Shopping for a new travel trailer can be an exciting adventure. But it can also be a confusing one. Asking “What’s the average cost of a new travel trailer?” is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. Yep, you need to be a lot more specific.
If you’ve visited an RV lot or even just done some online research, you already know that pricing can vary widely. It depends not only on the size of the trailer but on the brand, construction, and features. And if it’s been a few years (or a decade) since you last shopped for an RV, today’s numbers may come as a surprise—if not a complete shock.
In addition, you’ll discover that what you can get for your money has changed as well. You’ll find lighter materials for easier towing. You’ll also find smarter or more flexible layouts that can adapt to how you RV. Finally, many travel trailers come with some pretty cool upgrades—from solar packages to four-season upgrades to onboard electric fireplaces.
All of this adds up to a wide range of travel trailers that can appeal to different lifestyles, aesthetics, and budgets.
So, whether you’re considering retiring an older rig, downsizing for a new season of travel, or shopping for your very first camper, understanding the average cost of a new travel trailer—and more importantly—what drives that price—can increase your confidence in making the right choice for you.
The Big Picture: What Does a New Travel Trailer Really Cost?
In short, the typical travel trailer today runs somewhere between $20K and $45K. That said, that’s only a small part of the story. In reality, the spectrum is much wider. A smaller, low-end travel trailer can be found for roughly $15K. But if you’re looking for a premium or specialty build, the price tag can climb above $60,000 or even beyond $200,000. That price, however, isn’t just the difference between “entry level” and luxury. It reflects how the trailer is built, how well it’s equipped, and how long it’s designed to last.
Factors like construction quality, insulation, frame design, slide-outs, and modern systems (e.g., solar, lithium batteries, and inverter setups) can make a big difference. Two different travel trailers that are roughly the same length can differ by tens of thousands of dollars.
Finally, it’s important to separate the MSRP from real-world pricing. Manufacturer sticker prices (i.e., the MSRP) are often much higher than what most buyers actually pay—especially if you’re making the investment when it’s not peak selling season. Dealer discounts, leftover inventory, and regional demand can all play a role in how much an average travel trailer costs, which is why you’ll often (though not always) come across wide gaps between the published MSRP and the advertised sales price.
Travel Trailers by Category
No one wants some vague idea of pricing. You want to know what a new travel trailer costs right now. So, let’s get specific and look at some current models. We won’t just include the MSRP; we’ll also list some actual dealership sale prices, which can help ease sticker shock. But keep in mind that prices change fast, and the pricing and availability at your local dealer may differ a lot.
Photo by Chelaxy Designs on Unsplash
Lightweight, Compact Travel Trailers
Easy towing, efficient layouts with fewer compromises than you may think
Typically under 5,000 dry weight, these travel trailers can often be towed with smaller vehicles, such as an SUV or light-duty truck. If you’re looking for something that’s more nimble and efficient (as well as affordable), these can be good options. Especially if you are looking for less hassle or if you are upgrading from a tent, tent trailer, or even an older compact RV, these smaller trailers can provide a lot of value.
Important Note: The dealer pricing reflects commonly advertised listings (where available) and varies by options, region, and availability.
| Travel Trailer (example model) | MSRP (Starting Price) | Advertised Dealership Sales Price* | Notes |
| Happier Camper HC1 | $29,950 | ~$26K to $37K | The pricing can vary widely based on the build, but a few things remain popular: 1) the modular interior, which can be arranged to suit a wide range of customers, 2) the ultra-lightweight trailer package, and 3) the retro-modern styling. |
| Happier Camper HC1 Studio (Essentials, Adventure, and Summit) | ~$38,950 to $51,950, depending on the trim package and options | Dealer pricing fluctuates a lot based on regional inventory and model. | The studio models offer additional features, including a built-in kitchenette and plumbing, and power upgrades. |
| Winnebago HIKE 100 (15’11”) | $40,900 | $32K to $38K (when available) | So many features in so little space, including a front galley and wet bath. |
| inTech Sol Dawn | $41,402 | $31K to $36K | Offering great views from the panoramic front windshield and flexibility to make smaller spaces feel larger. |
| Casita Spirit (17’) | $23K to $29,996 (direct pricing) | $22 to 26K | The molded fiberglass frame has a cool retro look and a loyal owner base, which helps keep the resale value strong. |
| Coachmen Catalina Summit Series 7 | $20,299 to $31,174 | Often up to 30% to 41+% off MSRP or around $14,949 to $25,938. | This budget-friendly travel trailer is ultra-light, smaller, simple, and easy to tow. Yet it still comes with comfortable layouts and practical amenities. |
Lightweight travel trailers can be found starting at or around $20K to $30K when on sale, while still offering essential and potentially some premium features, which makes them an appealing option for not only entry-level RVs but also for folks looking to downsize or replace a well-loved rig. For RVers who hit the road a lot, these trailers often shine for their simplicity and reduced stress—especially if you choose key upgrades (hello, onboard bath and galley).
Adventure-Ready Ultralight Travel Trailers
Increased capacity but still tow-friendly and comfortable
One of the most popular (and competitive) segments of the travel trailer market today, these adventure-ready rigs are still lightweight but improve the livability with upgraded features. Yet, they can still be pulled with half-ton trucks and many SUVs. If you’re ready to upgrade from an older trailer, these trailers are known for their balance of comfort, technology, and price.
| Travel Trailer (example model) | MSRP (Starting Price) | Advertised Dealership Sales Price* | Notes |
| Jayco Jay Feather/Jay Flight | Often between $20K (Flight) and $40K with larger units going for up to $66,573. | Often between $20K (Flight) and $40K, with larger units going for up to $66,573. | Jayco offers a wide range of lengths and models, so the pricing varies significantly depending on the size, layout, and features that are most important to you. |
| Airstream Basecamp 16X | $54,900 | $47K to $60K | For those who love the iconic streamlined style of the Airstream, these gems provide the same high quality in a smaller, lightweight, versatile option. |
| Forest River Rockwood GeoPro | $37K to 45K | $30K to $40K—often for up to 25% or more off MSRP | Adventure more with bigger off-road tires and solar package. |
| inTech Sol Eclipse | $46,011 | $42 to $45K | Because they’re so light and nimble, these units are easy to tow and fit into tighter campsites, yet the smaller size feels more expansive. |
| Forest River Wildwood FSX | Because there are so many lengths and layouts available, there’s a wide range of MSRP, often between $30K and $40K, going much higher for the larger units. | Again, you can find deals that are up to $10K to over $40K off the MSRP. Some dealers show sales prices in the mid-$20,000 on rigs that originally had MSRPs at nearly $40,000. | You can find FSX models anywhere from 16’ all the way up to 36’6” with many toy hauler models available. With so many different options, you would expect the prices to vary widely as well. |
Prices can diverge sharply depending on construction and systems, rather than just size alone. Two similarly sized trailers can differ in price by as much as $20,000, depending on key features such as insulation, solar readiness, and interior finishes. Many RVers find this level to be the sweet spot for comfort, towability, and price.
Mid-Range Travel Trailers
Where most people land when looking to upgrade
Mid-range travel trailers can be found everywhere, and for good reason. They offer comfortable layouts, slide-outs to expand your space when parked, true kitchens and baths, and plenty of space for longer trips—even those lasting a full season. If you’re getting ready to upgrade from an older or smaller trailer, this segment will likely give you a large leap in livability.
| Travel Trailer (example model) | MSRP (Starting Price) | Advertised Dealership Sales Price* | Notes |
| Grand Designs Imagine 2500RL | $61,063 | $40K to $50K with used options coming in as low as $20K | Grand Designs are known for their quality control and customer support. |
| Forest River Selem | $29,466 to $49,489 | If you’re looking for smaller trailers, you can find new units for under $15,000; larger travel trailers can be found in the mid $30,000s | Offers several different floor plans to fit your RV lifestyle. |
| Forest River Puma 31QBBH | $51,150 to $53,697 | $36,900 to $39,000 | For families (or guests), it’s nice to have your own space. These 37’10” campers offer plenty of private sleeping and entertainment areas to spread out. Some even have features like an outdoor (as well as indoor) kitchen for more family fun in nature. |
| Coachmen Catalina Legacy | $34,996 to $69,000 | $29,999 to $43,000 | The legacy elevates your RV lifestyle with solid-surface kitchen counters, expanded seating and sleeping, and larger windows with several floor plans, while still offering good value. |
Mid-range rigs offer the most flexibility in pricing thanks to dealer incentives and leftover inventory. So, buyers can benefit from shopping around, as pricing can vary significantly even for the same model.
Photo by Tyler Casey on Unsplash
Premium & Specialty Travel Trailers
Longevity, resale value, and buy-once quality
For RVers who plan to keep their rigs for life—or who prioritize resale value, four-season exploration, and superior construction—premium and specialty trailers offer the most long-term value. They do, however, also cost more upfront.
| Travel Trailer (example model) | MSRP (Starting Price) | Advertised Dealership Sales Price* | Notes |
| Oliver Legacy Elite II | $79,995 to $99,850 | Dealer discounts and incentives are harder to come by, so expect to pay close to the MSRP. | The insulated double-hulled fiberglass shell makes these campers a great option for all seasons. They’re also built to last for generations and don’t just provide all necessary amenities but several luxuries. |
| Airstream Travel Trailers | Depending on the model, the MSRP ranges from $67,400 for the Bambi® to $187,300 for the Classic. Other models like the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition and 6666 Special Edition come in between $169,900 and $184,900. | Again, you’ll find fewer discounts and incentives for the premium travel trailers. Depending on the features, you can expect to spend over $200,000 on some units. | With their eye-catching aerodynamic aluminum exteriors, Airstream has remained an iconic RV for nine decades! They come with a premium price but are crafted to last a lifetime. |
| Brinkley Travel Trailers | $60,995 to $111,134 | Discounts of up to 20% can be found if you shop around and are patient. | Intelligent designs combined with a steadfast commitment to quality and customer care. Brinkley is a premium RV inspired by luxury sports cars. |
The premium pricing in this segment is more about their structure and systems than their layouts and décor. Buyers are willing to pay more for long-term durability, whether that’s in the form of molded fiberglass shells, iconic aluminum construction, or heavy-duty frames and thoughtful, integrated systems.
Photo by John Steinbeck on Unsplash
How to Save on a New Travel Trailer (without cutting corners)
It’s important to remember that pricing on a new travel trailer isn’t fixed. And knowing when and how to buy can make a meaningful difference in the price you’ll actually pay. There’s no single strategy that works every time, but there are several ways that can help reduce costs or get more value for the money. That often starts with being flexible and patient.
Shop the Calendar, Not Just the Lot
Timing matters, even in the competitive RV market. Often, the most favorable times to buy are in the late fall and winter, when dealers are more motivated to move inventory, after peak camping season winds down. Floorplan interest (that is, what dealers pay to keep units on the lot) can also lead to greater discounts.
Model-year transitions—typically in the late summer through fall—can also be good times to buy leftover inventory. Last year’s (or the year before) model is still new, but it’s more likely to be priced to sell to make room for the latest models. This can be one of the best value opportunities.
Finally, many dealers are working hard to meet sales targets at month-end or quarter-end and may be more willing to negotiate.
You may not always get rock-bottom prices with your calendar awareness, but you can often find better terms, upgrades, or decreased fees, even on more premium brands.
RV Shows
RV shows can be a great way to see a large selection of RVs in one place—and compare your favorite brands or models side by side—and you can sometimes find manufacturer incentives or bundled upgrades. That said, you won’t always find the prices lower than you could find at the dealership. In fact, show-only discounts are often the same as standard dealer pricing. If you do decide to buy, carefully review financing offers.
In other words, RV shows are often best for research and comparison rather than a pressure-filled place to sign on the dotted line. Enjoy checking out a wide range of RVs at the show and then use what you learned to negotiate for your chosen RV at a dealership.
Consider “New to You” vs. New
The best deal may not technically be “new” but rather new to you. Gently used RVs that are just one to three years old often show minimal wear and have minimal use. They also may come with useful upgrades already installed. And you won’t have to take the steepest depreciation hit.
These options can be especially desirable in premium segments where owners may either upgrade frequently or sell after they discovered they didn’t use their trailer as much as they wanted or expected. This alone can significantly stretch your budget without sacrificing on quality or capability.
Value, Not Just Price
The best way to save money isn’t always to pay less upfront. In fact, as many of us have discovered, being “cheap” can cost you down the road with added repairs and replacements.
Sometimes factory-installed upgrades are better deals than aftermarket add-ons. Choosing higher-quality components can reduce maintenance over time. And better insulation or systems can extend your camping season (which can be priceless for those of us who want to get out more often).
Paying a little more upfront can often reduce costs as well as frustrations down the road.
Rent First
Even if you’ve been RVing for years (or decades), if you’re looking at a new RV, you may still benefit from renting before buying, especially if you’re:
- Considering a different size or layout than you’ve owned in the past
- You’re unsure how much you’ll use your travel trailer
- You want some hands-on experience before committing to a major upgrade
A short-term rental can help clarify what you actually want and help you avoid an expensive mismatch.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Travel Trailer for This Season of RV Life
The average cost of a travel trailer is less about chasing a specific number and more about understanding what that number represents. Today’s RV market offers so many different travel trailers. Lightweight, easy to tow, family-friendly, premium rigs built for the long haul are all easy to find. Price differences can be due to size or decor, but more often they reflect construction, systems, and durability.
Many RVers choose to upgrade for better insulation, smarter layouts, more capable systems, and materials that can help up to real mileage and changing seasons. Comparing specific models and understanding why they’re priced where they are provides more clarity than knowing the average cost of new travel trailers.
Ultimately, the best travel trailer is the one that supports how you actually RV. Do you enjoy weekend getaways, longer seasonal trips, or are you gearing up for the next chapter on the road? Having a clear understanding and realistic expectations can help you focus on long-term value and more memorable miles ahead.