Table of Contents – Quick Links
Top Travel Trailer Picks for 2023
Choosing the perfect RV can be overwhelming given the wide range of options available. In this blog article, we will explore Josh the RV Nerd’s top travel trailer picks for 2023. Josh has extensive experience in the RV industry and has reviewed numerous travel trailers suitable for different camping styles.
Whether you’re a solo camper, a family looking for a starter camper, a full-time RVer, or a toy hauler enthusiast, we’ve got you covered. These picks are subjective but can serve as a starting point in your search for the ideal RV. Join us as we delve into the features, benefits, and unique characteristics of these standout travel trailers.
Solo Camping
The Winnebago Micro Minnie 1720FB is a compact camper designed for solo adventurers, couples, or those with furry friends. Despite its small size, it offers easy towing, excellent maneuverability, and premium features such as double azdel walls, 200 watts of factory solar power, and forced air heating.
However, the compact nature of this camper does come with some trade-offs, such as a smaller East-West bed and tight bathroom quarters. But if your priority is a highly towable and durable camper for long-term road use, the Winnebago Micro Minnie 1720FB may be the RV you’ve been looking for.
Family Starter Camper
The Jayco Jay Flight 264BH is an excellent choice for first-time RVers. It offers a combination of space, sleeping capacity, storage, smart functionality, and ease of use. With plywood floor and roof decking, factory standard Goodyear tires, and generous warranty coverage, the Jay Flight 264BH provides peace of mind and durability.
Although it has a few minor drawbacks, such as a short queen bed in the front bedroom, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for families.
Family RV Trip
The Cougar 27BHS is a fantastic option for families on the road. It provides easy access to key areas, such as the bedroom, bathroom, and refrigerator, even when the slide-out is closed. With impressive features like a spacious king bed, tank heaters, radiant barrier insulation, and a unique vent system for efficient heating, the Cougar 27BHS ensures comfort and convenience during your family travels.
Full-Time Family Camping
The Eagle 312BHOK is an ideal choice for families planning to spend an extended period on the road. With private sleeping areas, ample space, and exceptional warranty coverage, the Eagle 312BHOK offers long-term comfort and durability.
Its well-designed layout provides a towable equivalent to a European efficiency apartment, and there’s even potential for creating an office space. It’s a top contender for those seeking an extended family adventure.
Weekend Warrior Toy Hauler
The Wildwood FSX 190RT is a versatile and towable toy hauler suitable for the weekend warrior type. It offers a good balance between cargo space and living quarters, making it a great option for those who don’t require a larger truck. With a well-appointed interior, large windows, and convenient amenities, the Wildwood FSX 190RT provides functionality and comfort for your outdoor adventures.
However, it’s important to note that there are some trade-offs with the Wildwood FSX 190RT. It lacks features like an off-road package, and the bed is a camp queen bed located in the East-West corner, which may not appeal to everyone’s sleeping preferences.
Heavy Hauler Toy Hauler
The Alliance Valor 21T15 is a compact and impressive toy hauler designed for serious hauling. With dual air conditioners, a wide-body design, flat-nose front, and innovative features like a slide-out bed and built-in fuel station, the Alliance Valor 21T15 offers a remarkable combination of functionality and design. It’s perfect for those who require heavy hauling capabilities in a travel trailer.
Destination Dream Camper
The 42VIEW by Salem and Wildwood is the ultimate destination trailer for those seeking a permanent or seasonal site. With an abundance of campside windows, double-up lofts, sectional-style sofa with a built-in sleeper, and unique layout providing multiple sleeping areas, the 42VIEW offers an unparalleled camping experience. Its lack of slides on the door side makes it ideal for parks or seasonal sites, and it can be complemented with additional decks, patios, or outdoor living spaces to create a true home away from home.
First Time Couple’s Camper
The Jayco Jay Flight 212QB is highlighted as a great starter camper for couples. It offers simplicity, ease of use, and a lack of slides, which makes it easier to trade or sell if upgrading in the future. The seating configuration with a split sofa and dinette provides an open feel and a great view of the campsite.
Jayco offers a reliable warranty and has made improvements for the 2023 season, such as standard enclosed underbellies and roof solar prep. The Jay Flight 212 QB is carpetless, easy to clean, and has a taller interior height and central air conditioning.
However, it’s important to mention a couple of potential drawbacks. It has a camp queen bed and not a fully private bedroom. Regardless, the Jay Flight 212QB remains a fantastic option for couples looking for a starter camper. Its simplicity, efficiency, and Jayco’s reliable warranty make it an attractive choice for those starting their RVing journey.
Traveling Couple’s Camper
The Coachmen Freedom Express 252RBS is recommended as an excellent option for traveling couples. It has a favorable size, layout, and ease of towing, with wide stance axles for improved stability. The bathroom is spacious, and there is a full-size camp kitchen with a real sink and drain. The private bedroom features a true queen bed with storage underneath.
The trailer offers a carpetless and ventless flooring system, taller ceiling height, central air conditioning, and a larger shower. The interior kitchen space is somewhat limited, but the outside camp kitchen compensates for it.
The Empty Nester
The Cougar 22MLS is praised for its range of features, including solar options, spaciousness, and tech integration. It is considered a top choice for couples looking for a long-term travel trailer. The exterior has a sleek look, and it offers luxury and practicality suitable for many half-ton trucks.
The Cougar 22MLS comes with Goodyear Endurance radials and a tankless water heater for comfort in any temperature. The interior feels spacious, thanks to the vaulted ceiling and front windshield. The absence of a bedroom privacy wall and the location of the bathroom next to the kitchen are minor considerations.
Full Time Couple’s Camping
The Jayco Eagle 330RSTS is presented as an excellent option for full-time living. It offers spaciousness, bed slides, washer/dryer hookups, ample storage, and large holding tanks. The Eagle 330 RSTS is described as a flat deck fifth wheel, providing the look, feel, and functionality suitable for full-time couples camping.
It comes with auto-leveling and fifth wheel landing gear, making it a viable alternative to fifth wheels without sacrificing the bed of the truck. The trailer is sizable and weighs around 11,000 pounds, requiring a suitable tow vehicle.
An Honorable Mention
This list has been highly personalized and subjective, reflecting the models Josh the RV Nerd would consider himself. However, that doesn’t mean they will necessarily be the right choices for everyone. One particular brand that has not been mentioned but deserves a special shoutout is Rockwood and Flagstaff.
These brands offer value for money, superior fit and finish, and were early adopters of solar and inverter features. While they may not excel in every aspect, Rockwood and Flagstaff are considered reliable choices that deserve consideration based on individual camping needs.
Choose the Best RV For Your Needs
Choosing the right RV is a personal decision influenced by individual preferences and needs. We emphasize the importance of researching and considering factors such as size, amenities, towing capacity, and budget. The RV market offers diverse options for every camping style, and it’s recommended to explore, compare, and make an informed choice that aligns with one’s camping dreams.