3 Good Entry-Level Trailer RVs for Under $20,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to buying a new RV, an entry-level travel trailer is often a great direction to go in. After some research and cross-referencing, we found these 3 entry-level trailer RVs for under $20,000. One of these might be the right RV camper trailer for many different households.  

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro | Forest River Inc.

There are three trim levels of the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Travel trailer that start under $20,000. The 2021 G12RK ($10,476), the G12SRK ($13,999), and G15TB ($19,995) are the cheapest Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro models in the lineup, according to Go Travel Trailers. There are several other versions of this one available for just over $20,000 as well.  

The Rockwood Geo Pro comes light too. In fact, the unloaded vehicle weight (GVW) of a G12RK is 1,552 lbs. This is an RV trailer with a workable kitchen and sleeping area. It offers a fridge, microwave, and is towable with a compact, or even subcompact SUV. 

The American Dream trailer 

The American Dream trailer parked in a meadow with snowcapped mountains behind
The American Dream travel trailer | Campanda

Inspired by a trailer from the 1960s, the American Dream trailer is a tiny trailer with big retro style. This is another compact travel trailer. However, this is a good entry-level RV trailer under $20,000 for more reasons other than its personality. 

The American Dream is a travel trailer with a very unique trait. The roof’s a row boat. It can detach at a moment’s ease for quick access to boating if you happen upon the ideal body of water.  

The American Dream trailer weighs 650 pounds, making it compatible with a wide variety of vehicles.

Riverside Retro travel trailer 

the rear of the retro RV camper trailer showing the kitchen beneath a fold out awning that doubles as a rear hatch.
Riverside Retro travel trailer | Riverside Inc.

According to Riverside RV, the Riverside Retro travel trailer is another small trailer that’s ready for adventure. It’s outfitted with all the necessities. Plus, the Riverside Retro RV is another retro-inspired vacation option––as the name would lead shoppers to believe. 

It offers a range of floor plans. The smallest Riverside Retro RV is called the 509 or the 511. These micro or mini travel trailers weigh just 1,050 and 1,570 lbs respectively. 

Choosing a good entry-level RV trailer for under $20,000

For those that want a lightweight option, all of these trailers weigh less than 2,000 pounds. Choosing a good entry-level RV trailer isn’t easy. Plus, there are many factors that go into the decision. 

The vehicle you’ll be using to haul your new RV travel trailer is just as important as the budget. While, both a small towing capacity and tight budget will limit RV shoppers, these details don’t mean there aren’t plenty of options to choose from. 

It’s important to assess how the RV is going to be used. In addition, it’s good to take into consideration how often it will go on trips.

Overall, it pays to do the right research. The models we’ve list here are some RV models under $20,000. They serve as good entry-level RV trailers. Finding the right trailer can be difficult. Hopefully this list can help point shoppers in the right direction.

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The 2021 Kia Stinger GT Pushes the Limits of Speed and Affordability

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you need a small sedan with a lot of power, the Kia Stinger is definitely one of your best bets. Contrary to popular belief, you can get a “sporty” car for well under $40,000. Opting for a regular car instead of a sports car also gives you increased cargo space and possibly better gas mileage.

U.S. News praises the 2021 Kia Stinger GT for being fast and relatively cheap. True, rivals like the Subaru WRX and or Volkswagen GLI are less expensive. However, the Stinger has a better engine lineup and one of the best interiors in the segment, making it a well-rounded choice.

How powerful is the 2021 Kia Stinger GT?

The Kia Stinger GT has a twin-turbo V6 capable of 365 hp, the most powerful engine available. This trim also comes with Brembo brakes, a limited rear-slip differential, and 19-inch wheels to enhance the Stinger’s handling. It’s available in either FWD or AWD, and the engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic.

When tested by Car and Driver, the optional twin-turbo V6 sprints from 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.4 seconds. That beats its official time from Kia, which is listed as 4.7 seconds. The Stinger GT sometimes has trouble around corners, but the Brembo brakes do a good job reinforcing driver confidence. The eight-speed automatic transmission is also a good match for the motor, demonstrating quick and precise shifts.

How much does a 2021 Stinger GT cost?

U.S. News says that a 2021 Kia Stinger GT starts at $39,590 for RWD models. The Stinger’s trim lineup was simplified for the upcoming 2022 model, consisting of just the GT-Line, GT1, and GT2. You can get the twin-turbo V6 standard on the GT1, which Kia sells for $43,690.

If you want to save some cash, the standard motor offered on the GT-Lines still packs plenty of power. It’s a turbo-four capable of 255 hp, starting at $33,090 for a 2021 model and $36,090 for 2022. However, this model won’t have the same fun equipment as the GT models.

The Kia Stinger GT’s other good qualities

Most critics say that the Kia Stinger’s interior isn’t as fancy as some rivals, but the GT models are better. The 2021 Stinger GT has heated front seats, plus power adjustability for both front riders. In the 2022 Stinger GT1, riders can enjoy a power sunroof as well as LED interior lighting.

Consumer Reports warns that getting inside the Kia Stinger might not be easy for taller drivers. The Stinger sits low to the ground and its sloping roofline doesn’t help. Once inside, the driving position is a little tight, but at least there’s sufficient padding around the legs.

In the second row, there’s really not enough headroom or leg space for tall adults to get situated. The seat cushions are also short and lack adequate support for long trips. The suspension makes for harsh ride quality, and the Stinger’s cabin isn’t as quiet as other sports cars.

On the plus side, the Kia Stinger has one of the highest cargo capacities of its class because it’s a hatchback. It has almost 41 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded flat. The loading floor is predictably low to the ground, and a power-opening hatch is available.

Smartphone integration and a wireless charging pad are both standard on every Stinger, but the GT models have upgraded stereo systems. The 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 has a 10.25-inch touchscreen, with user-friendly menus and quick response times. 

The GT models also come with more standard safety features, justifying the slightly higher price tag. However, even at the 2022 Kia Stinger GT1’s price point, it’s still a good value for a sports car.

RELATED: The 2022 Kia Stinger GT-line Got a Hefty Price Increase

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The GMC Canyon Somehow Manages to Be Even Less Popular Than the Honda Ridgeline

by Gabrielle DeSantis

According to 2020 and 2021 sales numbers, the GMC Canyon is somehow less popular than the unpopular Honda Ridgeline. GMC Canyon sales stats show 25,191 units sold in 2020 and only 7,144 through Q2 2021, GoodCarBadCar reports. Conversely, sales figures for the Honda Ridgeline reveal it sold 32,168 units in 2020 and 17,177 through Q2 2021, according to GoodCarBadCar.

Simply put: Even though consumers continue to avoid the Ridgeline, Honda’s midsize pickup truck still crushes the Canyon in sales.

General Motors’ dissociative identity disorder has hurt the GMC Canyon

Our November 2019 article “What You Really Won’t Like About the GMC Canyon” explains why the Canyon hasn’t been as popular as other midsize pickup trucks. The biggest issue affecting GMC Canyon is that its direct competitor is also its counterpart, the Chevrolet Colorado. The funny thing about it is that if you Google “GMC Canyon Wikipedia,” you’ll land on a redirect page for the Chevy Colorado.

This is meant to point out that even Wikipedia doesn’t feel the need to dedicate an entire page to the Canyon — toss it in with the Colorado. So not only does the Canyon find itself directly competing with its own counterpart — a counterpart that is a product of GM’s poster-child brand — but the Colorado is also the more affordable truck. They’re basically the same pickup, but the Canyon is supposed to be more stylish.

The GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline pale in comparison to other pickups in their class

It’s no secret that Americans adore trucks. According to a May 2020 CNBC report, the pandemic reinforced America’s love of pickups even as inventory tightened. A more recent CNBC report shows five of the 10 best-selling vehicles are pickup trucks.

Of course, the Ford F-Series maintained its decades-long sales dominance, followed by the Chevy Silverado in second place, the Ram 1500 in third, the GMC Sierra HD in ninth, and, finally, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road in 10th place. That’s from CNBC’s list of America’s 10 best-selling vehicles of 2020, so the roundup includes SUVs and sedans, too. CNBC noted, “The three top-selling pickups accounted for about 13 percent of the 14.5 million vehicles estimated to have been sold last year in the U.S.”

Absent from that list (and nowhere near it) are the GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline. In 2020, the GMC Sierra HD sold 253,016 units, completely smashing the Canyon. And though sales were down 4 percent, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma sold 238,806 units — a fellow Japanese competitor giving the Honda Ridgeline a thorough spanking.

A quick comparison of the Canyon and Ridgeline

The Honda Ridgeline saw a nice refresh for the model year 2021. Some reviewers think it looks much tougher than previous models. Additionally, Kelley Blue Book says the 2021 Ridgeline rates above average in terms of its multifunction tailgate, in-bed trunk, smooth V6 power, quick acceleration, new torque-vectoring all-wheel drivetrain, refined ride, and roomy standard crew cab.

However, the Ridgeline sits below average in off-roading capability. Plus, the front-wheel-drive version has a towing capacity of only 3,500 pounds, and the all-wheel-drive version can tow only 5,000 pounds.

But it boasts arguably the suavest car-like ride of any midsize pickup — the Honda Ridgeline is the epitome of comfort. Moreover, though it might be lacking in capability, it’s a segment leader in fuel efficiency. So it’s an excellent choice for those who do most of their work on the road and not off it.

As for the 2021 GMC Canyon, it shares the same 181-hp Duramax turbodiesel four-cylinder engine. Plus, it can tow 7,700 pounds and offers a refined Denali model and a new AT4 off-road performance edition. On the other hand, the Canyon has no manual transmission, the bed is higher than normal, and the MultiPro tailgate is unavailable. Oh, and some think the trim names are a bit strange.

Though the specs indicate the GMC Canyon would be popular, more buyers appear to prefer comfort and a smooth ride over toughness.

RELATED: The GMC Canyon Has the Unfortunate Distinction of Being the Least Satisfying Truck

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Which Countries Have the Most Supercars?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Regardless if they’re considered overrated or not, supercars are undoubtedly eye-catching. And, understandably, many enthusiasts would want to own one, considering how supercar brands curate images of performance and exclusivity. However, while a specific model might be rare, some places are hot spots for exotic sheet metal—at least on social media. And that’s how one site figured out the countries with the most supercars.

European nations dominate the list of the countries with the most supercars

A line of supercars being photographed at Top Marques Monaco 2018 | Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images

This report of the countries with the most supercars comes courtesy of Australian motoring site Chasing Cars. The site gathered every Instagram post featuring one of 10 different supercar brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, Pagani, Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, and Ford. And no, that last brand isn’t a typo or mistake; more on this later. Once Chasing Cars had this information, it grouped the posts by geotag to each country.

However, a country’s place on Chasing Cars’ list isn’t based purely on post volume. It’s actually a ratio: (# of posts)/1000 motorists. This avoids giving the win to countries simply because they have more motorists. After all, with more people on the road, the chance of seeing a supercar naturally rises. Though, as Autoweek notes, this list is also based on social media activity, rather than actual registration figures.

Nevertheless, according to Chasing Cars’ research, the countries with the most supercars tend to be European. Of the Top 10 countries, seven are in Europe, including the Top 3. In 3rd place is Portugal, with 136 supercar posts per 1000 motorists. Denmark takes 2nd with 162 posts per 1000 motorists. But Monaco, home of the famous Grand Prix, is in 1st place by a significant margin, with 3,051 supercar posts per 1000 motorists.

However, while Monaco may be the supercar country according to social media, it’s not the supercar capital. According to Chasing Cars’ research, that would be Miami, Florida. Although the US ranks 15th on the site’s list (66 posts per 1000 motorists), Miami is “the most supercar-obsessed city.” The Australian site found 1,514 supercar-tagged posts per 1000 motorists in the Florida city. In comparison, the #2 city on the list, Manchester, UK, ‘only’ had 881 posts per 1000 motorists.

A black 2020 Ford GT
2020 Ford GT | Ford

RELATED: The Mercedes CLK GTR Story Starts With a Modified McLaren F1

Chasing Cars didn’t just find out which countries have the most supercars, though. It also determined, again via Instagram posts, which specific supercars and supercar brands were the most talked-about. And it’s here that Ford’s presence in the brand list above becomes clear.

Based on Chasing Cars’ data, the Ford GT is the most hash-tagged supercar on Instagram. It’s possible the early-2000s Ford GT is boosting those numbers. But it’s worth noting those GTs are becoming valuable in their own right, and they’re still supercars. So, a win’s a win.

RELATED: Is McLaren’s Most Affordable Supercar a Good Daily Driver?

However, while Ford has the most popular supercar on Instagram, other supercar brands are more popular as a whole. Ferrari, for example, has two models in Chasing Cars’ Top 10: the F40 at #6 and the LaFerrari at #8. But according to Instagram posts, the most popular supercar brand is McLaren, with four models in the Top 10. The LaFerrari-rivaling P1 is #2, the 720S is #4, the F1 is #5, and the Senna is #7.

Popularity doesn’t always translate to sales, though

A red 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S parked on a dirt parking space by rolling green hills
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S | Porsche

RELATED: The 2022 Maserati MC20 Is a Ferrari-Fighting Daily Supercar

Although McLaren is the most popular supercar brand on Instagram, it’s not the best-selling one. Autoweek took 2020 supercar sales figures and grouped them based on the models and brands in Chasing Cars’ Top 10 list. And the results show McLaren’s social media popularity isn’t necessarily reflected in sales.

Based on Autoweek’s data, Ferrari sold over seven times more supercars than McLaren in 2020. Porsche 911 sales alone in 2020 outnumbered McLaren’s total sales by almost the same amount. And the 911 Turbo is ‘only’ #9 on Chasing Cars’ Top 10 list, right before the Audi R8 V10.

In short, according to social media, Monaco is the place to be for supercar spotting. And statistically, you’ll likely spot some kind of Ferrari.

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