In the vast and varied world of recreational vehicles, one particular segment stands out for its remarkable balance of maneuverability, affordability, and functionality: the 20-foot travel trailer. This length offers a nice compromise between the smallest and lightest, and largest and heaviest RV camper floor plans, making it an incredibly popular choice for both seasoned adventurers and newcomers to the RV lifestyle. It’s a sweet spot that delivers a good amount of interior space and features while keeping the trailer lightweight and compact, which in turn makes it much easier to maneuver and tow.
Navigating the multitude of campers on the market today to find the ideal 20-foot trailer can certainly feel daunting. It often requires sifting through hundreds of travel trailer models and their various trim levels to pinpoint the perfect match for one’s specific needs and travel aspirations. This challenge is precisely why understanding the distinct characteristics and offerings of the most popular models is so crucial for anyone considering this versatile segment of the RV market.
This article aims to simplify that search by highlighting ten of the most popular 20-foot travel trailer floor plans available on the road today. We’ll delve into the specifics of each model, from their average costs and dry weights to their unique features and ideal use cases. From budget-friendly bunkhouses perfect for families to comfortable couples’ retreats packed with amenities, these trailers prove that you don’t need a sprawling RV to embark on grand adventures or enjoy a comfortable home away from home. Let’s explore how these compact powerhouses redefine modern camping.
1. **Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH** The Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH truly shines as one of the most budget-friendly 20-foot travel trailers available, boasting an average cost of only $20,000. This competitive pricing positions it as an excellent entry point for individuals or families looking to experience the joys of RVing without a significant financial outlay. However, its affordability should not be mistaken for a lack of features; this trailer is anything but a bare-boned camper, offering a surprising depth of amenities for its price point.
Despite its economical price tag, the Clipper 3K Series 17CBH includes all the essential amenities that its more expensive counterparts often feature, ensuring a comfortable and convenient camping experience. Its well-laid-out floor plan thoughtfully incorporates everything necessary for an enjoyable weekend or even a week-long camping trip. This includes a full-featured kitchen for preparing meals, a convertible dinette booth that serves multiple purposes, a dedicated bathroom, and ample interior and exterior storage space to keep all your gear organized and accessible.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of the Clipper 17CBH is its notably large sleeping capacity, which is quite remarkable for a camper that measures only 20 feet long. This compact trailer is ingeniously designed to sleep up to five people at a time, making it an ideal choice for families or groups. This impressive capacity is largely attributed to its classification as a “bunkhouse camper” within the RV industry, a design choice known for maximizing sleeping arrangements.
In the context of the Clipper 17CBH, the bunkhouse design manifests as convenient rear single bunk beds. These dedicated separate sleeping spaces allow multiple campers to rest comfortably without infringing on the main living areas, which is a significant advantage for families with children. The thoughtful integration of these bunks ensures that even within its smaller footprint, the 17CBH doesn’t compromise on accommodating a lively crew, proving that smart design can make a big difference in a compact RV.
2. **Dutchmen Coleman Rubicon 1608RB** While the Coachmen Clipper 17CBH excels at maximizing sleeping space for a larger group, the Dutchmen Coleman Rubicon 1608RB takes a different approach, focusing intently on enhancing comfort specifically for two travelers. This model stands out as one of several “couples trailers” on our list, meticulously designed to provide an elevated experience for a pair. It achieves this not just by packing in numerous RV features, but by offering the best versions of those features, ensuring a more luxurious and relaxed journey.
A prime example of this commitment to comfort is evident in its bathroom design. Where the Clipper 17CBH offers a functional bathroom, the Coleman Rubicon 1608RB elevates the experience significantly with a much nicer and more spacious arrangement. This model features a larger rear corner bathroom that encompasses a full three-piece dry bath, complete with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom vanity. This thoughtful layout makes the bathroom more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to use, especially crucial during longer camping excursions.
The allure of this Dutchmen camper extends far beyond its superior bathroom. The Coleman Rubicon 1608RB, with its carefully crafted 20-foot floor plan, comes generously equipped with an array of comfort and convenience features tailored for couples. These include a fully-featured kitchen, ideal for preparing meals together, and a comfortable couch complemented by a removable indoor/outdoor table, offering flexible dining and lounging options.
Further enhancing its appeal is an east-to-west queen-size bed, providing ample sleeping space, and the significant addition of a slide-out. This slide-out dramatically expands the interior living area when deployed, transforming the compact 20-foot footprint into a surprisingly spacious and inviting environment. These features collectively underscore the 1608RB’s dedication to providing a premium and comfortable experience for two, making it an excellent choice for couples prioritizing relaxation and convenience on their travels.
3. **Forest River R-Pod RP-180** The Forest River R-Pod is widely recognized as one of the most popular lightweight campers gracing our roads today, a reputation built on its distinctive teardrop shape, notably lightweight design, and impressively feature-rich floor plans. Among its various offerings, the 20-foot Forest River R-Pod RP-180 has emerged as one of the most sought-after floor plans and trim levels, embodying the core strengths of the R-Pod line in a perfectly sized package.
What makes the RP-180 particularly appealing is its ability to strike a compelling balance, offering a nice compromise between the smallest R-Pods, such as the RP-153 and RP-171, and the largest, like the RP-196 and RP-203. This mid-range sizing is a key factor in its versatility, as it allows the camper to be effortlessly pulled by a wide variety of lesser tow vehicles, including many small trucks and SUVs. Despite its light towability, it still manages to pack in a plethora of features designed to ensure anyone becomes a happy camper.
The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 comes equipped with all your standard RV amenities, providing essential comforts like a designated place to sleep, a functional bathroom, and a practical kitchen. However, its appeal is significantly boosted by the inclusion of multiple standard upgrades that enhance both its durability and user experience. These thoughtful additions include a robust one-piece seamless fiberglass roof, a smooth and reliable Schwintek™ slide-out system, and a convenient Bauer keyed-alike system for unified access.
Inside, the RP-180 boasts residential-style Shaker cabinetry and sophisticated interior accent lighting, elevating the aesthetic and feel of the living space. Adding to its impressive list of features, the R-Pod 180 is also distinguished as one of the smallest and lightest travel trailers to offer a full three-piece dry bath, a significant comfort typically found in larger RVs. This combination of lightweight design, essential amenities, and premium upgrades makes the RP-180 a top contender for those seeking a highly capable and comfortable compact travel trailer.
4. **Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH** While the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH shares a similar average price point and a comparable length with the Forest River R-Pod RP-180, these two trailers diverge significantly in their interior design philosophy. The Jay Feather Micro 171BH is characterized by its bunkhouse layout, a design specifically oriented towards maximizing sleeping capacity, whereas the R-Pod RP-180 adheres to a more traditional RV layout, typically prioritizing other amenities over sheer number of sleepers. This fundamental difference in layout is a critical distinction for potential buyers.
The bunkhouse configuration of the 171BH directly translates to superior sleeping space and overall capacity compared to the RP-180. This is unequivocally true in this comparison, as the Jay Feather Micro 171BH boasts an impressive five-person sleeping capacity. In stark contrast, the R-Pod 180 is designed for a three-person sleeping capacity, making the 171BH an ideal solution for families or anyone with a frequent need to accommodate a larger number of people comfortably on their travels.
However, as with most bunkhouse campers, the Jay Feather Micro 171BH offers much more than just a high sleeping capacity. In fact, its ability to sleep many is just one of the reasons this 20-foot camper has garnered such popularity. Jayco has clearly spared no effort in outfitting this smaller, lightweight camper, ensuring it provides a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all occupants.
This attention to detail includes not only all the standard RV attributes one would expect but also many class-leading features, some of which are exclusive to Jayco. These innovative additions include a custom frame designed for enhanced durability, a rock-solid stabilizer system for increased stability at camp, and the robust Magnum Truss roof system. Furthermore, the integration of JAYCOMMAND technology allows users to control and monitor the entire RV directly from their phone or tablet, offering unparalleled convenience and smart control from virtually anywhere.
5. **Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19BH** The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19BH stands out as one of the most popular 20-foot bunkhouse floor plans on the market, revered for its remarkable ability to comfortably sleep a multitude of campers. Beyond its impressive sleeping capacity, this self-contained Geo Pro is distinguished as one of the most comprehensively loaded trailers available for its price point, offering a compelling array of features that often come as options or are entirely unavailable on competing models.
This model comes standard with numerous significant upgrades that underscore its value. On the exterior, these include a robust 200-watt solar panel, a powerful 1,000-watt inverter for off-grid capabilities, a panoramic front windshield that enhances views, sleek frameless windows, and heated holding tanks, which are essential for extended-season camping. Inside, the G19BH continues to impress with a 12V refrigerator, elegant roller shades, a shower miser water saver system, and a convenient Bluetooth control panel, all contributing to a modern and comfortable living experience.
Yet, there’s more to this camper than just its extensive list of features. The G19BH also proudly presents one of the best bunkhouse layouts meticulously designed for a 20-foot camper. Forest River has ingeniously maximized every square inch of the trailer’s interior, optimizing it for the greatest possible amount of comfort and utility. This smart design ensures that despite its compact size, the living space feels functional and accommodating for families and groups.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that no trailer is without its compromises, and the Geo Pro G19BH is no exception. A couple of points to consider are the absence of a slide-out, which can sometimes make the interior feel a little more confined, and its unique hybrid dry/wet bath. While the bathroom does offer a separate shower and toilet, the integration of the bathroom sink inside the shower can be a bit unconventional to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the trailer remains an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact bunkhouse travel trailer that offers generous sleeping space and a wealth of features. It truly embodies the spirit of maximizing utility within a small footprint.”
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Having explored some of the most accessible and versatile 20-foot travel trailers, our journey now turns towards models that push the boundaries of comfort, luxury, and specialized adventure. This next set of campers introduces premium features, advanced construction, and elevated design philosophies, revealing how the 20-foot segment can cater to even the most discerning RVers. We’ll also delve into the overarching characteristics that define this popular length, from average weights to axle configurations, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes these compact powerhouses so appealing.
6. **Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS** For those seeking class-leading comfort and a touch of luxury in a 20-foot package, the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS undeniably deserves a prime spot on any shortlist of couples’ trailers. This model, along with its sister RV, the Geo Pro G19FBS, is meticulously engineered to provide an elevated experience for two, blending thoughtful design with an array of high-end amenities that stand out in its class. It represents a significant step up in terms of refined living on the road.
The E19FBS delivers a truly spacious and inviting interior, beginning with a large, rear corner bathroom that prioritizes comfort and utility. Complementing this is a comfortable 72-inch sofa, cleverly integrated into a slide-out to dramatically expand the living area, creating a remarkably open feel for its compact footprint. Additionally, a full-size, east-to-west queen bed with a privacy curtain ensures restful nights, providing both comfort and a sense of personal space typically found in larger rigs.
Beyond its impressive living and sleeping arrangements, this Flagstaff model also boasts one of the finest kitchens available in a 20-foot camper. It’s outfitted with an abundance of cabinets and upgraded appliances, including a 12V double-door refrigerator, a three-burner cooktop, an oven, and even a microwave. This comprehensive setup empowers campers to prepare gourmet meals on the go, making the E19FBS a true home-away-from-home for culinary enthusiasts.
Furthermore, being part of the esteemed Forest River family, the Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS inherits a legacy of quality and innovation, manifesting in numerous standard upgrades. These include a robust 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel and a 1,000-watt inverter for enhanced off-grid capabilities, tinted frameless windows for privacy and insulation, heated holding tanks for extended-season camping, a shower miser water saver system, and a convenient Bluetooth control panel, all contributing to a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
7. **Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH** Positioned just under the $30,000 price point, the Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH marks the final bunkhouse trailer on our curated list, and its placement certainly doesn’t imply any compromise on quality. In fact, quite the opposite holds true, as the Micro Minnie 1700BH is celebrated as one of the most meticulously constructed bunkhouse trailers available within its price and size category. It exemplifies Winnebago’s commitment to delivering superior craftsmanship and innovative design even in compact form factors.
True to the Winnebago Micro Minnie lineage, the 1700BH sets a high bar for best-in-class construction, interior and exterior appointments, and cutting-edge technology. This commitment is evident in its robust features, which include an NXG-engineered frame for foundational strength, 1.5-inch thick FILON® MAX fiberglass sidewalls reinforced with Azdel for durability and insulation, and a sleek Gel-coat fiberglass front cap that enhances its aerodynamic profile and aesthetic appeal. These elements collectively contribute to a travel trailer designed for longevity and resilience on the road.
The trailer further enhances its utility and comfort with a fully enclosed underbelly, paired with 12V tank heaters, making it suitable for a wider range of camping conditions. It also integrates power stabilizer jacks for easy setup, a 200-watt solar panel to support off-grid adventures, and a JBL Aura Cube high-performance media center with premium speakers for an immersive entertainment experience. The Winnebago all-in-one control panel adds a layer of smart convenience, centralizing control over various RV functions.
However, as is often the case with any recreational vehicle, some design choices involve a degree of compromise to achieve a specific balance. For the 1700BH, these primary sacrifices include the absence of a slide-out, which might lead to a slightly more compact interior feel, a modest interior height of 6-foot 4-inches, and the notable omission of a bathroom vanity or sink. Despite these considerations, its superior construction and comprehensive features make it an outstanding choice for families seeking a durable and well-equipped bunkhouse trailer.
8. **Lance 1575** Stepping into a distinctly premium category, the Lance 1575 emerges as the first high-end 20-foot trailer on our list, offering an array of sophisticated features that are typically absent in its more economical counterparts. This model is engineered for those who demand superior quality, comfort, and advanced capabilities, setting it apart with innovations designed for an elevated camping experience. It truly showcases what a compact luxury travel trailer can achieve.
The Lance 1575 boasts an impressive suite of premium features, both inside and out. On the exterior, it includes four-season comfort technology, ensuring usability across various climates, along with tinted thermopane windows for enhanced insulation and privacy, dual-layer Azdel for superior structural integrity, a tire pressure monitoring system for safety, and a dual-pane skylight that floods the interior with natural light. Inside, the luxury continues with stainless steel appliances, ducted heating for consistent warmth, elegant Euro cabinetry with soft-close hardware, solid surface countertops, and ultra-plush cushions adorned with diamond stitch inlay, creating an inviting and refined living space.
The thoughtfully designed floorplan of the Lance 1575 is also exceptional, making optimal use of every inch. It features a large front east-to-west bed, providing ample sleeping comfort, alongside a fully equipped kitchen that caters to all culinary needs. Perhaps one of its most striking interior elements is the largest U-shaped convertible dinette booth you’ll find in a 20-foot camper, offering generous seating and dining space that can easily transform into an additional sleeping area.
It’s important to acknowledge that this level of luxury and comprehensive features comes at a premium. With an average price of $48,000, the Lance 1575 is nearly double the cost of many similarly sized trailers. However, for those with the financial flexibility and a desire for the absolute best in a 20-foot travel trailer, this Lance model presents an unparalleled option that promises durability, comfort, and an unmatched travel experience.
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9. **Airstream Basecamp 20X** While Airstream’s iconic “Silver Bullet” trailers are widely recognized, the brand’s Basecamp lineup often flies under the radar for many enthusiasts. The Basecamp 20X is a standout adventure trailer, distinctively designed to be smaller and lighter than its classic siblings, yet packed with robust off-grid and off-road features. It’s specifically crafted for those with a venturesome spirit, eager to explore the great outdoors and venture off the beaten path.
For individuals seeking a 20-foot floor plan, the Basecamp is available in both 16-foot and 20-foot versions, though the 20-foot model, in our opinion, offers a more comprehensive experience unless an ultra-compact option is the priority. This larger Basecamp floor plan significantly enhances both space and sleeping capacity, courtesy of two convertible dinette booths situated at the front and rear of the trailer, making it versatile for various group sizes.
The 20-foot Basecamp layout further distinguishes itself with a small but highly capable kitchenette, perfect for preparing meals in remote locations. A significant highlight is its large rear hatch, which revolutionizes the loading process for gear, making it remarkably easy to transport bicycles, kayaks, or any adventure equipment. These design choices underscore its commitment to facilitating outdoor exploration and ease of use.
However, every design involves trade-offs, and the primary considerations for the Airstream Basecamp 20X, beyond its premium price, revolve around its bathroom configuration. It features a mid-two-piece wet bath, where the shower and toilet are combined. While functional, this integrated design can sometimes prove inconvenient or “annoying to use,” especially during extended camping trips where separate facilities are often preferred for comfort.
Despite this, the Basecamp 20X embodies Airstream’s dedication to quality and innovative design, translating their iconic streamlined style into a versatile, single-axle travel trailer that’s always ready for adventure. Its low-profile, aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance, and the rounded front-end shell enhances towing efficiency and stability. Constructed with unmatched durability from three unique aluminum pieces stretched and riveted to structural ribs, it ensures that, like all Airstream trailers, the Basecamp 20X is built to last for generations, incorporating decades of user feedback for continuous improvement.
10. **Airstream Bambi 20FB** Concluding our list of top 20-foot travel trailers, and standing as the most expensive, is the Airstream Bambi 20FB. This model is renowned as one of Airstream’s most popular “Silver Bullet” trailers, a testament to its exceptional design and timeless appeal. Its widespread popularity is significantly driven by a meticulously crafted floorplan that maximizes comfort and utility within a compact 20-foot frame, defying the absence of slide-outs.
The Bambi 20FB’s floorplan offers a comfortable four-person sleeping capacity, highlighted by a full-size front east-to-west bed that provides ample room for rest. A large convertible dinette booth adds versatility, serving as both a dining area and additional sleeping space, making it a highly adaptable living solution for couples or small families. These features, combined with numerous other comfort and convenience amenities, ensure a premium experience despite its compact dimensions.
Two particular features truly elevate the Bambi 20FB’s appeal in terms of comfort and convenience. The first is its rear L-shaped kitchen, which stands out as one of the largest and most comprehensively equipped kitchens you’ll discover in any 20-foot camper. This generous culinary space allows for extensive meal preparation, making it a joy for those who love to cook on the road.
The second distinguishing feature is its expansive rear corner bath. This thoughtful design includes a separate shower, toilet, and sink, providing the full dry bath experience often sought after by RVers. Critically, it also offers abundant counter space and considerable interior room to move around, ensuring a comfortable and functional bathroom experience that far surpasses what one might expect in a trailer of this size.
Ultimately, while the exceptional layout and comfortable features of the Airstream Bambi 20FB are compelling, the fundamental draw for many Airstream buyers remains the brand’s inimitable aesthetic and unparalleled styling. Its distinctive hand-riveted, rounded all-aluminum exterior and interior, adorned with high-end finishes throughout, embody a legacy of quality and design that is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s an investment in an RV that is as much a piece of art as it is a functional travel companion.
**Understanding the Broader Landscape of 20-Foot Travel Trailers**
Beyond specific models, a deeper understanding of the general characteristics, weights, and axle configurations is crucial when considering a 20-foot travel trailer. These elements collectively define the segment, impacting everything from towing requirements to on-site maneuverability and overall camping comfort. This analysis provides valuable context for how these compact campers deliver their impressive balance of features and functionality.
When examining the weight of these trailers, the average dry weight for the 20-foot models on our list hovers around 3,255 pounds. This average provides a solid benchmark for potential buyers. Cargo carrying capacities for these campers typically range from 896 to 1,365 pounds, indicating a respectable allowance for gear and supplies. It is worth noting the extremes: the Coleman Light 17RX represents the lighter end at 2,695 pounds, while the Jay Feather Air 16FBS is among the heavier, weighing in at 3,810 pounds dry, offering a spectrum of choices for different towing capacities.
All the 20-foot travel trailers highlighted in this discussion are designed as single-axle campers. This design choice is inherently tied to their lightweight nature, as a second axle is simply not required for trailers of this size and weight. The single-axle configuration brings with it a set of distinct advantages and considerations that are vital for RVers to understand, particularly concerning towing dynamics and maintenance.
Single-axle trailers excel in maneuverability, making them easier to navigate in tight spaces and more forgiving to tow, which is a significant plus for new RVers or those with smaller tow vehicles. They also tend to be more affordable, lighter in weight, and incur lower maintenance costs, primarily due to having fewer tires and braking components. However, this design does come with some trade-offs, including less weight capacity and potentially less stability on the road compared to their double-axle counterparts. They may also sometimes lack trailer brakes, depending on the specific model and local regulations.
Double-axle trailers, in contrast, offer higher weight capacity and superior weight distribution, leading to enhanced stability and better braking performance. These attributes are usually found in larger, heavier campers. However, they are generally more expensive, demand higher maintenance, are heavier to tow, and are longer in overall length, which can complicate maneuverability. For the 20-foot segment, the single-axle design perfectly balances towability with functional amenities, aligning with the “Compact and Lightweight Options” philosophy.
Exploring the world in a small 20-foot travel trailer has never been more enjoyable, thanks to the latest and most popular floor plans that offer everything from clever space-saving solutions to impressively large sleeping capacities. These compact powerhouses open up a world of possibilities for both adventurous nomads and weekend warriors alike, proving that big adventures can indeed be found in small spaces.
The inherent beauty of these 20-foot campers lies in their compact size, which not only makes them easier to maneuver but also allows you to navigate narrower roads and reach more remote camping spots. This versatility truly unlocks a whole new realm of RV travel, exploration, and boondocking opportunities that might be inaccessible with larger rigs. So, whether you’re dreaming of a cross-country road trip, seeking an escape from the daily grind, or simply craving a taste of the nomadic RV lifestyle, these ten compact 20-foot travel trailer floor plans are definitely worth considering. They unequivocally prove that size is not a limitation when it comes to RV travel. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let these incredible trailers be your home away from home while you embark on unforgettable journeys. Happy RVing!
