travel trailers under 2 500 lbs

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21 Best Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs and 2000 lbs

Navigating the realm of lightweight campers can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. Deciphering which trailers strike the perfect balance between quality and sought-after features, such as a bathroom, without compromising a weight limiter to fit the options to a reduced towing capacity seems challenging. That’s why we put together this review of floor plans and brands about this elusive category with the best travel trailers under 2500 lbs. dry weight (and perhaps even exceeding expectations by staying under 2000 lbs ., which adds an extra layer of complexity). This video below is just a sneak peek of some travel trailers with bathrooms featured in this buyer’s review.

Looking for good quality campers under 2500 lbs or less (with options weighing even less than 2000 lbs) is not easy. However, there are a lot of possibilities. Space can be considerably reduced, and the options are becoming less and less comfortable, going from comfortable travel trailers with bathrooms under 2500 lbs to teardrop trailers under 2000 lbs.

In the following paragraphs, I will show you today’s top options for the best travel trailers under 2500 lbs from different manufacturers, digging into their floorplans and features. We also include 10 options for travel trailers under 2000 lbs.

Let’s see the 21 Best travel trailers under 2000 and 2500 pounds for 2023 with specifications, highlighted features, floorplans, some prices, owners’ reviews, and videos.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs. and 2500 lbs?

Why choose Campers Under 2000 and 2500 lbs dry weight? In addition to being some of the lightest trailers on the market, they have other advantages. Let’s dig into the advantages of travel trailers under 2500 and 2000 lbs.

First, you will find several options for walkable travel trailers. No need to buy a teardrop trailer if you want a camper under 2000 pounds.

The second reason is related to another type of lightness camper: the pop-up campers. Pop-up campers are very lightweight, but their value depreciates quickly.

Travel trailers under 2000 lbs. and 2500 lbs. are short , therefore, really easy to maneuver and small enough to store in any garage. Moreover, less weight is less fuel consumption, lowering the travel costs.

Also, it is a great way to leap from tent camping, keeping you on a budget, as there are affordable options on the market compared to luxury travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Some of these trailers have a bathroom, which is highly advantageous.

Review of 10 Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs and the 11 Best Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs On the Current Market

After reviewing several camper floor plans, we have selected these 21 best campers under 2500 lbs or less on the current market 2023 for you to consider in your search as they offer good value for the money.

The list includes the 11 best lightest travel trailers under 2500 lbs., 6 of them with at least a toilet (if not a full bathroom).

Also, we have expanded the list to gather the most comfortable options for 10 travel trailers under 2000 lbs (mostly under 20 feet), including fully walkable travel trailers (not just teardrops).

Trying to give you the most accurate information, we also include some popular floor plans discontinued by the RV manufacturers but still recommended options if you want to buy them second-hand.

Here are our 21 best travel trailers under 2500 lbs. dry weight

6 Best Travel Trailers under 2500 lbs with Bathroom

• Sportsmen Classic 130RB Travel Trailer Under 2500 Lbs. with Bathroom
• SunRay Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs With Toilet and Shower
• Safari Condo Alto Travel Trailers with Bathroom Under 2500 Pounds
• Sonic Lite SL150VRK Travel Trailer Under 2500 lbs with Full Dry Bathroom
• Viking 14SR Travel Trailer Under 2500 lbs with Toilet and Shower
• Happy Camper Traveler Semi-Modular Travel Trailer Under 2500 pounds

5 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers under 2500 Lbs Dry Weight (No Bathroom)

• New 2023 IBEX 10LHRK Travel Trailer
• New 2023 IBEX 10LHG Toy Hauler Trailer
• 2023 No Boundaries NB10.6 Travel Trailer
• 2023 No Boundaries NB10.7 Travel Trailer
• Little Guy Mini Max Teardrop Trailer Under 2500 lbs

5 Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs (Some Options Include a Bathroom!)

• Safari Condo Alto F1743: It is a 2000 lb camper with a bathroom. Amazing!
• ProLite Evasion Travel Trailer with Wet Bathroom for a Family of 5
• Luna by InTech Teardrop with Toilet Under 2000 lbs
• Retro 511: Retro Campers Under 2000 Lbs & Under 17 Feet
• Armadillo Trailers: Retro Campers Under 2000 Lbs

5 Popular Discontinued Floor Plans of Campers Under 2000 lbs

• Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
• Jay Feather Micro 12SRK
• Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK
• Rockwood Geo Pro 12SRK
• Nest by Airstream

6 Best Travel Trailers under 2500 Lbs with Bathroom

Let’s start with 6 Best Travel Trailers under 2500 Lbs with bathroom on the current market. These campers are lightweight travel trailers under 2500 pounds of dry weight (UVW). Besides the outstanding quality or excellent customer care services, we chose these floor plans among several others because they offer a bathroom.

It is difficult to find floor plans under 2500 lbs or 2000 lbs, including a bathroom. That is why we created this list.  

If having a bathroom in your camper is essential to you, check out the differences between the following floor plans as they include dry bathrooms, wet bathrooms, full bathrooms (including a hand basin, mirror, and a medicine cabinet), and basic camper bathrooms that only includes an integrated toilet and a shower.

#1 – Sportsmen Classic 130RB Travel Trailer Under 2500 Lbs with Bathroom (VIDEO)

The Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a travel trailer with a bathroom under 2500 lbs. The dry bathroom of the Classic 130RB travel trailer is not a full bath but is a good option as it is equipped with a shower and a toilet (no hand basin). This trailer is only 2240 pounds of dry weight and has a sleeping capacity for up to 2 people.

The 130RB floor plan is a light travel trailer, under 2500 lbs. and short, under 17 feet long, for 2 people, convenient for those looking for a small and lightweight trailer with a bathroom. I believe it is an excellent option for couples that want to leap camping in a tent.

Best Lightest Travel Trailers under 2500 Lbs with Bathroom Video: Sportsmen Classic 130RB

• Make    KZ RV
• Model   Sportsmen Classic
• Floorplan             130RB
• Type: Travel Trailer under 2500 lbs
• Dry Weight         2,350 lbs.
• GVWR   2,800 lbs.
• Hitch Weight      270 lbs.
• Max CCC              450 lbs.
• Exterior Length 16′ 9″
• Bunkhouse         No
• Sleeping Capacity             2
• A/C Included
• Refrigerator       3 cf
• Water Heater Cap.           6 gal.
• Fresh Water Cap.             20 gal.
• Waste Water Cap.           26 gal.
• Gray Water Cap.              26 gal.
• LP Gas Cap.        20 lbs.
• Furnace BTUs (1,000s)    20
• Tire Size                15″
• Perfect for Couples
• Front Dinette and Bedroom, Mid Kitchen, and Rear Bathroom
• Dry Bath              Yes (Toilet & Spacious shower)

#2 – SunRay Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs With Toilet and Shower

SunRay 109 Sport and SunRay 149 by Sunset Trailers. Looking for a lightweight camper floor plan with a bathroom is not easy. Here is one of the best campers under 2500 lbs on the current market.

A travel trailer with a bathroom under 2500 lbs: The SunRay 149 travel trailer includes a wet bathroom equipped with a toilet and a shower, and it is only 2,142 pounds. Sale Price: $22,000 (USD) – $30,000 (CAD).

SunRay 109 Sport and SunRay 149 by Sunset Trailers (Sunset Park RV) are two good floor pans to look at. Both lightweight travel trailers under 2500 lbs.

#3 – Safari Condo Alto Travel Trailers Under 2500 Pounds with Bathroom

From our readers of Canada, we have received a good review of Safari Condo Motorhomes and Travel trailers ( les Caravanes Safari Condo). In this case, we review the Safari Condo Alto F2114 Travel Trailer with toilet and shower for under 2500 pounds.

The F21 Series of travel trailers by Safari Condo proposes the Safari Condo Alto F2114, a travel trailer under 2500 lbs with a bathroom, among other great features, as seen in the photos below.

Some of the features to highlight are the two single beds convert into a real 80″ X 81″ King size bed, which can be permanently set up for your convenience. The front dining area offers seats for 4 people and can be converted into a 60″ X 81″ Queen size bed.

Having a bathroom and keeping the weight of a trailer under 2500 lbs. is not easy (precisely with a dry weight of 2368 lbs.) However, Safari Condo successfully achieves this, mostly keeping the structure entirely constructed from composite materials, combined with the resistance of fiberglass and an aluminum frame constructed without welding, creating a great balance between quality and lightness. Alto F2114 is equipped with a fixed flush toilet with a black water tank and a fully enclosed interior shower.

Safari Condo sells their RVs in the USA directly from the factory. Prices in Canada are about $ 58,000 (CAD). We recommend to check with them for more information.

• Make: Safari Condo
• Model: Alto
• Type: Travel Trailer under 2500 lbs.
• Dry Weight: 2368 lbs.
• Kitchen Inside
• Toilet and Shower
• Front Dinette and Bedroom, Mid Kitchen, Mid Bathroom, and Rear 2 nd . Bedroom

#4 – Sonic Lite SL150VRK Travel Trailer with Full Dry Bathroom Under 2500 lbs

Sonic Lite SL150VRK by Venture RV used to be one of the lightest travel trailers with a rear full dry bathroom and a front Murphy bed, all under 2500 lbs and as short as 19 feet.

Models from 2018 for example, used to have a UVW (dry weight) of 2,480 lbs. Therefore, the Sonic Lite SL150VRK was a great floor plan with a full dry bathroom and a kitchen inside the camper, including a panty, wardrobe, and a front Murphy bed. All in a travel trailer under 2500 lbs.

New models of the same floor plan (SL150VRK) are heavier than they used to be. A dry weight of 3,180 lbs. puts this camper out of our list of the best travel trailers under 2500 lbs on the market. However, if you find it from previous years, check the weight specifications because this floor plan is worth every dollar.

• Make: Venture RV
• Model: Sonic Lite
• Sonic Lite SL150VRK
• Dry Weight: 2,480 lbs – 3,180 lbs (according to the manufacturing year)
• Front Dinette and Bedroom, Mid Kitchen, and Rear Full Dry Bathroom

#5 – Viking 14SR Travel Trailer Under 2500 lbs with Toilet and Shower

The Viking 14SR floor plan by Coachmen RV is also one of the best travel trailers under 2500 lbs of dry weight included in this list because this lightweight camper offers a dry bathroom with a toilet and a shower.

As you can see in the floor plan below, the Viking 14SR has a simple layout for a single person or a couple. It offers a kitchen inside the trailer, a significant advantage compared to a fully walkable travel trailer against a teardrop trailer, and many compartments to store your belongings.

Not only under 2500 lbs with a toilet and a large 24” x36” shower but also a travel trailer under 17 feet long.

Let’s see some brief specifications:

• Make: Coachmen RV
• Model: Viking
• Viking 14SR
• Hitch weight: 250 lb.
• GVWR: 3,750 lb.
• UVW: 2,450 lb.
• CCC: 1,300 lb.
• Exterior length: 16′ 6″
• Exterior height: 10′ 0″
• Exterior width: 84″
• Fresh water: 27 gal.
• Gray water: 27 gal.
• Black water: 27 gal.
• Awning size: 8′

#6 – Happy Camper Traveler: One of the Best Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs (VIDEO)

Happy Camper offers great modular travel trailers, and the HC1 is well-known. However, this time we want to show you the Happy Camper Traveler.

The Happy Camper Traveler is included in our list as one of the Best Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs with an integrated bathroom and kitchenette . Versatile, durable, and lightweight enough to be towable by standard cars and SUVs, these remarkable advantages define this travel trailer considering it is a camper under 2,500 lbs when fully loaded .

Also, it offers all-season insulation, hot water, and a heater, including a robust power system, solar-prepared.

5 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers under 2500 Lbs (No Toilet)

The following campers do not include a toilet in their floor plans. You may have some space to add a portable RV toilet . Here are the 5 Best Lightweight Travel Trailer Floorplans under 2500 lbs (no bath).

#7 – New 2023 IBEX 10LHRK Travel Trailer

The new 2023 IBEX 10LHRK travel trailer is a wonderful camper easy to tow that offers great value for the money. High-quality materials with great features keep this travel trailer under 2500 lbs and under 15 feet. Unbelievable!

As you can see in the floor plan below, there are many spaces to store your belongings and keep the space clear for enjoying this trailer.  The outside cooktop is prepared with a 2-burner stove, a refrigerator, and a sink. The bed is a real queen size with space for mounting a TV on the RV wall and a fireplace included as a standard feature.

Floor plans are similar to R-Pod trailers by Forest River RV as well. However, IBEX comes with everything you want! Just check our next suggestion: IBEX 10LHG, an awesome Toy Hauler travel trailer!

Let’s see some brief specifications and features of the new 2023 IBEX 10LHRK travel trailer under 2500 lbs by Forest River RV.

• Make: Forest River RV
• Model: IBEX
• IBEX 10LHRK
• Hitch Weight: 290 Lb.
• GVWR: 3,790 Lb.
• UVW: 2,429 Lb.
• CCC: 1,361 Lb.
• Exterior Length: 15′ 0″
• Exterior Height: TBD
• Exterior Width: 88″
• Fresh Water: 30 Gal.

#8 – New 2023 IBEX 10LHG Toy Hauler Trailer (VIDEO)

Watching this video below IBEX 10LHG, a Toy Hauler travel trailer, is awesome!

• Hitch Weight: 275 lbs.
• GVWR: 3,775 lbs.
• UVW: 2,204 lbs.
• CCC: 1,571 lbs.
• Exterior Length: 13′ 10″
• Exterior Height: 10′ 6″
• Fresh Water: 30 gal.
• Outside Kitchenette
• No Integrated Toilet

Click to watch the 360-Tour Ibex 10LHG Travel Trailer Under 2500 lbs.

New IBEX Lite Travel Trailers and Toy Hauler Trailers General Features:

• Azdel construction
• Largest-In-Class Refrigerator on all floorplans
• PVC roof (15-year warranty)
• Increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires
• JBL wireless Bluetooth audio system
• 12V, 32” television
• Rhino-Rack RTV tracks
• Seamless countertops
• Stainless steel appliances
• Outdoor cooktop

#9 – 2023 No Boundaries NB10.6 Travel Trailer Under 2500 lbs (VIDEO)

The No Boundaries Series 10 by Forest River RV offers excellent options for those RVers looking for the lightest toy haulers and travel trailers under 2500 lbs. on the current market. Let’s briefly review the NB10.6 and NB10.7 trailers .

Specification Summary 2023 No Boundaries NB10.6 Travel Trailer

• Hitch weight: 288 lbs.
• UVW: 2,255 lbs.
• CCC: 1,533 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13′ 10″
• Exterior height: 8′ 6″
• Exterior width: 88″
• Fresh water: 30 gal.
• Gray water: 0 gal.
• Black water: 0 gal.
• Awning size: batwing
• Front Bedroom
• Outside Kitchen

The outside kitchen, easy to slide out, is equipped with a 2-burner cooktop and a 12V/110 small refrigerator. Inside is space for a 60×82 queen mattress; you may prefer to set up the rooftop tent.

Some of the standard features of the 2023 No Boundaries NB10.6 travel trailer, series 10 under 2500 lbs.

• JBL Portable Bluetooth Speaker
• Complete Interior and Exterior LED Lighting PKG
• LED Entry Step Light
• 1,000 Lumen Amber/White Scare Light
• Stainless Steel Utility Hooks
• High-Performance Vinyl Furniture
• 2-Burner Glass Recessed Cook Top
• USB Charging Station
• Lamilux 1000 Fiberglass Exterior

Let’s watch this great video where Jon shows how amazing is the NoBo 10.6. After his walkthrough, I am sure you will like to buy one of these, and Jon may be the right man for you to contact.

Here are some recommended optional features:

• 5 BTU Low Profile Air Conditioning
• 5500 BTU Heat Strip
• Power Tongue Jack w/LED Light

Click to watch the 360-Tour No Boundaries NB10.6 (NoBo10.6) Series 10 Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs.

#10 – 2023 No Boundaries NB10.7

NoBo 10.7 travel trailer offers even more optional features, keeping the weight under 2500 lbs.

• 13.5 BTU Low Profile Air Conditioning
• Batwing Awning
• Dinette Package
• NOBO Nest – Roof Top Tent

Also, there is an overland package that is worth to see it if you plan to enjoy your trailer off-grid.

• Standard RVT Track
• Two Vortex Bars
• Kayak Holder

Below is the floor plan for the 2023 No Boundaries NB10.7 trailer, one of the options of the best travel trailers under 2500 lbs on the current market.

#11 – Little Guy Mini Max Teardrop Trailer Under 2500 lbs

The Little Guy Mini Max is another option available on the current market. The Mini Max is a travel trailer under 2500 lbs with a teardrop shape.

• Make: Little Guy
• Model: Mini Max
• Little Guy Mini Max
• Type: Teardrop Travel Trailer under 2500 lbs
• Dry Weight: 2,320 lbs.

The Mini Max weighs 2,320 pounds, making it an excellent partner for most compact SUVs and well-equipped crossovers. The Mini Max is intended to provide maximum excitement in a little package.

Check out their website for additional information on obtaining this trailer or learning more about its features.

5 Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs (Some Options with Bathroom!)

We often see a lot of teardrops under 1500 and 2000 lbs as options for travel trailers. However, you know (without needing to try traveling on a teardrop) that it will not be comfortable… Don’t get me wrong. Teardrops are great if the towing capacity of your vehicle limits you and if you don’t mind mainly having all your activities outside the camper. Bathroom, shower, cooking, everything must be planned outside of a teardrop camper. And when the weather is not on our side, rainy days can be a problem laying down for hours, maybe days…

For some reason that we are not aware, most websites dedicated to reviewing RVs and giving advice on this topic are always mentioning the same manufacturers and the same teardrops instead of showing all the options available on the market, genuinely walkable travel trailers under 2000 lbs and support local businesses, which by the way, have great brands of RVs with good quality for the money and outstanding customer care.

We are not affiliated with any RV manufacturer and are interested in sharing our experiences with our readers and the experiences shown by our folks’ RV owners.

Here are some of the best travel trailers under 2000 lbs, and some also include a bathroom and a kitchen inside! You will find many options on this list of 5 walkable campers under 2000 pounds.

#12 – Safari Condo Alto F1743 2000 lb Camper with Bathroom

What I like the most about the Alto F1743 is that this genuinely walkable travel trailer is under 2000 lbs with a toilet and a shower inside, and the kitchen is inside! All this in only 1765 lbs.

#13 – ProLite Evasion Travel Trailer Under 2000 Lbs with Wet Bathroom for 5 People (VIDEO)

Our folks in Canada recommended including in this review the best travel trailers under 2000 and 2500 pounds, the ProLite travel trailers.

This time, we decided to include a floor plan for a family of 5 that includes a toilet, shower , panoramic windows, and a kitchen inside. All under 2000 lbs! Remarkable!

• Make: ProLite Caravanes
• Model: Evasion
• ProLite Evasion
• Type: Travel Trailer under 2000 lbs.
• Dry Weight: 1,995 lbs.
• Sleeping Capacity of Up to 5 People
• It is a 2000 lb camper with bathroom

ProLite Evasion was introduced in 2009 and remains popular because of its maximized area and all of the features available at this weight. The Evasion is designed for SUVs and vans and weighs 1995 lbs .

The starting price is $35,260 (CAD). Visit their website for additional details on obtaining this trailer or learning more about its features.

This perfect family travel trailer can accommodate up to 5 people, with a 76×54 sofa bed, an independent table of the bed that can also change into a 76×52 bed at night, and a bed wardrobe that can be used as a bunk for a person weighing up to 125 pounds.

The ProLite Evasion has everything you need for a comfortable stay: warmth, refrigerator, kitchen, toilet, and shower.

#14 – Luna by InTech – Teardrop Travel Trailer Under 2000 lbs

Luna by InTech, Base, and Rover options offers great floor plans for couples and singles who want to enjoy the outdoors in one of the best well-designed travel trailers under 2000 lbs.

The Luna floor plan is the ideal weight for a lightweight trailer, considering a weight between 1775 and 1850 lbs. It has the appearance of a standard camper but is smaller and has a curved rear that can open up to reveal a kitchenette cooking space.

For your cooking requirements, this section has a stove, sink, refrigerator, and cabinet storage. That’s quite an accomplishment for remaining under 2500 lbs of gross weight and under 2000 lbs of dry weight!

Also, Luna includes all the requirements needed inside, such as a mattress, vinyl walls, storage space, vinyl flooring, insulated walls, ceiling, and more recommended optional features to upgrade the standard floor plan, such as a cassette toilet and a fireplace. This tiny trailer provides the ideal camping experience.

On the exterior, a robust fiberglass front cap with a glass windshield keeps it safe and protected when driving.

• Dry Weight: 1,775 – 1,850 lbs
• GVWR: 2,400 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 260 – 270 lbs
• Max Cargo Capacity: 550 – 625 lbs
• Fresh Water Tank: 8.5 Gal
• Frame: All-Aluminum
• Load Center: 30 Amp
• Exterior Skinning: Fiberglass
• Roof: One Piece of Fiberglass
• Sink: Large Farmhouse Style Sink with Brushed Nickel Faucet
• Cooktop: (2) Burner Stainless Steel
• Refrigerator: 40qt 12V Cooler
• Bed Size: 60”x80”
• Ventilation: MaxxAir Vent Fan
• Insulation: Bubble Foil (Walls & Ceiling)
• Entertainment Center: Bluetooth Stereo with Speakers and a 32″ TV
• A/C: 8K BTU
• Optional Integrated Cassette Toilet in Luna Rover travel trailer
• Optional Fireplace
• Visit   https://intech.com for more floor plans

#15 – Riverside Retro 511 Retro Camper Under 2000 Pounds

With a total dry weight of 1780 pounds, the Riverside Retro 511 is one of the perfect travel trailers under 2000 lbs, especially if you like retro campers.

This travel trailer is not only lightweight, it is also short, under 13 feet long. Absolutely easy to maneuver.

#16 – Armadillo Trailers: Retro Campers Under 2000 Lbs (VIDEO)

For retro campers design lovers , the Armadillo Trailers are another option for travel trailers under 2000 lbs.

With vibrant colors and build to last, the Armadillo dry weight is only 1800 lbs.

Watch this video to see how easy it is to tow an Armadillo Trailer with a bike.

5 Discontinued Popular Travel Trailer Floor Plans Under 2000 lbs.

During the last 4 or 5 years, we saw some popular travel trailers like Jayco’s Hummingbird that the RV manufacturers discontinued. But those campers were great! Excellent quality, great floor plans, no complaints. So, here are 5 Popular Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs that are no longer manufactured that you may want to purchase used.

#17 – Jayco’s Floor Plans Under 2000 Lbs.

Jayco Hummingbird Travel Trailer 10RK and Jay Feather Micro 12SRK were among the best travel trailers under 2000 lbs.

The end of Jayco’s Hummingbird and the lightest Jayco Jay Feather Micro floor plans is sad. When this article was posted, there were no current Jayco travel trailers under 2000 lbs of dry weight. Otherwise, we would include Jayco as one of our preferred RV manufacturers.

#18 – Flagstaff E-Pro & Rockwood Geo Pro: Floor Plans Under 2000 Lbs.

Flagstaff E-Pro E12SRK and Rockwood Geo Pro 12SRK are travel trailers under 2000 lbs with the same floor plan. Although these famous campers are no longer available for 2023, some dealers may still have these great lightweight travel trailers, versatile floor plans, and easy-to-tow due to their 1,763 lbs.

• Hitch weight: 258 lb.
• UVW: 1,763 lb.
• CCC: 1,135 lb.
• Exterior length: 12′ 3″
• Exterior height: 7′ 9″
• Fresh water: 20 gal.
• Gray water: 6 gal.
• Awning size: N/A
• No Integrated Toilet (but space for a portable RV toilet)

#19 – Discontinued Camper: Nest by Airstream

Nest by Airstream used to be a popular travel trailer under 2000 lbs. Nowadays, there is one more discontinued travel trailer on this list, as they are no longer manufacturing this model for purchase.

Understanding Dry Weights and Gross Weights of Campers

It is essential to differentiate between the different types of weights that make up the camper specifications.

The “ dry weight ” is also known as the “Unloaded Vehicle Weight” (UVW). It represents the weight of the camper without any load.

Different floor plans may allow other maximum loads, and this weight is known as the “CCC”, the “maximum cargo capacity” . In general, the addition of the CCC weight and the UVW weight represents approximately the “Gross Weight” or “GVWR” , which is the weight of the fully loaded camper.

So, how this works? If the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle is 2500 lbs., it is advisable not to look for campers of your maximum towing capacity. You should go no more than 70-80% to have some margin of safety.

Final Conclusions Regarding Floorplans of Travel Trailers Under 2000 and 2500 Lbs.

There are plenty of options in the market to determine which small travel trailer works for you without changing your towing vehicle.

In addition, you will need to know how comfortable or surrounded by luxury you need to be before purchasing a camper that feels right for you.

Manufacturers are increasingly creating trailers that squeeze a lot of living space out of very light frames. Therefore, if you are looking for more spacious and comfortable proposals without increasing your vehicle’s towing capacity, we propose reviewing the best pop-up campers with bathrooms for 2023 as excellent options for campers under 2500 and 2000 pounds. Also, if you need something even lighter, check out the 10 best small campers under 1500 lbs .

Looking for The Lightest Travel Trailers with Bunk Beds on the Current Market? Recommended Post: Bunkhouse Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs

We hope you find this guide useful with 21 of the Best Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs, including 10 travel trailers under 2000 lbs with great value for the money.

About John Smith

For more than 30 years I worked in the exciting world of RV manufacturing. I liked knowing that I could improve the campers with customer feedback and see the improvements and upgrades on floor plans, delivering the best designs and the best quality RVs, year after year. After traveling with my family in RVs and small rented campers across the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and even North Africa, I feel that I must share personal experiences, guidance, concerns, tips, and news. At Camper Outdoor, we share our biggest passion, weekend getaways in a camper, RV vacations, extended stays in RV parks, the quiet life of senior couples who choose to spend more time enjoying their RV, and boondocking experiences (which as in the beginning was unsuccessful, we have good tips to avoid the same thing happening to you!). Enjoy this website created just for you!

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The Perfect Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 2500 lbs

About the Author

Tom Davidock

So you’ve decided to enter the RV lifestyle, but as you start to research, you’re a little overwhelmed by the various sizes, types, and floorplans available. Since you clicked on this article, you’re probably at the stage of figuring out what towable travel trailer options are available for your vehicle, which may have a limited tow capacity of under 2,500 lbs. When I started off RVing, I was in the same boat. I didn’t have a truck, little towing experience, and a budget that limited me to smaller RVs. Don’t worry- we’ll walk through the steps of finding the right RV for your needs and look at some of the best travel trailers out there that are small, lightweight, and under 2,500 lbs.

An important place to start this conversation is to better understand vehicle tow ratings, RV weights, and how you combine the two. Over the past several years, I’ve helped hundreds of new RVers with their RV purchasing decision, and one weight is one of the first topics of the conversation. Luckily, even if you have a small tow vehicle, there are still some great travel trailer options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll cover understanding weight ratings and tow vehicles and look at some of the best lightweight travel trailers on the market. However, if you’re just looking for a short list of lightweight trailers, here are my top picks. More details on these trailers are available further in the article:

Top Pick of Travel Trailers Under 2,500 Pounds

Forest river r-pod rp-171.

• KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB

Jayco Jay Flight 145RB

• Travel Lite RV Rove Lite 14BH

Riverside RV Retro 165

Forest river flagstaff e-pro e15tb, tow ratings and weights.

Every vehicle, whether a truck, SUV, or car, will have a specific weight that it can safely tow. It’s pretty obvious, but the bigger the vehicle, the more it can likely tow. For example, while you may be able to safely tow a small UHaul trailer with your sedan, even the smallest travel trailer will likely be too much for it. Additionally, just because you have a full-size pickup truck won’t necessarily mean you can choose any RV to tow. It will all come down to numbers and ratings; you need to know what they are for your specific tow vehicle.

Vehicle tow rating is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it. Tow ratings are crucial, as overloading a vehicle can lead to significant damages and accidents. Thus, knowing your vehicle’s tow rating and understanding how it relates to RV weights is crucial.

Finding the tow rating of your vehicle is a straightforward process. Typically, the tow rating can be found in the owner’s manual or on the vehicle’s identification label, which is usually located on the driver’s side door jamb.

If you cannot access the owner’s manual or the identification label, you can find your vehicle’s tow rating online. In addition, most vehicle manufacturers have this information readily available on their official websites.

The next step you need to do is to calculate your vehicle’s tow rating for the trailer you want to tow

Calculating a Vehicle’s Towing Capacity

Calculating a vehicle’s towing capacity can seem like a complex process that considers various factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, its engine performance, transmission capacity, suspension system, and braking capacity. However, a lot of this will already be done for you by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Below are some steps to ensure you have all the information you need.

• Check your vehicle’s manual: As mentioned earlier, it should have information regarding its tow rating. The manufacturer usually specifies the tow rating and accounts for various factors specific to your vehicle.
• Determine your vehicle’s curb weight: Curb weight is the vehicle’s weight without any passengers or cargo. It is usually listed in the owner’s manual or can be found using a simple scale.
• Calculate the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of your vehicle, including cargo and passengers, plus the weight of your trailer and its contents. You can find this value in the owner’s manual or use a GCWR calculator online.
• Subtract your vehicle’s curb weight from the GCWR: This will give you an estimation of your vehicle’s towing capacity. However, it is essential to note that this is not an exact calculation, and slight differences in the number of passengers, camping gear you are hauling, and modifications to the vehicle can influence this number.

Once you know what your vehicle can tow, it’s time to look at the weight of what you’ll be towing (your new RV).

Calculating an RV Weight

Calculating an RV’s weight can be a bit more complicated than determining a vehicle’s weight since it can be affected by various factors. However, here are a few basic steps you can follow to estimate an RV’s weight:

• Determine the dry weight: The dry weight of the RV is the weight of the vehicle without any passengers or cargo. This information can be found in the RV’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. Every RV will have a dry weight, but it will probably be listed as UVE (Unloaded Vehicle Weight).
• Consider the weight of whatever you pack in the trailer, including camping gear, clothing, food, bedding, etc. Also, don’t forget water and propane tanks: Water and propane tanks can significantly impact an RV’s weight. For instance, a gallon of water weighs approximately 8.3 pounds, and large propane tanks can weigh over 30 pounds when full. 
• Add the weight of your belongings, water, and fuel to the RV’s dry weight. This will now give you a new weight, which you should use to determine your tow capacity.
• Also, remember that all RVs will have a total weight of what you can pack. This is the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and includes the UVW and maximum capacity of items you can carry in the RV. 

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to consider hitch weight: Hitch weight is the weight of the trailer that presses down on the hitch of the towing vehicle. Generally, hitch weight should not exceed 15% of the RV’s total weight. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the hitch weight in your estimation.

It’s important to note that these steps only provide an estimated RV weight. To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to use a certified commercial scale. It is also recommended to check the maximum allowable weight of the RV and ensure that you do not exceed it to avoid any accidents or legal issues.

When selecting an RV or trailer, it is vital to ensure that its weight does not exceed your vehicle’s tow rating. For example, if a vehicle’s tow rating is 5,000 pounds, it can only tow an RV or trailer weighing a maximum of 5,000 pounds. It is essential to note that exceeding the tow rating puts you and your passengers’ safety at risk and voids your vehicle’s warranty.

Who are Lightweight Travel Trailers For?

Have you ever considered exploring the country but didn’t want to spend much money on flights and accommodations? Investing in a travel trailer might be the solution you’re looking for. However, selecting the correct type of trailer for first-time RV owners can be pretty intimidating. For those looking for something lightweight and easy to tow, a travel trailer under 2500 lbs is a great option. But before making that final decision, let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of travel trailers under 2500 lbs.

If you’re a first-time RV owner looking for a lightweight and easy-to-tow travel trailer, one under 2500 lbs may be an excellent option for you. While they have their benefits, they also have their downsides. It’s essential to carefully consider your travel and living needs before deciding. Overall, they are an affordable and travel-friendly option for those looking to experience road-tripping without breaking the bank. With proper care and planning, you can make the most of your travel trailer under 2500 lbs and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Towing Lightweight Trailers with an SUV

Choosing an RV is exciting and fun, but making informed decisions is essential before you hit the road. By knowing your SUV’s tow rating, space requirements, fuel efficiency, driving experience, and quality/safety concerns, you can select an RV that will help create lasting memories but do so safely. But where do you begin the process of selecting an RV? Here we offer several tips to help you choose an RV you can tow with your SUV and enjoy your travels.

Selecting a tow vehicle

If you already own a tow vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, this decision is already made for you. However, if purchasing a new vehicle and an RV is in the cards, you’ll have a few more decisions to make. The first thing to remember is that not all SUVs are made alike. Some will be more capable at towing and designed for heavier loads. While the engine size is critical, it’s not the only thing to consider. Many factors determine a vehicle’s tow rating, such as the engine performance, transmission capacity, suspension system, and braking system. Rather than trying to calculate all of this yourself, begin your search by looking at ratings determined by the manufacturer. 

Also, towing under your vehicle’s maximum weight rating is preferred. If you constantly tow to its maximum ability, you will stress your engine, transmission, and brakes much more. Therefore, I always suggest towing about 25% below the maximum rating to preserve the life of your vehicle. A short list of some of the best SUVs for towing is listed below:

10 Capable SUVs with Good Towing Capacity

Selecting an rv.

Finding the perfect small-sized travel trailer may seem more like an art than a science. It ultimately comes down to your tow vehicle, RV weight, preferred interior space and floor plans, standard features, and personal preferences. Below are a few tips to help you with this decision-making process:

1. Know your SUV’s tow rating

The first step in choosing an RV is understanding your SUV’s tow rating – how much weight it can safely tow. This information can typically be found in your owner’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. You’ll also want to know the towing capacity for your model make, year, and trim, which can vary. The RV you select should weigh within that rating.

2. Determine how much space you need

Before investing in an RV, you’ll want to consider how much space your family needs. Consider your sleeping and living arrangements, including your required storage. Travel trailers come in different sizes and configurations. Be sure to select an RV that can accommodate everyone along with your camping gear.

3. Think about fuel efficiency

One advantage of towing with an SUV is the potential for better fuel efficiency. However, be aware of an RV’s impact on your SUV’s MPG, as this can significantly impact how much you spend on gas during your travels. Selecting an aerodynamic and lightweight RV well-suited for your SUV’s towing capabilities can make your trips enjoyable and economical.

4. Consider the driving experience

Driving an SUV with an RV in tow can be a new and exciting experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the differences in handling between your regular ride and your towing vehicle. RVs with heavier weights, larger dimensions, or higher profiles can impact the driving experience, so be sure you are comfortable with how the RV feels on the road. Always take a test drive and practice maneuvering the RV in an empty parking lot before venturing on the open road.

5. Quality & Safety

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the overall quality and safety of the RV you purchase. RVs are a long-term investment, so thoroughly research the make and model you are interested in, read reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure no issues or recalls. You’ll also want to research safety features such as RV-specific brakes, sway control, and stabilization .

Advantages of a travel trailer under 2,500 lbs:

• Affordability:  One of the most significant advantages of owning a travel trailer under 2500 lbs is that they are relatively affordable. They offer a great option for those who want to take extended road trips without breaking the bank. Moreover, they have lower maintenance costs than motorized RVs.
• Easy to tow:  This type of trailer is easy to tow, even with smaller vehicles. They are also easier to park and maneuver compared to larger trailers, making them an ideal option for those new to towing.
• Fuel efficiency : Travel trailers under 2500 lbs have a smaller size and weight, translating to a more fuel-efficient journey. This means that you can travel longer distances without worrying about fuel costs .
• Costs:  Small trailers will be significantly less expensive than larger travel trailers. Budget shoppers may appreciate the benefit of the low prices afforded by a small RV. 
• Used vs. New : Buying a new travel trailer will always be more expensive than a used one. However, many campers will upgrade to a larger rig at some point, so you can usually find great deals on smaller used travel trailers.

Disadvantages of a travel trailer under 2,500 lbs:

• Limited space:  Travel trailers under 2500 lbs lack the space larger trailers provide. They have limited living areas and storage space, which can be challenging if traveling with a larger group or having a lot of gear.
• Comfort : Another disadvantage of having a travel trailer under 2500 lbs is that it can be less comfortable than larger trailers. They are not designed for extended periods and lack the amenities of full-time living quarters.
• Fewer features : These trailers have fewer features than larger trailers, meaning you may miss out on amenities like a large kitchen area, entertainment area, or a spacious bathroom. You will likely only have a cooktop and (no oven), a smaller dining area, and a smaller kitchen sink. Also, many units with air conditioning will have window-type units instead of a roof-mounted option.

Top Small and Light Travel Trailers under 2,500 Lbs

The following best lightweight travel trailers weigh around 2,500 lbs but added features, and your cargo can increase these weights, so use this list as a general guide to finding the best option for your particular needs. Also, adding optional equipment will increase these weights.

Are you looking for a hassle-free way to escape on a weekend getaway? Look no further than the RP171 , a compact and lightweight trailer weighing just 2500 lbs and measuring slightly over 18 feet long. The RP171 has everything you need for a comfortable camping experience, including sleeping space for up to 4 people, a TV, a two-burner cooktop, a refrigerator, a furnace, an air conditioner, a convection microwave, and a wet bath. Its compact size, and comprehensive features make it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy nature’s beauty without sacrificing the comforts of home, including a queen size bed.

The RP171 boasts impressive features, including a hitch weight of 340 lbs and UVW of 2,714 lbs. With an exterior length of 19′, height of 9′ 7″, and width of 96″, this trailer is both compact and spacious. Its freshwater capacity of 30 gallons, along with the 30-gallon gray and black water tanks, provide ample supply for an extended camping trip. Additionally, the RP171 can be outfitted with an optional R-dome awning, adding extra space by converting your outdoor area into a place to hang out.

• Hitch weight of 340 lbs
• UVW of 2,714 lbs
• CCC of 1,126 lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 19′ in length, 9′ 7″ in height, and 96″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 30 gallons
• Gray water and black water tanks with a capacity of 30 gallons each
• Optional (R-dome) awning size.

KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB: 

The KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a compact, lightweight travel trailer providing an excellent camping experience. The trailer has an Unloaded Vehicle Weight of 2,350 lbs and a Dry Hitch Weight of 270 lbs, making it easy to tow. Its Cargo Capacity is 450 lbs with a 2,800 pounds GVWR. The exterior dimensions of the trailer are 16′ 9″ in length, 84″ in width, and 107″ in height (without A/C).

The KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB offers unique features and standard options like a three cubic feet refrigerator, a 6-gallon LP water heater with DSI, and a 20-gallon freshwater capacity. In addition, this small trailer has a wastewater capacity and gray water capacity of 26 gallons each and an LP gas capacity of 20 lbs. It also has a 10′ awning, which provides ample shade for outdoor activities. The interior height of the trailer is 78″, and it is equipped with a furnace that provides 20,000 BTUs of heat. The KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB runs on 15″ tires, making it a comfortable ride on any terrain.

• Hitch weight of 184lbs
• UVW of 2,500 lbs
• CCC of 752 lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 16’6″ in length, 8′ 1″ in height, and 7′ 11″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 10gallons
• Gray water capacity of 30 gallons, Black Water 5 gallons 

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH travel trailer is a compact and lightweight trailer that provides all the essentials for your camping trip [. It has a dry hitch weight of 250 lbs and an unloaded vehicle weight of 2,810 lbs (some older models (if you find one used) can be found with a weight under 2,500 lbs). The 145BH trailer measures just 18′ 0″ in exterior length, 9′ 2″ in exterior height, and 7′ 1″ in exterior width, and has a comfortable interior height of 6′ 6″ in the main area. It also features a 10′ 0″ awning so that you can spend more time outside.

This Jay Flight trailer has a 20.0-gallon fresh water tank, a 19.9-gallon gray water tank, and a 19.9-gallon black tank capacity. Yes, you have a bathroom. In addition, it can sleep up to 4 people and has a well-equipped kitchen. Overall, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH travel trailer is an excellent option for a compact and lightweight trailer with all the necessary features for a comfortable camping experience. Jayco has also been in the RV business for a long time, so you can take stock of their ability to produce a good quality trailer. For more space, you may also want to check out the 19-foot model if your tow vehicle can handle it.

• Hitch weight of 250 lbs
• UVW of 2,810 lbs
• CCC of 790 lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 18′ in length, 9′ 2″ in height, and 7′ 1″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 20 gallons
• Gray water capacity of 19.9 gallons, Black water capacity of 19.9 gallons 

Travel Lite RV Rove Lite 14BH:

The 2023 Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer is a fantastic option for campers looking for space and light weights. This is the lightest travel trailer on the list. This trailer is incredibly lightweight and easy to tow with Hydro-Lite sidewalls and 13″ custom lite-weight aluminum wheels. In addition, it has a 2500 lbs GVWR, electric brakes, and rear stabilizer jacks to keep you comfortable at the campground.

The Rove Lite14BH features LED running lights, on-demand tankless water heater , a well-equipped kitchen with a single-bowl stainless steel sink, a high-rise faucet, a solid-surface kitchen table,  and a pantry. The trailer also has wood grain cabinetry, a 12volt 3.3Cu ft refrigerator, and a 2-burner stainless steel stovetop. It also comes with a 20,000 BTU furnace; You will also have a wet bath with a shower, foot flush toilet, and 12V power vent.

The 2023 Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer features soft shades and curtain valances, 200-watt solar panels, a 20# LP gas tank, a detachable 30 amp power cord, and a monitor panel. In addition, the Tuson sway control ensures a safe and comfortable ride, while the 10GL fresh/30GL gray/5GL black water tanks ensure all your water needs are covered. Overall, the Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer is an excellent option for a comfortable and lightweight travel trailer.

• Hitch weight of 270lbs
• UVW of 2,080 lbs
• CCC of 450 lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 16’9″ in length, 78″ in height, and 84″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 20gallons
• Gray water capacity of 26 gallons 

The Riverside Retro 165 Travel Trailer is a compact, lightweight camper with a vintage 1950s style. It comes in various sizes, and the exterior has a classic or teardrop trailer shape that provides a kick of nostalgia with smooth curves. In addition, the Retro RV has a vibrant and fun interior with black and white checkerboard flooring, aqua, red, or seafoam green dinette cushions, and birch wood covering the interior walls and cabinetry.

Inside this smaller trailer, you’ll have access to everything you need for camping, including a capable kitchen, bathroom, and even a queen bed. This fun and unique RV will harness the days of camping 50 years ago but with modern conveniences and a lightweight that you can tow with many SUVs. It has an overall length of 16’4″ and a total dry weight of 2600 lbs. 

• Hitch weight of 300 lbs
• UVW of 2,600 lbs
• CCC of 1,200 lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 16′ 4″ in length, 6’3″ in height, and 7′ 6″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 36 gallons
• Gray water capacity of 32 gallons, Black water capacity of 17 gallons 

The Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB is Forest River’s smallest walkable travel trailer. When they designed it, they used a lot of creativity to figure out how to pack a lot of key features in a small footprint. As a result, Forest River describes it as their “Swiss Army Knife of RVs.” 

The Flagstaff E-Pro travel trailer is a small camper with a double bed setup that can be converted into a king bed, a full bathroom, a TV, and an awning. It has a hitch weight of 357 lbs, UVW of 2,667 lbs, and a CCC of 1,210 lbs. The camper is easy to tow, and most tow vehicles can handle it. It has a freshwater capacity of 31 gallons, gray and black water capacities of 12 gallons each, an exterior length of 16’4″, an exterior height of 10’3″, and an exterior width of 92″. The awning size is 10′. Add solar panels to this trailer, and you’re ready for off-the-grid remote camping. Who said lightweight campers have to be boring?

• Hitch weight of 357 lbs
• UVW of 2,667 lbs
• CCC of 1,210lbs
• Exterior dimensions of 16′ 4″ in length, 10’32” in height, and 92″ in width
• Fresh water capacity of 31 gallons
• Gray water capacity of 12 gallons, Black water capacity of 12 gallons

Final Thoughts:

Travel trailers under 2500 lbs are perfect for first-time RV owners, especially if you already own a tow vehicle. They are lightweight and compact and include many amenities that make your camping trip comfortable and enjoyable. If you are looking for a perfect travel trailer, consider the models listed above. However, these are just a few of what’s available. Also, don’t be afraid to look at used options. Smaller RVs make them easier to inspect and ensure they’re in good shape. 

All of the suggestions provided pack a lot of different features into a little trailer and a small living space. Also, remember that you can usually upgrade from a standard model to gain more flexibility for camping (off-road tires, solar panels, outdoor kitchen, etc.) Just be aware that anything you add will add extra weight to the RV. Getting a travel trailer under 2500 lbs allows you to have an excellent experience on the road without breaking the bank.

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Journey With Confidence

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

Consider the GVWR (not the UVW)

Many RV manufacturers tout the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) of their trailers. But adding cargo like fresh water, propane tank(s), food, clothing, bicycles, and other camping equipment to the trailer can add hundreds of pounds to that UVW number.

GVWR is the weight to know when buying a trailer for a lightweight truck or passenger car tow vehicle.

Knowing the GVWR of small campers is the key to safe towing on road or while off-the-grid camping. Now, let’s dive into our list of the best lightweight travel trailers for 2023.

The 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 6,000 Pounds GVWR)

Our top small travel trailers for 2023 are listed in order by cost in US dollars, from least expensive to most expensive.

1. Vintage Trailer Works XTR: An Off-Road Lightweight, Customizable Camper 

The Vintage Trailer Works team builds custom teardrops, retro campers, and toy haulers in Dothan, Alabama. The 5’x8′ model XTR is one of VTW’s four off-road, customizable lightweight teardrop trailers.

This mini travel trailer features dual doors with sliding windows, a tri-fold queen bed mattress and couch, 30″ A/T tires, and a beautifully designed galley under the rear hatch that’s ready for the best camping coolers and grills and outdoor cooktops of your choice.

All XTRs are custom built per buyer’s choices, starting with 4’x8′ to 5’x10′ floorplans, tailored kitchen layouts, an optional roof rack, awnings, cargo storage system choices, electronics, and more.

Vintage Trailer Works XTR Features

• Hitch weight: 275 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,990 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,600 lbs.
• Exterior length: 14′
• Full exterior height: 5′ 8″
• Exterior width: 7′ 5″
• Freshwater capacity: 10 gallons
• Optional roof rack and awning
• Base MSRP: $11,695

2. Riverside RV Retro 135: Vintage Style Small Trailer with Full Bath 

There aren’t many small travel trailers with a full bath on the market today. But one trailer stands out from the rest: the Retro 135 from Riverside RV.

The retro vibe starts on the outside with a colorful fiberglass exterior and continues inside with an eye-catching 1950s-style vintage trailer interior.

It features a black-and-white checkerboard flooring; dinette cushions in aqua, red, or seafoam green; and bright birch wood interior walls and cabinetry.

The ceiling is 6′ 3″ with an airy feel, despite being one of the smallest camper trailers on our list. The Retro has plenty of room for a 20K Btu furnace and 13.5K Btu A/C, a full wet bath, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator and cooktop. 

Riverside RV Retro 135 Features

• Hitch weight: 140 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,730 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,640 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 9″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 6″
• Exterior width: 7′ 6″
• Interior height: 6′ 5″ 
• Freshwater capacity: 36 gallons
• Gray water capacity: 32 gallons
• Black water capacity: 17 gallons
• Optional dinette
• Base MSRP: $24,317

3. 2023 Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB: A Versatile and Lightweight Trailer

You will love the new Rove Lite 16RB ultralight travel trailer from Travel Lite . This is the largest in the company’s offerings. Yet, it’s one of the most affordable small travel trailers on the market and light enough to pull behind many small cars and tow vehicles.

The sleek Euro-style design, use of state-of-the-art composite materials, aluminum chassis, and seamless poured resin fiberglass roof are industry-leading materials.

Interior features include a convertible bed and one of the only lightweight travel trailers with a full bathroom (and an outdoor shower, too). RVers love the unexpected space-saving functionality of this ultra-light travel trailer.

2023 Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB Features

• Hitch weight: 154 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,044 lbs.
• Exterior length: 18′ 9″
• Full exterior height: 8′ 11″
• Exterior width: 7′ 11″
• Gray water capacity: 30 gallons
• Black water capacity: 5 gallons
• Optional exterior shower and electric side awning
• Base MSRP: $30,236

4. 2023 Keystone Passport Solo 15FK: An Elegant Small Trailer with a Full Kitchen

Keystone RV’s new Passport Solo 15FK is the smallest of the five Solo Series (single-axle) lightweight travel trailers. It’s in prototype phase now but will be out in 2023.

This ultralight travel trailer is loaded with standard features usually not found on single-axle campers, including an outdoor kitchen, tongue jack, stabilizer jacks, and a 10-foot awning.

This compact travel trailer features Keystone’s exclusive HyperDec flooring (composite and water-resistant), a rear wet bath, a 60″x80″ tri-fold queen-size bed, plus a beautiful wrap-around kitchen in the front with a large pantry, an 8 cu. ft. 12V fridge, plus a microwave and two-burner LP stove. There’s also an outside kitchen with a pullout griddle to accommodate hungry family members.

2023 Keystone Passport Solo 15FK Features

• Hitch weight: 595 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,650 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 4,410 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 5″
• Full exterior height: 10′ 4″
• Exterior width: 8′
• Freshwater capacity: 37 gallons
• Black water capacity: 30 gallons
• Optional solar panel packages and lithium batteries
• Base MSRP: $34,350

5. L’Air Camper Company Trillium Lion 1300 GT: Classic Styling in a Lightweight Pull-Behind Trailer

Want to tow a small trailer with a small SUV or crossover? This is it!

L’Air Camper’s new Trillium Lion 1300 GT is a great small camper for couples and solo RVers who love the look of classic ’50s styling.

The molded fiberglass, 13-foot, 2,200-pound Lion GT model with the bathroom layout has everything needed to camp comfortably anywhere.

This small pull-behind camper features a 46″x76″ foam bed, two-burner cooktop, microwave, fridge, 12V/110V and solar power , A/C, furnace, hot water, inside shower, cassette toilet, 8-foot awning, and decent storage.

The Lion version has 15″ wheels, all-terrain tires, fender flares, gray marine upholstery, and roof rails for gear racks.

L’Air Camper Company Trillium Lion 1300 GT Features

• Hitch weight: 165 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13′ 5″
• Full exterior height: 7′ 6″
• Exterior width: 6′ 6″
• Interior height: 6′ 2″
• Freshwater capacity: 13 gallons
• Gray water capacity: 13 gallons
• Black water capacity: N/A
• Base MSRP: $39,500 USD

6. 2023 InTech Sol Horizon: A Stylish, Luxury Ultralight Trailer 

InTech’s new Sol Horizon is a luxurious aluminum ultralight travel trailer with a full-width U-shaped dinette up front. The big windows on three sides give expansive views of your surroundings.

The roomy interior has a unique “tilt-forward design” that allows use of the area over the trailer’s tongue to increase sleeping/lounging space.

The Sol Horizon also sports a sizeable wet bath; a luxurious kitchen with an enormous farmhouse sink, commercial-grade faucet, and two-burner LP-gas stove; and an adjacent entertainment center. A 10′ awning is standard, with options such as a slide-out kitchen and solar power.

2023 InTech Sol Horizon Features

• Hitch weight: 465 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,000 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,372 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′
• Full exterior height: 9′ 5″
• Exterior width: 8′ 6″
• Interior height: 6′ 6″
• Freshwater capacity: 28 gallons
• Gray water capacity: N/A
• Black water capacity: 32 gallons
• Optional dual LP-gas tanks and off-grid package
• Base MSRP: $42,539

7. Vorsheer XCT: Rugged Off-Road Campers

From the ground up, Vorsheer’s 2023 Xtreme Camp Trailer (XCT) is an adventure-style off-road trailer designed with longevity and quality in mind. 

Made in Utah, the XCT has hot and cold season insulation, a composite shell, aluminum-body subframe, high-strength steel main frame, a full trailer kitchen in back, queen-size bed inside, and much more in a unique, head-turning design.

This small off-road trailer will carry a rooftop tent for added sleeping options. In addition, you can also carry adventure toys such as kayaks or a canoe.

It stands tall to handle the tougher 4×4 trails with nearly 20″ of ground clearance. If your tow vehicle can clear the obstacle, you know your trailer will too.

Vorsheer XCT Features

• Hitch weight: 260 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,995 lbs.
• Full exterior height: 6′ 11″
• Freshwater capacity: 27 gallons
• Extra large 270° awning (Bat Wing)
• Optional exterior water heater and shower
• Base MSRP: $44,560

8. 2023 Mars Campers Mars 15 Deluxe: Off-Road Trailer with a King Bed and Full Bath 

Mars Campers is the sister company to Black Series Campers and closely resembles their off-road campers imported from Australia into North America.

The Mars 15 Deluxe is a full-featured hybrid trailer. For example, it has a metal roof that lifts up to add headroom and a rear slide-out adds living space.

This small pull-behind trailer is solid. For instance, it’s built with rock sliders and skid plates to protect every vulnerable area. Additionally, it has an independent suspension to smooth out the ride over rough terrain.

The interior is large, with a big kitchen, four-burner cooktop, fridge, and lots of storage. It also has a wet bath and the rare feature of a lightweight travel trailer with a king bed.

Additionally, the pair of fold-up bunks makes it family-friendly. You’ll love the huge slide-out kitchen and 13-foot awning too. 

If you can’t get to Australia to buy it, don’t worry. The Black Series HQ12 small 4×4 trailer is a great alternative.

Mars 15 Deluxe Features

• Hitch weight: 320 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,291 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 4,409 lbs.
• Exterior length: 18′
• Full exterior height: 8′ 2″
• Exterior width: 7′ 4″
• Interior height:6’4″
• Freshwater capacity: 26.4 gallons
• Gray water capacity: 26.4 gallons
• Black water capacity: 26.4 gallons
• Base MSRP: $55,990

9. 2023 Lance Camper Enduro: An Equipped and Innovative Overlanding Trailer 

This off-grid camper is built for RVers who love off-road outdoor adventures. The all-new 19′ 1″, 4,500-pound (GVWR) Lance Camper Enduro is centered around an interior wet bath with a cassette toilet, a U-shaped convertible dinette, kids drop-down bunks, and a large exterior kitchen under the rear hatch with a two-burner cooktop.

Robust solar and lithium battery technology handles the power for dry camping. Additionally, having 40 gallons of onboard freshwater and a remote filtering system gives you independence.

Back kitchen galley of the Lance Camper Enduro.

The prototype campers have been in development for almost two years and will hit RV dealer lots in early 2023.

2023 Lance Camper Enduro Features

• Hitch weight: 350 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 1″
• Exterior width: 8′ 5″
• Freshwater capacity: 40 gallons
• Gray water capacity: 26 gallons
• Base MSRP: $59,000

10. 2023 Kimberley Kampers Kruiser E-Class: Small Camper with a Composting Toilet 

The Kimberley Kampers Kruiser E-Class is a full-featured travel trailer from the company’s Ohio location. This luxury small camper is loaded with high-tech features, particularly the adjustable air bag suspension and the diesel-powered hot water system.

Additionally, there is a retractable island queen bed and an RV composting toilet . These travel trailers keep RVers comfortable in the outback or anywhere in North America.

The E-Class Kruiser model has more options than many small campers . It’s easy to tailor this camper to fit any RV lifestyle.

2023 Kimberley Kampers Kruiser E-Class Features

• Hitch weight: 265 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,836 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′
• Full exterior height: 9′ 8″
• Freshwater capacity: 50 gallons
• Gray water capacity: 16 gallons
• Black water capacity: Waterless Composting Toilet
• Base MSRP: $89,268

Editor’s note: RV production costs are in flux. Base costs for these small towable RVs may have changed since Q4 2022 (when we created this list of the best lightweight travel trailer reviews for 2023).

Meet other lightweight travel trailer owners

One of the best parts about RVing is meeting other camping fans. Learn more from owners of expandable, hybrids, & light travel trailer campers in the iRV2 Discussion Forums . Get other perspectives on the best small travel trailers, light tow vehicles, RV products, great camping spots, hacks and mods, and much more. 

Related articles:

• 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers of 2022
• What Is Your Gross Vehicle Weight (And Why Does It Matter)?

15 Best Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

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Travel trailers under 3,500 lbs are a blessing for those who don’t need the space. Maybe you lack a 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton truck and don’t need or want to drop the extra money on a much larger RV. They’re surprisingly versatile and the interior innovations towards creating more living space are incredible.

Lightweight travel trailers towable by the family vehicle are growing in popularity. Especially those with innovative solutions—such as slideouts and Murphy beds—to the space equation. A wet bath may take a little getting used to, but it’s more than understandable when compacting living space.

They’re also affordable and a more sensible option for travel trailer tent add-ons when you really want to expand those rest and relaxation spaces. With that being said, we’ve compiled some fantastic travel trailers under 3,500 lbs for your perusing pleasure.

All of these incredible options have some very attractive qualities and a few drawbacks, too – we tell it like it is.

Susan and Mike from RVBlogger have toured and reviewed dozens of travel trailers that weigh less than 3,00 lbs. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the info we share in this article!

1. Airstream Basecamp 16

Our Pros and Cons

✅ 6’4″ height is a nice amenity for a 16′ travel trailer

⛔ The Basecamp design is more for off-road, boondocking experiences

• Length: 16′ 2″
• UVW : 2,650 lbs
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs
• CCC: 850 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 450 lbs

T he Airstream Basecamp 16 is an impressive little beast. It’s small, compact, yet roomy and made for adventuring into areas well off the beaten path. Despite its seemingly singular nature, it still retains the prototypical Airstream experience.

It’s the perfect option for couples since it only sleeps two, but you’ll never feel constrained within its aluminum environment. One of the best features of the Basecamp is the most obvious one—the panoramic front window. The view is what it’s all about and it’s why the Basecamp is the perfect adventure design.

The convertible dinette folds completely away for additional living space or it converts into a half bed, two single beds, or a full. The wet bath makes sense with the small design but it still feels more spacious than most.

You also have a choice between the 16 and 16X models, which mostly boil down to cosmetics, a few extra amenities, and living space.

2. Casita Spirit 17 Deluxe

✅ Deluxe model includes a bathroom and shower

⛔ The Deluxe model only sleeps 2, whereas the standard sleeps up to 6

• Length: 17′
• UVW : 2,480 lbs
• CCC: 1,020 lbs

The Casita brand is a truly unique design, with nothing more than a 2-piece, marine-grade fiberglass body fused together into the travel trailer you see in the pic above. Though the design process is simple, it’s a beast of a camper, capable of extreme longevity with the proper maintenance.

As you would expect in a camper of this size, the sleeping area converts into a dinette, saving you some much-needed space. Regardless of the Casita model you choose, all of them come with microwaves, a two-burner stove, a power range hood with a light, and a silverware drawer.

Everything else that goes into the Casita Spirit is entirely up to you. It’s also a very lightweight trailer with a very large cargo-carrying capacity of half a ton. You can pack a lot into this animal and still have plenty of room to spare.

3. KZ Sportsmen Classic 180BH

✅ Excellent design for five campers in a tiny bunkhouse

⛔ Five people can push into that 810 lb CCC spread pretty quickly

• Length: 21′ 5″
• UVW : 2,690 lbs
• CCC: 810 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 280 lbs

The KZ Sportsmen Classic 180BH is a return to the more traditional exterior aesthetic on modern-day travel trailers. It’s small but it does a lot with the space, including a bunkhouse for when you want to bring the kids along for the ride.

It also features ample storage space, with passthrough storage included. The teddy bear mattresses on the bunks are more comfortable than some bunkhouses in more expensive and roomier RVs. With RVs this size, you don’t see full baths very often, which makes this KZ an even better choice for small families.

The exterior features a 9′ awning if you want to avoid the sun on a lazy afternoon. The easy-tow design, ample space, and plentiful amenities make this one of the more attractive options on the list.

The KZ 180BH is also a very affordable option, as low as $15k at some dealerships, which is hard to beat in travel trailers under 3,500 lbs.

4. Forest River Wolf Pup 14CCW

✅ Rear door entrance makes for a more spacious design

⛔ Not everyone is enamored with split baths

• Length: 19′
• UVW : 3,314 lbs
• GVWR: 5,475 lbs
• CCC: 2,161 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 375 lbs

‘Wolf Pup’ is an apt name for this tiny tike of a travel trailer. The Wolf Pup design features a rear-door entrance, which is a welcome departure from other travel trailers in its class. The split design allows for more up and down room along the length of the travel trailer.

Not everyone loves the split bath design but it makes perfect sense when it boils down to space-saving design features. Overall, the Wolf Pup 14CCw looks like a much larger RV shrunk down to a smaller size.

Just about everything you expect in a 30′ travel trailer seems to be in place here, with the exception of modest and understandable cuts to save space.

The exterior features a 10′ awning, with an exterior TV mount so you can take the whole family outside for a cookout and a movie. You also have some outside storage options and this runs into the best feature in the 14CCW—a full ton of cargo carrying capacity.

That’s right—you get a full ton plus 100 pounds for good measure. Prepare to load up for your next outing because the Wolf Pup can definitely handle it.

5. Vintage Cruiser 19TWD

✅ Bedroom reading lights for some old-school reading in a retro RV

⛔ Vintage styles are popular but the aesthetic isn’t for everyone

• Length: 23′
• UVW : 3,035 lbs
• GVWR: 4,380 lbs
• CCC: 1,345 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 380 lbs

It’s hard not to love the growing popularity of retro-style RVs of which the Gulf Stream Vintage line is more than aware. The 19TWD is an excellent variation and features twin beds with a king insert on one end for a variety of sleeping arrangements.

If you love the look of old-school, roadside diners, that’s the vibe the Vintage Cruiser is rocking. The interior features a split bath with a surprisingly long bathtub on one side and the toilet/sink on the other. The vintage booth seating is perfect, considering the surroundings and it includes an extra counter as well.

The exterior, vintage graphics aside, the Cruiser features a welded aluminum frame with vacuum-bonded sidewalls. This maintains the lightweight while allowing for a spacious design. It features well over half a ton of cargo carrying capacity along with pass-through storage and plenty of storage options within.

It’s the perfect option for a small family of three or four.

6. Coachmen Clipper 17CFQ

✅ Huge, full bathroom in the rear

⛔ Windows are a little lacking

• Length: 20′ 5″
• UVW : 2,910 lbs
• GVWR: 3,850 lbs
• CCC: 940 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 330 lbs

The Coachmen Clipper 17CFQ is a brilliant little travel trailer that manages to squeeze in a full bathroom in the rear of the RV. The Clipper also includes a queen bed on the opposite end with plenty of room in between.

There’s also nearly a ton in cargo carrying capacity, with plenty of room and storage options to pack for a big trip. The exterior features a 12′ awning for afternoons in front of the grill and pass-through storage so you can chew up some of that extensive CCC.

Thanks to its lightweight, the Clipper is already an advantage on the road. However, it also features an aerodynamic front that helps cut down on the wind resistance and the number of times you have to hit up the gas station each trip.

While the Clipper won’t blow your socks off in terms of new innovations, it’s a fantastic option for a very small family or a couple. It also boasts one of the more spacious interiors on this list.

7. Scamp 16’ Deluxe

✅ One of the most durable and long-lasting travel trailers on the market

⛔ Interiors need some decorating attention (on the bland side)

• Length: 16′
• UVW : 2,600
• GVWR: 3,300 lbs
• CCC: 700 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 225 lbs

There’s a reason that Scamp trailers manufactured back in the 1970s are still on the road today. Scamp manufactures one heck of a travel trailer and it’s built to last. The 16′ Deluxe version travels in the same circles as the Casita Spirit.

While the specs above are fixed, the reality is far different. There are so many customization options with the Scamp that nearly all of the above numbers are malleable.

If you’re looking for long-term travel and prefer to boondock, the Deluxe version is for you, since it features a wet bath. However, like the Casita, the addition of a bath cuts down on the available sleeping space, transforming the Scamp 16′ into a two-person show.

While the interior aesthetics are nothing to write home about, the solid fiberglass shell will last until the end of the earth and there’s always plenty of potential for personalization.

All Scamps feature a rear dining area that converts into a nice bed. The 16′ version also packs in the full kitchen setup, microwave, extra outlets, gravel shield exterior, and a group 24 battery pack.

8. Safari Condo R1713

✅ Features a retractable roof (how cool is that?)

⛔ It’s essentially a spruced-up teardrop, so space is fairly constrained , especially with 4

• Length: 17′ 3″
• UVW : 1,825 lbs
• GVWR: 2,700 lbs
• CCC: 875 lbs
• Tongue Weight: N/A

It’s hard not to look at this UFO-like teardrop and not be impressed. It seems like it was either made for space or it came from there. As far as travel trailers under 3,500 lbs go, the R1713 is a technological powerhouse, full of boondocking and off-grid goodies.

It even features a retractable roof. There are several other models with retractable roofs as well if it’s worth it for you to look at some larger sizes. Whether or not that opens the door to some interesting roof-tent options is up to you and your own innovative personality.

These campers are designed for going off the grid and staying that way for as long as possible. It comes with enough battery power for 200 amp hours of reserve capacity along with another two, 200-watt solar panels to keep the juice flowing.

It also features a heat pump A/C and a 2,000-watt inverter. The R1713 features two electric motors that essentially drive the travel trailer around via remote control. So, once you unhitch it, you can maneuver it any way you like.

It also features an outstanding build quality and it’s clear that these travel trailers are designed as the end-all-be-all of long-term, off-grid-possible teardrops.

9. Forest River R-Pod RP171

✅ Self-adjusting electric brakes

⛔ A/C units are optional on all R-Pods—not standard

• UVW : 2,714 lbs
• GVWR: 3,840 lbs
• CCC: 1,126 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 340 lbs

Forest River R-Pods are unique-looking travel trailers and the RP171 is no exception. It’s kind of like someone took the concept of a teardrop and mashed it up with a much larger travel trailer that’s shaped like a marshmallow.

The end result is an intriguing aesthetic that works. One of the best things about R-Pods is the things that come standard, such as nitrogen radial tires, fiberglass roofs, aluminum wheels, and dual-battery racks.

For the RP171 in particular, that opens the doors for a wide range of options. If you’re considering the off-grid lifestyle or prefer boondocking this trailer is perfect. The exterior lights are incredibly bright LEDs, which cuts down on power consumption. The exterior also features sidewalls with an R9 insulation factor.

The RP171 has a spacious interior, with a queen bed on one end and a sizeable dinette on the other. Everything in the middle is pretty standard fare for travel trailers these days, even when they’re this small.

The RP171 was one of the first R-Pods in Forest River’s lineup of small, ultra-light trailers and they’ve had ample time to perfect it.

10. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX

✅ Queen bed with walk-around room and flanking shirt closets

⛔ Two-burner cooktop is awfully small considering the counter space

• Length: 21′ 6″
• UVW : 3,124 lbs
• GVWR: 3,880 lbs
• CCC: 756 lbs

The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX is a fantastic little travel trailer that’s ready to rock n roll at a moment’s notice. The queen bed with ample space surrounding it is especially notable. You can tell that Palomino was able to really work some extra living space into a relatively small RV.

This is the second travel trailer on the list with a full, rear bathroom that feels far more spacious than it really is. The shower features a bright, LED overhead light which is especially nice. After all, it’s hard to find fantastic lighting in a lot of RV showers.

The booth dinette is a nice touch as well, with plenty of table and counter space to go around. Another small but nice touch is the number of charging ports throughout the RV. In the age of the smartphone and tablet, there can never be enough of those it seems.

The Alpha Superflex Roof is highly durable and the 16QBX also features a Darco underbelly for protection over the road. If you’re itching to get away from it all, the 16QBX is prepped for solar power, along with a WiFi setup.

11. Jayco Jay Flight 184BS

✅ Features a Jay S.M.A.R.T lighting system

⛔ A toilet and shower with no sink may turn off some potential customers

• Length: 20′ 8″
• UVW : 3,460 lbs
• GVWR: 4,500 lbs
• CCC: 1,040 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 395 lbs

Travel trailers under 3,500 lbs are nice and all but not all of them can claim a Jay S.M.A.R.T. lighting system. This lighting system is a fantastic innovation for safe traveling. A combination of signal indicators, running lights, taillights, and reverse lights all work in conjunction to create better lighting indicators on the road.

As far as the Jayco Jay Flight 184BS is concerned, we have another great, ultra-lightweight travel trailer option that actually sleeps up to 6 people. Not only do you have plenty of room for a small to mid-size family, but you also have better protection and safety for them on the road.

This travel trailer also features a slide-out, which is incredibly popular in this class of travel trailers. The slide-out holds the dinette, which makes for more living space even while the family gathers for dinner.

The rear tub and toilet sit right next to the bunkbeds for those overnight potty breaks. The overall interior space is also one of the largest on this list.

12. inTech Sol Eclipse

✅ Build quality is exceptional

⛔ The customization is so extensive it can be a little overwhelming

• UVW : 2,775 lbs
• CCC: 725 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 445 lbs

Though this is one of the smaller travel trailers under 3,500 lbs, it’s much like the Safari Condo R1713, a technological powerhouse packed into a tiny space. The inTech Sol Eclipse is all about customization options and you are free to communicate with them throughout the entire manufacturing process.

One of the things that sets inTech apart from its rivals is build quality. Each travel trailer is manufactured around a fully welded aluminum framework.

This helps inTech build components and customization options without placing extra strain on the frame. It also features a single-piece roof with R7 bubble-foil insulation.

The entire kitchen is in the front with a large, forward-facing window and two side windows for a panoramic viewing experience. Also, like the Safari Condo, the Sol Eclipse is designed with going off the grid in mind.

The plug-and-play nature of the design opens the door to a wealth of off-grid opportunities in terms of add-ons. If you prefer the road less traveled, this small travel trailer is perfect for you.

13. Travel Lite RV Rove Lite 14BH

✅ Side A/C rather than a roof A/C makes it more aerodynamically sound

⛔ Black tank is only 5 gallons

• Length: 16′ 6″
• UVW : 1,748 lbs
• GVWR: 2,500 lbs
• CCC: 752 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 184 lbs

There’s a lot to love about the Travel Lite RV Rove Lite 14BH. For one, it’s hard to imagine a travel trailer this small with a bunkhouse, yet here we are. It features a rear sofa bed with a simple, drop-down overhead bunk. Easy-peasy.

This is also an incredibly light model, considering its interior size. It doesn’t seem real, however, the floor is manufactured in a honeycomb composite material, while the RV is insulated in block foam and the fiberglass roof is a single piece.

Thanks to the small size, the air conditioner is placed as a window unit. This helps in the aerodynamics department, saving you some gas money that will add up over the years. Out of all the travel trailers under 3,500 lbs, this one is the lightest while retaining so much space to move around in.

14. Airstream Bambi

✅ There are four floorplan options and all of them come with memory foam beds

⛔ Cargo carrying capacity is on the low end

• Length: 16′ 1″
• UVW : 3,000 lbs
• CCC: 500 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 430 lbs

Airstream makes the list twice on this one, thanks to having two different ultra-lightweight travel trailer models. Neither has much to do with the other. Where the Basecamp is more for going off-grid, the Bambi is more of a traditional camper’s camper.

The Bambi comes in four models, all of which feature the iconic exterior with a bright interior aesthetic as well. The classic design is simple but elegant. If you love the white-colors aesthetic for a more sunshiny lifestyle, the Bambi will appeal to you all day long.

The living space feels spacious while the appliances are small and out of the way. Airstream Bambi features 12vdc compressor refrigerators and the wet bath is tight but exactly what you would expect on a 16′ travel trailer.

15. Venture Sonic Ultra Lite SL150VRK

✅ Gotta love the Murphy Bed!

⛔ Very limited counter space

• Length: 19′ 1″
• UVW : 3,080 lbs
• GVWR: 3,800 lbs
• CCC: 720 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 360 lbs

Last but not least on our list of travel trailers under 3,500 lbs, we arrive at the Venture Sonic Ultra Lite SL150VRK . This one features a Murphy bed as an option and it makes a world of a difference inside an ultra-lightweight travel trailer.

This is one of the more roomy and spacious RVs on the list but it takes a little sacrifice in terms of counter space to get there. However, most potential buyers will recover when they see the large, full bathroom with half of the back wall dedicated to a pantry.

The StorMore bedside nightstands add the perfect touch to a comfy and roomy bed. The bedroom area is plenty large leaving room for you to walk around two flanking shirt closets. Impressive for such a small trailer.

One of the best features is the Venture LevelMate Pro, which lets you level this RV with your smartphone!

What Class Hitch Is Required To Tow 3,500 lbs?

Matching your travel trailer with the proper hitch is critical for safe towing. So which class of hitch is best for travel trailers in the 3500lb range?

A Class I hitch rated for 2000 lbs is far too underpowered and although a Class II hitch is rated for “up to” 3,500 lbs, you should stick with a Class III for anything with a GVWR that exceeds 3,500 lbs .

For instance, just because the travel trailer features a dry weight of 3,000 lbs, doesn’t mean you can’t approach that GVWR without threatening to overwhelm a Class II.

A Class II is perfectly fine for lightweight travel trailers like the Travel Lite RV Rove Lite 14BH or the Safari Condo R1713. However, with a Class II, you’re pushing it with an inTech Sol Eclipse and going too far overboard with the Jayco Jay Flight 184BS.

How Much Are Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs?

There’s a decent disparity among travel trailers under 3,500 lbs. Ultra lightweight travel trailers typically fall under the ‘entry-level’ category in terms of price, which is anything between $12k and $40k. Unfortunately, much of the price is reliant on brand rather than substance.

For instance, the Airstream Basecamp 16 has a starting price of $46k, which is $6k higher than the numbers we list above. Then there’s the Coachmen Clipper 17CFQ, which retails for around $26k. The Clipper is longer and roomier than the Basecamp.

Are there important and distinguishing features between the two? You bet. Is it worth an additional $20k? Well, a good deal of that is brand power, so it’s entirely up to you. On the bright side, maintenance on smaller RVs is a lot easier and more cost-effective than their larger brethren.

That’s not to say that any of the brands above lack amenities. All it means is brand carries value all by itself, long before you step inside the RV door for the first time.

It’s also important to remember that though these are smaller campers, a lot of technology and innovation goes into making them small while still retaining livability.

Can You Full-Time In Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs?

You certainly can but there will be consequences you’ll have to overcome and you’ll need to get used to life without certain amenities. You’re looking at a very constrained space, every day, without change. You can relieve that somewhat with tent attachment options and more of an outside lifestyle.

We see many RVers who full time in small travel trailers use Clam tent enclosures to add additional outdoor living space to their camping experience.

Consistent power needs will take on a new dimension, depending on whether you are boondocking or grabbing shore power at every opportunity. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome, mostly if you like living off-grid for sustained periods or just prefer boondocking, is tank size.

Those fresh, grey, and black tanks are capable of dictating your life if you let them. You will have to get innovative.

Smaller RVs often equate to cheaper construction and may not be up to par depending on where you plan on taking them. For instance, the Basecamp 16 is far more off-road worthy than the R-Pod.

Regardless of what your lifestyle preference is, do your homework on these models beforehand and make sure you know what you are getting into.

Final Thoughts About Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Travel trailers under 3,500 lbs are an absolute blast, especially if you are into the adventurous spirit and hitting the road with your significant other.

Are they the best option in the world for full-time living? Maybe—maybe not. But they are incredibly versatile, which opens up a lot of doors for your own, personal innovations and style.

The above-listed options feature some fantastic choices with a number of different styles and amenities. If you can’t find something perfect for your next adventure on this list, you probably won’t find it anywhere else.

Related Reading:

1. 15 Best Small Travel Trailers For Retired Couples 2. 25 Best Travel Trailers Under 20 Feet 3. 10 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailer Brands 4. How Much Do Casita Travel Trailers Weigh? 5. 12 Great Campers For Jeep Wrangler Owners

About the Author:

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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During our RV downsizing journey, we looked at quite a few small travel trailers. The number one requirement was the travel trailer had to be lightweight. Specifically, we were looking for travels trailers under 3,500 pounds. Between all the research, visiting dealers and attending RV shows , we got to check out quite a few small camper trailers .

This is a round up of some of our favorite lightweight travel trailers under 3500 lbs.

If you’re looking to buy your first (or second or third) RV and need help, I offer one-on-one coaching . I can help you find the right RV for you and walk you through many of the things you may not have considered yet that only a seasoned RVer would know. I can also walk you through how to buy an RV and help you avoid common pitfalls which will save you money. For example, did you know you might be able to get a solar tax credit for your RV? If you’re interested in learning more, click the button below.

Small Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs (A-Z)

Table of Contents

Alto Teardrop Camper Trailer by Safari Condo

Based in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec, Canada . The Alto trailer by Safari Condo is by far our favorite teardrop camper . Kait’s aunt and uncle own the Alto R1713 and let us film a walk-through of their teardrop trailer which you can watch below.

They found the Alto travel trailer easy to tow with their Jeep Wrangler and took it on many camping trips before they sold this unique teardrop trailer. Safari Condo currently makes two Alto R series trailers with a retractable roof: Alto R1713 and Alto R1723.

GVWR: 2,700 lbs – 3,500 lbs

Feather Weight: 1,816 lb (824 kg) – 1858 lb (843 kg)

Website: http://www.safaricondo.com/en/

Barefoot and TAB Teardrop Trailers by nuCamp

Based in Sugarcreek, Ohio . nuCamp manufactures a handful of lightweight travel trailers that can be towed by a half-ton truck. The TAB teardrop trailers are the most well known in the nuCamp trailers product line. Below is a tour of their largest teardrop camper.

The nuCamp Barefoot is an European style lightweight camper that is labeled “retro-chic” by the manufacturer. Watch the video below for a tour of the nuCamp Barefoot travel trailer.

GAWR: 2,220 lbs- 3,900 lbs

Total Gross Weight (Dry): 1,213 lbs – 2,831 lbs

Website: https://nucamprv.com/

Basecamp 16 Aluminum Travel Trailer by Airstream

Based in Jackson Center, Ohio . The Basecamp travel trailers joined Airstream’s line of aluminum travel trailers in 2018. This small RV trailer comes with a decent sized wet bath and a wrap around window in the galley. Watch our tour of the Airstream Basecamp below.

GVWR: 3,500 lbs

Base Weight (with LP & Batteries): 2,650 lbs

Website: https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/basecamp/

Bean Trailers – Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah . Bean Trailer makes lightweight trailers with a fiberglass shell. The most lightweight travel trailers in the product line are the Bean Stock and Classic Bean trailer. Keep an eye out for these cool teardrop trailers at the different Overland events and expos around the country.

Dry Weight: 1,650 lbs – 2,600 lbs

Website:  http://www.beantrailer.com/

Boreas Campers Off-Road Travel Trailers

Based in Arvada, Colorado . Boreas Campers makes several models of off-road overland campers. The Boreas XT camper featured in the photo below has a dry weight of 2,200 lbs with a GVWR of 3,500 lbs and 19″ of ground clearance.

Website: https://boreascampers.com/campers/

Casita Spirit Fiberglass Travel Trailers

Based in Rice, Texas . This lightweight travel trailer manufacturer has been making small campers since 1983. Designed to be durable and aerodynamic, these fiberglass travel trailers can be easily spotted rolling down the road. Casita Spirit is the lightest travel trailer the company makes with the Casita Spirit 16 standard weighing in at 1,970 pounds dry.

Website:  http://casitatraveltrailers.com/

Cedar Ridge Campers Classic Teardrop Trailer

Based in Murray, Kentucky . Cedar Ridge Campers makes two classic teardrop campers: Vega AT and Vega XT. The campers are made with structural foam core panels to keep the trailer lightweight and to provide insulation. Both models have a 5′ x 8.5′ main body with a 58” x 80” sleeping area.

GVWR: 2,200 to 3,500 lbs

Website: https://cedarridgecampers.com/

Cricket Trailer by TAXA Outdoors

This small camper trailer’s big selling point is the “NASA inspired design.” We briefly considered towing the Cricket trailer behind our Jeep Wrangler Unlimited when we were downsizing from our small Class A RV . The dry weight is under 1,800 pounds with a GVWR of 2,700 pounds and GAWR of 3,500 pounds. For more overland and off-grid adventures, check out the Cricket Overland edition of this lightweight camping trailer.

GVWR: 2,700 lbs

Dry weight: 1,753 lbs

Website: https://taxaoutdoors.com

Escapod Off-Road Teardrop Trailer

Based in Coalville, Utah. The TOPO2 by Escapod is “an off-road teardrop camper that’s built to endure” with a dry weight under 2,000 pounds including the basic features. We got a chance to tour the facility and spend a night out of this four season small teardrop camper. Watch our full walk-through of this teardrop trailer .

GVWR: 3,500

Website: https://escapod.us/

Happier Camper HC1 Fiberglass Travel Trailer

Based in Los Angeles , California . The Happier Camper HC1 is the Lego of fiberglass travel trailers . This small pull behind camper is so modular, you can configure it in many ways to make it fit your camping trailer needs. We haven’t seen any other lightweight campers quite like the HC1 and the base dry weight is 1,100 pounds.

Dry weight: 1,100 lbs

Website: http://happiercamper.com/

InTech’s Flyer, Luna & Sol Trailers

Based in Nappanee, Indiana . In 2010, the founders of InTech RVs set out on a mission to build the best travel trailers. The company now offer a variety of lightweight aluminum travel trailers that range in size and layout.

GVWR: 2,220 – 3,500 lbs

Website: https://www.intechrv.com/

Lance 1475 Small Travel Trailer

Based in Lancaster, California . Before Lance released the 1475, we considered towing the Lance 1575 camper. This small travel trailer doesn’t have any slides and the most notable feature are the large windows by the swivel chairs. Below is our video tour of the Lance 1475 travel trailer.

Website: http://www.lancecamper.com/

Scamp Fiberglass Travel Trailers

Based in Backus, Minnesota. Scamp Trailers make fiberglass travel trailers to order at the factory and use suppliers based in the U.S.A. The Scamp 13″ is the smallest fiberglass travel trailer in their product line.

GVWR: 2,200 – 3,500 lbs

Website:  http://www.scamptrailers.com/

SylvanSport VAST Lightweight Travel Trailer

Based in Brevard, North Carolina. SylvanSport has a few towable options with the VAST being their first travel trailer. The company’s slogan is about “adventurous comfortable camping” with the aim to reset consumer expectations for RV trailers.

GVWR: 3,000 lbs

Website:  https://www.sylvansport.com/

TetonX Hybrid Camper Trailer

Based in St. George, Utah . We learned about TetonX Hybrid through our friend Jason. This lightweight camping trailer is designed for off road adventures with a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. Check out the video tour we filmed of our friend’s small travel trailer below.

Key features of the new model include composite core, larger entry door, air bag suspension, full pop instead of the wedge pop, and upgraded bunk beds.

Website:  https://atlasoutdoorsusa.com

Timberleaf Teardrop Trailers

Based in Grand Junction, Colorado . Timberleaf Camping Trailers offers three models of teardrop trailers. The budget friendly Kestrel camping trailer starts at $7,800 and weighs in at 860 pounds. The Classic teardrop model starts at $21,500 with many of the bells and whistles that customers want in their travel trailer.

Website: https://timberleaftrailers.com/

Vistabule Teardrop Trailers

Based in St. Paul, Minnesota. We learned about these cool teardrop trailers camping next to one in Big Bend National Park . Kata and Marina, the owners of the Vistabule teardrop trailer below, were gracious enough to give us a tour. At the time, they were towing this small RV trailer with their Subaru. Check out their adventures on Instagram at Vistabule302 .

GVWR: 2,200 lbs

Website: https://vistabule.com/

Other Small Camper Trailers to Consider

These small camper trailers are over 3,500 pound GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), but worth looking into if you’re in the market for a small pull behind camper.

Bigfoot Fiberglass Travel Trailer

Bigfoot RV is based in British Colombia, Canada. They manufacture fiberglass travel trailers and truck campers for four season camping. The smallest travel trailer has a dry weight of 3,179 with a GVWR of 4,300 . The video walk-through below is the 25B21RB model.

GVWR: 7,500 lbs

Website:  http://bigfootrv.com

Black Series Off-Road Travel Trailers

Black Series is based in Australia. They make rugged off-road caravans and pop-up tent campers that have been roaming around the Australian outback for over a decade. You can now buy the Black Series of travel trailers in the U.S. which come with a 5 year structural warranty.

GVWR: Wide range

Website: https://www.blackseriescamper.com/

Escape Fiberglass Travel Trailers

Based in Chilliwack, British Colombia, Canada . Escape Trailer manufactures fiberglass travel trailers that are sold direct to consumers. While most of of their small camping trailers are well over 3,500 lbs, the Escape 17A and 17B have a GVWR of 4,000 lbs. 

GVWR: 4,000 lbs

Website: https://escapetrailer.com/

Grand Design Imagine AIM Travel Trailer

Based in Middlebury, Indiana. Grand Design (part of Winnebago) manufactures a wide range of camper trailers including the Imagine AIM line of small travel trailers. We got a chance to tour a friend’s Imagine AIM 16ML camper trailer with a small slide out and lots of storage.

GVWR: 4,795 lbs

Website: https://www.granddesignrv.com/

Oliver Fiberglass Travel Trailer

Oliver Travel Trailers is based in Tennessee. They make double-hulled fiberglass travel trailer that are heavier than other options listed in this post. If staying under 3,500 lbs isn’t a criteria for you, then check out the Legacy Elite II travel trailer.

GVWR: 7,000 lbs

Website:  https://olivertraveltrailers.com/

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51 thoughts on “17 small travel trailers & campers under 3,500 lbs”.

I have thought about adding a small trailer on either the back of my van or pickup truck (van is shorter than truck). Not sure how to maneuverer van or truck with going into a gas station or backing up. Also ability to see trailer behind vehicle. Looking forward to watching your series.

Just watch your video on shopping for a small travel trailer, I have many of the same “wants”. We’ve been traveling with a F650gs and two electric mountain bikes for about ten years. Right now we have a 2020 E-Pro 19th with tons of mods. It servers as both the garage and the camper. It has off road suspension with air bags, modified to provide side to side leveling. It’s over your GVW 3500 lb limit by about 1.5k but without the bikes and the moto it’s just over your limit. We currently pull it with a 1/2 ton silverado, but I’m thinking of changing to a transit 250. The van would become the garage. Feel free to email me if you’d like to discuss the mods I did and to kick around ideas for the best solution to bring along the bike.

Thanks Paul but 3500 pounds GVWR is a hard limit for us – and that weight would include everything that’s going in it. There are a number of trailers we’ve seen that are in the 2000 pound range that meet all our requirements.

I’m trying a somewhat newer idea of converting a Toyota Sienna Mini van into a camper, still leaving the 2 front seats for my daily driving. Any advice out there? Mom of “amanavanacat” 😄

amazing videos thanks for sharing

Any plans to update this list for 2020/21 ?

Yes. Do you have a small travel trailer suggestion?

You may want to check out the Helio brand super-lightweight full fibreglass trailers. They are Canadian built and are sold by a few dealers in the US. I really like the O2 model as it has a decent-sized wet bath and digs the use of space. I’ve seen them for $18,999 in the US and they weight 1600 or so pounds!

Love you guys… Looking to upgrade our homemade utility trailer Turtle… currently no bath porta potty, do have salamander wood burning stove water etc…But thoughts on a 4 season, smaller trailer with real bath, love the murphy bed idea and a sitting area rather than a dinette is fine, husband is a big guy and just struggles getting in and out of those dinettes… Looking for off grid read, ample storage etc… Thoughts on Lance trailer vs No Boundries. Christina & Robert

You may want to check out the Helio brand super lightweight full fiberglass trailers. They are Canadian built and are sold by a few dealers in the US. I really like the O2 model as it has a decent sized wet bath and dig the use of space. I’ve seen them for $18,999 in the US and they weight 1600 or so pounds! https://heliovr.com/

One thing I noticed when comparing small campers lately:

Teardrop (not sure of the brand/model, but it was quite attractive to the eye – I only saw it at a campground and then very quickly in a dealer showroom): This had only a bed in the cabin, a low ceiling, and a kitchen in the back. I don’t like the kitchen in the rear, because that would make it tough in the rain, especially with high winds, and unpleasant in the winter. These seemed pretty expensive for what little you get, and it’s nice to be able to stand up in a camper. Easy to pull, though.

Prolite has some nice layouts and some lightweight units, although their ceiling are too low. I have heard that the construction is very basic, and may not last as long as others, especially the molded fiberglass units like Scamps and Casitas.

Aliner/Chalet. These seem very roomy once they are opened, and opening them is very easy – they can be literally be opened and be fully set up in a minute or two if you don’t want to disconnect one from your car. The high center ceiling makes them feel very big, even though they taper to a lower level at the ends. They feel very solid and sturdy – sturdier than most lightweight trailers, and sturdier than many bigger RV’s. They’re low when they travel, so they are easy to pull. Downside is that you do have to pop them up, even though it’s quick, and more significantly, the downsides are that interior storage above waist level is limited, and there are moving parts, so they will wear out or need repair.

Tent Trailer: These old standbys have a lot going for them, especially for those without much towing power or those on a limited budget. They are easy to find in the $1500 to $3000 range used (be careful to look hard if you buy one to make sure there’s nothing wrong with it). They give you more living space per dollar and per pulling pound than any of the hard side trailers. Many like the tent enclosure, because you can hear nature, which is why we go camping (although people can hear you, which gives little privacy). The downsides are that set up is more complicated – they do have to be detached from the car, so they are not good for one night stays, storage is limited unless you get a large model, they have moving parts, and the moving parts are built to be lightweight, rather than sturdy, so they break more easily and need more repairs. Still, they are quite comfortable once set up.

My husband and I are looking for a small camper trailer in which you can stand up inside with an outdoor kitchen. I’ve found Rockwood Geo Pro G125RK, Tigermoth, Luna and TAB. Ultimately we wanted a basic indoor bathroom as well but that seems to be above our budget so we’re considering an outdoor potty with a privacy tent. Can you suggest any others I might have missed in my research?

We haven’t paid much attention to the smaller trailers where you would have an outdoor kitchen so I don’t believe we can be much help there.

Hi, My wife and I are retired and have thought to sell our quite compact fiberglass trailer in a few months. It does have a marvelous outdoor kitchen a large comfortable bed, and an indoor shower, toilet and sink. it is called a “Genesis 912”. It is undergoing some nice upgrading of the solar, etc and I could send some pics if you are not in a rush to buy. I understand this may not work ,timewise ,for you but I though I would let you know about these models anyway. best to you , Doug Johnson

Hi Doug. I’d be interested in looking at some pics. Where are you located?

check out the MeerKat

I am not sure if you have found a Teadrop Camper yet, but Rustic Trail Teardrops builds a 6-foot tall teardrop with an optional outside pull out kitchen. It weighs under 1,7000 Lbs and costs under $12,000. You can find it at http://www.rustictrailteardrops.com/polar-bear/

Nice trailer recommendations. By the way, may I know what towing parts you think is great to use with it? I’m still undecided what to purchase but I’m currently looking at Blue Ox towing hitch.

Excellent work and Well worth a read. Got great insights and information from your blog. Thanks.

My wife and I decided to enter the tiny trailer scene with a “tall” teardrop trailer, one we can stand in. Obviously, we don’t have all the bells and whistles inside, but that’s pretty much the point of owning a tiny trailer. We have kind of a crush on the Airstream Basecamp, though. It’s small yet has that classy classic look. I’m enjoying your blog and how you’ve developed a good energy with it. I did write a blog article that focused on what maybe you’d call the micro trailer niche, where I interviewed tiny trailer owners as to why they went ultra small. https://www.greengoddessglamping.com/2018/08/why-such-tiny-trailer-teardrop-owners.html

Missing Escapade campers made in Minnesota

What do you know about “T@B”’s?

You should check out the Egg Camper. They’re made in Michigan, just outside of Grand Rapids. Unibody fiberglass construction, engineered by a former boat manufacturer. When we camped at an RV park, the gentleman next to us had one. I was commenting how cute the trailer looked from the outside with its yellow awning, it really looked like an egg! He let us take a look inside. It was so well-thought out on the interior. Easy to clean boat quality fiberglass. The bed was east-west, instead of north-south to save on space. Wet bath was roomy. Just the cutest little camper. Only 1,700 lbs dry weight. You can tow it with an SUV. He’s had the Egg Camper since 2014 and absolutely loves it.

What about the Bowlus Road Chief?

You left a number of great trailers off of your list, including the A-Scape (by A-Liner), the “Lil Snoozy,” the Runaway, the Lil Guy, the Travel Lite Express 14, The R-Pod…and more that are targeted for your age, wealth (or lack of it) and skill level.

Why no mention of the Nu-camp 320 series or the 400? They all fall within the targeted weight range and, by the looks of these other campers, are equally, or better, constructed. The problem with most of these trailers mentioned here is availability. I live in the Panhandle region of Florida and you are lucky to find anything beyond the behemoths that people seem to want in this area with the possibility of a few T@Bs. I am very interested in the Alto, but the price of one combined with the costs of traveling expense (are they only sold in Canada?) makes it way out of my league. I wouldn’t even know where to travel to see some of your other suggestions, certainly not within 500 miles of me. The Lance looks interesting, but judging by the video, the build quality doesn’t seem up to the T@B. I currently own the 320 s and tow it easily with a Toyota 4Runner. You can configure it for a North/South bed arrangement or an East/West. A 320 s is well below the 2,000 lb. mark. If I ever get the money together, I would trade the 320 s in for a T@B 400. Having owned a Nu-camp Cirrus truck camper before downsizing to the 320 s, I have been made very familiar with it’s components used in the 400, as the Cirrus had the same construction, windows, flooring, Alde heating system, and the nifty fold down sink in the bathroom. I wish campers like the Aldo were more accessible, as the videos of them frustrate me knowing they just aren’t available for me to even look at in person.

The build quality of the Lance should not even be questioned by someone who obviously has not done their homework! I will leave it at that…

I bought an Alto…it completely rocks! I get that it sucks they don’t have a dealer here in the US– but Safari Condo is happy to connect interested people with the nearest Alto owner so folks can see it before they buy it. Alto owners are always happy to gush about their snails. Happy Shopping!!

I am fortunate to live within 5 miles of the Canadian border (Washington state), so British Columbia is pretty darn close to me. A few days ago I went to visit a Canadian RV dealer that had the Alto Safari Condo line available to view (strictly as display models), and I was very impressed with with I saw and was able to see, touch, feel, and sit in. High quality construction, excellent fit and finish, and thoughtful touches throughout. It has the most comfortable camper dinette seats I have ever sat down upon, and the sofa area that converts to a queen size bed is also very comfortable for this hard mattress loving guy. You don’t feel confined in the Alto … plenty of room for one/two, plus a child (or dog, like me). The Alto is nicest thing I have seen so far, and fits nicely into the weight and hitch weight restrictions imposed on me by my tow vehicle.

In comparing the two models, I preferred the fixed roof version. For me, the extendable roof would let in too much morning light, and you don’t get as much over counter storage, either. In fact, if you selected the microwave option, its placement is on a four-legged pedestal on the counter; that was kind of weird to me.

Lead times are incredibly long; I was told if I wanted to order one, my expected delivery date would be February, 202o. It would be container shipped from Quebec (where they are manufactured), and sent to the Canadian RV dealer. Base price on the Alto 1743 (fixed roof) is $36,300 CDN (dollar references hereinafter are all CDN). To that you have to add freight charges of $4,500, dealer prep of $750, and a US export charge of $750.

Then comes the (long) option list, which includes things like the TV/DVD player, wiring for cable, a central privacy curtain, microwave oven, etc., etc. Depending upon what you select, you can significantly add to the overall cost.

I was fortunate to meet a Canadian owner visiting our area, who was parked along the beach last weekend. He thoroughly loves his trailer, and mentioned that he and his wife use it about 50 days/year. They indicated it’s primarily a two season trailer, but in my area of the Pacific Northwest, I could probably get away with a usable season of Mar 31 – Oct. 31. With the options and configuration he selected (including freight), he paid $56,000 CDN for his unit. Converting that to US dollars equates to approx. $41,000 … kinda pricey. Even the base model – with no additions – is going to put your initial investment at about $31,500 USD.

So far, the Alto is at the top of my list, but I am also looking at T@B (320 series – 400 hitch weight is too much for my tow vehicle), and the Little Guy series, as well.

If you can’t find a local US Alto Safari Condo owner to pester for a peek, many of the Canadian dealers have them as display models. If you ever get yourself close to Canada, it would be worth the visit. Then again, there are enthusiast groups in the US, too … along with a Facebook group.

Love the videos, especially the Alto review.

We own a Tesla Model X and are looking at the best option for towing. We are looking to rent an Alto 1713 like your relatives have. We haven’t been able to find any here in Florida. Any recommendations?

Contact Safari Condo, maker of the Alto, and they can put you in contact with owners in your area. There is also a Facebook group that you can follow. We bought an Alto. There is a wait involved, and a road trip to pick it up. We used the wait to time exchange rates to leverage our payments and make them go further, and the road trip was an excellent opportunity to get to know our new little camper. The Facebook group has all sorts of great recommendations on how to do it.

Can you please share the Facebook group name?

There are Alto owners who tow with a Tesla. AFAIK the only place to rent one is in Durango CO.

What would you recommend for a middle age couple (both about 5’7″) and two young labradors? I want to use my Mercedes 2006 ML350 4Matic (gas) to tow. We’ve always gone tent camping & love BLM land. It would be great to have a shower capability & possibly Heat/AC so we could go in the winter too. Thank you, Fred & Gladys (really)

Hey guys – because RV/trailers are such a personal choice, we don’t make recommendations to people. Our advice is to go shop around and see as many as you can. Eventually one will stand out above the rest. I also have no idea what the tow capacity is for your Mercedes so make sure you research that and take it into consideration (with the trailer fully loaded, water, gas, etc.).

We’re in the same boat Elyse. The GLK 250 diesel, 2 adults and 2 dogs.

My husband and I have a 16 foot Casita spirit. 1970 pounds. We travel with 3 dogs. We love the design- no wasted space. Shower, toilet, fridge, sink. Room for a microwave. TV is wall mounted on a swivel.

Are there any lightweight (<3,500lb) travel trailers that don't require the people to crawl over each other when getting into or out of bed? I don't mind crawling in or out. But when the bed is oriented across the trailer, someone is going to have to crawl over their bed mate. Getting up in the middle of the night to pee? Tough luck. Why don't customers call out the manufacturers for turning a blind eye to this inconvenience?

Yes…we found this one but didn’t like the quality of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pncnTv8Pg7Q The big reason why most manufacturers do have a North/South bed is because of how small these trailers are. Having the bed up against the wall is the best use of space, rather than needing an area to walk around each side.

The R model altos sleep in the bumper to tongue orientation on a king size bed. Getting in and out is even easier if you sleep with only one cushion at the top and leave it in twin bed configuration at the bottom. A very versatile little trailer.

We have a T@B travel trailer, a little over 2000 pounds, 15 feet long including the tongue. The dinette makes up into a large bed but a number of owners have made modifications so there are two single beds with a walkway between. I wish manufacturers would recognize that lots of people would like this configuration in a small camper.

Great summary of options under 3500 lbs. Now that we only have one kid living at home we have gotten rid of our HUGE SUV and daydream of camping in something that our Wrangler and Crossover can tow. Thanks for the links, have a feeling the yard work is going to have to wait!

My wife and I looked at all of the trailers mentioned plus many more and wound up with a Vistabule. Hands down the most space-optimized package we found, incredibly efficient and at 1600lbs very easy to tow. I definitely recommend adding it to the list!

This is my favorite for aesthetics. http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/recreational-vehicles/clc-teardrop-trailer.html My 6’3″ husband tells me I can build it for when I want to run away and go solo. I am so happy to see you guys downsized. Your old RV seemed very “grandma in Florida” whereas the new one is more “young people hitting the trail”. Your final step will be when you start modding out an off road truck with camper shell!!!

Thanks Cathy! That’s quite the tiny trailer. Just find a friend who’s taking their RV camping and hook that up to it! Funny, we’ve actually talked about looking at putting together a truck camper for our next rig.

We built a teardrop a number of years ago, designed by my engineer husband. We were able to pick up period reproduction hardware from a local enthusiast who had purchased the extrusion molds- lots of fun, easy to tow. Our daughter & he are going to refinish it & she will be using it with her Subaru.

We bought a Gulfstream Vista cruiser 17 RWD a year ago and love it. We have a Honda Ridgeline V6 to pull it. The trailer is lightweight and we get up hills very easily. Best of all the quality of the trailer is high, much like the Lance trailers.

That’s fantastic – always great to find something that really works for you and is high quality.

• Pingback: Lance Camper Factory Tour - Travel Trailers, Truck Campers

In July, 2015 we purchased our very first RV – a Scamp 19 ft. “fifth wheel.” Because of its ball-type hitch which is sort of a cross between a goose-neck and fifth wheel hitch, purists frown upon calling it a fifth wheel. But, considering its interior layout, those familiar with RV’s would surely consider it to be a fifth wheel. We absolutely love ours. It’s light (under 3,000 pounds), easy to tow, has a wet bath (though somewhat cramped), an ample dinette area and plenty of storage. With over 45 nights in it thus far, we find it to be plenty spacious for two people – especially the bed area (just huge the way we have it set up). However, when the time to take off full timing comes in two years, we will be upgrading to something larger, likely a smaller Class A. Good luck with your new rig!

We’ve seen a couple of those Scamps – back when we lived in a sticks and bricks, one of our neighbors had one. Makes me wish I had kept my truck! I’ll be curious to see what you think if you end up moving to a Class A or something similar. Thanks Peter!

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Best Family Travel Trailers Under 4500 Pounds

Trailer Specs

• Dry Weight:  3,078 pounds
• Length:  21’5″
• Sleeping Capacity:  Up to 5

Featuring rear bunks for the kids and a queen bed for the parents, the Coleman Lantern LT 17B is one of the most affordable travel trailers out there. This lightweight travel trailer is easy to tow and can be towed by various vehicles.

It features an electric fireplace, an air conditioning unit, a full-size dinette, and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a dry bathroom in the rear, abundant storage under the bottom bunk, and a high-rise faucet over the single-basin kitchen sink.

Check out Lantern LT 17B models at your local Camping World.

Coleman Lantern LT 202RD

• Dry Weight:  4,444 pounds
• Hitch Weight:  594 pounds
• Length:  24’11”
• Height (w/ AC): 10’10”
• Sleeping Capacity:  Up to 4

The Coleman Lantern LT 202RD is a great family travel trailer because it features a queen bed in the master suite, located at the front of the floorplan. At the back of the trailer, it offers a convertible dinette and a reclining sofa for the kids or guests to sleep on.

The center kitchen features a 10 cubic foot refrigerator, a two-burner cooktop with an oven below, and a microwave. This travel trailer also features power stabilizing jacks and a power tongue jack that make it easy to level and stabilize your RV when you arrive at a campground.

Shop Camping World’s Lantern LT 202RD inventory.

Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS

• Dry Weight:  3,367 pounds
• Hitch Weight:  460 pounds
• Length:  21’9″
• Height (w/ AC): 10’6″

The Forest River Wolf Pup 16BHS is a bunkhouse travel trailer with a family-friendly floorplan. The kids have rear bunks to rest in, and you’ll enjoy a queen-sized bed at the front of the trailer with an overhead shelf for your phone, books, and other small items.

There’s a TV mount above the convertible dinette and a second mounting location on the RV’s exterior. If you mount a TV out there, you won’t miss a second of the action as you lounge underneath the 12-foot power awning. As a bonus, you’ll have a mini fridge accessible in an exterior compartment, so you don’t have to go inside to restock your favorite beverages.

Check out Forest River Wolf Pup models at your local Camping World.

Heartland Mallard Tailwind T180BH

• Dry Weight:  3,949 pounds
• Hitch Weight:  490 pounds
• Length:  22’5.5″
• Height (w/ AC): 10’4″
• Sleeping Capacity:  5-6

Heartland’s Mallard Tailwind T180BH is another bunkhouse model with a modified Murphy bed system to maximize the interior space during the day. It also features a great outdoor kitchen that allows you to split meal prep, so it doesn’t feel cramped inside when cooking.

The double bunks feature queen-sized RV mattresses, the Murphy bed is a queen, and the dinette converts for added sleeping space. Although that would make for a crowded RV with only one bathroom, there is a privacy curtain that allows you to section off the “master suite” from the rest of your trailer.

Discover Camping World’s Heartland Mallard Tailwind selection.

Coleman Light 1905BH

• Dry Weight:  4,486 pounds
• Hitch Weight:  602 pounds
• Length:  23’11”
• Height (w/ AC): 10’8″
• Sleeping Capacity:  3-6

Featuring aluminum framed construction and loaded with amenities, the Coleman Light 1905BH might be lightweight, but it’s heavy on durability. This is the heaviest of the RVs on this list, but it’s full of features that make it perfect for camping with a large family.

We’re talking power stabilizer jacks, a power awning, a slide-out dinette, a queen-size Murphy bed, and pass-through storage for all your recreation equipment and camping gear . Plus, folding up the bed gives you plenty of living area when you all need to be inside on rainy days.

In other words, it’s large enough for the whole family and all the memories you’ll make along the way. Consider it the mama bear of RVs. It’s not too big, but it’s not too small either. It’s just right.

Shop Coleman Light 1905BH RVs .

Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSKX

• Dry Weight: 3,749 pounds
• Hitch Weight:  430 pounds
• Length:  22’11”
• Sleeping Capacity:  Up to 7

The lightweight Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSKX offers a unique layout that transforms seating space by day into sleeping space at night by incorporating a fold-down, queen-size Murphy bed at the front.

When that bed is folded up, it offers plenty of living space with an open, carpet-free floorplan. At the back, two double bunk beds are perfect for the kids or for extra storage space when traveling as a couple .

The kitchen with a slide-out for the U-shape dinette features a panoramic window, so you’re never without a good view of your surroundings. Or you can ignore the indoor kitchen and cook all your meals in the outdoor kitchen instead. I’m sure no one will complain.

Shop Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSKX RVs .

Forest River Grey Wolf 22MKSE

• Dry Weight:  4,341 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 585 pounds
• Length:  26’9″
• Sleeping Capacity:  Up to 6

It’s a space-saving family bunkhouse that is easy to fall in love with — the Forest River Grey Wolf 22MKSE . The Grey Wolf has perfected the transition from night to day by featuring a Cherokee Sleep System queen-size bed that can quickly and conveniently fold up to provide a full-size sofa.

Full-size bunks in the rear keep children and guests comfortable and provide space between sleeping areas. There’s also a fold-down dinette if you need additional sleeping space and a shower with a tub, which is a feature you don’t find in many RVs.

There are indoor and outdoor entertainment center hookups, so you never have to worry about anyone missing out on the fun. The Grey Wolf saves space so you can focus on making the most of the quality time spent with your family on the road.

Shop Forest River Grey Wolf 22MKSE .

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 224BH

• Dry Weight:  4,480 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 460 pounds
• Length:  27’1″
• Sleeping Capacity:  Up to 8

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 224BH is a fantastic unit for a family thanks to ample sleeping space, a spacious bathroom, plenty of storage, a camp side kitchen, and a large dinette for having family meals.

A curtain divider pulls across to separate the master bedroom from the rest of the trailer. So everyone can enjoy a little more privacy with this floorplan compared to what you’ll find in many other small campers .

There’s also an outside kitchen that helps keep the kids outside, so you don’t constantly have to clean the RV floor daily. This is another travel trailer under 5000 lbs., meaning you should be able to tow it with various vehicles.

Shop Jayco Jay Flight SLX 224BH RVs or explore Jayco’s entire RV lineup .

Crossroads Zinger-Lite 18BH

• Dry Weight: 3,362 pounds
• Hitch Weight: 426 pounds
• Length:  21′
• Height (w/ AC): 9’7″

Another good family camper under 5000 lbs. is the Crossroad Zinger 18BH . This high-quality trailer has a camp side kitchen, a dinette, bunk beds at the rear, and a queen bed at the front. It’s one of the more compact trailers on this list, but that makes it one of the lightest.

It’s prepped for a backup camera to make backing your trailer into a campsite easier. It’s also ready for a solar installation if you’re looking for a trailer that can handle extended boondocking stays.

The Zinger’s construction includes an aerodynamic front end and a rear bumper that’s perfect for securing one of the best bike racks for RVs . Plus, you’ll have the option of adding insulation if you’re interested in extending your camping season.

How to Choose the Best Family Travel Trailer for You

These small trailers are all about maximizing sleeping space for family RVing. You won’t get a king-size bed or theater seating like you might find in some of the best luxury fifth wheels . But you will get a comfortable camper at a much more affordable price.

Here are a few more resources to guide you as you continue your search for the perfect family travel trailer:

• Understanding RV Weight Ratings
• Everything You Need to Hitch & Tow Your RV
• How to Properly Load Your Travel Trailer

We hope these trailers and resources help you find the right camper for your family. Regardless of which RV you decide to hit the road with (and at which price point), the memories you make with your family will undoubtedly be priceless.

Do you have any lightweight travel trailers you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below!

• Comment (8)

Most travel trailers have an average dry weight of 5,000 pounds. Dry weight refers to the trailer’s weight without any additional gear or items.

Looking for a used trailer to sleep 6 while house is being remodeled

Here are a few additional links that might be helpful:

https://rv.campingworld.com/rvclass/used-travel-trailer-rvs

https://www.rvrentals.com/

https://blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/rv-buying-guide-buying-a-used-rv/

Hope that helps!

Absolutely, hands down the Lance 1995. A very practical high-end RV with so many practical extras !

Forest River R-Pod is an excellent travel trailer

Not the R-Pod 202…tons of interior storage with the new layout.

Marc, what one do you think is a good option?

R-pod is WAY too narrow. Lacks storage space.

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8 Ultra-Lightweight Camper Trailers Under 1,500 Lbs

• Last Updated: March 14, 2024
• 13 minutes read

Lightweight travel trailers under 1,500 pounds are easy to tow, which spares you from having to invest in a large truck to enjoy the RV lifestyle.

They are especially handy for people who already drive a  mid-size SUV  or a car with a towing package. Though finding the right one for your family’s travel style can be a little bit of a challenge.

If 1500lb is the maximum amount of weight your can or SUV can safely pull, finding the right camper for your family’s travel style can be a little challenging.

There are a lot of options to consider, which might leave you wondering what are some of the best RV trailers under 1,500 pounds.

The InTech RV Flyer and the LG My Podtop are on this crowded list. However, there are certainly a lot of other intriguing options.

With an eye toward value and lightweight towability, we decided to take a good look at the cream of the crop to help you find the best camper trailers that weigh under 1,500 pounds or less.

This included looking for models that matched different travel styles and niche interests, as well as material build quality.

Here are 10 of the best camper trailers under 1,500 lbs. excellent choices for people who have light-duty tow vehicles.

• The InTech RV Flyer
• The LG My Pod
• The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
• The 2020 Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
• The 2021 NuCamp Tag
• The Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth
• The Forest River – Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK

1. The InTech RV Flyer

• Dry Weight of 1,450 – 2,020 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 240 – 410 lbs.
• Sleeps up to 2 to 3 people or more

The InTech RV Flyer is an impressively customizable RV that can be set up with a dry weight as low as 1,450-pounds, though you can still deck it out with optional extras which can tip the scales as high as 2,020-pounds.

With this level of customization available it’s best to work directly with the manufacturer as they can walk you through your options to make sure that you get the travel trailer of your dreams with the technical stats that pair perfectly with your preferred tow vehicle.  

One of the great things about the InTech RV Flyer is the fully welded cage frame and rugged tires.

It gives it the durability to go off-road when towed behind a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Other optional extras to consider include the double rear doors, a slide-out kitchen, an awning, a roof rack, and an air conditioning system with heat.

It can also be engineered to serve as a functional toy hauler with enough storage room to bring a pair of dirt bikes or perhaps a small ATV. 

You will also appreciate the storage space offered by the InTech RV Flyer. The front tongue box provides you with a place to keep boots and other soiled items so you don’t end up bringing dirt into the main living area.

The interior also has a lot of thoughtful storage areas. Just make sure that when you are loading it up, that you don’t push the overall gross vehicle weight above the maximum towing capacity of your tow vehicle.  

2. The LG My Pod

• Dry weight of 760 lbs.
• Hitch weight of 110 lbs.
• Sleeps 2 people
• Made from molded fiberglass

A lot of boxy travel trailers feel like you are towing a brick behind you, which can have a major impact on smaller tow vehicles.

The LG My Pod is a teardrop travel trailer with impressive aerodynamics that makes its already impressively lightweight frame feel almost feather-like behind your car or SUV. 

The interior of the My Pod is admittedly a little small. Though it is well-appointed.

There’s enough room for two people to sleep comfortably, and it even has an entertainment center to let you watch a movie on a rainy day.

You can also appreciate that it comes with a built-in air conditioning system as part of the standard model.

This isn’t always the case with the My Pod’s shoulder-to-shoulder competitors. 

If you want a little more living space, or just somewhere to take off your dirty boots before climbing into the sleeping area, then you should select the upgraded optional tent. It gives you a veritable porch and essentially doubles your living area.  

3. The Pika

• Dry weight 1,025 lbs.
• Fully welded frame

The Pika is a heavy-duty yet lightweight teardrop travel trailer. It starts out with a base dry weight of just 1,025-pounds with a wide range of optional extras that can add weight or keep it light and lean.

The all-welded 54-inch by 96-inch frame gives you enough interior sleeping space for two, while also being able to support a rear kitchen hatch.

One of the things you might appreciate about the Pika is the optional suspension system.

At your preference, it can be equipped with a Standard suspension package, All-Road package, or Off-Road suspension package to pair with just about any tow vehicle you want. 

4. The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK

• Dry weight of 1,252 lbs.
• Hitch weight of 152 lbs.
• 20 gallon fresh water storage tank
• 6 gallon gray water storage tank

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro is a sturdy teardrop travel trailer that only has a dry weight of just 1,252-pounds and a hitch weight of only 152-pounds.

This makes it a great option for a lot of small to mid-size SUVs.

If you are the kind of person who likes to boondock off the grid for a day or two, you might also like the 20-gallon fresh water and 6-gallon gray water storage tank that comes standard with this compact teardrop travel trailer.

It gives you enough water storage to do basic things like wash dishes and clean your hands without having to haul water in your tow vehicle. 

Just keep in mind that the water tanks will increase the gross weight of the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro.

A single gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds, so a full fresh water tank can add 168 pounds when pulling it down the road. 

5. The 2020 Jayco Hummingbird 10RK

• Dry weight of 1,570 lbs. 
• Hitch weight of 160 lbs.
• Payload capacity of 430 lbs.
• GVWR of 2,000 lbs. 
• 25.6 gallon fresh water storage tank
• Sleeps up to 2 people

True to its lightweight name the 2020 Jayco Hummingbird has a dry weight of just 1,570-pounds.

Though it also has an impressive amount of storage space and a cargo capacity of up to 430-pounds.

Just double-check the towing capacity of your vehicle before packing it to the gills, as this trailer fully loaded can have a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 2,000-pounds. 

Assuming your tow vehicle can safely handle towing this much weight, you’ll be treated to a teardrop travel trailer that feels surprisingly spacious.

The bed inside can sleep a couple comfortably, and has a lot of thoughtful net bags to let you store and grab personal items. 

The kitchen in the rear hatch of the 2020 Jayco Hummingbird 10RK is nicely decked out.

It comes with a microwave, as well as a single basin sink, and a sturdy RV absorption refrigerator.

Though this particular floorplan does not include a gas range, which is available in other floorplan models of the Hummingbird. 

6. The 2021 NuCamp Tag

• Dry weight of 1,284 lbs.
• Hitch weight of 130 lbs.
• GVWR of 2,020 lbs.
• 8 gallon fresh water storage tank

The 2021 NuCamp Tag is a compact teardrop travel trailer with an ultralight dry weight of just 1,284-pounds.

This along with a hitch weight of just 130-pounds puts it comfortably in the towing range of most mid-size and even a few small SUVs or sedans with a towing package installed.

Just bear in mind that when fully loaded the gross vehicle weight can get as high as 2,020-pounds. 

One of the things to love about the NuCamp Tag is that it has a ton of great optional extras and different configurations.

If you like to camp off the grid, then you’ll want to invest in the special “Boondock” package which beefs up the travel trailer with the kind of special features you need for off-road performance. 

7. The Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth

• Dry weight of 1,310 lbs. 
• Hitch weight of 127 lbs.
• Payload capacity of 990 lbs. 
• GVWR of 2,200 lbs.
• Sleeps 2 people with options to sleep 5

If you are looking for a lightweight yet highly durable travel trailer that is comfortable with living off-road, then you are going to love the Taxa Outdoor Tiger Moth.

It starts out with a dry weight of just 1,310-pounds, but with a cargo capacity of over 900-pounds, it is possible to load this compact travel trailer up with a gross vehicle weight of 2,200-pounds.

This means you will want to be careful not to overpack if you have a tow vehicle with a limited maximum towing capacity. 

What you get on the inside is innovative durability. The Tiger Moth has a powder-coated steel frame that adds to the long-term value, as well as enough sleeping space for two.

Though it can be reconfigured to sleep up to 5 people with the inclusion of the upper tent portion. 

Optional extras to consider include a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, as well as heavy-duty loading bars and additional cargo space.

When you work directly with the manufacturer you can customize a lot of the Tiger Moth’s features to match a wide range of camping styles. 

8. The Forest River – Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK

• Dry Weight of 1,252 lbs.
• Payload Capacity of 710 lbs.
• GVWR of 1,962 lbs.
• Hitch Weight of 162 lbs.
• 13,500 BTU air conditioner

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK is a teardrop travel trailer that is compact, yet also offers a lot of conveniences.

It has an impressively lightweight frame that translates into a dry weight of just 1,252-pounds.

Though it also has a robust amount of storage potential in a 710-pound payload capacity Just bear in mind that if you stuff it to the max with camping equipment the Flagstaff E-Pro can tip the scales with a gross vehicle weight of up to 1,962-pounds. 

If you like to camp in hot, humid locations, you will love the 13,500 BTU air conditioner.

The kitchen stationed in the rear hatch also keeps the heat produced by cooking meals from affecting the temperature inside the two-personal sleeping compartment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can i safely tow.

Start by checking the maximum towing capacity of your intended tow vehicle.

Then multiply that number by .8. By reducing your effective towing capacity by 20% you will have power in reserve for doing things like merging onto a highway pulling the travel trailer up a steep hill.

Staying within 80% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity also reduces the risk of developing a dangerous trailer sway problem.

How Much Can A Mid-Size SUV Tow?

The average towing capacity of a mid-size SUV sits around 3,500 to 3,700-pounds.

Though there are certainly some robust models that can tow over 5,000-pounds and some lesser models that can only tow up to 1,500-pounds.

If you have a small SUV or a mid-size SUV with limited maximum towing capacity, sticking to the models on this list will give you the best chance of finding a travel trailer that you can safely pair it with. 

There certainly are a lot of great lightweight travel trailers under 1,500-pounds. Just keep in mind that the more cargo you load into a compact travel trailer the more the gross weight goes up.

If you aren’t sure how much your intended tow vehicle can pull, you can always check the owner’s manual.

Many automotive manufacturers also post their tow statistics online, just make sure you are factoring in the make, model, and trim level of your vehicle. 

Once you have your towing statistics in hand and you’ve limited yourself to a maximum weight limit of 80% of the maximum capacity, you can start to sort through the best travel trailers on this list based on your preferred camping style. 

If you are looking to get off the grid for a few days of rugged boondocking, then the Taxa Outdoors Tiger Moth and the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK might be two of the best travel trailers under 1,500-pounds for you.

Just bear in mind that if you overload them the gross vehicle weight can push upwards of 2,000-pounds. 

If you are looking for a lightweight sleeping compartment with some optional outdoor living space, then the LG My Pod with its expandable tent might be the best travel trailer under 1,500-pounds for you.

It has sleek aerodynamics towing down the road, which makes its already impressive lightweight feel even lighter.

Yet it’s also comfortable and arguably roomy when you set up camp at the end of the day.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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The 4 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 1,500 Pounds

When looking for a travel camper for your traveling adventures, don’t forget to consider a lightweight travel trailer. Travel trailers under 1,500 pounds are easy to tow, which spares you from having to buy a large truck. You can still use your midsize SUV or even a car that includes a towing package. Finding the right lightweight travel trailer for your family can be a bit of a challenge, but there are still lots of options to consider. Here are four of the best lightweight travel trailers under 1,500 pounds. 

The LG My Pod is a travel trailer perfect for two people

Specifications: 

• Dry weight: 760 lbs or 840 lbs
• Hitch weight: 110 lbs
• Sleeps: 2 people
• Materials: Molded Fiberglass
• Price: $11,678 (from Fatherly )

According to RVing Know How , the LG My Pod is a teardrop travel trailer with impressive aerodynamics making it perfect for towing behind a car or SUV. The inside is small, but it is well appointed. You two people can sleep and enjoy the entertainment center together when indoors. The built-in air conditioner comes with the standard model too. If you need some more space added to the sleeping area to store shoes and equipment, you can upgrade and add an optional tent. This tent also works as a porch and can keep your stuff out of the bedroom. 

The Pika can go just about anywhere 

• Dry weight: 900 lbs
• Accommodation: 2 people
• Materials: Fully welded frame
• Price: $13,200 (from Timberleaf )

With its heavy-duty design, the Pika takes the teardrop travel trailer to the next level. According to New Atlas , it starts at 900 pounds and has a wide range of optional add-ons. All these add-ons add weight, but you can also keep it basic and light. The interior allows for two people to sleep and has a rear kitchen hatch. The more adventurous travelers will appreciate the optional suspension system. You can choose from a standard, all-road, or off-road suspension system. 

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK brings the water 

• Dry weight: 1,252 lbs 
• Freshwater storage tank: 20 gallons
• Gray water storage tank: 6 gallons
• Price: $16,887 (from Berry Land Campers )

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK is another sturdy teardrop design light travel trailer perfect for a small to midsize SUV. The Rockwood Geo Pro is great for those who love to go off-grid . The 20-gallon freshwater tank and 6-gallon gray water tank come standard with this travel trailer. This gives you enough water storage for activities like washing your dishes and hands without hauling water along.

The NuCamp Tag is a fully customizable travel trailer

Specifications:  

• Dry weight: 1,284 lbs 
• Freshwater storage tank: 8 gallons
• 2021 model year base price: $19,527 (from RV USA )

The NuCamp Tag is lightweight and easy to tow. It can be hitched up to a midsize SUV or even a small SUV or sedan with a towing package. The great thing about the NuCamp Tag is how customizable it is. It even has a “Boondock” package for those who like to spend time off-grid. 

Don’t forget the weight

When looking for a lightweight travel trailer under 1,500 pounds, it is very important to remember that the weight listed in the specifications is the base unloaded weight. This weight does not include the weight added by luggage, equipment, or water. It also does not include any customized extras or add-on accessories. All of these things will affect the final loaded weight. You also need to be mindful of the towing capacity of your vehicle and then buy your travel trailer accordingly, with the final loaded weight in mind. However, most importantly, have fun on your future RV adventures. 

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10 ultra lightweight campers under 1,500 lbs.

• Bill Widmer
• Updated: June 15, 2023

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Are you in the market for a lightweight camper?

Unlike some of the giant fifth wheels and huge travel trailers, lightweight campers have the benefit of being able to be towed by nearly any tow vehicle.

Some of these trailers can even be towed by a Prius or all-electric car!

Here’s a list of the best ultra-lightweight travel trailers under 1,500 lbs.

Table of Contents

1. bicycle camper, 2. the meerkat, 3. colorado teardrops basedrop, 4. happier camper, 5. timberleaf teardrop trailers, 6. terrapin camper, 7. wanderlust vintage trailers, 8. scamp 13′ fiberglass trailer, 9. cricket camper, 10. aliner classic travel trailer, other rv options, 10 best lightweight campers (lightest to heaviest).

In order of lightest to heaviest, here are the best lightweight travel trailers:

• Dry Weight: 80 Lbs
• Length: 9’4”
• Price: $4,000

Are you looking for the perfect, extremely lightweight travel trailer? Allow us to introduce you to the Bicycle Camper !

With a total weight of about 100 lbs, this travel trailer is one of the lightest you will find on the market. You can transport it with your bicycle, making it perfect for solo travelers and adventurous people out there who love to take long mountain bike rides while on your camping trips!

The sitting area transforms into a bed and there’s a nightstand attached for a small lamp or storage for your bedside items. This camper can be taken almost anywhere on, and off road (as long as you’re willing to go there)!

• Dry Weight: 920 Lbs
• Length: 13’
• Price: $24,000

Made by Meerkat Trailers, the Meerkat travel trailer has all of the essentials:

• Porta Potty
• A rollout bed system

These lightweight travel trailers pack the most amenities into a small space while keeping it under 1000 pounds, allowing almost any car to pull it! This takes away the stress of needing a large full sized truck just to go camping, which will make road trips much more accessible.

And, it utilizes pop-up camper technology to allow you to stand up in it while still being able to store it in a garage!

Related Post — These Are the Best RV’s in 2023 (Sorted By Type)

• Dry Weight: 1,000 Lbs
• Length: 12’4”
• Price: $18,600

With a dry weight of 1,000 pounds, Colorado Teardrops travel trailers can be pulled with just about any small car. It holds a queen bed for two and has a back hatch that opens up to be a galley.

This travel trailer is fully insulated and it has an aluminum exterior and a maple wood interior, creating an attractive look all around. It’s not easy to find such a small lightweight travel trailer with good looking exterior features!

Note: There might not be a bathroom in the trailer, but you can always purchase an outdoor shower or portable toilet with a pop-up shower room to ensure privacy!

• Dry Weight: 1,100 Lbs
• Price: $39,000

The Happier Camper will make every minute of your camping trip much happier and more enjoyable! They’re considered one of the best travel trailer brands on the market right now, too.

With total freedom and a wide range of floor plans available, this small RV can be made specifically for you and your needs (which is one of our favorite key features about this lightweight camper).

Additionally, the Happier Camper is easy to tow and makes for very lightweight travel. This will make your travels much easier and more enjoyable, without the need to stress yourself out during the travel phase of your trip!

Related Reading: Rent a Small Camper & Test Before You Buy!

• Dry Weight: 1,200 Lbs
• Length: 15’
• Price: $23,400

The Timberleaf Teardrop travel trailers may appear to be very simple and basic, but it’s filled with everything you’d need for a little excursion. It features a fully insulated cabin designed to keep the heat, wind, and chilly nights at bay. You will also find that it offers ideal layouts for your comfort and enjoyment as well!

Not only do they offer classic teardrop campers, they have an off-road teardrop trailer too! This off-road travel trailer is perfectly designed for those of you who like a little more adventure on your camping trips.

• Dry Weight: 1,260 Lbs
• Length: 12’
• Price: $12,000

The Terrapin camper from Casual Turtle can be designed and built to fit your needs perfectly which makes this camper a unique personalized model. The wood paneling and interior features definitely make any camping experience unique!

This travel trailer is made for any type of traveling you plan on doing. Not only will you be able to enjoy long weekends at the lake or local campgrounds, but you will also be able to take this lightweight camper as far as you want to go across the country.

The floor plans are made specifically for people interested in purchasing one of these models, you can draw up your floor plan exactly how you want too! This option also gives you the power to design the trailer to ensure you have a spacious feel to it.

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• Dry Weight: 1,200-1,500 Lbs
• Price: Wide range

Wanderlust Vintage Trailers is a company that takes vintage rigs, typically between 20-40 years old, and restores them to like-new condition with the help of each prospective owner!

Because Wanderlust works with each owner individually, no two campers are the same! Much like the Terrapin camper, you can customize the trailer to be a unique layout and exactly what you want (floor plans included). This personalized feeling just hands to the value that this camper will give you.

Related Reading: These Are The Best Small Campers with Bathrooms

• Price: $15,000

If you want a truly tiny camper that has the towing capacity to be pulled by a car, the Scamp 13 is the trailer for you!

At 13′ and less than 1,500 lbs, this micro camper still has the room for a toilet, bed, and kitchen depending on the model you choose. The ability to have a toilet is a very important option for people and is one of the key features about this small travel trailer !

Your trips with this trailer will be relaxing and worthwhile and make a perfect home away from home for many camping trips to come.

• Dry Weight: 1,500 Lbs
• Price: $32,000

If you’re looking for ultra lightweight travel trailers under 2000 pounds with an amazing look and feel, the Cricket Camper is for you.  

It is especially convenient for those who like to take their camping trips off-road. This trailer is perfect for towing in rougher terrain allowing you to reach places not many other campers can.

Despite it’s smaller size, there’s plenty of living space, especially when you pop up the top. It’s like a teardrop camper but with more space! It also comes with a built-in portable shower you can use to wash yourself off and stay clean!

• Price: $30,000

If you are a person that likes the A-Frame camper look, you’ll love the Aliner Classic .

This a-frame trailer is decked out with a sink, two stove top cookers, a microwave, and a half-fridge (pretty much everything you could ever dream of having in any light weight camper)! This model definitely makes traveling and towing easy thanks to its lightweight design, too.

While it doesn’t have a built-in bathroom, it does have an outside shower for staying clean while out in the great outdoors. There is no need to look any further for the perfect lightweight travel trailers than the Aliner Classic.

If you’re in the market for the best RV for you , consider some of these other types of campers :

• 11 Best Small Pop Up Campers
• 11 Best Small Motorhomes
• 9 Best Camper Vans with Bathrooms
• The 7 Best Teardrop Campers with On-Board Bathrooms

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Best Travel Trailers Under 7,000 Pounds

By: Author Couch Potato Camping

Posted on Published: February 15, 2023  - Last updated: February 27, 2023

Categories Camping Gear

When it comes to purchasing a travel trailer, it is important to consider both the features and the weight of the trailer. Finding a trailer that has the features you want while remaining under the towing capacity of your tow vehicle can be a challenge.

Fortunately, there are plenty of travel trailers available on the market today that weigh less than 7,000 pounds. We are sharing our favorite campers under 7,000 pounds and highlighting some of the best features of each model, including size, weight, materials, and amenities.

We also provide helpful tips and resources to help you make an informed decision about the best travel trailer for your needs.

Travel Trailers Under 7,000 Pounds (Both GVWR and UVW)

What is the difference between GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)?

GVWR  is the total amount of weight that the trailer axle can carry, including the dry weight of the camper empty, plus any cargo, water or any fluids in the fresh, grey, or black tanks, additional equipment and gear.

The dry weight, or  UVW , is not the best measure nor an accurate representation of what your travel trailer will weigh when you take it out on your adventures.

Let’s be honest, you will never take an RV with you to go camping that doesn’t have any food, clothing, supplies or water. Even when we put ours in storage ’empty’ we still keep some trailer specific gear stored in the trailer.

Coachmen Freedom Express Select 20SE

The Coachmen Freedom Express Select 20SE is one of the best travel trailers under 7,000 pounds. Weighing in at 6,000 lbs. GVWR and a dry weight of 4,160 lbs UVW, this RV trailer offers all the amenities of a full-size RV without the extra weight.

With no slide outs, a sizeable kitchen, and a spacious bathroom, this trailer offers plenty of room for anyone looking to camp or travel in comfort.

The exterior features a rugged fiberglass construction and is equipped with a spare tire and an awning for shade. The 20SE comes with plenty of exterior, pass-through storage, so you’ll have all your camping essentials within reach.

Key Features:

• Hitch weight 512 lbs.
• 24′ – 6″ in length
• 10′ – 7″ in height
• 8′ wide
• Gray water: 33 gallons
• Fresh water: 50 gallons
• Black water: 35 gallons
• 16′ long awing
• Tinted windows
• L-shape corner dinette
• AIR 360+ Antenna w/ optional 4G LTE Add on
• 81″ Interior ceiling height
• 6 gallon DSI Gas/Electric Water Heater
• 60″x 80″ Queen size mattress
• Optional 50 amp service
• Sizable dry bathroom

What We Like About the Coachmen Freedom Express Select 20SE

The shorter length of this travel trailer will allow RVers to get into most private and public campgrounds including the restrictive National Park campgrounds.

Keystone 29BHPR

The Keystone 29BHPR is one of the best travel trailers under 7,000 pounds. It has a UVW rating of 6,408 lbs., making it a great option for those looking for a lightweight RV trailer with an exterior made of fiberglass.

The Express is a great choice for family camping trips, as it has a spacious interior with plenty of room for up to ten people.

It also comes with features such as a large refrigerator, an oven, and a microwave.

Plus, it has a 21′ long awning and one slide out so you can feel confident in your travels. The slide out houses the dinette and sleeper sofa with an option to convert the sleeper sofa to two luxury cinema recliners.

• 745 lb. hitch weight
• 10 cu. ft. refrigerator
• 33′-4″ in length
• 11′-1″ in height
• Fresh water: 37 gallons
• Gray water: 60 gallons
• Black water: 30 gallons
• Propane tank: 40 lb. (2 tanks)
• 1,192 lb. carrying capacity
• Outdoor kitchen
• Double 51″x74″ bunk beds
• Entertainment Center
• Sleeper Sofa
• Dinette converts to a bed

What We Like About the Keystone 29BHPR

We truly appreciate the open floor plan of the Keystone 29BHPR. When you have a travel trailer that can accommodate and sleep 6-plus people, you really want an open floor plan, which is perfect for those times when everyone needs to be inside the trailer, such as during a rainy day or at night.

Forest River Explore X-Lite 263BHXL

The Forest River Explore X-Lite is one of the best travel trailers under 7,000 pounds. Its lightweight design makes it a great option for those who need to tow their trailer with a 1/2 ton pickup truck . It weighs in at just 5,864 lbs UVW., meaning that it won’t be too difficult to tow it around.

It also has a great selection of amenities and features, including a large living area, full kitchen with a multi-burner stove, and a custom RV king-size bed.

This is a great travel trailer for a larger family. It can easily sleep two adults and 8 children comfortably with its double-stacked bunk beds in the rear and the convertible dinette and sofa that each turn into beds.

The Wildwood is a well-made RV that delivers comfort and convenience in a package that weighs less than 7,000 pounds UVW. It is perfect for those looking for a great travel trailer that won’t break the bank.

• 682 lb. hitch weight
• 1,828 lb. carrying capacity
• 11 cu. ft. refrigerator
• 31′-9″ in length
• 10′-4″ in height
• 8′ exterior width
• 30 Amp service
• 13.5K BTU A/C
• Fresh water: 38 gallons
• Double 48″x74″ bunk beds
• Optional exterior kitchen

What We Like About the Forest River Explore X-Lite 263BHXL

The private bedroom with a door and a custom RV king size bed is truly amazing. It is somewhat rare to see a travel trailer with an RV king size bed.

Also, the open floor plan of the X-Lite 263BHXL is perfect for the families with 6 or more members traveling together. Having an unobstructed interior space is important to keep everyone happy when they are not sitting around the campfire.

Grand Design Imagine 2600RB

The Imagine 2600RB is one of the best travel trailers under 7,000 pounds UVW. It comes with a host of features and amenities that make it an ideal RV for those looking for a lightweight and comfortable camper.

This RV trailer has a standard length just under 30 feet and a width of 8 feet. It offers a variety of options, including a power tongue jack, heated and enclosed underbelly, and heated and enclosed freshwater tank.

It also boasts a spacious interior, with one slide with the sofa and dinette, a queen-sized bed in a secluded bedroom at the front, and a sizable open kitchen.

With its lightweight design and large rear bathroom with a large window, the Grand Design Imagine is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and reliable RV trailer with the Grand Design build quality assurance.

• Hitch weight: 594 lbs.
• 5,795 lbs. UVW
• 29′-8″ in length
• 11′-2″ in height
• Fresh water: 52 gallons
• Grey water: 82 gallons
• Black water: 45 gallons
• 21′ Awning
• 60″ x 80″ Queen Bed
• L-shaped Kitchen area
• 30″ x 36″ shower
• Tri-fold Sofa (optional theater seat replacement)
• U-shaped dinette
• Exterior LP Gas quick connect
• Aluminum 3-step entry stair
• Pass-through exterior storage
• Tankless water heater
• 15K BTU A/C

What We Like About the Grand Design Imagine 2600RB

While Grand Design RVs are an impressive line in general, we are truly impressed by the capacity of the gray water tank on the 2600RB. While that might not seem like the first specification that most would gravitate towards, for those – like us – that have been RVing for many years and have boondocked for several days with no hookups, we know the gray water tank capacity is critical to staying off the grid.

Airstream Basecamp 20

We have toured the Airstream Basecamp 20 many times over the years and it is one of the most popular travel trailers that weigh less than 7,000 lbs, for good reason. Its sleek, lightweight aluminum construction and aerodynamic design allow for easy towing, and its durable construction can handle any type of terrain.

Inside, it features an open pass-through floor plan with a rear and front seating and dining areas that converts to a bed that can each sleep two, a wet bath with shower, toilet, and small sink combo, a galley kitchen area with a two-burner stove and sink with under-cabinet storage and a refrigerator on the opposite side.

With its short length, rugged design and unique shape, the Basecamp 20 is truly a travel trailer that will turn heads and spark many conversations (and tours) from your campground neighbors.

• 20′-2″ Exterior Length
• 7′-9″ Exterior Width
• 9′-1.5″ Exterior Height
• 7′-2.5″ Interior Height
• 4,300 lbs. GVWR
• 500 lb. Hitch weight
• Fresh water: 23 gallons
• Gray water: 28 gallons
• Black water: 21 gallons
• Ducted 19K BTU furnace
• Microwave optional
• 30 AMP electrical service
• Sleeps 4 people
• 200W Solar Package (300W optional)
• Standard Goodyear Tires

What We Like About the Airstream Basecamp 20

The name Airstream in the RV industry is synonymous with heritage and build quality. When you see an Airstream, of any make or model, going down the road you immediately know it’s an Airstream. The Basecamp 20 is no different.

This unique, lightweight travel trailer is compact enough to get you into any public or private campground or off the grid in the back country.

Jayco Jay Feather 27BHB

The Jayco 27BHB is a great choice for a family seeking a travel trailer under 7,000 pounds and comes with several standard features and amenities.

Its exterior is made of a lightweight aluminum frame, making it lightweight yet strong and durable. It has an aerodynamic profile that reduces wind resistance, making it easier to tow .

Inside, it has a one slide housing the sleeper sofa and dinette. In the rear are two stacked double-size bunk beds with a queen-size bed and bedroom with a door in the front.

This travel trailer boasts a red spacious bathroom with a separate exterior door.

It also includes an entertainment center with an LCD TV and an AM/FM/CD/DVD player. It’s a great choice for those looking for a spacious yet lightweight RV that can handle a variety of camping trips.

The exterior kitchen is centrally located under the awning and great for those who want to spend more time outside preparing meals.

• 6,085 lbs. UVW
• 1,515 lbs. Cargo Carrying Capacity
• 745 lb. Hitch Weight (dry)
• 33′-2″ exterior length
• 10′-1″ exterior height
• 8′-0″ exterior width
• 6′-6″ interior height
• 21′ wide awning
• Sleeps 9 people
• Convertible Dinnette
• Tankless hot water heater
• 35K BTU furnace
• 60 lb. Propane
• Fresh water: 55 gallons
• Gray water: 61 gallons
• Black water: 30.5 gallons
• Solar package – optional
• Heated tanks – optional

What We Like About the Jayco 27BHB

We have toured hundreds of travel trailers and RVs. Time-after-time we see RV manufacturers who offer exterior kitchens place them at the edge or not underneath the exterior awning – a deal breaker when you want to cook outside on an inclement weather day. The Jayco 27BHB has their outdoor kitchen placed centrally located under the long 21′ awning. This is a perfect location that won’t hamper fireside camp cooking on a rainy day.

KZ Connect C272FK

The KZ Connect C272FK travel trailer is one of the best RV trailers under UVW 7,000 pounds. The KZ Connect line of travel trailers model comes in eleven different floor plans, ranging from 28 to 37 feet in length.

It features a lightweight construction with a fully-aluminum frame, making it a great option for campers who want the durability of an all fiberglass exterior construction.

For this roundup of travel trailers, we are focusing on the Connect C272FK floor plan as it is a stand-out layout equipped with an array of features, including a solar package, solid surface countertops and a modern interior.

The C272FK has an impressive rear bedroom with door that houses a king-size 70″x80 bed with storage and centrally located TV across.

In the center of this trailer’s floor plan is a duel-entry bathroom with a corner shower, an open living and kitchen space with a beautiful entertainment center and 30″ fireplace and large pantry near the entry door.

At the opposite end of the trailer is an expansive L-shaped front kitchen and 70″ sofa and dinette.

• 6,900 lbs. UVW
• 820 lb. hitch weight (dry)
• 1,900 lbs. Cargo Carrying Capacity
• 82″ interior height
• 31′-1″ exterior length
• 11′-4″ exterior height
• Fresh water: 45 gallons
• Gray water: 64 gallons
• Black water: 32 gallons
• 30K BTU furnace
• 20′ wide awning
• 40 lb. propane
• 8 cu. ft. refrigerator

What We Like About the KZ Connect C272FK

The list of amenities and the unique and open floor plan of this travel trailer make it a stand-out amongst hundreds of travel trailer options. From the king-size bed in the rear to the huge front kitchen area, this is truly a unique travel trailer in this category.

Dutchmen Coleman Light 2515RL

We are focusing on the 2515RL within the broader range of Coleman Light travel trailers due to it’s well-planned layout and an interior full of amenities and smart design.

With only one slide out, which houses the dinette and storage, the 2525RL provides an open and highly functional interior floor plan that boasts a rear sofa under a large window, a fire place, a 7 cu. ft. refrigerator, a large window at the dinette booth area, a centrally located duel-entry bathroom and a separate queen-size bed in the front bedroom.

• 5,713 lbs. UVW
• 614 lbs. hitch weight (dry)
• 1,887 lbs. Cargo Carrying Capacity
• 29′-5″ exterior length
• 10′-11″ exterior height
• Fresh water: 60 gallons
• Gray water: 39 gallons
• Black water: 28 gallons
• Farmhouse sink
• 3 burner cooktop with oven
• Large Pantry and kitchen storage
• Sleeper sofa
• Pass through exterior storage

What We Like About the Dutchmen Coleman Light 2515RL

The smart and high functional floor plan of the 2515RL is a stand out for us. This floor plan is a lot like our previous Forest River Salem 27REIS that also boasted a large rear ‘salon’ style seating area with a fireplace and dinette surrounded by large windows. That floor plan was amazing and we still love it.

The Dutchmen Light 2515RL accomplishes all of this in a smaller footprint without sacrificing the abundance of natural light the interior of this travel trailer will receive.

Looking for an RV? Then you might like to see our other RV buying guides:

• Best Class C RVs With Bunk Beds
• Average Travel Trailer Heights
• Travel Trailers Under 2500 Pounds
• Best 35 Feet or Less Class A Motorhomes

7 Best Travel Trailers Under 7000 LBS for 2024

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Updated April 5, 2024

Finding the right travel trailer can be difficult, so here are the 7 best travel trailers under 7,000 lbs. Travel trailers that weigh less than 7,000 lbs are popular because they are large enough to sleep a larger family while light enough to tow with mid-size pickup trucks and larger SUVs.

In this article, we share our top picks for travel trailers that weigh less than 7,000 lbs for 2024.

Advantages of Travel Trailers Under 7000 LBS

One of the first things that will affect your decision is the size of the trailer you are interested in. Depending on your situation and how many people you want to travel with, there are benefits to both small and large trailers. However, many people prefer large travel trailers for various reasons.

Large travel trailers are great for large families and for traveling with a large group of friends. They have lots of sleeping spaces and living spaces. Additionally, they provide all the storage you need so that you can pack for everything you might want to do on your trip.

You will also enjoy having a larger kitchen area to cook meals you would normally make at home. 

When you leave for an extended camping trip, you might not think you want any comforts from home. However, if you are gone for a month, you will quickly appreciate having extra counter space to make something that is not premade.

That is a luxury only available in large travel trailers. As a result, purchasing a large travel trailer is worth it to many people. 

7 Best Travel Trailers Under 7000 LBS

If you are in the market for a lightweight travel trailer but do not know where to start, we have some suggestions. Below, we offer seven travel trailers under 7,000 pounds that we think are great options for a range of RV owners.

Each travel trailer has plenty of comfort features, space for multiple people, and a dry weight below 7,000 pounds. When considering these travel trailers, look closely at the GVWR and cargo capacity to ensure that your tow vehicle can handle the loaded weight and that there is plenty of capacity for all your stuff.

1. Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB

Our Pros And Cons

✅ Queen or twin bed options, optional workspace instead of dinette ❌ Expensive, GVWR is just over 7,000 lbs

• Length: 26” 2”
• UVW: 5,650 lbs
• GVWR: 7,300 lbs
• CCC: 1,650 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 860 lbs
• Sleeps: Up to 4

For those of us who just love the look of the Airstream and want to hit the road with an icon of American travel, a great option is the Airstream Flying Cloud 25FB . This lighter-weight option from Airstream is perfect for small families and couples.

Tucked inside the trademark aluminum body, the 25FB has a front bedroom with either a queen or twin bed configuration. The dinette converts to an additional bed, perfect for your kids. Comfort features in this travel trailer include a full-size shower and plenty of kitchen counter space.

2. Outdoors RV Timber Ridge 24RLS

✅ Slide adds extra room, lots of storage ❌ With gear may be too heavy for some vehicles

• Length: 28’ 8”
• GVWR: 9,995 lbs
• CCC: 3,294 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 820 lbs

The Outdoors RV Timber Ridge 42RLS is the perfect travel trailer for RVers who want to travel year-round. This 24-foot travel trailer comes standard with four-season features including thermal pane windows, triple-layer insulation, and a heated underbelly.

To make four-season travel more comfortable, the Timber Ridge has plenty of the comforts of home, including an entertainment center, comfy recliners, and a spacious bathroom with a full shower. Optional features, including a solar package and more rugged axles and suspension, make this trailer even more versatile.

3. Heartland Mallard T265BH

✅ Residential furniture, two private sleeping areas ❌ Lacks interior storage, not a lot of cargo capacity

• Length: 30’ 11”
• UVW: 5,484 lbs
• GVWR: 7,332 lbs
• CCC: 1,832 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 332 lbs
• Sleeps: 5 to 6

If you are looking for a travel trailer that offers a bit of luxury in a lightweight package, the Heartland Mallard is a beautiful, ultra-light option.

This 30-foot trailer features two private sleeping spaces, a larger slide-out with a dinette and loveseat, and an updated entertainment center and kitchen. Under the living area, this travel trailer has a huge, insulated storage area, which makes up for the minimal interior storage.

It also comes standard with a power slide, power awning, and power leveling jacks, making for quick and easy set-up

4. Bigfoot B25

✅ Three floorplan options, lots of storage ❌ No slides, heavy for its size

• Length: 21’ 6”
• UVW: 5,563 lbs
• GVWR: 7,500 lbs
• CCC: 1,937 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 612 lbs

If you are wanting a shorter lightweight travel trailer, but do not want to skimp on features, the Bigfoot RV B25 is a versatile option worth considering.

This trailer comes in at just under 22 feet long, so it is great for new owners just learning how to pull a trailer. Inside, this trailer has lots of amenities, including a ton of storage, a full bath, and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

This trailer is also well suited for three-season travel with heated holding tanks and thicker R8 insulation.

5. Coachmen Northern Spirit XTR 2146BHX

✅ Central control panel, kid-friendly space ❌ Adult bed is not private

• Length: 27’ 1”
• UVW: 5,004 lbs
• GVWR: 7,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,996 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 728 lbs

When it comes to traveling with your family, it is nice to have space and amenities for everyone, including your kids and pets. The Coachman Northern Spirit has been designed for the whole family.

Family-friendly features that you will love include a separate sleeping area for your kids with a “kids convenience center”, exterior leash clips, a dog wash, and lots of storage. The Coachman Northern Spirit also has a bathtub which is so handy for families with small children.

Besides the family-friendly features, this travel trailer has cargo storage under the kid’s bunks and pass-through storage under the bed.

6. Grand Design Imagine 22MLE

✅ Lots of floor space, large kitchen counter ❌ Two-season construction, queen beds only

• Length: 26’ 1”
• UVW: 5,176 lbs
• GVWR: 6,995 lbs
• CCC: 1,819 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 490 lbs

For full-time RVers who spend their time in warm climates, the Grand Design Imagine is a comfortable place to live and work. While this travel trailer is designed to sleep four people, it is really ideal for individuals or couples that work and live on the road.

This 26-foot trailer has all of the comforts of home. We like the kitchen with lots of storage and plenty of counter space. The living space has comfy theater seating, an entertainment center, and a dinette that is perfect as an office.

With a GVWR of less than 7,000 pounds, you can easily tow this trailer, even fully loaded with most large SUVs or ½ ton pickups.

7. Vintage Cruiser 23BHS

✅ Extra lightweight, unique floor plans ❌ Color options are not for everyone, limited exterior storage

• Length: 26’1”
• UVW: 4,253 lbs
• GVWR: 6,080 lbs
• CCC: 1,827 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 480 lbs

Gulfstream RVs have taken the travel trailer of the 50s and brought it into the 21st Century. The Vintage Cruiser line of lightweight travel trailers features fun, bright color accents, spacious living areas, and numerous ways to customize your trailer.

The 23BHS has sleeping space for two adults and two kids. The Vintage Cruiser gives you plenty of interior storage for all of your gear, including large drawers under the dinette. This travel trailer also has one of the more spacious bathrooms you will find in a lightweight travel trailer.

Can You Tow A 7000 lb Travel Trailer With An SUV?

Yes! There are a number of SUVs on the market that are perfect for pulling a 7,000-pound travel trailer. Generally speaking, you will want to look for larger SUVs to pull a 7,000-pound travel trailer.

These larger SUVs are typically designed on chassis similar to that of full-size pickup trucks. This means that they can handle the added weight on their frame and axles. They also tend to have larger engines and more robust transmissions.

Popular examples of SUVs that can pull 7,000 pounds of travel trailer include the Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, and Toyota Sequoia. If you are looking for luxury brands that can tow a 7,000-pound travel trailer, consider the Lexus LX, Land Rover Defender, Porsche Cayenne, or the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

What Size Travel Trailer Is Best For A Family Of 4?

Most families do well in a travel trailer that is 20 to 36 feet in length. This size allows for a bit of space to spread out and is large enough to accommodate sleeping space for four people.

That said, you need to consider your family and how much time you will be spending in your travel trailer when you are looking for a good option.

For instance, if you are going to be a full-time RV family, you may want to look at travel trailers on the longer end of that spectrum. This will allow everyone some private space, and you may be able to customize the space for work, school, and fun with minimal difficulty.

On the flip side, if you like to hit the road on the weekend, are really active, and really just need a travel trailer for sleeping, showering, and cooking, a smaller travel trailer may work perfectly for your family.

Remember, you also need to consider the capacity of your tow vehicle. If you are not ready to invest in a new vehicle along with your travel trailer, look for options that also coordinate with your vehicle.

Final Words About Travel Trailers Under 7000 LBS

After reading, we hope you are interested in one of the 7 best travel trailers under 7000 lbs. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it should all be helpful as you prepare for your next trip. After all, it is better to have too much information than too little when you are making a significant financial investment.

Travel trailers are not cheap as even the least expensive options will cost upwards of $20,000. So, taking in as much information as you can is imperative. Finding the best travel trailer to fit your needs can be incredibly difficult. After all, there are hundreds of travel trailers on the market at a time. So, narrowing down the field can be difficult.

Are you interested in the travel trailers under 7000 lbs listed above? Where are you going on your next trip? Let us know in the comments!

Related Reading:

– 12 Best Travel Trailers with Bunk Beds – 5 Awesome Class C RVs with Bunk Beds – 8 Best Class A RVs With Bunk Beds – 8 Small RV Master Bedrooms with Lots of Space

Mike Scarpignato – Bio

Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.

Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.

We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.

We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.

1 thought on “7 Best Travel Trailers Under 7000 LBS for 2024”

These trailers are nice but where are you suppose to put your clothes? For the last 11 years we were snowbirds. We never had enough closet space. Those little closets beside the bed would only hold 4 shirts.

So come on companies we need more closet space and more counter space. It drives me crazy trying to keep things put away.

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