In the world of RVs and recreational vehicles, the price tag on some units can make you look elsewhere. Well, Runaway Campers knows that not everyone wants to spend their life savings on a unit, and so the most expensive RV you’ll find in their lineup starts at less than $12K. Here’s what a family-friendly Venturist 6×8 can do for you.
Guys, Runaway Campers is one of those camper groups that has managed to amass a following of over 40,000 people on Facebook without having been around for decades; they started in 2012. However, in the 14 years since that first day, they have been offering Americans off-road and off-grid solutions that won’t break the bank.
Heck, their most expensive unit, the flagship Venturist 6×8, starts at $11,945, and it's a unit that can be outfitted with the features a family needs to live off the land for as long as they have it.
Now, the Venturist 6×8 is not to be confused with the Venturist XS, the ultra-mega-mini version of this caravan; the 6×8 is designed to accommodate guests in a similar way to teardrop campers, with an internal living space equipped with basic comforts; the XS uses its body only for storage and, with a roof tent, transforms into a live-in camper.
Photo: Campers on the run
The Venturist has a steel frame underneath, but the real showpiece is the Timbren’s axleless independent suspension, which lets you explore some of the roughest terrain the U.S. has to offer. With a pair of 17-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, we’re looking at over 20 inches of ground clearance. Electric brakes are also part of the magic here.
So far, it looks pretty similar to what we find on the XS model, but again, the main difference comes when we dig into the frame or body of the unit. Here, solid-wall construction makes for a box with up to 46 inches of headroom, so you won’t be standing on this one, but there’s plenty of room for a mattress less than 70 inches wide and 94.5 inches long. The aluminum trim also highlights the fiberglass exterior of the frame.
What I really liked about this shell is that despite the steep price tag, it’s still sturdy enough to handle tons of additional gear. For example, the images in the gallery show a rear-mounted gas can holder, a water heater, an AC unit, and most importantly, a set of roof racks. The latter is essential if you’re planning on family trips, as it unlocks the ability to use a rooftop tent. If you’re planning on leaving the family at home, only use this feature for things like kayaks, bikes, or anything else you might need on your travels.
Photo: Campers on the run
Now before we get into it, I should point out that the fenders we see are walkable, and a powder-coated diamond blade on the front helps ensure minimal damage from rocks and debris kicked up. There are also tinted safety windows built into the body with mesh, since you may need to get out of the rain every now and then.
While I could sit here and go through a list of other features that the 6×8 has in store, why not try something different? I would like to invite you to pretend that you now own one of these units. Once you do, hook it up to your truck, grab your essentials, give the kids a shout, and off you go.
As you drive down the highway, you happen to see a dirt road branching off from the asphalt. You choose to follow this road until you find yourself in the middle of nowhere; the only sounds you hear are the rustling of the wind through the nearby vegetation and the local wildlife. Oh, and the kids are clearly causing their own level of chaos.
Photo: Campers on the run
After stretching your legs, you all get to work preparing the site for the next couple of days. The kids are out gathering wood and brush to light the evening fire, while you and your significant other make use of the tent, dining table, chairs, and outdoor grill. With the mattress unrolled, your Venturist awaits you with all three doors wide open and a cool breeze blowing through the space. It looks like a great place to take a nap when the sun is at its brightest.
Sure, these little beasts start at under $12,000, and by the time you’ve kitted them out with everything you need, you’ll be looking at a lot more than that, but if you put together your essentials list carefully and sparingly, you’ll still be well below what most other RV manufacturers charge for a machine of this nature.
If you have potentially found your future camper, don't be shy and call Runaway or search for a Venturist 6×8 in your area. Why not head to Florida and kick things off at the source of this proudly American brand?
