Best RVs for a Family of 5: How to Choose the Right Size
Whether you’re heading to a national park, taking a multi-state road trip, or camping at a nearby state park, here’s how to pick the best RV for your family.
John J’s family of 5 enjoyed the space and living spaces of the Thor Quantum LC28
Renting the right RV for a family of five means everyone gets a good night’s sleep, there’s enough room to eat and relax, and you’re not living on top of each other. But you also want something small enough to drive and park without stress.
Look for Class C RVs
Most families find Class C RVs hit the sweet spot between livable space and drivability.
Class A motorhomes have more room but usually are much longer (35+ feet), making them much harder to drive and park. Some national park campgrounds have length restrictions that rule them out entirely (like the Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon, which maxes out at 30 feet for many sites).
Class B camper vans are easiest to drive but don’t have enough sleeping space or amenities for five people.
Pick Your Size: 25-Foot vs. 29-30 Foot
Choose a 25-foot RV (like the Winnebago View 24D/J or Nexus 24TS) if you want easier parking and driving, plan to visit multiple destinations, or have younger kids who can share sleeping spaces comfortably.
Choose a 29-30 foot RV (like the Thor Quantum LC28 or Nexus 29T) if you have teenagers who need their own space, are planning longer trips where interior comfort matters more, or want a dedicated bedroom with a door.
One note for first-timers: all of these RVs can be driven with a standard driver’s license. Read more: Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV?
What to Look for in an RV for 5
As you browse RV rentals, prioritize sleeping arrangements, bathroom setup, and tank sizes. Storage, kitchen space, and entertainment are important but more forgiving.
Sleeping Space: Look at the actual bed configurations, not just the “sleeps X” number. A dinette that converts to a bed works fine for a child but not for an adult. The over-cab bunk in most Class Cs fits two kids comfortably.
Bathroom: A full bath with separate shower and toilet (not a “wet bath” where everything gets wet) makes a big difference with kids. All the models described below have full baths.
Tank Sizes: If you’re staying at campgrounds with full hookups, tank size matters less. For boondocking or sites without services, larger fresh water, gray, and black tanks give you more flexibility between dump stations.
Generator: You’ll need a generator to run A/C, heat water, and charge devices unless you’ll be plugged into shore power. All Blacksford rentals include unlimited generator use.
Slide-outs: These expand your living space significantly when parked but need relatively level ground and can’t be extended while driving.
Best RVs for a Family of 5
Winnebago View 24D/J: Class C • 25 Feet, 6 Inches
A well-designed floorplan with a slide-out that adds considerable living space.
Sleeps 4–5: Queen (24J) or Murphy bed (24D) for parents, large over-cab bunk fits two kids, dinette converts for one or two kids
Bathroom: Private shower, sink, and flush toilet
Kitchen: Fridge/freezer, microwave/convection oven, 2-burner propane stove
Living Area: Slide-out opens to sofa and dinette seating
Generator: 3600w Cummins Onan propane generator, 12-14 hours runtime on full tank
Fuel Economy: 12-14 MPG
Why Our Customers Love It
The over-cab bunk is sized for kids, and the slide-out transforms the interior from tight to comfortable. The 2-burner stove is enough for most family meals, and at just under 26 feet, you can fit in tighter campground spots and park at most trailheads.
Nexus Triumph 24TS: Class C • 25 Feet, 8 Inches
A 3-burner stove and full oven for families who want more cooking flexibility.
Sleeps 5: Rear queen bed for parents, over-cab bunk for 2-3 kids, dinette converts for one more
Bathroom: Full bath with shower, skylight, separate toilet/sink area
Kitchen: 3-burner stove, oven, microwave, mid-size fridge
Living Area: Banquette seating for five, plus a TV
Generator: NPS 4500 gas generator
Bonus: Outdoor shower, electric awning
Why Our Customers Love It
Similar 25-foot length as the View but with a full oven and extra burner. The outdoor shower is great for rinsing off sandy kids before they track half the beach inside.
Nexus Triumph 29T: Class C • 29 Feet, 8 Inches
A spacious option, with two slide-outs and a private rear bedroom.
Sleeps 8: King bed in enclosed rear bedroom, over-cab bunk for kids, dinette and sofa both convert
Bathroom: Full bath with shower and skylight
Kitchen: 3-burner cooktop, oven, microwave, large fridge
Living Area: Two slide-outs create a genuinely spacious lounge and dining area, 40" TV
Generator: NPS 5500 gas generator
Bonus: Outdoor shower, electric awning
Why Our Customers Love It
The enclosed bedroom means parents can stay up after kids go to sleep (or vice versa). Two slide-outs make this feel more like a small apartment than a vehicle. Best for longer trips or families with teenagers who need separation.
Thor Quantum LC28: Class C • 30 Feet
A 30-footer with massive “basement” storage and two TVs.
Sleeps 7: Rear queen bed, over-cab bunk, jackknife sofa and convertible dinette
Bathroom: Full bath with spacious shower and skylight, plus outdoor shower
Kitchen: 3-burner cooktop, oven, microwave, fridge
Living Area: Single slide-out expands interior, two TVs
Storage: 100+ cubic feet of exterior storage
Generator: Onan 4000 gas generator
Why Our Customers Love It
The exterior storage is a game-changer for families with bikes, strollers, or outdoor gear. At 30 feet, it’s at the upper limit for many campground restrictions, so check site requirements before booking if you’re headed to popular national park campgrounds.
Practical Tips for RVing with a Family of 5
A few things that make our customers’ family trips smoother:
Download entertainment before you leave. WiFi and cell service disappear in most national parks. Load up tablets with movies, audiobooks, and games before you go.
Assign beds on day one. Negotiating sleeping arrangements every night gets old fast. Pick spots and stick with them.
Stop every 2-3 hours. Build in breaks at rest stops, parks, or roadside attractions. Kids (and adults) handle long drives better with regular movement.
Plan 3-4 easy meals. Stock up on ingredients for simple dinners like tacos, pasta, or sandwiches before you leave. Grocery runs in small towns near parks can be limited and pricey.
Use the outdoor space. Camp chairs and picnic tables basically double your living area. Blacksford rentals include camping chairs, and most of these models have electric awnings.
Book Your Family’s RV With Blacksford
The Winnebago View and Nexus 24TS are easier to maneuver and park. The Thor Quantum and Nexus 29T give you more interior space, which pays off on longer trips or with older kids. There are always tradeoffs between size and comfort, but any of these will work well for a family of five.
All Blacksford rentals include unlimited mileage, unlimited generator use, and 24/7 on-trip support from our local team. Browse our available RV rentals and start planning your trip today!