At its base, the Venturist has a steel chassis, but the real hot-ticket item is the axleless independent suspension from Timbren, which lets you explore some of the harsher terrains the US has in store. With a pair of 17-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, we’re looking at over 20 inches of ground clearance. Electric brakes are also part of the magic here.

So far, it sounds a whole lot like what we find on the XS model, but again, the major difference is spotted once we explore the shell or body of the unit. Here, a solid-wall construction makes up a box with a height of up to 46 inches of headroom, so you won’t be standing up in this one, but there’s plenty of space for a mattress under 70 inches wide and 94.5 inches long. Aluminum trim also highlights the fiberglass exterior of the shell.

What I liked about this shell the most is that, even though it comes in with one hell of a price tag, it’s still strong enough to handle tons of added gear. For example, the images in the gallery showcase a rear-mounted gas can holder, water heater, AC unit, and, most importantly, a set of roof rails. The latter is essential if you’re planning family trips, as it unlocks the ability to use a rooftop tent. If you plan on leaving the family behind, just use this feature for things like kayaks, bikes, or anything else you may need on your trips.

Photo: Runaway Campers

Now, before we head inside, I do want to point out that the fenders we see can be stepped on, and a powder-coated diamond palate at the front helps ensure minimal damage from kicked-up rocks and debris. Tinted safety windows with screens are also embedded into the shell since you may need to escape the rains every once and again.

While I could sit here and run through a list of several other features the 6×8 has in store, why not try something different? I’d like to invite you to pretend that you’re now in possession of one of these units. Once you do, hitch it up to your truck, grab your essentials, give the kids a whistle, and off you go.

Rolling down the highway, you happen to see a dirt road break off from the tarmac. You choose to follow this road until you’re in the middle of nowhere; the only sounds you hear are the wind rustling through nearby vegetation and the local fauna. Oh, and the kids are clearly causing their own level of havoc.

Photo: Runaway Campers

After stretching those legs, you all take to your appointed tasks to ready the site for the next couple of days. The kids are out gathering bits of bits and brush to start the evening’s fire while you and your significant other employ the tent, dining table, chairs, and outdoor grill. With the mattress unfurled, your Venturist awaits with all three doors wide open and a cool breeze flowing through the space. Sounds like a great place to nap when the sun reaches its peak shine.

Sure, these babies only start at under $12K, and by the time you’re done decking it out with everything you need, you’ll be looking at a much larger bill, but if you craft your essentials list with care and frugality, you’ll still fall well under what most other camper manufacturers charge for a machine of this nature.

If you’ve potentially found your future travel trailer, don’t be shy and give Runaway a call or look for a Venturist 6×8 in your area. Why not head down to Florida and kick things off at the source of this proudly American brand?