Here are 5 RVs for Newbies
If you’re newer to RV life, it makes sense to choose a unit that offers good features at an affordable price point.
The odds are that you’ll discover things you like and don’t like about your first rig. It’s wise to keep your options open and your costs down as much as possible.
With that in mind, we chose 5 RVs to get you started on the right foot. Below you’ll find different towables and motorhomes that are great for newbies…
Here we go now…
2022 Highland Ridge Olympia 241BH
2022 Highland Ridge Olympia 241BH
When it comes to entry level trailers there are many to choose from. This Highland Ridge Olympia 241BH stands out because it is versatile and not too big.
That’s an important consideration because it means you aren’t too limited in terms of features or in how you can use your trailer. When you’re newer to RVing, it’s good to start with a rig that gives you flexibility at an affordable price point.
The Olympia 241BH sleeps eight, so it’s suitable for family camping trips or for couples. And the floorplan is versatile because you have double bunks in the rear and a huge U-shaped dinette.
2022 Highland Ridge Olympia 241BH Floorplan
Because it is only 29 feet long, it doesn’t have a sofa. That’s because the huge dinette takes up the available space. However, the dry weight is just 5615 lbs and that means you can tow it with a properly equipped half-ton pickup truck. Weight is a key consideration and it’s imperative your truck can safely tow your trailer. Always know before you tow!
Many trailers are single axles. However, this Olympia has two axles to provide better ride quality and stability, which can improve your towing experience a lot.
You can find lower-priced models if cost is your top consideration. But, we chose this unit as the top trailer for newbies because the floorplan is versatile and it has a solid mix of attractive features.
For example, it has a massive amount of storage, both in the outside compartments and inside. In fact, the space under the lower bunk is huge.
If you don’t have kids, it can be a spacious couples trailer with plenty of room for your stuff. And of course, if you do have kids, you’ve got plenty of space for all their stuff, too.
This unit is prepped for a Furrion rear camera, which is a smart upgrade if you’re newer to towing trailers.
The Olympia 241BH has big windows with slow-rise shades, and the farmhouse interior is attractive and modern. The bedroom has a pocket door and a clever flip-up queen bed with drawers underneath. There’s also a cool built-in laundry chute.
Then again, no unit is perfect. While the toilet passed Matt’s Prime Pooping Position test, there are some compromises regarding the length, weight, and price point. The shower offers decent height and width, but the depth is modest at best and Wil couldn’t pass it because he’s a bigger guy.
The kitchen is decent with high quality Furrion appliances. However, it’s got a traditional RV fridge instead of a compressor fridge. The counter space is adequate but not huge.
That said, the TV is a good size and the placement is direct across from the dinette. Which makes the living room area very convenient and comfortable.
If you want to take a look at the Olympia 241BH, we did a full review at Matt’s RV Reviews Towables. The unit we featured had an MSRP of $46,590 and a sale price of only $39,500. If you are interested in buying one, contact us at MattsRV REviews for a great price, great service, and the best buying experience in the industry.
2022 Grand Design Reflection 226RK
2022 Grand Design Reflection 226RK
When it comes to 5th wheels, the advantage over just about every other kind of RV is how much living space they have. And when it comes to your first 5th wheel there are a few things to consider.
Many 5th wheels have multiple slides and generous lengths. This does give you that big living space, but it also can limit which campgrounds you can get into. You’ll want a pull-through camping spot if you have a long rig, and they tend to be in high demand. Plus, you may not be able to camp in state and national parks if your rig is too long.
Beyond that, you will need a bigger truck to tow 5th wheels. In fact, some are so heavy that you’ll need to step up to a dual rear wheel pickup, which can raise your costs dramatically. This is all well and good if that is what you want to do and it fits your budget.
2022 Grand Design Reflection 226RK Floorplan
That’s why we picked a newbie-friendly 5th wheel model that avoids those challenges while still offering plenty of space and attractive features.
We chose the 2022 Grand Design Reflection 226RK, which is only 26 feet, 11 inches long and the dry weight is just 7204lbs with a hitch weight of 1190.
While some will say that’s half-ton towable because technically some properly equipped half-ton pickups are rated for that weight. Still, a ¾ ton is what we’d recommend in most cases. Always know before you tow!
With that said, the sub-thirty foot length means this 5th wheel should get into state and national parks and most campgrounds with no problems.
There is only one slideout on this unit and it’s in the living room, which is the secret to its low weight. And to be clear, this is the Grand Design Reflection 150 Series, which is a lower price point unit. And yet this model has amenities such as 4-point electric leveling, a MORryde suspension, a backup camera, and slam latch doors on the outside.
The rear kitchen is well appointed with Furrion appliances, ample counter space, roomy and attractive cabinets, and a 12v compressor refrigerator. There’s even a coffee bar across from the kitchen counter.
The living room is not huge because of the length of this model. And yet you get a Thomas Paine Collection sofa with theater seating mode right across from the TV and entertainment center.
The bathroom is surprisingly spacious with a huge shower with a sliding door and a Prime Pooping Position toilet (and plenty of storage space).
But the star of the show may be the Furrion Instahot Tankless Water Heater because that lets you enjoy longer showers!
As always, no RV is perfect. We’re not fans of the fold-up aluminum steps or the carpet on the slides and the bedroom steps.
That’s okay, the bedroom is a good size without the slide thanks to the north-to-south queen bed. So, this is a solid choice for a newbie-friendly 5th wheel in our book.
With all that said, the MSRP on this unit is $63,269, which is in the same range as some trailers.
We don’t have a sale price for the Grand Design though. If you’re interested in buying, go to MattsRVReviews.com and we’ll help you get a great price and the best buying experience.
2022 Winnebago Solis 59P
2022 Winnebago Solis 59P
If you’re into #vanlife then this is a Class B motorhome that you just might want to consider.
It has four seats with seatbelts. And it sleeps four as well, thanks to the popup bed on the roof. Of course, how many you can sleep in this van will be limited by the weather because if it’s too hot or too cold, the popup bed probably won’t be an option.
That said, any Class B is going to be smaller than the other RVs on this list. And while there are tradeoffs because of their size, there are also advantages. This unit is 19 feet, 9 inches, meaning you can go just about anywhere, from state and national parks to boondocking or mooch docking in driveways.
2022 Winnebago Solis 59P Floorplan
It drives like a normal van and gets much better gas mileage than Class A or Class C motorhomes (or a pickup truck pulling a trailer or a 5th wheel).
The Winnebago Solis 59P is relatively simple and doesn’t have complex or expensive add-ons. It’s Winnebago’s cheapest Class B van. So if you’re new to van life, this is an affordable choice to consider.
The Solis 59P is well thought out and has attractive features. Both the driver and passenger seats swivel to become part of the living area and face the seats behind them. There’s a table in the middle where you can eat, work, or play cards and board games.
If you’re stealth camping, then you’ll appreciate the privacy blinds in the windows. And this van has a low key exterior design that doesn’t immediately scream “camper van” at first glance. Though the pop-top would be noticeable upon closer inspection (other models don’t have the popup camper options if you prefer).
The bathroom is decent for a Class B. You can either shower in the wet bath or set up a curtain at the back of the van and shower outside as well.
As you would expect, the toilet is not a Prime Pooping Position in any way shape, or form. However, the model we reviewed had a Truma tankless hot water heater. So as long at least you can take long hot showers.
The kitchen is also pretty good for a van. And there’s a separate table that pops up there as well, though we couldn’t figure out how you would sit there because the cupboards overhead make it difficult to sit there.
Overall, this Winnebago is a solid contender for a newbie Class B. The MSRP on the unit we reviewed was $131,813. It was listed on sale at $113,975.
As always, if you’re interested in buying this or another Class B RV, contact us at MattsRVReviews.com
We’ll get you a great price, great service, and the best RV buying experience in the industry.
2022 East to West Entrada 2900DS
2022 East to West Entrada 2900DS
Some say Class C motorhomes are the only way to go. And you definitely get more space than the smaller Class B – and yet Class C’s can actually cost less!
When choosing the best Class C RV for newbies there are many considerations from price to features. We decided on an exciting new model by East to West, which is a division of Forest River. The Entrada 2900DS is their first (and only) Class C motor home. It was so impressive that it won the 2022 Matt's RV Reviews Class C of the Year Award!
In the spirit of full disclosure, after Matt and Andrea waited 3 long years to get their Class C motorhome – and thy chose the Entrada!
2022 East to West Entrada 2900DS Floorplan
Here’s why…
There are shorter and cheaper Class C motorhomes. And there are higher end brands to choose from as well. But Matt and Andrea chose the East to West Entrada 2900DS because it offers class-leading features at an incredible price point. Truly, you get massive value for your money and the overall package is newbie friendly as well.
The Entrada is built on the industry-leading Ford E-450 Chassis with the 7.3 liter “Godzilla” V-8. So, you’ll have plenty of power and solid reliability, though as you’ll see, the cockpit is not the fanciest E-450.
However, side and rear cameras are included, which is an important feature for newbies because, while Class C’s are easier to drive than larger Class A RV’s, at 32 feet, 3-inches it’s a lot bigger than a Class B van. It’s nice to be able to see what’s around you when you’re parking. Another higher end features the Entrada comes with is auto-leveling, which makes setting up so much faster and easier.
At over 32 feet long, this rig may not be allowed in every state or federal park if they’re being strict about the 30-foot limit, so keep that in mind if that’s a top priority for you.
The Entrada has a glorious 20-foot awning with LED lights, which is fantastic!. You get outside speakers as well, though there is no outside kitchen or TV, and the outside storage is somewhat limited.
That said, because it rides on the E-450 chassis, the Entrada has a generous 2300 lbs cargo carrying capacity. And it is rated to tow 7500lbs (but we don’t recommend towing more than 5,000 lbs – always know before you tow!).
A really nice feature you don’t see on every price point RV is the Azdel exterior. The main benefit is that it will not delaminate. Other RVs use Luan, which is a wood-based material that can absorb moisture and cause problems over time.
Another amazing feature that you almost never see on a Class C motorhome is the 50amp service. Most are 30amp. What this means is that you can have two big A/C units. Matt and Andrea’s Entrada also has a solar panel on the roof and a powerful 5500 Yamaha generator. It’s well equipped with the features that really matter.
Where the Entrada really shines is on the inside. The first thing you notice when you enter is that you can walk easily to the back with the slides in. You can use the kitchen and the bathroom and the bed, too. The only thing you can’t access is some drawers in the bedroom.
The farmhouse-style interior is light and bright and makes the interior look even more spacious. The TV is right across from the sofa (which jackknives into a bed).
The driver and passenger seats are comfortable and both swivel to become part of the living area.
But the star of the show is the huge U-Shaped dinette option. It’s comfortable and spacious. You can use the table as a desk to work on your laptop or sit down with the whole family together for meals.
The kitchen is equipped with a big sink and a matching set of Magic Chef appliances, including a convection microwave oven, a three-burner cooktop, and a compressor refrigerator.
This Entrada has good size counters, a lot of pantry space, and soft close drawers – all features you don’t normally find on a price point motorhome.
The bedroom is also a good size and has two wardrobes and adequate drawer space. The queen-size bed has two nightstands and cup holders, though Matt and Andrea did replace the stock mattress with an amazing Brooklyn Bedding Aurora mattress (you can see the full review here).
That said because Matt and Andrea chose the U-shaped dinette, the bathroom is smaller than it would normally be. This meant the toilet did not pass the Prime Pooping Position test, though it is porcelain. And the shower is 24 x 36 inches and passed Wil’s tall test. The only issue is the way the sink takes up so much space in the bathroom. However, if you don’t go with the U-Shaped dinette, these tradeoffs can be avoided.
By the way, this unit is also kid and pet friendly because there are no heat ducts on the floor and no carpet on the slides. Even better, the floor is level with no step up into the bedroom.
The MSRP for this Entrada 2900DS is $130,678. Of course, that’s MSRP and not a sale price. If you are interested in buying an Entrada, contact the General Manager at RV One in Charleston,. Call our good friend Elisha at (843)900-2140 and let him know you were referred by Matt’s RV Reviews and he will take AMAZING care of you!
2023 Thor ACE 30C
2023 Thor ACE 30C
For some, Class A is the only choice when it comes to motorhomes.
Those who are over 6 feet tall or have mobility issues may need the extra height and ease of access to the cockpit compared to van-based motorhomes. Some simply prefer the larger windshield.
Dollar for dollar, the Thor ACE is the bestselling entry level Class C. The 30C is a new model for 2023.
2023 Thor ACE 30C Floorplan
We chose this unit because it is an extremely popular entry level model. And at 31 feet long, it is relatively easy to drive compared to larger Class A’s. Because it is just over the 30-feet, it may exceed the limit for some state and national parks.
Even so, the ACE 30C is on par with a Class C in terms of length and that’s a desirable feature for those who are newer to RVing.
The ACE 30C is powered by the industry-leading Ford 7.3 liter “Godzilla” V-8 and includes well thought out features for a price point Class A.
For example, the cockpit includes Ford’s 8” screen as well as Apple Car Play and Android Auto. You get auto-leveling and there’s a well-placed “doggy window” on the passenger side.
On the outside, the side mirrors have integrated cameras. There’s a nice power awning with LED lights, an outside TV, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and sink.
The exterior storage is good but not massive. The ACE 30C has 50amp power, an Onan 4000 generator, and a solar panel on the roof. You also get two air conditioning units.
On the inside, the first thing you notice is that you can walk through to the bedroom with the slides in. You can use the bed, the bathroom, and the kitchen, too. Even better, the 30C is big and spacious when slides are out.
In the cockpit, you have nice cabinet storage, the passenger side has a pull-out workstation on the dashboard, and the bunk over the cab holds 500 lbs. It also has a safety net and a comfortable mattress.
The interior looks as big as it feels. You have a lot of cabinets in the living area as well as big beautiful windows. The jackknife sofa quickly converts to a bed. And the TV is positioned well, directly across from the sofa. There’s also an attractive and comfortable dinette with cupholders and chargers.
The kitchen cabinets are an appealing off-white, and you get solid surface countertops and a double sink with an extension faucet. The 30C comes with high quality Furrion cooktop, oven, and microwave. You also get a nice GE compressor refrigerator.
The bathroom has a giant 30 x 36 shower with a radius door. There’s a lot of storage in the bathroom and the toilet passed Matt’s Prime Pooping Position test, though there was not much room to spare.
There is one curious tradeoff in the bedroom. The mattress has the width of a king but it is shorter than normal. Anyone over 6 feet tall will need to invest in an aftermarket mattress. We always recommend Brooklyn Bedding because they make mattresses designed for RVs (you can see Matt’s full review here).
That said, there’s a neat doggy bowl drawer at the foot of the bed and plenty of storage and another TV.
The MSRP is $194,198. Remember, that is MSRP. For a great price, great service, and the best buying experience in the industry, fill out the contact form at MattsRVReviews.com and we’ll get you taken care of, as always.
