What Is The Smallest Drivable RV with a Toilet and Shower?
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Key Takeaways
- Class B recreational vehicles are the easiest to drive small RVs.
- A Class C RV can be easy to drive like a large Class B but offer more space and amenities.
- The Winnebago Travato is the best-selling small, drivable RV in the United States.
- Motorhomes with a shower and toilet will cost significantly more than those without.
- Following the 2/2/2 rule will keep you safe and healthy while on the road.
If you’re looking for a compact and luxurious way to get away, then a small drivable RV with a separate shower and toilet is the perfect option.
Some of the best small drivable RVs with a separate shower and toilet (wet bath) include:
- The Winnebago Travato
- Leisure Travel Vans Wonder
- Pleasure-Way Lexor
As avid travelers and adventurers, we’ve taken a look at some of the best small RV models on the market. With a combination of research and experience-based reviews, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that you can trust to help you find the perfect RV for your road trip.
What Are the Best Small Drivable RVs with a Wet Bath?
If you're looking for a small, drivable recreational vehicle, you're in the market for a Class B RV, though some Class C RVs will fit the bill, too.
What is a Class B RV?
A Class B RV is a type of recreational vehicle that is built on a van chassis, between 18 and 24 feet in length.
This makes it more compact in comparison to the size of Class A or Class C motorhomes, the ideal choice for those looking to save on space.
They are also called "camper vans" or "van conversions" because they are built from a standard van and have been converted into a small home on wheels.
Because of their compact size, they have less storage space than larger RVs, but they make up for it by being easy to drive and park in tight spaces.
They are perfect for couples or small families who want to travel and explore new places but don't want to deal with the hassle of a large, unwieldy vehicle or towed travel trailer.
What is a Class C RV?
A Class C RV is built on a truck or van chassis and typically has a cab-over section that extends over the driver's compartment.
They’re the smaller luxury class while remaining a compact class. Like the other classes, a wet bath with a shower and toilet will drive the price of a small Class C motorhome way up.
This cab-over section can be used for sleeping space or storage space, and it gives the RV a distinct profile that is different from other types of RVs.
What is the Difference Between a Class C RV and a Class B?
One of the main differences between Class B and Class C RVs is the amount of living space.
Class C RVs usually have more space than the other small class and can sleep up to 8 people.
The smallest RVs are more suited for short trips and weekend getaways, while Class C RVs are better suited for longer trips and extended stays.
In general, small RVs are also less expensive than Class C RVs.
How Much Do Small RVs With a Shower and Toilet Cost?
A small, drivable RV with a separate shower and toilet, also called a wet bath, can cost anywhere from around $50,000 to $150,000 or more.
The cost of a Class B RV can vary widely depending on the specific model, brand, and features.
Models with wet bath facilities are going to be pricier than those without. Keep this in mind as you do your research.
There are few, if any, drivable, non-trailer small RVs with their own bathroom, shower, and toilet, that costs under $30,000.
For cheaper options, we recommend compromising with either a travel trailer and using your own vehicle to tow or a model without wet bath amenities.
On the high end, you'll find newer small RVs with more advanced features and amenities, such as solar panels, awnings, a full bathroom style wet bath, and home-caliber appliances.
These models may also be built on luxury van chassis from automakers like Mercedes-Benz or Roadtrek, which will increase the cost.
These models can be a great option for someone who wants all the comforts of home in a smaller, more nimble package.
What is the Easiest Small RV With a Separate Shower to Drive?
Class Bs are considered the easiest to drive small RV because they are built on a van chassis, have a smaller and more compact size, making them easy to maneuver and drive, have better gas mileage, and don't require special driving skills or a commercial driver's license to operate.
They are perfect for people who want a comfortable, easy-to-drive, and fuel-efficient option for their road trips.
Class B Pros
Besides the obvious advantage of size and drivability that we mentioned already, small RVs come with plenty of advantages.
- Fuel efficiency: Because they are smaller and lighter than other types of RVs, small RVs typically have better fuel efficiency, which can save money on gas and make road trips more affordable.
- Cost-effective: Small RVs are generally less expensive than other types of RVs, which makes them a more cost-effective option for people who want to get into the small RV lifestyle. They are also less expensive to maintain and insure.
- Versatility: Small RVs can be used for a variety of activities, from weekend getaways to long-term road trips. They also make great vehicles for tailgating or for use as a home base while exploring a specific area. You wouldn't want to drive a big honkin' Class A to a local game.
Class B Cons
- Limited space: Because small class RVs are smaller and more compact than other types of RVs, they have less space. This can make them less comfortable for long-term living or for accommodating more than two people.
- Higher cost per square foot: Due to converting a van into a small RV, the cost per square foot of living space can be higher in Class B RVs than in other RVs.
- Limited towing capacity: Small RVs typically have limited towing capacity, which means you might not be able to tow your boat or car behind you.
- Less insulation: Because of the compact size of small RVs, they tend to have less insulation than other types of RVs, which can make them less comfortable in extreme temperatures.
What is the Best, Smallest, Drivable RV with Toilet and Shower?
The Winnebago Travato is the best drivable small RV with a functional full bathroom wet bath if we had to pick just one.
Winnebago Travato
Experience your next great adventure in the Travato, North America's top-selling campervan.
About this RV
Fuel-efficient power systems ensure that no journey is too demanding, while tailored features are designed to protect you from whatever Mother Nature can throw at you and keep your travels safe and comfortable.
Top Features
- Built on a Ram ProMaster chassis, which is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, a great option for long road trips.
- The Truma Combi Eco Plus heating system can heat the water and the interior of the small RV using propane or electric power, making it more efficient and versatile.
- Ample storage space and counter space, including a large wardrobe, overhead cabinets, and a unique “Flex Bed System,” which provides additional storage underneath the king sized bed.
- Several optional packages, such as solar panels and awning, which can make your RV trips even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Leisure Travel Vans Wonder
While technically a Class C RV, most motorhome fans might call this baby a Class B+.
The Wonder is a luxurious, all-in-one, drivable RV vacation.
About This RV
It has a rear wet bath with a shower and toilet, as well as a kitchen with ample counter space and sleeping space accommodations for up to four people.
Top Features
- Built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, known for reliability and comfortable ride.
- Measures just under 24 feet in length, helping it be more maneuverable than larger Class Cs.
- The fully-equipped kitchen has all the essentials you'll need to cook your meals, including a refrigerator, a stove, and a sink.
- Inside, the Wonder offers a luxurious and modern interior that is designed with high-end materials and finishes.
- The Wonder can accommodate up to four people comfortably with its sleeping accommodations, including a power lift queen sized bed and convertible seating.
- Rear wet bath that includes a shower and toilet. Depending on the floorplan, the entire bathroom can be its own small space with a separate shower stall instead of a combo.
Pleasure-Way Lexor
It's a great option for people who want a compact and easy-to-drive RV without sacrificing luxury and functionality.
About This RV
The Lexor Pleasure-Way is a Class B motorhome built on a Ford Transit chassis, known for its sleek and modern design, high-quality construction, and comfortable amenities.
Top Features
- Built on a Ford Transit chassis.
- Comes equipped with an entertainment center that includes a Bose Bluetooth soundbar and a 24" LG Smart LED TV, allowing you to enjoy broadcast TV in HD.
- Fully automatic Winegard Rayzar digital TV antenna ensures that you can catch your favorite shows and movies while on the road.
- Rear wet bath includes a shower and toilet, making it easy to stay clean and refreshed on the road.
- Features Corian solid surfaces, which are known for their durability and easy maintenance. Made from impact-resistant material, Corian is non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to keep clean, ensuring that it will keep its good looks and withstand daily wear and tear.
Is a Drivable or Towable RV Better?
Whether a drivable or towable RV is better depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both types of small RVs have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Drivable RVs are self-propelled and can be driven on the road. They can be driven to your destination, allowing you to avoid the hassle of towing a separate vehicle.
They also offer more flexibility in terms of where you can stay, as you can park them in RV parks, campgrounds, or even on public land with the proper permits.
Towable RVs, also known as travel trailers and fifth-wheels, are RVs that are hitched to a separate vehicle, like a truck or SUV.
They offer a lower cost of entry compared to drivable RVs, and they can be less expensive to maintain and insure.
They also allow you to have a separate vehicle to drive while on your trip, which can come in handy if you need to make quick errand runs or go out for a separate excursion.
What is the 2/2/2 Rule for RVs?
The 2/2/2 rule for RVs is a general guideline that suggests that you should spend no more than 2 hours driving without a break, 200 miles on the road a day, and spend at least 2 nights at each overnight destination.
This rule is based on the idea that RVing should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience and that you should spend more time enjoying your destination and less time on the road and dealing with setup and breakdown.
By following this rule, you can make sure that you have enough time to enjoy your destination, relax and have fun, and still be able to make good progress on your trip.
We recommend using it as a starting point to plan your trip and adjust it according to your own needs and preferences.