Like a four-season RV built to take on winter weather, the vehicle you bring with you on a desert adventure need to be versatile, reliable, and rugged, too. After all, you may find yourself facing triple-digit heat during the day, only to watch the mercury plunge below freezing at night. A large freshwater holding tank is also a must for dry conditions, and if you plan on traveling off-road, a reinforced suspension, all-terrain tires, and plenty of ground clearance are in order.
If you’re planning a desert adventure and are looking for the right rig to serve as your mobile base camp, we have a few suggestions. These RVs are some of the toughest and most reliable on the market, and are perfect for the Mojave, the Baja, and beyond.
Photo Credit: Northwood
Northwood Desert Fox
With its Arctic Fox line of travel trailers, Northwood set the standard for RV camping in cold conditions, and the Desert Fox extends that legacy to other extreme environments. The rig utilizes a fiberglass exterior, laminated substrate walls, and high-density foam insulation to keep the interior comfortable and cozy in both hot and cold temperatures. It also rides on the company’s proprietary Ironhorse chassis, giving it stability and durability when wandering off-road. Throw in a 400W solar power system, an Onan gas generator, and a comfortable modern interior, and you’re all set to take on the desert. And since it is a toy hauler, you can bring your favorite outdoor gear along for the ride. MSRP: $69,998
Photo Credit: Taxa Outdoors
Taxa Outdoors Mantis
With its torsion axle suspension, 11”+ of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, the Taxa Mantis is built for off-roading in the desert. The trailer’s five mesh windows provide plenty of airflow and ventilation, keeping the interior surprisingly cool on warm days. But if things still get a little too hot, it also comes standard with an 8,000-BTU air conditioner. A pop-up rooftop tent makes the perfect place to sleep at night, offering amazing views of the clear desert skies. MSRP: $45,750
Photo Credit: Winnebago
Winnebago Revel Sport
The Winnebago Revel Sport is the latest edition to the Revel line, bringing enhanced off-roading and boondocking capabilities. This Class B model comes with a 4.1kWh house battery to keep all of your gadgets and appliances running while camping off-grid. A diesel-fired hydronic heating system, an optional A/C unit, and copious amounts of insulation provide climate control across a wide variety of temperatures. We love the power lift bed, which quickly rises to the ceiling when not in use, creating an enormous gear garage for all of your favorite toys. MSRP: $210,570
Photo Credit: Lance
Lance 975 Truck Camper
Turn your pick-up into a go-anywhere desert explorer with the Lance 975 truck camper. Factory-installed solar panels, a 2.5k propane generator, and a 45-gallon freshwater tank help you get off-grid and stay there for extended periods. The queen-size pillowtop mattress, dry bath, and well-equipped galley kitchen will keep you comfortable and cozy while you’re out there. MSRP: $59,995
Photo Credit: Outside Van
Outside Van Parks
Outside Van’s Parks model has everything you could ask for from a Class B destined for the desert. Built on the Mercedes Sprinter platform, it comes with all-wheel drive, a 208HP engine, and excellent ground clearance. It is also equipped with air conditioning and heating, 140W solar panels, 310Ah lithium battery pack, and 80A alternator charger. You’ll also appreciate the outstanding rear bathroom, complete with spacious shower, for cleaning up after a full day of exploring the dunes. MSRP: $236,000
Photo Credit: Airstream
Airstream Basecamp 16X
The standard Airstream Basecamp is an outstanding little travel trailer built for adventure, but the 16X variant is especially well suited for the desert. This model comes with a 3” lift kit, an improved departure angle, a stainless steel front stone guard, and all-terrain tires for roaming further afield. Owners can also add an optional air conditioner for improved climate control and an inflatable tube-framed tent attachment for additional living space outdoors. Heavily tinted windows help block the sun and heat, keeping the interior surprisingly comfortable and adding additional privacy, too. True to its name, this towable makes a great desert base camp. MSRP: $55,850
Photo Credit: Living Vehicle
Living Vehicle Travel Trailers and Fifth-Wheels
Living Vehicle makes some of the most luxurious and unique travel trailers and fifth-wheels on the market, with upscale interiors designed for comfort. And while these towables may not seem particularly well-suited for the desert, they do have one feature that truly sets them apart—the ability to create fresh water. The company offers an optional Watergen system, that when installed can pull up to five gallons of water from the air each day, even when camping in low humidity environments. That, combined with a massive solar array and a lithium house battery system, make these rigs some of the best off-grid options around. That is, if you can afford one. MSRP: $299,995 and up.
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