
As I mentioned earlier, choosing a camper with adequate sleep space to grow with your family is a priority. However, some other affair to consider is if you have older teens, they may not get with you lot on every trip due to other obligations, and they'll likely be moving out or going to higher soon, and then something similar a convertible sleep space might exist totally fine.
Your Tow Vehicle
A key thing to include in your selection is what vehicle you will be using. You lot'll need to know the towing capacity of your vehicle if yous make up one's mind to go with a teardrop or minor trailer. However, if y'all're planning on a truck bed camper, make certain to consider the payload of the camper, your family, and your gear as y'all're making your choice.
Cost
As you probably noticed, the costs for small campers can vary widely. You tin start with a simple teardrop camper for around $10,000, or you lot can get all out for fully loaded options and spend $75,000 or more!
Because they vary and then much in price, information technology's a adept idea to look at your budget, savings, and financing options before you fall in love with a particular model.
Should You Consider Alternate RV Types
Lastly, you lot may want to consider if a different type of RV would exist better suited to your family of four. In that location are many different options – all with their ain sets of pros and cons – but if yous're still non sure, some options to consider are:
- Class A RV's – You know those RV's that wait like a tour bus? Yup, that's a Class A. They are large, comfortably appointed, and can set you back anywhere from $40,000 to a few hundred thou.
- Class B RV's or Campervans – If nosotros hadn't gone with a pocket-sized RV, a campervan would accept been our choice. They can be built from several different sizes of vans, but our favorites are those on the Sprinter chassis. You lot can notice options with proper seating for a family of four (difficult to observe in many driveable RV's) and all the amenities you could dream upward. DIY builds are very popular if you're looking to save some money, or you can have custom builds done that can range from $fifty,000 to several hundred m dollars.
- Class C RV'south – Course C campers are built with a cab attached to the camper. They are smaller than Class A's but drive more than similar a regular vehicle.
- Toy Hauler – A toy hauler is a bigger camper trailer that has plenty of room for – yous guessed it – your toys. If you dear to ride dirt bikes, ORV's or just need an ample garage storage space, these could be the best option 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 stable than other campers of similar size.
Nosotros just actually considered the Class B, Toy Hauler, or 5th Wheels out of all these. Despite our best efforts, nosotros have never plant a Grade A or C RV that has seating for all four of us that nosotros are comfortable with.
And, I know…in that location's a lot of opinions on this, merely I have trusted Car Seats for the Littles for years for sharing the facts and data related to auto seat and child vehicle prophylactic. When we were looking for an RV, I went straight to their site and found this article about RV Travel with Children to assist united states make our decision.
Which Minor Camper Did We Pick For Our Family of Four?
Drum roll please…🥁
Later on much consideration (and a VERY close second from Black Series), we landed on a Lookout man Kenai for our family unit.
Information technology was a tough decision, simply ultimately, we made our determination based on a few key factors:
- Nosotros planned to use the camper all year round.
- It has plenty room to sleep 4 regular-sized adults. Our oldest is almost every bit tall as me at 12, and he isn't slowing down. 😅
- Nosotros spend a lot of the winter in the snowfall, and nosotros weren't great on towing in the snow and water ice if nosotros didn't have to.(And, by we, I generally mean me. 😆)
- A camper with a heater and options to sleep 4 Inside was essential for u.s.a. (though, to be honest, it will be a little tight if nosotros don't use the rooftop tent).
- We wanted elementary functionality instead of fancier systems that require more time and money to maintain.
- It was of import for us to accept solar power, and then the choice for the solar panel and Goal Cipher Yeti 1500X was huge for us.
Will it be perfect? Of course not. There are trade-offs no matter which option nosotros chose, and the aforementioned volition exist true for you lot.
Which Small Camping Trailer Should You Cull?
I wish I could give you a one-size-fits-all answer, but the truth is, there isn't one. Your family is unique in your needs, so what I find essential might not be the same for yous.
Ultimately, after learning virtually the best small-scale RV'due south for a family of four, we suggest you make a list of the key features that are non-negotiable for your family, also as features on your wishlist, and observe one that ticks the most boxes.
Then, if yous have the take chances, encounter ane in person or find i to rent on Outdoorsy.
If that doesn't work, get artistic!
For case, nosotros couldn't see a Kenai in person before we ordered, but nosotros were able to run into another model by Picket, which helped united states feel confident.
If yous know someone who owns the camper you're thinking of, ask them if yous can take a tour – even if you only "met" them online. Seriously. People love showing off their gear, and I'll bet you go a yes!
After taking a await through our list, which small RV stands out for you and your family?
Additional Resources to Aid You Plan Your Camping Adventures
- Ridiculously Piece of cake Camping 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 Should (and Shouldn't) Practice
Source: https://thestokefam.com/best-small-camper-for-family-of-4/
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