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16 Best Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs with Bathrooms

When looking for the ideal travel trailer , there is nothing better than to start l ooking for a compact and lightweight camper – the lighter, the better! If it comes equipped with a bathroom, that’s the cherry on top! Once you’ve embraced the lightweight and bathroom-equipped criteria, the exciting part kicks in – choosing the ideal floor plan . For a cozy setup catering to a couple , explore choices like a queen, king, or Murphy bed . On the flip side, if you’re gearing up for a family of six, consider bunk beds – all while ensuring the trailer remains under the 3000 pounds of dry weight mark. It might seem like a tall order to find ultra-light campers under 3000 lbs with a bathroom that checks all these boxes without tipping the scales, but fear not! There are currently 16 travel trailers under 3000 lbs with bathrooms waiting for you in the market. These ultra-light campers are your ticket to an unparalleled travel experience – lightweight, efficient, and ready to hit the road.

Of all the types of RVs that can be lightweight, weighing in under 3000 lbs (or equals), we have chosen 16 ultra-light camper options, including one hybrid travel trailer under 3000 lbs (which would be a mix of the best of a pop-up camper and a travel trailer ). In the video below, there is a sneak peek of this post.

Table of Contents

16 Perfect Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs on the Current Market

Here is the list of 16 ultra-light campers under 3000 lbs with a bathroom .

• KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB: under 17 feet and less than 2300 lbs

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 180BH

• KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 160RBT: sleeping capacity for up to 6 and dry bath

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 170MB

• KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 160QB: perfect for 2
• KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 181BH: bunkhouse camper, up to 6 and dry bath
• Jayco 2023 Jay Flight SLX 154BH: under 20 feet and perfect for 4 people
• Forest River R-Pod RP-153: camper under 3000 lbs with Murphy bed

Forest River 2023 R-Pod RP-171

• Forest River 2023 R-Pod RP-180: camper under 3000 lbs with slide-out
• Forest River 2023 R-Pod RP-190: camper under 3000 lbs with slide-out
• Riverside RV 2023 Retro 135: new retro camper with dry bath
• Forest River 2023 Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB: two twin beds or king-size bed
• Prime Time Avenger 16BRD: huge booth dinette and sleeping capacity for 4
• Coachmen RV Clipper Ultra-lite 17CBH: queen bed and bunk beds
• Coachmen RV Viking Ultra-lite 17CBH: queen bed and bunk beds

Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs Specifications

We looked at a variety of camper floorplans before choosing these 16 lightweight campers for you. In our in-depth review of the current market, we only chose travel trailers with a bathroom and under 3000 lbs (or at most 3,000 pounds of dry weight).

Consider that you will have campers with a dry bath and full dry bath (including a hand basin) , as well as options with a rudimentary but convenient wet bath with only a shower and a toilet . If you are not familiar with the different   types of RV toilets our article tells you all you need to know.

Some of the options on our list of these 16 lightweight campers under 3,000 lbs have one slide-out and bunk beds. However, the majority of the campers in this review are meant for couples or a small group of weekend travelers.

Numerous of these campers also have the benefit of being short , making them simple to move around and store.

The chart below summarizes a brief detail of the weighting and size specifications . In the rest of the article, we highlight the differences between each floorplan, including walkthrough videos and 360 tours. We also review the advantages and disadvantages to help you choose between these amazing travel trailers with a bathroom under 3000 lbs (dry weight).

16 Campers Under 3,000 lbs Dry Weight

To keep the weight absolutely clear, we will refer at all times to 3000 lbs dry weight, also known as the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW). In this way, we will highlight the maximum loading capacity (or CCC, meaning cargo capacity), which, among many floorplans, is a big difference.

As we always mention, if the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle is 3000 lbs, you should not be looking for campers of exactly the maximum of your towing capacity . It is advisable to go no more than 70-80% to have some margin of safety and also do the math to find the right weight camper.

If you need a camper lighter than 3000 lbs , check out the 10 best small pop-up campers on the current market, where you will find small campers under 1500 lbs and as short as 15 feet long when folded.

We have reviewed a number of camper floorplans and have selected these 16 travel trailers under 3000 lbs for you to consider in your search . All of these lightweight campers are equipped with a bathroom , which is extremely advantageous. Some even have full bathrooms , including a hand basin. You’ll find that in this size of RV at only 3,000 lbs or less, the bathroom can be wet or dry, but can also just be a toilet and shower. With no other space available, many floorplans do not include something like a hand basin.

In addition to being lightweight , many of these campers have the advantage of being short and, therefore, easy to maneuver and store .

You’ll see floorplans perfect for couples and others suitable for larger families looking for lightweight travel trailer options with spacious bunkhouses.

KZ RV Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs Floorplans

Let’s see these amazing 6 lightweight travel trailers floorplans by KZ RV.

Floor Plans for Couples

We have 4 KZ RV floorplans that offer lightweight campers without bunk beds , perfect for couples looking for an easy-to-tow ultra light camper under 3000 lbs with a bathroom, and even comfortable to live in or to take a leap.

The Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a light and short camper under 17 feet for 2 people, convenient for those who are looking for a small camper with a dry bath .

The Sportsmen Classic 160RBT is a hybrid between a travel trailer and a pop-up camper with a bathroom that offers end beds in the best pop-up camper style, with the advantages of the solid side walls of a travel trailer. These pop-up beds are helpful in creating a more spacious interior without increasing the weight and length of a short camper by less than 17 feet when folded. As we always mention with short campers, travel trailers under 20 feet are straightforward to maneuver and store in any garage , which is a great advantage for RV beginners.

The 160QB and 170MB floorplans are very similar, and their main difference is based on the bed. The KZRV 160QB travel trailer comes with a fixed queen bed, while the 170MB has a queen Murphy bed with a sofa . Although both travel trailers have the same length (22 feet) and overall dimensions, the 170MB has the advantage of appearing to have a more spacious interior. During the day, you have lunch or supper seated in the booth dinette and then enjoy the comfort of the sofa of the 170MB floorplan . At night, you can easily pull down the queen Murphy bed and rest.

The bathroom in the 170MB is more spacious than the 160QB. However, the best closet is in the 160QB. So, there are floorplans to suit all tastes. Choosing the right one just depends on what you are looking for.

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB

The Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a travel trailer under 3000 lbs with a dry bath (only shower and toilet) and sleeping capacity for up to 2 people.

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 160RBT Hybrid Travel Trailer Under 3000 Lbs

The Sportsmen Classic 160RBT is a Hybrid Travel Trailer Under 3000 lbs ., with 2 bunk ends, a dry bath, and a sleeping capacity for up to 6 people when the booth dinette is folded down, increasing the sleeping places. The 3000 lbs of this camper are well distributed in a very advantageous floorplan.

Type: Hybrid Travel Trailer

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 160QB

Kz rv travel trailers under 3,000 lbs with bunk beds and bathroom, floor plans with a bunkhouse.

Let’s see two floorplans by KZ RV, for these ultra-light campers under 3000 lbs with a bathroom and bunk beds.

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 181BH

Let’s see the walkthrough video of this 181B H, one of the best travel trailers under 3000 lbs on the current market.

Jayco Camper Trailer Under 3000 lbs

Jayco 2023 jay flight slx 154bh.

This Jayco 2023 Jay Flight SLX 154BH is one of our recommended options for those who are looking for one of the best travel trailers under 3000 lbs with bunk beds and a dry bathroom, on the current market.

R-Pod Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs Dry Weight

The R-Pods travel trailers RP-171, RP-180, and RP-190 have floorplans with a queen bed , while RP-153 has a queen Murphy bed to turn down over the dinette. These 4 floorplans have dry baths .

As we mentioned before, the R-Pod RP-153 is a great option for those who are looking for travel trailers under 3000 lbs with a Murphy bed .

The RP-190 travel trailer offers a fantastic floor plan with a slide-out kitchen, still light, and a toilet separated from the shower. We recommend you watch the walkthrough video.

Differences Between R-Pod Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs

Let’s see the differences between these 4 floorplans of campers under 3000 lbs with bathrooms.

The R-Pod RP-171 travel trailer is ideal for weekend excursions because it is small and lightweight . At slightly under 20 feet long and under 3000 lbs , it has all of the necessities for camping. A sleeping capacity for 3-4 people, a kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, a convection microwave, a refrigerator, a furnace, an air conditioner, a TV, and a wet bath.  This fantastic layout is perfect for couples or friends on a weekend trip, and for individuals who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors while still having the comforts of home.

Forest River 2023 R-Pod RP-190

Retro Camper Trailers Under 3000 lbs

Riverside rv 2023 retro 135.

The Riverside RV Retro 135 is a good choice for those who like new retro campers with a travel trailer under 3000 lbs with a dry bath and a floorplan ideal for couples .

Geo Pro Camper Under 3000 lbs

Forest river 2023 rockwood geo pro g15tb.

One difference to note between this model and the other campers we have in this review is that the Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB has a wet bath, while most of the other campers have a dry bath. Something important to consider when looking for a new RV. However, there are a lot of pros to choosing this camper. Let’s see.

The Geo Pro G15TB floorplan is versatile with two twin beds that convert to a king bed , a bath, a TV, an awning 10 ft long, and other amazing features such as two exterior storage compartments and a griddle outside. Most tow trucks are capable of towing this travel trailer for under 3,000 lbs. If you are looking for a tiny camper, lightweight with a king bed, you should consider this travel trailer made by Forest River RV. Definitely, one of the perfect 16 travel trailers under 3000 lbs for this review.

Prime Time Camper Trailer Under 3000 lbs Dry Weight & Bath

Prime time avenger 16brd.

With a weight of slightly under 3,000 lbs, the Avenger 16RD travel trailer is ideal for towing.

As you can see in the floorplan above, there’s a queen bed in the front with a nightstand, a spacious full dry bath with a skylight shower, and a wide U-dinette in the back, increasing the sleeping capacity in 2 places if you wish. A two-burner stove, a domestic microwave, and a 10.7 cu. ft. 12V refrigerators are included in the kitchen. The Avenger 16RD offers a versatile floorplan with a sleeping capacity of up to 4 people. That’s why it is one of our best campers under 3000 lbs.

Coachmen RV Trailers Under 3000 lbs

Coachmen rv clipper ultra-lite 17cbh & viking ultra-lite 17cbh.

Coachmen RV Clipper Ultra-lite 17CBH & Viking Ultra-lite 17CBH are also selected as the best bunkhouse travel trailers under 25 feet, and in this article, we propose these Coachmen RV options are one of the best travel trailers under 3000 lbs.

Options with Bunkhouse Under 3,000 lbs

If you are specifically looking for lightweight travel trailers with bunk beds, we recommend our articles and owners’ reviews, which only include bunkhouse floorplans:

• 14 Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs
• 5 Bunkhouse Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs
• 5 Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailers Under 4000 lbs

We hope you get the most out of our review and summary of the 16 best travel trailers under 3000 lbs with bathrooms . I hope you find the smallest and lightest travel trailers on the current market (but comfortable). If you are looking for more options (up to 4000 lbs.), we recommend our article about the 20 Small Travel Trailers with Dry Bath . See you in the next post!

About John Smith

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

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The 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.

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12 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers and Campers Under 3,000 lbs in 2024

• Last Updated: February 28, 2024
• 24 minutes read

Searching for the ultimate best campers under 3000 lbs can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the myriad of options available.

However, having tested over a dozen of these lightweight travel trailers myself, I can confidently guide you through this landscape.

My journey through assessing each camper focused on not just the under 3000 lbs criterion but also on quality, durability, and the array of amenities these compact powerhouses offer.

The standout in my evaluation is the Jayco Jay Sport ​camping trailer, primarily due to its unmatched blend of comfort, functionality, and ease of towing.

It brilliantly balances the lightweight nature with the robust features most sought after by RV enthusiasts like myself, making it the top choice for anyone looking to hit the road without the weight dragging them down.

Based on my experience, the top campers are:

• Jayco Jay Sport : Best overall for its perfect balance of weight and features.
• Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer : Great for eco-conscious travelers looking for modern amenities.
• Scamp 13’ Standard Trailer : Top pick for singles or couples, easy to tow with virtually any vehicle.
• United RV iCamp Elite : Excellent choice for stylish campers seeking a unique design.
• Barefoot Caravans Travel Trailer : Ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort in a compact form.
• Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe : Perfect small travel trailer for a family adventure, known for its durability.
• Happier Camper HC1 : Highly customizable, suiting diverse camping needs with a retro flair.
• Taxa Cricket Pop-up : Best for adventurers looking for pop-up roof flexibility and mobility.
• Lance 1575 Ultra Light Weight Trailer : Superior lightweight option for long road trips, without compromising on space.
• KZ Spree Escape Mini : Ideal for budget-minded travelers, offering essential features in a small package.
• Airstream Sport Travel Trailer : Luxurious and iconic, for those who want to travel in style.
• Taxa Mantis Trek Camper : Suited for the rugged explorer, blending comfort with off-road capability.

How We Selected The Best lightweight camper trailers Under 3,000 Lbs

Our top criteria for choosing the best small and light-weight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds was for a dry weight of less than 3,000 pounds.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) may be higher for some of the trailers on this list, but the capacity and actual weight will depend on the weight of the water and gear that you carry.

With a dry weight of less than 3,000 lbs, all of these amazing travel trailers are lightweight, even with standard equipment and features.

Just pack your cargo and fill up your fluids, and you’re ready to hit the road!

We also considered some important aspects of these lightweight travel trailers, beyond their low dry weight.

Some of the criteria we looked at included:

• Floorplan options for living and sleeping space (whether slide outs were available)
• Interior height and full trailer length
• Design features and upgrade options
• Quality of construction and interior materials
• Past customer reviews and experiences

12 Best Small And Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Lbs In 2021

There are lots of small travel trailers that have a dry weight of less than 3,000 pounds. For this list, I found a dozen of the best options, based on features, layouts and more. 

let’s take a look at the top 12 best Lightweight Travel Trailers and campers Under 3,000 Pounds on the market today.

1. Jayco Jay Sport Camping Tent Trailer

Most of the travel trailers on this list are hard campers, although some have slide-outs or pop-up rooftops.

The Jayco Jay Sport is a bit unusual, since it’s a tent trailer, which travels compact and then the ceiling pops up and sleeping bunks pop out at your campsite. 

A tent trailer can be far more lightweight than other trailers, and provides the added benefit of unrestricted views (fewer blind spots) through your rear-view mirror as you travel.

The Jayco Jay Sport has four available floor-plans, with different lengths of living spaces and interior configurations.

All of the floor-plans have a galley kitchen, two pop-out sleeping bunks, a convertible dinette (two dinettes are offered on the 12UD model), and different options for storage. The 12SC model has an additional sofa bed and pop-out.

All Jay Sport travel trailers have a dry weight of under 2,500 lbs, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the largest floorplan is still very low, at 3,375 pounds.

The drawback for this popup camper is that there’s no bathroom, however there is a porta-potti storage cabinet built in.

The 12SC model has an option for a shower/toilet combo available.

Jayco’s Jay Sport trailers feature wall-to-wall BeauFlor® flooring, 75-pound capacity drawers with ball-bearing guides, DuraTek™ water-repellant and sectionalized tents, and 1,050-pound rated beds.

Plus, the frame, roof, floor, tents, bed platform and lifter system are all backed by Jayco’s 5-year warranties.

Some of the cool add-on features for the Jay Sport trailer include an optional exterior grill and 10- or 12-foot screen room with privacy panels for an enclosed outdoor space.

In addition to the Jay Sport, Jayco has two other travel trailers that weigh less than 3,000; the Jay Flight SLX 195RB and the Jayco Hummingbird 17RB.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty, corrosion resistant frame construction
• One piece fiberglass roof for better water runoff and superior leak prevention
• Residential cabinetry with doors and drawers
• Tinted vinyl windows with fine mesh screening
• Auxiliary 12V jack and privacy curtains for bunk ends
• 4″ one-piece heated bed mats
• Price: Starting at $9,500

2. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer

If you’re looking for light-weight camper trailer with lots of storage and versatile living space, look no further than the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD model.

This small camper trailer has everything you need in a compact space at 20-feet long. The dry weight is 3,233 pounds , and has capacity for over 1,000 additional pounds for cargo, liquids, and people.

This trailer excels with design for maximum storage in a small space, with plenty of exterior storage beneath the interior wardrobe storage at the front of the trailer.

The Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD has a main queen sized bed that converts from a sofa into a murphy bed with a heated mattress for comfortable and versatile design.

The dinette is convertible into a secondary sleeping area that’s perfect for two kids or one adult.

You’ll have all of the kitchen amenities and bathroom facilities you need for comfort and convenience on the road with the Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD.

There’s a gas/electric water heater with quick recovery, a Water-Pur filtration system, and a complete kitchen with a gas oven, convection microwave, recessed 3-burner cooktop with flush mount cover and an auto gas/electric refrigerator.

The bathroom is a great size, with a toilet, sink and tub/shower combo for different bathing options. There’s also a linen closet.

Enjoy the great outdoors with the Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD’s thoughtfully-planned outdoor amenities, which include a 13-foot awning, an exterior gas griddle for cooking outdoors, and exterior speakers.

• 6-sided aluminum cage construction
• Vacuum-laminated roof and walls
• Spacious bathroom with a tub and linen closet
• Roof-mount solar panel
• WiFi Ranger Sky 4 WiFi booster, LTE-ready
• Price: Starting at $19,877

3. Scamp 13’ Standard Light Weight Travel Trailer

Select your Scamp 13′ travel trailer for extra sleeping accommodations or an indoor bathroom. 

There are two available layouts with a convertible dinette for either a standard or large main bed.

With one layout, you get a 2-bunk sleeping area at the front of the trailer, while the other offers an included bathroom with a toilet and shower and additional closet.

This compact, 13-foot travel trailer is extremely lightweight at only 1,200 pounds dry and 2,200 GVWR. It’s also one of the smallest and lightest trailers on this list. 

Despite the tiny size, there’s plenty of storage space with under-seat compartments and closets.

The kitchen features a two-burner propane stove, sink with flush cover, refrigerator and galley storage as well.

If you need more space or require both a bathroom and additional sleeping areas, Scamp’s 16’ trailer (1,750 – 2,000 lbs) or 19’ trailer (2,000 – 2,400 lbs) may be the ideal lightweight camper for you.

• Fiberglass construction
• Super insulation (R15)
• 11 gauge steel tube frame
• Plenty of storage in closet and under dinette seats, which converts to a bed
• Toilet and shower included with some floorplans
• Price: Starting at $11,500

4. United RV iCamp Elite Camper

One of the cutest travel trailers under 3,000 lbs I found on the market is the iCamp Elite from United Recreational Vehicles.

The body of this fully-laminated trailer is reinforced with aluminum tubing frames to keep it lightweight yet still incredibly durable.

The dry weight is 2,366 pounds and the GVWR is still under 3,000 pounds . It has a lovely Gelcoat high-gloss fiberglass exterior skin. 

Front pulling handles make it easy to maneuver the trailer into place over your towing hitch.

The iCamp Elite has a funky, retro interior design with wallpaper and high-grade plywood cabinetry that is finished with semi-gloss PU paint for durability and style.

Four layer laminated floors are installed throughout the trailer to improve insulation and also provide attractive visuals.

The iCamp Elite furniture is sandwich-structured with solid wood and high-grade plywood, and curved in design to allow maximum interior space.

In addition to offering fully-equipped trailer travel facilities, the iCamp Elite has a one-piece modular bathroom complete with a toilet and shower.

The kitchen has overhead cabinets for storage, with all of the necessary galley functions including a fridge, stainless steel sink, and two-burner cooktop with more storage below.

The single floorplan converts from a living area by day to a comfortable sleeping room at night. There’s an optional digital video/audio system as well.

• Aluminum tube framing reinforces the body
• Structural styrofoam laminated fiberglass exterior
• Overhead cabinets and wardrobe
• Modular fiberglass bathroom with a marine toilet
• Cool Cat 2-in-1 A/C and Heat Pump unit

5. Barefoot Caravans Travel Trailer

Barefoot Caravans is based in Great Britain, but they can ship their unique travel trailers to the U.S.

Since these camper trailers offer a one-of-a-kind design and comprehensive customization options, it may be worth the cost to bring your Barefoot trailer stateside.

The Barefoot travel trailer has attractive retro styling in a modern, classic caravan.

Each trailer is hand built with fiberglass on a specially designed chassis for lightweight, high-quality construction.

The caravan has a curved body for aerodynamics and beautiful style, and it’s available in a variety of colors. Inside, the floorplan is designed for convenience with a free-flowing, open layout.

Each Barefoot caravan is fully-equipped with all of the comforts of home, including a full galley kitchen with a combo sink and 2-burner stove, refrigerator and solid oak countertop space for food prep.

There’s a delightfully curved bathroom with a Dometic cassette toilet, basin, shower, cupboard, and mirror.

In the living space, there is plenty of storage and a wardrobe, USB charging stations and sockets, heating and hot water. 

The sofa converts into a large 6 x 6 foot bed to transform your living area into a comfortable sleeping area at night.

• Iconic British Design and a lovely range of available exterior and interior colors
• Truma Combi 4e heating and hot water system that works from gas or electric
• Polyvision Eco windows with fly screens and blinds, a polycarbonate front window, and a 400 x 400 MPK ventilated roof light
• Comprehensive electrical system including two 230 v sockets, a 12v socket, and a USB port
• LED lighting, ceiling lights, reading lights and floor lighting
• Price: Starting at £21,950

6. Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe small Travel Trailer

The Casita Spirit travel trailer  offers modern luxury in a tiny space. It’s in the middle of the line in terms of length and price, and with a dry weight of as little as 1,970 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds, this is a very lightweight and versatile trailer you can buy.

There are two dinette tables and both convert into sleeping areas, so there is comfortable seating and sleeping for up to six people.

The rear dinette converts into a double bed, while the side dinette has a large, fully-operational screened picture window to augment your dining experience.

The Casita Spirit has two different models and floorplans. The Standard model sleeps up to six, but it doesn’t have a bathroom.

The Deluxe model sleeps up to four people, and features a spacious bath and shower.

In the Deluxe model, the shower and toilet areas are separated to provide optimal privacy and functional convenience, since the shower and toilet can be in use by two people at the same time.

For bathroom ventilation, there are mesh screen windows and an industrial strength power fan roof vent.

Both Casita Spirit models have a three-burner stove, sink and refrigerator in the galley kitchen.

The spacious separate sitting and dining area with plush upholstered swiveling chairs provides a comfortable retreat for dining, reading, or even a mobile office.

• Marine-grade, two-piece fiberglass shell construction
• Heavy-duty steel frame and insulated interior
• Lightweight fiberglass interior furniture
• Nearly 50 cu. ft. of storage
• Option to add a 180-watt or 230-watt solar panel system
• Price: Starting at $18,424

7. Happier Camper HC1

Ultralight and compact, the Happier Camper is a fully-equipped lightweight travel trailer that offers ultimate flexibility and versatile use. 

With a dry weight of 1,100 pounds and capacity for up to 3,500 pounds of cargo, liquids and people, Happier Camper is one of the lightest camper trailer on the market which you can tow with it just about any vehicle.

The Happier Camper’s appeal is the highly flexible Adaptiv™ ecosystem design, which enables you to customize your trailer easily and quickly.

The interior can be reconfigured for camping, hauling, working and even vending at a farmer’s market.

The Adaptiv™ floor panels have frame-mounted D-ring tie-downs and table bases to rearrange the floorplan’s modular components with ease.

Each component is made from durable materials so that you can arrange them as you wish, stack them inside the camper, or even use them outdoors to expand your living space.

Ultimate customization makes the Happier Camper a perfect trailer for flexible living.

It comes equipped with 20” x 20” stackable storage cubes, a cushioned bench that converts into a bed, a convertible couch and bunk bed, a nesting table top, a cooler cube, countertops, a standard kitchenette and toilet.

• 100% double-hull insulated fiberglass shell
• Large rear hatch door makes it easy to load and unload supplies
• Ample storage throughout
• Panoramic Jalousie windows
• Off-grid and solar-ready
• Price: Starting at $24,950

8. Taxa Cricket Pop-up roof Camper

The cool modular design and aerodynamic construction of the Cricket Camper from TAXA offers a highly functional and flexible compact travel trailer for couples and families.

Taxa Cricket Pop-Up Roof Camper is one of the most lightweight trailers on this list, with a maximum capacity of 2,500 lbs even when packed with all of your cargo. The dry weight is 1,800 pounds.

It’s towable for most four-cylinder vehicles, and has everything you need in a compact space.

There’s a full-sized bed with storage underneath, a convertible cafe table with bench seats, refrigerator and stove/sink combo.

You can add several other options to make it more functional for your needs, including a portable toilet, shower tent, awning, up to two kids’ berths, an upgraded Dometic® refrigerator, THULE® load bars, a 5000 BTU window AC, and more.

The Cricket features TAXA’s NASA-inspired design with integrated plumbing and electrical systems, four swing windows with shades and screens and five mesh windows in the upper tent panels to allow wide-open views and a fresh breeze.

• Pop-up roof for optimized ventilation and protection
• Kynar-painted Aluminum Composite Panels (Aluminum alloy ASTM B 209)
• Acrylic, Insulated 32” x 20” panoramic windows with Screens & Shades
• 16.3 cu. ft. of under bed storage and 6 large cubbies in the kitchen for prep, cooking and storage
• Exterior shower with hot and cold water
• Solar input pre-wired with SAE light
• Price: Starting at $34,983

9. Lance 1575 Ultra Light Weight Travel Trailer

LANCE offers superior engineering and lightweight design with each of their travel trailers.

There are large windows and skylights to bring in nature and light, making the small space feel larger.

Equipped with LANCE’s “Super Slide” dinette, the 1575 model offers all of the features you need in a small, well-planned layout at just 2,775 lbs dry weight.

The Lance 1575 travel trailer is constructed with solid Azdel™ engineering to keep it lightweight, with Lite-Ply™ to keep the walls and cabinets durable and still low-weight. 

The interior is completely redesigned with glazed cabinet doors, stunning table and countertops.

LANCE offers an interactive decor selector so that you can customize your travel trailer’s interior.

In addition to the “Super Slide” dinette, the floorplan has a fully equipped galley kitchen with a flush-mounted three-burner cooktop, stainless steel range hood with a light and fan, 5 cu. ft. double-door fridge, residential-style single undermount sink with pull-out sprayer and cover, and overhead cabinetry with accent lighting.

The bed has a Dlx queen innerspring pillow top mattress, and the bathroom has an adjustable slide bar shower head, marine toilet with foot pedal, black tank flush and skylight.

• Aluminum Framed Sidewalls/Floor/Ceiling
• Azdel Interior Panel Walls
• Block Foam Insulation Throughout
• Tapered Exterior Roof Design
• 12V/USB Charging Port(s), AM/FM/DVD Stereo with Interior and Exterior Speakers
• Price: Starting at $27,995

10. KZ Spree Escape Mini Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer

The KZ Spree Escape Mini is a lightweight travel trailer that offers everything you could want in an RV, without the heavy towing to slow you down.

At just over 2,800 pounds dry weight and a 3,500-lbs GVWR maximum capacity, you can enjoy the flexibility of comfortable living on the road without having to haul a heavy trailer.

There are four available floorplans, with different sized bathrooms and options for a dinette or sofa in the living space.

The convertible dining area has a sizable tabletop and wide window views. In the kitchenette, there’s a two-burner gas cooktop, convection microwave, pantry, and 4 CU FT refrigerator.

Tinted windows have pleated shades for privacy, maple wood interior construction makes the trailer feel like home, and residential linoleum resists temperature extremes so you can travel comfortably in most environments.

KZ’s Spree Escape Mini has a full bath with a foot-flush toilet, shower, sink and vanity, counter space, storage, outlet access, and skylight for  ventilation and natural light.

If you’re traveling with your Spree Escape Mini in remote destinations, you might consider KZ’s off-road package, which includes 15″ mud tires, extra ground clearance, an electronically-controlled heated holding tank, and a double entry step.

Key Features: 

• Power Awning w/LED Light Strip
• Tinted Windows
• R-7 Insulation
• Amish-Crafted Rustic Maple Cabinets and Rail-Style Cabinet Doors with Modern Handles
• Mesh Storage Pockets
• Price: Starting at $12,725

11. Airstream Sport Travel Trailer

Airstream has been building quality travel trailers for decades, and RVers love the sleek design and functional travel living features.

The Airstream Sport is the compact version, offering all of Airstream’s advantages in a smaller, lighter design at 2,860 pounds dry weight.

There are two floorplans available for the Airstream Sport. However, the 22FB model has a dry weight of 3,634 and is therefore on the heavier end of the travel trailers featured on this list.

So, the 16RB model would be better if you want a small and lightweight travel trailer that’s under 3,000 lbs.

Both floorplans offer a dedicated sleeping space, convertible dinette for additional sleeping capacity, an on-board bathroom and a kitchenette equipped with all of the essentials.

There’s a built-in refrigerator, two-burner stove and sink with covers to extend your prep space.

The Airstream Sport comes with a microwave, and there’s an option to have a convection microwave instead to expand your cooking abilities for roasting and grilling.

The overhead lockers, lower cabinets and drawers offer convenient and spacious storage for cooking ware, dishes, and utensils.

The larger (and heavier) Airstream Sport 22FB has a large bathroom in the rear of the trailer, complete with a shower, built-in shower seat, vanity with cabinets and toilet.

The 16RB trailer has a European-style bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink and features a pass-through door in the exterior wall to enable shower use indoors and out.

The Airstream Sport travel trailer gives you plenty of versatility and storage so that you can maximize your time in the great outdoors with a retractable awning and an exterior storage locker for your gear.

• Fluorocarbon Treated UV Protected Aluminum Exterior with Handcrafted Welded Extruded Aluminum Window Frames
• Ultraleather Seating and pillow-top memory foam mattress
• Strategically placed USB ports and 110V outlets
• DVD player and JVC Stereo with Bluetooth®
• Optional 90w Solar Package with Interior Monitor and AGM Battery
• Price: Starting at $48,900

12. Taxa Mantis Trek Camper

In addition to the Cricket, TAXA has another small travel trailer model that comes in at less than 3,000 pounds dry weight.

The Mantis Trek Camper is a bit longer at 19 feet, with more interior space for sleeping, cooking, dining and relaxing.

The living space features convertible lounge seating with storage underneath, which transforms into a full-sized bed.

There are two bunks at the front of the trailer to accommodate two more adults, and the Mantis has the capacity to sleep up to six people with the roof-top tent.

Other features of the Mantis include 12V USB accessory outlets inside and out, an 8-foot patio awning, and a rear door hatch for each access and ventilation.

The Mantis has a birch wood kitchen complete with a Dometic® sink and two-burner stove combo, fridge, and hot water system.

There’s a wet bath with a cassette toilet, and the trailer even has an exterior shower with both hot and cold water.

• Kynar-painted Aluminum Composite Panel construction
• Laser Cut Powder Coated Steel Skeleton
• Acrylic, Insulated Windows with Screens & Shades
• Pop-up roof for optimized ventilation, roof-top tent
• Solar Input Pre-Wired with SAE Light
• Price: Starting at $46,167

Advantages Of A Travel Trailer Under 3000 Lbs

The primary advantage of lightweight travel trailers that weigh less than 3,000 pounds is that you can tow them with a smaller SUV or van.

In some cases, the smaller and more lightweight trailers like the Happier Camper HC1 can even be towed by a sedan.

All of the travel trailers on this list come in at less than 3,000 pounds dry weight, so that you don’t have to upgrade your towing vehicle and you can still travel in comfort.

The only real difference is size, but these travel trailers are specially designed to make the most of a tiny space with versatile features and functions.

Many components can be transformed or used for multiple purposes, and therefore minimize the amount of stuff taking up space.

Some of the other benefits of a lighter camper include:

Easier driving and maneuvering

Functional, comfortable living space that fits into any campsite

Improved gas mileage due to less towing weight

Affordability (reduced up-front investment)

Enhanced off-road capability

Have You Picked Your Favorite Ultra-Lightweight Travel Trailer?

All of the lightweight travel trailers on this list are equipped with the most important components for comfortable living on the road.

Your choice will really come down to your needs regarding sleeping capacity, the GVWR and your towing vehicle’s capabilities, and your budget.

There are dozens of add-on features and upgrades offered with these travel trailers, enabling you to create the perfect mobile environment for living and adventuring on the road.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

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

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I am new at Lite RVing. Just purchased a Coleman 17B which I intend to pull with my 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. I also have a Toyota Tundra V8, 2002. I have been a long time Tent Camper age 76. I am looking for Camping off road. I plan on hitting all the State Parks in Texas along with the National Parks. I am a retired Disabled Marine, who has slowed down a bit, but grew up in hills of Kentucky and the Smokey Mountain region. I have never lost my love for adventure and nature. Hugh

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12 Popular Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs (Ultra-Lightweight)

Travel trailers come in a variety of sizes and weights, ranging from tiny teardrop campers that are less than 1,000 pounds to full-time luxury campers tipping the scales at almost 10,000 pounds.

However, one of the most sought-after RV categories is travel trailers that weigh less than 3,000 pounds , as these trailers are typically self-contained campers with all the standard RV amenities while maintaining a weight light enough to be towed by a variety of vehicles, including small trucks and SUVs .

These compact and nimble trailers, however, can often be difficult to find, as there are hundreds of different campers on the market at any given time.

So to help you find the perfect lightweight travel trailer, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular models under 3,000 pounds.

Popular Travel Trailer Models Under 3,000 Pounds (Lightest to Heaviest)

1. scamp 16 deluxe trailer, quick specs.

• Starting Price : $17,000
• Dry Weight : 2,200 – 2,600 Pounds
• Length : 16 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity : 3 – 4
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath
• Slide-Outs : N/A

While Scamp’s 13-foot trailer often gets most of the attention, the Scamp 16-foot trailer is also a great option for those looking for a lightweight camper under 3,000 pounds.

Available in two different versions, including the standard and the deluxe featured here, the Scamp 16 is a lightweight fiberglass camper with a dry weight that ranges from 2,200 pounds to 2,600 pounds, depending on its floor plan and options.

Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer Layout C

The Scamp 16 Deluxe is available in 4 different layouts and like all Scamp trailers is completely customizable, as each Scamp is custom-built for the end user.

Scamp uses a direct-to-consumer approach with no RV dealer middleman. Allowing you to get the perfect lightweight camper designed specifically for you and your family.

The downside of this approach though is often a long drawn-out buying process, as the waitlist for one of these trailers is often 6 months or more.

To learn more about the Scamp 16 Deluxe and to see all its floorplan options, check out Scamp’s website here .

2. Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD

• Average Price : $16,000
• Dry Weight : 2,240 Pounds
• Length : 18 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity : 4
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Wet Bath

The Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD is not only an ultra-lightweight travel trailer under 3,000 pounds, but it’s also one of the cheapest self-contained campers you can buy.

As this sub $20,000 camper has an average price of just $16,000, yet still offers all the standard RV amenities, including a four-person sleeping capacity, a full-featured kitchen, and a small wet bath.

This compact travel trailer measures 18 feet in length and has a dry weight of just over 2,200 pounds, making it easy to tow with most SUVs and even some crossovers.

Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD Floorplan

Despite its small size, however, the Bushwhacker Plus 17FD still manages to pack in a surprising amount of features and amenities.

The interior features a queen-sized bed at the rear, with a convertible dinette at the front that can sleep an additional two people.

The kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner stovetop, a microwave, a refrigerator, and a sink, providing all the essentials for preparing meals on the go.

The wet bath, although compact, includes a toilet and shower, and gets the job done, especially for short weekend outings.

As mentioned above though, one of the best things about the Bushwhacker Plus 17FD is its affordability.

With an average price of just $16,000, this ultra-lightweight travel trailer is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy the RV lifestyle without breaking the bank.

To learn more about the Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD, check out Braxton Creek’s website here .

3. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB

• Dry Weight : 2,350 Pounds
• Length : 16 Feet 9 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity : 3
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Dry Bath

Another popular affordable lightweight camper is the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB, which has an average price of just $16,000 and a dry weight of only 2,350 pounds.

This compact trailer measures just 16 feet 9 inches in length, making it easy to tow.

Despite its small size, however, the Sportsmen Classic 130RB offers a comfortable and functional living space for up to three people.

Offering a convertible dinette that can be transformed into a sleeping area for two, as well as a separate sofa, that can sleep one more.

The camper also comes equipped with a well-appointed kitchen, which includes a sink, a two-burner stovetop, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB Floorplan

One of the stand-out features of this ultra-lightweight camper from KZ RV though is its bathroom, as it’s one of the smallest campers you can buy with a dry bath.

To see other compact travel trailers with a dry bath, check out our blog post “ 10 Smallest Travel Trailers with a Dry Bath “.

While this ultra-lightweight travel trailer doesn’t have any slide-outs, its well-designed layout maximizes the available space, ensuring that you have room to move around comfortably.

The Sportsmen Classic 130RB also comes with a variety of standard features, such as a power awning, outdoor speakers, and LED lighting, enhancing your overall camping experience.

With its affordable price tag, lightweight design, and essential amenities, the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB is an excellent choice for couples or small families looking for a budget-friendly compact camper.

To learn more about the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB and take a 360-degree virtual tour, visit KZ RV’s website here .

4. Forest River R-Pod RP-171

• Average Price : $22,000
• Dry Weight : 2,449 Pounds
• Length : 19 Feet

The Forest River R-Pod RP-171, now known as the R-Pod RP-171C Classic, has been one of the most popular lightweight campers for more than a decade.

First released in 2008, the R-Pod RP-171 was an instant crowd favorite, thanks to its aerodynamic teardrop shape, family-friendly floorplan, and full-featured interior.

Fast forward to today, and Forest River has reintroduced the RP-171 as the RP-171C Classic, bringing back many of the original features and design elements that made this model so beloved.

With a dry weight of just 2,449 pounds and a total length of 19 feet (including the tongue), this ultra-lightweight travel trailer went on a diet, shaving more than 400 pounds in its redesign.

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Floorplan

Inside, the RP-171C Classic boasts a warm and inviting interior with weathered wood-look walls, a reclaimed wood-style table, and slate cabinetry with stylish gold fixtures.

The dinette area comfortably seats four and can be converted into an additional sleeping space when needed, which when combined with the rear queen bed brings the total sleeping capacity of the trailer to four.

The wet bath, although compact, includes a toilet, sink, and shower, providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable camping trip.

Plus, the trailer also offers a full-featured kitchenette complete with butcher block countertops, a propane cooktop, a convection microwave oven, a small round sink, a mini-fridge, and plenty of cabinet space.

Other notable features include a high-efficiency roof-mounted air conditioner, a 20-pound propane tank, and generously sized holding tanks (30 gallons each for fresh, gray, and black water).

The RP-171C Classic also comes equipped with Azdel sidewall construction and a one-piece fiberglass roof, ensuring excellent weather protection and longevity.

With its perfect blend of classic styling, modern amenities, and ultra-lightweight design, the RP-171C Classic is an excellent choice for couples or small families looking for a versatile and easy-to-tow travel trailer that offers all the comforts of home in a compact package.

To learn more about the Forest River R-Pod RP-171 and to take a 3D tour, visit Forest River’s website here .

5. Casita Spirit Deluxe

• Starting Price : $26,996
• Dry Weight : 2,480 Pounds
• Length : 17 Feet

The Casita Spirit Deluxe is similar to the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer from above , as they’re both lightweight molded fiberglass travel trailers.

However, the Casita Spirit Deluxe offers a slightly larger floor plan at a slightly higher cost.

With a starting price of $26,996, the Casita Spirit Deluxe is a 17-foot travel trailer that weighs just 2,480 pounds (dry weight).

This ultra-lightweight trailer can comfortably sleep up to three people, making it an ideal choice for couples or small families.

Casita Spirit Deluxe Floorplan

One of the best features of the Casita Spirit Deluxe is its 3-piece wet bath, which includes a toilet, shower, and a small bathroom sink.

The interior of the Casita Spirit Deluxe features a well-designed layout that maximizes the available space.

The trailer also includes a compact yet fully functional kitchenette with a large stainless steel sink, a two-burner cooktop with a glass cover for extra counter space, and a good-sized mini fridge. Allowing you to cook just about any meal you could want from the road and while traveling.

The Spirit Deluxe is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, lightweight travel trailer with class-leading durability and features.

For more information on the Casita Spirit Deluxe and to take a virtual tour, check out Casita’s website here .

6. Airstream Basecamp 16

• Average Price : $50,000
• Dry Weight : 2,650 Pounds
• Length : 16 Feet 2 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity : 2

The Airstream Basecamp 16 stands out as a best-in-class lightweight camper, notwithstanding its high price tag, as its average cost of $50,000 makes it the most expensive camper on this list.

Surprisingly though, despite its eye-popping price, the Basecamp 16 is actually the cheapest airstream you can buy .

But what makes the Airstream Basecamp 16 so expensive?

Well, it turns out quite a few things, because as the old saying goes “You get what you pay for”.

Weighing a mere 2,650 pounds unloaded and stretching just 16 feet 2 inches long, the Basecamp 16 is a breeze to tow behind most small tow vehicles.

Don’t let its compact size fool you, though, as this trailer packs a punch when it comes to versatility and functionality.

Airstream Basecamp 16 Floorplan

Designed for adventurers who like to camp off-grid in the backcountry , at the heart of this Airstream Basecamp lies its ingeniously designed rear area, a chameleon-like space that effortlessly transforms from a cozy dinette to a lounge area or a comfortable sleeping space for two.

The kitchen, though compact, is also remarkably well-equipped, boasting a two-burner cooktop, a sink, a microwave, a 3 cubic-foot refrigerator with a small freezer, and panoramic windows.

And when it’s time to clean up, the wet bath, complete with a toilet and shower, ensures that you have all the creature comforts you need, even in the middle of nowhere.

Plus, as you might expect from a camper designed for boondocking, the Basecamp 16 is also loaded with off-grid and off-road features, that make extended stays in the backcountry not only possible but enjoyable as well.

One of the best features of the Basecamp 16 though is its rear door, which makes loading and unloading gear like kayaks, bicycles, or skis a breeze.

Wrapped in Airstream’s iconic riveted aluminum exterior, the Basecamp 16 is not just a pretty face, as it’s a rugged, weather-resistant warrior ready to tackle any adventure.

And if you opt for the X-Package, you’ll get even more off-road capability with a 3-inch lift kit and all-terrain tires.

Yes, the Airstream Basecamp 16 may come with a higher price tag, but it’s a small price to pay for the unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that Airstream is renowned for.

To learn more about the Airstream Basecamp 16, check out Airstream’s website here .

7. Riverside RV Retro 135

• Average Price : $17,000
• Dry Weight : 2,680 Pounds
• Length : 15 Feet 9 Inches

One of the most unique lightweight travel trailers on this list is the Riverside RV Retro 135, thanks to its one-of-a-kind retro styling.

As Riverside RV went to great effort to craft and style this tiny camper to look like a vintage trailer that you might have seen going down the road in the 1950s.

From its colorful two-tone aluminum siding on the exterior to its retro interior designed to look like a 1950s diner.

There’s more to this compact camper though than just retro styling, as the Retro 135 packs a surprising amount of functionality into its small 16-foot frame.

With a dry weight of just 2,680 pounds, this ultra-lightweight trailer can be easily towed by a wide range of vehicles.

Riverside RV Retro 135 Floorplan

Inside, the Retro 135 features a unique layout with a jackknife sofa on one side and a small kitchen on the other.

While the trailer doesn’t have a traditional dinette (unless you opt for the optional two-person booth), the sofa provides a comfortable seating area that can also be converted into additional sleeping space.

The kitchen, though compact, includes a 6 cubic foot gas/electric two-way absorption fridge, a two-burner cooktop, and a small sink.

At the front of the trailer, you’ll find a full-size bed that accommodates a camp queen mattress and offers headboard storage as well as power outlets/USB ports.

Perhaps best of all though is that despite its small size, the Retro 135 manages to include a bathroom with a separate toilet and shower.

With its eye-catching retro style, practical features, and ultra-lightweight design, the Riverside RV Retro 135 is a unique and appealing option great for solo travelers, couples, or even small families looking for a fun and functional compact camper.

For more information on the Riverside RV Retro 135, check our Riverside RV here .

8. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH

• Average Price : $18,000
• Dry Weight : 2,690 Pounds

While Jayco is typically known for producing large full-size travel trailers well over the 3,000-pound threshold, they do make one small lightweight travel trailer under that mark.

Part of the Jay Flight SLX lineup, the 154BH is the smallest and lightest travel trailer that Jayco makes, with an overall length of 18 feet and a dry weight of 2,690 pounds.

Despite its compact size though, the Jay Flight SLX 154BH is still loaded with comfort and convenience features.

In addition, the interior also offers a modern decor with bright and airy colors, creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH Floorplan

Starting at the front of the trailer, you’ll find a dinette that can be converted into a sleeping area, while the rear features double bunk beds, making it an excellent choice for small families or groups of friends.

The kitchen is well-equipped with a two-burner propane cooktop, a microwave, and a large 12-volt refrigerator.

Sharing the back wall with the bunk beds is a surprisingly spacious two-piece dry bath that features a separate toilet and oversized shower. The bathroom also features a skylight, adding extra headroom and natural light.

On the exterior, the Jay Flight SLX 154BH features a power awning with LED lighting, outside speakers, and an exterior griddle for outdoor cooking.

The trailer also includes a pass-through storage compartment, perfect for storing larger items like camping gear or outdoor equipment.

With its ultra-lightweight design, family-friendly layout, and impressive array of features, the Jay Flight SLX 154BH is an excellent option for those looking for a compact and easy-to-tow travel trailer that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or functionality.

For more info on the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 154BH and to take a 3D tour, visit Jayco’s website here .

9. Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH

• Average Price : $15,000
• Dry Weight : 2,810 Pounds
• Length : 20 Feet 11 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity : 5

There are many reasons why RVers love the Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH, the three main ones though are its affordable price, large size, and high sleeping capacity.

Starting first with its price, the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH is not only one of the cheapest campers you can buy under 3,000 pounds but it’s one of the cheapest period. As you’d be hard-pressed to find a less expensive trailer, especially one as large as the 177BH.

Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH Floorplan

This leads to the next reason why people love this camper, which is its large size, as the 177BH is one of the largest travel trailers you can buy and still stay under 3,000 pounds .

Which allows the trailer to offer far more interior space than a typical sub-3,000 travel trailer.

And finally, the last reason why this camper is so popular with RVers is its high sleeping capacity.

As the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH offers a five-person sleeping capacity, thanks to its bunkhouse layout , which features a front east-to-west full-size bed, a convertible dinette booth, and rear single bunk beds.

For more information on the Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH, check out Gulf Stream’s website by clicking here .

10. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB

• Average Price : $23,500
• Dry Weight : 2,846 Pounds
• Length : 15 Feet 8 Inches

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB is one of the most well-equipped lightweight campers on the market, plus, it’s also one of the few small campers to offer twin beds .

This compact travel trailer has a dry weight of just 2,846 pounds and a total length of 15 feet 8 inches.

Despite its small size, however, the Geo Pro G15TB packs a surprising amount of features and amenities into its well-designed interior.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB Floorplan

The rear living area features a convertible dinette that can be transformed into a comfortable bed for two or one king-sized bed . The dinette is also flanked by large windows with MCD blackout roller shades, providing plenty of natural light and privacy when needed.

The front kitchen, though compact, is well-equipped with a three-burner stove with a glass folding top, a single-basin stainless steel sink, and a microwave. The kitchen also features one of the largest 12-volt refrigerators you’ll find in a travel trailer under 3,000 pounds, with double doors and a separate freezer.

The Geo Pro G15TB also includes a wet bath, which provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The bathroom features a combined toilet and shower, as well as a dry storage hatch and additional storage on the wall.

The technology package on the Geo Pro G15TB is what makes this loaded camper stand out from the crowd though, as it offers a 200-watt solar panel, a 1,800-watt inverter, and a 30-amp charge controller, all powered by Go Power.

Which allows you to stay off-grid for extended periods, making it ideal for boondocking and remote camping.

With its impressive features, ultra-lightweight design, and versatile layout, the Geo Pro G15TB is an excellent choice for couples or small families looking for a well-equipped and adventure-ready compact travel trailer.

To learn more about the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB and to take a 3D tour, visit Forest River’s website here .

11. Forest River Viking 17SBH

• Average Price : $16,500
• Dry Weight : 2,896 Pounds
• Length : 20 Feet 5 Inches

The Forest River Viking 17SBH is similar in many ways to the above Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH , as they’re both about the same size and offer the same bunkhouse layout.

They even have similar prices, as they’re only separated on average by a few thousand dollars.

However, the Viking 17SBH does have a few unique features that set it apart, which is why it’s the top-selling single-axle bunk model floorplan in the industry , according to Forest River.

To see other in-demand Forest River floorplans, check out our blog post “ 10 of the Most Popular Forest River Travel Trailer Floor Plans “.

Forest River Viking 17SBH Floorplan

Inside, the Viking 17SBH offers a comfortable and well-designed living space. The front of the trailer features a full-size bed with ample storage above and below. The dinette, which can be converted into an additional sleeping space, sits opposite a compact kitchen.

One of the standout features of the interior though is the amount of cabinet space available. Despite its small size, the Viking 17SBH manages to include plenty of storage for clothing, food, and other essentials.

The rear of the trailer is dedicated to a set of bunk beds, perfect for kids or extra guests .

The bathroom, while compact, and lacking a bathroom sink is a dry bath, which is always preferable to a wet bath, especially on those longer camping trips.

With a gross vehicle weight rating of just 3,943 pounds and a cargo capacity of 1,047 pounds, the Viking 17SBH is a lightweight and easy-to-manage travel trailer that still offers plenty of features and comfort for families looking to get out and explore the great outdoors.

For more information on the Forest River Viking 17SBH and to take a 3D tour, check out Forest River’s website here .

12. Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH

While the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 177BH and the Viking 17SBH are very similar campers, those similarities pale in comparison, when looking at the Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH and the above Forest River Viking 17SBH .

As t he Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH is pretty much the same trailer compared to the Forest River Viking 17SBH, with the exact same weight, length, layout, and even average price .

Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH Floorplan

How is this possible though, and why would two different RV manufacturers make pretty much the exact same trailer?

Well, the answer has a lot to do with the fact that Forest River owns Coachmen RV.

Because of this, their RV lineups often have a lot of overlap, with Forest River/Coachmen making a lot of similar travel trailers just with different makes, models, and trim levels.

So what does this mean for the end customer, not a whole lot, just know that whether you’re looking at a Clipper 3K Series 17CBH or a Viking 17SBH, you’re looking at pretty much the same RV, just with a different name .

To learn more about the Coachmen Clipper 3K Series 17CBH and to take a 3D tour, visit Coachmen here .

Additional Travel Trailer Resources:

• Do Travel Trailers Have Generators? A Beginner’s Guide
• Are Travel Trailers Insulated for Winter? Find Out!
• 10 Must-See Travel Trailer Floor Plans (With Slide-Outs)

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs: 7 Best Models on the Market

Travel trailers under 3000 lbs offer exceptional maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and flexibility in where you can explore. With so many options on the market, choosing the right small camper for your needs can feel overwhelming. As an avid road tripper and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve learned what to look for in these sub-3000-pound trailers.

I can’t wait to share my top picks for the best small, lightweight travel trailers. We’ll explore models from leading manufacturers like KZ RV, Jayco, Forest River, and more. Whether you need a basic budget trailer or a fully loaded luxury camper, I’ll highlight the standout features, clever designs, and things to consider with trailers under 3000 lbs. Grab your road atlas and let’s hit the road to adventure in a lightweight, nimble camper perfectly suited for your needs!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

When it comes to campers under 3000 lbs, you will get the following benefits as opposed to if you had a heavier trailer:

• Various vehicles, from mid-size SUVs to minivans, can easily tow them.
• Most of them will go easy on your pockets.
• They are designed using light materials, which comes in handy when factoring in fuel costs.

But it is only the basics. Read on and find out what features and benefits these trailers offer, what are their pros and cons and how to choose one that is perfect for you. Let’s get to it straight away!

Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs: Comparison Chart of Top 7 Lightweight Travel Trailers

Check the table below, where I compare the features of the campers under 3000 lbs:

1. Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe

The Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe is a lightweight travel trailer whose body is constructed using steel. It features a 3-way, 4.3 cubic foot refrigerator, a 13,500 BTU AC unit, and a dinette double bed. Additionally, the 6.17 ft tall RV can accommodate up to 3 people, and It has a power retractable awning to allow outdoor comfort.

The 2 burner stove and 30 amp electrical service will also benefit you. Extra features include an LPG water heater, LED lights, and high lift suspension pkg.

At the front end of the trailer, you’ll find the wet bath and closet. The bathroom is vinyl-floored and has a plastic toilet, which is also in this area. A dinette that switches to a double bed and kitchenette is nearby. In the main living area, the Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe has an overhead cabinet to enable you to store several items.

The kitchen is at the rear and also has a vinyl floor. In this area, you will also benefit from bench seats.

Pros and Cons

Let’s shed light on the pros and cons of the trailer:

• The interior floor and walls are carpeted to reduce noise while insulating the camper van.
• It has potable on-board and a city water hookup with a water heater.
• It features air conditioning and heat prewiring.
• If you go for a long distance, you may need a heavy-duty tow vehicle to prevent the trailer sway from side to side.
• Lacks a tankless water heater.

Here’s more insight on this RV:

2. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 195RB

This RV is designed using wood, while the sidewall is constructed using aluminum. You will enjoy appliances like a mid-size 3 cubic foot electric-powered fridge and a recessed stove with two burners and an overhead fan. This trailer also boasts a 10 ft awning equipped with LED lights. There is also an 8,000 BTU AC to keep you cool.

The trailer’s wheels consist of steel and are from the brand Goodyear. The electrical service clocks at 30 amps to provide you with power. Despite its interior height of 6.5ft, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 195RB can comfortably accommodate 3 people and is easy to tow.

Starting with the kitchen located at the center, you’ll notice it is equipped with bench seats and a vinyl floor similar to the living area, which is centrally located. At the front of the RV is the master bedroom, which is also vinyl floored with a curtain door style.

The bathroom is located in the rear, together with the bathtub. There is also a plastic toilet. The shower is in this designation with a curtain door style. You’ll have access to a dinette that folds into extra sleeping space if you have company or want more space for yourself. Additionally, you can store stuff in the overhead storage cabinets.

Now, let’s delve into the pros and cons of the trailer:

• The trailer features a Magnum Truss roofing system, enabling you to minimize load capacity.
• It features valuable amenities like solar power and a backup camera that may be helpful during your trips.
• Powerful air conditioning reaching up to 8,000 BTUs.
• Absence of kitchen drawers.
• You can’t store anything in your bathroom.
• There is an absence of recliner sofas, as a matter of fact, any sofa.

Here is a video on this model:

3. KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch

This travel trailer has a durable aluminum exterior with fiberglass wall construction. Despite its interior height of 6.6 ft, this Toy Hauler trailer can comfortably accommodate 2 people. Some interior compliments include 2 non-reclining vinyl sofas, an 8-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator, 2 cooktop burner stoves, a microwave, and a round stainless steel kitchen sink. There is also a retractable 10ft awning providing great outdoor cover.

Let’s look at this trailer’s specs, floorplan, pros and cons.

Here is a list of specs for this machine that I compiled:

This trailer has a unique floor plan . Starting from the back, you will get a convertible dinette, allowing you to enjoy exterior dining with a cabinet to the sides. On the right is a vinyl-floored bathroom with a center-placed plastic toilet and a standard shower space (not a wet bath). The left portion hosts a pantry.

Your kitchen area located at the front has a vinyl floor and is accompanied by a pedestal table. Additionally, you get extra exterior storage.

To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of the lightweight trailer:

• It comes with AC, cable, heat, antenna, solar panel, and backup camera rewiring, making it easier to connect devices.
• It has a lift hatch cargo rear door. Hence, you can easily haul your camping gear, kayaks, or bikes.
• The full-size door is equipped with flip-up steps for simpler boarding.
• Unlike heavy traditional trailers, its light dry weight of 2,825 lbs allows you to use a variety of vehicles to tow it.
• Lacks reclining sofas, and there is only one convertible sofa bed .
• Doesn’t have satellite, phone, or washer and dryer prewiring.

If you want more insights on this trailer, here’s a visual depiction to aid you:

4. Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB

While this model was terminated in 2020 and the Feather Micro was introduced, fans of the Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB have always had room for this work of art. This RV can comfortably house two people with an interior height of 6.5 ft. Its exterior is manufactured using aluminum, and the sidewall is constructed using fiberglass.

On the interior, you’ll get a single-cloth sofa, a two-burner oven, a compact 2-way, 3-cubic-foot refrigerator, and a queen Murphy bed to enjoy your rest comfortably. The travel trailer also comes with a 2×4-foot picnic table, allowing you room to upgrade your RV however you see fit.

At the front of your RV is your living room location. Located next to it at the center, you have a kitchen. Both of these areas are vinyl floored. At the back of the RV is a vinyl bathroom with a shower separated using a curtain and a tiny sink. You also have a plastic toilet in that designated area.

The exterior of this travel trailer boasts a 10-foot awning and aluminum steps. You will also notice an aerodynamic, rounded profile with front and rear black diamond plating at the exterior. If you enjoy the outdoor vibe and want music playing, there are 2 marine-grade exterior speakers.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of this lightweight trailer under 3000 lbs:

• Featuring as one of the lightweight travel trailers, this trailer will comply provided you have an able tow vehicle.
• It has a battery power converter , automatic heater, and air conditioning prewiring.
• Great cabinet storage space with ball-bearing drawer glides with a 75-lb. capacity.
• Has satellite rewiring and wall-to-wall Armstrong vinyl flooring
• It lacks power retractable entry steps
• Lacks slideouts
• If you are a music fan, it lacks surround-sound speakers

Here is some visual assistance on the trailer:

5. Travel Lite Rove Lite

The Travel Lite Rove Lite has several models with different floor plans and features to accommodate various tastes. With around $22,000, you can enjoy one of these lightweight trailers. There are several amenities designed to make your trip enjoyable. Some include:

• 2-burner stoves;
• 3-cubic-foot fridge rated at 12 V;
• Limited 10-gallon fresh water supply;
• Solid surface kitchen and table with a high-rise kitchen faucet;
• A 9′ electric power awning.

You will also receive 13″ Custom Lite-weight Aluminum Wheels on the truck. The sidewalls are hydrolite to make it extra light. Many people prefer this due to its comparison to a heavy trailer, which may cause you towing difficulties.

You will enjoy a dinette for 2 people on the left and a sofa with the Travel Lite Rove Lite at the front. The back of the RV features the foot flush toilet with a 12 V power vent. You also have a single-bowl stainless sink on the right of the RV.

There is also a wood cabinetry storage design for the trailer. The storage build will help you easily keep items to prevent unnecessary space wastage.

Here are some key advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:

• With a 40 amp converter, you do not have to fret about power.
• These trailers feature rear stabilizer jacks, making your RV stable during travel and easy to tow.
• It features decent amenities like a high-rise kitchen faucet and wood-grain cabinetry.
• The company has a slow response time.

Here is a video explaining more about this model:

6. Gulf Stream Coach Ameri-Lite 16BHC

This RV is a wood-manufactured RV that has one awning to ensure you enjoy your outdoor activities. For the heat-ridden days, you have an 8000 BTU AC unit to cool you down. It also features one sliding door, a stove with two burners, and a compact electric fridge.

The RV accords you premium comfort through the Teddy Bear Bunk Mattresses. 2 bunks and a 30 amp electrical service are part of the package. In the bathroom located at the rear, you will also enjoy a bathtub with a fan system.

At the front is the living area, which has no sofas. Next to it is the kitchen area with bench seats. The plastic toilet and shower area are located in the rear. It is worth noting that the bathroom is vinyl-floored. In this RV, 4 is the total headcount it can comfortably handle. The Gulf Stream Coach Ameri-Lite 16BHC also has a dinette that transforms into a large sleeping area.

The pros and cons of lightweight trailers are clear:

• It has safety precautionary features like smoke detection and a wall-mounted fire extinguisher.
• The automatic air conditioning ranks at 13,500 BTU, ensuring you keep cool.
• It is spacious, especially considering its height and ability to house 4 people.
• It has cable and TV prewiring to keep you entertained.
• Unlike most lightweight travel trailers, it isn’t a washer/dryer and satellite prewired.
• It lacks necessary amenities like a refrigerator, microwave, and sink in the exterior kitchen.
• Absence of sofas for recliner lovers.

You can add more visual statistics to this trailer:

7. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB

If you are searching for a travel trailer with massive sleeping space and excellent build quality, here’s your fit. It has several amenities, including your TV and speakers. It also contains a 12 V refrigerator.

The exterior has a 10 ft awning for outdoor camping. Your kitchen will have a small sink and a 3-burner stove, allowing you to multi-task. I found it thrilling that this RV has two external storage units, maximizing space efficiency.

When you enter this lightweight trailer, you will notice the vinyl-floored kitchen that takes up the front space area. It also comes with a pedestal table. A vinyl bathroom and a porcelain toilet are located next to the kitchen. The shower is also in this section and has a glass or plastic door. This travel trailer has a dinette at the back, which can make two beds. The living area is also situated in the rear.

Weigh the pros and cons to see if a lightweight trailer is right for you:

• The bathroom has foot-flush toilets with a ventilation fan and vent cover.
• It uses Adzel in the wall framing instead of Luan. This material is stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly.
• Automatic air conditioning reaches a power of 13,500 BTUs.
• It has TV rewiring to ensure your entertainment.
• Absence of reclining sofas.
• It lacks a power retractable awning, meaning you must set it up yourself.
• Lacks washer/ dryer prewiring.

Regarding the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB, here is a video to give you more information:

How to Choose a Lightweight Travel Trailer Under 3000 lbs

There are several things you have to consider before acquiring a lightweight travel trailer. Here are some tips that will nudge you in the direction that best suits your needs:

• Understand the towing capacity of your vehicle: Review your ownership manual to find this metric. Ensure the travel trailer you wish to acquire can be fully supported by your vehicle.
• Check weight ratings: Once you become an RVer or are aspiring, you must understand various weight ratings, like a hitch or dry weight. It should generally be 10-15% of your trailer’s dry weight. So, if it has a dry weight of 3000 lbs, a hitch weight of between 300- 450 lbs is recommended to prevent trailer sway while driving.
• Always consider extra charges: Most people who own lightweight travel trailers get to a point where they wish to add extra comforts like air conditioners, a patio, which may cost around $1,000, and heated floors. The floors may cost you $10-15 per square foot. Air conditioner installation may cost you approximately $2,000, labor included.
• Read reviews: You will receive honest, unsolicited feedback about factors like quality from reviews that can save you the trouble of dealing with a bogus vehicle. You can get reviews from sites like rvinsider.com and Reddit .

Frequently Asked Questions

What trailer is 3000 lbs.

A trailer that is 3000 lbs is one that weighs 3000mpounds at face value. Several travel trailers, like the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 195RB and the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB, fit this description.

What Size Trailer Is 3000 lbs?

A trailer that is 3,000 lbs is one with a length of 15-20 ft. It can accommodate up to 3 people and is towable by a wide range of vehicles. Examples include teardrop trailers.

What Are the Best Travel Trailers Under 3,000 lbs?

The best travel trailers under 3,000 lbs include the Casita Travel Trail’rs Spirit 17′ Deluxe and the KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch.

To crown it all, campers under 3000 lbs are generally lightweight travel trailers towable by various vehicles, including minivans and mid-sized SUVs. These campers offer you multiple benefits besides being economically friendly since you can get one with $10,000-20,000. These campers also offer you the basic amenities necessary for camping, like a refrigerator, kitchen, shower, and bed. Being lightweight, they will also save you a lot in fuel and get up to 14 mpg, depending on your vehicle.

However, of all these campers, the Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe is my top recommendation. Aside from having a large accommodating space of up to 5 people, this 6.67× 6.17 ft. camper has great features like a PG water heater, a 6-gallon water tank, and a high lift suspension, making it one of the best lightweight travel trailers. Additionally, being lightweight, any vehicle that can tow 3,500 lbs from 4 by 4 to a minivan can handle it.

I`m a current Law Enforcement Officer working within the Counterterrorism Bureau in New York State. I have been Camping for over 20 years. My styles of camping include tent, car, truck, van, and RV travel trailer. I have a YouTube channel where I teach all types of camping with an entertaining method: https://youtube.com/@TheSmallsRVAdventures

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Travel trailers can be a whole lot of fun, and truck owners have been using them for years.

But what about people who don’t own trucks? Well, there are some amazing travel trailers out there that are smaller and easy to navigate!

Here are eight great travel trailers that weigh less than 3,000 pounds!

Table of Contents

The Casita Spirit

The Casita Spirit is an amazingly light travel trailer that starts out at 16 feet long and weighs in at as little as 1,970 pounds.  Amazingly enough, this travel trailer can also sleep up to six people inside of it.

It isn’t a pop-up camper either.  This camper is a fully enclosed fiberglass eggshell camper that features over six feet of headroom.

Families looking to sleep a lot of people within one small camper will need to opt for the bunkhouse floorplan.  This floorplan has a double bed at the rear, a set of bunks on the driver’s side, and a set of bunks at the front.

The side and rear beds turn into dinettes, and the passenger side features a small kitchen.  Unfortunately, there just isn’t room for a bathroom in this model.

People looking for a small camper with a bathroom can opt for the four-person layout, which exchanges the front set of bunks for a small wet bath and a bit of closet space.

This camper starts out at a price of $17,225.00 and can cost as much as $20,289.00. You’ll pay a bit more upfront when compared to some of the other small travel trailer models, but you’ll save a lot of weight, and you’ll get a great resale value when you sell it.

The Scamp 13

A direct competitor of the Casita is the Scamp.  These campers come in a few different models, but one of their most popular is the Scamp 13.

This camper is only 13′ long, but it still features room for sleeping four people or room for two people and a small bathroom.  It also features a small kitchen as well as a small closet in either model.

One of the best features of this camper is that it only weighs between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds.  This means pretty much anyone with a vehicle should be able to tow it.

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t somebody out there towing it with a bike right now.

Even though the camper is short and lightweight, it still offers an interior height of 6’3″.  Also, the sidewalls feature an R-value of R15, which is incredible considering how small and narrow the camper actually is.

These campers are made-to-order, and they don’t list their prices on the website. It’s also nearly impossible to find them used as they sell almost as soon as they hit the market.

My guess, however, is that they sell for right around the price of the Casita fiberglass campers.

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This little camper from the NuCamp company is called 400 and it is an 18-foot camper with a teardrop shape to it.  This allows people to stand in about 70% of the camper.

Presumably, tapering it into the teardrop shape at the back cuts down on the weight of the camper and improves its aerodynamics.  Also, because it tapers overtop of the bed, it doesn’t hurt the functionality of the camper.

The dry weight on this camper is 2,864 pounds, so people looking to keep the weight less than 3,000 pounds will need to watch they don’t fill their tanks too much.

Freshwater capacity is 22 gallons while the gray water tank is 18 gallons, and the black water tank is 12 gallons, so a person could potentially go over their weight limit if they aren’t careful.

As you might have guessed, this camper has a full wet bath.  It also features a nice sitting area and a small kitchen.  A couple or even a couple with a small child could easily spend a nice vacation camping out of this camper.

The downside of this camper is that it might be a little too pricey for some people.  Expect to pay somewhere between $30,000.00 and $40,000.00 for a brand new NuCamp 400.

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Airstream Basecamp

Airstream travel trailers have gotten much heavier since they first hit the market.  However, they still offer a camper with a dry weight that is less than 3,000 pounds.

The Airstream Basecamp is 16 feet long, and it comes in at a dry weight of 2,585 pounds.

It’s fully equipped to handle the camping needs of up to two people but no more than that.  It has a large kitchen at the front of the trailer, a full wet bath on the side, and a dinette that converts into a bed at the rear.

You’ll also find that the water capacities are high for such a small camper.  It has a 22-gallon freshwater tank and a 29-gallon combination black and gray water tank.

One of the nicest features of this camper is the nearly 360 view you can get throughout most of the interior.  There are windows everywhere, and the inside styling is nearly a work of art.

On top of all of this, the Basecamp was built for adventurers.  This camper has a beefy suspension and a set of all-terrain tires to help it get into the backcountry.

As with most Airstreams, you’re going to have to spend more than usual.  Expect prices for the Basecamp to start out in the low $ 30,000.00’s and go up from there.

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Forest River RP-171 Floorplan

The Forest River R-Pod series of campers are all lightweight, but the RP-171 is the lightest of them all.  It has a length of over 18 feet and a width of 8 feet but still comes in at only 2,504 pounds.

Inside it has even more to offer than most lightweight campers.

It has a queen bed in the rear, a dinette in the front, and a kitchen and wet bath on either side.  The dinette can also be converted into a 42″ wide bed, so there is plenty of room for a family of 3 inside of this camper.

The freshwater, gray water, and black water tanks are all 30 gallons, so you can spend plenty of time off-grid.  Inside the kitchen, there is a small sink, a stove, a fridge, and even a microwave.  The dinette table is detachable, so you could even take it outside on sunny days.

One of the nicest features of this camper is its price.  You can get this camper for around $15,000.00, which is less than half of the price of the previous campers we just mentioned.

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Forest River Wolf Pup 14CC

Another interesting model by Forest River is the Wolf Pup 14CC.  This camper has an exterior length of 19 feet and a dry weight of 2,884 pounds.

The interesting aspect of this camper is that it has a rear entry door.  This splits the entire camper down the middle so that the tub and the toilet are in separate rooms.

Move past the bathroom area, and you have a kitchen on one side and a dinette on the other.  Continue past this, and you have a queen-size bed situated horizontally at the front.

I like that this camper manages to fit a large shower and a large fridge with a separate freezer into a relatively small camper.  A single person or even a very close couple could live reasonably full-time in this camper.

This travel trailer has a freshwater tank of 32 gallons and black and gray water tanks of 23 gallons.  It also features a sink, two-burner stove, and a microwave.

The price of this travel trailer is also quite reasonable.  Expect to pay between $12,000.00 and $16,000.00 for a brand new model.

The ALiner Grand Ascape ST

No, that’s not a typo.  Aliner decided to do a play on words and name their trailer the Grand Ascape rather than the Grand Escape.

The camper itself looks as odd as its name does, but that doesn’t stop it from being a neat little travel trailer. It’s only 14′ long, including the tongue, and it only weighs 1,700 pounds.

Nevertheless, they were able to fit a wet bath, a kitchen, a dinette, and a bed into it. It’s even tapered at the front to improve aerodynamics.  The downside to that is that you can’t stand up over the bed.

The freshwater tank is 11 gallons, and the gray water tank is 13 gallons. You’ll notice there is not a black water tank listed.  This is because the camper uses a cassette toilet so you won’t have to worry about emptying a black water tank.

Other standard options include a 26″ flat screen tv, a microwave, a stove, heating, air conditioning, and a 50-watt solar panel.  There is also an outdoor shower that you can use instead of the indoor one.

These travel trailers sell for about $20,000.00.

The Jay Flight SLX 7 145RB

This is the smallest hard side camper that Jayco has to offer. It comes in at 16.5′ long and 2,405 pounds.  It features a small bathroom, kitchen, bench seat, and a dinette that turns into a bed.

One of the best features about this camper is that despite its small size, it still went with a separate toilet and tub.  This is nice as wet baths aren’t for everyone.

The camper has a small freshwater tank of 10 gallons as well as 20-gallon black and gray water tanks.

Expect to pay about $13,000.00 for a new 145RB.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of travel trailer options for people with small tow vehicles.

Just keep in mind that some small vehicles may still need trailer brakes as well as the appropriate towing equipment, and you should be able to find the perfect travel trailer to suit your needs.

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Light Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds We Love

Published on July 10th, 2019 by Camper Report This post was updated on November 26th, 2021

Looking for a new trailer? But your truck can only handle small trailers under 3,000 pounds? Don’t worry, one of these lightweight campers might just be your answer.

Best Small Travel Trailers Under 3,000 pounds

The average travel trailer weighs about 5,200 pounds unloaded. But you might need to upgrade your vehicle after filling your tanks and swoting your gear. A bigger tow truck is the only safe way to take your travel trailer camping. But having to upgrade your vehicle adds to your costs. This can really cramp your camping plans, besides being unfriendly to the environment.

Why not consider a different kind of RV? Small travel trailers under 3,000 pounds have plenty of benefits you’ll enjoy right away. Low cost of RV ownership , easier maintenance, simple towing, and plenty of places to park.

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We’ve listed seven awesome small trailers under 3,000 pounds that are well below the average weight. Read on to see our favorite picks.

1. KZ Escape E160RBT

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 2,690 Net Carrying Capacity: 810

KZ RV’s Escape line of ultra-lightweight travel trailers uses fiberglass construction. This ensures that their travel trailers are easy to tow and durable.

If you’d like a choice of floor plans, check out their Escape mini line. This line has four floor plans. All of their light trailers under 3,000 pounds are full-featured. All have one queen bed and a slide out in the living area.

But for this list, we’re highlighting the model from the standard Escape line that weighs in under 3,000 lbs.

One of the most awesome aspects of this travel trailer is that the E160RBT doesn’t have a slide. Instead, this model has two 54 x 74 tent beds at either end of the trailer.

• The tent beds are self-supporting too. And, beds feature a heat-resistant, waterproof Aqualon Edge tent material that comes with a 7-year warranty.
• Each bed can hold up to 1,100 lbs. Don’t won’t worry about exceeding weight capacity. These beds are also super easy to set up. You only need one person to get these set up. Opening the tent ends are as easy as opening a door.

Ideal for weekends with kids

The box length of this model is 18’10”. The interior height is 6’6″. This makes it roomy enough for most adults and a great choice for weekending with kids. Since this model sleeps up to eight, its small size doesn’t prohibit its use as a family travel trailer.

The interior of the Escape E160RBT has a galley with a 6 cubic foot two-way fridge, convection microwave, and a two-burner cooktop.

The living space has a pantry/closet with hanging storage, a four-person dinette, and a jack-knife sofa. Both the sofa and dinette convert into sleeping space.

The bathroom is fairly small, but fully-featured. Inside, you’ll find the toilet, sink with medicine cabinet and vanity, and a corner shower.

Outside, you’ll find storage, speakers, a 10′ power awning with LED light, and an aluminum solid step system.

2. Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB

Another travel trailer from a well-known brand is the Jayco Hummingbird. This line has six floor plans to choose from, five of which are under 3,000 pounds. It’s one of the best small trailers with kitchens , too!

For this list, we’ve chosen the 16MRB model for the convenience of its Murphy bed and rear bathroom.

The Hummingbird 16MRB has an exterior length of 19’10” and an interior height of 6’6″. Other awesome features of this model include:

• Standard Goodyear radial tries
• Dexter rubber-torsion axle
• 10′ power awning with remote controlled multi-color LED lights.

Inside, this model has a generous 60 x 75 Murphy bed that opens out across the jack-knife sofa. There is no dedicated dinette. But, the couch is roomy and functions as a dining area. It stows down to a 2 x 4 size.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 2,780 Net Carrying Capacity: 970

The trailer includes:

• Convection microwave
• Two-burner range stove
• Cabinet and drawer storage
• And combination pantry/wardrobe

In the rear of the trailer, you get a bathroom with a large, mirrored linen closet. You also get a second storage closet. Plus, a standard toilet, sink, and corner shower.

On the exterior of the Hummingbird 16MRB is a pass-through storage area. A second, smaller storage area is at the rear of the trailer.

Jayco’s two-year limited warranty is awesome. It covers you for two full camping seasons.

3. Aliner Ascape Great Ascape Plus

Aliner calls itself the original A-frame, designed in the early 1970s. This A-frame pop-up camper is light enough to tow with almost any vehicle. In fact, it was first hitched to a station wagon.

Today, Aliner makes three lines of campers: the Aliner, the Ascape, and the Somerset. The Ascape camper isn’t an A-frame. This line of campers is closer to the teardrop models of other manufacturers.

Standard features on all the Ascape campers include:

• LED running lights
• Dexter 2,500 pound independent torsion axle
• Shurflo electric water pump
• Dropped floor for increased interior height.

There are eight models of the Ascape camper. One of our favorite trailers under 3,000 pounds is their Great Ascape Plus. This model is 75 inches long with an interior height of 6’4″.

The Great Ascape Plus has an outside shower. You also get a front-mounted 100 Watt solar panel and a Thule 6′ awning. This gives shade to the rear entry door. The Ascape Plus also features a Smev deep bowl Euro sink, cassette toilet, and a 26-inch flat screen TV.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 1,850 Net Carrying Capacity: 650

This compact Great Ascape Plus trailer is crazy functional inside. The dining area has a rotating table that seats four. There’s cabinet storage on either side of the TV. The kitchen has a microwave oven, two-burner range with a vent hood, cabinet and drawer storage. You also get a Dometic 3-way 3 cubic foot refrigerator.

Convert the dinette and you get a roomy 77×72 sleeping space. Or, use it as single beds on either side of the dinette.

This is an awesome light trailer under 3,000 pounds. It’s perfect as a convenient and comfy camper. Consider it a starting point for fun outdoor adventure!

4. Airstream Sport 16RB

If you’re a fan of the classic look of the metallic Airstream trailers, you’re in luck. The Airstream Sport weighs in at under 3,000 lbs and has the sweet, streamlined look you’d expect from an Airstream travel trailer.

The Sport travel trailer is designed for weekends in the woods. It features two compact, functional floorplans to meet your getaway needs.

Our pick is the 16RB model. This travel trailer is 16’4″ long and sleeps up to four with an interior height of 6’4.5″.

The best aspect of this awesome travel trailer is its clever design. Owners love the functionality with a modern aesthetic.

The panoramic front windows made of tempered safety glass let in lots of light and come equipped with blackout shades so you can get a restful night’s sleep in the dinette that folds down into a spacious 40 x 91 sleeping area.

The kitchen includes beautiful cabinetry along with a two-burner cooktop, 3 cubic foot 2-way refrigerator, and standard microwave.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 2,860 Net Carrying Capacity: 640

The bedroom includes overhead and under the bed storage. Access your stuff from inside or out. The master bed features a pillow-top memory foam mattress.

At the head of the bed are USB chargers and the furnace thermostat for easy access. Hidden storage lockers at the head and foot of the bed give extra space for your stuff.

The bathroom in the unit is small but has a pass-through area for the shower head so that it functions as an outdoor shower.

You can also use this awesome feature to have easy access for rinsing off outdoor equipment before stowing or cleaning muddy or sandy feet before coming inside for the evening.

5. Safari Condo Alto R1713

Safari Condo’s travel trailers are the definition of awesome. These distinctive travel trailers are inspired by aircraft design to be lightweight, aerodynamic, and durable.

The Alto line uses an independent Flexiride suspension and a low center of gravity to make it incredibly stable both while on the road and camping.

Safari Condo describes the roof and wall construction as being made of a sandwich-type material with a plastic honeycomb core.

One one side, this core is laminated with aluminum and on the other either Alufiber or aluminum for superior strength with the lightest possible weight.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 1,683 Net Carrying Capacity: 817

We’ve chosen to feature the R-series because of its appealing retractable roof made of seamless aluminum. When the roof raises, it exposes a tinted tempered glass crescent that gives a distinctive exterior and a tree-house feel inside.

The interior has a height of 82 inches and the features are highly customizable. The rear of the trailer is a 72 x 76 king size bed that can also convert to two 27 x 76 singles.

The dining table can also be moved to this area to create a five-seat dinette if you’ve got a bigger group or just want to entertain.

The dinette in the front of the trailer converts to a 36 x 81 bed and when used as a dinette seats two. With all of the gorgeous windows, any seating area inside this trailer brings the outdoors inside.

The only drawback that we can find to this travel trailer is the bathroom. Instead of a traditional bathroom, the Alto has a fixed flush toilet in a toilet cabinet that includes a lot of storage.

The trailer does have an exterior shower outlet and can be upgraded to a wet bath.

The galley holds a two-burner LPG flush mount stove, cabinets with sliding shelves, a 3 cubic foot fridge, and a microwave oven.

One of the best features in this awesome travel trailer is that it is designed to be environmentally conscious, so this trailer can be towed by a Subaru Outback rather than a large truck that has a bigger footprint.

6. TAXA Outdoors Cricket

TAXA Outdoors says they make “mobile human habitats built for adventuring.” And while that may not be the verbiage you’ll find on most RV lots, TAXA was founded by a NASA architect who worked on the International Space Station.

The RVs from TAXA are all awesome travel trailers under 3,000 pounds. They’re specifically designed to make you feel like a part of nature rather than in a luxury vacation home. The design elements of their models are meant to be multi-purpose, functional, and foster interaction between campers and with the outdoors.

The Cricket is a 15-foot long trailer with an interior height that ranges from 4’2″ (when the pop-top is closed ) to 6’10” at its highest point.

Cricket has a pop-up roof which gives great ventilation through its five mesh windows, especially when combined with the four swing windows (that include shades and screens).

This model is designed to be towed by even four-cylinder engines and comfortably sleeps, two adults and two children.

The V-berth bed, lounge, and storage system make it possible for you to access under-bed storage and use the pop-up table while still using the 75 x 59 bed. This trailer also has a kids’ sleeping area that measures 60 x 22 and holds up to 130 lbs.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 1,732 Net Carrying Capacity: 768

The kitchen has a significant counter with a covered sink and six large cubbies for prepping, cooking, and storage. The cooking surface is a Dometic combo two-burner stove and sink, and the kitchen is attractive birch plywood.

TAXA’s Cricket is designed to be insanely durable with a 1-inch plywood deck with ABS laminate, non-slip seamless nickel patterned flooring, a laser cut aluminum skeleton, and a powder-coated steel chassis.

The sides are Kynar-painted aluminum composite panels which increase the trailer’s strength and keep it lightweight.

Cricket also comes with 15″ steel wheels with all-terrain tires that carry a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty so that all your off-road dreams can finally come true.

You do have to upgrade the base Cricket model to get a portable toilet and the portable shower tent, but the outdoor shower comes standard.

This is definitely one awesome model you should check out if you want an out-of-this-world experience while staying close to the ground.

7. Forest River R-Pod RP-179

The last of our favorite small trailers under 3,000 pounds may also be the cutest. Forest River’s R-Pod comes in 9-floor plans under 3,000 lbs, and in lengths ranging from 18’4″ to 20’4″.

This travel trailer has a signature rounded look and is designed by Forest River to offer affordable luxury at a low tow weight.

One of the most popular R-Pod models is the RP-179. This 20-foot long model has an awesome floor plan (and an interior height of 6’6″) with a 60 x 74 queen bed in the front of the trailer and a rear kitchen.

Built on a sturdy powder-coated steel frame, the R-Pod rides on an independent torsion axle with aluminum wheels, nitrogen filled tires, and EZ-lube hubs.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of counter space in the rear kitchen along with a 3-way 3.7 cubic foot refrigerator and a two-burner recessed cooktop with a flush mount glass cover as well as a stainless steel sink.

The bathroom, located between the kitchen pantry and bedroom wardrobe, holds a Thetford toilet inside the wet bath.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight: 2,756 Net Carrying Capacity: 1,036

The single slide in this trailer makes room for the fridge as well as an incredibly large 75 x 45 u-shaped dinette. Another awesome feature of the dinette is that the table is free-standing so it’s easily moved outside as well.

Some of the R-Pod’s most popular features include the large 36-gallon holding tanks, LED interior lighting, tinted safety glass windows, and for those who travel with their furry companions, pet-friendly frame mounted utility hook and food/water bowls.

Other optional features include a convection microwave oven, 24″ LED flat screen TV, R-Dome awning with screen room, and the bike carrier that holds two bikes.

All of these awesome features come wrapped inside the welded aluminum sidewalls and floor with laminated sidewalls on the floor and roof, including a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof.

The R-Pod is an all time best trailer under 3,000 pounds. It’s a can’t miss for those who like easily towable travel trailers for a great value with a low price.

Get Out Now With Awesome Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

Small trailers under 3,000 pounds are fun, fast ways to get camping. In most cases, you won’t need to buy a new truck. This frees up your money for all those unforgettable places to see on your next road trip.

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About the author:, 5 thoughts on “light trailers under 3,000 pounds we love”.

ware can i see one i live in northern cal ,and can i pull it with a2006 honda pilot 300 lb tongue weihgt

ware can i see one i live in norhern caand can i pull it with a2006 honda pilot

I SURE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS UNIT AS I WOULD BUY IT? TWIN BEDS/ FRAMELESS AWNING/ INDUCTION ELECTIC 2 BURNER STOVE/ TANKLESS WATER HEATER/ MICRO-CONVECTION/ ALUMINUM STEPS/ FRICTION ENTRY DOOR 30″/ RETRACTABLE SHADE ON ENTRY DOOR/ SLIDING BUG SCREEN/ 15″ ALUMINUM WHEELS / SELF ADJUSTING BRAKES / DEXTER AXLES / LIGHT OAK INTERIOR / “U” SHAPED SLIDEOUT / DRY BATH / (NO BLANKETY BLANK SHOWER CURTAINS) / WALL TEMP THERMOSTAT TO CONTROL A/C & HEAT, W/ELECTRIC HEAT STRIP. IF YOU CAN GIVE ME A TRAILER LIKE THIS, UNDER 3000 PDS, WITH A TONGUE WEIGHT UNDER 300 PDS. I WILL BUY ONE ASAP. GIVE ME THE BEAREST DEALER NORTH FLORIDA EAST COAST/ I’M IN SEBASTIAN FLORIDA 32958.

I agree with all John has to say. I will buy one today. Does anything like this remotely exist?

Where can I see a KZ Escape E160RBT in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada?

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12 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds

The high cost of gas, bad terrain, and towing challenges are major concerns for many outdoor enthusiasts, and that’s where lightweight travel trailers come in.

These trailers are easy to tow, maneuver, and park, making them ideal for first-time RVers or those who can’t afford a larger RV.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 12 best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds.

The trailers on our list come in various sizes and styles, from pop-up roof campers to ultra-lightweight travel trailers. We’ve selected the best options based on weight, price, durability, and features. Whether you’re looking for a cozy camper for two or a family-friendly trailer with bunk beds, you will find something that fits your needs.

By selecting one of the trailers on our list, you can rest assured of a high-quality, reliable RV that will provide you with years of enjoyment on the road.

If you’re looking for a lightweight travel trailer that is easy to tow and won’t break the bank, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet and compiled a list of the top 12 lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Jayco 154BH Jay Flight SLX

The Jayco 154BH Jay Flight SLX is an ultra-lite wonder for a lightweight travel trailer that prioritizes efficiency and comfort on the road.

This is a great option for couples or small families who want a lightweight travel trailer that is easy to tow and has all the amenities of a home.

Weighing in at just 2,810 pounds, this trailer offers a complete package of amenities:

Specifications:

• Unloaded Weight: 2,810 pounds
• Cargo Carrying: 790 pounds
• Dry Hitch Weight: 250 pounds
• Fresh Water: 20 gallons
• Gray Water: 19.9 gallons
• Black Water: 19.9 gallons
• Propane: 20 pounds (30 pounds optional)
• Sleeps: Up to 4 people

Crafted with mobility and comfort in mind, the  Jayco 154BH  Jay Flight SLX provides a surprisingly spacious interior. 

Its inviting queen-sized bed ensures a restful night’s sleep, while the well-appointed kitchenette allows for the preparation of delicious meals on the go.

Despite its lightweight nature, the bathroom doesn’t compromise on functionality, offering all essential amenities for a refreshing experience. 

Whether it’s a short getaway or an extended journey, this cute lightweight camper perfectly balances convenience and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for minimalists, solo travelers, or couples seeking a reliable and comfortable travel companion.

2. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD is another great option for those who want a stylish and lightweight travel trailer with all the amenities of a home.

Weighing just 2,890 pounds, this trailer offers a host of features:

• Length: 20’0″
• Width: 7’4″
• Height: 9’7″
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4 people
• Fresh Water Capacity: 31 gallons
• Gray Water Capacity: 30 gallons
• Black Water Capacity: 30 gallons

Crafted with an eye for sophistication and practicality, the Compact Cruiser boasts a well-utilized interior space.

Its comfortable queen-sized bed awaits tired travelers, and it is complemented by a functional kitchenette that simplifies meal preparation while on the road.

The bathroom within this lightweight trailer is intelligently designed, providing all the necessary amenities without compromising on space or utility.

Whether a spontaneous road trip or a planned vacation, the Compact Cruiser promises a seamless blend of style and efficiency, catering perfectly to couples or individuals seeking a streamlined travel experience.

3. Armadillo Trailers

Armadillo Trailers are lightweight travel trailers perfect for couples or small families. With a dry weight of just 1,800 pounds and a GVWR of 2,500 pounds, this compact rig is easy to tow and maneuver. It has a 35-amp converter/battery charger, an LED interior and exterior 12V, and many other features.

• Length: 13’0″
• Width: 6’8″
• Height: 7’4″
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2 people
• Fresh Water Capacity: 11 gallons

Whether embarking on a nature-bound adventure or exploring scenic routes, the Armadillo Trailers promise a conscientious yet comfortable journey for an individual seeking an environmentally mindful travel companion.

4. The Geo Pro G12SRK

The Geo Pro G12SRK is a lightweight, compact travel trailer perfect for solo travelers or couples.

With a dry weight of just 1,800 pounds and a GVWR of 2,500 pounds, it’s one of the lightest trailers on this list.

It has a compact interior, including a range of features such as a comfortable sleeping area and a highly functional kitchen with a range of convenient amenities.

• Length: 12′ 0″
• Width: 6′ 4″
• Height: 7′ 6″
• Dry Weight: 1,614 lbs
• Fresh Water Capacity: 20 gallons
• Grey Water Capacity: 12 gallons
• Black Water Capacity: 12 gallons

Crafted with an adventurous spirit, the Geo Pro G12SRK offers everything for a comfortable journey. Whether navigating rugged terrain or seeking secluded campsites, here’s the perfect rig for solo travelers or adventure-seeking duos.

5. Airstream Bambi 16RB

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a lightweight travel trailer for easy towing and maneuvering will love the Airstream Bambi 16RB.

This versatile option has a dry weight of just 2,860 pounds, making it easy to tow with a small SUV or truck.

It features a spacious interior, a fully equipped kitchen, and a comfortable sleeping area.

• Length: 16′ 3″
• Width: 8′ 0″
• Height: 9′ 3″
• Dry Weight: 2,860 lbs
• Fresh Water Capacity: 23 gallons
• Grey Water Capacity: 21 gallons
• Black Water Capacity: 18 gallons

Crafted for versatility, the Airstream Bambi 16RB maximizes its compact interior space. This elegant-looking rig comes with a comfortable queen-sized bed and a functional kitchenette for easy meal preparation on the road.

Despite its lightweight build, the bathroom within this trailer is well-designed, offering necessary amenities without compromising comfort.

Whether exploring scenic routes or setting up base camps, the Airstream Bambi 16RB caters perfectly to individuals seeking a practical and adaptable travel companion.

6. Casita Spirit Deluxe

The Casita Spirit Deluxe is a lightweight, stylish, modern travel trailer. With a dry weight of just 2,480 pounds and a GVWR of 3,500 pounds, this rig combines quality and compactness to give you the most enjoyable camping experience.

Its amazing features start with easy towing and maneuvering. It has a lovely interior with a queen-sized bed, dinette, a full kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower.

• Length: 16’0″
• Height: 8’11”
• Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3 people
• Fresh Water Capacity: 16 gallons
• Gray Water Capacity: 32 gallons
• Black Water Capacity: 15 gallons

When it comes to lightweight travel trailers, the Casita Spirit Deluxe represents elegance and practicality.

With its interior boasting a surprisingly spacious layout and intelligent designs, this camper is tailored for the modern nomad.

Whether you plan culinary adventures on the open road or desire a kitchenette that enables you to showcase your unique cooking skills, this trailer elevates every journey to an unforgettable experience of sophistication and ease.

7. Happier Camper HC1

The Happier Camper HC1 is a lightweight travel trailer that combines versatility and modernity in one compact travel trailer. Crafted with style, blending retro aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality, this lightweight travel trailer boasts an array of features that make it a choice for small camper lovers.

It has a dry weight of about 1,100 pounds, a GVWR of 2200 pounds, and can sleep up to 5 people.

• Length: 13 feet
• Width: 6 feet 11 inches
• Height: 7 feet 5 inches
• Sleeps: up to 2 people
• Freshwater tank: 5 gallons
• Gray water tank: 7 gallons
• Black water tank: 2 gallons

The signature Adaptiv™ cube system allows you to effortlessly configure the space and transform it from a comfortable dining area into sleeping quarters or a spacious lounge for social gatherings.

The futuristic yet minimalist interior integrates seamlessly with modern-day amenities, including a solar panel option for sustainable energy and a Bluetooth-enabled sound system for a touch of entertainment on the go.

8. Scamp 13

The Scamp 13 is a compact, lightweight travel trailer embodying a harmonious fusion of portability, functionality, and enduring charm. It features a fiberglass exterior that is durable and easy to maintain. The trailer has a dry weight of 1200–1500 pounds and a GVWR of 2000 pounds, making it easy to tow with most vehicles.

• Width: 6 feet 8 inches
• Height: 7 feet 6 inches
• Sleeps: up to 4 people
• Freshwater tank: 12 gallons

Crafted by Scamp Trailers, this compact wonder redefines the realm of minimalist travel without compromising on comfort.

Its seamless blend of retro aesthetics with modern functionality is a hallmark of its appeal. Inside, the well-utilized space houses a snug sleeping area that cleverly converts into a dining space, offering versatility without sacrificing comfort.

The Scamp 13’s kitchenette defies its compact size by providing ample room for culinary endeavors. Its bathroom, though compact, encapsulates essential amenities for a refreshing experience on the go.

9. Aliner Classic

Also categorized with hardside pop-up campers , the Aliner Classic is a lightweight travel trailer perfect for weekend getaways or extended trips. This compact wonder epitomizes innovation and efficiency to redefine the art of adventure on the road. Don’t be fooled by its compact size; the Aliner Classic is a true powerhouse.

Its unique folding design lets you set up and take down the trailer in minutes. The trailer has a dry weight of 1590 pounds and a GVWR of 2500 pounds, making it exceptionally easy to tow with most vehicles. Its aerodynamic profile and rugged construction ensure stability and durability even on challenging terrain.

• Length: 15 feet
• Width: 6 feet 6 inches
• Height: 6 feet 10 inches
• Sleeps: up to 3 people
• Freshwater tank: 11 gallons

One amazing feature of this trailer is its sleeping area, which easily converts into a dinette for space and convenience.

The kitchenette offers the convenience of a sink, stove, and refrigerator, catering to culinary adventures on the go. With ample storage and well-placed amenities, every inch is maximized for a comfortable and convenient journey.

10. Forest River R-Pod RP171

The Forest River R-Pod RP171 is another lightweight travel trailer under 3000 pounds, and believe me, this compact camper is everything you need for your next adventure-packed getaway. Designed with savvy travelers in mind, this trailer brings together compactness, functionality, and comfort in a single, easy-to-tow package.

• Length: 18 feet 4 inches
• Height: 9 feet 7 inches
• Freshwater tank: 36 gallons
• Gray water tank: 30 gallons
• Black water tank: 30 gallons

Don’t let its size fool you – this camper is big on features. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious layout that maximizes every inch of its compact frame. The slide-out kitchenette is a game-changer, boasting a two-burner stove, sink, refrigerator, and ample counter space. Perfect for whipping up your favorite campsite meals!

But it’s not just about cooking; it’s about sleeping like royalty on the road. The RP171 boasts a comfy queen-sized bed, offering a relaxing night’s sleep after a day of exploration. Need more? The dinette can easily transform into an extra sleeping space, accommodating up to four people comfortably.

11. TAXA Outdoors Cricket

The TAXA Outdoors Cricket is another lightweight travel trailer under 3000 pounds, and we love how this elegant and highly functional rig showcases its power on the road. Having it on our list is a no-brainer because we know this trailer is a game-changer.

It features a creative and durable design that can handle a variety of terrains and climates. The trailer has a dry weight of 1460 pounds and a GVWR of 2500 pounds, making it easy to tow with most vehicles.

• Width: 6 feet 7 inches
• Height: 6 feet 11 inches
• Sleeps: up to 2 adults and 2 children
• Freshwater tank: 15 gallons
• Gray water tank: 15 gallons
• Black water tank: 8 gallons
• Propane: 20 pounds

Crafted for adventurers who revel in comfort and capability, the Cricket embodies innovation and versatility.

One excellent feature of this trailer is its pop-up roof, which provides standing room and increased airflow. You can customize it for dining, working, or sleeping arrangements, making it perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families seeking flexible travel options.

12. Jayco Hummingbird 17RB

The Jayco Hummingbird 17RB comes last on our list of lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds, but it’s by no means at the bottom when it comes to functionality and design. Boldly asserting its presence, this travel trailer exudes an impressive blend of compactness and comfort that defies its placement in the lineup.

At 2,890 pounds, this trailer packs a punch with its well-crafted design:

• Length: 19 feet 9 inches
• Width: 7 feet 1 inch
• Height: 9 feet 1 inch
• Freshwater tank: 25.6 gallons
• Gray water tank: 25.4 gallons
• Black water tank: 25.4 gallons

The Hummingbird 17RB stands tall, offering a surprisingly spacious interior layout for its size. It has a queen-sized bed to provide a restful haven after a day of adventure, while the kitchenette, complete with modern appliances, is an inviting space to whip up delicious meals on the go.

Despite its compact build, the bathroom within this travel trailer is well-designed to give you a refreshing experience wherever your journey takes you.

Features to Look for in a Lightweight Travel Trailer

When looking for a lightweight travel trailer, there are several features you should consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some of the key features to look for:

Of course, the trailer’s weight is the most important factor when looking for a lightweight travel trailer.

You want to find a trailer under 3,000 lb so it can be towed by most vehicles. Remember that the trailer’s weight will affect the amount of gear you can bring along.

The size of the trailer is also important. You want to find a trailer small enough to be towed by your vehicle but large enough to provide you with the necessary space. Look for a trailer between 15 and 25 feet long to sleep in and move around comfortably inside.

Sleeping Capacity

Consider how many people will travel with you and find a trailer that accommodates everyone. Look for trailers with a sleeping capacity of at least two people and up to four people if you plan on traveling with a family.

While lightweight travel trailers may have fewer amenities than larger RVs, there are still several features you should look for. Look for a trailer with a kitchenette, bathroom, and storage space. You may also consider a trailer with air conditioning, heating, and entertainment options.

Finally, consider the price of the trailer. Lightweight travel trailers can range in price from a few thousand bucks to even tens of thousands. Set a budget for yourself, and look for a trailer that fits your budget while still meeting your outdoor needs.

Considering these features when shopping for a lightweight travel trailer, you can find the perfect trailer for your next adventure.

Towing Vehicles for Lightweight Trailers

You have many vehicle tow options when towing a lightweight travel tra iler under 3000 pounds. Here are some of the most popular towing vehicles for lightweight trailers:

SUVs are a popular choice for towing lightweight travel trailers. Some of the best SUVs for towing include the Ford Expedition, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4Runner. These SUVs have a towing capacity of up to 7500 pounds and offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Trucks are another great option for towing lightweight travel trailers. The Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500 are popular tow trucks. These trucks have a towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds and offer plenty of power and torque.

Crossovers combine the best features of an SUV and a car. They are smaller than SUVs but offer plenty of cargo space and towing capacity. Some of the best crossovers for towing include the Subaru Outback, Honda Pilot, and Kia Sorento.

No matter which type of towing vehicle you choose, it’s important to ensure it has the right towing capacity and equipment for your lightweight travel trailer.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and consult a professional if unsure.

Maintenance Tips for Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds

Proper maintenance is a key factor in the longevity of a travel trailer. Here are some maintenance tips specifically for lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds:

1. Regularly inspect the exterior

Check the exterior of your travel trailer regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or leaks. Make sure to inspect the roof, windows, and doors as well. Any damage should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further issues.

2. Keep the interior clean and dry

Keeping the interior of your travel trailer clean and dry is important for preventing mold and mildew growth. Make sure to wipe down any surfaces that may have gotten wet, such as the bathroom and kitchen, and open windows and vents to promote air circulation.

3. Check the tires

For safety, prioritize checking the tire pressure and tread to ensure they are in good condition. Be aware of low tire pressure, which can cause poor gas mileage and difficulty maneuvering, while worn-out tires can be dangerous to drive on.

4. Maintain the electrical system

Make sure to regularly check the electrical system of your travel trailer, including the battery, wiring, and outlets. Any issue identified should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

5. Winterize the trailer

If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s important to properly winterize your travel trailer to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This includes draining the water system, adding antifreeze, and storing the trailer in a dry, covered area.

By following these maintenance tips, your lightweight travel trailer can stay in top condition for years to come.

• How To Winterize a Travel Trailer

Seasonal Considerations for Lightweight Trailer Travel

When planning a trip in a lightweight travel trailer, it’s important to consider the season you’ll be traveling in. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Summer is a popular time for camping, but it can also be the hottest time of the year. When traveling in a lightweight trailer, it’s important to make sure you have adequate ventilation and air conditioning to keep you cool. Look for trailers with large windows, roof vents, and fans to help circulate air.

Fall can be a great time to travel in a lightweight trailer, as the weather is cooler and the leaves are changing color. However, it’s important to be prepared for colder temperatures. Look for trailers with insulation and a furnace or heater to keep you warm at night.

Winter camping in a lightweight trailer can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right equipment. Look for trailers with good insulation, a furnace or heater, and a four-season rating. You’ll also want to make sure you have a good supply of propane and a backup heating source, such as an electric heater.

Spring can be a great time to travel in a lightweight trailer, as the weather is warming up and the flowers bloom. However, it’s important to be prepared for rain and mud.

Look for trailers with good ground clearance and mud tires to help you navigate muddy campsites. You may also want to bring a tarp or canopy to provide extra shelter from the rain.

By considering these seasonal considerations, you can ensure that your lightweight trailer travel is comfortable and enjoyable, no matter what time of year you choose to hit the road.

• 9 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 5000 Pounds

In this article, we have explored some of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds. These trailers are perfect for traveling light and enjoying the outdoors without the hassle of a heavy load.

We have examined various manufacturers’ models with unique features and advantages. From the Forest River R-Pod RP-180 to the Happier Camper HC1, these trailers offer a range of options for different needs and preferences.

Overall, lightweight travel trailers are an excellent option for those who want to explore the outdoors without the burden of a heavy load. With the right trailer, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while still exploring new places and making unforgettable memories.

FAQs About Lightweight Travel Trailers

If you’re considering purchasing a lightweight travel trailer, you might have questions about what to expect. Here are some common FAQs to help you make an informed decision:

What is the average weight of a lightweight travel trailer?

A lightweight travel trailer typically weighs between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds. However, for the purpose of this article, we are focusing on travel trailers under 3,000 pounds. These trailers are ideal for towing with a small SUV or crossover vehicle.

What are the benefits of a lightweight travel trailer?

One of the main benefits of a lightweight travel trailer is that it is easier to tow and maneuver than a larger, heavier trailer. It also tends to be more fuel-efficient, saving you money on gas. Additionally, many lightweight travel trailers are designed with aerodynamics in mind, which can further improve fuel efficiency.

What features should I look for in a lightweight travel trailer?

When shopping for a lightweight travel trailer, consider what features are most important to you. Some popular features include a bathroom, a kitchen, and a sleeping area. You may also want to look for a trailer with ample storage space and a comfortable seating area.

Can I tow a lightweight travel trailer with my vehicle?

Before purchasing a lightweight travel trailer, it’s important to ensure your vehicle can tow it. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on towing capacity.

Keep in mind that towing a travel trailer can put additional strain on your vehicle’s engine and brakes, so it’s important to choose a trailer that is within your vehicle’s towing capacity.

Do I need special equipment to tow a lightweight travel trailer?

In addition to a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, you will also need a hitch and trailer wiring. A weight distribution hitch may also be necessary to ensure safe and stable towing. It’s important to have a professional install any equipment to ensure it is done correctly.

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Best Travel Trailers Under 3000 Lbs

Travel trailers are extremely popular throughout the world, but large campers and fifth wheelers are out of many people's price reach. Not travel trailers under 3000 lbs, though!

Sure, you give up on some luxuries, but the best travel trailers under 3000 lbs offer many benefits while living life out on the road.

They're  lightweight so are easier and cheaper to tow, and can be done with pretty much any truck or SUV. Their compact size also means you'll have more options with  RV park s, something larger trailers sometimes struggle with.

But what are the best models on the market? We've reviewed a few to show you what you can get with a travel trailer under 3000 lbs.

As well as reviewing individual trailers, we've included a buyer's guide so you know what general characteristics to look for when shopping for a small travel trailer . And if you have any unanswered questions, we've included an FAQ section dedicated to all things travel trailers that come in at under 3000lbs.

Happier Camper HC1 ( Source )

What is a Travel Trailer Under 3000 Best For?

A travel trailer under 3000 lbs is a small camper, so if you want luxury and space, you are in the wrong place. But they do have their benefits, and are better in certain situations than their bigger brothers.

The biggest reason people buy these trailers is that they allow for a good camping experience. There is only a small truck or SUV needed to tow it, and the small size of the trailer allows you to park it just about anywhere. Since it's lightweight, you can also take it to heights and enjoy campsites that would be difficult to experience with a fifth wheel or other large RV.

A lot of people also use travel trailers as permanent residence areas, because they contain almost all the basic components that you need for a smooth living experience. There's ample space for a bed that transforms into a table. There are also storage cabinets and a shower area. 

Travel trailers under 3000 lbs are smaller, but you can use them as a residency if you really want the adventure. Some allow for both indoor and outdoor kitchen stove s to make the best use of space. And best of all, the cost of living inside a trailer is much less than living in an actual home.

This isn’t the prime reason people invest in travel trailers, but it's a good way to earn some passive income. You can rent out your trailer to friends or family or even outsiders for a week or two when you are not using it. And, you can use the vehicle for storage when you aren’t using it for residence or camping.

• Very lightweight and designed with comfort in mind
• Comfortable queen-size bed which can be converted into a couch
• Can be towed very easily with most small vehicles like smaller SUVs
• Features a great entertainment rid, including 12V/110V, LED TV
• Other features include an outdoor kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and a microwave
• Does not include a washroom

What Recent Buyers Report Users of this amazing travel trailer appreciate the minor upgrades that Jayco has implemented in their 2020 design. One of these is the better suspension and Norco frame to reduce the bounce experienced on rough terrains. Many have also pointed out the vast options of storage in such a small package.

Why It Stands Out to Us The Jayco Hummingbird 10RK is one of the most functional and tactical travel trailers available. The company knows what the customers want and has beautifully integrated all of it in its lightweight and compact RVs. Firstly, you get storage options inside the cabin and in the rear kitchen area, and there’s even exterior storage on the side. Another great implementation is with their Goodyear® 15" mud radial tires that include self-adjusting brakes as well. This, paired with the Dexter rubber-torsion axle, will help you easily take the small trailer on even your off-roading adventures. The foundation of this trailer is also extremely well-built. If that's not enough, you get a convertible queen-sized bed which is extremely comfortable. You can take the LED TV out from the back and install it in the interior TV mount too. The Jayco Hummingbird 10RK also features excellent ventilation with an option for an air conditioner as well. Lastly, the kitchen in the rear comes with a sink, refrigerator, and microwave. Bottom Line We’re especially fond of this trailer for a multitude of reasons, and is the perfect travel trailer for people who like off-roading adventures. It can go anywhere you want it to without any trouble at all. You get not only a comfortable getaway place but also one that is durable and can withstand the rigors of the off road.

Best Travel Trailer Under 3000 lbs for the Money: Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK

• Allows for 12-volt lighting and a 30-amp power converter
• Offers fiberglass construction that enhances durability and strength
• Comes with a large 12-gallon freshwater tank
• Super insulation keeps the temperature inside to an optimum level
• Not very spacious

Many re-occurring comments include the large water tanks and the interior decor which added to the whole camping experience. They like that many of the components were transformable: sofas and the table could convert into beds.

Why it Stands Out to Us  

Ideally designed for couples, this Scamp standard trailer is known for its unique look and thorough construction. The trailer is made of fiberglass, which offers comfort in all climates. It's a compact and lightweight design weighing only 1500 lbs, so you can easily tow it around by using your car or SUV.

The setup is extremely convenient and easily carries your personal belongings, thanks to enough storage space. There's a rear dining area where you can enjoy your meal and later convert it into a double bed for sleeping at night. There's a sofa that can easily turn into bunk beds , so you can actually sleep up to four people.

The  interior is smart with brown and blue cushions, carpets in addition to beige curtains. The windows are wide enough to allow plenty of natural sunlight. Finally, the fiberglass cabinets complete the look of the interior and make it a popular option for a comfortable weekend away.

Scamp trailers are unique and anyone who really wants something that will not only keep them comfortable, but really enhance your camping experience should consider one of these. There are bigger ones, so if this 13 foot Scamp trailer is too small, check out the website and maybe look to order a larger one.

Honorable Mention: Forest River R-Pod

The 12 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

If you want to travel for the rest of your life, it’s best to travel light. We’re not just talking about the things you pack either. The weight of your travel trailer or camper should ideally be as low as possible as well. Lightweight campers are among the best travel trailers that you could possibly buy. In this article we will be discussing three things: why, how, and what.

The why refers to the advantages of lightweight campers, particularly those that are under 3,000 pounds. This is the first aspect of such campers that we will be discussing here. Following that, we will move on to the how. Here we shall tell you the various things that you should be on the lookout for while buying a camper. Finally, the what refers to which campers we feel are worth the money. We have a list of 12 amazing campers that you can look through, all of which easily fall under 3,000 pounds and provide a lot of excellent features that you can take advantage of as well. Without any more delay, let’s start off by discussing why lightweight travel trailers are such a great option.

Why You Should Buy a Lightweight Travel Trailer

You get a lot of variations in size with the trailers that we have listed below. However, pretty much all of them would have a dry weight that falls under 3,000 pounds. That’s about 1,500 kilos if you use the metric system. The benefits of such trailers have a lot to do with the weight. Different sizes means that you can reap all of the advantages we will be discussing here without having to compromise on the amount of living space you and your family would be able to use.

Also see : The 4 Best Travel Trailers For 1/2 Ton Trucks

The primary benefit of these kinds of travel trailers is that they make your life easier. You can easily tow them with just about any vehicle. In fact, if the camper you buy is small enough you might even be able to tow it with a simple sedan. This makes it a far more accessible on the road living situation that you can invest in. Having to compromise on a travel trailer just because your car can’t tow it easily can be a real disappointment. Taking a travel trailer under 3,000 pounds for a test drive would show you how light they are while you are towing them.

Driving the camper itself would also be easier. A lot of people don’t want to have to tow their camper behind them. They would much rather invest in a single vehicle and use it for both living purposes as well as their primary mode of transportation during their life on the road. Lightweight campers tend to be the easiest travel trailers when it comes to driving. 3,000 pounds is not very heavy at all, so maneuvering your camper would be fairly easy as well so you wouldn’t have to worry too much if you are trying to turn a tight corner.

Now, it’s very important for you to understand that the benefits of such travel trailers are not just restricted to their ease when it comes to driving and operating them. They have plenty of functional advantages apart from this as well. For example, trailers under 3,000 pounds tend to be a lot more fuel efficient than heavier trailers. This is because fuel consumption is quite closely linked to the weight of a vehicle. The heavier a trailer is, the larger the amount of fuel required would be in order to get it up and running.

Lightweight travel trailers also tend to be more affordable. They are generally smaller than heavier trailers, which means that the asking price would full in a much lower range. In fact, if you compare the prices between lightweight travel trailers and those that weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, you’d see that a trailer that is even slightly heavier than 3,000 pounds would have a disproportionate increase in the price. You might not have enough money to afford those trailers, and this can delay your plans to get started on your adventures. Hence, by purchasing a lightweight camper you can avoid such delays and embark on your travels more or less immediately.

You will also get access to wider range of campsites and off-road locations if you travel in lightweight campers. Campsites generally have a hard limit with regards to vehicle size, and many don’t accept vehicles that weigh more than 3,000 pounds. Travel trailers under 3,000 pounds can also be parked in regular parking lots which greatly increases the number of places where you can rest for the night. It’s easier to travel to locations that don’t have proper roads leading to them as well as lighter vehicles have an easier time navigating tough terrain.

How to Find The Right Camper Under 3,000 Pounds

Figuring out what matters most in campers and travel trailers can be a little tricky. One thing to keep in mind is that the 3,000 pound figure generally refers to the dry weight of the camper. Once you add things like furniture and water to the storage tanks, the weight might go well past the 3,000 pound mark. Don’t worry if this happens though. It’s an unavoidable aspect of these kinds of trailers so it shouldn’t factor into your decision making process.

Before you decide to buy a camper, try to check out what floor plans they have available. Don’t make the mistake of accepting the first floor plan that you are offered. Sometimes the difference between floor plans can be quite drastic. A travel trailer that initially didn’t seem like a good option would actually provide a lot of value if you opt for a different floor plan. Try to prioritize certain things so that you can dependably look for them. Things like sleeping space and living options need to be optimized. Certain features like slide out beds and sofas can help save you a lot of space. These are things that depend a lot on the kind of floor plans being offered.

Floor plans also change what design options you are given. Design matters because you need a space that conforms to your aesthetic preferences. Your choice of floor plan might also affect your upgrade options. Sooner or later you would want to boost your lifestyle by adding a few new things into the mix. Adding some luxury to your travel trailer is great. You need to keep your options for upgrades open. Otherwise you might be restricted in what upgrades you can even ask for. This sort of thing is especially important if you plan on staying in your travel trailer for the long term.

Weight is important, but it’s not everything. A lightweight trailer might be a little too long. Or it would have disproportionate design elements that reduce the benefits of such a low weight. Pay attention to the length and width of the travel trailer. It should be consistent enough to prevent difficulties in maneuvering. Remember, this is an object that you would be towing behind your car. It’s shape will play an important role in how it affects your car’s trajectory.

The quality of the materials used during the manufacturing of your travel trailer can’t be ignored. High quality materials make a real difference. They offer more comfort in terms of softer and smoother seat upholstery. Durability is also optimized through the materials that a company might use. High quality material would not get torn or damaged so easily.

If you have kids, material quality and durability becomes even more important. Because kids are notorious for being rowdy. You will be very upset if you buy a brand new travel trailer only for your kids to rip through the seats on the first day. However, if this happens remember that it’s probably because the manufacturer didn’t use high quality materials. Durable material will never tear in such a short period of time short of someone actively trying to damage it.

If all else fails, just check reviews from other customers. They can help you see through the advertising the company might have done and will give you a true picture of what kind of experience you can expect from your travel trailer. Reading other reviews is an important aspect of getting a realistic idea of the camper you’re about to buy.

Top 12 Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

1. jayco jay sport camping trailer.

We want to start off by mentioning how solid this trailer is. It is made of some excellent materials. The metal used is highly resistant to corrosion. This means that the trailer will last a lot longer than most other trailers on the market. This also makes the trailer perfect for travel in rainy areas. Constant rain can do a number on even the most durable trailers. Unless their materials have been made specifically to resist corrosion in every way. A benefit like this is hard to find in travel trailers under 3,000 pounds. Durability usually comes with a lot of weight. It’s surprising that Jayco was able to make such a solid and durable camper while keeping the weight under 3,000 pounds.

We’re not done talking about how great this trailer is for rainy weather, by the way. It comes with an excellent fiberglass roof. This single piece of fiberglass is perfect for preventing any kinds of leaks. You get complete water runoff with the fiberglass roof. Leaks can be a real nuisance during your travels. They can cost a lot of money in repairs. A lot of your belongings might get damaged by these leaks too. You get a number of heated bed mats with this trailer. It would be a shame if they suddenly got spoiled.

As for sleeping arrangements, Jayco has provided a set of bunk beds. The bunk beds have curtains for privacy. Many would find this useful, since you need a little bit of privacy in order to sleep properly. Privacy is also maximized with the tinted windows. They’re made of vinyl too, which means they provide superior insulation.

2. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer

If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, this offering from Forest River is worth checking out. It has a lot of luxurious features such as the water filtration system. It allows you to bathe with pure water, and you can drink this water too. This would solve a lot of problems that you might face on the road. This trailer manages to offer durability without increasing its dry weight by using aluminum. This is a very light metal that is resistant to a lot of damage causing phenomena. It’s a smart move from Forest River to use this kind of material. It reflects their discipline as well as their commitment to offering the best travel trailers for people to use.

One problem that aluminum might cause is a lack of insulation. But this is well handled by the construction of the roof and walls, both of which have been vacuum laminated. Also, the pull out queen sized murphy bed that you get with this camper is heated. So you don’t need a lot of insulation anyway. Because the heat from the mattress would be enough to keep the cold away. Forest River has done a good job of fixing insulation issues that can occur whenever aluminum is used.

Forest River has also managed to provide an effective energy solution. This is the solar panel that you would find on the roof. The solar setup can also be optimized by replacing the solar panel. If you find that it’s too small for your general usage, replacing it with a larger one should be no big deal. Overall, this camper has a lot of space that you can use as well. There are extra sleeping berths in the living area which can be perfect for kids.

3. Scamp 13’ Standard Light Weight Travel Trailer

This is a very lightweight camper. It’s also quite compact. This means that it can be used comfortably by one or two people. Or you can use it as a supplement to your main trailer. The fact that it’s so light, with a dry weight of just 1,200 pounds, means that you can tow it with pretty much any car. People that don’t have large cars often struggle to find the right travel trailer. This option provides a solution that is more accessible to those that might have smaller scale cars.

Don’t let the small size fool you, though. This trailer comes with a lot of storage space. Every area of the trailer has been decked out with extra storage options. Scamp knows that storage space is really important. Even people that are looking for smaller trailers would need adequate storage options. So it’s good that you can store all of your belongings so easily.

A really great aspect of this trailer is the insulation. Since this is a small and lightweight trailer, it doesn’t need as much insulation. Maximum insulation means that you might not even need to get a heater of any sort. Your body heat would permeate the small space inside the trailer and keep it warm. The insulation would handle the rest by trapping all of this heat inside as long as you don’t open the door.

Another aspect of this trailer that we liked is how durable it is. It’s been made with very solid 11 gauge steel tubes. This means that the trailer won’t be getting damaged anytime soon. Steel is a rather heavy material. But this trailer has a very low dry weight anyway, so optimizing durability is something that needed to be done to make this trailer the best it could be.

4. United RV iCamp Elite Camper

The look of this camper is a big part of its appeal. It has an adorable design, one that is compact and very pleasant to look at. It’s not just the exterior that looks nice either. The interior has been decked out with a really retro aesthetic as well. If you’re the sort of person that’s nostalgic for the 70s or 80s, chances are that you would really like how the interior of this camper looks.

The curves and smooth edges along this trailer would help make it a lot more aerodynamic as well. It weighs just under 2,300 pounds. But it feels a lot lighter thanks to the aerodynamic design. You need your trailer to have as little drag as possible. Otherwise it might exert too much pressure on your car. This would damage your vehicle and make it difficult for you to travel at fast enough speeds. Hence, this trailer does a good job of not adding too much extra drag to your car.

The exterior of this trailer has been thoroughly laminated. This protects it from the elements. Rain and sunlight can both do a lot of damage to trailer exteriors. Lamination is necessary to protect the trailer from these kinds of things. The tubes reinforcing this trailer are made of aluminum. That’s partly why this trailer weighs less than other campers of a similar size. Aluminum helps make this trailer stable and durable while keeping the weight well under the 3,000 pound mark.

Even though this trailer is rather small, it doesn’t skip any of the necessary amenities. The bathroom comes with a shower and toilet. You also get a full kitchen with all of the accessories required to cook whatever comes to mind.

5. Barefoot Caravans Travel Trailer

The most iconic trailers are from the 60s. They have a really unique look to them that has stuck around for decades. Barefoot Caravans has managed to create a trailer that resembles that kind of aesthetic. It has a very nostalgic design that would remind a lot of people about their childhood. Weighing in at just a hair over 2,000 pounds, this trailer is also quite light. It manages to use what little space it has quite effectively. There are plenty of cabinets that you can use for storage. The built in wardrobe is quite spacious as well.

The windows are an especially impressive element of this trailer. They are designed to be as eco friendly as possible. This is mostly because of the fact that they are very well insulated. They come with built in flies and blinds too. So you wouldn’t have to spend any extra money on any of these items. Saving a bit of money on curtains can help you put this money towards other things. It would allow you to invest in making your living space a little more comfortable. The interior is cozy and well constructed, with everything being close within reach when you are in the living area.

This trailer also has a lot of lighting options. You get LEDs as your main lighting source. However, if you want to read at night without turning all of the lights on, you get built in reading lights for that as well. Some people would prefer to add their own lamps to the mix. You have two 230V sockets for this sort of thing. You have an extra 12V socket too if you want to charge your phone or laptop. The number of power outlets means that you would never have to go too far to keep your items charged.

6. Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe Small Travel Trailer

This trailer is a prime example of how you can have maximum luxury in tiny trailers as well.  Depending on the floor plan you choose, this trailer would weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 2,500 pounds. That’s well under the 3,000 pound mark once again. What sets this trailer apart is how luxurious the interior is. Some smaller trailers are not very luxurious and instead make do with cheap furniture and the like. That’s definitely not a problem that you would be facing with this trailer.

The kitchen area has two separate dinettes. This means that people in the trailer can dine separately if they so choose. It also allows for more space if many people want to eat at the same time. Both of the dinettes can be converted into sleeping quarters as well. This is why you can sleep up to 6 people in this tiny space. Most trailers under 3,000 lbs are only meant for three or four people at most. The fact that Casita has created a space for 6 people in such a small trailer is truly impressive.

The bathrooms have been designed for maximum ventilation in this trailer. You get a mesh window that will keep your bathroom aired out. It will also prevent bugs and other critters from getting in. As if that weren’t enough, you get an industrial strength fan for extra ventilation as well. This means that you can keep your travel trailer full of fresh air. Summer months are going to be really easy to get through thanks to all of this ventilation. They make things like air conditioners a lot less necessary. Especially if you are traveling in areas that don’t have especially hot summers.

7. Happier Camper HC1

This is perhaps the lightest travel trailer on our list. It weighs less than 1,100 pounds. And it can sleep up to 5 people. When you compare the weight to how many people it sleeps, this trailer might be the most effective option out there. It’s rare to find a trailer that’s this light which you can use to house up to five people. Midsized families should have no trouble at all traveling around in this camper. They can use this to make the most of the kind of budget they have and get closer as a result.

A really special aspect of this trailer is how versatile it is. The interior is very comfortable, but it can be changed to fit your needs. Whether you want to go camping, hunting or just want to live life on the road, the interior has enough options for you to customize that you will only ever travel the way you truly want to without having to make any compromises along the way.

The windows come with double hull insulation. This is the best kind of insulation that you can possibly hope to get. It basically seals the internal temperature of your trailer. If it’s warm inside, it will stay that way for hours on end. The same goes for cold. You will only ever have to turn your AC or heater on for a brief interval after which the double hull windows would keep the temperature pretty stable.

We also liked the large hatch door in the back. Smaller trailers need larger doors so that you can move things in and out easily. There’s a lack of space as it is, a small door would just make everything a whole lot worse.

8. Taxa Cricket Pop-Up Roof Camper

The most pertinent benefit of this camper is the pop up roof. It gives you more control over how much space you have. A low roof can be restrictive. But it can also help make the trailer more aerodynamic. You need a low roof while you are driving. When you park in a certain location to spend the night, you can pop the roof up and the canvas would provide a much higher ceiling. This facilitates excellent ventilation. So much so that the interior of this camper would always be cool. Even if it’s extremely hot outside.

Ample storage space has also been provided. You have six separate storage compartments, all of which have quite a bit of capacity to them. These storage compartments are perfect for when you want to maximize your travels. The bed also comes with a storage space. If you pick the mattress up you would see an adequate area where plenty of things can be stored. Most people would use this to store things like bedding and quilts as well as other bed related items. You can even use it to store your clothes if you need them to be easily accessible at all times.

One thing about this trailer that everyone might not like is the design. It’s angular and rather industrial. This is done for practical reasons. It helps make the trailer a lot more aerodynamic. Many might actually like the design quite a bit as well. It has a very modern look to it. People are starting to move past the idea of smooth lines and minimal curves. Angles and industrial looks are becoming more and more popular. So in a way, the design of this trailer is actually pretty futuristic if you take this into account.

9. Lance 1575 Ultra Light Weight Travel Trailer

Natural light is important. Artificial light can work fine as well, but for the most part you need at least a little bit of natural light coming in occasionally. Lance has brought a lot of natural light options into their ultra light trailer. There are two big windows that will let a lot of sunlight in. These windows will also give you a good view of the night sky once the sun goes down. They also help to make the interior seem a lot more spacious. Even reasonably roomy interiors can seem claustrophobic if they don’t also have top notch windows to help you see the outside world a little bit.

The décor in this trailer is quite fantastic. It has a very chic look to it. A lot of understated colors have been used. This makes it perfect for a romantic getaway. The kitchen has been placed in such a way that you would get a good view of the outside world at all times. This can enable you to make the most of your cooking experiences. It’s also placed right next to the main door for this trailer. Hence, you can just crack the door to get a bit of ventilation and to prevent smoke and other vapors and smells from collecting in this confined space. You probably wouldn’t need to do this, though, seeing as how this trailer comes equipped with an excellent exhaust fan.

This trailer has been insulated with block foam. This is an affordable yet effective solution that can help make the insulation quite complete. Such insulation also adds very little weight to the overall chassis. Thereby helping make this a really easy trailer to pull around wherever you need it to go.

10. KZ Spree Escape Mini Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer

This is the most luxury that you can get in a trailer under 3,000 pounds. The KZ Spree Escape Mini has all of the necessary luxuries, including a full bath in the bathroom. A full bath might seem like a huge luxury, but it actually has a lot of advantages to it that you simply can’t ignore. You need to be able to take a full bath on occasion, even if you are planning to live rough on the road. The bathroom also comes with a foot flush. This is really convenient since you can just flush with a tap of your foot rather than having to reach back and flush it the way you would normally need to.

You even get a fridge with this trailer, something that is usually only reserved to heavier trailers that are out there. Everything has been created using the finest materials. This is something that we liked since it means that everything is more durable as well. The sleeping area has also been well designed. It has a huge bed that goes from one wall to another. This creates a very cozy vibe. You can rest against the wall while you are on the bed. Which is a very comfortable way to sit that would enable you to make the most of your downtime.

The kitchen in this trailer has a lot of options. It provides an excellent two burner stove. The fridge is placed in such a way that it would never limit the space that you can use. You can also rely on the tinted windows to give you a lot of privacy. They come with pleated shades as well in case you want even more privacy. These shades can come in handy when you are trying to keep your trailer cool too.

11. Airstream Sport Travel Trailer

This camper looks more like a traveling restaurant in a lot of ways. It manages to offer an amazing kitchen without compromising on space. You get a two burner stove and a built in fridge as well. What’s more is that there are two dinettes, one of which is right next to the kitchen. The other dinette is a bit further off which is great if you want to be able to separate yourself from the kitchen. It can be hard to enjoy a meal if you have to sit right next to your workspace after the cooking is done.

You can also choose between an oven and a microwave in the kitchen. If you plan on cooking a lot, an oven might be a much better option. If not then a microwave might just be the way to go. It’s cheaper and is a great way to warm up all kinds of food. It’s also a more space saving option, so based on your priorities getting a microwave might just make a lot more sense for a number of different reasons.

All of the seating in this trailer has leather upholstery. This is a very durable and comfortable material. It also gives the trailer an amazing look. Leather always looks classy, and adding it to any environment would help to make it a lot nicer. It lasts a really long time as well, so you wouldn’t have to worry so much about getting any new upholstery if you already have leather that you can rely on.

If you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can also get a 90 watt solar panel added to the trailer. This would be a great option if you’re trying to live completely off the grid.

12. Taxa Mantis Trek Camper

This trailer comes in at under 2,900 pounds, but it also manages to provide you with extra space due to its length. It’s about 19 feet long so you will have a lot more room in this camper. The wood used in the kitchen is birch, and it gives quite a nice look to it. Along with being the kind of wood that is quite resistant to the humidity that often comes while cooking. The wood has been adequately lacquered as well. So you wouldn’t have to worry about cleaning it too often.

As for the shower, this trailer offers one outdoors. This is a common feature in trailers under 3,000 lbs. It’s actually great thing if you think about it. It can allow you to experience the location that you are in and enjoy it as much as possible. Showering outdoors is an experience that everyone should try at least once. You can’t claim to have traveled properly until you experience something like this. The shower offers great water pressure to. So you wouldn’t have to worry about low water pressure making it difficult for you to bathe properly.

There is a lot of precision in how the body of this trailer has been cut. That’s because the manufacturers used lasers during the cutting process. This kind of precision makes for a more stable trailer. You need stability while towing a trailer behind you. The trailer is made of steel, too. Which means that it offers quite a bit of durability. It’s surprising how light this trailer is given that it’s made of steel. Most trailers made of steel are far too heavy to properly use. So you might like the fact that this trailer is available.

Another thing that you might like is the pop up roof. It makes this trailer somewhat more versatile. You can get some extra ceiling space if you ever have guests. This sort of thing is also useful in situations where you have arrived at your vacation spot. Popping up the roof can let a lot more natural light and air in.

Read More :

• Best Travel Trailers Under 6000
• Best Travel Trailers Under 5000
• Best Travel Trailers Under 4000
• Best Travel Trailers Under 2000

Trailers under 3,000 lbs offer a lot of great options. They can be luxurious or basic based on your preferences. Mostly they are beneficial because they can make it easier to travel. You won’t have to worry about tugging an enormous metal box behind you. Instead, you would have something compact and convenient. We highly recommend that you check out one of the trailers that we have reviewed above. These trailers are truly excellent, and they represent the best of what the industry has to offer. There’s plenty of variety in there too so you can simply choose what you like.

Related posts:

• The 6 Best Travel Trailers Under 6000 lbs.
• The 10 Best Travel Trailers With 2 Bathrooms
• Who Makes Keystone Travel Trailers
• Who Makes Winnebago Travel Trailer Frames

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6 Amazing Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000lbs

Jonathan Holmes 5.0 Rated 5.0 out of 5 5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 43 reviews)

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

Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by Paul Clayton

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Searching for a lightweight travel trailer is no easy task. There are literally hundreds of models to choose from, many of which come in at well under 3,000 pounds. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the sheer amount of travel trailers to choose from and you probably want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

The demand and market for travel trailers remain strong, which is good news for the consumer, meaning there’s intense competition between manufacturers for your hard-earned money. Our intention with this article is to offer an unbiased and informed list of what we think are the most outstanding lightweight travel trailers available on the market today. We’ve meticulously trolled through hundreds of user ratings, so-called “expert” opinions, and feature lists and used our own first-hand experience to bring you our recommended considerations.

For full disclosure, we haven’t personally tried every travel trailer ever made, so if you think that we’ve overlooked an important model, let us know by dropping us an email.

We wanted to make sure that every single one of our recommended RVs could be pulled with an average pickup or SUV. If you’ve been deterred from experiencing the joy and adventures you can have with an RV due to limited towing capacity, then this list is for you. Nothing beats the convenience, comfort, and freedom that come with camping with an RV, it’s a fantastic way of getting yourself and your family out of the house and into everything that nature can offer.

We feel that our list of the best travel lightweight travel trailers that weigh less than 3,000 lbs has something for every buyer with limited space or towing capacity. So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into our favorite picks.

The Top 6 Lightweight Travel Trailers

1. forest river r-pod 182g with r-dome.

To kick off our list we have the River R-Pod Travel Trailer. Even though the trailer itself is not the largest on our list, it’s highly durable fiberglass and powder-coated steel frame ensure it’s no pushover either. This innate durability is reflected in its capabilities and design, with some floor plans featuring bunk beds which maximizes the sleeping capacity of 4 adults.

There are an impressive amount of floor plans available, with nine to choose from, there’s bound to be something that meets your requirements, all of which come in well under the 3,000 lb threshold.

You might also like: Ultra-Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 2,000 Pounds

In addition to its clever use of space, the travel trailer boasts a host of other features that make it an even more enticing purchase. For example, a furnace that’s capable of pumping out 20,000 BTU of heat, ports powered by solar energy, cleverly hidden dinette table as well as a host of other features. It’s, therefore, no surprise that the Forest River 182 G has made it onto our list of the best lightweight travel trailers that are under 3,000 lbs.

If it’s something you’re considering, then check out the specs below.

Key Features:

• Length: 20 ft. (240 in.)
• Width: 8 ft. (96 in.)
• Height: 9.58 ft. (115 in.)
• Interior Height: 6.5 ft. (78 in.)
• Dry Weight 2,836 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 1,049 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 385 lbs.

Holding Tanks

• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 36 gal.
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 30 gal.
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity 30 gal.

2. Dutchmen Coleman Lantern LT Series

The Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series Travel Trailer is a seriously impressive piece of kit that has managed something quite remarkable, offering competitive amounts of versatility and space at a fraction of the weight of its larger cousins. The Coleman is available with one of the 4-floor plans, with each option having a unique layout and feel, we’re confident that you’ll not struggle to find a plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you need to accommodate your family members, your friends, or would just like the extra room to store all your fishing gear, walking equipment, or anything else, there’s a floor plan that’ll allow you to do that.

In addition to the above, the Coleman has a range of optional extras such as a CSA seal and uplift that may improve your comfort levels. You can also choose to add a furnace rated for 18,000 BTU, power adapters, an internal entertainment system, a microwave oven as well as tinted all-around safety glass. Considering all of these standout features, it’s no surprise that the Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT travel trailer is one of our recommended choices when it comes to choosing a lightweight travel trailer under 3,000 pounds.

• Length 21.42 ft. (257 in.)
• Width 8 ft. (96 in.)
• Height 8.67 ft. (104 in.)
• Dry Weight 3,205 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 645 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 453 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 27 gal.
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 28 gal.
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity 28 gal.

3. Aliner Ascape Travel Trailer

The Aliner Camper Series is a standout option for anyone looking to upgrade their camping style, it serves as an upmarket alternative to traditional tent camping and is looking to make their life somewhat easier. The travel trailer comes in either 12’ or 10’ boxes, equating to a trailer that measures 13 or 15 feet in length. One of the biggest selling features of this trailer is its incredible lightness, you’ll be looking at a maximum unloaded weight of 1,670 pounds.

Even though the Aliner manages to keep its weight to a minimum, the design is rugged and functional, it can easily become your home away from home when you’re on an adventure or extended trip. It’s definitely a recommended trailer in our book.

• Length 13 ft. (156 in.)
• Length (closed) 13 ft. (156 in.)
• Length (closed) (mm) 3962.4
• Length (closed) (m)4
• Width 6.08 ft. (73 in.)
• Height 8.33 ft. (100 in.)
• Interior Height 6.33 ft. (76 in.)
• Dry Weight 1,575 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 925 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 220 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 11 gal.
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 13 gal.

4. Airstream Sport 16RB

The Airstream Sport Travel Trailers are a line of trailers that pop up again and again in recommendations or top 10 lists and for good reason. They are well made, robust, good-looking, and will last a lifetime of use. The Sport lineup has been around for a good number of years now, but remains incredibly popular, even to this day.

Our biggest complaint with these travel trailers is they are slightly higher than the normal price tag, but we’re of the opinion that with Airstream, you definitely get what you pay for and they’re worth every penny. Sports models offer excellent amenities, fantastic construction that you know you can trust, and interior and exterior décor and aesthetics that look fantastic and will endure.

All of this put together produces a travel trailer that you can confidentially take with you anywhere safe in the knowledge that it will provide luxury accommodation on your adventures. The Airstream sports line is available with two-floor plans that come in under our 3,000-pound mark. In addition to their low weight, the Sport 16 and the Sport 16RB offer accommodation for up to four people, a high-definition LED TV, mini blinds, and one piece of vinyl flooring.

The luxury accommodation and lightweight design are not the only benefits offered by the RV. Airstream has worked hard to ensure the accommodation is safe as well as comfortable with the addition of several fantastic features. Not only do the trailers come fitted with the standard fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, but they also come fitted with an LP and carbon monoxide alarm, ensuring you can rest easy knowing that the environment is safe for your family and yourself.

It’s due to a combination of all these reasons that this lightweight travel trailer has made it onto our recommended list. It might cost a little bit more than most, but these models offer great value for money.

• Length 16.33 ft. (196 in.)
• Height 9.25 ft. (111 in.)
• Interior Height 6.38 ft. (76.5 in.)
• Dry Weight 2,860 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 640 lbs.
• GVWR 3,500 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 378 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 23 gal.
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity 21 gal.

5. Jayco Jay Feather Micro

The beauty of the Jayco Jay Feather travel trailers is that they offer incredibly lightweight travel trailers that are capable of being pulled by nearly any truck, SUV, or car. Overall the trailers have a smaller footprint than most, all floor plans are under 20 feet in length, so they are the obvious choice if your storage options are limited.

Despite their diminutive size, these lightweight campers provide everything you could ever want in an RV. On the outside, these RVs boast several luxury features such as blackened safety class throughout and reinforced aluminum fenders. As you make your way inside, you’ll be met with several indulgent features such as plush cushions, power high-output LED lighting, and a U-shaped dinette area for comfortable and spacious seating and dining.

Additionally, options such as air conditioning and HD LED TV only serve to increase the value of these lightweight travel trailers . Despite the limited size, at no time does this lightweight travel trailer feel cramped, cheaply made, or claustrophobic, which is why we rate it so highly on our list of recommendations.

• Length 19.75 ft. (237 in.)
• Width 6.42 ft. (77 in.)
• Height 9.08 ft. (109 in.)
• Interior Height 6.5 ft. (78 in.)
• Ground Clearance 0.42 ft. (5 in.)
• Ground Clearance (mm)127
• Dry Weight 2,715 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 1,035 lbs.
• GVWR 3,750 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 290 lbs.
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.

6. KZ Spree Escape 

The KZ Spree Escape lightweight travel trailer is the last entry in our recommendations list. The RV features several floor plans, the lightest and smallest of which comes in at just 2,200 pounds, while the heaviest tops out at 2,900 pounds. The RV is particularly well suited for families that like a unique layout that meets their specific requirements.

We’re big fans of this trailer, we especially like the Escape E191BH and the Escape 14RB floor plans, so, feel free to check them out for yourself.

If you’re worried that you’ll be left without certain features or that you’re going to be uncomfortable if you decide to buy a KZ Spree as your lightweight travel trailer option, then don’t worry. The KZ Spree Escape has everything you might need, including a bathroom, 12 v charging ports, a 12-year guaranteed aluminum roof, and attractive recessed interior lighting. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have access to a 16,000 BTU heater which will make sure that every trip, even if it’s in the dead of winter will remain cozy and comfortable. It’s for these reasons that the KZ Spree Escape has made it onto our list of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds.

• Length 20.75 ft. (249 in.)
• Width 7 ft. (84 in.)
• Interior Height 6.25 ft. (75 in.)
• Dry Weight 2,694 lbs.
• Payload Capacity 806 lbs.
• Hitch Weight 325 lbs
• Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 20 gal.
• Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 15 gal.
• Total Black Water Tank Capacity 9 gal.

If you liked this article, you might also like to check out our other travel trailer recommendations here or learn more about RVs here .

Traveling with the comfort of home is a luxury that everyone craves. This desire is fulfilled by travel trailers . Among the numerous options available, there are 6 Amazing Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000lbs that stand out due to their unique features and low weight. These trailers offer the best combination of comfort, convenience, and mobility to make your journeys truly memorable.

The Jay Feather Micro, Forest River R-pod, Airstream Bambi, Jayco Jay Feather, and KZ Escape Hatch are the six outstanding lightweight travel trailers under 3000lb. Each of these units offers a unique set of features and amenities to suit various travel needs and preferences.

From spacious living areas and well-equipped kitchens to comfortable sleeping spaces and modern bathrooms, these trailers have everything you need for a comfortable journey. Despite their impressive features, these trailers are lightweight, making them easy to tow with most mid-size SUVs and trucks. They also offer excellent fuel efficiency due to their aerodynamic design and lightweight construction.

In conclusion, these 6 Amazing Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000lbs offer an excellent balance of comfort, convenience, and mobility. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, these trailers can enhance your travel experience by providing all the comforts of home on the road. So next time you plan your travel adventure, consider these excellent lightweight travel trailer options.

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Lightweight RVs: Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

Published on March 29th, 2020 by Charles Joseph

In the small lightweight travel trailer categories, RVs that weigh less than 3,000 pounds can be considered the “goldilocks” subgroup. They are big enough to hold more than two people and are self-contained units. They are light enough to be easily towed and have sticker prices that are budget-friendly.

The second group in our three-piece series on the best lightweight travel trailers will focus on the lite RVs under 3,000 pounds. If you haven’t read the first one that discusses RVs under 2,000 pounds, we invite you to take a look at it . The next one will go into mid-size lightweight RVs that weigh less than 5,000 pounds .

The Best SUV Tow Vehicles

The table below shows you some of the best SUV examples for towing this weight class. Our third article goes into detail about why having at least 1,000- 3,000 pounds of extra towing capacity is a great strategy. This level of towing power has the capability to tow the RV, your gear and everyone enjoying your trip with you

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Best variety of travel trailers under 3,000 pounds, casita 17 foot spirit deluxe.

• Dry weight: 2,480 pounds UVW
• Length: 17 feet
• Sleeping: Up to 4 people
• Price: $21,194

Casita’s are a fiberglass eggshell travel trailer under 3,000 pounds that can only be purchased through their dealerships. When you buy one, they are built to order based on your specifications. Each one is unique as the individual owner.

The Spirit is one of their five models. The deluxe versions replace extra storage and bunk beds with a full bathroom. Customers can then choose add-on features when they are purchasing their trailers to make sure they have those important components they want.

For 2020, Casita added some great features to their trailers. Inside the entry door window are blinds that can be opened or closed for privacy. They also installed a keyless entry system, so you don’t have to bring your keys with you when you go to the campground’s beach.

Besides the mini blinds, you can have added privacy with their spring-loaded roller shades for all of your windows. They upgraded their thermostat to a digital pad on the wall that controls both the A/C and furnace. For more decore options, they added wood vinyl flooring and a choice between grey or seafoam green for their cushions.

Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC

• Dry weight: 2,590 pounds UVW
• Length: 18.10 feet
• Price: $10,000- $14,000

Gulf Stream is one of the few RV manufacturers that’s still family-owned. They’ve been in business for over 35 years and now make towable travel trailers from ultra-lites under 3,000 pounds to park models. The Ameri-lite 16BHC is a great entry-level lightweight travel trailer that’s SUV-friendly.

This is a bunk bed model, but still has plenty of walkway space without a slideout. They do this by making strategic moves like taking the sink out of the bathroom. While most of the interior storage is overhead, they make up for it by making these real maple cabinets deep and wide.

Gulf Stream keeps this coach reliable by using “old school” techniques that have proven track records. They use aluminum tubes for their frame and corrugated aluminum for the siding. To keep your exterior bay sanitary, the hollow rear bumper is an excellent place to store your black water hose.

Other space savers include, the 30 amp service power cord storing inside the coach through its opening. The four cubic foot refrigerator/freezer gives you enough space to store your food and allows additional cabinets in the kitchen area. The shirt closet under the entertainment center is big enough for your hanging clothes, yet solid enough for the TV arm.

Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH

• Dry weight: 2,993 pounds UVW
• Length: 18.4 feet
• Price: $19,500- $24,000

The Flagstaff E-Pro series was specifically designed to offer the most features possible in a lite travel trailer under a 3,000-pound sub-group. This Forest River subsidiary has more standard and optional amenities than most others in this class. One of which is a standard 100-watt solar panel on the roof with a 1,000-watt inverter.

Flagstaff does a great job balancing sleeping and walking space in this bunk bed floorplan . The front dinette folds down for the master bed. A good portion of the walking space comes from the kitchen slideout on the off-door side.

Like all RVs, the entertainment center comes with a Bluetooth radio and TV pre-wire. What’s unique to the E-Pro series, is the standard WiFi Ranger signal booster that is LTE ready. Even in some of the most remote places, you’ll still be able to get a cell and data signal.

For those that love the remote off-road adventures, the optional package increases the tires and suspension. You can also get the hitch mount bike rack to save the optional roof rack for your kayak or other toys. To save water, the shower has a water miser system.

Airstream Bambi 16RB

• Dry weight: 3,000 pounds UVW
• Length: 15.11 feet
• Sleeps: Up to 4 people
• Price: Starts at $49,600

What’s Airstream and lightweight travel trailers doing in the same sentence? Contrary to popular belief, the Bambi series is actually a light RV. While it does push our category weight to the limit, if you stick to our towing strategy above, you won’t have a problem towing this quality travel trailer under 3,000 pounds.

The 16RB has a queen-size bed in the rear and a dinette against the front wall. In between, you’ll find the kitchen and the wet bath. The storage you see is primarily overhead with roll-up doors, but there’s plenty of storage under the bed and dinette benches too.

Keeping with Airstream’s top quality, the bed mattress is made from memory foam for the best sleeping experience possible. The TV is mounted by the bed and is connected to a JVC audio system. You’ll also find multiple electrical ports throughout. for charging mobile devices and plugging in your electronic appliances.

The exterior has plenty of features as well. A rear storage bay, exterior shower, and full-size awning . The propane storage box protects your bottles from road debris and moisture. Airstream will give you a stable towing experience with its low riding torsion axles.

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Charles Joseph is one of the original authors of Camper Smarts from when it first started.

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15 Top Lightweight Campers Under 3,000 lbs.

Posted on Published: March 27, 2021  - Last updated: June 13, 2022

Most people love to find themselves camping under the stars enjoying the fresh air. The only thing that makes that better is being able to get in your own camper and go where you want whenever you want. I remember when I was a kid, and my friends would talk about taking road trips with family, and I thought it sounded like the worst possible trip ever.

Now that I am older with my own children, I realize how wonderful those trips must have been. There is a lot to learn about lightweight campers before you make your final decisions. Continue reading this article to find out everything you need to know about the top lightweight campers under 3000 lbs.

Related: RV and Camper Brands | Campers with Bunk Beds | Teardrop Camper Plans | Teardrop Camper Kits

What are Lightweight Campers?

A lightweight camper is one the weighs in just slightly under 3,000 pounds. This means they are easier to move, tow, and fit into a smaller campsite. A lightweight camper gives you the best gas mileage while on the move but gives you versatility and comfort.

While a lightweight trailer frees you from the heavy load of larger trailers, you can take some of the off-road. You want a trailer the gives you all the conveniences you want, even in the small space. You want a small camper that offers you floorplan options for spacious living and sleeping. You want plenty of options for upgrades with many features.

Top Lightweight Campers

Jayco jay sport camping trailer.

The Jayco Jay Sport Camping Trailer is a tent trailer, which closes up to a small trailer. The bunks for sleeping pop out and the ceiling pops up when you are ready to set up for camping. Since it is a tent trailer, it is incredibly lightweight as it has a dry weight that comes in under 2,400 pounds. The largest floor plan option has a gross vehicle weight of around 3,375 pounds.

The Jayco Jay Sport Camping Trailer has fewer blind spots while driving because there is not anything to restrict the view in your rearview mirror. No matter which option you select, you have a convertible dinette, galley kitchen, pop-out sleeping areas, and various storage options.

The frame on this camper has a frame that resists corrosion. The roof is constructed of one piece of fiberglass that prevents leaks and has superior runoff. It includes vinyl windows that are tinted and include mesh screens. The camper includes privacy curtains for the bunk areas.

• Four-floor plans from which to pick.
• Affordable price tag.
• There is no bathroom, except on the highest level model.

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer has a dry weight of just under 2,900 pounds but has the capacity to carry another 1,000 pounds between people, cargo, and liquids. It is 20 feet long. The Forest River Flagstaff gives you the maximum amount of storage in the smallest space. There is additional storage under the wardrobe in the front of the trailer.

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD Travel Trailer offers a queen bed that is a sofa when not a Murphy bed. The mattress is heated for additional comfort and versatility. The dinette converts into additional sleeping for an adult and children. It includes large kitchen and bathroom facilities. The Forest River has a water filtration system, gas oven, burner cooktop, and convection microwave oven. It also has a water heater with a quick recovery system.

• It includes a linen closet.
• Includes outdoor perks, including an awning and gas griddle.
• Include a solar panel on the roof.
• The solar panel may not offer enough juice to go completely off the grid.

Scamp 13′ Standard Light Weight Travel Trailer

The Scamp 13′ Standard Light Weight Travel Trailer is tiny but packs a big punch with storage and compartments. It is compact and lightweight. The 13′ Scamp is ideal for couples or small families. It offers two different option layouts. Both layouts provide you a dinette and one main bed. The options either give you a sleeping area with two bunks in the front or a bathroom with a shower and toilet and an additional closet.

The 13′ Scamp gives you an abundance of storage, including closets and compartments under the seats. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, propane stove, sink, and galley storage. It is constructed of fiberglass and has superior insulation. It has a frame that is made of 11 gauge steel.

• Screened windows open with a crank.
• Additional outlets and lights are available.
• Does not always come with a bathroom.

United RV iCamp Elite Camper

The United RV iCamp Elite Camper is a cute compact camper that comes in under 2,4000 pounds at a dry weight and has a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) that still keeps it under 3,000. The camper body is completely laminated and reinforced with aluminum tubing to keep it durable and light. The outside is high gloss fiberglass. The flooring is a four-layer laminate giving you additional insulation as well as decorative flair.

The United RV iCamp Elite Camper only offers a one-floor plan but does have a digital audiovisual system upgrade available. This small camper trailer makes the most of the compact space with curved furniture and a convertible living area.

You have a living area in the day and a sleeping space at night. It has a fully equipped kitchen that includes a fridge, stainless sink, cooktop with two burners, and overhead storage and storage below. The cabinets, including an overhead cabinet, are finished in a semi-gloss to provide extra durability and to match the retro feel of this camper.

• Handles on the front to help you pull it into place.
• Includes a fiberglass modular bathroom.
• Not everyone will like the retro design and wallpaper

Barefoot Caravans Travel Trailer

The Barefoot Caravans Travel Trailer is a company that is based in Great Britain but ships its trailers to the United States. These are unique trailers that have a design you are not likely to find anywhere else. These trailers are built by hand with a chassis that is designed specifically for lightweight but quality construction.

The curved body makes it more aerodynamic but does not compromise style. The floor plan of the Barefoot Caravans Trailer is open and flows well. This trailer comes equipped with all the conveniences of the home, including a curved bathroom and galley kitchen.

In addition to the refrigerator, sink, and stovetop, the kitchen provides an oak countertop for prep work. The living area easily converts to a large bed for sleeping comfort at night. The trailer provides significant lighting with LED, ceiling, and reading lights. It has a substantial heating and hot water system and the windows have blinds and screens.

• Available in many interior and exterior color options.
• Complete electrical system with plenty of outlets
• Created in the British style, which may not appeal to all.

Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe Small Travel Trailer

The Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe Small Travel Trailer gives you the best of luxury in a compact space. This trailer is a middle-of-the-road trailer when it comes to cost and space options. It is lightweight and versatile.

It has a dry weight of just under 2,000 pounds and a GVWR of close to 3,500 pounds. The trailer is constructed of a two-piece shell of fiberglass. It has a steel frame for durability and premium insulation. It contains fiberglass furniture that is lightweight.

This trailer includes two dinette tables which convert to sleeping spaces to provide sleeping for as many as six people. It provides a large picture window that is screened to give you ventilation and a great view.

The Deluxe model includes a bathroom with a ventilation system that provides mesh windows and a fan vent. The fully equipped kitchen consists of a three-burner cooktop, refrigerator, and sink. It has a large comfortable area for dining and sitting.

• Many upgrade options to provide additional versatility.
• It has two models and various floor plans.
• The standard version does not include a bathroom.

Happier Camper HC1

The Happier Camper HC1 is completely equipped to meet all your needs despite its compact size. It has a shell of fiberglass that has an insulated double hull. It offers versatility and flexibility. It has a dry weight of around 1,100 pounds but can hold and carry as much as 3,500 pounds once it is loaded with people and cargo. You can use just about any type of tow vehicle to move the Happier Camper.

The Happier Camper is customizable. The panels on the floor have tie-downs and tables that are modular that can be easily rearranged. Every component of this camper has material that is durable and can move, making it ideal for helping you live flexibly. The cushioned bench is convertible to a bed. There are a convertible couch and bunk bed, a tabletop that nests, a standard kitchenette, and a toilet.

• The interior is highly configurable for whatever you need to have.
• Includes storage cubes that are stackable.
• The modular ability may not fit the needs of all campers.

Taxa Cricket Pop-up Roof Camper

The Taxa Cricket Pop-up Roof Camper is modular and has a construction that is aerodynamic. The Taxa Cricket is a functional camper that is flexible and great for couples and families. The panels of this camper are constructed of an aluminum composite. It is lightweight as it can only handle a capacity of 2,500 pounds when fully packed. It is so light that even a four-cylinder vehicle.

It has a full-size bed with storage under it. It has a cafe table with bench seats that are convertible. This camper includes a refrigerator, stove, and sink. It includes an awning and swing windows with shades and mesh screens. The swing option gives you the ability to open your panoramic windows to give you a wide-open view. They are 32 inches by 20 inches large and completely insulated.

• Includes a shower outside that provides hot and cold.
• It has a pop-up roof to give maximum ventilation.
• Does not have an interior toilet or shower.

Lance 1575 Ultra Light Weight Travel Trailer

The Lance 1575 Ultra Light Weight Travel Trailer offers skylights and large windows. The windows help the trailer feel bigger than it is. The trailer is constructed of aluminum and contains foam insulation. It has a roof that is tapered. It uses Azdel engineering, providing durability while keeping the weight down. Even when all the features, this trailer has a dry weight of 2,775 pounds.

The Lance 1575 has a beautiful interior with countertops, a table, and glazed cabinets. It has a dinette that slides out of the way when not in use. The kitchen is fully equipped to meet all your needs.

It includes a cooktop, refrigerator, range hood with light and fan, and sink complete with sprayer and cover. The cabinets have accent lighting to add a nice touch to the interior space. The bed comes with a comfortable queen-size pillow top mattress. This trailer includes a bathroom with a shower and toilet.

• Completely redesigned interior.
• The entire trailer is customizable.
• Will not sleep more than four people.

KZ Spree Escape Mini Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer

The KZ Spree Escape Mini Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailer gives you the best capability of an RV, but without the need to worry about towing a heavy load. This trailer has a dry weight of 2,800 pounds and a maximum GVWR capacity of 3,500 pounds. You can still enjoy all the flexibility and comfort of ultimate features without creating a heavy load.

There are four-floor plans available, each one offering different options and different sized bathrooms. It contains rustic cabinets that are Amish crafted and maple. They have cabinet doors with modern handles. Despite the dining table being convertible, it provides a large table area with large windows for an extra-wide view.

The windows are tinted and come with shades for additional privacy. The awning is operated by power for ease of use. This trailer has all the feels of home, including a skylight in the bathroom. The kitchen has a refrigerator, convection microwave, pantry, and gas cooktop.

• Offers many floor plans with several design options.
• You can select a larger bathroom.
• The shower design lends itself to leaking.

Airstream Sport Travel Trailer

Airstream is a name you can trust when it comes to travel trailers, and the Airstream Sport Travel Trailer is no exception. It has a sleek yet functional design. The Airstream Sport is the most compact of their travel trailers, giving you the best of Airstream in a lighter and smaller design. Its dry weight is 2,860 pounds. The Airstream Sport has an aluminum construction that is treated with fluorocarbon for enhanced UV protection.

It offers two different floor plans. The Airstream Sport has dedicated space for sleeping and a dinette that converts for extra sleeping space. The bed has a memory foam pillow top mattress. The seating is an ultra-leather material giving you the best quality. It also includes a bathroom inside and a functional kitchen. It has plenty of well-placed 110V outlets and USB ports.

The Airstream Sport is the perfect motorhome because offers you a remarkable about of storage and flexibility. Airstreams do require a bit of maintenance, including polishing before you take them on the road.

• Includes a retractable awning.
• Has overhead lockers for extra storage space.
• Hefty price tag.

Taxa Mantis Trek Camper

The Taxa Mantis Trek Camper is about 19 feet long and has a dry weight of fewer than 3,000 pounds. It is constructed of an aluminum composite that is painted with Kynar. It has a steel frame that is laser-cut powder coated. The windows are acrylic and insulated with shades and screens. The living area has lounge-style searing with storage under it. It transforms into a full-size bed when it is time to sleep.

The Taxa Mantis provides two bunks in the front to give more sleeping options. It has a rooftop tent that increases the room for sleeping to six people. The Taxa Mantis gives you outlets outside, as well as inside, the trailer. The kitchen is a birch wood with a sink, refrigerator, burner stove combination, and a system for hot water. It has a wet bath and toilet inside and an outside shower with cold and hot water.

• It has a hatch on the rear door for ventilation and access.
• It includes an 8-foot awning for a patio outside.
• Large price tag.

Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB

The Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB is a little less than 20 feet on the outside. It has an interior height of 6 feet 6 inches. It has a bathroom in the back of the trailer that provides a standard toilet, mirrored closet, another storage closet, and a corner shower. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, a two-burner range stove combination, and a convection microwave.

The Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB has an oversized Murphy bed that opens up across the sofa. It does have a stowaway table that is two by 4. It has a significant amount of storage with the drawers and pantry in the kitchen and storage in the back of the trailer.

Jayco has a new warranty that gives you three years of protection for all structural aspects, like floor, walls, and roof. This warranty is in addition to its two-year limited warranty.

• Goodyear radial tires are standard.
• Includes a power awning with remote-controlled lights.
• It does not have a dinette.

Aliner Great Ascape Plus

Aliner has been around for over 40 years and considers itself to be one of the first A-frame trailers available. The company wanted a pop-up camper that was light enough to tow by any vehicle. Their first camper was towed by a station wagon. While the Aliner Great Ascape Plus is not an A-frame, it is built with that same theory in mind. It looks more like a teardrop trailer than an A-frame.

This compact little trailer is an incredibly functional interior. The dining area comes complete with a table that rotates. It provides enough seating for four people. There is a flat-screen television with storage space on either side. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, and two burner range, and vent hood. It has a cassette toilet and an outdoor shower.

The dining area converts to a sleeping space. You can have one 77 by 72 bed, leave the dinette down, and have two single beds. It includes a solar panel on the front and an awning on the back. The awning provides a shaded patio area as well as shading for the back entry.

• Eight Ascape models from which to choose.
• Includes an electric water pump.
• It does not have an indoor shower.

Safari Condo Alto R1713

The Safari Condo Alto R1713 has been modeled after aircraft and intended to be durable, light, and aerodynamic. The Safari Condo has a low center of gravity, and in combination with the Flexiride suspension, is stable.

The construction has a core of plastic honeycomb, which is surrounded by aluminum for strength and lightweight material. The Safari Condo offers a retractable roof that exposes glass that is tempered and tinted, giving those inside the feeling of a treehouse, mostly because it is combined with many large windows.

The back of the trailer boasts a king-size bed that may also be converted into two singles. The dinette table seats two and is situated at the front of the trailer but can be moved to accommodate five people. The dinette converts to a bed also. The galley kitchen has a microwave, two-burner flush stove, refrigerator, and cabinetry.

• Incredibly customizable features.
• The exterior shower may be upgraded to a wet bath.
• The toilet is fixed in a cabinet instead of a traditional style bathroom.

What is the Lightest A Frame Camper?

Aliner makes the lightest, most sustainable, and innovative A frame campers that you can buy. They have eleven different model options available. They come with many different features and various sizes. No matter how many people you want to travel with, Aliner makes a camper for you. The lightest model they have is 1,590 pounds.

Which is the Best Travel Trailer Under 3000 lbs?

The best travel trailer under 3,000 pounds is the Forest River R-Pod travel trailer. This is a small but mighty travel trailer that has a steel frame and two-tone fiberglass making it incredibly durable. There are various floor plans, up to nine, that can give you the maximum number of sleepers in your trailer. Even when you max out the features, the travel trailer still stays under 3,000 pounds.

What Brand of Travel Trailer Has the Best Reviews?

Airstream is one of the best brands of travel trailers. They have been in operation since the 1930s. They have committed themselves to construct durable and lightweight travel trailers. They wanted their travel trailers to be pulled by any vehicle, so they made sure that their trailers remained lightweight.

What is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR?

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum amount of total weight that is safe for your vehicle. This includes the weight of the travel trailer itself plus the weight of all the people, fuel, and all accessories added to the trailer. If you go over the GVWR, then you can get a ticket. It is dangerous if you exceed the GVWR of your travel trailer. It is important to know the GVWR of your travel trailer.

What is Dry Weight For a Travel Trailer?

The dry weight of a travel trailer is the average weight of your trailer when it leaves the factory. This is the weight of the trailer with all the items that are in the travel trailer. This is before you add fuel, passengers, or your gear. This is not the maximum weight that your travel trailer can carry safely.

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10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

Consider the GVWR (not the UVW)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Trailer Works XTR Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riverside RV Retro 135 Features

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

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

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

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

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

2023 Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB Features

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

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

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

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

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

2023 Keystone Passport Solo 15FK Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

L’Air Camper Company Trillium Lion 1300 GT Features

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

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

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

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

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

2023 InTech Sol Horizon Features

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

7. Vorsheer XCT: Rugged Off-Road Campers

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

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

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

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

Vorsheer XCT Features

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mars 15 Deluxe Features

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

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

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

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

Back kitchen galley of the Lance Camper Enduro.

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

2023 Lance Camper Enduro Features

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

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

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

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

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

2023 Kimberley Kampers Kruiser E-Class Features

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

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

Meet other lightweight travel trailer owners

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

Related articles:

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

15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024

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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

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