The 13 best caravans to get away from it all in style (2023)

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• Best Overall: Airstream Interstate 24X

  

  Airstream. Fortunately, the company isn't afraid to branch out. Just watchInterstate 24X, the trailer manufacturer's attempt to take the motorhome to new heights. Built on the bones of aMercedes-BenzThe Sprinter - like many of the models on this list - the vehicle has everything you need to make it comfortable. Airstream has gone to great lengths to maximize space in its climate-controlled cabin. A modular dining table doubles as a desk and can easily be converted into the largest sleeping area in a Class B motorhome. There is also a full mini kitchen and bathroom. You can also take the van off-road. In addition to a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 engine that produces 188 hp and 325 ft lbs of torque, it is also equipped with four-wheel drive, a height-adjustable suspension and all-terrain tires. Pricing for the all-around beast starts at $213,850.

  

  Special features:
  — A climate-controlled living area designed to maximize available space.
  —A modular dinner table, a mini kitchen and a bathroom with toilet.

• Best for off-road driving: Jayco Terrain

  

  Jayco is best known for its huge travel trailers, but like the Airstream, it can also do compact (well, compact enough to fit in a parking lot, that is). The American company's newTerrainmodel, which starts at $192,000, is an adventure van designed for those who like to venture off the beaten path. As the name suggests, it's designed for off-roading with a turbo-diesel V-6, Koni shocks, a rear stabilizer bar and a rear hitch strong enough to tow an extra trailer if you need more room. Inside, it's a little spartan compared to some other options on this list, but its kitchenette can be converted into a sleeping area with room for a full-size bed, as well as plenty of storage space underneath. There's even a built-in awning when you need some shade in the summer months.

  

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  Special features:
  — Equipped with Koni shock absorbers, a rear stabilizer and a powerful tow bar.
  —The kitchen can be converted into a spacious sleeping area with room for a full-size bed.

• Best for weekend trips: Mercedes-Benz EQT Marco Polo

  

  Mercedes-Benz clearly doesn't want to give up its title as the van maker for outdoor enthusiasts. At last year's Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the German brand showed off a prototype based on its upcoming all-electric EQT van called the Marco Polo. The stylish EV has everything you need for a weekend at the campsite and is more compact than the ubiquitous Sprinter. When the rear seats of the van are folded down, the back can be used as either a sleeping area with space for a double bed or a cooking and cozy area. The kitchen doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some of the other entries on this list, but it does have a pull-out stove, refrigerator, and sink. There is also a pop-up, roof-mounted tent if your traveling party includes more than two. The Marco Polo is a concept, but Mercedes will sell a module that lets you turn any EQT into an RV when the $51,500 EV goes on sale this spring.

  

  Special features:
  —Full electric powertrain so you don't have to worry about doing too much damage to nature while exploring it.
  — DensCampinggear – from the bed to the kitchenette – is part of a module that can be removed completely when you need more cargo space.

• Best for Cyclists: Outside Van Tails

  

  If you like to mix cycling and camping, the Outside Van has the vehicle for you. The Portland brandTailsthe model is a motorhome designed with cyclists in mind. The van, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, has everything you need for a few days away from home, including a kitchenette, a rollaway sofa and a convertible mattress. But what really sets it apart is the rear of the vehicle, which is basically an on-the-go bike workshop with a fold-down workbench, an air compressor and Molle panels to hang all your tools. If that wasn't enough, it somehow has room for six bikes even when the bed is made up for the night.

  

  Special features:
  — The back of the van is basically a bicycle workshop with a folding table, an air compressor and plenty of storage space for tools.
  —Has room for six bikes, even when its convertible sleeper is out.

• Best for Camping (Anywhere): Storyteller Overland Beast Mode 4×4

  

  This latest offering from Storyteller Overland, based in Birmingham, Ala., is a true adventure ride. TheBeast Mode 4×4is the outfit's most feature-packed model yet and was designed specifically for overlanding (as you might have guessed from the company's name). It's a true 4×4 powered by a 188-hp turbodiesel V-6 that's strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds. Its smart retro-style offset is also offset by plenty of useful off-road equipment, such as an LED light package, a roof rack and side ladder, and custom wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich K02 tires. Inside, you'll find everything you need to unwind after a day of exploring, including a cozy lounge that converts into a full-sized sleeping area. There's even a climate control system to ensure you're comfortable whatever the weather outside. It's priced at a flat $198,746 for everything listed above.

  

  Special features:
  — Turbodiesel V-6 sends 188 hp of power to all four wheels and is strong enough to tow an additional 5,000 pounds.
  — Surprisingly comfortable lounge for an off-road beast.

• Best to stay in: Loef Camper Van

  

  Motorhomes tend to be smaller than full-size motorhomes and trailers, but if you want one with the maximum amount of space, Loef has you covered. of the companylatest luxury modelspans 24 feet from bumper to bumper and is nine feet tall. That means its wide-open cabin has more than enough room for a full kitchen, bathroom and entertainment area that converts into a spacious sleeping nook when the night's festivities are over. There is also a slide-out Big Green Egg Mini Grill built into the back door, so you can have an outdoor grill when it's nice outside. While the $150,000 van's main asset is its luxurious interior, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine ensures you have enough power to navigate any road.

  

  Special features:
  — Large enough for two entertainment areas, one of which has a five-seater wraparound sofa.
  — Stylish interior is inspired by Scandinavian design.

• Best all-electric option: Tonke EQV

  

  Are you looking for an electric car you can take to the campsite. The upcoming EQV just might fit the bill. Despite its relatively compact size – it's smaller than the ever-popular Sprinter – Dutch camping outfit Tonke has managed to equip it with everything you need to spend some time communing with nature. It has an entertainment area that doubles as a work area along with a kitchenette, both of which can be converted into a two-person sleeping area with a simple flip of a bench (a roof-mounted, pop-up tent means it can sleep two people too ). Best of all, there are two variants available - Touring, which is designed for long road trips, and Adventure, which is aimed at casual campers.

  

  Special features:
  — Fully electronic powertrain means you don't have to worry about topping up the tank (although the battery is another story).
  —Can sleep up to four, even despite its relatively compact size.

• Best with a bathroom and shower: Thor Motor Coach Sanctuary

  

  Thor Motor Coach makes motorhomes for those who are not interested in making sacrifices. WithShrine, the company has taken Mercedes-Benz's already excellent Sprinter 2500 4×4 and turned it into something you could easily live off of - on or off the grid. The off-road vehicle comes in two configurations - the 19P ($148,680), which has a rear bench that converts to a bed, or the 19L ($151,060), which has a fixed double bed. Even with the bed, there's still plenty of room for other amenities, including a bathroom, an entertainment area with a TV, and a kitchen with a sink, a two-burner cooktop, a convection microwave, and a refrigerator. An Onan 2500 LP generator also keeps everything running, including an A/C system you can leave on for eight hours at a time. There is also a retractable electric awning when you want to spend some time outdoors.

  

  Special features:
  -Fully equipped bathroom with sink, shower and toilet.
  — Available with your choice of either a convertible or a fixed bed.

• Best Under $50,000: Fiat Ducato Camper Van

  

  If you don't like the Mercedes Sprinter, it can be difficult to find a refined motorhome. Fortunately, it isFiat Ducatoshould do the trick. Starting at $48,000, the Italian automaker's van is a good base for anyone looking to build their own compact camper. Available in four different wheelbases - 9.8, 11.3, 12.5 and 13.2 feet - it can be customized to have everything you want to take with you on the road, including an entertainment and sleeping area as well as a kitchen. There are also several drivetrain options to choose from. The smartest produces up to 180 hp and comes paired with a manual gearbox for the purists who can't imagine driving anything else. The company also plans to do solaunch an electric versionin the near future.

  

  Special features:
  —Available in four different wheelbases—9.8, 11.3, 12.5 and 13.2 feet.
  -Can be equipped with a manual transmission if you're the kind of person who cares about that sort of thing.

• Best for families: Winnebago Boldt

  

  Airstream isn't the only famous RV manufacturer to get into the RV game. Winnebago actually sells several, and our favorite is the luxuryBoldt. Despite not being nearly as long as one of its campers—it's 22 feet long—the $230,276 van has everything you'd expect from the larger vehicle, including dedicated living and sleeping areas, a full functional kitchen and a bathroom equipped with a shower. You also have several trim options to choose from, each delivering an updated take on classic Winnebago style. Boldt is designed for paved roads and campsites, but if you want a rougher ride, the brand also offers the off-road readyRevel.

  

  Special features:
  — Stretches 22 feet bumper to bumper, meaning there's plenty of room for you and yours.
  — Enough space for dedicated entertainment and sleeping areas.

• Best for winter holidays: Sportsmobile Sprinter 4×4

  

  Take a look atSportsmobiles Sprinter 4×4and it's clear what its designers had in mind: off-roading. Whether you go with the 12- or 14-foot configuration, the Texas outfit's stripped-down version of Mercedes' ultra-popular van comes equipped with a 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and pumps out 188 hp. and 325 ft lbs of torque. That should be more than enough to tackle even the roughest terrain. Inside you will find a spacious living room with a fully equipped kitchen. If you want even more space, you can also choose a pop-up sleeping area that will make it that much easier to relax in comfort.

  

  Special features:
  — Well insulated throughout, but also has room for a propane heater or heater.
  — 3.0-liter BlueTec V-6 and four-wheel drive means it can tackle any terrain.

• Best Conversion: Glampervan Promaster MUV

  

  If you're struggling to find a van that checks all your boxes,Glampervanmay be worth a look. Using the Ram Promaster 136 as its base, the Oakland-based company will help you build your dream vehicle, whether your main priority is work or play (or both). The fully loaded version starts at around $80,000 and has a spacious interior with a fully equipped kitchen, plenty of storage space and a lounge area that converts into a bed. The van is powered by a solid 3.6-liter V-6 that makes a respectable 280 hp and 260 ft lbs of twist. That mill and a host of off-road accessories, including off-road tires, mean you'll be able to drive the van a bit, even after the road runs out.

  

  Special features:
  - Shop works with you to create your dream motorhome.
  - Every single one of the company's builds comes with a queen-size Murphy bed.

• Best for DIY couples: Ford Transit Trail

  

  Ford is ready to knock the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter out of its seat. The Detroit giant unveiled its own RV, the Transit Trail, last fall. The adventure-ready vehicle is based on its uber-popular commercial van, but is taller, wider and equipped with protective body cladding. It's also powered by a potent V-6 that sends 310 horses and 400 ft lbs to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Right now, Ford seems content to let the $65,975 vehicle be the base for the RV of your dreams, but it comes loaded with a number of features that will come in handy at the campsite, including a drillable wall you can use to install shelves , a kitchenette or furniture, along with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and a back-up camera. It is also available in three body configurations - medium roof, standard length; high roof, standard length; and extended length with high roof – one of which should suit your needs.

  

  Special features:
  -It is basically a blank slate for you and your partner to create your own dream camper.
  — Still comes with premium features such as a 12-inch infotainment screen and a back-up camera.