By Cheri Sicard
Josh the RV Nerd is back to give us a tour of a travel trailer that might look retro but is actually new: the Riverside RV Retro 171DRD.
What is retro about this RV, and what I like most about it, is its simplicity. No slides. No fancy doodads. It’s just a simple, basic trailer that will serve a couple’s camping needs well.
The kitchen is small but sports a lot of style, including a large stainless steel farm sink and tile backsplash. It’s outfitted with a microwave, stove, and oven. However, it lacks counter space. Like… completely lacks counter space.
The cute little dinette resembles a booth in a vintage ’50s diner. You’ll find storage under one of the benches; the other is used for the electrical system. However, there is a HUGE chest-sized storage compartment behind one of the benches, too. As Josh says, “You can put a lot of junk in that trunk.” Of course, the dinette also converts to a bed.
There’s a lot of cabinetry and storage throughout. Josh likes that the doors all open horizontally as opposed to vertically, as there are no gas struts to wear out. I have to agree.
Especially for a small trailer, I really liked the bedroom. There are two small hanging closets on either side of the bed. And even though this is a budget RV, Josh says they still installed a comfortable quality mattress.
What does Josh not like about the Riverside RV Retro 171DRD Travel Trailer?
- There is virtually no counter space.
- The queen-sized bed is a short queen, so tall folks should take note.
- The shower is not made with shower-surround paneling. It’s not as big a deal as it sounds, as RVs were made this way for years. However, it will require you to wipe down the walls and turn on the vent fan with every shower.
New for 2023 Riverside RV Retro models
- 12-volt fridge
- Carpet-less, vent-less floor
- Optional solar package
- Tinted windows
- Full front pass-through storage
- Multiple color options
Riverside RV Retro 171DRD travel trailer specs
- Empty weight: 3,545 lbs.
- Cargo carrying capacity: 985 lbs.
- Length: 21”8”
- Fresh water: 36 gallons
- Gray water: 32 gallons
- Back water: 17 gallons
- MSRP: $32,952
Note: Josh calls it the 191RDR, but it’s actually the 171DRD.
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The wood interior brings back memories but its a little cramped. Josh’s video are always interesting to watch but sometimes I don’t get the audio. No matter, he does well in trying to show you what he is talking about.
Why such a huge sink?
I always liked the retro rv’s, but the tank capacity’s are too small for me. Not sure how long a 17 gallon black tank will last.
Looked at these when shopping for a new rig. The salesman wouldn’t even recommend them because of poor quality build.
Thank you, Cheri! 🙂 What a cute little RV! 🙂 It is so light that our Jeep could tow it! 🤔 I guess the short queen-sized bed could be a problem. I am 74″ tall. Still, I did sleep in my in-laws’s RV long ago with my feet beyond the end of the bed. I wrapped a blanket around them to keep my feet warm. 🤔 🙂 Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂