Buying the wrong small camper isn’t just disappointing — it can be an expensive mistake that leads to major regret. After years of ownership and touring dozens of models, I’ve learned that most buyers focus on the wrong things until it’s too late.
Before you buy, here are the seven small camper buying mistakes no one talks about — but absolutely should.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Towing Capacity
Many people assume that because a camper is small, almost any vehicle can tow it. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Towing isn’t just about pulling weight down the road — it’s about:
- Stopping safely
- Handling crosswinds
- Maintaining control in changing conditions
Relying solely on a dealer to confirm your towing capacity is risky. If your camper is too heavy, you may face a difficult decision later: trade in the camper or purchase a new tow vehicle.
Both options are expensive.
Before buying, understand your vehicle’s limits and know your numbers. Doing this upfront can save you from a very costly mistake.
👉 Watch this YouTube video next: https://youtu.be/XyO4juiVDZE
If towing still feels confusing, check out my video that breaks it down in simple terms so you can tow with confidence.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Tank Sizes
This is one of those things you don’t fully understand until you’ve actually spent time camping.
Small camper = small tanks.
Your freshwater tank supports everything from brushing your teeth to washing dishes and showering. With limited capacity, daily showers may not be realistic.
Even if you’re at a campsite with water hookups, your gray tank still controls how much water you can use. Once it’s full — you’re done.
And if you camp without sewer hookups (which many small camper owners do), your black tank determines how long you can stay before dumping.
Tank sizes alone can turn a dream trip into a constant search for the nearest dump station.
Plan Your Campsites Wisely
Once you understand these limits, choosing the right place to camp becomes even more important.
👉 Pro Tip: I personally use the AllStays app to plan my camping trips because it helps me quickly find campgrounds, boondocking spots, dump stations, and overnight stays all on one map — even when I’m off-grid. It removes the guesswork and helps me avoid pulling into campsites that don’t fit my needs.
This video is sponsored by AllStays, and I’ve arranged a special 10% savings for my viewers if you want to check it out here:
https://geni.us/xXWU4a1
Mistake #3: Underestimating Living Space
Our very first camper lasted exactly two months — and there’s a reason for that.
On paper, it checked a lot of boxes. But we didn’t spend enough time inside before buying, and we overlooked something critical: comfort.
My husband was taller than the ceiling height. At the dealership, it didn’t seem like a big deal because we were sitting most of the time. But on our very first trip, constantly hunching over got old fast — especially when rain forced us indoors.
Here’s my advice: Don’t just walk through a camper. Experience it.
Bring everyone who will be camping with you — your spouse, kids, even your dog. Sit in the dinette. Stand in the shower. Imagine spending an entire rainy weekend inside.
Because what feels cozy in a showroom can feel cramped in real camping life.
Mistake #4: Compromising on Sleep Comfort
A good night’s sleep affects your entire camping experience — yet many small camper mattresses are surprisingly uncomfortable, especially when placed directly on plywood platforms.
One of the best upgrades we made was installing the Froli Sleep System, which goes underneath the mattress to add support and airflow. It completely changed how we sleep, and now I can’t imagine camping without it.
I’ve partnered with Froli to offer my viewers a 15% discount if improving your sleep is a priority here: https://geni.us/G0LBF5e
But regardless of upgrades, always test the bed before buying.
Is it a true queen — or what I call a “camper queen”?
Our first camper didn’t have a real queen-sized bed, and my husband couldn’t lie flat without bending his legs against the wall.
Comfortable? No. Romantic? Also no.
We tried to make it work, but after two months we traded it in — an expensive lesson that taught me this:
👉 Choose comfort over shiny features. You’ll rarely regret it.
Bigger isn’t always better… but too small can absolutely ruin your experience.
Mistake #5: Choosing Price Over Build Quality
Every RV is built differently. Some are designed to last for years, while others may develop problems quickly.
One reason many people love small campers is the freedom to travel almost anywhere — but that often means rough roads and uneven terrain. A poorly built camper won’t handle those conditions well.
Yes, better quality usually comes with a higher price tag. But in my experience, it’s smarter to buy a slightly smaller camper that’s well-built than a larger one that constantly needs repairs.
Always Get an Inspection
Whether you’re buying new or used:
- Hire a third-party RV technician
- Avoid using the dealer’s inspector
- Read owner forums and Facebook groups
- Look for patterns in common issues
Talking about build quality may not be glamorous, but it can save you thousands.
Mistake #6: Forgetting About Outside Storage
Most buyers focus on interior storage — but exterior storage can be a deal breaker.
Think about the bulky gear you’ll bring:
- Camping chairs
- Portable grill
- Outdoor rug
- Tools
- Leveling blocks
Without enough exterior space, packing becomes frustrating fast.
Look for pass-through storage, which runs across the camper and makes loading, organizing, and balancing weight much easier.
Smart storage doesn’t just simplify camping — it makes setup faster and your campsite less chaotic.
Mistake #7: Letting Amenities Drive Your Decision
Bathrooms in small campers vary widely, and what works for one person might not work for another.
Wet Bath vs. Dry Bath
- Wet bath: Shower and toilet share the same space
- Dry bath: Separate shower
I’ve never minded a wet bath because a separate shower takes space away from living areas — but this decision depends entirely on how you camp.
If you plan longer off-grid stays, remember that tank sizes still determine how long you can use that shower.
Before falling in love with a bathroom, ask yourself:
- Are you mostly taking weekend trips?
- Do you prefer extended stays?
- What matters most — space or convenience?
Don’t Let Amenities Push You Over Budget
Smaller campers naturally have fewer amenities than large RVs, so it’s important not to get distracted by flashy features.
Instead, focus on what you truly need.
Ask yourself:
- Will you cook often?
- Do you need counter space?
- What features actually improve your trips?
Write your must-haves down before shopping — it keeps emotions from driving your decision.
Final Thoughts: There Is No Perfect Camper
You may never find a 100% perfect camper — and that’s okay.
But when you ask the right questions and focus on what truly matters, you can avoid the regrets that catch so many buyers off guard.
👉 The goal isn’t perfection — it’s confidence in your decision.
And remember:
Choose comfort. Prioritize quality. Know your limits. Plan ahead.
Do that, and you’ll set yourself up for years of incredible camping memories.
Watch Next
Towing capacity is one of the most confusing parts of buying a camper — and one of the most important to get right.
👉 Watch my video explaining towing in simple terms so you can make the safest decision possible:
https://youtu.be/XyO4juiVDZE
