luxury travel trailers under 3500 lbs

15 Best Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Sharing is caring!

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.

Recent Posts

What Gear Comes with A New Travel Trailer?

8 Best Travel Trailers For Full-Time Living

15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024

Sharing is caring!

Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

Article Updated 1/9/24

There is a broader range of travel trailers under 3500lbs on the market than ever before! We have toured many of them at RV Shows and dealerships nationwide. If you are looking for a travel trailer that you can tow with a small truck or even an SUV, there are many great options.

We have investigated them all to find the very best ones on the market today. Our list of the 15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs will give you great ideas to start your search!

Things To Consider When Purchasing a Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs?

If you are considering purchasing a Travel Trailer under 3,500 lbs, we recommend two courses of action.

• If you have never owned a small camper before we recommend that you rent one before you buy one. Susan and I did this, and it worked out great for us. We rented a Class C RV for a week and by the end of that week, we knew everything we liked — and didn’t like about that RV. This helped us to purchase the perfect RV for us! And we recommend you “try before you buy” a travel trailer too! It could save you thousands!
• If you are ready to purchase a travel trailer — or any RV — we highly recommend that you use GoRollick to find the best local pricing from dealers near you on new or used RVs!

15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lb

Some of these travel trailers under 3500 lbs are truly unique and exciting additions to an already massive market.

With the growing popularity of these economical, versatile, and easy-to-tow travel trailers, you can stake out your next adventure in style and leisure while operating on a smaller footprint.

1. Airstream Basecamp

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Airstream maintains its well-known, incredible aesthetic on the inside as well as out

⛔ Off-road packages are not much of an off-road upgrade, especially with sensitive components

• Length: 16′ 2″
• UVW: 2,650 lbs
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs
• CCC: 850 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 410 lbs

Airstream took its old, classical aesthetic and flipped it around on its head with the Airstream Basecamp . Relaying their classical aluminum exteriors to the interiors is a joy to look at, if you dig shiny walls and a clean, metallic look. The massive, panoramic windows on the front are a huge plus, especially if you take it off-road and find some incredible scenery.

This RV packs everything you need for going off-grid, though you may want to upgrade the underbelly with something a little more resilient to off-road adventures. A standard wet bath, two-burner stove, dining area, bed, counter space, and storage are all packed into a 16-footer.

2. r-pod 171C

✅ Lightweight, highly water-resistant Azdel walls that are lightweight and durable

⛔ Aftermarket options necessary to run the A/C boondocking or off-grid

• Length: 19′
• UVW: 2,449 lbs
• GVWR: 4,725 lbs
• CCC: 2,276 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 325 lbs

Forest River took the classical, DIY teardrop exterior aesthetic and amped it up a notch with their r-pods , which are really just giant teardrops with more of the features on the inside rather than the outside.

The bathroom is a wet bath, but it’s large enough that you don’t have to sit on your toilet to shower.

The refrigerator is large for the size of the camper, with a large, convertible dinette and a sideways queen bed on the opposite end.

Since r-pods went with the Azdel walls, they are far more durable and long-lasting, with less preventative maintenance throughout the seasons.

3. Rockwood Geo Pro G15RD

✅ Dexter Torflex Torsion Axle and indie suspension is standard (Nice!)

⛔ Known for having a loud air conditioner that resounds throughout the RV

• UVW: 2,883 lbs
• GVWR: 4,325 lbs
• CCC: 1,442 lbs

Another Forest River entry on our list is the Rockwood Geo Pro, which sounds pretty bad to the bone for a camper title.

This particular model features a sideways bunk house in the rear and a convertible U-dinette, both of which sleep up to four. It’s an excellent option for short-term family adventures, whether you’re bringing the kids or rocking some big dogs.

The U-dinette fits square against the bunks, with the remainder of the kitchen appliances and furniture continuing with the flow of the U-shape around the RV.

This makes for more room in the center, where all the day-to-day work and activities take place. It’s a smooth idea that really works, keeping you from feeling constrained when indoors for long periods.

4. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 12FBX

✅ Includes an AlphaPly roof membrane with gutters for catching rainwater

⛔ No bathroom sink

• Length: 18′ 6″
• UVW: 2,839 lbs
• GVWR: 3,910 lbs
• CCC: 1,071 lbs

The Palomino Puma Ultra-Lite 12 FBX may carry the Puma name, but it has the shape and versatility of a bulldog. It’s lightweight, yet wide enough and long enough to accommodate all the features we expect in travel trailers under 3500lbs these days.

It’s the tiny things that count and the lengthy design of the dinette, sideways queen, and corner bathroom all work to maximize the central living space.

This Puma does it a little differently than the previous entry, but it accomplishes the same level of space and comfort where it doesn’t seem like there should be any.

5. Scamp 13

✅ Multiple floorplans with Standard and Deluxe additions to boot

⛔ Air conditioner isn’t standard

• Length: 13′
• GVWR: 1,500 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 150 lbs

The tried and true Scamp 13 is the quintessential travel trailer under 3500lbs. Scamp has been around for a long time and they’re known for constructing fiberglass behemoths writ small, that can take on just about anything you throw at them.

The Scamp 13 features more than one floor plan, with the addition of standard and deluxe models, depending on how bougie you want to get.

The designs are solid and comfortable, and feature the level of customization you want for either long-term use or short and sweet vacations.

6. inTech Sol Eclipse

✅ Large amount of kitchen space for its size

⛔ No dedicated bed, like the Horizon

• Length: 17′
• UVW: 2,775 lbs
• CCC: 770 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 445 lbs

The inTech Sol Eclipse is one of the most exciting and off-grid-ready travel trailers under 3500lbs on the market. There are multiple models under the inTech lineup, with the Eclipse being one of the more popular variations.

Interior space is maximized and simplified, leaving plenty of room for you to make it your own.

The 32-gallon black and gray water tanks, 35-A converter, Dexter torsion axles, all-aluminum triple tube cage frame, 28-gallon freshwater tank, panoramic windshield, and aggressive tread are all combined for the pinnacle in off-road and off-grid adventures. This is the travel trailer you want to pull when going well out into the boonies.

7. Jayco Jay Flight 195RB

✅ Includes electric, self-adjusting brakes

⛔ A/C unit is known for being a little too loud

• Length: 21′ 10″
• UVW: 2,940 lbs
• GVWR: 3,750 lbs
• CCC: 810 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 270 lbs

This Jayco Jay Flight has the interior feel of an RV much larger than typical travel trailers under 3500lbs. The interior is designed with a corner bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and a parallel queen, the latter of which features plenty of room to move around.

As a lightweight travel trailer, that feeling of size is an impressive accomplishment. The bathroom is sizeable as well, though Jayco left out a sink next to the shower. It’s a dry bath as well, which is often hard to find in a travel trailer within this class.

8. Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB

✅ Panoramic automatic window is excellent if you like views and spring breezes

⛔ No dedicated sitting area for dining or entertainment

• Length: 19′ 11″
• UVW: 3,180 lbs
• GVWR: 3,885 lbs
• CCC: 705 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 480 lbs

This little camper features a massive rear bathroom, which takes up roughly 1/3 of the entire RV. However, the Venture Sonic doesn’t skimp on the remaining 2/3 either.

The remaining space is utilized very well, with a parallel Murphy bed (which features a free-standing table for dining), a two-burner stove, sink, and 8 ft³ fridge.

Thanks to the Murphy bed and lack of a traditional dinette, the space in the center of the camper is large and comfortable.

There’s also plenty of cabinetry and storage, with a passthrough on the exterior, a row of overhead cabinets over the stove, and another row of overhead cabinets over the bed.

9. Wildwood 164RBLE

✅ AccessiBelly feature is amazing in terms of protection and accessibility for repair work

⛔ TV mount is at a harsh right angle, over the queen bed in the front

• Length: 20′
• UVW: 2,819 lbs
• GVWR: 3,880 lbs
• CCC: 1,061 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 380 lbs

One of the most attractive qualities of the Wildwood 164RBL E is the bright and cheery interior. Stepping inside is like stepping into a breath of fresh air, even if it’s not a very large travel trailer. As you can see in the above floorplan, a lot is going on inside as well.

The 11 ft³ fridge is a huge benefit, especially if you need the extra food for a lot of boondocking or going off-grid.

The bathroom takes up the back 1/5 of the RV, though there’s plenty of room to keep it a dry bath with a sink, toilet, and sizeable shower.

10. Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB

✅ Traditional travel trailer at a mind-blowing sub-2,000lbs

⛔ Black tank size is very underwhelming at 5 gallons

• Length: 18′ 9″
• UVW: 2,020 lbs
• CCC: 1,480 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 154 lbs

Sometimes simple is better and, when it comes to travel trailers under 3500lbs, it’s often a good idea to simplify things. The Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB is both simple and streamlined while retaining a full-featured RV status.

There are some interesting things to get used to in this model, and some that RVers may not like.

For instance, instead of cabinet doors, the Travel Lite features a strong mesh net across all the cabinet openings. There’s also a small black tank instead of a cartridge toilet, which means shorter periods away from home or a campground.

11. Safari Condo Alto 1723

✅ Nearly half the Safari Condo Alto is a wild array of windows

⛔ This is a very different aesthetic and may not be for everyone

• Length: 17′ 3″
• GVWR: 1,867 lbs
• Tongue Weight: N/A

This is easily the most unique-looking RV on our travel trailers under 3500lbs list. The Safari Condo Alto is a window-full masterpiece. If you like to see everything around you while never stepping foot outside, this is the camper for you.

The lightweight frame, compact design, and interesting floorplans make this RV a lot of fun and an interesting choice for those looking at travel trailers in this class.

You can literally eat lunch underneath a driving rain, and this camper isn’t known for leaking either. There are limitations on storage and holding tanks, but this remains an excellent off-road adventure choice for single occupants, couples, and small families.

12. Coachmen Clipper 15CBH

✅ Excellent interior space for travel trailers under 3500lbs

⛔ Lack of windows throughout, with the existing ones being fairly small

• Length: 17′ 10″
• UVW: 2,644 lbs
• GVWR: 3,830 lbs
• CCC: 1,186 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 330 lbs

Coachmen Clippers make for excellent travel trailers under 3500lbs. Unlike most of the other campers on our list, the floorspace on the Clipper is a sideways L-shape, like an elongated hallway that ends in a sizeable bathroom and a very large shower.

The bathroom occupies the corner space while the two bunkbeds take up the opposite corner. All of your typical kitchen amenities are present making this a very complete travel trailer under 3500lbs.

The dinette is a convertible bed with a large shelf above, maximizing the room in the RV while retaining some extra sleeping and storage space.

13. Little Guy Mini Max

✅ Hydraulic life TV is a nice entertainment addition in this class of RV

⛔ No battery monitor

• UVW: 2,406 lbs
• CCC: 1,094 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 240 lbs

The Little Guy Mini Max is one of two campers on our list that approach the true teardrop form (the other is next on the list).

The Little Guy is known for its high-quality interiors, with attention to the finest details throughout. The light tans make for an excellent interior aesthetic and, despite its size, it features all of the major amenities of a traditional camper.

The wet bath is large enough to accommodate both the toilet and shower so as long as you’re not against wet baths it’s a great option.

The entire galley is in the front, which is an interesting change of pace. One of the things people really love about this camper is the number of hidden storage places scattered throughout. If you need to store it, there’s a place for it.

14. Aliner Ranger 12

✅ Very easy to set up as a hybrid pop-up camper

⛔ Dinette bed is not the most comfortable, an understandable lacking in a minimalist design

• Length: 15″
• UVW: 1,450 lbs
• GVWR: 3,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,550 lbs

The Aliner Ranger 12 is another of the teardrop-esque travel trailers under 3500lbs on our list of 15.

Its unique, triangular shape is definitely a conversation starter in any campground get-together. However, it’s more of a pop-up camper, in reality, than it is a teardrop.

The interesting triangular roof creates a spacey-feeling interior that other campers in this class struggle to achieve. However, as cool as it looks, you’ll have to go with an exterior shower or only camp at campgrounds where showers are available.

15. KZ Sportsman Classic 180RBT

✅ Tent beds are well-built and maximize the living space within the travel trailer

⛔ Storage options could be better

• Length: 21′ 9″
• UVW: 3,370 lbs
• GVWR: 4,500 lbs
• CCC: 1,130 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 360 lbs
• Sleeps: 4 to 6

Last on our list of travel trailers under 3500lbs is the KZ Sports man Classic 180RBT. Unlike the other 14, this RV saves space, and expands it, in an entirely different way, by utilizing fold-out tents for beds. Not only does this save space, but it also opens up the interior to a higher sleeping count.

Thanks to three fold-outs, the interior space is enormous for a travel trailer this size. There’s a full, corner dry bath, a sizeable dinette across from a long bench seat, a fridge, a pantry, and a full kitchen amenity range on opposing walls.

There are also plenty of storage options, though this RV uses a large storage door on the exterior, rather than passthrough storage.

Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Travel Trailer?

Yes — but not from a dealership! Unfortunately, your odds of suffering a major mechanical breakdown go up with every passing year. Based on RV Warranty claims records, more than 3 out of every 10 RVs will need major repairs in only their second year on the road.

This skyrockets to 8 out of 10 in their fifth year, and virtually ALL of them in their eighth year! Today’s RVs are increasingly more complex, and with more things to go wrong, the need to protect your investment is more important than ever.

Our RV Warranty plans allow you to change your mind! If you’re looking to sell your RV to a private party, you can absolutely transfer the policy to the new owner. Additionally, if you are trading in your RV, you can cancel your policy for a pro-rated refund.

We bought a warranty through Wholesale Warranties for several reasons:

• We can cancel the warranty at any time and get a pro-rated refund
• We can transfer the warranty to the new owner if we decide to sell our RV
• There are no mileage caps on our policy
• We can use repair shops all across the country
• We can use a mobile repair company right at our campsite
• The price is way better than most dealerships
• We could finance the cost of the warranty
• With parts and labor prices increasing all the time, we have peace of mind

You owe it to yourself to at least check out a warranty and get a free quote to see if it is right for you. It just takes a few minutes, and you will learn a ton about protecting your investment. We only recommend products we use ourselves, and we highly recommend you get a free quote from Wholesale Warranties .

Are Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs Big Enough For Families?

Some of them are, depending on your definition of family size. Some travel trailers under 3500 lbs will accommodate a single-child family, while some will accommodate two. If they are particularly energetic and rambunctious, it may take a class-A motorhome to accommodate them.

It’s safe to say that maybe one or none are fit for extremely long-term family use. Homeschooling kids in an Aliner Ranger 12, which will sleep up to 4, is doable but not the most envious task in the world.

If it works for you, then by all means. At the end of the day, the thing that works and works well is what you should go for.

Final Thoughts About Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs

Travel trailers under 3500 lbs are extremely versatile and much easier to tow. With the improving technologies and truly unique offerings on the market, they’re exciting for off-grid living, off-roading, regular camping, boondocking, and more.

If you’re in the market for a small, economical travel trailer, these 15 travel trailers should be high on your list.

Related Reading:

– 8 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailers – 9 Best Travel Trailers Under 30 Feet – 7 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs – 8 Best Small Campers Under 2,000 lbs. with Bathroom

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.

7 thoughts on “15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024”

Most extended warranties start after the regular warranty ends BUT the prorated amount includes the time under the regular warranty. Our original warranty was for 12 months and we got another 12 month extended warranty. After a year we traded for a larger trailer and only got 1/2 of the cost of our extended warranty back, even though it wasn’t going to kick in for another few weeks.

Which of these under 3500 lbs come insulated for cold temperatures 5,500 ft above sealevel? I only have a Subaru Outback turbo that can haul up to 3,500 lbs

I have been looking for an ultra lite trailer under 3500lbs that I can tow with my Nissan Frontier. I would prefer one with bunks and no bed. Also I would like a slide out. Double axle would be great also, but that may be asking for too much.

Good information for one looking for a small trailer. With all of my research, for one looking for a light trailer, the LANCE 1475 is a good one deserving of review. it’s more $$$$ than the afore mentioned unit’s, but it’s really nice.

Good to very good quality used 3500 pounds trailer for a 2018 Chevy Equinox diesel to pull well over the Rockies?

Hey Mike, good article. Did you come across Jayco? …2 full years of warranty. Full shower & tub. This is my third Jayco and I’m happy. I’m cruising in a Jayco Jay flight SLX Baja Edition, 145RB. Dan

Ps: I keep my weight down so I can pull with my Jeep. If I ever get out of a Jeep and into a truck, I’ll keep this article in mind. Thanks.

This was a great grouping of nice smaller trailers! The size is just what an older couple like my husband and I are drawn to. The biggest surprise was the Puma ultra light. It didn’t really stand out from the exterior, but the interior was surprisingly good looking and very functional. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one before. The Casita, Oliver and Nest are also stunners IMO, but I bet you will have to put your name on a waiting list to get one. I recently camped next to a young couple and their dogs staying in a Wolf Pup that was probably even smaller than the 16FQ and it had a rear entry. It had the same big picture window on the passenger side though. That seems like a really great detail to carry across their floor plans. Thank you for the ‘eye candy’. Happy Travels from Michigan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

13 Top Rated Small Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs (2024)

Updated January 11th, 2024

There are more lightweight travel trailers than ever before! Gone are the days when small SUV owners were stuck tent camping or pulling a tiny pop up. In fact, in some of the 3,500 lb travel trailers on my list, you’ll find sleeping for 4 or more, generously sized bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, and even off-road capabilities! 

One even has a fireplace! 😲 

All of this in an ultra-lite camper that can be pulled by a small SUV and even some crossovers. SWEET! 

So whether you want a travel trailer under 3,500 lbs that fits your vehicle or just want to save some gas on longer trips, there’s something on this list for everyone!

Table of Contents

13 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Here are 13 awesome campers that all (actually almost all) have a GVWR of 3,500 lbs or less. What the heck is GVWR? Learn more in the towing terminology section after the list. 

Let’s get started with a mini version of an iconic travel trailer that’s sure to turn some heads, the Airstream Bambi!

*If you’re looking for small RVs with bathrooms, don’t miss these articles…

• 11 Best Small RVs With a Shower and Toilet (Pics + Floor Plans)
• 9 Best Pop Up Campers With Bathrooms (Video Tours + Floor Plans)

1. Airstream Bambi 16 Travel Trailer

Pros : It’s hard to beat an Airstream’s intelligent and high-quality design. 

Cons : With an MSRP starting at $60,400, the 2024 Bambi is definitely not the cheapest on my list.

The 16-foot long model has a GVWR of just 3,500 pounds. The RB in the model name stands for “rear bed”. Despite being just 16-feet long, it’s got a full-time rear bed. Plus, there’s a dinette that converts into a bed for two more. They also manage to fit in a kitchen with a stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator. And it’s also got a wet bath and a hanging wardrobe for extra storage. 

See the inside in the official Airstream video tour here .

2. KZ Sportsmen Classic Ultra Lightweight

Pro: The 180BH has a well-thought-out floor plan for families with kids while still coming in at a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. 

Con: The lightweight construction and budget-friendly price doesn’t lend itself to long-term durability.

For lightweight space that doesn’t break the bank, check out the KZ Sportsmen Classic Ultra Lightweight line of RVs. 

The 180BH is surprisingly large for a travel trailer with a 3,500 pound GVWR. It’s a little over 20-feet long and has a dry bath, bunk beds, a 54”x80” bed, and a dinette that converts to another bed. 

Check out the video tour for the 180BH model.

3. Airstream Basecamp 16 or 16X

Pros: One of the more stylish small travel trailers for adventurous couples on the go. It’s got some of the classic Airstream stylings with a few changes for going off the beaten path and enjoying the outdoors.

Cons: Only the 16 and 16X have a GVWR of 3,500 lbs. The longer floor plan is heavier.😥

If you’re into boondocking and dispersed camping in out-of-the-way areas, you’ll love the Basecamp and Basecamp X (the X version is a little more rugged). It’s got a huge set of panoramic windows for taking in the view at your favorite spot. 

And despite its tiny 16-foot length, the Basecamp has everything you need for a few days of off-the-grid exploring— solar panels, wet bath, kitchenette, and a seating area that converts into a bed. Plus, it comes with a Solar Pre-Wire Kit for those who want to stay away from other people even longer. 😜

Watch the official Basecamp video tour here .

4. Jayco Jay Flight SLX

Pros: Well organized living space with a queen-size bed, bunk beds, a bathroom with tub, and a dinette that converts to another bed. Plus LED awning lights!

Cons: UVW is 3,075 pounds, but the GVWR is 3,950 pounds. So you have to be careful how much you load in it to not go over 3,500 pounds.

Jayco has really packed a lot into this ultra-lite travel trailer. A queen-size bed! Bunk beds! An actual tub! Awesome! Granted, it’s a small tub…but having a tub is nice for bathing the kiddos or even doing some emergency camp laundry.

With all those features, this trailer is one of the best options for families who need the extra space but aren’t ready to upgrade to a bigger vehicle.

Check out the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH walk through tour .

6. Scamp Trailers

Pros: Even fully-loaded deluxe models with wet baths will only cost around $20,000.

Cons: The interiors on the Standard models are, well…how should I put this🤔…not very elegant. Just think of it as “vintage”. 🤪

Despite their tiny size, Scamp lightweight trailers actually fit a surprising amount inside. It’s not very often that you get a 13-foot travel trailer that weighs less than 3,000 pounds and still has a kitchenette, dinette that converts into a bed, PLUS a sofa that converts into a bunk bed.

Check out the official Scamp Trailer 16 video tour.

7. Little Guy Mini Max

Pros: Despite the ultralight dry weight of just 2,320 pounds, you still get a wet bath, microwave, 5.0 cu. ft. refrigerator, and a stargazer window.

Cons: Great for couples, not kids.

Don’t let the teardrop-inspired shape or the sub 2,400-pound dry weight fool you into thinking there’s little more than a bed inside. This lightweight RV makes really good use of space and is one of the best lightweight camper options (it’s a feather!)

And while some travel trailers under 3,500 pounds can feel dark and claustrophobic inside, the Mini Max has tons of windows (including a cool stargazer window) that let in a lot of natural light. 

Watch the Mini Max video tour here .

8. Coachmen Clipper Express

Pros: Super light (1,536 lbs) and ready for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons: No bathroom.

Get ready for a new type of hybrid camper. It’s kind of a cool mix of a pop-up roof top tent and a camper. There is an overlanding style rooftop tent

If your SUV or crossover isn’t equipped to pull 3,500 pounds, these still may work for you. The 9000ROK has a UVW of just 1,536 lbs! Even the heaviest 12,000ROK has a dry weight of just 2,115 lbs.

Plus, they’re available with an off-road package and cargo racks for hitting rough roads with bikes, kayaks, and other toys.

Check out the Clipper 9.0 video tour here .

9. Aliner LXE

Pros: A lightweight option for couples with smaller vehicles 

Cons: Technically more of a pop-up than a real “travel trailer”

Although some might not consider the Aliner LXE to be a real travel trailer, it deserves a spot on this list. With a dry weight of just 1,795 pounds, it comes well under the 3,500 pound towing capacity of many small SUVs. 

Also, despite the small size, you still get a wet bath, a 6-gallon water heater, and an 11-gallon freshwater tank. 

Watch the Aliner LXE video tour .

Related: 9 Best Pop Up Campers & Tent Trailers (Video Tours + Reviews)

10. Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers

Pros: A real travel trailer (16 feet long!) that weighs less than a lot of pop-ups.

Cons: If you’re over 6-feet tall, get ready to bump your head.

If you’re looking for a camper that’s well under 3,500 lbs but don’t want to settle for a pop-up or a teardrop, check out the Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight trailers. These lightweight RVs only weigh a little more than the tiny Scamp trailers. But with their extra length, they feel a lot more spacious inside. 

Watch the Rove Lite trailer video tour here .

11. TAXA Cricket

Pros: A small off grid specialized trailer that’s a good option for light weight (only 1,753 lbs) camping

Cons: If you’re looking for a “normal” trailer with tons of space and comforts, this isn’t for you. Also, there’s no bathroom. 

The Taxa Cricket is sure to turn some heads with its Nasa inspired design. But don’t let its funky shape turn you off. It has a super practical and utilitarian design (look at that extra ground clearance!) that’s at home on dirt roads and boondocking campsites. 

It’s popular relative, the Taxa Mantis , still comes under the limit at a dry weight of 3,115 lbs… but that doesn’t leave a ton of packing space. And it pushes it for your vehicle’s towing ability!

Check out the Cricket video tour.

12. InTech Luna

Pros: Really cool optional features for such a small travel trailer. 

Cons: It’s still technically a teardrop, so you can’t stand up inside. 

The InTech Luna is really cool, to say the least. Yes, I know…it’s not a full-size trailer with tons of space and a normal ceiling height. But with a GVWR of just 2,200 pounds and some really unique features, this deserves a spot on this list of travel trailers under 3,500 pounds. 

It’s got a super nice kitchen in the back under the pop-up hood. The stainless steel farmhouse sink and faucet look more like ones you’d have at home and not in an RV (let alone a teardrop).  Plus, you can also get an integrated cassette toilet, a microwave, TV, futon, and more!

Get the whole scoop with the InTech Luna video tour .

13. SylvanSport GO

Pros: Only 840 lbs and is designed to haul ALOT of toys/gear!

Cons: Requires a bit of setup and really only has room for sleeping/sitting. No kitchen or bathroom.

If you are looking for something ULTRA lighweight, this is your rig! As long as you don’t mind soft sides, this actually has a surprising amount of interior space. It even has a king size sleeping area option!

There are some pretty genius design details such as the ability to still have a drop down table and hidden storage space. However, I would only recommend this if you’re comfortable using a portable toilet and kitchen as there are no amenities included.

See the full walkthrough of the SylvanSport GO here

But you still might be wondering…

Thinking of Buying an Ultra Lite Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs? 

While deciding on a tiny, sub 3,500-lb travel trailer, keep these 3 things in mind.

Have Realistic Expectations

Double check your towing capacity.

• Rent One First!

Don’t expect to find 20’+, dual axle campers with multiple slide-outs and space for a few dirtbikes. 3,500 pounds isn’t a lot so don’t expect to have tons of space inside. With more than one person inside, you’re gonna bump some elbows, step on a few toes, and maybe even have to suck in your gut once or twice to get around. 😜

That’s why these 3,500-lb travel trailers are great for couples and families who spend most of their camping time outside. And isn’t that why we go camping anyway…to get outside?!

If you’ve never towed with your vehicle before, it’s always a good idea to double-check your vehicle’s towing capacity. Be sure to check the towing capacity for its specific trim level, tow package, and engine size. The max towing capacity of small SUVs and crossovers can vary by 1,000 pounds or more depending on those factors. 

Rent a Small Travel Trailer Before Buying

Seeing a lightweight camper’s video tour or checking it out at an RV show is one thing. Camping in it for a few days is another. 

That’s why I HIGHLY suggest renting a small RV before buying.  RVshare is a really nice option for doing that!

RVshare lets you search for travel trailers by location and even by model. That way you can truly test out a small camper before actually buying it and realizing you should’ve gotten something bigger for your family.

Now let’s dive into this list of the 13 best travel trailers under 3,500 lbs!

List of a Few Vehicles That Can Pull a 3,500 lb Camper

Here are a few small SUVs, minivans, and crossovers that could potentially tow a lightweight camper. 

*Important: Always double-check your vehicle’s trim, engine size, and towing package. 

And for more RVing tips, tricks and guides, check out my other articles like…

• 23 Best Gifts for RV Owners | No Fluff, Just Great Gift Ideas
• 3 Ways to Deal with Your Uncomfy RV Mattress (+how to order a custom replacement!)
• 7 Best RV Backup Cameras | 2021 Trailer Backup Camera Reviews
• 5 Best RV Patio Mats of 202 (from actual RV owners!)
• Latest Posts

• Solar Eclipse 2024 Kids Printable Activity Pack! - April 8, 2024
• 11 RV Bathroom Makeovers to Inspire You! - April 7, 2024
• 13 Dreamy Hammock Camping Set Up Ideas + Pics - February 22, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

HI! I'm Stacy, AKA “The Crazy Outdoor Mama”

I'm the voice behind the website, and I hope you've found what you needed! I'm an outdoorsy married mother of three from Wyoming, and I LOVE creating resources that make camping and other outdoor activities easier!

Travel Advice & Inspiration From The Experts

Suggestions

11 best travel trailers & campers under 3,500 lbs.

If you don’t have a large tow vehicle or simply want to keep things light and manageable, getting a travel trailer under 3,500 pounds might be the sweet spot between portability and functionality.

But finding the best ones can be a little tricky. While finding dry weight and GVWR doesn’t take long, determining which of these campers are well-built is another story.

So we’ve done the work for you.

This list of the best travel trailers under 3,500 lbs will give you a great place to start, so you can pick the perfect one for you.

1. Airstream Bambi 16RB

We’re big fans of Airstream for a number of reasons, with one being just how light their campers are.  And if you’re looking for a travel trailer under 3,500 pounds, the 16 foot Bambi is a great choice.

It’s easy to tow, uses the space efficiently, and is packed full of great features. To get that amount of functionality with such a small travel trailer is fantastic, because you’ll never be turned away for being too large at a campground. You get more comfort than a teardrop, but it’s packed in a fairly similar footprint.

While the outside is obviously iconic, the interior is where this travel trailer shines. The galley kitchen is arranged for ease of use, equipped with durable stainless steel appliances. It’s got a stove, microwave, and an all-electric refrigerator. There’s also a dinette that can also be used as a lounging space, and an extra sleeping area. You also get a nice wet bath that doesn’t feel too cramped.

Despite the fact that this travel trailer is under 3,500 pounds, it can sleep up to four people. And the master bed has a memory foam mattress that you’ll have no trouble sleeping on. You also get an air conditioner, furnace, and a nice retractable awning for lounging outside (which is always helpful if you want to avoid feeling cooped up).

• Base Weight: 3,050 lbs. (this includes batteries & LP)
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.

2. TAXA Cricket

Another standout in the under 3,500 pound category is the TAXA Cricket, which is a compact and cleverly designed travel trailer that’s perfect for adventurous families. We’ve been a fan of this company for a while, and the Cricket is one of our favorite models that they offer.

With a footprint of less than 15′ × 7′, it’s easy to fit a family of four. The modular interior looks great and includes a cafe table, kitchen, and ample storage. The design allows for cross-ventilation with windows and doors, so you won’t have trouble keeping it cool while exploring the great outdoors.

With a dry weight of just 1,753 lbs, the Cricket is rugged yet lightweight, making it towable by a wide-range of cars. Its short length also makes it easy to control while you’re on the road. We like the Cricket because it’s clearly designed to be durable, while also conveniently fitting in standard garages.

This camper does a good job of packing functionality into limited space. It can sleep two adults and two children. You also have the option to add a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, which is more than strong enough to keep you cool on hot days.

The kitchen area has a large counter, a two-burner stove, and a nice covered sink. There’s an innovative storage tower with removable milk crate drawers for easy loading and unloading between trips. You’ll also get a 15-gallon fresh water tank and a 16-gallon gray water tank, which isn’t bad for a travel trailer of this size.

• Dry Weight: 1,753 lbs.
• GVWR: 2,700 lbs.

3. Scamp 13

The Scamp 13 is a popular option for people seeking light travel trailers due to its efficient design and towability. Weighing just 1,500 pounds dry (with a tongue weight of 200 pounds), it can easily be pulled by a number of different cars. It’s also a piece of cake to maneuver into just about any campsite.

We’ve always liked this travel trailer because of its durability. The high-quality fiberglass shell not only gives it a sleek, modern look, but also ensures longevity. Inside, the fiberglass cabinets and wood-paneled interior doors provide ample storage without compromising efficiency.

Comfort and convenience are at the heart of the Scamp 13. There’s a well-equipped kitchen area, complete with a 2-burner propane stove, sink, and cabinet over the sink. It’s also prepped for air conditioning and features a 44” bed.

It’s also kitted out with essential power solutions such as LED exterior lights, a 45 amp power converter, and an outside GFI outlet.

The Scamp 13’s comprehensive water system includes an efficient 12-volt water pump. You also have handy features like a USB station, tank monitors, water heater, and a refrigerator.

• Dry Weight: 1,500 lbs.

4. Happier Camper Traveler Standard

The Happier Camper Traveler Standard is another versatil travel trailer under 3,500 pounds that we love for its combination of functionality with comfort. The 17-foot Traveler boasts a lightweight design that most standard cars can tow with ease, making it convenient to take out for trips whenever you want.

The Traveler utilizes Happier Camper’s Adaptiv components, which allows you to configure two full beds or a number of other customized layouts. It even has the option to add bunk beds, expanding its capacity to accommodate more sleepers.

It also features a fully-equipped bathroom with a shower, toilet, and upper storage cabinet, and a kitchenette that has a stainless steel sink and a portable stove. There’s a nice 20L fridge included as well.

Even though this travel trailer doesn’t weigh much, it’s still equipped with electric brakes that provide excellent control while towing. You also get city and gray water connections, and 17-gallon fresh and gray water tanks so you can venture off-grid.

We also love the design of the Traveler. It looks great on the outside, and spacious on the inside. In our opinion, it’s one of the best looking RVs out there.

• Dry Weight: 1,800 lbs.

5. Safari Condo Alto R Series

The Safari Condo Alto R Series is one of the more unique travel trailers on our list. Not only is it lightweight, but it’s brimming with innovative designs and features. Crafted entirely from aluminum panels, its durability is impressive and it still only weighs 1,949 lbs dry! Its design is also quite aerodynamic (it’s actually tested in a wind tunnel), making it a great choice for cars that might not be considered a traditional tow vehicle.

You can’t talk about these travel trailers without mentioning the retractable roof. This design does a great job of keeping it compact without compromising on interior space or natural light. And even when the roof is retracted, you can still access the toilet, fridge, and dining area.

We really like the design of the interior as well. The furnishings look modern, and there’s plenty of space to move around. With an extended height of 82” when the roof is elevated, you won’t feel too cramped when inside.

When it comes to utility and features, the R Series is equipped with a fresh water inlet, a water pump, and substantial tanks. It also features an ultra-quiet heating and water heater system, a two-burner LPG stove, and a 3.1-cu. ft fridge. We also like the fact that it has electronic indicators for tank levels, an installed flush toilet, and an outdoor hand shower.

Lastly, the Alto R Series offers optional solar panels if you want to stay charged up when you’re off the grid. We’ve also seen that these travel trailers tend to hold their value quite well, which is good to know if you think you might make a change in the future.

• Dry Weight: 1,949 lbs.

6. Classic Bean Trailer

We think that the Classic Bean Trailer stands out as a top choice for travel trailers under 3,500 pounds, because it provides great functionality while still keeping things simple. Its seamless fiberglass shell is designed for rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, so it’s a good pick for those who don’t want to baby their camper. In other words, it features a classic teardrop design which combines “tiny home” comforts with solid construction.

Inside, the Classic Bean Trailer is surprisingly spacious. While it might not look like it from the outside, there’s room for a queen foam mattress and an interior height of 5 feet. The cabin transforms from a sleeping area to a couch and table configuration, and the interior walls are covered with stain and abrasion-resistant materials.

There’s also a stainless steel sink, a foldaway faucet, and a Maxx Air fan to help keep things cool. Other features include a roof rack system, fiberglass sculpted fender with Kenda Karrier tires, and an attic over the cabinet doors for additional storage.

• Dry Weight: 1,650 lbs.

7. Casita Spirit 17′

When it comes to compact yet efficient travel trailers under 3,500 pounds, the Casita Spirit 17′ is a very popular choice (and for good reason). This camper boasts two distinct sleeping areas that double as dining tables, comfortably accommodating up to six people. The rear dinette can even be permanently transformed into a double bed.

The kitchen offers quite a bit as well, equipped with a stainless steel LP gas cooktop with a glass cover and electric ignition. It also has a ventless range hood that circulates air through a charcoal filter to keep smells and moisture from lingering after you cook.

For the style of the interior, the Spirit now comes with brown wood cabinets that we think look great. You can also choose between brown or gray tables.

We were also impressed by the durability and construction of the body. The Spirit is made with a hail and water-resistant fiberglass body and well-sealed base floors that mean you’ll get plenty of use out of this camper over the years.

• Dry Weight: 2,210 lbs.

8. nuCamp TAB 320

The nuCamp TAB 320 S shines as a good choice for campers who want a blend of convenience and adventure in a lightweight package. Its timeless teardrop design, combined with essential amenities for compact camping, make it a charming and practical option that is well under 3,500 pounds.

The TAB 320 S optimizes space and functionality with a galley kitchen, a wet bath, and a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a sleeping area. The interior feels very well-made with premium soft-close cabinets, composite flooring, central A/C, and entertainment features like a Bluetooth® media center with a 19” TV. The kitchen is well-equipped with a stainless steel sink, a two-burner stove, and a compact fridge.

We like the expandable split bed, adaptable for solo travelers or couples. It’s also equipped with a cassette toilet, a molded sink, and an external shower. The trailer’s molded underbelly shield, steel spare tire, alloy wheels, and aggressive off-road tires ensure durability even on rough terrains.

If you plan on doing a lot of boondocking, you can get their Convenience Package which includes a solar panel, an external solar port, and a lithium battery. It also features intelligent battery detection and a Bluetooth® battery monitor.

• Dry Weight: 2,095 lbs.

9. Little Guy Mini Max

The Little Guy Mini Max is another great camper under 3,500 pounds that we’ve been recommending for a while. Built with resilience in mind, this camper has 15” premium tires, Azdel composite sidewall construction, a seamless fiberglass roof, and a custom tubular steel chassis. It’s fitted with 4 insulated dual pane windows, LED porch lighting, a 2” rear receiver for added cargo (like a bike rack), and an electric brake Dexter axle for more control and safety while you’re on the road.

The Mini Max doesn’t skimp on interior space and comfort either. With an interior height of 6 feet, it offers plenty of room if you’re lounging or cooking. The residential-style wet bath and convertible dinette maximize the use of space, while the 100% maple hardwood cabinetry, 8” deep kitchen sink, and 2 burner glass top stove add some additional functionality. You even get a 13,500 BTU A/C, and a 16,000 BTU furnace.

The dinette can convert into a queen size bed or two twin beds, and there are large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. It doesn’t look big, but it feels like it when you’re on the inside!

• Dry Weight: 2,434 lbs.

10. Timberleaf Classic

This is a remarkable travel trailer that stands out in the under 3,500 pounds category due to its exceptional craftsmanship, lightweight nature, and thoughtful design features.

Timberleaf is a company with years of experience in high-end woodworking, and it shows in their product. This camper features a fully insulated, customizable cabin with enamel-baked aluminum siding and a clear anodized top.

Weighing in at a mere 1,500 pounds dry with a 150-pound tongue weight, it’s easily towable. The lightweight design can be paired with three different suspension packages you can pick from (Standard, All-Road, and Off-Road) based on your needs.

The galley, designed as the heart of the trailer, maximizes space and efficiency. It provides multiple storage solutions, including upper sliding bypass doors, a lower storage drawer, stove slideout drawer, and more. Additional options include a 2-burner cookstove and a locking pull-out tray for a cooler or fridge.

The cabin is also quite comfortable. It features one of the industry’s largest skylights for travel trailers of this size, creating an open atmosphere. The cabin also houses customized storage solutions like cubbies behind the headboard and cabinets above the footwell. Insulation keeps occupants warm, while the custom-made Colorado Queen mattress makes it easy to rest after a day of adventures.

11. inTech Sol Dawn

The inTech Sol Dawn has a unique blend of size, functionality, and style. Its design is ingenious and elegant, showcasing a tilt-forward profile that maximizes interior space without expanding its footprint. We think the exterior looks like a cross between a fiberglass trailer and an Airstream because of the massive panoramic front window (which is one of our favorite things about our Flying Cloud).

The Sol Dawn has 6′ 4” of headroom inside, and there’s a front dinette that comfortably seats six adults next to the panoramic windshield. This helps you maintain a connection with the outdoors and keeps the layout feeling a bit more open.

We like that the kitchen and bathroom don’t compromise on luxury or functionality. There’s a large farmhouse sink, a commercial-grade faucet, and a two-burner LP stove with a cast iron grate.

Constructed on an all-aluminum, all-tube, fully welded cage frame, the Sol Dawn guarantees strength and durability. This aluminum construction not only keeps the trailer weight low for the sake of towing, but also ensures longevity and rust-resistance.

This camper also has a large 7′ awning that gives you plenty of outdoor living space shielded from the elements. It’s clear that they designed each feature, from the panoramic windshield to the roomy dinette and high-end amenities, to make the smaller space feel larger and more welcoming.

• Dry Weight: 2,730 lbs.

Bonus: Airstream Basecamp 16

Since we mentioned the Airstream Bambi, we thought it would be worth mentioning the other great travel trailer under 3,500 pounds in the Airstream lineup. The Basecamp is their more affordable/less fancy model that still combines versatility, efficient design, and durability in a lightweight and well-designed package. And because of this, it’s one of the company’s most popular models!

The interior bench seats quickly convert into various configurations, such as a half-bed, a full bed, and a mix of additional seating and sleeping areas (you can sleep up to five people in here). There are two removable and adjustable tables that serve multiple purposes as well, from dining to entertainment.

And despite it being a smaller package, the Basecamp doesn’t compromise on storage or functionality. It uses smart solutions like bungee storage and a wet bath to make the most of the space you have. The kitchen is well-stocked as well, with a two-burner gas stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator.

There’s also a 30 amp air conditioner, an efficient furnace, and tankless water heater. You’ll also find plenty of USB ports and 110V outlets so you can keep your devices charged or get some work done while you’re on a trip.

Closing Thoughts

As you can tell, there are plenty of great options to choose from if you’re interested in a travel trailer that weighs less than 3,500 pounds. And in this list, we’ve given you enough options to choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a long-haul adventurer, there’s a camper for you. So get out there and have some fun!

* All images have been sourced from the company websites listed above and full image credit is attributed to them.

Katie and Pierce

Everything You Need To Know About RVing With Cats

Where To Dump RV Waste For Free: The Complete Guide

• Find a Location

The Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

• Length: 21’5”
• Dry Weight: 2,970 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3

The Lantern LT 17R is one of the newest additions to Coleman’s lineup. Coleman has improved upon the 17B by turning it into a more comfortable couple’s RV, highlighted by the spacious rear bathroom and closet. Units should start hitting Camping World lots in spring 2023, so stay tuned into inventory in your region.

Find the latest availability on Coleman Lantern 17R campers.

Check out other lightweight travel trailers perfect for couples .

Coleman Rubicon 1200RK

• Length: 13’5”
• Dry Weight: 1,682 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

Ideal for couples or solo travelers, the Coleman Rubicon 1200RK is a rarity among travel trailers on the market today – it can fit in most garages with an overall height of seven feet. The rear outdoor kitchen features a bigger refrigerator than previous models, and the reinforced wheel fenders make it easy to access the RV’s roof.

Explore our selection of Coleman Rubicon trailers.

Coleman 17B

• Dry Weight: 2,985 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Coleman 17B travel trailer provides a lightweight base for family camping adventures. Affordability is the main draw to this bunkhouse camper, but it features everything you’ll need to easily transition from tent camping to RVing, including a six-gallon water heater, two-burner cooktop, single-door refrigerator, and much more.

Shop Coleman travel trailers.

Forest River Lightweight Travel Trailers

Forest river flagstaff e-pro e15tb.

• Length: 15’8”
• Dry Weight: 2,667 pounds

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB is a unit that has a unique layout with two 30” x 74” twin beds that can be converted to a king-sized bed for couples. It’s Forest River’s smallest walkable camper, but it still packs a full kitchen and bathroom for comfort and convenience.

This travel trailer also comes with an exterior gas grill. You’d be surprised how much you’ll use an outdoor kitchen in a smaller RV. The Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB is a lightweight travel trailer with a 10’ power awning, plenty of exterior storage, and a 2” hitch receiver for a bike rack or cargo carrier.

Shop Forest River Flagstaff E-Pros.

Forest River R-Pod 180

• Dry Weight: 2,950 pounds

The Forest River R-Pod 180 is an excellent, lightweight travel trailer with everything a couple could need for a  weekend warrior getaway or a longer boondocking trip to a wild landscape.

Across from the entry door, on the off-camp wall, is a slide with the two-burner stove, sink, prep space, and refrigerator. The 75″ by 24″ dinette is great for game nights or if you need extra sleeping space when hosting guests. There’s a large queen-sized bed at the front of the unit and a dry bath along the rear wall.

Shop Forest River R-pods.

Forest River Ozark 1530VBK

• Length: 18’1”
• Dry Weight: 2,989 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

Don’t be fooled by the compact size of the Forest River Ozark 1530VBK . This lightweight travel trailer is packed with amenities and designed for rugged adventures. That starts with the high-capacity axles and the bike-sized cargo door on the off-camp side.

Inside, the rear bath floorplan gives you one of the most versatile living spaces out there. There are two flip-down bunks, an optional cargo net for storage, a central skylight for extra natural light, and one of the largest 12-volt refrigerators you’ll find in smaller campers.

Discover more about the Forest River Ozark trailers.

Jayco Lightweight Travel Trailers

Jayco jay flight slx 154bh.

• Length: 18’
• Dry Weight: 2,810 pounds

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH is a simple bunkhouse floorplan with 29” x 75” bunks, a convertible front dinette, a full bathroom, and a modest kitchen. There’s also a nice ward next to the entrance door, a spacious pantry, and plenty of storage in the overhead cabinets.

While it’s already easy to tow because it’s small and lightweight, this camper is also prepped for side and backup cameras. You’ll also find an LP quick connect, an exterior TV hookup, and roof solar prep among the list of standard features on the Jay Flight SLX 154BH.

Shop Jayco Jay Flight travel trailers at your local Camping World.

Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB

• Length: 19’10″
• Dry Weight: 2,890 pounds

The Hummingbird 16MRB is another lightweight model (no longer in production as of 2020) from Jayco. This unit features a 60″ by 75″ Murphy bed, a split kitchen, and a large rear bathroom with linen and storage closets. The Murphy bed offers extra versatility, converting to a comfortable sofa during the day.

Shop used Jayco Hummingbird floor plans.

Other Lightweight Travel Trailers

Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to small lightweight travel trailers . Less to tow, less to maintain, and less to clean means more time for adventures, fun, and making memories.

RV owners often find peace of mind by towing smaller travel trailers, especially when navigating certain roads and paths. Whoever said good things come in small packages must have been referring to travel trailers.

Happier Camper HC1

• Length: 13’
• Dry Weight: 1,520 pounds

Who doesn’t aim to be a happier camper? Thanks to Happier Camper , that goal is more achievable than ever. Responsible for revolutionizing the lightweight travel trailer industry with its trademarked modular Adaptiv® system, Happier Campers can quickly and easily become whatever you need them to be. The modern design certainly doesn’t hurt, either.

Learn more about the Happier Camper HC1.

TAXA Outdoors Cricket

• Length: 15’
• Dry Weight: 1,800 pounds

Look no further if you’re looking for a lightweight, rugged, sophisticated design and bold purpose. The TAXA Outdoors Cricket is the ideal small travel trailer for your next adventure. The pop-up roof is optimized for ventilation without sacrificing protection. As a bonus, it fits in a standard garage.

Find pricing and availability for the TAXA Outdoors Cricket small campers.

Airstream Basecamp 16

• Length: 16’2”
• Dry Weight: 2,650 pounds

Airstream’s revitalized Basecamp 16 travel trailer is another excellent lightweight travel trailer under 3,000 pounds. Built for two, it’s perfect for adventurous couples who need a cozy place to rest each evening. It has a full wet bath inside and is equipped with thoughtful amenities like a rear hatch for cargo loading and an exterior shower for rinsing yourself and your gear.

Discover Airstream trailers at your local Camping World.

Find Your Lightweight Travel Trailer

Is your tow vehicle up to the task of towing one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds? Use Camping World’s Towing Guide to check your maximum towing capacity before you go any further.

You’d be surprised at how light and nimble today’s RVs are. Manufactured with lightweight materials and designed to be aerodynamic, today’s towable travel trailers are getting increasingly easier to pull.

It doesn’t take much to tow 3,000 pounds. You might even be able to  tow with a minivan . With that, you have a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom wherever you park it – a tiny home on wheels.

If your current RV isn’t lightweight, sell or trade it in for one that is. Camping World has options to suit every RV enthusiast! Fill out an online credit application and get pre-approved today.

Check out some of our other content on lightweight camper trailers and how to find your RV:

• Understanding RV Weight Ratings
• The Best Family Travel Trailers Under 4,500 Pounds
• The Best Retro Style Travel Trailers
• Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Travel Trailer

Do you have any other suggestions for the best lightweight travel trailers? Leave a comment below.

• Comment (21)

I am having trouble deciding from a travel trailer to a RV. I am lookong used and am feeling a little intimadated to whole Idea of living in and owning a travel house. Wade i think you look a lot like my cousin Braden. Uncanning. With that said what would you recommend? I am a woman, in my 40’s, with a disability looking for a home. I dont need super luxury, but I also dont want something that could potentially be a money eater. I have a variety of tools and sure i can use them and figure things out, but even i know when i shoukdnt or its beyond my knowledge. When i go camping its usually in my car or a tent. What wpuld you reccommend? Are there easier and harder options? Can i paint this rv purple and green if i would like? I have so many questions. I will keep on researching more and more i kind of liked the van home my cousin guy had two yeara ago, althoigh i never dis get to see the inside. I dont know whether to buy a dolly and tow my car behind or buy a new car to tow the home. The 4 cylinder vehicle i have may not be enoigh. I just hope it is big enough for 2 and maybe a dog. I may want to make dinner for aomeone someday. I may want to have my family visit., althoigh theu may have to find their own place to sleep. Wow i better stop, i have no idea.

What about cassita and scamp? They are 13-17 feet and feature full bath, kitchen, dinette, full bed, etc

Those are indeed great options John. Thanks for bringing them to the attention of your fellow readers!

Is there anything <3,000 that sleep 3 adults and has a bathroom? We’re a family of 4 with 3 wanting to visit the 4th at college for weekends. Car is a Chevy Traverse with max tow of 5,000-ish but understand we want to be well under for the trailer. Lots of options to sleep 2.

You might also be interested in our article on trailers under 4500 pounds:

https://blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/travel-trailers-that-weigh-4500-pounds-or-less-that-are-perfect-for-families/

The first two Coleman trailers in that article sleep up to 5 and up to 4, respectively.

Hope that helps!

Are there any 3,000 -3,500 lb travel trailers with tandem axles?

And as always not one word about the price. B i g secret!

Wade You should look at RKS Offroad. I visited them a month ago. They are a startup trailer company out of souther California and they are doing some great things. Hopefully they make it to Florida.

There is a new trailer company out of California called RKS Offroad. You should include new companies like this for consideration in your list

Try looking at the e-pros by Thor Flagststaff and their companion G-Pro. Many of them are under 3000 pounds and come with all kinds of bells and whistles

I wan thebedroom in the back of the trailer is that possible

Dry weight does not include the cargo or the weight of the passengers. Isn’t that to be considered when towing capacity. Our towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. we were told to add our weight and everything in the truck bed and stowed inThe camper such as food appliances and dishes.

Can we get any of these without the dinette, I really need theater, double recliner

Please provide price for these 5 light weight rvs.

I would like to come down Monday afternoon to apply for finance Im looking for a small pull behind camper that sleeps four

Hi Courtney!

There is a lot to learn when you’re new to RVing, but I’d say the best thing you can do is head to your local Camping World to actually tour different RV types and floorplans in person. There’s really no substitute for walking into an RV when it comes to envisioning how your lifestyle might look if you owned it.

Aside from that, here are a few links to articles that address some of your questions:

https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/how-to-overcome-first-time-rver-intimidation/ https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/choosing-your-rv-towable-vs-motorized/ https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/intro-to-rvs-types-classes/ https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/inside-your-rv/what-you-need-to-know-if-you-want-to-repaint-the-inside-of-your-rv/ https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/5-rvs-you-can-pull-with-an-suv/ https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/rv-buying-guide-towing-with-a-midsize-suv/

Hi Peter, it’s not a big secret, but the price can vary dramatically depending on the deals and promotions currently going on. Because of that, they are omitted from this article. It would be silly to publish prices when you could potentially get a far better deal than the list price. I’d suggest you go to https://rv.campingworld.com/ if you’re curious about the prices on these travel trailers. The prices can be easily found there.

Yep! Check the inventory on Camping World’s website!

Hi Pam, your right. Dry weight doesn’t include the cargo or the weight of the passengers. It must be factored in. If you’re vehicle is only able to tow 3,500 lbs, then you definitely need to make sure you’re under that with the passengers and cargo included.

Hi Joda, give your local dealership a call and I’m sure they will be happy to assist you!

Hi Jerry, the price will vary depending on where they’re sold. The MSRP isn’t super representative of what you can get them for at Camping World dealerships. Your best bet is to click through to Camping World’s inventory and see what the dealers have them listed for.

Leave Your Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Shop By RV Type

Your Adventure Awaits

Copyright © 2023 cwi, llc all rights reserved.

• RV Glossary |
• Privacy Policy |
• California Privacy Rights |
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information |
• Targeted Advertising Opt Out |
• Terms of Use

Travels with Ted

20 Best Small Travel Trailers Under 3500 & 5000 lbs

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

RV camping is a great adventure, but many travel trailers require owners to also purchase an expensive tow vehicle. Large travel trailers are also more difficult to take off-grid. Fortunately, there are several great small travel trailers with all the bells and whistles.

Looking for the perfect small, lightweight travel trailer for your camping adventures? Here are the 20 best small travel trailers in 2024.

• 1.1 KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB
• 2.1 Airstream Basecamp 16
• 2.2 Airstream Bambi 16RB
• 2.3 Casita Heritage
• 2.4 Happier Camper HC1
• 2.5 inTech Flyer Explore
• 2.6 nuCamp Barefoot
• 3.1 Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser 17SCD
• 3.2 Jayco Jay Flight SX 154BH
• 3.3 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS
• 3.4 Lance Travel Trailers
• 3.5 Keystone Bullet Crossfire
• 3.6 Palomino Puma Ultra Lite
• 3.7 Winnebago Hike 100

The Best Small Travel Trailer in 202 4

Kz sportsmen classic 130rb.

Length: 16 feet, 9 inches

GVWR: 2800 pounds

The Sportsmen Classic 130RB is the best small travel trailer because it packs tons of comforts into a super lightweight trailer. One of the best features is its rear bathroom.

While many small travel trailers have a wet bath , this RV has a proper bathroom with a toilet and a separate shower. While there is no sink in the bathroom, it is located just outside in the kitchen area, which also includes a stove, microwave and refrigerator.

The floorplan also includes a large convertible dinette in the front of the RV, a loveseat sofa and a large storage closet beside the entrance. The flooring is a all vinyl with no carpet. This rig also comes prepped for solar panels.

To make this trailer even better add the off-road package, which includes 15-inch mud tires, extra ground clearance and a heated holding tank.

Best Small Travel Trailers under 3500 Pounds

While the KZ Sportsmen Classic is our selection for the best small travel trailer, there are plenty of other great lightweight options available.   The GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum loaded weight of an RV. All the RVs in this section have a GVWR of 3500 pounds or less.

If you think 3500 pounds is small, check out these tiny motorcycle campers, some of which are under 330 pounds!

Airstream Basecamp 16

Length: 16 feet, 0 inches

GVWR: 3500 pounds

While the Basecamp doesn’t look like other Airstream travel trailers, it is built to meet the company’s high quality standards. In fact, the low profile, aerodynamic shape of this trailer naturally delivers low wind resistance creating less drag.

Inside, the Basecamp has everything you need for a comfortable night at the campsite. The front kitchen includes a two-burner gas stove, sink, microwave and a small refrigerator. There is also a wet bathroom and bench seating that converts into a full-size bed.

Click here to see more travel trailers with spacious front kitchens.

Airstream Bambi 16RB

If you want a lightweight travel trailer and love the class Airstream design, the Bambi 16RB is the perfect choice. The Bambi 16RB fits everything you would expect from an Airstream travel trailer into a tiny package.

The front of the trailer houses a dinette that comfortably seats four, and converts into additional sleeping space. The middle of the floor plan includes wet bath and a small kitchen with a stove, sink, microwave and small refrigerator. In the back is the bed with comfortable sleeping space for two.

Casita Heritage

Length: 17 feet, 0 inches

GVWR: ~3000 pounds

Even though it is tiny, Casita Heritage is a great rig for families. With a large convertible dinette and bunk beds, the RV comfortably sleeps four people. Larger families, can select the standard floorplan, which offers an additional set of bunk beds. The deluxe floorplan has a bathroom in place of the extra bed

Both of the Casita Heritage floorplans have insulated interiors, lightweight fiberglass furniture, almost 50 cubic feet of storage space and a full kitchen. Heritage travel trailers also have bright, white interiors that make the campers feel more spacious.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of fiberglass travel trailers.

Happier Camper HC1

Length: 13 feet, 5 inches

Delivering ground-breaking flexibility in a lightweight trailer package, the retro-modern HC1 is a highly unique small travel trailer. The exterior is a mix of white and light green, and the rear hatch allows for easy access into the camper.

This lightweight travel trailer comes with the company’s signature Adaptiv® interior. The unique Adaptiv floor grid consists of modular components, so you can instantly adjust the interior of your travel trailers to suit your needs. The modular components include a dry flush toilet, but there is no shower in this camper.

inTech Flyer Explore

Length: 16 feet, 7 inches

GVWR: 2990 pounds

If you love to camp off the beaten path, the inTech Flyer Explore is one of the best small travel trailers. Every Flyer is built utilizing an all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame, making them strong enough to handle rough road conditions.

For added space inside, every Flyer comes standard with a roadside tip-out and the option for a second tip-out on the curbside. An optional slide-out kitchen includes an electric cooler and stove. Inside, there is plenty of open floorspace, a countertop and beds in the tip-outs. There is no bathroom in this travel trailer.

nuCamp Barefoot

GVWR: 3000 pounds

The nuCamp Barefoot is undeniably the cutest lightweight travel trailer on the market. The exterior is a curvy fiberglass body in a stunning sea glass color. Its retro design will stand out and start lots of conversations at the campground.

Inside, the Barefoot travel trailer has everything you need, starting with a spacious U-shaped dinette that converts into a comfortable sleeping area. The galley kitchen features a refrigerator, a deep basin sink with a folding faucet and a butcher block countertop. The wet bath comes with a cassette toilet and a retractable showerhead for indoor/outdoor use.

Click here to see more adorable retro campers!

Best Small Travel Trailers under 5000 Pounds

If you are looking for a little more space and have enough towing capacity, these travel trailers with a GVWR under 5000 pounds are great options. They are still lightweight, but have more space for amenities.

Gulfstream Vintage Cruiser 17SCD

Length: 20 feet, 0 inches

GVWR: 4300 pounds

Gulfstream’s Vintage Cruisers are lightweight travel trailers with retro exterior and interior designs. These trailers can be painted and furnished with red, teal or wood wagon details. Other retro details include vintage drapes, adorable dinette booths and custom comforters.

Our favorite Vintage Cruiser floorplan is the 17SCD, because it is compact but practical. Just left of the rear entrance is a large storage closet. Next to the closet is a spacious three-piece corner bathroom. A dinette and galley kitchen are in the center of the trailer and a full-size bed is up front.

Jayco Jay Flight SX 154BH

Length: 18 feet, 0 inches

GVWR: 3600 pounds

Jayco’s lightest travel trailer has plenty of space for the whole family. In addition to its low weight, back-up and side-marker camera prep makes towing the trailer even easier. Dark tinted windows will offer privacy and UV protection on hot sunny days.

Inside the trailer has a separate bathroom with a shower/tub combination and a full galley kitchen with a large pantry for storage. Sleeping spaces include a set of bunk beds and a convertible dinette.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS

Length: 19 feet, 8 inches

GVWR: 4995 pounds

Jayco’s other option for a lightweight travel trailer is the Jay Feather Micro 166FBS. At almost 20-feet long, this RV has more living space for rainy days at the campground. However, it is has a GVWR just under 5000 pounds, so buyers will need a mid-size tow vehicle.

The smallest floorplan in the Jay Feather Micro line features a full three-piece bathroom and a full kitchen with a good-sized refrigerator. There is also a large couch with plenty of space for three adults and a full-sized bed.

Lance Travel Trailers

Lance manufactures two travel trailer floorplans with a GVWR of under 5000 pounds. Both of these compact travel trailers are built using Lance’s state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. They are also pretty inside with three modern décor options to choose from.

GVWR: 4500 pounds

The 1475 model is a great couple’s rig. Inside the rig is a galley kitchen with an oven, refrigerator and microwave. Across from the kitchen are two swivel chairs and a dining table. The queen-size bed is in the front of the RV, while the full three-piece bath is in the rear.

Length: 20 feet, 5 inches

GVWR: 4600 pounds

The 1575 floorplan also has a galley kitchen with all the needed appliances. However, it offers more seating and sleeping space with a large dinette booth. The dry bathroom has a separate shower, but no sink. The queen-size bed and a closet are located in the front of the trailer.

Keystone Bullet Crossfire

Another quality line of small, lightweight travel trailers is the Bullet Crossfire. This Keystone make has three floorplans with a GVWR under 5000 pounds. All of these RVs also have stylish, modern interiors that Keystone is known for designing.

Bullet Crossfire 1800RB

Length: 21 feet, 4 inches

GVWR: 4400 pounds

The 1800RB floorplan features a three-piece rear bathroom that extends the full width of the trailer. The bathroom also houses a large wardrobe closet. The middle of the RV includes a convertible dinette and a galley kitchen. In the front is a sofa with a Murphy bed that folds over for sleeping.

Bullet Crossfire 1850RB

Length: 22 feet, 4 inches

GVWR: 4700 pounds

The 1850RB also features a rear three-piece bath, but it is a smaller corner bathroom. The extra rear space is used for the refrigerator and pantry, allowing for more counterspace in the galley kitchen. This floorplan also has a queen-sized bed and a tri-fold sofa.

Bullet Crossfire 1900RD

Length: 21 feet, 11 inches

The 1900RD features a large U-shaped rear dinette. The kitchen with pantry storage and full three-piece bathroom are both located in the middle of the trailer. A queen-size bed and a wardrobe closet are located in the front.

Palomino Puma Ultra Lite

The Puma Ultra Lite travel trailer line has a huge selection of small travel trailers with six models under 5000 pounds. These single axle, seven-foot wide models can be towed by crossover vehicles and smaller SUVs. Below are the two best Puma floorplans.

Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX

Length: 21 feet, 6 inches

GVWR: 3880 pounds

The 16QBX is one of the best small travel trailers for couples or small families. The floorplan includes a large three-piece rear bathroom with a shower/tub combination. It also has a small but fully-equipped kitchen. A dinette is located across from the kitchen. In the front of the RV is a queen-size bed with wardrobe closest on either side.

Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 18RDX

Length: 23 feet, 2 inches

GVWR: 4855 pounds

The large 18RDX floorplan is a better option for families with older kids. The RV includes a queen-sized bed, a flip-down bunk over the rear dinette and a jacknife sofa. It has a similar kitchen to the 16QBX, but has a pantry for more storage. A two-piece bathroom is located next to the bed.

Winnebago Hike 100

Designed for outdoor adventure, the rugged HIKE 100 has plenty of room for gear and comes loaded with features, yet is light enough to be towed by smaller vehicles. There are five Hike 100 floorplans, all of which are under 5000 pounds. We share our three favorite.

All of the Hike 100 floorplans have a wet bath and small kitchen in the front of the camper. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, sink, microwave and a pull-out counter. Each floorplan has a different lounging and sleeping configuration in the rear half of the trailer.

Length: 15 feet, 11 inches

GVWR: 4200 pounds

The H1316TB features a unique but functional sleeping area. One side of the living area has a large rollover sofa, while the other side has a set of bunk beds. This creates plenty of sleeping space for three adults. There is also a folding table in the middle, and a rear door so bikes can be stored inside the trailer for travel.

The H1316FB has an east-to-west facing queen bed in the rear of the trailer. An additional twin bed is lofted above. A strutted flip-up door allows campers to access storage under the bed. This floorplan also has an outdoor kitchen.

The H1316MB has a Murphy bed in the back of the RV, so campers have a sofa to relax on during the day. A folding table sits in front of the sofa, so it can also be used for dining. Overhead cabinets and nightstands provide additional storage space.

Thanks for reading our complete guide to the best small travel trailers. We hope you found the perfect adventure rig for your family.

If you are still searching for the perfect tiny camper, also check out our list of the best pop up campers with full bathrooms.

If you are interested in taking your tiny RV off-grid, check out our complete guide to RV boondocking.

Happy Camping!

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Crowsurvival

Experience the Best that RVs, RV Accessories, Campers, Boats, Camping, Hiking & Fishing has to offer.

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs

Jonathan Holmes 5.0 Rated 5.0 out of 5 5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 45 reviews)

Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.

Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Paul Clayton

Table of Contents

There are many different travel trailers available for rent or purchase on the market. Some have many exciting features for maximum comfort, while others have minimal features. Some have multiple sleeping areas, while others have only a single bed. Some are massive in size, while others have a small footprint. In this article, I will share with you the best lightweight travel trailers. 

These are lightweight campers weighing under 3,500 pounds in dry weight. In other words, these are travel trailers that are light enough to be towed by most trucks and SUVs. So if you are looking for a lightweight camper that you can tow without upgrading your current truck or SUV, there are ten options below that will greatly excite you.

Top 10 Lightweight Travel Trailers Below 3,500 Pounds

1. coachmen clipper ultra-lite 17cfq.

I love this trailer’s spacious full bathroom that includes a sink, a standard toilet, and a shower. I also love the fact that this bathroom comes with a medicine cabinet. 

The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ is a lightweight travel trailer designed for easy towing and maneuverability. It is part of the Clipper Ultra-Lite series produced by Coachmen RV, which is known for its functional features and affordability. Here are some of the key specifications and features of the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ:

• Size and Weight:
• The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ has an overall length of 21 feet 4 inches and a width of 7 feet 4 inches.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,079 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 308 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,201 pounds.
• Sleeping Capacity and Layout:
• The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ can sleep up to four people.
• It features a queen-sized bed and a dinette that converts into a bed for additional sleeping space.
• Interior Features:
• The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ has a spacious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The kitchen includes a refrigerator, two-burner cooktop, microwave, and sink with a high-rise faucet.
• The bathroom features a toilet, shower, and sink with a vanity and medicine cabinet.
• The trailer has air conditioning and a furnace for comfortable temperature control.
• The interior decor includes a modern, neutral color scheme with vinyl flooring and laminate countertops.
• Exterior Features:
• The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ has a lightweight aluminum frame and a laminated fiberglass exterior for durability and protection.
• The trailer has a power awning with LED lights and an outdoor speakers for entertainment and relaxation.
• The exterior includes a storage compartment for camping gear and supplies.
• The trailer is equipped with stabilizer jacks for a stable and level camping experience.

Overall, the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that is perfect for couples or small families who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a compact and lightweight package. It is easy to tow and maneuver, and offers a variety of features and amenities to make camping and traveling more enjoyable.

2. Forest River Wolf Pup 14CCW

The best thing about this camper is that it comes with tons of features and amenities despite its compactness and lightweight. 

The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ is a compact and lightweight travel trailer designed for easy towing and maneuverability. It is part of the Wolf Pup series produced by Forest River, which is known for its functional features and affordable pricing. Here are some of the key specifications and features of the Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ:

• The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ has an overall length of 21 feet 5 inches and a width of 7 feet.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,060 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 330 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,245 pounds.
• The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ can sleep up to three people.
• The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ has a spacious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ has a lightweight aluminum frame and a laminated fiberglass exterior for durability and protection.

Overall, the Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that is perfect for couples or small families who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a compact and lightweight package. It is easy to tow and maneuver, and offers a variety of features and amenities to make camping and traveling more enjoyable.

3. Vintage Cruiser 19CSK

The Vintage Cruiser 19CSK is a travel trailer manufactured by Gulf Stream Coach, a family-owned business based in Indiana, USA. The Vintage Cruiser series is known for its retro-inspired design and classic look, while also featuring modern amenities and conveniences. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Vintage Cruiser 19CSK:

• The Vintage Cruiser 19CSK has an overall length of 22 feet and a width of 7 feet 6 inches.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,030 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 375 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 945 pounds.
• The Vintage Cruiser 19CSK can sleep up to three people.
• The Vintage Cruiser 19CSK has a retro-inspired interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The interior decor includes a retro-inspired color scheme with wood-look vinyl flooring and laminate countertops.
• The Vintage Cruiser 19CSK has a lightweight aluminum frame and a fiberglass exterior for durability and protection.

Overall, the Vintage Cruiser 19CSK is a unique and well-designed travel trailer that combines a classic look with modern amenities and conveniences. It is a popular choice for couples or small families who want a stylish and comfortable camping experience in a compact and lightweight package.

In short, I can say without fear of contradiction that this is the perfect little small retro camper. 

4. Forest River R-Pod RP-180

The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 is a compact travel trailer that is designed for easy towing and maneuverability. It is part of the R-Pod series produced by Forest River, which is known for its lightweight construction and functional features. Here are some of the key specifications and features of the Forest River R-Pod RP-180:

• The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 has an overall length of 20 feet 4 inches and a width of 8 feet.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 2,692 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 280 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,058 pounds.
• The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 can sleep up to four people.
• The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 has a spacious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The Forest River R-Pod RP-180 has an aluminum frame and a fiberglass exterior for durability and protection.

Overall, the Forest River R-Pod RP-180 is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that is perfect for couples or small families who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a compact and lightweight package. It is easy to tow, easy to maneuver, and offers a variety of features and amenities to make camping and traveling more enjoyable.

Externally, this lightweight travel trailer has an aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance and makes it easier to tow.

5. Oliver Legacy Elite

The Oliver Legacy Elite is a high-end travel trailer manufactured by Oliver Travel Trailers, a family-owned business based in Tennessee, USA. The Oliver Legacy Elite is known for its luxurious amenities, durable construction, and high-quality craftsmanship. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Oliver Legacy Elite:

• The Oliver Legacy Elite has an overall length of 18 feet 5 inches and a width of 7 feet.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,700 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 445 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,355 pounds.
• The Oliver Legacy Elite can sleep up to four people.
• It features a king-sized bed that can be easily converted into two twin beds and a dinette that converts into a bed for additional sleeping space.
• The Oliver Legacy Elite has a luxurious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The kitchen includes a refrigerator, three-burner cooktop, microwave, and sink with a high-rise faucet.
• The interior decor includes high-quality materials such as solid surface countertops and hardwood cabinetry.
• The Oliver Legacy Elite has a fiberglass shell that is lightweight and durable.
• The trailer is equipped with a power awning with LED lights and an outdoor speakers for entertainment and relaxation.
• The Oliver Legacy Elite is designed for easy towing and has a low profile that reduces wind resistance.

Overall, the Oliver Legacy Elite is a high-end travel trailer that offers a luxurious and comfortable camping experience in a compact and lightweight package. It is a popular choice for couples or small families who want the convenience and luxury of a high-end RV without the need for a larger or heavier trailer.

The thing I love the most about this compact travel trailer is the fact that you can customize it significantly when purchasing it. Floor coverings and upholstery fabrics are among the things you can customize when buying this trailer. I also love this trailer’s double fiberglass shell which prevents it from becoming too cold at night and during winter.

6. Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD

The Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD is a compact travel trailer that is designed for easy towing and maneuverability. It is part of the Sonic Lite series produced by Venture RV, which is known for its lightweight construction and functional features. Here are some of the key specifications and features of the Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD:

• The Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD has an overall length of 20 feet 4 inches and a width of 7 feet 6 inches.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,480 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 370 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,320 pounds.
• The Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD can sleep up to four people.
• It features a Murphy bed that can be easily stored away during the day to maximize living space and a dinette that converts into a bed for additional sleeping space.
• The Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD has a spacious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The interior decor includes a modern, neutral color scheme with wood-look vinyl flooring and laminate countertops.
• The Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD has a one-piece, seamless fiberglass roof for durability and protection.
• The exterior includes a pass-through storage compartment for easy access to camping gear and supplies.

Overall, the Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that is perfect for couples or small families who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a compact and lightweight package.

7. Scamp Deluxe Models

Scamp is a manufacturer of lightweight fiberglass travel trailers that have been produced in Minnesota, USA since the early 1970s. The Scamp Deluxe models are a higher-end version of the company’s standard travel trailers and feature additional amenities and options. Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Scamp Deluxe models:

• Scamp Deluxe models are available in 13-foot, 16-foot, and 19-foot lengths.
• The 13-foot Scamp Deluxe has a dry weight of around 1,500 pounds, while the 16-foot Scamp Deluxe has a dry weight of around 2,200 pounds, and the 19-foot Scamp Deluxe has a dry weight of around 2,900 pounds.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of around 200 to 365 pounds, depending on the model.
• The Scamp Deluxe can sleep up to four people, depending on the floor plan.
• The 13-foot Scamp Deluxe features a front dinette that converts into a double bed and a rear dinette that converts into a bunk bed.
• The 16-foot Scamp Deluxe features a front sofa that converts into a queen-sized bed and a rear dinette that converts into a bunk bed.
• The 19-foot Scamp Deluxe features a front sofa that converts into a queen-sized bed, a rear dinette that converts into a bed, and an optional side dinette that converts into a bed.
• The Scamp Deluxe has a variety of features and amenities designed for comfort and convenience, including air conditioning, a furnace, and a bathroom with a toilet and shower.
• The kitchen includes a sink, stove, and refrigerator, and there are storage cabinets and closets throughout the trailer.
• The interior of the Scamp Deluxe can be customized with a variety of upholstery and flooring options.
• The Scamp Deluxe has a fiberglass shell that is lightweight and durable.
• The trailer is equipped with a power converter and battery charger, and there are exterior outlets for power.
• The trailer has a retractable awning and a storage compartment for camping gear and supplies.
• The Scamp Deluxe is designed for easy towing and has a low profile that reduces wind resistance.

Overall, the Scamp Deluxe models are a well-designed and well-equipped line of travel trailers that offer a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a lightweight and compact package. They are a popular choice for couples or small families who want a higher-end camping experience without the need for a larger or heavier RV.

The only thing you may not like about the three lightweight Scamp Deluxe Models is the price. They are quite pricey. However, according to critics, they are worth every dollar.

8. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX

The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX is a compact travel trailer that is designed for easy towing and maneuverability. It is part of the Puma Ultra Lite series, which is known for its lightweight construction and functional features. Here are some of the key specifications and features of the Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX:

• The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX has an overall length of 21 feet 8 inches and a width of 7 feet 6 inches.
• It has a dry weight of approximately 3,405 pounds, which makes it easy to tow with a mid-size SUV or truck.
• The trailer has a hitch weight of 355 pounds and a cargo carrying capacity of 1,150 pounds.
• The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX can sleep up to four people.
• It features a front queen bed with a privacy curtain and a dinette that converts into a bed for additional sleeping space.
• The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX has a spacious interior with a variety of features designed for comfort and convenience.
• The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX has a one-piece, seamless rubber roof for durability and protection.
• The trailer has a power awning with LED lights and outdoor speakers for entertainment and relaxation.

Overall, the Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that is perfect for couples or small families who want a comfortable and convenient camping experience in a compact and lightweight package.

9. Casita Deluxe Travel Trailers

Casita Deluxe is a popular travel trailer model produced by Casita Travel Trailers. Casita is a family-owned business based in Texas, USA that has been manufacturing travel trailers for over 30 years. The Casita Deluxe travel trailers are known for their compact size, lightweight design, and many features that make them a comfortable and convenient choice for camping and traveling.

Here are some key specifications and features of the Casita Deluxe travel trailers:

• Casita Deluxe is available in two different lengths: 16 feet and 17 feet
• The 16-foot model has a dry weight of approximately 2,480 pounds, while the 17-foot model has a dry weight of approximately 2,650 pounds
• Both models have a hitch weight of around 365 pounds
• The Casita Deluxe can sleep up to three people, depending on the floor plan
• The 16-foot model features a double bed and a single bed, while the 17-foot model features a double bed and a dinette that converts into a single bed
• The double beds in both models can be converted into a sofa during the day to provide additional seating space
• The Casita Deluxe features a variety of amenities and features to make camping and traveling more comfortable, such as a bathroom with a toilet and shower, a kitchen with a sink, stove, and refrigerator, and ample storage space
• The interior of the Casita Deluxe can be customized to meet the needs of the owner, with options for different upholstery, flooring, and cabinet finishes
• The Casita Deluxe has a fiberglass body that is lightweight and durable
• The trailer is equipped with a retractable awning for shade and outdoor living space
• The exterior also includes storage compartments and a propane tank

Overall, the Casita Deluxe is a well-designed and well-equipped travel trailer that can provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience. It is a popular choice for those who want a smaller, more lightweight travel trailer that is easy to tow and maneuver, without sacrificing the amenities and features of a larger RV.

10. Airstream Special Addition

Airstream Special Edition travel trailer. Airstream is a popular brand of travel trailers known for their iconic silver bullet design. They occasionally release limited edition or special edition models that feature unique designs, finishes, and features. These special editions are often produced in limited quantities and are highly sought after by Airstream enthusiasts.

Some examples of Airstream’s Special Edition travel trailers include the Eddie Bauer Edition, Tommy Bahama Relax Edition, Pendleton Limited Edition, and Globetrotter Limited Edition. Each of these models features unique styling and amenities that set them apart from standard Airstream travel trailers.

If you’re interested in purchasing an Airstream Special Edition travel trailer, you may need to act quickly as they are often produced in limited quantities and can sell out quickly. You can check with your local Airstream dealer or visit the Airstream website to learn more about the current models available.

Airstream Special Edition travel trailers:

• Eddie Bauer Edition:
• Available lengths: 25 feet and 27 feet
• Sleeps up to six people
• Features a rear sport hatch that provides easy access to outdoor gear
• Includes a convertible dinette/bed and a sofa/bed
• Equipped with a 3-burner cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, and stainless steel sink
• Has a dry weight of 6,726 to 7,266 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of 8,800 pounds
• Tommy Bahama Relax Edition:
• Available lengths: 28 feet, 30 feet, and 32 feet
• Features a tropical-themed interior with bamboo and wicker accents
• Includes a queen-sized bed, a convertible dinette/bed, and a sofa/bed
• Equipped with a 3-burner cooktop, convection microwave, refrigerator, and stainless steel sink
• Has a dry weight of 7,800 to 8,735 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of 10,000 to 10,500 pounds
• Globetrotter Limited Edition:
• Available lengths: 23 feet, 25 feet, and 27 feet
• Features a European-inspired design with sleek lines and minimalist accents
• Has a dry weight of 5,800 to 6,800 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of 7,300 to 8,800 pounds
• Pendleton Limited Edition:
• Available length: 27 feet
• Features a Pacific Northwest-inspired design with custom woolen fabrics and handcrafted details
• Has a dry weight of 6,839 pounds and a maximum weight capacity of 8,800 pounds

Keep in mind that these specifications may vary depending on the specific model and year of the Airstream Special Edition travel trailer.

In conclusion, there are several great lightweight travel trailers under 3500 lbs available on the market, including the Airstream Special Addition, Casita Deluxe, Palomino Puma Ultra Lite, Scamp Deluxe, Venture Sonic Lite, Oliver Legacy Elite, Vintage Cruiser, Forest River Wolf Pup, and Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite.

These trailers are designed for easy towing and maneuverability, while also offering a variety of features and amenities for comfortable and convenient camping experiences. The specific model and brand that will work best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, such as sleeping capacity, layout, and interior and exterior features.

It’s important to research and compare different models before making a final decision to ensure that you find the best lightweight travel trailer for your needs.

Back to top of page

Related posts:

• Affiliate Disclosure

Our Love for this stuff, unfortunately, does not pay the bills. Our audience supports us. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. This does not mean your purchase price will be higher. Sometimes, it could be lower due to our relationship and volume with the merchant. So shop with confidence. You are getting a good deal!

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

• Ebook/Downloads
• Madison, AL
• Huntsville, AL
• Merrimack, NH
• Kingston, NH
• Raynham, MA
• Louisville, KY
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Fredericksburg, VA
• Mocksville, NC
• Kings Mountain, NC
• Raleigh, NC
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Acworth, GA
• Jacksonville, FL
• Leesburg, FL
• Jacksonville North, Fl
• Richmond Hill, GA
• St. Augustine, FL
• Preowned RVs
• Blowout RVs
• Shop Online Parts

Top 7 Lightweight Travel Trailers

Do you prefer a lightweight camper compared to a heavy and more difficult to tow RV? Lightweight travel trailers offer a tow weight less than 3,500 pounds making it an easy to tow trailer while still being packed with features that make for a comfortable, relaxing and fun camping adventure.

In this blog, we discuss six different lightweight trailer floor plans that offer plenty of features and are built with quality construction so everyone can find the perfect lightweight RV that fits their needs.

7 Best Lightweight Travel Trailer RVs Under 3,500 Pounds

• Winnebago Hike 170S
• Prime Time RV Avenger LT 16BH
• Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD
• Gulf Stream RV Friendship 199DD
• Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS
• Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH
• Forest River RV Rockwood GEO Pro 19BH

Winnebago Hike 170S – Starts at $36,097

The Winnebago Hike is a small travel trailer with a dry weight of 3,260 pounds and is 20’7.5” in length. It comes standard with desirable features that make it a luxury, but lightweight camper.

It comes with off-road tires and fenders which provide an easier experience when traveling through rocky or difficult roads. The exoskeleton allows for kayaks, bikes and more to be attached to the roof of the RV so your favorite gear can always go wherever you are. The Hike offers a modern interior that is inviting and stylish.

Other features include an LED TV, wireless phone charger, USB charge ports, WiFi prep and more. Start shopping for the Winnebago Hike here . 

Prime Time RV Avenger LT 16BH – Starts at $21,139

The Prime Time Avenger is a great starter RV for small families or campers who prefer a smaller and more lightweight RV. It weighs 3,033 pounds and is 20’7” long.

This model offers a double bed and bunks for extra sleeping space, a two-burner cooktop and a small kitchen sink and bathroom. The bed area has one nightstand that features a USB port and 110V power outlets. There is overhead cabinet storage as well as large under-bed storage for more storage space.

The Avenger also comes with safety glass windows, 12V electrical system with 40 AMP and oversized holding tanks. The freshwater tank holds 38 gallons and the gray and black water tanks each hold 30 gallons.  Shop for the Prime Time Avenger here at Campers Inn RV !

Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD – Starts at $27,002

The Keystone Springdale is 3,414 pounds and 21’5” in length and can sleep up to four people. It has a queen-sized bed and a u-shaped dinette offering plenty of space for families or couples camping together.

The kitchen galley space comes with lots of storage including a pantry. There are pressed countertops and a single basin undermount sink with a stainless-steel drying rack and a high-rise spring pull-out kitchen faucet. If the Keystone Springdale is right for you, start shopping here . 

Gulf Stream RV Friendship 199DD– Starts at $23,683

The Gulf Stream Friendship is a 20’11” long, 3,100-pound travel trailer. Its standard features include 30 AMP svc with 45 AMP converter/charger, monitor panel, safety chains and more.

This floorplan offers a corner, queen bed, full bath, booth style dinette and overhead storage throughout the RV as well as a shelf and shirt closet in the bedroom and vinyl flooring.

The kitchen features laminated countertops, craft-made cabinetry, and a high-rise kitchen faucet with a white sink. Some amenities showcased include a microwave oven, an electric refrigerator and a two-burner gas cook-top

The Gulf Stream Friendship 199DD has many features and amenities packed into this ultra-lite travel trailer. Shop for the Gulf Stream Friendship here ! 

Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS – Starts at $25,912

The Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup offers a compact floorplan that combines comfort and efficiency. The dry weight is 3,204 pounds and it is 21’9” in length. Because this is a lightweight unit, it can have smaller tow vehicles compared to large trucks.

It has a small bathroom, queen bed, kitchen and a dinette. This model is a smaller trailer, so it is ideal for couples or solo travelers. The overhead cabinets throughout the interior offer plenty of storage.

The exterior of the Cherokee Wolf Pup comes with a full-size power awning, LED lighting, RV quick connect and more. Start shopping for a Cherokee Wolf Pup here . 

Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH – Starts at $25,568

The Coachmen Apex Nano is a great RV for campers with a tow vehicle that has a low tow weight. It is just under 3,000 pounds at 2,870 pounds and is 20’7” long. It is perfect for small families, couples or solo travelers.

There is a double bed in the front and bunks in the bath. There is a small bathroom, kitchen and a dinette. The kitchen features a stainless-steel single bowl sink with flush mount cover, flush-mount two-burner cooktop, 6 cubic foot double door fridge and a microwave. These appliances give campers the ability to cook their meals on the road and store all ingredients and leftovers as well.

It is built with an aluma-cage construction, vacuum-bonded, aluminum trussed roof and safety glass windows. Start shopping for the Apex Nano here . 

Forest River RV Rockwood GEO Pro 19BH – Starts at $31,536

This floorplan offers a 54-inch by 74-inch full bed, 26-inch by 74-inch bunk beds, full bath and a 32-inch dinette. There is overhead storage throughout the RV as well as a shelf with netting above the bed.

Some exterior features this RV has to offer include magnetic baggage doors, an outdoor shower, griddle with LP hookup, speakers, power awning, tinted frameless windows and more.

The Rockwood Geo Pro has many features and amenities pack ed into this travel trailer. Start shopping for your Rockwood Geo Pro 19BH here ! 

Additional Resources

RVers just want to find the best RV for them. Something that fits their lifestyle, budget and towing restrictions. These lightweight travel trailers give campers the opportunity to experience awesome adventures at a low weight and budget-friendly price.

If you have a vehicle with a higher tow weight but are still interested in travel trailers, check out The Best Travel Trailers for Families . 

Do you prefer a larger RV? Learn more about the 5 Top of the Line Fifth Wheel RV Brands . 

Tags: RV Shopping , Travel Trailer

Subscribe To The Blog

Recent posts, posts by tag.

• RV Lifestyle (183)
• RV Shopping (151)
• Travel (66)
• RV Maintenance (50)
• Company News (43)
• Motorhomes (36)
• Travel Trailer (31)
• All Things RV Podcast (19)
• Fifth Wheels (19)
• Class B (16)
• Class C (11)
• Toy Hauler (10)
• Class A (8)
• Bunkhouse (4)
• Pop-ups (4)
• Boondocking (3)
• Super C (2)
• Haunted Campground (1)

the campers choice

Home About Us our mission Customer care Testimonials Canadian Buyers Corporate News Employment

Louisville, Ky Kingston, NH Merrimack, NH Raynham, MA Union, CT Philadelphia, PA Bismarck, ND Minot, ND Fredericksburg, VA Mocksville, NC Kings Mountain, NC Raleigh, NC Myrtle Beach, SC Charleston, SC Conway, SC Pittsburgh, PA Huntsville-Madison, AL Acworth, GA Atlanta, GA Macon, GA Richmond Hill, GA Jacksonville, FL JACKSONVILLE SOUTH, FL Leesburg, FL Ocala, FL

new rvs Pre-Owned RVS Blow-Out RVs Parts Service TOW Guides

financing & insurance

Financing Extended Service Plans tire & road hazard Gap Protection ECORVPRO

Blog E-books Video Library Events

Copyright © 2018 Campers Inn • Sold RVs • Privacy Policy Powered by: Interact RV - Website Marketing, Design and Development

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Journey With Confidence

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2024

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

Relaxing with family and friends while enjoying all the amenities of a home is why a good travel trailer makes RV outings so special. Add in the ability to tow one with a vehicle that’s likely already in your driveway—plus the opportunity to drop the trailer at the campsite and use the tow vehicle to explore the surrounding area—and it’s easy to see why the popularity in lightweight travel trailers has been at an all-time high for the past few years.

The Year Ahead

According to the RV Industry Association (RVIA), more than 60 million Americans are expected to take to the highways, byways, and backroads in the coming year, all in an RV of some type. About one in five of those doing so towing a travel trailer.

“Travelers continue to choose RVing as a top travel option because of its affordability and ability to bring family and friends closer together,” said RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby. “Our research shows that consumer interest in living an active outdoor lifestyle remains strong, and there are RVs available at every price point for consumers eager to get outdoors.”

Why are Lightweight Travel Trailers So Popular?

Travel trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 6,500 pounds or less are especially popular because they are considered lightweight travel trailers and are easily towable by half-ton pickups and full-size SUVs. They can also be towed by properly equipped vans, mid-size pickups, and smaller SUVs, making it simple to plan your RV trip , whether months in advance or the week before your vacation.

There are more than 50 brands of travel trailers, and within those brands are dozens of lightweight travel trailers that have a multitude of floorplans, amenities and options to suit different lifestyles. This can make choosing the perfect lightweight travel trailers for your camping needs a little mind boggling, so we’re highlighting 10 of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2024 (in alphabetical order) to help you find your perfect RV.

(If you’re looking for previous model-year lightweight travel trailers, check out these posts: 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 and 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers of 2022 ).

Airstream REI Special Edition Basecamp 20X

Airstream and REI have collaborated on the design of the 20-foot Special Edition Basecamp 20X, a rugged new lightweight travel trailer targeting adventure-bound outdoorsy families. From the three-inch lift, off-road tires and rear cargo entry door to load bicycles, kayaks, and other outdoor gear, to the wrap-around galley in front, the 20X is one of the most advanced and eco-friendly lightweight RVs on the market. It has plentiful storage options overhead and built-in storage spaces , plus two convertible sleeping/lounge areas. Base MSRP: $62,400

• GVWR: 4,300 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 535 lbs
• Exterior Length: 20’ 2”
• Exterior Height: 9’ 5”
• Exterior Width: 7’ 9.5”
• Interior Height: 6’ 7”
• Freshwater cap: 23 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 21 gal/28 gal

Escape Trailer 23 First Edition

Escape Trailer’s new Escape 23 First Edition is one of the few custom-built lightweight travel trailers and is available with either a walk-around queen bed or twin beds. Buyers can also choose between Contemporary or Maple interior, plus different table styles, sink colors, along with seven choices for flooring, countertops, and fabric as standard features. This luxurious fiberglass-body camper also comes with a state-of-the-art 400-watt solar system with dual lithium batteries and Victron control package for an excellent off-grid power supply. Base MSRP: $64,999

• GVWR: 6,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 600 lbs
• Exterior Length: 24’ 11”
• Exterior Height: 9’ 6”
• Exterior Width: 8’
• Interior Height: 6’ 5”
• Freshwater cap: 42 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 40 gal/40 gal

Forest River IBEX 19QBH

Forest River’s IBEX lightweight travel trailers with the Beast Mode option feature a comfy chaise dinette in the amidships slide, a queen bed up front, a central vacuum system, heated tank pads, Curt Beast Mode independent suspension and a panoramic front window. There’s also butcher-block countertop, premium accent lighting, a power awning, an exterior kitchen, and a 2,000-watt inverter. The 2024 19QBH adds rear bunk beds to the mix, making it a great family camping trailer. Base MSRP: $44,987

 Features

• GVWR: 5,365 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 495 lbs
• Exterior Length: 23’
• Exterior Height: 10’ 6”
• Exterior Width: 7’ 4”
• Interior Height: 6’ 4”
• Freshwater cap: 30 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 30 gal/30 gal

InTech Sol Dusk

Central to inTech’s new Sol Dusk’s design is its versatile bed/lounge area. This adaptable space can be effortlessly transformed from a comfortable lounge to twin beds to a luxurious 80-by-80-inch oversize king bed in minutes. The Dusk’s huge curved front window provides a panoramic view and the luxurious interior with wet bath is soothing, while the 10-foot awning and the cool slide-out exterior kitchen adds to the enjoyment of the RVing outdoor experience. Base MSRP: $44,940

• GVWR: 4,800 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 540–575 lbs
• Exterior Length: 20’ 8”
• Exterior Width: 8’ 6”
• Interior Height: 6’ 6”
• Freshwater cap: 28 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 32 gal combined

Jayco Jay Flight 260BH

Jayco’s Jay Flight 260BH is a new floorplan designed for growing families. The bunkhouse in the rear is opposite the full bath and is set up with 48-by-76-inch beds. The amidships galley and dining/living area is spacious and well-appointed with a jackknife sofa. The master bedroom up front has a queen bed with good storage space beneath. This Jay Flight is perfect for RVers who want a comfortable, well-built travel trailer that easily tows behind any vehicle with a maximum tow rating of more than 6,500 pounds. Base MSRP: $33,749

• Hitch Weight: 515 lbs
• Sleeps: Up to 10
• Exterior Length: 29’ 5”
• Exterior Height: 9’ 10”
• Interior Height: 6’ 9”
• Freshwater cap: 52 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 39 gal/39 gal

Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH

If you’re looking for an entry-level single-axle lightweight RV that is easy to tow and can accommodate a growing family, the 2024 Bullet Crossfire from Keystone is for you. The 1700BH sleeps up to six with the rear bunks and queen bed up front. The new Goodyear Endurance tires and TORFLEX rubber torsion suspension do a great job protecting the trailer and cargo on long road trips. This new floorplan also makes smart use of cargo space and lots of standard features, like power stabilizer jacks and Hyperdeck flooring, that make it one of the most durable and comfortable lightweight travel trailers. Base MSRP: $24,150

• GVWR: 4,825 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 425 lbs
• Exterior Length: 21’ 5”
• Exterior Height: 10’ 5”
• Freshwater cap: 37 gal

Lance 1475 Travel Trailer

Lance Camper’s ultra-light 1475 Travel Trailer is nicely equipped with a residential 60-by-80-inch queen bed that has an extra-large under-bed storage area. It features a nice-size dry bath, but no dinette; instead, it’s equipped with two comfortable lounge chairs with a small coffee table between, which makes the interior even roomier. A nice galley and Truma Combi handle the eating, heating and water needs. Base MSRP: $47,326

• GVWR: 4,500 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 340 lbs
• Sleeps: 2–3
• Exterior Length: 19’ 8”
• Exterior Height: 10’ 3”
• Exterior Width: 7’
• Interior Height: 6’ 8”
• Freshwater cap: 26 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 26 gal/26 gal

Starcraft Super Lite 189RG

The new 25-foot Starcraft Super Lite 189RG is a well-equipped lightweight travel trailer at the upper end of the lightweight class. It’s big enough to bring along the whole family with strong heating and A/C to keep everyone comfortable for four-season use. The rear-kitchen- and bath floorplan with a small slide out for the jackknife sofa leaves the center of this travel trailer wide open for entertaining. The residential vinyl flooring is strong enough to stand up to pets and kiddos alike, while the 17-inch oven with a three-burner range and the 10-cu-ft fridge make it easy to prepare meals for the whole crew. Base MSRP: $39,053

• GVWR: 6,400 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 520 lbs
• Exterior Length: 25’ 2”
• Exterior Height: 11’ 1”
• Exterior Width: 8’ 1”
• Freshwater cap: 45 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 29 gal/29 gal

Travel Lite Rove Lite

The 2,500-pound  Rove Lite 14FL from Travel Lite RV is light enough to be towed by many of the smallest properly equipped vehicles due to its aerodynamic teardrop design crafted from revolutionary Hydro-Lite material. It’s also one of the handful of lightweight travel trailers that offers an all-electric package powered by solar and lithium batteries. In standard trim the 400-watt solar panels, full-bed in the rear, nice galley, high ceiling and basic bathroom make this 16-foot trailer both a comfortable and cozy choice for one or two campers. Base MSRP: $28,499

• GVWR: 2,500 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 220 lbs
• Exterior Length: 16’ 6”
• Exterior Height: 8’ 1”
• Exterior Width: 7’ 11”
• Freshwater cap: 10 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 5 gal/30 gal

Winnebago M-Series 2326RK

Winnebago unveiled the entry-level M-Series line of 26-foot compact lightweight travel trailers in late September to rave reviews. The 2326RK, the largest of the three new models, features big skylights, ample storage, a beautiful interior decor, a standard 10-cu-ft 12-volt refrigerator (or optional 8 cubic foot gas/electric refrigerator), and factory-supplied solar on each floorplan. The rear kitchen floorplan offers a lot of elbow room for the camp chef, and the amidships bathroom has one of the largest showers found in lightweight travel trailers. Base MSRP: $29,330

• Hitch Weight: 387 lbs
• Exterior Length: 26’ 7”
• Freshwater cap: 31 gal
• Black-/Gray-water cap: 25 gal/25 gal

Related Articles

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

The Savvy Campers

Best Expandable Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Expandable travel trailers are the perfect hybrid between a traditional travel trailer and a pop-up trailer. The expandable trailer offers the right balance between needing a travel trailer but still wanting the feel of outdoor camping. Most expandable sides convert to a bed that is open to the rest of the trailer and the walls are made out of a canvas tent-like material. This allows you to have the tent windows open, revealing mesh material, that allows the outside air to flow in. However, you still have the option of running your travel trailer’s A/C and closing the windows, if that is what you prefer. There are many options for expandable travel trailers under 3,500 lbs. Enjoy finding the perfect one for you!

16RBD Explore Clipper Ultra-Lite by Coachmen

The 16RBD Explore Clipper Ultra-Lite by Coachmen has all of the luxuries of a full-sized travel trailer but it is smaller and more compact. The Explore Clipper has a beautiful interior with its rich dark wood finish and faux wood flooring that is easy to keep clean. One of the interior walls has many cabinets expanding the length of the trailer, perfect for storage. On that same interior wall, there is a compact kitchen consisting of a sink, a two-burner stove, and a microwave. Across from the kitchen is a floor to ceiling refrigerator/freezer. Beside the refrigerator is a large floor to ceiling pantry or it could be used as a closet for hanging clothes.

There are two sleeping options in this trailer. Both sleeping options expand out from the trailer. One option is a full-sized bed that can easily sleep two adults. The other bed is a bit smaller in width but it is the same length as the other bed. This bed is perfect for two children or one adult. Both sleep areas expand out of the trailer and are enclosed by breathable tent material. There are two windows on each side of the bed. You can cut the A/C off in the trailer and have the breeze of the night cool you off as if you were sleeping in a tent. When the beds are not in use, they easily fold up and disappear for a tidy looking trailer. 

There are also additional features to this trailer that are important to note. The interior of the trailer is large enough to have a sofa, a dining area with two bench seats, and a full-sized bathroom. The bathroom has a privacy door concealing the standup shower, separate toilet, and vanity with a sink. The sofa appears to be long enough for a child to sleep on but it doesn’t fold out to a regular bed. There is also a Bluetooth speaker that can play music either inside or outside of the trailer. Don’t forget about the retractable awning that extends out over the entry of the trailer. It is large enough to sit under to shade yourself from the hot sun.

This trailer is beautifully designed and offers many sleeping options for a family. Please see additional specs about the trailer below.

Escape E160RBT by KZ Recreational Vehicles

The Escape E160RBT by KZ is a travel trailer with two expandable sides. Each bed can easily sleep two people allowing for more people to sleep in this trailer. There is also a privacy curtain for each expandable bed, creating a more private feel.

There is a full-sized bathroom in this trailer, consisting of a stand-up shower, separate toilet and a vanity with a sink and storage. The remaining interior consists of a kitchen, dinette, and sofa. The kitchen is spacious with plenty of overhead storage, a sink, a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a large refrigerator/freezer. There is additional storage below and beside the refrigerator. The dinette is on the smaller side but the sofa is spacious enough for three people to sit comfortably. Although, there is a cool feature to the sofa. If only two people are sitting on the sofa, the middle seat folds down into an armrest with cupholders. This is a nice feature like a sofa from home.

The exterior also has features including additional storage under the trailer and a 10’ awning. This trailer is perfect for a family or group of friends and can be pulled behind any large SUV or pick-up truck with enough towing compacity. Please see additional specs about the trailer below.

Classic 12 by Black Series

The Classic 12 by Black Series looks like something created for the military. This trailer is perfect for the off-road enthusiast. The Black Series prides itself on its suspension. They have built a sturdy suspension that is meant to be ridden on rough terrain. This trailer also comes equipped with off-road tires. The exterior has a square design that has an extendable tent roof. This trailer is not a pop-up trailer but is an expandable trailer. However, unlike the traditional expandable sides, the roof expands up but just by two feet. This allows fresh air to come into the trailer through the mesh windows. Although, if you do not want the outside air in, the windows can be closed and you can use the A/C to cool or furnace to heat the trailer. There is also one expandable side in the rear of the trailer.

The interior of the trailer can sleep up to three people. There is a double-sized bed, which is the expandable side, perfect for two. There is also one bunk that can only sleep one person. This trailer has a mini bathroom consisting of a stand-up shower with a toilet. There is a sink with plenty of countertop space located outside of the bathroom.

The exterior houses the kitchen. The sink and stovetop slide out from a compartment on the left, rear side of the trailer. On the same side of the trailer, but towards the front of the trailer, is another compartment for storage and a fold-out dining table.

If you like to camp off the grid, then this is the trailer for you. Please see additional specs below.

CampLite CL11FK by Livin’ Lite

CampLite by Livin’ Lite is the lightest and most compact expandable travel trailer on this list. Even though it is the smallest, it can sleep four people comfortably. The interior is cozy and has warm wood tones throughout the cabin making it feel like home.

As you walk inside, you will see the dinette with U-shaped bench seating. This area can be turned into a double-sized bed. The wall behind the dinette expands out creating a second sleeping area. This sleeping area is also large enough to sleep two people. The expandable side is made from tent material with mesh windows that allow in the fresh air. However, there is an A/C unit that can be used inside the trailer if you do not want the outside air in.

The interior also consists of a compact kitchen including a sink, a two-burner stove, and a 6 cubic foot refrigerator. There is an additional storage closet and overhead cabinets for all camping necessitates. The private bathroom is just large big enough for a shower/toilet combination. 

CampLite can be towed by any SUV or truck, with enough towing compacity and is a great trailer for a family of four. Please see additional specs below.

Vast by Sylvansport

The Vast by Sylvansport is made for the adventurous camper or camping family. This expandable travel trailer is currently taking pre-orders, as it is the newest member of the Sylvansport family. This trailer is a cross between a toy hauler and an expandable trailer. This unique trailer has so many features that make it stand out compared to its competitors.

The Vast is the only travel trailer that I have seen that has a hard-side expandable kitchen. This indoor/outdoor kitchen is what makes this trailer unique. If you would like to cook inside the trailer, you can do just that. There is a full-sized functioning kitchen equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove, and a mini-refrigerator/freezer. However, let’s say it’s a nice night and you would like to cook outside. All you have to do is press a button and the entire kitchen slides down and out of the trailer. You can use the same kitchen outside. There is also a retractable awning that covers the length of the outdoor kitchen for shade.

The rear of the trailer opens like a toy hauler. While towing the travel trailer, bicycles can be stored in the back behind the sofa/dinette. When the trailer is parked, the bicycles can be removed and the seating area slides back to the rear door for extra interior space. This seating area can then be converted to a queen-sized bed. Above the queen-sized bed is another bed that lowers turning the sleeping area into bunk beds. This is plenty of space for four people to sleep comfortably.

The remaining interior of the cabin consists of the bathroom. The bathroom is unique. The toilet is concealed in a separate room with a privacy door. However, to use the shower, the kitchen must be in its outdoor location. Once the kitchen is outside, this area converts to a standup shower.

On the exterior of the trailer, there are additional features including 18 cubic feet of storage located on the front of the trailer. There is also a large window, on the same side as the expandable kitchen, that opens completely. There are no windows on the other side of the trailer. It is a blank wall with a side-mount that is meant to be used to store your kayaks, canoes or other outdoor gear.

This trailer is great for an outdoor camper and has plenty of space for all of your camping gear. You definitely need to check this one out. Please see additional specs below.

 X17Z Jay Feather by Jayco

The Jayco Company has a large variety of travel trailers, toy haulers, pop-up trailers and motor homes.  Their brand is widely known for their upgrades and quality materials and these features carried over to their expandable trailers.

The interior of the X17Z Jay Feather has that feel of home with the beautiful wood features, marble looking kitchen countertops, and stunning grey faux-leather fabric on the couch and dinette benches. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, two-compartment deep sink, microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer. Above and below the kitchen are plenty of cabinets for storage. There is also a hood above the stove for ventilation. The two-compartment sink comes with a tall, curved residential-sized faucet. Across from the kitchen is the dinette with bench seating. There is also a plush sofa large enough for three people to sit comfortably.

On both ends of the trailer are the expandable sides. Both sides expand out to queen-sized beds. The expandable sides are made from canvas tent material. There are windows on each expandable side that can be opened or closed depending on if you want to use the A/C or just the cool night air for air conditioning. Both sleeping areas do come with privacy curtains.

The last feature in the interior of the cabin is the bathroom. The bathroom is full-sized with a privacy door. The bathroom includes a stand-up shower with a curtain, a separate toilet, and a separate vanity with a sink. Above the vanity is a large mirrored medicine cabinet for additional storage.  

The exterior of the trailer has a large 10′ retractable awning. There is additional pass-through storage under the trailer spanning the width of the trailer. There is also an outdoor shower option for hosing off before entering the trailer. This trailer also comes standard with Goodyear tires. Having a set of good brand name tires on a new trailer will keep you from replacing them after 1-2 years after the cheap ones fail.

You can’t go wrong with a Jayco. They are a nationally known brand, offer an industry leading 2 year warranty, and live up to their expectations. Please see additional specs below.

G17PR Explore Rockwood Geo Pro by Forest River

The G17PR Explore Rockwood Geo Pro by Forest River has one expandable side in the rear allowing for the remaining interior to have all the features of a standard travel trailer. However even though there is only one expandable side, this trailer can sleep four people comfortably.

As you walk into the cabin, you will see the full-sized sofa to the right. The sofa converts to a murphy bed that can sleep two people. There is also storage on either side of the sofa/murphy bed.

Across from the sofa is a wall-mounted TV that can be angled in any direction. Just below the TV is the kitchen. This kitchen is long with plenty of countertop space. The kitchen includes a stainless-steel sink, three-burner stove, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. There is also plenty of cabinets above and below the countertop.

This trailer does come with plenty of storage. There are several floor to ceiling cabinets and wardrobes for camping essentials.

The rear of the trailer houses the expandable tent side. This area is large enough for a queen-sized mattress. The expandable sides are made from tent material allowing the feel of outdoor camping. However, like many other expandable trailers, there are zip-up windows on either side of the bed allowing for the night breeze to come into the trailer or they can be closed allowing you to use the A/C.

Finally, there is a full-sized bathroom inside the trailer. This bathroom is a bit larger than most. Also, in my opinion, it is configured better than other bathrooms. As you walk into the bathroom you will notice the long vanity that is large enough for two sinks. However, there is just one sink in this model but there is plenty of countertop space if you wanted a second sink.

There is storage below the sink with a mirrored medicine cabinet above. They have also added in a few extras like a built-in toothbrush holder, a bar soap holder, and a hand towel holder. There is also a storage shelf near the ceiling with a roped wall keeping all items in place.

The stand-up shower is very large and has built-in shelves for shampoo/conditioner bottles. Lastly, there is a separate toilet.

This trailer is beautifully designed and has all of the upgrades and features of a traditional travel trailer.

Please see additional specs below.

Coleman Light LX 1601EXP by Dutchmen

The Coleman Light XL 1601EXP by Dutchmen is perfect for a large family. This travel trailer has four different sleeping options, ideal for a family or group of seven to eight people.  The spacious interior has two separate expandable tent sides, one in the front and one in the rear. Both expandable sides covert to queen-sized beds. There is a privacy curtain for each expandable side. There is also a long, plush sofa can seat three people comfortably. The sofa can fold out to a mattress large enough for two people. Across from the sofa is the dinette. The dining table is surrounded by two bench seats. The dinette transitions into another sleeping area, perfect for two children or one adult.

The Coleman Light has plenty of storage. There are cabinets surrounding the inside cabin along the ceiling. There are also storage units under the bench seats in the dining area and in the kitchen. The kitchen is compact and includes a two-burner stove, a microwave, a refrigerator/freezer, and a wide, deep sink. The sink is extremely wide for a travel trailer and includes a very tall, industrial-sized faucet. This travel trailer also includes a private bathroom. The bathroom consists of a stand-up shower, separate toilet, and a vanity with sink.

If you have a large family or like to camp with many of your friends, this is the trailer for you. There are so many different sleeping areas. Please see additional specs below.  

1650EX Crossfire by Keystone RV

The Crossfire by Keystone RV is another great expandable travel trailer for a large family or group of friends. This travel trailer has two expandable sides and additional sleeping areas inside the cabin allowing for seven or eight people to sleep comfortably. Both expandable sides create queen-sized beds, great for a total of four people. The dinette with bench seating and the sofa both convert to mattresses allowing for an additional three or four people to sleep comfortably.

The interior of this cabin is beautifully designed with its beach feel. The light grey cabinets complement the marble looking kitchen countertops. The sink, microwave, and refrigerator are all stainless steel. The kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner stove. The floors have a natural-looking wood finish. The marble looking countertops continue into the bathroom. The bathroom counter is extremely long with a sink on the end. Below the counter is quite a bit of storage for a small travel trailer bathroom. There is a separate toilet and shower. The shower is a stand-up shower with a tub. However, the tub is small but could be used to bathe a toddler.

This travel trailer has all of the amenities and space for a fun family camping trip. Please see additional specs below.

Explore Solaire Expandable 147x by Palomino

The Explore Solaire by Palomino is another great option of an expandable travel trailer for a large family.

This trailer has two expandable sides that both convert to queen-sized beds. Both sleeping areas can be concealed by privacy curtains. There are two additional sleeping areas, which are the sofa and dinette. Both of these areas convert into mattresses.

Some unique features make this trailer stand out. One unique feature is the front door. The front door has an option of a screen door. The hard door will stay open while a separate screen door can be used. Another unique feature is the expandable side mattresses. Both mattresses come standard with a heated blanket built into the mattress, great for those cold nights.  

This trailer also has a spacious kitchen including a wide, deep stainless-steel sink, a three-burner stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. Across from the kitchen is the compact bathroom. The bathroom is just large enough for a stand-up shower, a toilet, and a vanity with a sink. There is a privacy door separating the bathroom from the rest of the trailer.

This is an excellent trailer for a family on the go. Please see additional specs below.

Enjoy choosing the perfect expandable travel trailer for you and your family.

Happy Camping!

Be the first to be notified about FREE tips, hints, coupon codes, and email-exclusive information. All for FREE!

Related Posts:

Similar Posts

How to Book a Campsite (secrets to getting into a popular site)

Through camping, people are able to explore their adventurous side, make meaningful memories with loved ones, and detach from everyday stresses. It can be a wholesome family road trip or a fun friends getaway. Planning an outdoors trip can be overwhelming, especially for beginners, which is why booking the right campsite is key. Different campsites…

How to Store Your RV at Home: The Complete Guide

One question you should ask yourself prior to purchasing a travel trailer, camper, or RV, is where you will store it. Many of us forget that question and have to figure it out after the fact. Here are the facts to consider when storing your RV at home or at a storage unit. Should you…

10 Tips For Safely Towing a Travel Trailer in the Snow

If you are towing your travel trailer on large voyages across the country, there is no telling what type or severity of conditions you will find yourself driving in. One day you could start out your adventure driving under radiating sunshine and clear skies only to find the weather to change dramatically over the next…

Is it Safe to Pressure Wash an RV Roof? Exploring the Risks

When you return from a long trip in your RV, it’s tempting to get your pressure washer and clean the rig while thinking about the amazing experiences you’ve had driving it. But is it really safe to use a pressure or power washer on your RV’s roof? It is not okay to use a pressure…

21 Reasons to Buy a Pop-up Tent Trailer

Popup campers can be a great entry into the world of RV’ing and being a true nomad out on the road. Pop-up trailers allow some comforts of home while still allowing the user to feel as they are camping in a tent, just a little more upgraded with water, heat, air conditioning, etc. Tent trailers…

Can a Travel Trailer be painted?

You own a travel trailer that is in good overall condition, but it has an outdated paint job, aged colors, and/or a peeling exterior. How can you renew the look of your trailer while also adding value to your investment?  Painting a travel trailer is a great way to update the look of your trailer,…

Join our Newsletter to stay up to date on the latest RV topics and receive our FREE RV Inspection Cheat Sheet Today. Use this tool to inspect new or used campers you are looking at purchasing.

No thanks, I’m not interested!

Where You Make It

18 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers in 2023

Hey! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

The pandemic and resulting boom in the RV industry has resulted in a lot of interest in the best small travel trailers. A light weight travel trailer is an ideal choice for many people. They are cheaper to purchase and own than van life Class B campers and more accessible than Class A or Class C motor homes. Many can be towed with the cars and SUVs we already own, making them a win-win. You can explore the world and live the Instagram life, all while traveling on your terms.

In truth, these lightweight camping trailers have been around for a while. They’ve always enjoyed a small niche corner of the RV market. So you might be surprised by the choices available when looking for an RV under 3500 lbs. You’ll find everything from diminutive teardrops and micro campers to off-road overlanding adventure habitats.

Here’s a look at the various things to look for in the best lightweight travel trailers out there, along with some of the best ultra-lite travel trailers on the market today. 

Table of Contents

Best small travel trailers – traditional rv styles, best small travel trailer teardrop campers, fiberglass eggs – best light weight travel trailer choices.

• Best Lightweight Travel Trailer Choices for Off-Road Adventures 

Lightweight RV Towing 101 – What to Tow With and What Not to Try

Towing weight ratings explained, top reasons to purchase a lightweight travel trailer under 3,500 lbs., pros and cons of small travel trailers, traditional micro rvs, soft-sided pop-ups, a-frame hard side pop-ups, classic teardrop-style ultralights, fiberglass egg style, off-road and adventure micro campers, what do you get in a small travel trailer, owning a small camper, should you buy an extended warranty, common problems with travel trailers, what’re the best lightweight travel trailers for your adventure, lightest travel trailer faqs, best ultra lite travel trailers and rv under 3500 lbs., airstream basecamp 16 – one of the best lightweight travel trailers on the market.

Estimated Empty Weight 2,650 lbs. (Based on GVWR 3,500 lbs.)

One of the most eye-catching and stylish lightweight travel trailers on the market is the tiny Airstream Basecamp. It’s available in 16 and 20-foot lengths, each one retaining signature Airstream styling but with a modern aesthetic. The curved aluminum-skinned exterior includes wrap-around windows and the amenities you’d expect from a high-end manufacturer like Airstream.

The layout of the Basecamp is very similar to other sub-20-foot trailers. There is a walk-through dinette in the rear that converts into a double bunk. Mid-layout, there is an enclosed wet bathroom. In the front of this lightweight travel trailer, there is a u-shaped kitchen with a sink, double-burner stovetop, and small fridge.

The Airstream has entry doors at the rear and on the side. The available Basecamp X upgrade includes off-road upgrades and air conditioning.

KZ Sportsman 130RB and 160QB – Traditional Small RV Trailer with Queen-Sized Sleeping Space

Empty Weights Start at 2,240 lbs.

KZ makes very traditional aluminum-sided RV travel trailers. Their 13-foot model (16-foot 9-inch overall) is designed to sleep two adults and starts well under the 3,500-pound mark. In fact, all of their Sportsman Classic floorplans have unloaded vehicle weights under 3,500 pounds–even the 191BHK with a slide-out dinette. 

If your vehicle can tow it, the best balance is undoubtedly the 160QB (QB as in “queen bed”). This model is one of the best lightweight travel trailers and it ditches the all-too-common convertible dinette in favor of a walk-around bed located upfront. The dinette and kitchen are small but completely adequate for a couple. In the rear, there’s an enclosed bathroom with a separate shower. The amount of amenities they’ve squeezed into this sub-3,000 pound travel trailer is incredible.

Aliner Classic

Empty Weight 1,725 lbs.

Aliner makes several sizes of their hard-sided a-frame pop-up, but the original Classic remains the perfect combination of size, weight, and price. It is one of their medium-sized campers, built in a 12-foot box on a 15-foot-long frame. 

The a-frame pop-up provides lots of headroom in the cabin’s center, where you might stand up to use the kitchen or sink. The front and back are dedicated to the dinette and large bed. The dinette converts into a bunk if you have guests over. The Classic does not have a toilet.

Alternatively, the LXE model includes a dormer pop-up on the forward end, extending standing headroom and moving the kitchen forward. There’s also an enclosed shower with a cassette toilet in this area. But getting this travel trailer means giving up the dedicated bunk and dealing with a convertible dinette instead. The weight difference between the two is negligible; the LXE is only 70 pounds heavier than the Classic.

Forest River Rockwood Hard Side Pop-Up

Empty Weight Starting at 2,120 lbs.

Rockwood by Forest River RV makes some a-frame pop-ups like Aliner, but they are a little heavier and come with a few more features. Rockwood also makes traditional tent-style pop-ups. Like Aliner, they have several models of lightweight travel trailers, some with dormers for more headroom and some with full-sized queen bunks. All of their a-frames have unloaded dry weights between 2,120 and 2,648 pounds. They are built in either 12 or 14-foot long boxes.

Empty Weights Starting at 2,750 lbs.

The Lance 1475 camper could easily count as a lightweight travel trailer if you load it carefully and watch your installed options. If your vehicle is sturdy enough to tow 3,500 pounds reliably, this is one of the nicest appointed trailers. The cabin is only 14 feet, with an overall trailer length of 19-feet 8-inches. The total GVWR for the trailer is 3,700 pounds.

The Lance features a layout that boasts features you are unlikely to find in any other travel trailer of this size. Forward you’ll find a queen-sized bunk. In the center, there is a full-featured kitchenette opposite a small dinette or captain’s lounge chairs. In the back, an enclosed shower and bathroom round out this home away from home. 

With all the living space, it’s easy to forget all the other standard amenities you get with this package. For example, air conditioning and ducted heat also come standard. 

Forest River R-Pod – Loaded with Standard Features

Empty Weights Starting at 3,159 lbs.

Forest River R-Pods are traditional RVs made with a slightly more aerodynamic design. They’re large and heavy when compared to many lightweight trailers, but they offer a more conventional RV experience. The interior features a U shaped dinette that converts into a double bed, a rear bath, and large windows throughout that contribute to a spacious atmosphere.

The smallest R-Pod is the RP-153, which is 17.5 feet long overall. There are multiple layouts and options all the way up to the top-of-the-line RP-195, which features a queen size bed with lots of under bed storage.

Jay Feather Micro 12SRK

Empty Weights Starting at 1,585 lbs.

RV giant Jayco isn’t to be left out of the ultra-small camper fun. Their Feather Micro 12SRK is one of the smallest and lightest traditional travel trailers out there. It’s an interesting little trailer–while it looks like a diminutive travel trailer, it’s functionally more like a large teardrop. 

You see, the 12SRK includes an exterior kitchenette. A 12-volt cooler and griddle are accessed from the rear of the trailer. Inside the small cabin, there is only a futon and some storage nooks.

NüCamp TAG and TAB RV Teardrops

Empty Weights Start at 1,269 lbs. (TAG); 1,946 lbs. (TAB 320S Model)

NüCamp makes two different size teardrop campers. The smaller TAG and TAG XL are classic small teardrops. There is no standing headroom in these small and easy-to-tow travel trailers, but there is a full-featured exterior kitchenette around the back. Inside, you’ll find a queen-sized bunk, ample storage, and a really cool stargazing window. Both the TAG and TAG XL are the same length, but the XL is one foot wider.

The TAB 320 is a larger travel trailer that retains the teardrop profile. This camper has standing headroom inside, with an enclosed wet bath and kitchenette forward and a convertible dinette in the rear. It’s a slick, useable layout packed into a very small package. It provides space to hang out when the weather stinks, or you just want to sit comfortably and gaze out the large side windows. But it easily swaps into a bed space each night. 

Little Guy Teardrop

Empty Weights Starting at 1,785 lbs. (Micro Max Model)

This “Little Guy” is similar to the TAB 320–it’s a larger teardrop designed to give amenities that more closely resemble a larger trailer. Three lengths are available, from the smallest and lightest Micro Max at just under 16-feet long to the 21-foot-long Little Guy Max (GVWR 4,200 pounds).

If you’re looking for a basic and easier to tow teardrop and into an ultra lightweight travel trailer, you’ve got to check out the Little Guy MyPod. This 100-percent fiberglass teardrop is sleeker than any other on the road and has a dry weight of only 840 pounds. It also has a unique rear-door entry, which allows for an exterior tent to hook up to add living space. However, unlike other teardrops, it does not come with space for a kitchenette.

Polydrop – Space Age Teardrop with Style

Empty Weight Starting at 820 lbs.

The fact that the Polydrop’s promo photos show it being towed by a Tesla Model 3 is telling. If the Polydrop trailer looks like it came from outer space, that’s because it almost has. This compact travel trailer is a conventional teardrop that was beamed in from the 21st century. The company has studied the design in wind tunnels to get the shape just right, molded the interior to suit a modern aesthetic, and kitted it out with state-of-the-art lithium batteries and solar panels.

The upgraded model, the P17A All-Electric, comes with 260 watts of solar power, 2.4kWh of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, a 2,500-watt inverter, induction cooktop, and an electric air conditioner that works off the grid.

Scamp 13 – Fiberglass Ultralight Trailers

Empty Weights Between 1,200 and 1,500 lbs.

The Scamp design has been around for a long time, originally built in Canada under the Boler name. That’s good news because there are some available on the used market. But like most of the small fiberglass campers you’ll find, these Scamps have a loyal fan club and values on used campers stay relatively high. 

The Scamp comes in two versions–standard and deluxe. The only real difference between the two is the furnishings–the standard is basic, with fiberglass walls and minimal equipment. This not only keeps it less expensive but lighter for towing. 

This lightweight travel trailer has a convertible dinette in the rear, a small kitchen area in the center, and the forward area comes as either bunk beds or as an enclosed toilet, shower, and closet. If you’re looking for a little more space, the Scamp is also available in a 16-foot extended version and a unique 19-foot-long fifth wheel. 

Happier Camper – High Quality Lightweight Travel Trailers

Empty Weights – HC1 1,100 lbs.; HCT 1,800 lbs.

The Happier Camper has fantastically updated the fiberglass egg design. These beautiful little travel trailers have everything you’re looking for in a micro-camper–classic looks, robust and versatile designs, and adventure-ready features. The HC1 has a 10-foot cabin, while the HCT (Traveler) has a 14-foot cabin.

You cannot deny that one look at a Happier Camper will sell you on the concept. They’re modern yet retro, with two-tone paint schemes and an aerodynamic profile. There is also an off-road upgrade with larger tires and increased ground clearance.

The classic jalousie windows are of particular note in the design, which let plenty of airflow through but doesn’t allow rain in. The rear liftgate is also a welcome addition since it makes the living space easily flow outside.

The interior of this lightweight travel trailers is a cleverly-designed modular system that HC calls Adaptiv. It’s made of removable, rearrangeable, and interchangeable fiberglass 20-inch cubes. There are various cubes, including storage nooks, bench/beds, coolers, a toilet, and a kitchenette. You can rearrange your Happier Camper into any layout you like, customized for any adventure you like. You can also leave space for bikes or other gear, like your own little toy hauler. That’s something no other lightweight travel trailer this size offers.

Dub Box and Dinky Dub Retro Adventure Campers

Empty Weights Start at 2,300 lbs. and 1,100 lbs., respectively

If you have ever dreamed of setting off in a classic VW pop-top camper van, the Dub Box trailer will give you your chance. These new lightweight travel trailers, available in two sizes, mimic the looks of a classic Volkswagen microbus travel trailer perfectly. They include a crank-up pop-top to add standing headroom, a convertible dinette, and kitchenette options. Unfortunately, they don’t include an enclosed bathroom, but they do include a dedicated cabinet for a portapotty.

Check out this tour of this amazing little camper.

The Dinky Dub is only nine feet long, or 14-feet with the tongue. The regular Dub Box Adventure Camper is 12 feet long, 17 feet overall. The exterior shell is molded fiberglass for long life and easy maintenance. They are built in Oregon.

Casita Fiberglass Travel Trailers

Empty Weights Start at 2,210 lbs. (Standard Version)

The Texas-made Casita is very similar in appearance to the Scamp 16, with a slightly more modern design and more amenities. This fiberglass travel trailer has a two-shell design for extra protection from the elements and have been built since 1981. They are very similar to a smaller and lighter travel trailer – Oliver.

The Casita comes in standard and deluxe versions and has several layout choices. The shells are always the same, however–a 17-foot-long cabin. In most cases, the deluxe models sleep fewer people but include enclosed toilet and shower compartments. 

Best Lightweight Travel Trailer Choices for Off-Road Adventures

Bean trailer fiberglass off-road teardrops.

Empty Weights Starting at 1,650 lbs. (Classic Bean Roadster)

Bean–could there be a better name for a teardrop manufacturer?–makes travel trailers that are between 14 and 16 feet long. They are kitted out for either regular camp use (Bean Stalk and Classic Bean) or for off-road overlanding (Mean, Meaner, and Black Beans).

Bean Travel Trailers are configurable in every detail, perfect for a travel trailer this size. After all, every person who buys a Bean will likely be using it slightly differently.

Escapod TOPO and TOPO2 Off-Road Teardrops

Empty Weights TOPO 1,750 lbs.; TOPO2 1,500 lbs.

Escapod started by building an off-road capable teardrop, still available and called the TOPO. The original TOPO is a great lightweight travel trailer with nice specs–it has a wonderful kitchenette in the rear for camp cooking, an upscale interior with lots of storage and tech options, and a rugged but good-looking design that immediately feels at home off-road.

The TOPO2 is the camper that Escaped built after they learned all the off-road teardrop lessons they could. Thanks to a fiberglass shell and upgraded chassis, it’s lighter than the original. It’s got room for all the gear you want to take along and lots of little touches that make sure you know that real sportsmen built it in Utah. In short, it’s hard to find a cooler teardrop if you want to leave the pavement behind.

Hiker Trailers

Empty Weights 800 to 1,350 lbs.

Hiker Trailers are built in Indiana and Colorado, and they present a unique value for those looking for an overlanding lightweight travel trailer. These travel trailers aren’t fancy–they look more or less like small cargo trailers. But they are extremely lightweight, and they are inexpensive enough for most camping budgets. 

Trailers are ranked in four different classes , from “highway deluxe” for regular campsite use to “extreme off-road.” These can go anywhere you can get the trailer to tow to. Upgrades to each model include beefier axles, better suspension, and better ground clearance. If you want a truly off-road trailer–not just one with bigger tires–then the Hiker off-road is hard to beat.

Each rated travel trailer can be spaced out on either a 5×8, 5×9, or 5×10 box. Prices start at just under $6,000 for a 5×8 Highway Deluxe.

Taxa Outdoors Habitats

Empty Weights Starting at 1,270 lbs. (Woolly Bear RTT model) or 1,800 lbs. (Cricket Pop-Top Camper)

Taxa Outdoors makes a few different versions of off-road friendly overlanding “habitats.” These are small, easy-to-tow trailers with varying levels of accommodations. 

At one end, you have the Woolly Bear. This is basically a small but robust ultralight travel trailer built with a frame that supports a rooftop tent (RTT). The trailer’s slick drawers and storage compartments reveal a full exterior kitchenette, complete with a two-burner camp stove and Yeti cooler. 

On the other end of Taxa’s lineup are the Tiger Moth, Cricket, and Mantis travel trailers. The Tigermoth is an updated take on the teardrop, while the Cricket and Mantis are low-profile and lightweight travel trailers that add headroom with a clever pop-top tent. Trailers are available in regular or upgraded overland configurations.

What are Lightweight Travel Trailers?

There are no travel trailers that you can truly tow with any car. So every trailer owner chooses–what is the biggest, most comfortable travel trailer you can tow with your vehicle?

Not everyone can afford to (or wants to) upgrade to a full-size pickup or a motor home. What’s more, many people are looking for a minimalist, simple camping experience. The point for them is not to have recliners and a big-screen TV–the point is to travel, to collect experiences and memories. 

The folks interested in lightweight travel trailers are more likely to be younger couples. Some are occasionally camping throughout the year, and others stay in their campers for months.

From this description, it should be apparent that luxury is not the theme when you shop for an RV under 3,500 lbs. These travel trailers can be towed by many larger cars or mid-sized SUVs, but they will be smaller and more basic than other travel trailers, vans, or motor homes.

If you’re shopping for a lightweight travel trailer, chances are it is because you want to tow it with a small vehicle. Maybe that’s because you already own a car or SUV you’d like to keep, or maybe it’s because you don’t want to sacrifice your vehicle’s good gas mileage or comfort. 

Every car and truck sold comes with a maximum recommended tow weight published by the manufacturer. The number varies depending on your country and how the manufacturer calculates the number. It is always best to stay within this safety limit. Doing otherwise could void your vehicle’s warranty. Worse still, if an accident resulted, you could be found at fault for overloading your tow vehicle.

Keep in mind that a car maker will rate the vehicle for towing based on many criteria. It’s not just the power available from the engine – it’s also the brakes’ quality and the transmission’s robustness, but also the towing bar you choose. Here are a few maximum towing ratings for new vehicles sold in the United States. This should provide some idea of the size trailer you could expect to tow.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum allowable weight for the travel trailer. It’s a designed-in limit, and the manufacturer is telling you not to load it heavier than this. The number includes everything on the rig – the frame, the cabin, all your stuff, appliances, batteries, and even water in the water tank.

What if your trailer has a GVWR of 3,500 pounds while your tow vehicle is only rated to tow 3,000 pounds? While some trailers are built right to the limit and use nearly all of their GVWR, others are not. Some trailers, especially those built to be lightweight from the start, may have a GVWR rating that allows carrying a bunch of gear. But since the cabin and appliances are light, much of that is available for your gear. As long as the actual tow weight is less than 3,000 pounds, you might be good to go.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Each axle of the vehicle is rated to support only so much weight. This is how a trailer manufacturer comes up with the allowable GVWR. 

Dry Weight, Empty Weight, or UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

This is the exact weight of your trailer, as weighed when it leaves the factory. As you can imagine, it varies with every trailer a company makes. Options like extra travel trailer batteries or better appliances will add to the weight.

It’s a hard number to pin down when shopping for a trailer. The trailer you come home with will have its own number, so you’ll only be getting rough estimates for what it will be before then. Any numbers you see online, including those used in this guide, are likely to be on the low end.

Net Carrying Capacity, or CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

If you take your maximum allowable weight (GVWR) and subtract out the trailer’s dry empty weight, you are left with how much extra gear you can put in it. This is the net carrying capacity.

Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is important because it’s the weight that the rear of your tow vehicle must support. The heavier and sturdier your tow platform, the more tongue weight you can have.

A properly loaded trailer’s tongue weight is around 10 percent of its total weight. Any more than this could result in poor tow performance. Therefore, car and truck makers publish the maximum tow rating for the vehicle and the maximum tongue weight. 

Actual Tow Weight

A number you would only know if you either do the math or weigh the trailer is the actual tow weight. If you know the trailer’s weight when it left the factory and the weights of everything you’ve added, you should have a solid idea of what the tow weight is. 

This is the most critical number to know–because it is this number that you must apply to your vehicle’s tow rating . You’re good to go as long as this number is less than the car’s limit.

Why Choose Lightweight Camping Trailers?

For most folks shopping for light travel trailers, the appeal is that it’s better than a tent. If you have been camping in a tent for years and want a little bit of an upgrade–just a little more storage and more privacy – then a small travel trailer might be the answer. 

What these tiny campers are not is an entry point into RV living . Most of the trailers under 3,500 lbs and 20 feet long will not provide the accommodations and living space you’re looking for. So if you’re shopping for a light travel trailer as an inexpensive way to get an RV with the car you already own, you might be disappointed by the results. If this sounds like you, consider a Class B or Class C motor home that doesn’t require a tow vehicle before downsizing into a minimal trailer.

• Can be towed with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles
• Cheaper to tow – requires less fuel no matter the vehicle
• Easier for boondocking and off-road use
• Lower purchase and upkeep costs
• More outdoor opportunities than larger RVs–exterior kitchens and rear hatches, for example
• Minimalist styling and living
• Can be stored inside a garage or storage shed
• Easy to add more storage and sleeping space if you already tent camp
• Less living space than larger RVs
• Less storage space for gear
• Less privacy than larger RVs have
• Weight limited – can carry less gear
• Fewer appliances and amenities
• Very small and simple kitchenettes
• Cramped bathrooms and showers (if it even has one!)
• Smaller beds or convertible dinettes
• Less insulation and all-weather potential than luxury RVs

Types of Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs

While being extremely weight-conscious, it is possible to find a traditional-looking and feeling travel trailer that fits the definition of “lightweight.” Don’t expect these campers to be as luxurious or as big as other choices–generally, we are talking about campers whose cabins are only 10 to 13 feet long. In that space, it’s possible to have a dinette that converts to a bunk, maybe an enclosed bathroom, and a small kitchen with a sink, tiny fridge, and maybe a single-burner stove.

It’s this type of RV that can easily get overweight. It’s very important to look at the GVWR for the trailer and exactly how much gear you’re going to be putting in it. Can your car really tow it? If you’re still car shopping, how much more towing capacity would you need?

Outside of specialized designs built for light towing, the RV industry hasn’t put much effort into small camper designs. The money comes from the big ones, and once they’ve convinced their customers that they need to buy a full-size truck to have a comfortable camper, there is little bonus for them to go back and work on lightweight designs. 

However, many recent startups and a boom in the popularity of travel trailers have resulted in a little forward movement. The major trailer manufacturers are working on micro designs that are comfortable and noteworthy. One such example is the Airstream Basecamp.

You can’t discuss lightweight travel trailers without mentioning pop-up campers. These hybrid tent campers are built like traditional trailers but lack walls. Instead, a robust tent with vinyl plastic windows and bug screens is installed on a frame. 

Pop-up campers are an interesting concept, but they pose some problems. The experience isn’t very different from camping in a tent. The soft sides provide very little protection from the elements. They offer little privacy or shelter from cold weather or winds that hard-sided RVs do. 

Another problem is that they tend to be on the heavy side. The travel trailer is low profile but still relatively heavy when folded down in towing mode. 

It’s also worth noting that you can’t camp in soft-sided campers in some parts of the world. For example, in bear country, you need to keep your food, dishes, and kitchen area separate from your living and sleeping accommodations. These are all combined inside the same tent in a pop-up, making for a potentially dangerous combination.

Finally, remember that pop-ups are made of fabric and canvas, which will not last forever. New tents are expensive, so the resale value of soft side pop-ups decreases rapidly. 

A modern take on the pop-up camper is the pop-up a-frame. These campers use standard RV wall material that folds to make an A-shaped RV with standing headroom in the middle. It’s a unique take that solves many of the problems with a pop-up and retains the small trailer size and minimalist design.

Only a few companies make a-frames, most notably Aliner. 

Teardrops have a distinctive aerodynamic shape that makes them appeal to those towing behind a car. Their curved profile means less air resistance, but it also means less room to move around on the inside. Most teardrops are very small, and many even lack standing headroom.

These small teardrops nearly always share a similar layout. The interior cabin has a large padded bunk–and nothing else. Some have added shelves, and some even allow you to sit at a small table. The kitchen area is exterior and accessed through a lifting trunk on the back of the trailer. The inside of the camper is nothing more than an off-the-ground tent. All cooking, eating, and socialization are likely to happen outdoors behind the camper. Also note: most teardrops do not have a toilet at all.

There are also a group of teardrops that are slightly larger and have more amenities, like an enclosed bathroom and an interior kitchen. These are much larger and resemble the vintage “Canned Ham”-style trailers of the 1950s. They are comparable to a fiberglass egg-style camper, with a convertible dinette/bed, a small sink and fridge, and a cramped bathroom compartment.

There’s nothing too complicated about a classic teardrop trailer. Many people opt to save money by building their own, like CLC’s stitch-and-glue plywood teardrop or our very own DIY teardrop trailer .

While many big RVs claim to be made from fi b erglass , they are just made of pre-fab fiberglass paneling in the same method as an aluminum-sided RV. The fiberglass campers described here are completely different–they are laid up in molds, just like the hull of a boat. That means they can have complex curves and sleeker shapes than conventional RVs, but they do cost more to make.

However, they also last much longer and hold their value much better. Fiberglass eggs are some of the most popular micro-sized travel trailers out there. They’re cute as a button and very functional. And in many cases, they weigh far less than a conventional camper.

The epitome of the fiberglass egg is the Scamp. These 13-foot lightweight travel trailers come in several layouts and are light enough to be towed with most sedans and small SUVs. 

Overlanding and boondocking enthusiasts love the versatilities that a camper can offer. But they don’t want a bloated RV that requires a less-than-nimble tow vehicle. Instead, they need something compact, lightweight for towing, and agile enough to follow their truck anywhere.

What Features Provide Off-Road Capabilities?

High ground clearance.

The number one thing that sets an overlanding trailer apart is its increased ground clearance. This isn’t just that the trailer is raised–it also applies to its overhangs. Many highway travel trailers have very low clearance and enormous overhangs to maximize the living space inside the cabin. 

An overlanding trailer is more likely to offer minimal accommodations with smaller overhangs. This is one reason why teardrop trailers are perfect for the job–there’s no expectation of standing headroom inside, and the outdoor kitchen area means the rear can be kept well off the ground.

Stable, Low-Profile Design

Another important factor to consider is the trailer’s overall stability–how hard is it to tip over? While most four-season RV campers are top-heavy, an off-road trailer needs to remain upright at extreme angles should the terrain get sportier. This favors shorter designs, with more weight nearer the axle. The wider the trailer and axle, the better.

Oversized All-Terrain Tires

Knobbly off-road tires not only look cool, but they also get a better grip on difficult terrain and provide the traction needed to make it up inclines. They’re also less likely to get punctured accidentally on rocks and debris. 

Rugged Chassis and Heavy Duty Suspension

All that bouncing along will take its toll quickly on a standard trailer chassis. Aluminum frames, often used on lightweight campers, are too weak to take the stress. Ideally, a galvanized steel frame is where it’s at. 

Suspension on the trailer axle also deserves some consideration. The best offroad travel trailers have robust shocks and springs to help the trailer remain stable and tow well over any surface.

Off-the-Grid Capable

If you’re in the market for a lightweight travel trailer like this, you will want something that is just as comfortable away from hookups as it is with access to them. Most of these campers have battery systems with a small solar panel, a small quantity of freshwater stored in tanks, and not much else needed to have a good time.

Gear Hauling Options

Off-road travel trailers are adventure machines–so what adventure inspires you? Hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, or fill in the blank here–your camper can take you there; just make sure it has storage space and options to carry your gear.

Modern Teardrops and Micro Campers

While the idea of a teardrop is not new, many companies are combining the idea of a modern fiberglass ultralight camper with the classic designs for a teardrop. This site is excellent for boondocking and adventuring offroad. Add on oversized all-terrain tires and a beefed-up chassis, and you’ve got yourself an adventure machine.

Trailer Tents

Another popular option for boondockers is the rooftop tent (RTT). But these tents are heavy–usually over 100 pounds–and pretty awkward to get on and off your car. Some companies have engineered small trailers that hold gear and an RTT. They can be towed by anything and can carry all sorts of gear. 

You can apply this idea with some DIY skills to a classic Jeep trailer or even a $100 Harbor Freight utility trailer. RTTs aren’t cheap, but you can often find them used on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many also have enclosed annexes for showers, portapotties, or changing areas. When you combine this with awnings and the amenities built into the trailer, you have a great campsite ready-made to go anywhere.

Trailers Under 3500 lbs. – Features and Ownership Issues

Here’s a tour video of the Scamp 16, one of the larger campers you can get in this size range. It goes through the various layouts you can choose and gives you a great idea of what the space is like in one of these small lightweight travel trailers.

Owning a lightweight trailer isn’t much different from owning any other travel trailer, except that your overall ownership experience is easier and cheaper. These travel trailers are naturally less expensive than larger models that have more features. But with that plus comes another bonus–smaller trailers have less maintenance and fewer systems to keep working. All of this equals a lower cost of ownership in the long run. 

Small campers are simple items with very little maintenance or warranty problems. You’ll have to look at the camper you choose and evaluate its construction and materials. It pays to scope out owners’ forums online, where you can connect with long-term owners and find out if they’ve experienced any problems. From these details and the cost, you can evaluate the true benefit of an extended warranty.

The only moving parts of a trailer are the wheels and axles. While these have a life span, most will never find it. The biggest danger to the longevity of a simple travel trailer comes from corrosion or rust on the axle and chassis frame. Always tend to any rust immediately to prevent further damage. 

Traditional campers are made from paneled sides made from plywood, aluminum, or thin fiberglass sheets–or a combination of these things. They are framed together with wood or aluminum supports and generally hold up to the elements very well. 

Alternatively, some modern travel trailers use all fiberglass construction. In this case, the camper shell is made in a mold, just like you would make the hull of a boat. This type of camper has a few benefits. They tend to be lightweight and long-lasting. They have more aerodynamic designs since the mold can produce complex curves. And they hold their value better than traditional travel trailers since they have very few maintenance requirements. 

If you’re shopping in the used market, most upgrades will be simple additions you can DIY. Maybe you want to add better batteries, solar, or other off-road options. 

When speccing out a new trailer from the manufacturer, you’ll likely be given many choices. Do you want air conditioning or heat? Do you want upgraded batteries and solar panels? Do you need that pressure water system , or is a jerry can good enough? Of course, all of these choices depend greatly on how you will ultimately use the trailer. 

The only way to determine if an upgrade is valuable to you is to break out a spreadsheet and see how much it really costs. If you’re handy, chances are you can DIY most RV upgrades for less money than they would come from the factory. But, of course, if you’re financing it, it might make more sense just to spec the camper how you want it and make the monthly payment.

Finally, keep in mind that some things are harder or more expensive to add after the fact. If you want an overlanding lightweight travel trailer with extra ground clearance, sturdier suspension, and off-road tires, it’s best to buy this new. Otherwise, you’ll be buying the basic package and all the upgrades, too.

Generally, the smaller and simpler the camper, the fewer problems you will have. The more options and systems you add, the more complex the plumbing and the easier to stop up the drain, so to speak. 

This logic applies to every system in the travel trailer. Simple teardrops usually have camp stoves and jerry cans for water. If that sounds like roughing it to you, you’ll want a built-in freshwater tank with fill and vent. Then, you’ll also need the hose and plumbing to run a 12-volt water pump. And, of course, you’ll need a 12-volt electric system to power that pump. A proper propane cooktop will require propane tanks and hoses, and the stove itself will cost four times as much as a good-quality camp stove.

Every RVer must strike a balance between how complex they want their travel trailer to be and how much time and money they’re willing to spend making it all work. These plumbing and electrical appliances add their complications and, of course, are all things that can and will break down and need replacing one day.

Running water and gas cooktops might sound complicated, but it sure is nice to turn the faucet and have running water. In your efforts to keep it simple, lightweight, and inexpensive, don’t undervalue the comforts of home.

As you can see, there are a lot of choices out there. And thankfully, more lightweight camping trailers pop up on the market every year. There’s probably the perfect adventure camper ready for the mission, no matter where the road takes you.

What is the largest lightweight travel trailer?

Lightweight is a relative term with no official meaning in the RV industry, so defining the largest and lightest is impossible. Most people are limited by their tow vehicle’s capabilities. For this reason, this is where you form your definition of “lightweight.” To some extent, all campers are lightweight since they are designed to be towed by another vehicle.

For example, if you drive a two-ton pickup, you might be interested in a lighter camper to save a little gas money. A lighter camper also means you can tow a bigger camper and have more space and amenities. For you, a lightweight trailer is under 7,000 pounds and is around 25 feet long or more. 

On the other hand, if you drive a newer crossover, you might be limited to 1,000 pounds. For you, an ultra lightweight trailer is your only option, and what that will mean is a tiny teardrop or a pop-up–and even that might be too much for your vehicle.

In other words, just because an RV manufacturer says their product is lightweight or ultra-lite does not mean that any vehicle can tow it. So always start with the rated tow weight your vehicle can handle, and then shop for the most trailer you can get under that weight.

Related Articles:

Mike leads research, writes, and keeps the site up and running. He's worked on upgrades to an old class A Winnebago, vans, and other homes - wherever they are.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

14 Top Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs In 2023

Over the last decade, the technologies and amenities have evolved a lot, ranging from high-efficiency freezers to air conditioning and even broadband. Today, you’ll find everything integrated into the recently launched RVs.

This has leveraged the innovative minds of camper manufacturers and given out unique personalized floor plans. Withstanding the blitz of innovation, manufacturers like Airstream and Winnebago have come up with new high-end trailers under 3500 lbs.

Precisely, for someone who wants to get an RV and hit the country road, this article has a lot to offer. I’ve tried to cover most of the lightweight travel trailers under 3,500 lbs for your convenience. Let’s get straight to the list and cover all the details.

Table of Contents

List Of Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs

Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ

Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ

Vintage Cruiser 19CSK

Oliver Legacy Elite

Airstream Nest

Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH

Gulf Stream RV Conquest Super Lite 199RK

Forest River R-POD RP-180

17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers

Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD

Scamp 13’, 16’, and 19’ Deluxe Models

Winnebago Hike 170S

Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD

Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS

1. Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ

The Wolf Pup 16FQ has everything that you will need when you hit the road. This lightweight travel trailer encloses all your basic requirements and is ideal for small vehicle owners.

The kitchen space includes a stovetop, a mini-refrigerator, and a microwave allowing you to try different cuisines on the trip. This travel trailer has enough space for storing food and non-perishable food items.

The ultimate attraction is the dinette positioned along with a panoramic window, perfect for a view while you enjoy your meals in the picturesque sight. Plus, it also opens up as a small bed, convertible and convenient.

The Wolf pup 16FQ comes with a full bathroom, a must-have amenity for elaborate road trips. A full bathroom means you don’t need to stay on the campground, instead go on off-track trails and enjoy campground amenities in some remote locations.

2. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ

Want to have the best lightweight travel trailer under 3500 that is compact but does not compromise on storage space? Check out Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17 CFQ! 17 CFQ is not only lightweight but also offers substantial overhead storage space and other features.

The best part is its spacious bath space; it covers a separate sink, shower, and toilet. The area is completed by ample overhead space and a unique medical cabinet to keep first aid kits and gear. The bedroom includes a queen bed, perfect for resting after a long exploration trek. There is also enough storage space above the mattress, best for keeping travel clothes and required bedding.

The kitchen features every necessary equipment required to prepare food on the go—a stovetop and refrigerator complete this cozy kitchen along with a big cozy and beautiful faucet. You also get a good space around the area to store your pantry.

The proper trim and finish offered by this trailer is drool-worthy! The dinette seating has a leather fabricated finish, and even you will get great options on fabric. The additional storage closets above the dinner area are handy during long-road voyages.

3. Vintage Cruiser 19CSK

The love and craze for retro-themed travel trailers are still high! But the cost of repair and overhead maintenance charges are more than an average RV budget. If your dream RV is a retro-style modern, new travel trailer, this vintage cruiser 19CSK is tailored especially for you.

Inside, this camper features living space and has a sliding door that leads to the interiors and offers more space to walk and dwell. This is one of the best travel trailers under 3500 lbs. It is unique on various levels; it provides a comprehensive retro-themed, vibrant sofa set that can be converted into a double bed. It has kept the style quotient higher and presents a minimalist touch over the window coverings and other given accessories.

You’ll also find two small tables beside the sofa, fixed for carrying your stuff while you and your family are lounging on the camper couch. The corner cabinets located near the sides are the perfect way to utilize dead corner spaces.

The kitchen area includes a large freezer and refrigerator. The big freezer makes long travel times convenient and ensures you are always stacked up. It also accommodates a large pantry to keep your dry non-perishable dishes securely. The benefit: it is located next to the refrigerator. To complete the whole kitchen, an oven, stovetop, double sinks, and microwave is installed.

To offer a smooth goodnight’s sleep, a large bed along with shirt closets on both sides. The wooden cabinetry of the storage areas and cabinets makes the aesthetic classic in a minimalist way. You even get expansive overhead storage just above the bed.

4. Oliver Legacy Elite

This camper is a personal favourite among high-end RVs. Oliver is famous for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality, and its well-planned campers rule the highway terrain. Oliver offers customization; you can even choose the upholstery of your camper along with floor covering suiting to match your requirements.

The kitchen includes a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and sink for a comfortable cooking experience on wheels. The bathroom has a vanity space, shower, toilet, and separate sink to help carry out daily body functions. A spacious closet makes it a perfect choice.

This trailer is the best in the genre because it also offers double-hulled fibreglass shells to keep you warm and comfortable, even when the outsides are freezing in winter.

5. Airstream Nest

The stylish all-new Airstream Nest is not here to disappoint. The fibreglass body, lightweight design, and easily towable features make it a better choice. Plenty of windows and vibrant decor make this camper pleasant and bright.

Airstream offers only 2-floor designs that are both under 3500 pounds. You can choose from a fixated bed or convertible dinette. The models also provide options for mattresses, either go for tuft, or choose foam that is adaptive to needle and gives you a precise rest schedule. Both models provide ample amounts of storage, a full-size bathroom, and an ideal kitchen.

The centre of attraction is the arched dinette ideal for dining and can also act as a working station during road trips. The fantastic colour palette, wood cabinetry, and furniture make the Nest feel super luxurious.

• Best Class C RV Under 25 Feet
• Top Off-Road Camper Trailers
• Best Fiberglass Travel Trailers With Bathrooms
• 5th Wheel Vs Travel Trailer Pros & Cons

6. Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH

The Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185 BH offers a sleeping area for five people. There are rear bunks for the kids, a front double bed for parents, and a separate booth dinette for your extended family.

This travel trailer boasts well-built Pewter Maple cabinetry with tenon cabinet door frames and hardwood mortise. It offers Congoleum designer flooring throughout the trailer.

The skylight in the bath makes every trip worthwhile. It also has a front shower to help you leave behind all the dirt you carried during the treks.

7. Gulf Stream RV Conquest Super Lite 199RK

This is one of the best travel trailers less than 3500 lbs that too in an affordable price range. This trailer features a booth dinette that serves as a dining space and workstation in the day and doubles up as a bed at night for comfortable sleep.

The front queen bed also accommodates 2 people. The overtop cabinets provide ample storage for weekend trips. The rear corner bath is the star feature as it offers extra privacy and is also easily accessible. 

The kitchenette is equipped with all essential equipment like a refrigerator, a 2-stove cooktop, and a microwave. You can travel the entire year conveniently because of the 8,000 BTU air conditioning and 16,000 BTU furnace.

This trailer has ensured safety at every level; the two rear stabilizing jacks and radial tires provide the grip you need to go on. The one-year warranty also works as a bonus; now, you need to worry when you hit the road next.

8. Forest River R-pod RP-180

These lightweight travel trailers under 3500 have acclaimed customer recognition in a short period. Buyers love many features of this lightweight camper. If you need state-of-the-art amenities, you can consider RP-180 as your RV purchase, considering you can also tow the trailer with any small SUV .

This RV features a compact design, meaning it captures a lot in a limited area. The bathroom is spacious and includes a sink, shower, and toilet. The closet present in the washroom, makes cloth storing easy when you are on the wheels.

In the bedroom, a queen bed awaits you to wear off your day-long hiking tiredness. Just above the mattress, there is more shelving space along with a small window. The kitchen is equipped with a convection oven, cooktop, fridge, and sink to help you eat healthy during the trip. A small convertible two people dinette steals the attraction, as it can open up as a bed for one.

9. 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers

Do you need a luxurious first-class camping trailer under 3500 lbs, specially tailored according to your needs? Look at the Casita fleet of trailers. The 5-floor plans under 3500 pounds are perfect for every buyer.

Casita is not only for couples or solo travellers; even some deluxe models can accommodate six people. The huge bed and comfortable bunk beds offer enough space to sleep and rest in the unique floorplan.  Each bunk bed has separate storage beneath the bed; the centre bed has overtopped cabinets and converts into a dining space. All the casita models are equipped with a full-size bathroom and kitchen along with basic amenities.

• List Of Travel Trailers Under 4000 lbs
• List Of Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailer

10. Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD

If you have a family of six, the Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD is a great choice! The kitchen includes a full-size refrigerator, convection oven, cooktop, and sink.

The additional storage in the kitchen makes it a spacious RV.  Even the bathroom has ample space to comprise a shower, toilet, and sink.

The queen-size bed ensures sound sleep, and a top cabinet over the bed offers enough space to keep clothing and bed essentials.

On the exterior front, the 12-foot awning offers shade during hot summer afternoons. The underneath cabinet of this trailer is ideal for storing outdoor toys and large items.

11. Scamp 13’, 16’ and 19’ Deluxe Models (Under 3500 lbs)

The Scamp Deluxe offers impressive features. Scamp comes in various floor plans varying from 13 to 19 feet, and every one of them is under 3500 pounds.

The 19-foot model comes with a unique queen bed layout, bunk beds, and an extra sleeping space. It can easily accommodate around six people. The 16-foot model has various floor plans, and around 5 people can easily travel in it. At the same time, the 13-foot model is best for two people.

It also features a lightweight fibreglass design; the kitchen has a refrigerator, sink, counter space, and large bathroom that rounds off all the models.

12. Winnebago Hike 170S

Winnebago Hike 170S is an advanced rendition with all basic amenities. It comes with off-set wheels that pack all the stability required to tow a 6.5 ft frame. Robust fenders, and off-road tires make it a perfect choice for rough roads.

The exoskeleton of 170S is robust and rugged; it can easily attach bikes, kayaks, and other trek accessories. Choose from five-floor plans, all under 4500 lbs, to suit your requirements.

Hike’s interior is innovative yet inviting; with contemporary styles and patterns, the decor stands out from the rest of RV.

13. Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD

Keystone has introduced more families to camping life than any brand. Springdale provides standardized features, amenities, and options than any conventional RV.

The U-shaped dinette is perfect for evening games and having some family time. The queen bed has a reversible bedspread, and beneath it, you get a storage space for clothes and overtop cabinets.

With enough storage space stocking up your favourite snack will be easy, and the two-burner stove can help you whip your favourite meals in no time.

14. Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS

This lightweight floor plan provides panoramic view windows covering the real dinette space.

A galley kitchen rocks the centre across a large bath with an angled shower. The kitchen includes a flush-mount glass cooktop, big sink, colossal counter space, and a double-door refrigerator.

The front imposes a queen bed with cabinets above the bed that provides enough storage for a weekend getaway.

List Of Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs With A Slide-Out

• Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite Travel Trailer
• Jayco Jay Flight SLX Travel Trailer
• Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer
• Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Travel Trailer
• KZ Sportster Travel Trailer
• Grand Design Imagine Travel Trailer
• Coachmen Catalina Travel Trailer
• Keystone Bullet Travel Trailer
• Dutchmen Aerolite Travel Trailer
• Winnebago Micro Minnie Travel Trailer

Why Consider A Travel Trailer Under 3500 lbs?

Picking a camper under 3500 lbs has different advantages:

• Towing : Camper under 3500 lbs can be towed by most SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks, making it a more convenient option for wider owners. In addition, they are also easier to maneuver and park in spaces such as petrol pumps or personal spaces.
• Cost : Smaller or lighter travel trailers are typically less expensive than larger models. This makes them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
• Ease of use : 3500 lbs campers are generally easier to set up, take down, and store. They are also easier to clean and maintain, making them a more practical option.
• Fuel efficiency : Lighter travel trailers consume less fuel, making them a more cost-effective option for those who plan to travel long distances. I’ve also created a tool to calculate trips on RV .
• Versatility : Smaller travel trailers can be used for a variety of activities, including camping, road trips, and weekend getaways. They are also easier to park in national parks and other areas with strict size restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you can dream about it, they can build it!

People who love travelling and want to live an outdoor life will fall in love with the collection. All of the above campers are lightweight travel trailers under 3500 lbs, ideal for small families or groups.

If you want a basic floor plan to fit your budget go for smaller RVs . But if you have decent money to spare, get modern accessories to keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

For extravagant living, go for a skylight bath and personalized upholstery to amp up the decor. Recently, camper self-renovations are trending too; check some videos and get inspired before concluding your model.

Hope you loved the list of RVs under 3500 lbs. Don’t forget to tell me your fav. in the comment section.

Image Source: RV Trader, Airstream, Forest River.

Written by Shailesh Thakran

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

WE'RE THE RUSSOS

Live Free and Explore! Blog about RV Living and Travel.

17 Small Travel Trailers & Campers Under 3,500 lbs

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission on the products or services you purchase using the links. There is no additional cost to you and the earnings help keep this website running. Read the Affiliate Disclaimer for more information.

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/

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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!

• New RVers Guide
• Travel Guide
• Campgrounds
• Boondocking
• National Parks
• Free Camping
• Essential Gear
• Cost of RVing
• One-on-One Coaching

RVs Under 3500 LBS Review: 3 RVs for Lightweight Luxury

By Interact RV Support

When it comes to getting to the campground quickly and without stress, these RVs under 3500 LBS for sale at Gillette’s RV are an excellent option. You’ll love that each of these three RVs blends simple comforts with a lightweight build so that you can get the most out of your time at the campground. Learn more in this RVs under 3500 LBS review. 

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH

Get the best deal on these incredible Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH travel trailers that offer lightweight designs to help you get to the campground. This travel trailer features sleeping for five and a spacious queen bed in the front of the RV. You’ll love that there’s an awning to give you plenty of space for sitting out enjoying the fresh air. 

Additional Features:

• Microwave Oven
• 10′ Power Awning

Forest River R Pod RP-192

Another excellent option for easy travel is the Forest River R-Pod RP-192 travel trailer . This RV weighs just 3,135 lbs., which makes it easy to haul anywhere. There’s a large pass-through storage to give you a lot of space to bring along your outdoor equipment. The rear bathroom features a foot-flushing toilet, a sink, and a tub/shower combo. 

• Queen Murphy Bed
• Pass-Through Storage
• 11′ Power Awning
• Front Windshield

Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 192RBS

The Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 192RBS travel trailer weighs 3,030 lbs. This lightweight design makes it easy to tow this RV behind a half-ton truck or an SUV. You’ll find that the interior gives you sleeping for three, with a queen island bed and a Jackknife sofa. 

• Back up Camera
• Weight Dis Centerline

Contact us to find the perfect RV for your adventures!