Today’s RV review is of the 2026 Modern Buggy Big Buggy BB16. You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers. Likely, the first question is: Who in the wide, wide world of sports is Modern Buggy? This is a company located in southern Michigan, which is really close to Indiana, where so many RVs are made, and also some really incredible caramel donuts. Oh, they don’t call ‘em Amish Crack Donuts for no reason, believe me.
But, back to RVs. These little RVs are built differently than many and pass the “start from the road up” test that I apply to all RVs with flying colors.
As standard, these feature a Dexter torsion axle suspension, but they also offer a Timbren independent suspension as an option. Either has really good suspension, especially for smaller campers.
Like most towables, this features a steel chassis, but they also build the body frame out of welded steel. Different. Then the entire exterior, including the roof, is wrapped in fiberglass. Well, ultimately.
The walls are actually a sandwich of fiberglass, Azdel (a man-made substrate), those steel ribs or foam insulation, then Azdel again on the inside. The company is deservedly proud of the fact that they don’t use any structural wood in the build whatsoever.
The roof is also a single long sheet of fiberglass wrapped from front to back, so there is no seam on the span whatsoever.
The floor inside, too, is a composite product; so, again, no wood. I like the way they build these.
What’s inside the Modern Buggy Big Buggy BB16
There’s no doubt that this is a smaller space, just because this is a smaller RV. Coming through the door, on the right is a dinette. There is an optional flip-down bed over this space like you’d find in some smaller vintage trailers. The dinette features a Lagun-style table.
Honestly, with the optional drop-down bed, I’d really say this is a two-person dinette. If you don’t check that box on the option sheet, then you could put four people around this. Interesting how this makes it so that you can sleep more people but seat fewer.
On the camp side is the kitchen, which features a two-burner propane stove and a very small stainless steel sink. I didn’t see any option for a microwave. That is unfortunate because there are some nifty convection air fryer microwaves out there nowadays for RVs.
There are several nicely built drawers here and a decent amount of space in a cabinet under the sink. There are smaller overhead cabinets—but these are hinged at the top, and the cabinets don’t hold themselves open. Bummer.
Also know that now we are getting wood construction, which only makes sense, so the cabinets here are wood.
On the opposite side is a smaller 12-volt refrigerator.
There’s also a Nautilus-style retracting door, and behind this is the wet bath. It’s not that bad in space, but it is a bit small—let’s be honest. There is a high-performance vent fan, though, which is a nice touch.
There is also more storage in a closet on this wall, which could be a pantry if you don’t want to hang anything here.
A 60” X 77 1/2” bed is at the back of the camper and, yes, it’s an east-west bed. There’s a drawer underneath it, as well.
Boondocking and travel access
This is a smaller trailer with a decent suspension, so off-grid camping is definitely something the company talks about. With no slide, everything’s accessible all of the time, which is one of the reasons I love no-slide campers.
There is a 100-watt solar panel that’s attached to the back of this trailer, which is fine. But I love that it also comes with a 220-watt portable solar suitcase. I just spent the last week in Arizona at a music festival. All of us were off the grid and a number of us brought portable panels. Being able to specifically target the sun with the portable panels meant that you almost get as much power from a few hundred watts of portable panels as you do from a rooftop of fixed panels.
Obviously, your mileage will vary with this statement—but it’s smart that they included the portable solar suitcase.
Who would buy the Modern Buggy Big Buggy BB16?
We do a fair number of in-person classes every year, teaching people to be better able to use their RVs. A lot of the attendees are solo women travelers who have smaller tow vehicles. I could see this being the perfect camper for many of them as it’s light and easily towed yet has all the amenities inside.
Granted, it has a few compromises, but I like the way this is built and designed. I think the ladies would like it based on what I’ve seen them camping in already. It’s kind of a perfect fit.
There are also some nifty features in this, including the build quality. Also, the awning on this is a legless model with the ability to fully extend or retract at the touch of a button. In other words, you don’t have to stand there holding the darned button the whole time—just press and relax.
Longtime readers will know I like the smaller RV companies and the innovation and unique ideas they bring. I will say, the ceiling height in here is a bit low at just 6’ 2”. Also, there are a few things that would be inconvenient for some and no big deal for others. But these are definitely worth seeking out for people who want something smaller and easy-towing that’s also well-made.
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My thanks to Josh from Bish’s RV for the video.
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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. 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 lifelong RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars.
You can also check out Tony and Peggy’s RV podcast.
RVT1235
Only a 16 gallon fresh tank, but a 34 gallon black tank. 16 gallons is just not enough, so that alone would be a complete failure to me. What were they thinking?
Not sure if woman would want a wet bath. My wife wouldn’t.