In the world of motorhomes and campers, the price tags on some machines can tempt you to look elsewhere. Well, Runaway Campers knows that not everyone wants to spend their entire savings on a unit, and so the most expensive motorhome you’ll find in their lineup starts at under $12,000. Here’s what a family-ready Venturist 6×8 can do for you.
Friends, Runaway Campers is one of those camping teams that has managed to amass over 40,000 followers on Facebook without having existed for decades; they saw their debut in 2012. However, over the 14 years since that first dayThey have provided Americans with off-road, off-grid solutions that won't cost them much.
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 necessary features a family needs to live off the land for as long as they have supplies.
Now the Venturist 6×8 is not to be confused with the Venturist XSthe ultra-mega-mini version of this travel trailer; the 6×8 is designed to accommodate guests in a similar way to teardrop campers, with an interior living space filled with basic comforts; the XS uses its shell solely for storage, and with a roof tent, it transforms into a liveable camper.
Photo: Campers on the run
At its core, the Venturist features a steel chassis, but the real highlight is Timbren's axleless independent suspension, which lets you explore some of the toughest terrain the U.S. has to offer. With a pair of 17-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, we're treated to over 20 inches of ground clearance. The electric brakes are also part of the magic here.
So far, it looks a lot like what we find on the XS model, but again, the main difference is spotted once we explore the hull or body of the unit. Here, a solid-wall construction makes for a box that stands at up to 46 inches of headroom, so you won't be standing up in this one, but there's plenty of room for a mattress that's less than 70 inches wide and 94.5 inches long. Aluminum trim also highlights the hull's fiberglass exterior.
What I liked most about this case is that, even though it's very expensive, it's still strong enough to support tons of extra gear. For example, the gallery images show a rear-mounted gas can holder, a water heater, an air conditioner, and most importantly, a set of roof rails. The latter is essential if you're planning family tripsbecause it unlocks the ability to use a rooftop tent. If you plan on leaving the family behind, just use this feature for items like kayaks, bikes, or anything else you might need on your travels.
Photo: Campers on the run
Now before we head back I want to point out that the fenders we see are accessible and a powder coated diamond skid plate up front helps minimise damage from flying stones and debris. Tinted safety glass with fly screens is also built into the hull as you may need to escape the rain from time to time.
While I could sit here and go through a list of several other features that the 6×8 has in store, why not try something different? I would like to invite you to pretend that you are now in possession of one of these units. Once you've done that, strap it to your truck, grab your essentials, give the kids a whistle, and off you go.
Driving down the highway, you happen to see a dirt road break away from the tarmac. You decide to follow this road until you're in the middle of nowhere; the only sounds you hear are the wind rustling through the surrounding vegetation and the local wildlife. Oh, and the kids are clearly causing their own level of havoc.
Photo: Campers on the run
After stretching those legs, you all tackle your designated tasks to prepare the site for the next few days. The kids are out gathering bits and pieces of brush to light the evening fire while you and your partner make use of the tent, dining table, chairs and outdoor grill. With the mattress unfurled, your Venturist awaits with all three doors wide open and a cool breeze blowing through the space. This looks like a perfect place to nap when the sun is at its peak.
Sure, these babies only start at under $12,000, and by the time you're done outfitting it with everything you need, you'll be looking at a much higher bill, but if you build your essentials list carefully and frugally, 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 caravan, don't be shy and call Runaway or search for a Venturist 6×8 in your area. Why not head to Florida and start at the source of this proudly American brand?
