5 great RVs to retire in

You made it! It’s finally time to retire and spend some time just enjoying yourselves. One great way to do that is with an RV. Sure, you probably did some traveling during all those years of working. Family vacations, too. But seeing the country in an RV is an unmatched experience that many new retirees aspire to. And with so many choices available, it’s tough to pick the best RV for your retirement. Here are some of our thoughts that may be able to help you narrow down the field and make the best choice for you.

Choosing the right class of RV for you

For our purposes, we’ll focus on three classes of RVs that will fit most users’ needs.

Class A

Class A RVs are the largest RVs. Class A RVs range in size from 26 to 45 feet, and they are built on a single chassis. They are usually about 8 feet wide and weigh between 13,000 and 30,000 pounds. It is worth noting that some states require a special license to drive the largest class As, especially if you plan to tow a vehicle behind it.

Class C

One would think that the next smallest size would be Class B, but it’s not. Class C RVs range in size from 20 to 28 feet and are generally around 10 feet tall. Their weight usually falls between 10,000 and 13,000 pounds. There is also a jumbo version in this class, called a Super C.

Class B

Class B RVs are usually between 6,000 to 8,000 pounds in weight. Measuring between 17 and 19 feet in length, they’re around the same length as a standard van, partly because they are usually built from a van or on the same chassis as a standard van. 

How do you plan to use your RV?

You should start by deciding what you want to do with your RV in retirement. This might be easier said than done! But it will help you find the right size and make your RV shopping experience a lot less overwhelming. Here are a couple of ways you may decide to use your RV in retirement:

Full-time RV living

If you plan to pretty much live in your RV all the time, you may want to consider a larger RV. A larger RV, like a class A or super C, often includes amenities like washers and dryers, full-sized appliances, loads of storage, and more ambient space. If you plan to live in your RV full-time, you will most likely enjoy having these creature comforts, as they will enhance your lifestyle and the overall experience. 

Mostly holidays and weekends

If this kind of RV life is what you envision for yourself, you may want the size and comfort of a class A or C, or you may also consider a class B. Class B RVs are smaller, easier to drive, and usually less expensive to buy and operate, but they still offer plenty of comfort, fun, and protection from the elements.

Somewhere in between full-time and weekend warrior

If you’re planning to use your RV on a fairly regular basis, but not live in it for long periods of time or full-time, then you may want to pin down the amenities and features that matter most to you. Doing so will help you decide which class and type of RV will best suit your needs and improve your shopping experience. 

Great class A RVs for retirement

Tiffin Allegro

If you are looking for a class A coach with all the bells and whistles, you should definitely consider the Tiffin Allegro. Ranging in size from 37 feet to 45 feet, the Allegro is stocked with both technology and comfort elements that make this one of the best choices for full-time RV living on the market. The interior height is an impressive 83 inches. That’s nearly 7 feet! This luxury home on wheels has many features. The smallest version offers 365 square feet of living space, while the larger ones go up to 440 square feet. 

All models feature handcrafted cabinet fascia and doors with concealed hinges, LED lighting and even a central vacuum system. There are also porcelain tile options for the floor. The galley features stainless steel appliances and an induction cooktop. The safety and living features are too numerous to list here, but suffice it to say: the Tiffin Allegro is an all-inclusive RV experience. 

Newmar Dutch Star

Another option you may consider is the Newmar Dutch Star. Aside from being a beautiful, well-equipped rig, the Dutch Star boasts amazing accessibility features that aren’t found in many RVs. Models range from 38 to almost 44 feet in length, also featuring an 83-inch ceiling height. 

This diesel motorcoach is available in 12 total floor plans, including wheelchair-friendly ones. As an excellent example, the 4311 floor plan is ADA-compliant, so if mobility or accessibility features are important, this may be a great choice. Additional accessibility features include a power‑adjustable kitchen table, roll‑in shower, lowered switches and appliances, grab bars, and widened aisleways. 

Class C RVs that are great for retirees

Winnebago Navion

When it comes to Class C RVs, you may want to start by considering the practical, comfortable Winnebago Navion. This model offers 3 available floor plans at 25.5 feet long, heavy-duty towing, plenty of storage, and a sleek console and entertainment package. With a stylish full kitchen, including an induction and LP range cooktop as well as a refrigerator/freezer, this is a perfect small-space home away from home for retirees looking to really downsize and simplify life. Over-cabin sleeping space allows up to 4 people to comfortably sleep in the Navion, so you can bring the kids or grandkids on your adventures as well! 

Tiffin Wayfarer

If you want a little bit more luxury but still need performance, the Tiffin Wayfarer is worth a look. Built on a Mercedes-Benz 3500 chassis and coupled with a SumoSprings ride assist system, this coach will get you where you want to go in comfort. And let’s be honest, when you’re thinking of the best RVs for retirement, comfort should at least be part of the decision, right? 

This 25-foot class C coach has 4 floorplans that can range from twin beds that can convert to king-size to queen-size beds. The Wayfarer is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 3.0-Liter V6 Turbo engine and is paired with their 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. LED lighting, handcrafted fascia and a well-equipped galley make the Wayfarer a great choice for a couple or for trips with more family.

And a Class B RV for the retirement adventurer

Winnebago Revel

What if your RV adventures are going to take you a little further off the beaten path? There are plenty of places you can’t reach in a class A or even the smaller class C coach. How does a 4-wheel drive RV sound? If that idea just made you smile or dream, then the Winnebago Revel is something you’re going to want to check out. This class B is built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis and powered by a 3-liter turbo diesel engine. 

The designers at Winnebago packed an impressive level of function into this RV. With an overall length of just under 20 feet, the Revel still boasts a roomy interior, including heavy-duty details and an all-in-one wet bath. It also features on-demand 4-wheel drive and a solar panel with a battery charger and a 32-amp-hour lithium ion battery, so it can not only go anywhere, but it can also support you staying there as long as you like.

Ready to retire in an RV of your own?

We hope this helps you get a start on choosing one of the best RVs for retirement. We know it’s a tough decision, so that’s why we’re always here to help. Find a Transwest location near you today, or shop our online inventory. Our friendly and helpful sales team is happy to answer any of your questions and get you on the road in the ideal RV for your retirement!