Whether you’re a novice camper or a seasoned road warrior, an RV will ensure you enjoy your time outdoors. It comes with lots of amenities, so you can explore nature without sacrificing the comforts of your home. One factor to consider when looking for a camper is your budget. With the price of new RVs going up in leaps and bounds, you may want to turn to a used travel camper. Here is a detailed review of the 7 best used RVs and campers under 5k.
What is a Used Camper?
A used camper is a compact, lightweight recreational vehicle that can be anywhere between 8 and 33 feet. It provides most of the amenities you need off-grid like bathrooms, sleeping areas, and kitchens. Not to mention, a camper can be towed by a variety of vehicles.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can find a used camper under 5k. Since about 10-30% of depreciation occurs after purchase, you could buy a camper at half the original price a few years later.
The Best Used Campers Under $5000
1. 2013 Jayco Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB
Image Credit: SmartRVGuide
The M-145 RB model offers plenty of interior room and comes with a standard shower. You also get a decent sleeping space that can accommodate four people. To ensure your comfort in the sweltering summer season, this model is equipped with a 5000BTU air conditioning unit. You also get a small refrigerator countertop.
Jayco Flight has a basic package that includes a monitor panel and a power roof vent. This model doesn’t sacrifice amenities. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for an affordable camper.
| 2013 Jayco Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 4 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 16' 6" / 5 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | 73 / 1854.2 |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 2285 / 1036.5 |
2. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P
Image Credit: Roaming Times
The Forest River has plenty of room to bring your family and friends along. The plush seating area, stylish cabinets, and large bathrooms make it an easy pick. What’s more, it comes with ample storage, so you don’t have to leave your essentials behind.
Inside, there’s a fully equipped kitchen – you’ll not have a problem preparing your meals on the campground. You can even bring a complete set of pans, pots, and cooking utensils. Since the kitchen area is located at the center, you get several bench seats.
Just like the newer models, the 2011 Forest River guarantees a restful sleep. Plus, you get a sleeping space for seven people. There is one bunk bed, a double bed, and one convertible sofa bed.
Another feature that makes this unit stack up against the competition is the 20,000 BTU heater for temperature control. You also enjoy a 13,500 BTU air conditioning system to deal with the summer heat.
The bathroom includes a shower and a toilet. While you may not get the comfort you expect in a modern bathroom, it's space-efficient. The low price range makes this trailer a good fit for budget-conscious persons.
| 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 7 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 17' 9'' / 5.4 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | NA |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 2654 / 1203.9 |
3. 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK
Image Credit: Smart RV Guide
The M-13FK model measures 13.9 feet and weighs around 2600 pounds. It comes with a kitchen, two oven burners, a stove, a microwave oven, and a mid-sized refrigerator.
The 2013 model is designed to accommodate two persons – has one convertible sofa bed. Besides that, the bathroom is located at the front with a shower. To ensure your comfort, the Sportsmen features a 6,000 BTU air conditioning unit and 16,000 BTU heater.
What makes the Sportsmen unique is the layout. You’ll find most of the amenities you expect in a modern unit. When you enter the camper, you'll find a closet and a sink to your left. And, the opposite side has a dinette - this is what makes the trailer spacious.
This model is suitable for those with low towing capacity.
| 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 13' 9'' / 4.2 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | 75 / 1905 |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 1993 / 904 |
4. 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC
Image Credit: Smart RV Guide
This is one of the most recognizable used campers under 5K for those on a tight budget. It comes with a surprisingly roomy interior. While the Forest River may look like Jayco Flight SLX M-145 RB, there are a few differences.
The Palomino has sleeping space for two. It’s equipped with one double bed and a convertible sofa bed. Furthermore, the kitchen is located at the center and features vinyl flooring. And despite the compact size, you get a spacious countertop for a two-burner stovetop. You'll also find a refrigerator powered by electricity or propane.
The M-12RBC is best suited for occasional campers.
| 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 16' 3'' / 5 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | NA |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 2812 / 1275.5 |
5. 2014 StarCraft AR-One M-14RB
Image Credit: RV USA
While the StarCraft camper looks the same as the JayFlight Swift SLX, there are a few differences. It weighs 100 pounds more but what is significant is its large size. This is one of the best campers under 5K towable by medium-sized SUVs and minivans.
Another reason why StarCraft has become the go-to option for campers on a tight budget is that you get the basic necessities at a low price. To start with, it offers sleeping space for three persons. Other features are a three-cubic feet refrigerator and a 54” dinette.
Since the StarCraft comes with a 5,000BTU AC unit and 18,000 BTU heater, it’s best suited for full-time campers.
| 2014 StarCraft AR-One M-14RB Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 16' 6'' / 5 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | 73 / 1854.2 |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 2380 / 1079.6 |
6. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH
Image Credit: RV Trader
This camper is 22.2” long and offers unmatched comfort for campers on a budget. It features a base weight of 3700 pounds and has a carrying capacity of 3822 lbs. While this may sound suspiciously high for a camper of this size, the number is correct.
The M-17BH model has a roomy interior and comes with seven sleeping spots. You get wardrobe closets, overhead storage, and two nightstands on either side of the bed. In addition, the kitchen area features self edged countertops, large storage doors, a high-rise faucet, a monitor panel, a double-door refrigerator, and a monitor panel. Other features are two sinks and a three-burner countertop.
To ensure your comfort, you get a 40-inch dinette, one-piece slide-out sidewalls, and decorative cherry paneling. That’s not all – there’s a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
| 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 7 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 22' 2'' / 6.8 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | 78 / 1981.2 |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 3700 / 1678.3 |
7. 2010 Keystone RV Outback 250RS
Keystone is a reliable camper trailer that has made a name for itself. It measures 27.9” and offers a carrying capacity of 1784 pounds.
The 250RS has a sleeping space of 8 persons. This is what you need when camping with a large family and friends. The interior features include a kitchen dinette, one bathroom, a television, and vinyl flooring. Also, this unit has an incredible-sized bathroom that consists of a shower and bathtub.
Keystone also excels when it comes to comfort. It’s equipped with a 13,500 AC unit and 30,000 BTU heater. You have an option to customize the facilities to meet whatever you need.
| 2010 Keystone RV Outback 250RS Specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Travel Trailer |
| Sleeping Capacity | 8 |
| Length (ft-in/m) | 27' 9'' / 8.5 |
| Interior Height (in/mm) | NA |
| Base Weight (lbs/kg) | 5766 / 2615.5 |
Rent a camper
While buying a camper under $5,000 sounds appealing, you should be ready for maintenance. If you’re an occasional camper, renting is a viable option.
But here is the thing - if you haven’t grown up around RVs, you may not know exactly what you need. Renting will help you build confidence to make big decisions. As you explore nature, you’ll understand better whether the RV is a good fit. Plus, you can explore campers of all sizes if you want something more affordable.
Secondly, you’ll understand how RVs work. Instead of listening to someone explain how the RV works, renting will help you know how the systems work. Also, you can play around with the RV layout. This is a non-negotiable feature you should learn when you spend time in an RV – not a few minutes at the dealership.
On top of that, you don’t have to save for a down payment or go through the process of financing. If you’re renting a trailer for the first time, here are a few things to consider:
Storage Space
You want to rent a camper that can accommodate all your camping needs. Some of the bare necessities include a kitchen, bed, and space for clothes. Take time to check whether the space suits your style. If you want to carry the whole family, you need a bigger trailer. However, these are ideal travel trailers for couples.
Check the Condition
Since you’re supposed to return the camper in the state you found it in, you should check the condition of the unit. The last thing you want is getting stuck in the middle of the road when nobody has any insight – you don’t want to ruin your adventure.
Towing Car
The car you use should match with the camper you tow. Since a trailer does not power on its own, you should look for a vehicle that can handle the weight.
Cost
While the cost of renting will suit most people on a tight budget, you should put some money aside to take care of repairs and other expenses.
Knowing these little quirks will save you many sleepless nights.
Can I Rent a Camper with No Credit?
Let’s face it: there’s nothing more fulfilling than hitting the road to explore nature. However, financial problems can happen at any time, even without a warning. If you have no credit, No Credit Campers guarantees camper financing for everyone.
You just choose the perfect RV with the amenities you want, pick or have it delivered, and you hit the road. After your adventure, you return it in the same condition you received it – it’s as simple as that.
Final words
Buying a new camper is no easy feat. If you’re on a tight budget, the above models will give the best bang for your buck. However, renting is also a reasonable choice. If you want to get an RV loan with bad or no credit, No Credit Campers guarantees simplified RV buying. We help people of all credit types.
