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Reading Time: 16 minutesLast Updated on February 12, 2026 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
Announcing The 8 Best Used RV Trailers Under $5k
Key Takeaways
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- Financial Benefits of Used RVs: Buying used is generally considered superior to buying new because RVs depreciate by 10%–30% the moment they leave the lot. Used buyers also benefit from lower insurance premiums and fixed “off-the-lot” mechanical issues.
- The “Scrap Value” Threshold: Prices around $5,000 often represent the “scrap value” of a trailer (the value of its components without markup). Units in this range are typically 10+ years old and may be reaching the end of their peak utility.
- Top Recommended Models (2011–2014):
- Best for Families: The 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P and Grey Wolf M-17BH both offer seven sleeping spots.
- Best for Cold Weather: The 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB features an 18,000-BTU heater.
- Best for Weight/Towing: The 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK is highly compact at under 14 feet.
- Price Transparency: Unlike the new RV market, the used market offers greater transparency through tools like NADA Guides (J.D. Power), which provide suggested list prices, low retail prices, and average retail values.
- Hidden Costs & Risks: Buying at this price point comes with risks such as hidden water damage, lingering odors (smoke/pets), and the lack of manufacturer warranties.
- Campground Restrictions: Many developed campgrounds have a “10-year rule,” meaning RVs older than a decade may be denied entry. Most models on this list are already at or near that limit.
It’s usually considered that brand-new RVs are a waste of money and that RVers should only buy used RVs, which we generally agree with. This material may interest you if you know the money-saving benefits of used RVs.
Today, we will talk about travel trailers priced under $5,000. In particular, we have eight models to showcase. $5,000 may seem insane for any RV, but such cheap travel trailers are available.
Aside from reviewing those 8 RVs, we will discuss the reasonableness of buying an RV for under $5,000.
You might also like:
- Best Used Class B Motorhome RVs For Sale
- Best Used Class C RV for Sale
- What To Look For When Buying A Used RV?
- 5 Ways To Save Money By Buying Used RV Furniture
- New vs. Used RV: Navigating the Price Trends
- Can You Rent an RV for a Year?
Let’s begin without further ado!
How did we pick RVs for our top?
Before we move on to our top 8 best travel trailers under $5,000, we want you to know how we picked them.
We chose RVs based on the pricing information provided by J.D. Power. Another option would be to research used RV marketplaces and establish our top position on their listings, but since offers come and go quickly, we decided to go with the NADA Guides, which provide ready data based on market prices.
NADA provides info on the following:
- The suggested list price for RVs was the unit’s approximate value when it was brand new.
- A low retail value for units with extensive wear and tear.
- An average retail value for an RV in good condition.
When selecting RVs for the overview, we aimed to pick models that were not too old. The oldest RV on our top was produced in 2011, which is reasonably old. These RVs are decently equipped and should allow you to upgrade them to meet modern standards quickly.
Since prices under $5,000 are very low for RVs, we chose to review only the most affordable floor plans rather than the entire RV line. That’s because prices vary significantly from floorplan to floorplan within an RV line.
The average retail price of the RVs selected for the overview was $5,350-$5,360, with the lowest retail price at $4,450. The prices are based on RVs with no options.
You will notice that the RVs on our list are priced very closely, which may mean that they all were at their scrap values – the value of their components with no markup.
Given NADA’s price-listing rules, if you choose an RV priced below its average value, you can expect to spend more on repairs and upgrades.
We decided not to go cheaper and 100% under $5,000, since it would force us to go further back in time. There are RVs that cost around $4,000 today, but most were made in the past decade, which we think is too old.
The figures and amenity information below were taken from the NADA guides, so there may be variations in actual RV sales. Keep in mind that the availability of these RVs may vary, and you may not be able to find a particular model.
Lastly, remember that the images on the RVs’ NADA pages may not match the specific floor plan shown. In some cases, NADA posts an image of the top model in that RV line, not the specific model.
Best used travel trailers under $5,000:
- 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165
- 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB
- 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB
- 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK
- 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P
- 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH
- 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC
- 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL
Recommended Used Travel Trailers under $5,000
1. 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165
Suggested list price: $15,929
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,350
Specs:
- Length: 18 feet.
- Interior height: 78 inches.
- Base weight: 2,835 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 665 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Five sleeping spots.
At its introduction, the 2011 Jayco Jay Feather Sport M-165 was a pretty lovely floor plan. Quite decently sized, this travel trailer now offers more comfort than many similarly priced models.
Measuring 18 feet in length, this RV is relatively compact and lightweight, yet it still has a layout similar to that of much larger travel trailers. Most notably, the M-165 travel trailer features a bathroom with a shower and toilet, plus ample sleeping space for up to 5 people.
Aside from that, the Jay Feather Sport M-165 travel trailer features a compact dinette and a well-equipped kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator. This travel trailer also has a TV shelf, but doesn’t include a TV.
If you are looking for decent comfort in a travel trailer and aren’t too concerned about size or weight, the Jay Feather Sport M-165 may be a good option.
2. 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB
Suggested list price: $10,266
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches.
- Interior height: 73 inches.
- Base weight: 2,285 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 665 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Four sleeping spots.
The 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB is two years newer than the Jay Feather Sport M-165. However, it seems cheaper, so it doesn’t offer as much comfort.
Much smaller than the Jay Feather Sport M-165 travel trailer, the M-145 RB has less interior space. However, in terms of the RVs’ general layout, we wouldn’t say there are significant differences between the two.
Despite its compact size, the M-145 RB travel trailer still has an interior shower and toilet. It has fewer sleeping spots than the Jay Feather Sport travel trailer – 4 versus 5 – but it still offers a decent amount of sleeping space for its size.
This travel trailer appears to have come with a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, which isn’t too robust but should be enough for such a small trailer. The refrigerator in this travel trailer also seems to be a small countertop unit, and the cooktop has two burners rather than three. Other than that, the layouts of the two Jayco travel trailers seem very similar.
3. 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB
Suggested list price: $11,285
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 6 inches.
- Interior height: 73 inches.
- Base weight: 2,380 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 820 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- 18,000BTU heater.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Three sleeping spots.
The 2014 Starcraft AR-One M-14RB has a nearly identical layout to the Jay Flight Swift SLX travel trailer we just reviewed, but there are a few crucial differences between the RVs.
Although roughly the same size, this RV is beefier. It weighs about 100 pounds more than the Jayco trailer and can carry about 160 pounds more. These numbers may seem small, but they are significant given this RV’s size.
Unlike Jayco travel trailers, the Starcraft travel trailer has an 18,000-BTU heater so you can use it in colder seasons. The air conditioner is the same, though, with its 5,000 cooling capacity. Aside from that, this RV has only three sleeping spots.
4. 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK
Suggested list price: $11,145
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 13 feet 9 inches.
- Interior height: 75 inches.
- Base weight: 1,993 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 655 pounds.
Features:
- 6,000BTU AC.
- 16,000BTU heater.
- Bathroom with a toilet.
- Two sleeping spots.
The 2013 Sportsmen Classic M-13FK is a very compact travel trailer model. Weighing around 2,600 pounds and measuring 13 feet 9 inches in length, it is a suitable option for people with limited space or towing capacity.
However, this travel trailer is exceptionally well-equipped for its size. For example, it has a 6,000-BTU AC unit and a 16,000-BTU heater, so it will be effective at both cooling and heating. Plus, it has a nice layout and most of the amenities you’d find in larger travel trailers.
This travel trailer lacks a shower, but an outside shower may be included with this model. Aside from that, this thing has comparably little comfort and just two sleeping spots.
5. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P
Suggested list price: $16,087
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 17 feet 9 inches.
- Base weight: 2,654 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1,152 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- 20,000BTU heater.
- Wet bath system.
- Seven sleeping spots.
The 2011 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup M-16P travel trailer is a decently sized RV that delivers surprising comfort for its size. Perhaps the most notable thing in this travel trailer is its seven sleeping spots.
Temperature control is also great in this travel trailer, thanks to its 13,500-BTU AC and 20,000-BTU heater. The RV’s bathroom is also attractive – a compact wet bath system that combines a shower and toilet. While soaking baths aren’t as comfy as standard bathrooms, they are more space-efficient.
The Wolf Pup M-16P travel trailer also has a remarkable carrying capacity of 1,152 pounds, more than a third of its base weight. Because of this, the travel trailer should be an excellent option for people who want to carry a lot of extra gear.
6. 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH
Suggested list price: $16,444
Low retail: $4,500
Average retail: $5,450
Specs:
- Length: 22 feet 2 inches.
- Interior height: 78 inches.
- Base weight: 3,700 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 3,822 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- 20,000BTU heater.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Seven sleeping spots.
The 2011 Forest River Cherokee Grey Wolf M-17BH travel trailer offers remarkable comfort for its price. Measuring 22 feet 2 inches, this travel trailer delivers excellent comfort, albeit it weighs 3,700 pounds.
It also has a listed carrying capacity of 3,822 pounds, which, to be fair, is suspiciously high for an RV of this size. If this number is correct, the M-17BH travel trailer also has an excellent carrying capacity.
Thanks to its roomy interior, this travel trailer accommodates more amenities than other RVs. It has seven sleeping spots, a well-sized dinette, a well-equipped kitchen with a three-burner cooktop, two sinks, a refrigerator, and a bathroom with a shower and toilet.
Given its comfort, if you find this RV for around $5,000 or less, it is a bargain.
7. 2013 Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC
Suggested list price: $11,861
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 3 inches.
- Base weight: 2,812 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1000 pounds.
Features:
- 13,500BTU AC.
- Standard bathroom with a shower and toilet.
- Two sleeping spots.
The 2013 Forest River Palomino travel trailer is compact yet nicely equipped. Overall, it seems like a good option for people looking for a compact travel trailer with few sleeping spots – it has just 2.
This travel trailer is very similar to the Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB we reviewed earlier, but there are a few significant differences. Namely, the Jay Flight trailer has four sleeping spots and weighs nearly 500 pounds less than this RV. On the other hand, this travel trailer has an additional 335 pounds of carrying capacity.
The kitchen in the Jayco travel trailer also seems a little better, with more countertop space. Otherwise, the kitchen setup is similar, including the two-burner stovetop and the below-counter refrigerator.
8. 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL
Suggested list price: $10,913
Low retail: $4,450
Average retail: $5,360
Specs:
- Length: 16 feet 10 inches.
- Base weight: 1,930 pounds.
- Carrying capacity: 1,766 pounds.
Features:
- 5,000BTU AC.
- Two dinettes.
- Four sleeping spots.
Lastly, we have the 2013 Forest River Palomino Palomini M-131RL travel trailer. This trailer is similar to the Jayco Jay Flight Swift SLX M-145 RB and the Forest River Palomino Canyon Cat M-12RBC, but it is quite different.
Forest River has installed two dinettes in this travel trailer: 56 x 82 inches and 36 x 82 inches. While the increased dining area will be nice for some people, its tradeoff is that this travel trailer doesn’t have an indoor bathroom.
This travel trailer also has a sleeping room for four people, which is decent for the size. Aside from that, NADA lists a 1,766-pound carrying capacity for this RV, which, if true, is excellent for its weight and size.
A few people will need the increased dining area this travel trailer offers, and if you are one of them, the Palomini M-131RL RV may be an excellent option.
Should you even buy a used RV?
Acquiring a used RV may seem like a bargain, but you are probably wondering whether it is worth it. After all, there may be some hidden costs associated with buying a used RV.
Well, it depends. Some used RVs should be avoided, while a few can save you a lot of money and won’t incur significant repair costs.
That said, let’s review the key advantages and disadvantages of used RVs.
Pros of buying a used RV
A massive amount of money saved
The number one benefit of buying a used RV is the enormous amount of money you save.
RVs are vehicles, which means that they are depreciating assets. Driving a brand-new RV off the lot loses 10-30% of the purchase value. If someone buys a new RV and decides to sell it immediately, then you’ll buy a brand-new RV with a 10-30% discount.
Many people – us included – think buying a brand-new RV is not worth it. You are paying at least 10-30% more but aren’t getting equivalent benefits! And the fact that RVs lose 10-30% of their value just by driving off the lot shows how much of a waste buying a new RV can be.
This 10-30% depreciation occurs at the time of purchase, and the older the RV gets, the greater the depreciation. This means you could buy a two-year-old RV for half its original price and maybe even cheaper! And this older RV can remain a modern piece of machinery for now.
Cheaper insurance
Insurance premiums are usually lower for used RVs, further increasing the savings of buying a used travel trailer or motorhome.
Price Transparency
When buying a new RV, the price can be a headache. You can’t know how far off the actual value the RV is priced. You don’t know to what extent you should negotiate the price, or whether you should negotiate it at all. This lack of transparency is a big issue for people who want to get the most value for their money.
With used RVs, things are entirely different. There are various online platforms for buying used RVs where you can browse and assess the pricing of the model you want. You can roughly estimate an RV’s actual value by calculating the average price sellers ask.
The NADA guides can also provide you with precious information. Here, you can find price info on almost any RV manufactured in the past decades. People often use the NADA figures when picking a reasonable RV price.
So, all in all, you can quickly gather data on the pricing of used RVs. As a result, this market is much more transparent than the brand-new RV market.
Fixed off-the-lot mechanical issues
It’s no secret that RVs often experience mechanical issues in the first few months of use. Thus, as a buyer of a brand-new RV, you should expect to spend quite a lot of money on fixing all the mechanical issues.
While money-saving is the most significant benefit of buying a used RV, a no less important benefit is that you don’t have to deal with all those issues that would have probably occurred in a new RV. The previous owner may already have resolved those issues and eliminated the early weak links.
Human touch added to the RV
RVs come very well-equipped off the lot, but many people prefer to modify them to better suit their needs. While the default stuff like refrigerators and air conditioners are essential, small additions like towel hangers or closet organizers can make a big difference. Also, previous owners may have installed more substantial features, such as solar panels or a satellite receiver!
The items the previous owner may have installed won’t necessarily meet your needs. However, the fundamental things that the RV lacked will likely have been added by the previous owner.
Aside from making the RV more convenient, minor modifications may also increase its value. Maybe not by much, but still significant enough to be noticed. And given that used RVs cost much less than new ones, the value for the money can be insane.
Cons of buying a used RV
The RV doesn’t feel new.
The number one downside of buying a used RV is that it no longer feels fresh and new.
A brand-new RV will be completely clean and free of odors. A used RV could also be in near-new condition in terms of cleanliness, depending on how well the previous owner cared for it.
If the previous RV owner was a smoker, the RV interior will likely have a noticeable cigarette smoke odor. Pets can also be a source of various odors. And while this is perfectly okay, the RV owner may do whatever they want, you probably won’t like it if the RV isn’t perfectly clean.
No manufacturer’s warranty coverage
Used RVs are often no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, though this depends on the warranty term and the RV’s age.
A manufacturer’s warranty is a welcome bonus in RVs, as it protects you from the costs of breakdowns of covered parts. You’d want a manufacturer’s warranty to cover your back.
There is, of course, the option of an extended RV warranty, but you will have to pay extra. In addition, extended warranty providers set specific requirements for RV age and mileage, and an older RV may not be eligible for an extended warranty.
Hidden damage
The thing that probably worries most used RV buyers is hidden damage. While a skilled eye can easily detect hidden issues, only a few buyers likely have the expertise to conduct their own inspection.
Detecting hidden damage is essential to making a more informed decision about your purchase. In addition, if you buy an RV with some damage, knowing about its issues will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and plan your budget more effectively.
Nonetheless, you must inspect an RV in-depth before signing any contracts. If you don’t have the expertise to do it yourself, have someone else handle it. Even if you have to hire a professional for an inspection, it is better to pay a little now to protect yourself from unexpected costs later.
Repair & upgrade costs may outweigh the benefits.
Perhaps not the first downside that comes to mind, a potentially costly repair is the most significant disadvantage associated with buying a used RV. While you won’t necessarily need to spend any money on repairs, some RVs will require you to pay more than you would like.
Furthermore, these repair costs may be so high that they outweigh the financial benefits of buying a used RV. While you probably won’t need to spend as much on a new RV, the costs could be significant enough to make your purchase completely unreasonable.
Because of this, you should not buy a used RV that is priced too low. Such an RV is either ancient or significantly beaten up. Instead, it would be more reasonable to pay a little more for a newer, better-conditioned RV. The repair costs that an old RV may incur can make it a pricier buy than a more unique and expensive RV in better condition.
Remember that repair costs may include not only the RV’s mechanical parts. For example, suppose the interior of the RV smells of cigarette smoke. In that case, you may need to do more or less significant remodeling to eliminate the odor since cleaning may not help.
If possible, you should consider all costs that may arise with a specific RV before making a purchase.
The RV may quickly become obsolete.
A used RV may be a few years old, which isn’t a big deal. However, the RV is already somewhat obsolete and will get even more obsolete.
Tech advances very quickly nowadays, and what seems new today may become outdated in just a couple of years, let alone an RV that is already old. And since you will probably buy and use an RV for a long time, you may want to ensure it is as new as possible.
Minor tech stuff like USB ports – standard in modern RVs – can easily be added to an older RV with a simple wall plate add-on. These small additions are okay since they are cheap, but the RV shouldn’t be so old that it requires significant remodeling.
Aside from that, many developed campgrounds have age restrictions on the RVs they allow. Usually, anything older than ten years isn’t allowed at RV campgrounds.
Thus, it would be best to be wary of the RV’s age. First, don’t go for an RV over ten years old, just in case. Plus, remember that it may not be allowed in campgrounds for five years when buying a five-year-old RV. This will be okay if you plan to get a newer RV within those five years, but otherwise, you may want to look for something more unique.
Poorer selection of used RVs
The last downside of buying a used RV is that you don’t have a wide selection. Used RVs mostly come as-is, and you don’t have control over what you get. You are limited to whatever is available on the market at the moment.
With new RVs, you have a more comprehensive selection of RV models than on the used market. In addition, you are free to buy whatever options you deem necessary for your RV.
Why should I buy a used RV?
Cost-wise, if you aren’t crazy about how fresh your RV looks and feels, a used RV is a much more cost-effective choice. Buying a new RV makes little sense unless you have specific needs that can’t be met with a used one.
However, should you buy an RV for under $5,000?
You should save up for a travel trailer priced between $7,500 and $ 10,000. $5,000 is close to the scrap value of travel trailers, which typically reach that level in about ten years. However, an RV that wasn’t too costly initially may reach its scrap value much faster.
In other words, you may want to avoid $5,000 RVs, as they may be too old for safe use, for parking at campgrounds, and for obtaining an extended warranty. In addition, RVs that now cost $5,000 are usually low-end models that don’t offer much comfort.
On the other hand, for $7,500-10,000, you will have a more comprehensive selection of better RVs. So, if possible, we think you should save up for a pricier RV. If not, and you need an RV right now, buying one for around $5,000 may be a reasonable option.
Final Thoughts
The Verdict on $5,000 Trailers: While it is possible to find a functional trailer for under $5,000, it is a high-risk investment. These units are often at their lowest value and may require significant repairs that outweigh the initial savings.
The “Sweet Spot” Strategy: The article concludes that it is more practical to save between $7,500 and $10,000. This slightly higher budget provides a much wider selection of newer, better-maintained models that are less likely to be obsolete or barred from campgrounds.
Final Advice: If you must buy at the $5,000 level, a professional inspection is mandatory to avoid “money pits,” and buyers should prioritize models from 2011 or newer to ensure some modern amenities.
