Buying a Camper Van on a Budget? 5 Affordable Options

Campervans are an investment, but perhaps not as expensive as you may think. Campervans come at many different price points, and it is always a good idea to check for available rebates. Let’s take a look at some affordable campervans.

The Pleasure-Way Tofino is $94,250. It sleeps 3 adults but does not come with a bath. Starting at $141,862, the Coachmen Nova sleeps 2 with three available layouts. The Winnebago Solis starts at $152,169 and sleeps 4 with a wet bath.

Read on to learn about six different budget-friendly campervans and what features they have.

What Is the Cheapest Campervan You Can Buy?

If you are looking to save money on a campervan, it is a good idea to look at used vans. However, it is important to look not only at the price but at the quality and reliability of the van. Of all the affordable options, here is the cheapest.

The cheapest campervan that I recommend is the Pleasure-Way Tofino. A new 2023 Tofino is $94,250. Pleasure-Way is a well-known, reliable company, and they offer a 5-year/60,000 mile (96,560.64 km) warranty on the Tofino coach.

You can find more details about the Pleasure-Way Tofino below.

1. Pleasure-Way Tofino: $94,250

The Pleasure-Way Tofino is built on a RAM ProMaster 1500, which has basic features, including a backup camera, cruise control, and in-dash navigation. In addition to its small size, the standard hill start assist and an optional off-road wheel and tire package will help you enjoy the most freedom in the Tofino.

At 17 ft 9 in (2.13 m 22.86 cm) long, the Tofino can sleep 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children comfortably. The sofa bed converts into a queen mattress, and there is a pop-up overhead bunk that measures 49×72 in (1.24×1.83 m). The bunk is best suited for a single adult or two children and is made with Sunbrella material that helps protect the bunk from all sorts of weather.

The Tofino does not have a bath, of course, so buying a toilet separately is always an option. Take a look at my article Best Camper Van Toilet to learn more about the available options!

Alternatively, if having a dedicated bathroom on your camper van is a must, then check out my article highlighting camper vans with attached bathrooms. Cost of Price Comparison of 8 Camper Vans With Bathrooms.

Now, coming back to the Tofino, Since there is no bath, the campervan has no water heater. This only affects the kitchen sink, so it should not be a problem.

The galley kitchen has a small refrigerator/freezer combo as well as a single-burner induction cooktop. Keep in mind that induction cooktops require special pots and pans to use. Some of the countertop space runs along the side of the sofa, so it is only good for storage.

Unlike most removable tables that have a set base, the Tofino has a movable tripod-base table. This flexibility allows you to move it between the rear sofa and swivel driver and passenger chairs.

There are two drawers in the galley kitchen, but most of your storage space will be in the rear. There are many cargo nets on the walls of the van to secure small items while driving.

Bring the outdoors in with side and rear zip-up screens, which you can upgrade to magnetic closures.

Despite being the least expensive van on the list, the Tofino does not cut corners when it comes to quality. The van has laminate counters and cabinets and vinyl flooring, as well as fiberglass insulation

A touchscreen control panel in the wall gives you access to your lights, temperature control, and water and power levels.

The Tofino is powered by two 100 Amp-hour lithium batteries. Solar panels do not come standard, but you can purchase one or two as an add-on.

The Tofino does not have a TV hookup.

The Pleasure-Way Tofino coach has a 5-year/60,000-mile (96,560.64 km) warranty (whichever comes first) for manufacturer defects. The Chassis has a 3-year/36,000-mile(57,936.38 km) limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile (96,560.64 km) powertrain warranty. It also comes with 5 years of roadside assistance.

If you are looking to buy used, keep in mind that Pleasure-Way does transfer this warranty to the second owner of the van, but not beyond that.

2. Thor Rize and Thor Scope: $112,980+

The Thor Rize and Scope are sister vans with the same features, layouts, and prices. They are both 7 ft 11 in (2.13 m 27.94 cm) long and built on a RAM Promaster 1500XT chassis. A smaller version of the ProMaster 3500, the 1500XT provides the same amount of torque and 276 horsepower.

The ProMaster is a tall, low-entry chassis that provides 75 in (190.5 cm) interior coach height. It also comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard vans come with a pull-out bed that can accommodate two adults. The 18A and 18G models offer an upgrade adding a SkyBunk that sleeps another two adults and provides a nice skylight.

The Thor Rize and Scope are available in three models:

Model	Price	Configuration	Bed Size
18G	$112,980	Rear bath with expanding seating area	70×44 in (177.8×111.76 cm)
18A	$113,680	Rear pull-out seating area with permanent dinette	72×39 in (182.88×99.06 cm)
18M	$114,380	Rear bath with pull-out bed	72×47 in (182.88×119.38 cm)

The wet bath features a pull-down sink, mirror, and cassette toilet. The rear baths in the 18G and 18M also have floor-to-ceiling cabinets in the bath. The 18A has a smaller bath with no storage space to provide room for the dinette. (Instead, storage space in the 18A is under the bed). On the go, the wet room is a great place to store the ladder for the SkyBunk!

The galley kitchen has a small side-facing refrigerator and a double gas burner cooktop as well as a microwave. Counter space is limited, though 18A and 18M have expandable counter space above the refrigerator. In the 18G, you can take the mattress pad off the passenger side for an additional prep area.

The 18A model features a dinette with a bench seat and swivel driver’s chair, while the other models have a removable table for the sofa.

The RapidCamp+ Multiplex system controls all of Thor’s campervans. The system displays power and water levels as well as controls the lights and power awning. There is a touchscreen control panel in the van, or you can control the van via a smartphone app.

The Rize and Scope are powered by a 190W solar panel. It can hook up a TV but does not come with one.

The Rize and Scope are sister vans, and both are available in charcoal, silver, and white. They have the same features and available layouts discussed above. What sets the two vans apart is their interior decor.

The Scope comes in Thor’s Miami decor, which uses different shades of tan materials and has wood grain cabinets.

The Rize has a lighter, brighter material selection called Crisp Linen and white cabinets.

Thor has a 2-year/30,000-mile (48,280.32 km) limited warranty on the Rize and Scope. The warranty on the chassis is handled separately by RAM. but Thor offers a Dispute Resolution Program that provides legal support for all of their customers to rectify any issues with the vehicle.

3. Winnebago Solis Pocket: $140,374

The Winnebago Solis Pocket is also built on a RAM ProMaster chassis. It is 17 ft 10 in (5.18 m 25.4 cm) long and has a 6 ft 3 in (1.83 m 7.62 cm) interior height.

The Solis Pocket sleeps 3, with two adults in the rear murphy bed and one adult in the convertible dinette. Winnebago also offers a front cab air mattress and base for an additional cost. However, the air mattress is 65×30 in (1.65×0.76 m), slightly smaller than a twin bed, so it is best for a single child.

This van has no bath but does come with a portable toilet that can be stored inside of the front dinette bench.

The galley kitchen has a small refrigerator/freezer combo and a two-burner cooktop but no microwave. The cooktop takes up most of the laminate countertop, but you can remove part of the mattress in the rear for more countertop space.

The dining area converts to serve many functions: a dinette, sofa and table, daybed and table, or a love seat without a table. At night, the dinette can be converted into another bed.

Although the Solis Pocket has side and rear screen doors and a fold-down exterior table, it does not have an awning.

There are a few storage cabinets in the dinette, but most of the storage in the Soilis Pocket is under the bed. The raised bed creates a large storage area underneath that can fit all kinds of gear, including bicycles. It also includes Winnebago’s MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) and tie-downs to secure all of your cargo.

There is no TV compatibility in the Solis Pocket.

The Solis Pocket has a 1-year/24,000-mile (38,624.26 km) basic warranty.

4. Coachmen Nova: $141,862+

The Coachmen Nova is a 20 ft 11 in (6.10 m 27.94 cm) long campervan built on the RAM ProMaster 3500 chassis with 280 horsepower and front-wheel drive

The Nova sleeps 2, with the option of one large bed or two twins.

The Coachmen Nova is currently available in the 20RB and 20C models, and pre-order begins soon on the 20D. Here is how the three models compare:

Model	Price	Configuration	Bed Size
20RB	$148,922	Rear bath with convertible sofas and lagun table	Two Twins 76×28 in (193.04×71.12 cm)
20C	$169,091	Rear seating area with removable table	76×64 in (193.04×162.56 cm)
20D	Coming Soon	Rear convertible seating area with lagun table	Two 75×26 in (190.5×66.04 cm) beds or75x73 in (190.5×185.42 cm)

The Nova has a comprehensive wet bath with a toilet and a permanent sink with an extendable faucet that doubles as the shower head. The bath also focuses on the small details, with a medicine cabinet, towel hook, toothbrush holders, and an antimicrobial door.

The 20C and 20D models also have a Shower Miser system that allows you to heat the water for your shower before you turn it on, which helps to prevent water waste. Though the 20RB does not have the ShowerMiser, all three models have an impressive 27-gal (102.21-L) freshwater tank.

The galley has an induction cooktop and refrigerator/freezer combo. The 20RB has a 3.5 cubic ft (99.11 L) refrigerator/freezer, while the 20C and 20D’s are over twice the size, at 7.3 cubic ft (206.71 L).

The induction cooktop takes up most of the counter space, though the 20C and 20D have an extendable piece. The kitchen in the 20RB is right behind the driver’s seat, so the table is nearby if you need more space to prep.

This removable table is located in the front up front to create another seating area with the driver and passenger swivel seats.

Coachmen uses quality materials in the Nova, including:

A/C with dehumidifier
Dovetail assembled drawers
Fiberglass shower
High-gloss hardwood cabinets
Memory foam mattresses
Porcelain toilet
Rockwool insulation
True Residential drawer guides

The Firefly Multiplex System that controls the lights, temperature, power, and water in the van is located in a touchscreen on the wall. One unique feature of the generator is that it has an auto-start setting to turn on automatically at a programmed time.

The Nova is the only campervan on this list with a TV, a 24 in (60.96 cm) LED Smart TV.

The Nova has a 1-year/12,000-mile (19,312.13 km) warranty on the coach. The chassis has a 3-year/36,000-mile (57,936.38 km) bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile (96,560.64 km) powertrain warranty.

5. Winnebago Solis: $152,169+

The Winnebago Solis is available in 19 ft 9 in (5.79 m 22.86 cm) and 21 ft (6.40 m) lengths. A larger version of the Soils Pocket, it is also built on a RAM ProMaster. Unlike the other ProMaster chassis on this list, the Solis’ has a few additional safety features, including:

Automatic emergency braking for pedestrians
Crosswind assist
Forward collision warning
Post-collision braking

The Solis sleeps 4 adults with a rear murphy bed and pop-top sleeping area that comes standard (Winnebago has recently added the option to remove the pop-top if you wish). You also have the option of purchasing a front cab air mattress with a base. The air mattress is only 65×30 in (165.1×76.2 cm), so it is best for a single child.

The Solis has two different model options:

Model	Price	Length	Features
59P	$152,169	19 ft 9 in (5.79 m 22.86 cm)	optional sofa/bed
59PX	$171,996	21 ft (6.40 m)	extended wheelbase with an extra foot of gear space in the back

The wet bath has a mirror and shower head as well as a swivel cassette toilet to provide more room while showering. However, the bath does not have its own sink, requiring you to use the one across the aisle in the kitchen.

In addition to the stainless steel sink, the kitchen provides a small refrigerator/freezer and a double-burner gas cooktop

There is a temporary dinette in the front of the van, with a removable table between the two forward-facing seats and a swivel driver’s seat. There is an additional moveable table in the back of the van.

Both models have a rear murphy bed that provides storage space underneath. The 59PX has additional gear space in the rear with an L-track cargo tie-down system.

The Solis comes standard with a 220W solar panel. If you choose to remove the pop-top, there will be a 170W solar panel instead.

There is no TV compatibility in the Solis.

The Solis comes with a 1-year/24,000-mile (38,624.26 km) basic warranty.

And that wraps up this quick look at the most affordable camper vans. Now, if you are okay with increasing your budget for more dependable and better features, check out my article highlighting the top reliable campervans on the market. [Top Reliable Campervans on the Market]