How Much Does a New RV Cost?

“So, what does a new RV cost these days?”

Green dollar symbol surrounded by white question marks.

Ask any seasoned RVer that question and you should prepare yourself for a long, but probably enthusiastic, answer. RVing in the good ol’ days was the primarily the domain of heavy aluminum travel trailers or tiny camper caps loaded onto the bed of a pick-up truck. (For a real blast from the RV past, check out the RV/MH Hall of Fame website or visit it in person.)

Today, it seems like there are almost as many types of RVs as there are types of campers. From tiny pop-ups to estate-like motorhomes, there is an RV to fit almost every camping need, budget, and lifestyle. Throw in high-end amenities – like luxury kitchens and entertainment packages – and you have even more variations on price.So, really, there is no simple answer to new-RV-cost question. But, there are average costs based on RV types and features, and while the following information is only a rough guide, it will give you an idea of what you can expect when you’re pricing a new model.

Travel Trailer

The travel trailer is the granddaddy of the RV family, first rolling off the assembly line in 1910. Since then, it has been reimagined into hundred of styles and variations – with each version offering unique features, as well as a unique price. A new travel trailer today ranges from $8,000 (for a small new pop-up) – $65,000 but averages $15,000-$30,000 depending on size, weight, layout, materials and amenities.

On the small end of the travel trailer spectrum, the Cherokee Wolf Pup is a compact, easy-on-the-budget travel trailer with a space-maximizing layout and lots of features, including a small refrigerator, tub/shower, and queen bed . Expect to pay around $11,000 for a new model.If you want more room and more luxury, consider models like the Wildwood Heritage Glen, which have all the comforts of home – including solid-surface countertops, oversized bunks and a king-sized bed, and theater seating – for around $30,000!

Expandable Hybrid

An expandable hybrid (also called a hybrid travel trailer or a hybrid camper) is hard-sided trailer with canvas-walled sleeping areas that slide-out from the main living area. A new expandable hybrid averages $13,000-$25,000 or more.

The SolAire Expandable from Palomino falls in the low-to-mid area of that price range. The SolAire 163X has plenty of sleeping room, with 2 60” x 80” beds plus a 68” sofa sleeper. This model also features LED interior lighting, solid-surface countertop, and a fully-enclosed undercarriage.

Toy Hauler

Toy haulers not only let you bring the comforts of home to your campsite, they also let you bring along the garage. Much like travel trailers, toy haulers come in everything from small, basic models to the-sky’s-the-limit luxury editions, and range in cost from $12,000 – $80,000.

For a small haul and a small budget, check out the Cherokee Wolf Pup 17RP. This toy hauler is perfect for RVers who like to travel light, but won’t leave home without their off-road toys. This model checks in around $14,700 and offers two bunks, a rollover sofa, a wet bath, and small refrigerator, sink, and stove. But for the ultimate in toy hauler luxury, look no further than the Vengeance 420V12 by Forest River. This high-end toy hauler/fifth wheel features a residential refrigerator and sink, residential reclining furniture, a 42” LED TV (with TV hookups in the windows and the garage), and slide-out cabinet storage – among many, many other amenities. For all that luxury, and its spacious garage, you’ll pay around $57,000.

Fifth Wheel

Size and amenities (like slides-outs, a full master bedroom with bath or full-sized kitchen appliances) are the biggest factors in the price of fifth wheel RVs. Expect to pay $15,000-$50,000 for a new fifth wheel up to about 30′ long, stocked with the features you don’t want to leave behind.One model that fits well into this category is the Cherokee 235B. For less than $24,000, you’ll get a 27’ fifth wheel offering a slide-out dinette and sofa, double-door refrigerator, a queen bed in the master bedroom and bunks just off the kitchen.

If bigger sounds better to you, expect a bigger pricetag.A fifth wheel up to 40′ long with features you’d find in a luxury home can cost $50,000-$150,000. These models typically have slide-outs, a full master bedroom and bath, full-sized appliances, an electric fireplace and more. Forest River’s Cedar Creek 36CK2Hathaway Edition includes a Jensen home theater system (with a 55” LED TV), 36” fireplace, full residential pantry, and king-sized bed – and that’s just a handful of the high-end features you’ll find on this model. Expect to pay around $62,000.

Motorhome

You’ve probably seen them on TV or cruising down the highway – those monster motorhomes which look more like a luxury-home-on-wheels than an RV (particularly if you’ve seen the inside). The price of Class A motorhomes typically start around $75,000 and can top out in the millions for the customized palaces of the rich and famous. But for $75,000 – $125,000, you can get sizeable basic edition. Note that diesel engines are more expensive than gas-powered engines, and diesel-pushers (with the engine in back) cost more than front-engine motorhomes. Upgraded models can cost $200,000-$500,000 with features such as a slide-outs, rear-view cameras, plush residential furniture, and home theater systems.

Class C motorhomes – also called mini motorhomes – are typically priced $50,000 – $80,000 for the 16’ to 27’ models. Entry models, like the Coachmen Freelander, still have plenty of amenities, like bunk beds (in addition to a queen bed), molded shower pan with surround, and LCD televisions, but are priced around $54,000. But for more space and luxury, look for models with multiple slide-outs, like the Leprechaun 319. For less than $90,000, you’ll get a slide-out for the refrigerator and sofa and another one for a wardrobe in the master bedroom. There’s also a flush-mount double door refrigerator, hardwood cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and an exterior TV-ready compartment.

Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, run $40,000-$80,000 for a standard model, and $90,000-$125,000 or more for luxurious versions. They look like a standard van and are typically15′-26′ long.

Destination RV

Destination RVs are, literally, vacation homes on wheels. Like a vacation home, they’re made to be enjoyed for long stretches of time, making them a favorite for “snowbirds” who follow the sun and like to camp in one area for weeks or months at a time. These RVs stretch 40’ in length, and new models are priced between $30,000 and $60,000.

You’ll get all the comforts of home in a destination RV. For example, the Wildwood Lodge 393FLT from Forest River is priced under $40,000. But for that, you’ll get a full vacation cottage experience, complete with 8’ ceilings (7’ on slide-outs), high-end residential furniture, and a 50” walk-in shower with a seat. For even more luxury, consider Cedar Creek’s Cottage 40CCK. This model is priced under $60,000, but for that you get a truly luxury cottage-like experience complete with a Jensen home theater system, full pantry, and a living room ceiling fan.

Additional Costs

Remember that with any RV, you’ll have costs above and beyond the sales price. The following factors can significantly impact your budget, so be sure to allow for the ones that affect you in your RV budget:

  •  Large/heavy heavier trailers must be pulled by a medium- to heavy-duty truck, which can cost $20,000-$50,000 or more.  Plus, towing a loaded trailer reduces the tow vehicle’s fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon, and could cut it by as much as half (or more).
  • RV insurance premiums vary significantly depending on value, frequency of usage, location, and company.
  •  Renting an RV storage space can cost $20 – $100 a month outdoors, or and $45 – $450 a month indoors. An RV cover can cost $50 – $1,200 or more, depending on size, materials and fit.
  •  Adding a standard ball trailer hitch to the tow vehicle can cost $50-$700.If the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors start can run $4-$80 per pair for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150-$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors.
  • Overnight campground or RV park fees can cost $10-$40 a night.

Wondering how to finance your RV?

Download our ebook, the Complete Guide to Financing Your RV.

Connect with us on Social Media!

Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Google+

Share this Article