Hybrid Campers Breaking the Mold in 2025
Over the decades, RV design has honed in on what works for most campers, to the point where walking a dealership lot or an RV show, many floor plans and features start to feel familiar. Manufacturers often iterate, refine, and perfect the design formulas people already love. Hybrid campers are the exception.
These RVs blur categories, mix design concepts, and introduce features that don’t neatly fit into any one type. They’re part travel trailer, part toy hauler, part destination trailer — or something entirely new.
In this post, we’re exploring the best hybrid campers of 2025, which are gaining momentum, and how these innovative designs are reshaping the way people hit the road.
What Is a Hybrid RV?
Traditionally, the term “hybrid camper” refers to expandable travel trailers like the Rockwood Roo Series—one part travel trailer and one part pop up camper. However, one of our major takeaways from the 2026 Hershey RV Show was that manufacturers continue to stretch the traditional RV-type definitions.
They’re also leaning into new trends, such as embracing influencer-inspired layouts, upgrading technology, incorporating elements typically found only in specific floor plans into other designs, and more.
We saw fifth wheels with side patios and multi-use living spaces reminiscent of toy hauler garages. There were compact travel trailers that double as toy haulers with elements of pop up campers. Plus, Class C and A motorhomes that incorporate features typically reserved for the camper van segment.
So, we’re forced to reevaluate our definition of hybrid RVs. Simply put, a hybrid RV is any that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from that RV type. Let’s explore some!
8 Hybrid Campers Reinventing RV Types
Across RV classes, manufacturers are blending layouts, borrowing features from other categories, and experimenting with designs. The models below are some of the most interesting examples we saw—each one pushing the boundaries of its category in a different way.
This year, manufacturers have also leaned into influencer-inspired floor plans that incorporate hybrid features and amenities that are anything but ordinary, regardless of the RV type.
These are our favorites:
Forest River Sabre 37RVMILES
Images by Forest River
Specs
- Length: 43′
- Dry Weight: 13,613 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,757 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
We begin with an influencer-inspired floor plan that, quite honestly, has a lot going on. At its core, the Sabre 37RVMILES is a family-focused 5th wheel. Still, with a sliding glass patio door that opens onto an electric side deck and a rear bonus room, it features some impressive elements that are anything but standard in this RV segment.
Its most impressive area is the multi-purpose rear room. We’re not entirely sure what to call it, but if you need extra sleeping space, it features a loft and a tri-fold sofa that functions easily as a bunk room. However, it also features a large wardrobe with a pull-out desk below it, offering a seamless transition to a mobile office. But it doesn’t stop there, as this space also boasts a 70” pull-down projector screen, converting it into a home theater for family movie nights.
As a bonus, the massive L-shaped sectional sofa in the living area provides a second comfortable space for TV viewing. So if you want to set the kids up with their movie in that rear room while the parents watch something a little more their speed in the living area, this is a rare hybrid camper that makes it possible.
Keystone Coleman 13T
Specs
- Length: 15’11”
- Dry Weight: 3,005 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,250 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
As one of the newest additions to this Keystone RV lineup, the Coleman 13T is technically a travel trailer toy hauler, but with a pop-out side tent, it incorporates elements of a pop up camper to accommodate additional sleepers.
Plus, there’s a wet bath like you’d traditionally find in camper vans. Your primary sleeping space might be the Murphy bed, but when that’s flipped up, it reveals a pop up table that offers a cozy dining space, as well as an optional desk for remote work.
This Coleman toy hauler offers lightweight towability with solid cargo capacity. Despite its compact size, you still get upgraded amenities like 6’6” ceilings, a convection microwave with a built-in air fryer, and Keystone’s SolarFlex
prep for an optional solar package upgrade.
Forest River Alpha Wolf 24TRUNK
Specs
- Length: 30’9″
- Dry Weight: 6,403 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,542 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Forest River’s Cherokee division is well-known for introducing innovative layouts and hybrid floor plans in the travel trailer segment. The Alpha Wolf 24TRUNK continues that legacy with a layout that, at first glance, looks very much like a traditional family bunkhouse camper. But we need to take a closer look.
Sure, those double-over-double rear bunks offer the perfect place for up to four small kids to sleep, but unlike a normal bunkhouse RV, those beds are entirely removable. When paired with the side cargo loading door and a total of six tie-down points, this space easily converts into an oversized gear garage between destinations.
In our opinion, the rest of the layout gets it right, as well. The rear corner bathroom maximizes counterspace, storage, and functionality. The L-shaped kitchen features all your standard RV cooking appliances, along with a spacious hidden pantry located behind the entertainment center. Finally, the front bedroom offers parents privacy and the comfort of a 60” x 80” queen bed.
Keystone Cougar 29MBD
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Specs
- Length: 3311″
- Dry Weight: 9,045 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 11,000 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The mid-bunk 5th wheel floor plan is one of the most attractive options for families, offering two separate bedrooms for parents and kids. However, the Cougar 29MBD delivers all those benefits in a more lightweight package that remains well under 35 feet long—and that rarity in and of itself is enough for this RV to make our list of hybrid campers.
The Keystone team outdid themselves with this mid-bunk layout, which incorporates the kind of bunk beds you’d typically only find in a residential home. The top bunk is accessed by a built-in ladder instead of a removable one, and features the kind of safety rails you’d want for a kid sleeping more than four feet off the ground.
Additionally, they opened up the entryway in this hybrid fifth wheel to offer an actual mudroom, complete with a bench seat, shoe cubbies, coat hooks, and a hallway linen closet. The rest of the layout is well done, too, boasting a king bed, rear kitchen, and plenty of seating thanks to a booth dinette and a three-seat sofa.
Forest River Arctic Wolf 38LEAH.G
Images by Forest River
Specs
- Length: 43’6″
- Dry Weight: 12,563 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,772 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
If you’re standing in the rear living area of the Arctic Wolf 38LEAH.G, it’s easy to imagine you’re inside a destination trailer. Sure, this fifth wheel isn’t exactly lightweight, but it leans into another influencer-inspired design to bring amenities typically found on destination-style RVs into the mid-priced fifth wheel segment. It’s also the RV News 2026 RV of the Year for Mid-Priced Fifth Wheels.
Speaking of that rear living room, dual opposing slides provide the foundation for the expanded space. That allowed them to add a huge L-shaped sectional sofa across from an entertainment center with a massive fireplace, and still tuck a permanent desk into the corner for remote work.
In the kitchen, the expanded island offers amazing prep space and bar-stool seating for up to four. Moving forward, the half bath also serves as a true RV laundry room, featuring space for a stackable washer-dryer, a flip-down table for folding, and a hanging rod for drying. The bedroom features a king bed in a slide-out, and the cherry on top is a spa-like front bathroom, complete with a massive backlit mirror, a beauty station, and a walk-in closet.
Keystone Walkabout 26MAX
Specs
- Length: 30’9″
- Dry Weight: 7,140 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,510 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Not many bunkhouse travel trailers are truly equipped to handle rugged outdoor excursions, then there’s the Walkabout 26MAX, created in collaboration with Keystone RV and MeatEater’s Steven Rinella. Its combination of family-friendly features, rugged running gear, and capability for serious outdoor enthusiasts helped it earn its place on our list of the best hybrid campers of 2026.
Starting outside, it’s hard to miss the unique automotive-grade exterior finish. But there are a ton of features to love, too, including a dedicated compartment for a forced-air heated boot dryer, a massive front pass through compartment with fishing rod hooks, and a collapsible outdoor kitchen shelf with a built-in sink that can literally be placed anywhere on the exterior with suction cups.
There’s plenty to enjoy inside, as well, starting with a massive slide-out with atrium-style top windows for arguably the most natural light you’ll get in a bunkhouse camper. Other interior standouts include double bunks with a rear cargo door, collapsible tables, super storage space under the sofa, and a pocket door entry into the private front bedroom.
Thor Freedom Traveler A24
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Specs
- Length: 25’8″
- Chassis: Ford® E-Series
- GVWR: 12,500 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Freedom Traveler A24 breaks the mold of what we’ve come to expect from Class A RVs. For starters, it’s under 26 feet, which is impressive in itself, but it also boasts an interior layout you’d typically only find in Class B Plus RVs.
The rear bedroom is dedicated to a twin-to-king bed conversion, providing flexibility to transition from two lounging spots to separate beds or a full-width sleeping area. The 66” sofa in the living area also doubles as a second bed if needed, but the inclusion of side tables also makes it your primary dining area.
Thanks to its shorter length and Ford chassis, this small Class A motorhome eases the learning curve for anyone driving a larger RV for the first time. Plus,
Thor Freedom Elite 19HXF
Specs
- Length: 21’3″
- Chassis: Ford® E-Series
- GVWR: 11,500 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
One of the newest additions to this Thor Class C lineup, the Freedom Elite 19HXF continues their recent trend of hybridizing camper van layouts to work within a Class C floor plan. Coming in at barely over 21 feet long, this Class C is shorter than some van campers, while offering higher ceilings and the important benefit of a cabover bunk area.
What truly distinguishes this RV as a hybrid is its floor plan, which features opposing benches with removable tables. Thanks to four extra seat belts, you can safely transport up to six passengers—even if some have to tent camp once you arrive.
The benches offer fold-down capability to create a single, full-width central bed, in addition to the 52” x 91” sleeping area in the cabover. While you get a mini fridge, sink, and two-burner cooktop for a functional kitchen, the other hybrid feature is in the rear, where you’ll find a wet bath across from the closet—similar to many Class B RV floor plans.
Honorable Mentions
Are Hybrid Campers Waterproof?
When referring to traditional tent-and-trailer hybrid campers, they are designed to be weather-resistant, but not entirely waterproof. Their expandable sections utilize tent-like materials, which can keep out most rain when properly maintained. However, they don’t offer the same waterproof protection as the hard-sided portions of the RV. The hard shell will remain dry, but the fabric areas require proper setup, sealing, and care to stay protected in wet conditions.
To keep your hybrid camper dry:
- Sealing and maintenance: Ensure all RV seams and seals around the expandable sections, windows, and doors are properly maintained and sealed. Regularly check for any wear and tear and replace seals as necessary.
- Rain fly and covering: The tent areas are designed to let air in on nice days. In the event of rain, be sure to zip up these openings to keep everything dry inside.
- Avoid Prolonged Exposure: If possible, avoid extended exposure to extreme weather, especially heavy rain or storms, as the fabric sections are more vulnerable to moisture.
While hybrid campers are generally waterproof, proper maintenance and extra precautions can significantly reduce the risk of water entering the camper.Regarding the other hybrid campers mentioned above, most are fully hard-sided, so you won’t have to worry about tent-like areas. General RV maintenance and a periodic RV roof inspection are key in these cases.
How Do I Keep My Hybrid Camper Cool?
Most hybrid tent campers have a built-in air-conditioner designed to function even with the expanded tent areas. That said, hybrid campers with tent areas won’t offer the same insulation as hard-shell campers. Because of that, the following steps can help you stay cool:
- Park in the shade: This will block the sun’s rays and keep your camper cooler.
- Cook outside: Cooking inside your camper can increase the temperature, so use a portable grill or campfire instead.
- Clean AC filters: Regularly clean RV AC filters with warm water and detergent to prevent them from getting clogged.
Hybrid campers without tent areas are easier to keep cool, but the tips above will still help on hot days.
As hybrid campers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in RV design, they’re offering campers a whole new way to experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a more compact, mobile option or an expanded space with luxury features, the hybrid campers of 2025 are here for the ride.
Curious about what else is new in 2025?
- 2025 Campsite Reserve + Campsite Ultra
- Top 2025 RVs from Hershey
- 2025 Salem and Wildwood RVs
- 2025 Keystone Coleman RVs
Ready to hit the road in a hybrid camper? Let us know which model you’re most excited about, or share any questions you might have in the comments below!
The post Hybrid Campers Breaking the Mold in 2025 appeared first on Camping World Blog.
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