In the RV world, enjoying the outdoors is a way of life. It only makes sense that there are many RVers who want to find ways to be a little bit more kind to the planet while soaking in all nature has to offer. Choosing an RV for your travels is a great way to start: one study from PFK Consulting says families who take RV vacations generate less carbon dioxide than families who travel by plane, rent cars and stay in hotels. Choosing an eco-friendly rig can shrink that carbon footprint even more.

RV manufacturers are catching on to the trend of going green and making their rigs more sustainable and fuel efficient with features like solar power and lightweight construction. One company has even created a certification for eco-friendly RVs called “Certified Green” by TRA Certification that assesses an RV’s resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency and indoor air quality. There are plenty of environmentally friendly RVs on the market, some with this certification and some that stand on their own, and we’ve rounded up a few of the best so that you can choose a rig that is kind to the planet we all love to explore.

Coachmen Adrenaline

We’ll start with one rig that has received that “Certified Green” badge: the Coachmen Adrenaline travel trailer. There are several Coachmen rigs that have earned this TRA Certification, and the Adrenaline is one that has the “gold level” certification, which is the second-highest honor offered. The Adrenaline received incredibly high marks in the category that assesses the construction materials used and whether or not the manufacturer recycles and minimizes waste in the manufacturing process.

It also earned points for water efficiency such as low flow water fixtures, and fairly high marks for the categories that asses energy efficiency and air quality, including the use of low-VOC materials in construction. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a larger travel trailer that’s not harsh on the environment.

Forest River Work and Play

If you’re on the market for a toy hauler but still want to find something eco-friendly, the Forest River Work and Play is the way to go. It’s also Gold Level Certified Green by TRA Certification thanks to features like LED lights and standard awnings that help you control the temperature inside your rig. There’s also an optional package that goes beyond just solar prep: the LT option will give you a Jaboni 265W solar panel installed before you buy.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro

Another way to find a rig that’s environmentally friendly is to choose one that’s lightweight so you can pull it with a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle and use less gas to do so. That’s where the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro comes in. It comes standard with 100W roof solar panels and 1000W inverters and a Showermiser water conservation system so that you save on power and water. It’s built with eco-friendliness in mind!

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro offers many of the same green advantages as the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro. It also has lightweight floor plans designed for a fuel efficient tow vehicle and fuel savings. It also comes standard with the same solar panels and water conservation system.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7

Popular RV manufacturer Jayco has created their own sustainability effort called the EcoAdvantage program. Most of their efforts have focused around making their manufacturing process more sustainable: reducing fresh water and energy use at their manufacturing facilites, working to become landfill-free, and using more sustainable packaging and materials. They’ve also made a conscious effort to reduce product weight so RVers have better fuel economy, and the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 is one of the RVs in their Green Lineup. It weighs under 3500 lbs., features LED lighting throughout and offers a solar power package that comes with a 100W solar panel and a 30 amp controller.

Airstream

From the start, Airstream has been all about sustainability. After all, nearly 70% of all Airstreams ever manufactured are still on the road today! Even the famous rounded, low profile design is made for fuel conservation – its aerodynamics give it a 20% advantage in towing efficiency over standard shaped trailers. Airstreams entire line of travel trailers is Certified Green by TRA Certification, receiving the Emerald level designation, the highest certification offered. You can be confident when you purchase this iconic silver RV that you’re going green.

TAXA Mantis

If you’re looking to go all-out in the eco-friendly category, the first manufacturer you should look into is TAXA. Designed by a former NASA employee, every single unit in their product line is built with environmentally conscious measures in mind. The TAXA Mantis is the largest of TAXA’s offerings, but it’s just as sustainable as the smaller options. It’s all in the construction at TAXA: it’s made with a recyclable foam core, no formaldehyde and even sustainable birch wood cabinetry. TAXA bills themselves as “adventure equipment that you sleep in” and their goal is to get you as close to nature as possible.

The Most Eco-Friendly RVs

The options for the environmentally conscious RVers are only growing every year. Many features that were once optional are becoming standard as the RV industry grows with a growing demand to be eco-friendly. No matter what type of RV you are looking for, you can find it using the search on RVUSA.com. Be sure to check out our blog for more RVing tips and tricks.