Today’s RV (p)review is of an unnamed member of the Riverside RV Retro family. Riverside RV is a small, independent manufacturer of RVs that has the Retro, Intrepid and Explorer series.
The model shown was something before even a prototype. The company was experimenting with what they could do and came up with this very unusual floor plan. The thing is, this floor plan isn’t as unusual as you might think. In the 1960s there were a number of these “cabover” or upper-bunk trailers produced by a number of companies. This is just the first one I’ve seen built in the last 50 years.
The idea of this is to extend the interior of a smaller trailer by allowing the bed to protrude over the tongue of the trailer. This gives you more interior space without necessarily extending the entire trailer.
Built differently
You might look at Riverside’s Retro series of trailers and see the aluminum corrugated skin and assume that these are wood-framed trailers, but they’re actually not. Riverside actually creates a welded aluminum structure for these trailers and then attaches the aluminum skin to that.
From there the company builds these models with retro-looking interiors that I think are very tasteful. To be sure, these trailers are designed to compete in the mainstream market so they’re not built with a lot of high-end features. But they’re not cheaply built, either. That aluminum cage construction along with the aluminum skin can produce a really long-lasting rig.
Do know that these feature simple leaf spring suspensions and import-brand tires that don’t feature tire pressure monitors—which I think is a big bummer.
What’s inside the Riverside RV Retro cabover bunk trailer
What I really love is the retro look—not just the red-and-white upholstery and curtains in the sample the company brought to the RV Dealer Open House in Elkhart, IN, but also the birch look to the walls and cabinets of these.
There is a surprising amount of storage in this little rig, starting at the door where there are two cabinets for jackets or shoes or whatnot.
Over on the camp side there’s a table under the window that’s part of a cabinet build. It could be used for kitchen counter space, additional dining or whatever. The cabinet cubby beneath that is also a bit of extra storage. However, it really could be a bar, quite honestly. A good one!
There is a reasonable amount of storage in the kitchen, considering the small size of this rig.
Up front is a U-shaped dinette which can become a bed. But the big surprise is that overhead bunk, much like you’d find in a pickup camper. I don’t think an adult could sit up in that space, but I would imagine that it’s really meant for a smaller camper, although not necessarily.
The bathroom in here is decent but doesn’t have a sink. I don’t care about that but drives my adult supervisor (aka my wife) nuts. But, again, this is a really small trailer.
There is a shower and a plastic toilet. Riverside puts a high-performance vent fan in here—so I’m a happy camper.
Final thoughts on the Riverside Retro cabover trailer
I don’t have any specifications nor many other details about this. I know the prototype was built somewhat to explore the concept of even moving forward with this.
Honestly, I don’t have a read on whether this will sell well or not. I see a lot of pluses in this unique trailer, including the fact that it’s very compact yet really doesn’t feel all that small inside.
I’d love to read your comments below about your feelings on this trailer—and so would Riverside.
MORE RIVERSIDE RV RETRO REVIEWS
- 2021 Riverside RV Retro 225
- 2022 Riverside RV Retro 190BH – colorful choices
- Riverside RV Retro 135, a pickup camper on wheels
- Riverside RV Retro 165
- A modern classic: Riverside RV Retro 171DRD travel trailer tour
More about these RV reviews
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
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For a weekend or even a couple of weeks I think it’s great. It does remind me of my old truck camper.
Thank you, Tony! 🙂 I agree that the floorplan is a clever use of space. Any idea of the length? The overhang containing the bed is probably higher than needed for a truck, but appropriate for an SUV or truck with camper top. Seems more a single person or, at most, a couple’s RV. The colors seem well-chosen, both inside and outside. Have a great week and safe travels! 🙂
Very interesting
I’m guessing there will be a lot of ‘bump’ with that single axle. This might suit a very well adjusted couple who like being close. Otherwise, not so much.
It would look a lot more “retro” without the black window and door frames and black awning AC cover. I like the look of the older version with aluminum-colored siding and window and door frames, and louvered windows. Wish more modern RVs came with louvered windows!
I saw no weight numbers. what is the weight.
Hi, Don. Since this was an experiment and “before even a prototype,” I’m pretty sure there are no weights for it yet. I’m sure Tony will let us know if they decide to produce it and will report the weights and other specs when they have them. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Just sold a 1966 19ft. Franklin like that. It had the old style birch wooden interior. Floor plan was very similar to this one other than the front dinette was not u-shaped.
I wonder how that front end might change or improve the aerodynamics of the trailer. Seems like the effective front surface area would be reduced.