Campers come in all shapes and sizes, but let’s face it, do we really want, or need, the biggest unit on the lot? Most of us don’t, and in the spirit of helping you find the affordable and essential solution to living off the grid and off the road, I’ve decided to shed some light on the Venturist XS, a mini camper from none other than America’s Runaway Campers.
Honestly, I don’t expect you’ve heard of Runaway Campers, especially since this family-run company isn’t as well-known as timeless giants like Jayco or Airstream. However, if you’re a regular follower, you may have seen the coverage we’ve provided on this team in 2022.
Well, a lot has changed in the last two years, but if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s Runaway’s commitment to consistently providing Americans with essential, functional trailers at an affordable price that doesn’t require you to go out and sell a kidney.
Photo: Campers on the run
One such unit is the Venturist XS, a smaller version of an already beloved unit from this brand. Oh, and just so we’re on the same page, these little guys start at no more than $7,845, according to Runaway. That’s a figure that should have countless Americans scouring the internet for a contact number for this team; you’ll have to go to Florida.
If you do, you’ll end up with one of the few campers of this style to ever grace North America. Oh, and just to avoid any misunderstandings on this subject, the rooftop tent we see atop the unit in the gallery is not included in the price I mentioned; yes, all we get is the proverbial box on wheels in front of us.
Now, the XS design is simple, and as history has taught us, simplicity is best. Heck, the damn thing weighs no more than 795 pounds, and in that 795 pounds we find a unit that can handle a couple's lifestyle with great ease, and we'll find out how.
For starters, it all sits on a steel chassis with a Timbren axleless suspension with a 4-inch lift and a pair of BF Goodrich AT tires. Oh, and some of these features are customizable, so be sure to talk to Runaway about that before you settle on your dream ride. Add a pair of stand-on fenders and you’re good to go. In total, the XS sports over 20 inches of ground clearance.
Photo: Campers on the run
Then there’s the body of this unit, an enclosure that’s clearly not meant for sleeping, but rather for carrying all the things you might need to relax, explore, eat, and keep yourself clean while in the wilderness. It’s constructed using only aluminum trim, solid walls, and a fiberglass exterior to ensure the elements don’t come knocking on your door.
If the situation gets worse, you might be able to get some sleep in this cove; think of it as taking the couch after a heated argument. Just kidding; Runaway clearly says this space is for storage only, but it's 6 feet long, so, y'know, you'll figure it out.
One nice thing about this storage unit is that it is 4 feet wide, 2 feet tall, and accessible via a rear hatch or two side doors. This may not seem like much now, but once you get to your destination, you won’t have to unload everything just to access a stovetop you might have stowed in the front of the storage unit; easy access from all sides. You can also add a front cone storage unit, and judging by some of the pictures, the shell can also withstand a variety of features mounted all around its exterior.
Photo: Campers on the run
One specific feature, and one that unlocks overnight use, are the two roof racks that Runaway has mounted to the top of the XS. Since this system can support up to 600 pounds (static unit) of load, a tent is a definite necessity. Add an attached shower tent and you’ll have a full campsite in no time, and to think you started this adventure for less than $8,000.
Now, camping and exploring are just two uses for the XS. Really, you can do just about anything you want with one of these. Sure, they’re designed to be the ultimate budget RV option for the modern nomadic couple, but I can totally see this unit being used for things like hauling your kayaks or e-bikes for a day trip, out to a ranch, hauling essential gear, and even batteries for when you need to tap into power in the middle of nowhere, and so much more. Heck, the kids will definitely love it for rounds of hide and seek.
All that's left to do now is find one of these beauties lying around at a dealership or go straight to the source. Just be warned: you might leave the lot with a brand new unit.
