Last updated on November 10th, 2023 at 10:06 am
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While not necessarily known for their compact layouts, there are a number of small Class A RVs with opposing slides to help you maintain a minimalist footprint while camping in an RV. But what might some of the benefits be of choosing a smaller Class A motorhome, especially an option with opposing slides to help maximize your interior living space?
In this article, we will go over all of the reasons why you may want to choose a small Class A RV with opposing slides, including some benefits you may not have thought about it yet. We will also go over everything you should consider in a smaller motorhome if you plan on purchasing one for your lifestyle.
Finally, we will give you a brief list of options to choose from, all of which qualify as small Class A RVs with opposite slide-outs. Let’s get started and talk about these types of RVs now!
Only interested in our comprehensive list of small Class A RVs with opposing slides? Use our table contents to navigate to these specially chosen options!
Benefits of a Small Class A RV with Opposing Slides
While it may not seem like it at first, there are a number of benefits to choosing a small Class A RV with opposing slides. Keep in mind that any RV with slide-outs will require more maintenance than you may have first assumed, but this is the best and typically most convenient way to add more living space to the interior of your RV.
Keeping all of this in mind, here are some possible benefits of a compact Class A RV that you may not have thought of yet!
- Parking is more convenient. While a huge RV may seem like a benefit when it comes to having enough space for everyone to sleep and live comfortably, smaller Class A RVs are far more convenient when it comes to parking. This includes both standard parking lots as well as campgrounds and RV parks. Depending on the location you are considering camping in, some RV parks or campgrounds cannot accommodate huge Class A RVs. Choosing a smaller option with multiple slide-outs means that you won’t have nearly as much trouble finding a parking space!
- Plenty of amenities in a smaller space. Most Class A motorhomes have countless amenities included in the standard purchase price, giving you all of the creature comforts you might need while on the road. There are even some smaller Class A RVs that have laundry Solutions as well as sleeping capacities for 5 people, making it a great choice for a busy family. Maintaining a smaller space is much easier than maintaining a larger one, so having the same number of amenities no matter the size of RV you choose is typically beneficial.
- Towing capacities remain high. One of the main drawbacks to choosing a motorhome is the fact that this is your only vehicle for driving around and gathering supplies or hitting up a local hike. However, many Class A RVs, including smaller ones, offer you a decent towing capacity. This means that you can tow your residential vehicle behind your motorhome, giving you another mode of transportation while camping. Typically, towing capacities remain high, even if you choose a smaller Class A RV!
- More fuel efficient than larger models. While you won’t be getting fantastic gas mileage with any Class A RV, smaller options give you more fuel efficiency than larger options. Depending on the fuel type that you choose, Class A RVs have a smaller footprint and opposing slides get better gas mileage than a larger option. This is definitely something to consider, especially if you are worried about your total at the fuel pump.
- Capable of sleeping the whole family. Even a smaller Class A RV can give you plenty of sleeping arrangements, especially if you choose an option with opposing slides. Sleeping more than four or five people is easy in just about any Class A choice, as there are often bunk bed layouts and sleeping solutions made for the whole family.
- Full-time living layouts are common. Whether you are planning on using your Class A RV for weekend excursions or full-time living, many motorhomes have full-time amenities included in them. Some of these amenities may include larger refrigerators, washer and dryer prep, wardrobe storage, and more. Again, this may not be something that you are prioritizing or expecting, but if you want to use your small Class A for living in, you’ll likely be all set!
- Opposing slides give you plenty of square footage. While slide-outs need more maintenance than the average RV accessory, they are one of the best ways to add square footage to the interior of your RV. Choosing opposing slides often means that you have more room in common areas such as kitchens and living areas. This is a huge benefit to those of you planning to live in your RV full time or if you have a large group that you’re traveling with.
As you can no doubt see, there are a number of benefits to choosing a Class A RV that is more compact than average, especially if it has opposing slides! While there are drawbacks to everything, hopefully, some of these benefits assist you in your decision.
What to Consider in a Small Class A RV with Opposing Slides
Now that you have a good idea of some of the perks of owning a small Class A RV with opposing sides, here are some further considerations for you to contemplate. From your budget to the number of sleeping arrangements that you need, what should you consider in an RV before you make a final decision?
Length and Height
When it comes to choosing a small Class A RV, your length and height measurements should be the first thing that you consider. Most motorhomes have a standard height that very rarely changes in either direction, but there are some Class A RVs that are better suited for tall campers.
It’s the overall length of your Class A RV that will determine whether or not you have a small or large option. Some Class A RVs are over 45 feet long, making them difficult to drive, park, and generally care for. A small Class A RV will potentially be under 30 ft in length, but definitely under 35 ft in length!
This is definitely something to keep in mind as you shop, especially if you want a Class A RV that is under 30 ft long. These are more difficult to find than others, but it’s still not impossible. The smaller the RV, the easier it is to navigate, but you will also have to consider the floor plan and make sure that it works well for you, no matter the size!
Layout and Floor Plan
Speaking of floor plans, choosing a layout that works well for you and your lifestyle is the number one consideration for you to contemplate, especially if you are brand new to RV ownership. A poor layout typically spells disaster for the new RV owner, which is why I highly recommend touring RVs in your local area.
Obviously, one of the first things you will look for in a small Class A RV floor plan is the option for opposing slides. This will greatly inform the overall layout that you end up having, as slide-outs are often placed in very specific locations such as the primary living space or in the master bedroom.
However, there are a number of other layout choices for you to consider before you fall in love. You should make sure that the bathroom and kitchen are spacious enough for your needs, and the primary living area should also suit your lifestyle. Taking your time and checking out a number of different layouts is always a good idea when you are shopping for a new RV!
Boondocking Capabilities
If you haven’t considered whether or not you want to boondock or dry camp in your RV, now is the time. Also known as off-grid camping, boondocking is the act of camping without connection to any traditional RV utilities such as water or electricity. This often involves traveling to a more remote location, such as county lands or other unmarked locations.
Many Class A RVs are too large for boondocking given their size and unyielding shape when traveling certain roads and in certain climates. However, a smaller Class A RV could be well suited to a boondocking lifestyle, depending on the amenities and layout that you choose. Maneuverability is key when it comes to boondocking, especially if you want to travel to a location that is remote and potentially unmanaged.
Some common boondocking amenities that you may want to consider for your small Class A RV include solar panels, larger holding tanks, multiple batteries, an onboard generator, and much more. Many of these amenities will not come standard, so make sure that you have budgeted accordingly and have a list of must-haves ready to go.
Sleeping Arrangements
While it may not be something that you know right away, having a general idea of how many sleeping arrangements you might need on board an RV is a good number to keep in mind as you shop. While Class A RVs are some of the largest options on the road, smaller motorhomes may not be able to fit all of the guests you want to bring along with you.
This isn’t to say that you can’t bring along your family of five or a few friends. Many small Class A RVs can still sleep half a dozen people or so. However, certain layouts and floor plans are truly not built for large groups, and you may find that some options that advertise the ability to sleep multiple people truly aren’t comfortable once everyone is sleeping inside!
You should also consider where inside of the RV you want your bedrooms to be, particularly the primary bedroom or master suite. Choosing something with its own separate entrance may be a good idea, or perhaps you want your bedroom located close to the bedroom where your children will be sleeping.
Regardless of what you are looking for, there’s an option out there for you. However, you should make sure that you are aware of how many campers you plan on bringing with you on average!
Luxurious Amenities
Whether you plan on living in your RV full-time or simply want something a bit more upscale than the average RV, you should consider what types of luxury amenities you want on board. It’s important to note that some RVs are labeled or billed as luxury RVs while others are considered standard RVs. Keeping this in mind as you shop will help you narrow down your options.
Many luxury RVs have different options included in the standard purchase price, such as upgraded flooring, cabinets, luxury driver’s conveniences, and more. You may also have tankless hot water, heated holding tanks, and upgraded AC units– the options are truly endless!
Fuel Type
Knowing the type of fuel that you want on board your Class A RV is another good place to begin. You can find motorhomes powered by either gasoline or diesel fuel, depending on the RV manufacturer and the model you are considering. However, there are many things to consider before making your final choice.
For example, diesel motorhomes typically have a higher upfront cost and more luxurious features included in the standard purchase price compared to gas motorhomes. This is likely due to the fact that most RV owners save more money when purchasing diesel fuel as opposed to gasoline fuel.
However, a smaller Class A RV is likely powered by gasoline rather than diesel, given the fact that diesel RVs are some of the largest options on the road today. This isn’t to say that gasoline motorhomes aren’t also luxurious in their own respect, but diesel fuel options are typically catered to a higher budget clientele!
Towing Capacity
Having the option to tow a residential vehicle or boat behind your Class A motorhome may be something that appeals to you. It’s important to know the overall weight of your desired vehicle before shopping for an RV, as you never want to bring along anything heavier than your RV can handle.
However, most Class A RVs can handle an average weight of 5000 lb, which should be enough to bring along a smaller residential vehicle such as a sedan. Again, make sure that your weights and measurements are correct before falling in love with anything specific, especially if you want to bring along another vehicle on your camping adventures!
Budget
A final and potentially obvious consideration for you to think about when shopping for a Class A RV has to be your budget. Class A motorhomes are some of the more expensive options currently being manufactured in the RV world, especially if you want a diesel fuel type with luxurious amenities.
For the most part, larger Class A RVs will cost more than smaller ones, even smaller Class A Motorhomes with opposite slides. However, the average Class A RV costs anywhere from $150k to over $500k, especially if you are considering a larger option.
Keep this in mind as you shop, especially with the notion that your standard purchase price or initially quoted price is often not what you end up paying once you consider all of your options and additional amenities.
6 Small Class A RVs with Opposing Slides
Now that you’ve checked out all of the considerations and benefits of a small Class A RV with opposing slides, here are some options to take a look at. Keep in mind that the majority of these options are under 35 ft long, making them compact and easier to drive than the average motorhome. Let’s take a closer look at our top choices now!
Top Choice: Tiffin Allegro Breeze
- 33 ft long makes this option easy to maneuver and drive
- Plenty of luxurious amenities inside and out
- Slide-outs give you more square footage where it matters most
- Single layout option may not suit your lifestyle or family
At 33 ft long and boasting a fair price tag compared to many other Class A RVs, the Tiffin Allegro Breeze is our top choice for a small motorhome with opposing slides. There’s only one available floor plan for this particular RV, but it likely comes fully loaded for the average customer and person seeking a motorhome with opposing slides. Let’s take a closer look now.
There are a total of 3 slide-outs on board this motorhome, one of which allows for a spacious walk-around king-size bed in the master bedroom. You also have a slide-out that extends your kitchen area and a slide-out opposite this location, adding more square footage to your dining space.
With convertible furniture, you can sleep up to 5 people inside this Class A RV. This isn’t the most family-friendly floor plan on this list, but it will still accommodate a few extra adults. However, the layout is also made for full-time living, with the option to add a larger refrigerator and a washer and dryer to the master bedroom wardrobe closet.
With a diesel engine and a built-in diesel generator, you should have a fuel-efficient and easy-to-manage RV, whether you plan on taking it off-grid or not. Plus, there’s plenty of storage, both inside and out, should you choose to utilize the overhead compartments as well as the exterior storage compartments.
The interior of this RV is light and bright, complete with many luxurious amenities – too many to list! However, given the fact that there is only one floorplan available for this particular Class A RV, it may not work for your lifestyle and camping plans.
Most Compact: Newmar Bay Star Sport
- All floor plans are under 32 feet, making this option extremely easy to maneuver
- Luxurious amenities included in the standard purchase price
- Interior design options help you make this RV feel like home
- Gasoline fuel type may not be your preference
While the Newmar Bay Star Sport starts just under $200k, this more expensive choice is also the most compact. The smallest floor plan is 27 ft long, making it the smallest option on this list that also includes opposing slide-outs. Let’s check it out and see what it has to offer!
The location of the slide-outs on this particular Class A RV extends the primary bedroom area as well as the living area. In fact, the entirety of one side of your RV is a slide-out, save the driver’s cabin. This gives you plenty of square footage in the kitchen and living room as well as additional room for the master bedroom wardrobe.
When it comes to the amenities and interior design of this RV, it has many luxurious options included in the standard purchase price. Plus, you have multiple interior design choices to make so that you can make this rig truly feel like your own and a place to call home. Plus, there are multiple floorplans with opposing slides, all 32 ft long or smaller!
While this rig is gasoline powered as opposed to diesel, you can still tow up to 5000 lb behind you while you’re on the road. Additionally, many floor plans are well suited for large families, but there are also plenty of options for the full-time RV adventurer!
However, make sure that this smaller Class A RV works well for you, especially when you consider the initial purchase price being higher than others. This is definitely something to think about, especially given the notion that this is a gasoline-powered motorhome rather than a diesel choice!
Gas Fuel: Winnebago Vista
- Sleeps up to 6 people, making it great for families
- Easy to drive with large windows
- Plenty of storage and sleeping arrangements for a large group
- Only one floor plan and a higher price than average
The Winnebago Vista is a great choice for those of you seeking a gas fuel Class A RV. However, this particular option only has one floor plan with opposing slide-outs and it starts at just over $200k. This might put it outside your price point, but it still has a lot to offer. Let’s take a closer look at it now.
Just over 34 ft long, the Winnebago Vista offers families and campers a contemporary and comfortable place to sleep at the end of a long day. In fact, the available floor plan with opposing slide-outs can sleep up to 6 people, making it ideal for a larger family. Like other options on this list, the slide-outs are located in the master bedroom as well as the common living area.
The Vista is also a great choice for the starter Class A RV, as it has many convenient features. Some of these include a control panel that allows you access to all mechanical amenities on your rig as well as convenient kitchen appliances and layouts. You also have a lofted sleeping area above the driver’s cabin for the kiddos so that they have their own private location to sleep.
Overall, this is a great choice if you don’t have too many must-haves on your list. However, some of you may find this option limiting given the fact that there is only one available floor plan with opposing slide-outs and the fact that the price point is a bit higher than average on this option. Keep it in mind, but you may find other choices on this list to suit your lifestyle better!
Family-Friendly: Fleetwood Flair
- Towing capacity of up to 8000 lbs
- Floor plan with opposing slides is perfect for families
- Multiple bathrooms for the busy group
- Only one floor plan choice for this model
Just over 33 ft long, the Fleetwood Flair has a single floor plan with opposing slide-outs, offering you plenty of space in your living room and primary bedroom. With two bathrooms on board, this is also a great choice for families or groups of friends hoping to camp for an extended period of time. Let’s take a closer look at it now!
As previously mentioned, there are multiple floor plans for the Fleetwood Flair, but only one has truly opposing slide-outs. You may find some of the other floor plans appeal to you, given that they are all under 35 ft long. However, keep in mind that most options only have slide-outs on one side, or in locations that are not directly opposing one another.
Despite this being a gasoline-powered RV, it can tow up to 8,000 lbs behind it, making it ideal if you want to bring along a residential car or boat. You have enough room to sleep nearly eight people on board, depending on the floor plan you prefer. With lofted sleeping areas and convertible dinettes, you have plenty of beds to sleep your whole group!
Not only is this option family-friendly, but it also offers you plenty of luxury without too high a price tag. Plus, there’s plenty of storage as well as many different interior design choices for you to make, giving you the option to customize this RV for your family or lifestyle. This Class A RV is great for full-time living as well as casual weekend trips!
However, just keep in mind that you likely won’t have very many floor plans to choose from. Plus, this is a slightly larger RV than some of the other choices on this list, especially our choice from Newmar. Make sure that the Fleetwood Flair has everything you need in it before falling in love!
Boondocking Amenities: Fleetwood Bounder
- Multiple floor plans, all with opposing slide-outs
- Plenty of sleeping arrangements for the average family or large group
- Boondocking amenities such as solar panels and batteries included standard
- Smallest floor plan is almost 35 ft, making this option fairly large
If you liked the Fleetwood Flair but want a few other floor plan options to choose from, you should check out the Fleetwood Bounder instead. While the initial purchase price may be a bit higher on this particular Class A RV, it has multiple floor plans that are all under 40 ft long with some smaller options under 35 ft. Let’s take a closer look!
This motorhome is ideal for a large number of people, including families as well as those of you hoping to live full-time in your RV. Keep in mind that the larger floor plans may not qualify as small Class A RVs, but they still have a lot to offer, including opposing slide-outs! All of these floor plans are spacious and comfortable, with conveniently-located slide-out choices.
Depending on the floor plan you choose, you can have multiple bathrooms on board as well as multiple sleeping choices. Plus, the Bounder has a level of luxury and comfortability that you would only expect from an RV that has been manufactured since the 70s. You have a few interior design choices to make, all of which are contemporary and comfortable.
This is also one of the best options on this list when it comes to boondocking, as it has many boondocking amenities included in the standard purchase price. Some of these amenities include an onboard generator, multiple house batteries, solar panels, and the option to upgrade for even more solar power.
No matter which floor plan you choose, you have an electric fireplace and walk-around king-size beds for most options. Plus, there’s plenty of storage using the overhead bins as well as the exterior compartments. However, keep in mind that this is the largest option on this list and may not be a small enough Class A RV for your lifestyle or preferences.
Full-Time Living: Forest River FR3
- Multiple floor plans, all with opposing slides
- Compact but still packed with storage solutions
- Floor plans are suited for families just as well as full-time living
- Interior design may fall flat compared to other options
Well known for their travel trailers, Forest River also manufactures Class A RVs such as the FR3. This particular motorhome is well suited for full-time living, especially for those of you looking for a more compact Class A motorhome option. Let’s take a closer look at the floor plans available and all of the amenities it has to offer.
With 4 available floor plans all under 35 ft long, this particular choice from Forest River gives you plenty of options to choose from. Some of these layouts are ideal for families, fully loaded with bunk beds and plenty of sleeping arrangements. However, other options are ideal for the full-timing couple, giving you spacious bedrooms and full-time amenities.
Even the smallest floor plan comes in at 31 ft long and offers you an exterior entertainment center, a spacious master suite with washer and dryer prep, and a bathroom with a shower separated from the toilet and sink area. These are all conducive amenities for full-time living, giving you plenty of space whether you are traveling on your own or with another person.
The amenities don’t stop there, as this option is also great for boondocking, with included batteries and solar panels. You also have over 100 cubic ft of exterior storage, no matter the floor plan you choose. Plus, this option is fairly budget-friendly as well, making it a great choice for those of you just beginning to consider full-time living in an RV.
So, what’s the catch? The interior design of this particular Class A RV is strikingly bland compared to most of the other options on this list. This may be disappointing to hear, especially if you want to live in this option full-time. However, it just means that you need to bring your own special touch to your new home!
Final Thoughts
Choosing a small Class A RV is a great choice for those of you looking for a reliable and spacious RV. Having an option with opposing slides means that you will likely never feel too cramped or crowded. No matter how many people you bring with you, camping in a Class A RV is exciting, comfortable, and easy!