Our Favorite 5 Small Class A RVs in the USA

So, you’re telling me you want the luxury of a Class A RV without driving something the size of a small cruise ship?

I get it. My wife and I recently hit up an RV show—because what else screams “wild weekend” like walking through endless mobile homes—and we zeroed in on the small Class A RVs.

Turns out, downsizing doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or amenities. Who knew?

Why Choose a Small Class A RV?

Let’s be real: Not all of us are thrilled about piloting a 40-foot behemoth down winding mountain roads or trying to squeeze it into a campground spot designed for a tent. Smaller Class A RVs offer the sweet spot between luxury and maneuverability.

They’re easier to drive, can access more parks and campsites, and you won’t need a second mortgage to fill up the gas tank. Plus, less RV means less to clean. Sign me up.

1. Thor Axis 24.1

Price: Starting around $115,000
Length: 25 feet 6 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 42 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 40 gallons
Black Water Tank: 30 gallons

Stepping into the Thor Axis 24.1 felt like walking into a well-designed tiny home. Emphasis on “tiny,” but in a good way. The layout is efficient, with a living area that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a sardine can. The twin beds in the back can convert into a king, which is a nifty feature unless you’re prone to rolling into the crack in the middle at night.

The cockpit is sleek, with all the modern tech you’d expect, like a touchscreen dash radio and backup monitor—because reversing without one is basically a trust fall exercise with fate.

The drop-down overhead bunk is a nice touch for extra sleeping space, although I’d recommend it only for those who aren’t claustrophobic.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Super easy to drive; it’s like the sports car of Class A’s.
- The versatile sleeping arrangements are great for flexibility.
- Compact size means you can fit into more campsites.
Cons:
- Limited storage space; pack light or prepare to play Tetris with your belongings.
- Smaller tanks mean more frequent stops to refill and dump.

2. Winnebago Vista 27P

Price: Starting around $150,000
Length: 28 feet 5 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 70 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 61 gallons
Black Water Tank: 40 gallons

The Winnebago Vista 27P welcomed us with open arms—or rather, wide slides. Once inside, the dual slide-outs create a spacious living area that almost made us forget we were in an RV under 30 feet. The dinette and sofa are plush, practically begging you to kick back and relax.

The kitchen, while not gourmet chef-worthy, has a three-burner stove, oven, and a decent-sized fridge. I could see myself whipping up more than just microwave meals here. The bedroom features a queen bed with nightstands on both sides—finally, a place to charge both our phones without passive-aggressive cable swapping.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Spacious interior thanks to the slide-outs.
- Larger tank capacities mean fewer pit stops.
- Quality finishes give it a more residential feel.
Cons:
- At nearly 29 feet, it’s pushing the “small” category.
- The price tag is creeping into “maybe we should just buy a cabin” territory.

3. Newmar Bay Star Sport 2702

Price: Starting around $160,000
Length: 27 feet 10 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 75 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 60 gallons
Black Water Tank: 40 gallons

Walking into the Newmar Bay Star Sport 2702 felt like stepping into a luxury hotel suite—if that suite was on wheels and came with its own toilet tank. The craftsmanship is immediately noticeable; solid wood cabinetry and polished countertops scream quality.

The floor plan is well-thought-out, with a full-wall slide that expands the living area. The kitchen is spacious (for an RV), and the pantry space made my wife’s eyes light up. The bedroom has a queen bed with ample walking space around it—no more awkward sideways shuffling to get into bed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- High-quality construction and finishes.
- Spacious living area due to the full-wall slide.
- Larger tanks are a boon for boondocking.
Cons:
- The most expensive on our list; your wallet might feel personally attacked.
- Heavier weight could mean fewer MPG and might require a more robust chassis.

4. Fleetwood Flair 28A

Price: Starting around $130,000
Length: 28 feet 5 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 50 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 35 gallons
Black Water Tank: 35 gallons

The Fleetwood Flair 28A greeted us with a modern interior that feels more like a city apartment than an RV. The open floor plan features a spacious living area with a sofa sleeper and a dinette. The overhead bunk above the cockpit adds extra sleeping space without sacrificing room elsewhere.

The kitchen is functional, with a residential-sized refrigerator—because who doesn’t need to store two weeks’ worth of leftovers? The bathroom is a bit snug, but it’s a trade-off for the roomy common areas. The bedroom has a queen bed and, thankfully, actual wardrobe space.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Stylish, modern interior design.
- Overhead bunk adds sleeping capacity without using floor space.
- Mid-range price with high-end features.
Cons:
- Smaller tank sizes may require more frequent service stops.
- The bathroom could be roomier; not ideal for those who like to spread out.

5. Forest River FR3 30DS

Price: Starting around $135,000
Length: 31 feet 8 inches
Fresh Water Tank: 57 gallons
Grey Water Tank: 41 gallons
Black Water Tank: 41 gallons

Yes, the FR3 30DS is just over 31 feet, but let’s not get hung up on technicalities. Stepping inside, the first thing we noticed was the super comfortable theater seating directly across from a sizable TV. Movie nights just got upgraded.

The kitchen boasts solid surface countertops and stainless steel appliances, making it feel less like an RV and more like a home. The king-size bed in the bedroom is a pleasant surprise, and there’s even a washer/dryer prep if you feel the need to do laundry on vacation—which I vehemently oppose.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Theater seating is a luxurious touch.
- King-size bed for ultimate comfort.
- Washer/dryer prep is great for extended trips.
Cons:
- Over 31 feet long; it’s the big kid sneaking into the small RV party.
- Might be a tight squeeze in smaller campsites.

Our Favorite Small Class A RV

After parading through all these mini-mansions on wheels, our top pick has to be the Thor Axis 24.1. Sure, it’s the smallest of the bunch, but that’s precisely the point. It’s incredibly easy to drive—you won’t feel like you’re captaining a barge—and fits into campsites that would laugh in the face of a larger rig.

The versatile sleeping arrangements and smart use of space make it perfect for couples or small families. Plus, the lower price point doesn’t hurt either. It’s the ideal blend of functionality and affordability, without skimping on the comforts that make RVing enjoyable.

PRO TIP: Towable vs. Drivable RV: Everything You Need to Know

Why a Small RV Might Be Your Big Solution

Opting for a smaller Class A RV doesn’t mean settling for less; it’s about making smart choices. You get the luxury and amenities of a Class A without the hassles that come with a larger rig. Easier driving, better fuel efficiency, and access to more campsites are just a few perks.

So, if you’re like us and prefer to spend more time enjoying the journey rather than stressing about where to park your monstrosity of an RV, a smaller Class A might just be your ticket to freedom. And let’s face it, less time worrying means more time roasting marshmallows—or sipping wine, no judgment here.