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, 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 comes 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.
Table of Contents
The Top 6 Lightweight Travel Trailers
1. 2018 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 to 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 which 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:
Dimensions
- Length: 20 ft. (240 in.)
- Width: 8 ft. (96 in.)
- Height: 9.58 ft. (115 in.)
- Interior Height: 6.5 ft. (78 in.)
Weight
- 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. 2018 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 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 rounds safety glass. Considering all of these standout features, then it’s no surprise that the Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT travel trailer is one of our recommend choices when it comes to choosing a lightweight travel trailer under 3,000 pounds.
Key Features:
Dimensions
- Length 21.42 ft. (257 in.)
- Width 8 ft. (96 in.)
- Height 8.67 ft. (104 in.)
Weight
- Dry Weight 3,205 lbs.
- Payload Capacity 645 lbs.
- Hitch Weight 453 lbs.
Holding Tanks
- 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 And Floorplan
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 which measures in at 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.
Key Features:
Dimensions
- Length 13 ft. (156 in.)
- Length (closed) 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.)
Weight
- Dry Weight 1,575 lbs.
- Payload Capacity 925 lbs.
- Hitch Weight 220 lbs.
Holding Tanks
- Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 11 gal.
- Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 13 gal.
4. 2018 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 line up 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 the slightly higher than the normal price tag, but we’re off 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 its low weight, Sport 16 and the Sport 16RB offer accommodation for up to for peoples, 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.
Key Features:
Dimensions
- Length 16.33 ft. (196 in.)
- Width 8 ft. (96 in.)
- Height 9.25 ft. (111 in.)
- Interior Height 6.38 ft. (76.5 in.)
Weight
- Dry Weight 2,860 lbs.
- Payload Capacity 640 lbs.
- GVWR 3,500 lbs.
- Hitch Weight 378 lbs.
Holding Tanks
- Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 23 gal.
- Total Black Water Tank Capacity 21 gal.
5. 2018 Jayco Hummingbird 17FD Interior
The beauty of the Jayco Hummingbird 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, low 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 serves to increase the value of these lightweight travel trailers. Despite the limited size, at no time does this lightweight travel trailer feeling cramped, cheaply made or claustrophobic, which is why we rate it so highly on our list of recommendations.
Key Features:
Dimensions
- 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
Weight
- Dry Weight 2,715 lbs.
- Payload Capacity 1,035 lbs.
- GVWR 3,750 lbs.
- Hitch Weight 290 lbs.
Holding Tanks
- Total Fresh Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.
- Total Gray Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.
- Total Black Water Tank Capacity 26 gal.
6. 2018 KZ Spree Escape Bathroom
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.
Key Features:
Dimensions
- Length 20.75 ft. (249 in.)
- Width 7 ft. (84 in.)
- Height 8.33 ft. (100 in.)
- Interior Height 6.25 ft. (75 in.)
Weight
- Dry Weight 2,694 lbs.
- Payload Capacity 806 lbs.
- GVWR 3,500 lbs.
- Hitch Weight 325 lbs
Holding Tanks
- 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.
