Vintage Vs Retro: Which Should You Choose For A Snazzy RV With Old-School Vibes

The freedom of the open road has inspired travelers for generations, but extended road trips have never been more popular than they are today. Van life is popular among remote workers who can travel wherever the wind takes them — as long as there's enough reception to set up a hotspot. Similarly, many retirees are opting to spend their golden years living life on the road and exploring the most amazing RV campsites around the world. 

Whether you're looking to buy a new home on wheels, or rent one for an epic road trip — nothing beats the vibes of old school RVs. Road trips have a certain nostalgic magic and the Great American Road Trip has been immortalized through classic literature and movies. A vintage or retro RV takes the experience up a notch because they're infinitely more stylish than modern alternatives.

Vintage RVs are genuine artifacts from another era, whereas retro RVs are aesthetically similar with the addition of modern technology. Your budget will likely play the biggest role in dictating which you choose. You'll also want to consider how much elbow grease you're willing to put in to make your RV roadworthy, and your personal travel style. You should consider choosing a true vintage RV if you're looking for a fun project or an affordable option that allows you to invest in sweat equity. If you're in love with all things vintage, don't want to put in work renovating, and have room in your budget to splurge then a retro RV might be a better choice. It's possible to find true vintage RVs that are already renovated, but expect to pay a pretty penny. 

Vintage RVs from the '50s, '60s, and '70s are incomparably cool and there are plenty of different styles to choose from. Vintage Shastas are a great compact option. Known affectionately as "canned hams", they're decked out with an iconic lightning bolt and two-toned colorways in shades of turquoise, lemon, or pink. They're small and lightweight, so can be pulled behind a variety of vehicles including some small SUVs. Shastas are surprisingly spacious inside for their size. The stylish wood interiors are equipped with a small kitchenette and enough space to sleep two-four people. At time of writing there were vintage Shatas for sale with prices ranging from about $5,000 (in need of total renovation) to $26,000 (fully renovated).

Classic aluminum Airstreams are probably what comes to mind when you think of a vintage RV. Their unique aero-dynamic shape somehow manages to appear futuristic and anachronistic simultaneously. Spartans and Avions are two other brands with a similar aesthetic and construction. They come in a multitude of sizes. Some models are larger than some New York City apartments. If you're looking for a home on wheels with vintage vibes, these are ideal. The bigger versions have galley kitchens, dining areas, bathrooms, and private bedrooms. I purchased a vintage 31-foot Avion for $4,000 (before renovation costs) in 2024. 

You may be able to find a great deal on a vintage RV, but plan ahead for maintenance and repairs and budget your renovation costs so that your RV is safe and comfortable while camping. Vintage RVs are also a great option if you're looking for a unique vacation rental, but don't plan on taking many road trips.  

If you're a fan of the vintage aesthetic, but aren't necessarily looking to put the time and effort into renovating something that is decades old, Retro RVs are the answer. The word retro refers to things designed to look like they're from a bygone era – but they're actually brand new. Retro style RVs are popular choices, and there are plenty of options to choose from at different price points. They have all the charm of vintage campers, but with modern conveniences and technology. Since they're new, they'll likely have less problems and maintenance issues, which is more convenient if you want to hit the road right away.

Modern day Airstreams look super similar to the original vintage models, but they're equipped with every modern luxury. These are top-of-the-line campers with gorgeous interiors, so you can live out your Americana fantasy without sacrificing your comfort for a single second. Be ready to splurge because the smallest most inexpensive model starts at $48,000 and the largest most expensive option starts at around $180,000.

Shasta released a limited edition remake of their classic canned hams in 2015 and 2016. You can find used options for around $15,000. Happier Camper makes an adorable retro-inspired egg-like trailer in a variety of sizes that start at around $27,000. Gulf Stream makes a fun 50's style trailer aptly named the Vintage Cruiser. They come in crimson or teal and prices start around $25,000. RVTrader.com is a wonderful place to shop for retro RVs online. You can also try your luck searching Facebook Marketplace, just make sure you do plenty of research before purchasing. If you're looking to rent a motor-home or camper for an upcoming road trip, check out RetroRV.com.