Explore the Best Travel Trailers Under $20000

BUDGET-FRIENDLY travel trailers make a ton of sense for first-time RV owners. They provide an affordable way to explore RV camping, user-friendly systems that make it easier to set up and break down camp, and many of the best travel trailers under $20,000 can be towed by a wider range of vehicles. Plus, travel trailer depreciation is typically lower than that of other affordable RVs. 

So, let’s dive into the best inexpensive travel trailers under $20,000.

Key Takeaways

• Budget-Friendly Entry Point: Travel trailers under $20,000 offer an affordable way for first-time buyers to enter the RV market. They have lower depreciation and are ideal for first-time owners, featuring lightweight builds that can be towed by many standard SUVs and user-friendly systems that take the “scary” out of setup.
• A Layout for Every Lifestyle: Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for a garageable off-road teardrop or a large family needing a bunkhouse that sleeps 10, there is a specialized floor plan available for under $20,000.
• High-Value Construction: Budget-friendly doesn’t mean “cheaply made”; many of these models include premium features like on-demand tankless water heaters, solar power prep, and walkable roof systems with long-term warranties.

Picks for the Best Travel Trailers Under $20,000

These inexpensive, small travel trailers offer layouts to suit small and large families, couples, solo travelers, and even those who need to store their RV in a residential garage. While many of these lineups are extensive, ranging from ultra-compact, affordable floor plans to larger, feature-packed layouts, our focus today is solely on the models under $20,000.

*Specs below are only for models in these lineups that start under $20,000.

Keystone Coleman & Coleman Light

Keystone offers some of the lightest and most affordable travel trailers in the Coleman and Coleman Light lines. While the interiors are minimal, the amenities are not. Smart features like a high-rise faucet, a glass stove cover, and dedicated trash-can storage make even the smallest trailers seem large and livable. 

Construction is the primary distinction between the Coleman and Coleman Light models. The Coleman models feature aluminum siding and a walkable roof, while the Coleman Light features aluminum framing, a front cap, and fiberglass sidewalls. The Light models also feature upgrades such as a black tank flush and an entry-assist door handle.

Whether you choose a Coleman or a Coleman Light, you can be ensured you will have a well-equipped travel trailer. All come standard with tinted safety glass windows, blackout night shades, and power awnings to provide extra protection from the elements. Simply select the Furrion^® backup camera of your choice, and the pre-wiring makes installation easy. 

Starting under $20,000, the Coleman 13R, 17R, and 19R are perfect couples’ campers, with some floorplans offering fold-down dinettes for additional sleeping space for kids or guests. 

Families seeking dedicated bunks should explore the 13B, 13S, 17B, and, amazingly, even the nearly 28-foot 23B can often be purchased for under $20K, offering a dinette, sofa, and double-over-double bunks.

In the Coleman Light lineup, the 17RX and 17BX offer the same layouts as the standard 17R and 17B, but in a lighter package 

Finally, the new Coleman 13T is something I’ve never seen before: a hybrid toy hauler with a pop-out tent bed, fold-down Murphy bed, and large rear-entry ramp for loading bikes and gear–all in a 16-foot trailer weighing less than 3,000 pounds.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX & SLX Sport

Jayco’s Jay Flight SLX and SLX Sport lineups offer a number of RVs under $20,000 with impressive construction inside and out, with solid hardwood cabinets and a Magnum Truss™ roof system topped by a seamless PVC roofing membrane with a limited lifetime warranty. Because of this, Jayco campers have a reputation for being among the best used travel trailers. My first camper was a Jay Flight SLX, and we have never regretted that decision.

With the SLX models, you get additional features, like MORryde^® StepAbove^® steps, Keyed-Alike™ doors, an entry grab handle, a more robust tankless water heater, backup camera prep, and more. The 160LK, 175FQ, and 210QB are entry-level SLX models that sleep up to four, while the 175BH, 197MB, and 260BH offer additional bunks or convertible beds for larger families.

The SLX Sport Edition models help you save on both weight and cost. Despite the savings, you’ll still find desirable features, including a power awning, solid hardwood cabinet doors, a detachable power cord, large-capacity tanks, and an on-demand tankless water heater.

Is it possible to sleep a family of four and have an enclosed bathroom and kitchen in a 16-foot trailer? Jayco delivers on this challenge with the new SLX Sport 130BH. Larger bunkhouses are also available, including the 170BH, 172DB, and 178DBS. For couples or small families, check out the 130RD, 140TB, and 170FQ to find the layout that’s just right for you.

Forest River Salem FSX & Wildwood FSX

Specs

• Length: 16’ to 21’8”
• Hitch Weight: 365 to 535 pounds
• Dry Weight: 2,504 to 4,299 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 706 to 1,441 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: 3-7

The Forest River Salem FSX and Wildwood FSX are sister lines offering many inexpensive, small trailers with identical floor plans and amenities, with minor distinctions in exterior graphics and interior decor.

As someone who regularly researches RV floor plans, I’m continually impressed by Forest River’s innovation. The company creates many unique layouts, offering a variety of interesting options. While traveling, I often miss my recliner, so I was thrilled to see the 163RDSK and 164RBLE offer theater seats and queen beds, making them great for couples.

For a layout with more bedroom privacy, check out the 161QK, which separates the bedroom and living space with a pass through bathroom. A fold-down dinette expands the sleep options. The 169RSK is perfect for couples who want additional bedroom floor space, with a queen bed in a slide-out.

Other desirable amenities include the nimbleness of the 16-foot 135ICE; the convertible Murphy bed in the 167RBK; and the new lounge/dinette in the 164FBLE. For families, the 174DBLE is an excellent option with double-over-double bunks.

While amenities vary, you will find features like pass through storage, high-rise kitchen faucets, on-demand water heaters, and large panoramic windows across these budget-friendly RV lineups. Both also offer a Platinum Package with laminated sidewalls.

Grand Design Transcend One

Specs

• Length: 15’10” to 19
• Hitch Weight: 364 to 490 pounds
• Dry Weight: 2,950 to 3,600 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 820 to 1,470 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: 2-5

Grand Design describes the Transcend One line as “compact road freedom.” While compact, these nimble units offer impressive construction and exceptional amenities. Grand Design uses upgraded insulation, provides a heated and enclosed underbelly, and offers a TPO roof membrane with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Other thoughtful features include a walkable roof, pull-out pet dishes, oversized tanks, JBL sound systems, and motion sensor lights. These trailers also come prepped for a solar controller, inverter, and panels, making it easy to add the system of your choice.

A Murphy bed is one of the best ways to make a small trailer feel larger. The 16-foot 131DL offers a queen-size mattress that tucks away and converts to a couch. The 151RB is another Murphy bed model that is great for couples, featuring a dinette and a rear bathroom. The convertible dinette adds another sleeping spot.

If you’d like to sleep five in a 20-foot trailer, check out the 151BH, which offers a front queen bed, a pair of bunks, and a convertible jack-knife sofa. The lack of a dinette is no problem, thanks to the interior-exterior folding table.

Keystone Hideout Sport & Mini

Specs

• Length: 15’11” to 22’10”
• Hitch Weight: 340 to 565 pounds
• Dry Weight: 2,620 to 4,029 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 865 to 1,330 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: 2-6

Is Hideout the king of inexpensive travel trailers? With several floor plans under $20,000, you can find a Hideout Sport or Hideout Mini trailer that checks your boxes. Do you want a bunkhouse or couples coach, breakfast bar or dinette, walkaround or corner queen, slide or no slide? This lineup has traditional and creative layouts.

No matter which layout appeals to you, these Keystone RVs feature standard amenities, including durable Tru-Fit™ Slide construction, a tankless water heater, solid hardwood cabinet doors, and solar power prep. Keystone’s 3-year structural warranty adds peace of mind.

Even though they’re ultralight RVs, models like the 120BT and 123BB offer a full bed paired with either a breakfast bar or bunks. The 161BH, 175BH, and 176BH are great for families, with bunks, a queen bed, and a dinette. 

Couples may like a rear bath layout. The smaller 166RB has no slide, while the larger 179RB does. If you would like a U-dinette, the 177RD has one. The large slide on the 186SS expands both the floor space and sleeping capabilities, with a fold-out booth dinette and sofa allowing it to sleep up to six.

Compare similar floor plans in the Springdale and Springdale Mini lineups.

Forest River Wolf Pup

Specs

• Length: 12’5” to 21’10”
• Hitch Weight: 320 to 475 pounds
• Dry Weight: 1,944 to 3,619 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 861 to 2,161 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: 2-5

With many lightweight, easy-to-tow units starting under $20K, the Wolf Pup is a great choice for new RVers. You’ll find models equipped with a power awning, an 8K BTU air conditioner, quick-drop stabilizer jacks, and a one-piece decked roof. Upgrade to the Adventure Package to add off-road tires, diamond-plated skirting, and a lifted frame. Several floor plans have a rear access door, making it easy to load bikes and other camping gear.

If you’re looking for the smallest self-contained camper that you can stand up in, check out the 12-foot 9CELP, which features a queen bed, full bathroom, and kitchen. Solo travelers and couples may also like the 14RKLP, which has more floor space and a couch. The 14CCW and 16FQW offer fold-out dinettes for an additional sleeping spot.

Families can find bunkhouse models towable by SUVs or lightweight trucks, like the 14BHLP, which has a dry weight under 3,000 pounds. For more space and amenities, consider the identical 16BHSW or 16LP floor plans, with the 16BHSW featuring upgrades such as a larger two-door refrigerator, a flush-mount sink with cover, and a MORryde^® stable step.

Jayco Jay Feather Air SL

Specs

• Length: 17’6” to 21’3”
• Hitch Weight: 230 to 250 pounds
• Dry Weight: 2,615 to 2,885 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 865 to 885 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: 2-6

Added in 2026, the Jay Feather Air SL is Jayco’s newest lightweight, budget-friendly lineup. Despite the price tag, these units offer the same respected construction Jayco is known for, including the durable Magnum Truss™ roof system topped by a PVC membrane with a lifetime warranty. Plus, they’re easy to outfit with upgrades, since they’re prepped for solar power, slide toppers, and a backup camera. 

Currently, the Jay Feather Air SL lineup features two layouts. The 15TBSL offers a unique layout I haven’t seen elsewhere, with a pair of 32” x 74” front twin beds that can convert into either a king bed or a dinette. Built for families, the 17BHSL offers a front queen bed, a pair of bunks, and a convertible dinette.

Both feature vinyl flooring throughout, a shower surround, solid wood cabinets, and a power awning. Other impressive features include an on-demand tankless water heater and the optional 200-watt solar package.

Bontrager Outdoors Drifter 10ROK

Specs

• Length: 13’2”
• Hitch Weight: 140 pounds
• Dry Weight: 1,700 pounds
• Cargo Capacity: 1,440 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

Perhaps you’re ready to bring some adventure into your life. The Drifter 10ROK is an ultra-compact teardrop trailer built to go off-road and off the grid. It may be the best off-road camper trailer under $20000. Plus, it is a rare model that can be parked in most residential garages, allowing you extra security or compliance with HOA standards. 

Equipped with a wall-to-wall mattress, it sleeps two. Despite being a mere 13 feet long, it offers an exterior kitchenette with a microwave, a slide-out Blackstone^® Griddle, and a 12V refrigerator with a 26-gallon fresh water tank and 12V pump.

The 10ROK can go off the beaten path thanks to its all-terrain tires, high ground clearance, and Torsion-Flex^® 3,000-pound independent suspension axle. When you’re far from campground conveniences, you’ll appreciate the portable toilet and outdoor shower. 

A power-coated platform holds two batteries, a generator, and a propane tank to supply the energy for the Truma Combi^® heater/water heater, the three-speed roof vent, and the 13,500 BTU air conditioner. The 10ROK comes prepped for solar, providing another optional energy source.

Honorable Mentions

Explore the following floor plans for new and used campers under $20K: 

What Is the Cheapest Month to Buy a Camper?

Late fall and early winter are often the cheapest times to buy a new RV, with many discounted new RVs and upgraded used RVs under 20k. Dealers are ready to move the prior-year models to make room for the newly released units. 

Plus, many RVers are wrapping up their camping season and preparing to winterize, making them less likely to buy new rigs. Used RVs may also hit the market as people sell before storing their RVs for the winter.

Can I Buy an RV for $10K?

You can buy new and used RVs for under $10K, including models like the fully enclosed Keystone Coleman 13B and several pop up campers. Larger travel trailers and those outfitted with upgraded amenities are also available on the used market. 

If nothing on this list of the best travel trailers under $20000 catches your attention, here are a few other collections of featured travel trailers: 

Which would you select for your next (or first!) travel trailer? Let us know in the comments below.