Your Guide To The 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers
Contrary to popular belief, not all recreational vehicles are intimidating condominiums on wheels. Most manufacturers offer lightweight travel trailers that are easily maneuvered and can be towed with a light truck or even an SUV. Another misconception is, that no amenities are available, but this is simply not true. Most provide you with a kitchenette, bathroom, and ample sleeping arrangements.
Recently the demand for small RVs has risen to an all-time high, and several RV manufacturers have responded to the demand. This list of the 10 best lightweight travel trailers spotlights the top-rated RVs for families, solo RVers, and adventure travelers.
- These lightweight travel trailers all weigh around 5,000 pounds or less.
- The lightweight travel trailers often cost less than a passenger cars.
- Lightweight travel trailers can be towed with just about any size truck or even some larger SUVs.
- Amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, cold weather packages, and solar hookups are available.
- Easily maneuvered to remote locations that most travel trailers would never attempt to go.
10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers
- Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500
- Winnebago Hike 170S
- Gulf Stream RV Ameri-Lite Super Lite 199DD
- Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD
- Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH
- Forest River RV Rockwood Geo Pro 19BH
- Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS
- Scamp 13’ Standard Travel Trailer
- Casita Spirit 17’ Travel Trailer
- Airstream Basecamp 16
1. Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500
Back in the early 1970s, Trillium Industries were building their signature camper trailers in a 60,000 sq ft production facility in Markham, Ontario. Early brochures describe these trailers as being like a nutshell, with the upper and lower fiberglass halves being chemically bonded together to make the camper lightweight, durable, and resistant to the elements.
Many of the original Trillium trailers are still out there being sold and used today. There has been renewed interest in these retro-style trailers by today’s campers because of the unique features they offer as well as their good looks.
Features:
- Manufacturer: L’air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada.
- Hitch weight: 180 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,700 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,650 lbs.
- Exterior length: 15′ 3″
- Full exterior height: 6′ 3″
- Exterior width: 7′ 8″
- Interior height: 43″
- Freshwater capacity: 13 gals.
- Sleeps: 2
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Single 130W solar panel with charge controller
- Base MSRP: $31,000+
2. Winnebago Hike 170S
This unique lightweight travel trailer from Winnebago takes you beyond the beaten path, with offset wheels that pack all the stability of a larger towable RV in a 6.5 ft frame. Updated exterior styling—built to accommodate active outdoor lifestyles and a flexible storage system—takes the HIKE well beyond the expectations of every day.
A convection microwave, Gas/electric refrigerator, USB ports, dinette, queen bed, and full bathroom.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Winnebago
- Hitch weight: 423 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 4200 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3502 lbs.
- Exterior length: 20.62′
- Full exterior height: 10.17′
- Exterior width: 7.90′
- Interior height: 6.42′
- Freshwater capacity: 31 gals.
- Water heater: 6 gals.
- Black and Gray tanks: both 25 gals.
- Sleeps: 3
- LP tank: 20 lbs.
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $38,485+
3. Gulf Stream RV Ameri-Lite Super Lite 199DD
With 10 innovative floor plans from 19 to 27 feet long, their Ultra-Lites offer great value and solid, high-quality construction for families on a budget.
Even more economical are our much-loved Super Lite floor plans; 5 compact but complete travel trailers from 14 to 19 feet long.
Either way, Ameri-Lite travel trailers deliver top-quality construction, roomy, comfortable accommodations, and well-proven floor plans inspired by people who know how to enjoy the outdoors.
Each unit is packed with amenities and they also have an endless line of upgrade options for any RV enthusiast.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Ameri-Lite
- Hitch weight: 360 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3860 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3100 lbs.
- Exterior length: 20’11”
- Full exterior height: 10’4″
- Exterior width: 8′
- Interior height: 6’8″
- Freshwater capacity: 30 gals.
- Black and Gray tanks: 36 gals. each
- Sleeps: 3
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $17,792+
4. Keystone RV Springdale 1750RD
No matter how you define family, Keystone Springdale’s affordable travel trailers have a model for that. Just you and your boo? You’ll find couple’s coaches from tiny to large. Looking for the best family camper? Springdale travel trailer bunkhouses are available in every configuration imaginable.
Owners will find extra storage in unexpected places; effortless camping thanks to power stabilizers, tongue jacks, awnings, and unique features from a full solar power package to larger campsite windows.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Keystone
- Hitch weight: 520 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 4400 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3415 lbs.
- Exterior Length: 21’5″
- Full exterior height: 10’2″
- Exterior width: 8′
- Interior height: 6’5″
- Freshwater capacity: 27 gals.
- Black and Gray tanks: 30 gals. each
- Sleeps: 4
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $26,190+
5. Coachmen RV Apex Nano 185BH
There’s a comfortable place for everyone to sleep in this travel trailer with a front 54″ x 80″ bed and a set of 30″ x 74″ bunk beds! The booth dinette can even transform into an extra sleeping space when you’re not using it to enjoy a meal prepared with the two burner cooktop, microwave, and 6 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator.
The rear corner bathroom has a tub/shower for you to start your mornings feeling clean and fresh, plus a medicine cabinet to keep your toiletries close. You will have plenty of room to store your outdoor gear between the front exterior pass-through storage area and the rear exterior storage area!
The mandatory Nano package comes with many features to make camp life better such as magnetic baggage door catches, outside speakers, a digital TV antenna with cable hook-ups and WiFi capability, and a hot/cold outside shower to keep the dirt outside where it belongs. Come find the perfect model that fits your needs today!
Features:
- Manufacturer: Coachman
- Hitch weight: 400 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 4700 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3406 lbs.
- Exterior length: 20’7″
- Full exterior height: 9’11”
- Exterior width: 7’6″
- Interior height: 6.42′
- Freshwater capacity: 50 gals.
- Sleeps: 4-5
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $30,999+
6. Forest River RV Rockwood Geo Pro 19BH
The Rockwood Geo Pro 19BH is perfect for the family that wants small single bunks and a full-size bed in the front. The accessory door in the rear of the coach makes loading and unloading the kids’ bikes and other things very accessible. The 54 by 74 queen bed is great to have in a small bunk model. This no-slide model is perfect for families on the go that are constantly moving their camp across the country.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Forest River
- Hitch weight: 425 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3860 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3088 lbs.
- Exterior length: 20’8″
- Full exterior height: 10’3″
- Exterior width: 7’8″
- Interior height: 6’5″
- Freshwater capacity: 31 gals.
- Sleeps: 4-5
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $31,963+
- Solar package available: Yes
7. Forest River RV Cherokee Wolf Pup 16TS
This compact floor plan from Forest River offers panoramic view windows surrounding the rear dinette, and a galley kitchen across from the large bath with an angled shower resides in the center of the trailer.
The front queen bed with cabinets above offers plenty of storage for weekend get-a-ways. Inside includes a flush mount glass cooktop, huge sink, ample counter space, and 10.3 cu. ft. double door refrigerator. Outside find a full-size power awning, RV quick connect MORryde stable step, LED lighting, and more.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Forest River
- Hitch weight: 470 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3970 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 3204 lbs.
- Exterior Length: 21’9″
- Full exterior height: 10’6″
- Exterior width: 7′
- Freshwater capacity: 26 gals.
- Black tank: 28 gals.
- Gray tank: 23 gals.
- Sleeps: 3
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $32,074+
- Solar Prep: Yes
8. Scamp 13’ Standard Travel Trailer
Very lightweight travel trailers designed for easy towing by small cars and trucks. The aerodynamic camper design assures high fuel efficiency.
These lightweight travel trailers were first built in the 70s and many are still on the roads today. Built tough and durable with a lasting fiberglass shell.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Scamp (Eveland’s inc.)
- Hitch weight: 160 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 1600 lbs.
- Exterior length: 13′
- Full exterior height: 7’6″
- Exterior width: 6’8″
- Interior height: 6’3″
- Freshwater capacity: 12 gals.
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $9K+
9. Casita Spirit 17’ Travel Trailer
With two separate sleeping areas that convert into dinette tables providing comfortable seating for six, the Spirit model is the perfect choice for families on the go.
For convenience, the rear dinette can be left permanently in the double bed position, while utilizing the side dinette which is positioned at a large fully-operational screened picture window for the ultimate in dining enjoyment!
Every Casita Spirit travel trailer features a durable, lightweight construction that makes it extremely fuel-efficient. Not to mention how simple it is to maneuver and set up.
The insulated interior of the Casita Spirit features spacious seating features that easily convert into comfortable sleeping accommodations, plenty of quality storage space, and large screened windows for an open, airy feeling.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Casita
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3500 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 2480 lbs.
- Exterior length: 17′
- Full exterior height: 8’11”
- Exterior width: 6’8″
- Interior height: 6’2″
- Freshwater capacity: 16 gals.
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $26,694+
10. Airstream Basecamp 16
The Airstream Basecamp takes our iconic streamlined style in a new, exciting direction. The same quality and unrelenting standards that made us who we are have been applied to creating the best lightweight, versatile RV on the market.
A low profile, aerodynamic shape of the trailer naturally delivers low wind resistance creating less drag. The rounded front end shell eliminates a vacuum adding to the efficiency and stability of RV towing.
The durability is unmatched with three separate unique pieces and aluminum skin that is stretched and riveted to structural ribs.
As with every Airstream travel trailer, the 16-foot Basecamp is built with the same level of quality and incomparable durability which will last for generations to come.
Features:
- Manufacturer: Air Stream
- Hitch weight: 410 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3500 lbs.
- Unloaded vehicle weight: 2650 lbs.
- Exterior Length: 16’2″
- Full exterior height: 8.8′ with AC
- Exterior width: 7′
- Interior height: 6’4″
- Freshwater capacity: 21 gals.
- Optional A/C and heater: Yes
- Base MSRP: $41,100+
Conclusion
As you can see from the above list, there are quite a few unique lightweight travel trailers to choose from. All with the luxuries of home, but on a much smaller scale.
If you like to move from location to location and not have to worry about fitting your rig in, one of these could be just for you. These are perfect for getting back in the woods with just the help of a small truck or SUV to tow.
As long as it is just the 2 of you or maybe with one small child and you don’t need a ton of room to spread out.
It is amazing what these manufacturers can do with the small space and assure you still feel right at home.
