If you want to tow your travel trailer using your daily driver, you’ll need to ensure that the trailer weight is not too high. Enter the lightweight travel trailer.
As camping has become more popular, outdoorsmen (and women) have sought more compact, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-tow trailer options–like a lightweight travel trailer. But what models of trailers fall into this “lightweight” category, and which of these ultra-light trailers earn top ratings, not only in terms of towability but also overall amenities?
Lucky for you, we’ve gone through the top 7 best lightweight travel trailers on the market. Each of these offers unique features and equipment and satisfies a range of budgets.
Exploring Lightweight Travel Trailers
Using lighter materials and streamlined shapes, ultra-lite travel trailers, also known as “lightweight travel trailers,” are less of a burden on your tow vehicle and more of a joy to travel with.
Weighing no more than 6,000 pounds, they’re perfect if you don’t have a heavy-duty truck or large tow vehicle. Many can be towed with a minivan. However, always confirm your towing capacity, gas mileage, and personal requirements before securing the purchase of lightweight travel trailer RVs. (Rest assured, there are ways to increase your vehicle’s towing capacity if needed).
Top 7 Lightweight Travel Trailers for 2024
So, you’ve decided to opt for the lightweight travel lifestyle? Excellent! But with such a vast array of models out there, finding the perfect match can feel a bit daunting. Fear not! We’ve done the heavy lifting and curated a list of the top seven lightweight travel trailers for 2024.
| Trailer Model | Starting Price Range | Trailer Weight | Notable Features |
| Airstream Bambi 16RB | $55,000 – $65,000 | Approx. 3,000 lbs | Retro-style and accommodates up to 4 off-road tires |
| Escape Trailer 23 First Edition | $64,999 | 5,500 lbs | Luxury features, Off-Grid/Off-Road package |
| Forest River IBEX 19QBH | $46,000 | 4,469 lbs | Family-friendly, ample storage, outdoor kitchen |
| InTech Sol Dusk | $45,00 | 3800 lbs | Flexible layout, aluminum construction, outdoor kitchen |
| Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH | $20,000 | 3,485 – 3,510 lbs | Accommodates 4-6, tankless water heater, LED TV |
| Lance 1475 Travel Trailer | $41,706 – $48,990 | 3225 lbs | Compact, residential-style features, Bluetooth speaker |
| Winnebago M-Series 2326RK | $26,495 – $42,658 | 4,510 lbs | Rear kitchen, heated underbelly, powered awning |
Airstream Bambi 16RB
- Starting Price: $55,000-$65,000
- Weight: 3,000 lbs
If the retro motif is your thing, the Airstream Bambi 16RB is an excellent pick. It’s lightweight and compact, has a retractable awning, and even comes with a memory foam mattress. Leave those sleepless nights in a tent behind you!
You’ll also find a kitchenette with two cooktop burners and a bathroom.
However, the Bambi 16RB isn’t solely focused on aesthetics and comfort. It’s also designed for off-grid camping with off-road tires.
Image Courtesy of Airstream
Escape Trailer 23 First Edition
- Starting Price: $64,000
- Weight: 5500 lbs
Custom-built luxury meets off-grid capability in the Escape Trailer 23 First Edition. Sporting an exterior length of 24’ 11” and a towing weight of 5500 lbs, this lightweight camper is both spacious and easy to tow.
The Escape Trailer 23 has a Victron Energy Power Package, flexible sleeping arrangements, and innovative acrylic windows.
As an added benefit, It’s also designed for off-grid living. An optional Off-Grid/Off-Road Package includes a 100W roof-mounted solar panel, a 1,000W inverter, and a 12V/110V fridge.
Image Courtesy of Escape
Forest River IBEX 19QBH
- Starting Price: $46,000
- Weight: 4469 lbs
If you’re a family on the go, the Forest River IBEX 19QBH is a dream come true. This travel trailer is designed to cater to family needs and boasts exclusive features like Rhino Rack RVT Tracks, a JBL Flip 5 portable speaker (retailing at close to $90), and durable Azdel construction.
In addition, there is ample exterior storage, backup camera prep, and a TST tire pressure monitoring system, making it perfect for family camping trips.
The trailer also features comfortable bunk beds and a queen bed, a versatile chaise dinette, and an outside griddle.
Image Courtesy of Forest River
InTech Sol Dusk
Starting Price: $45,000
Weight: 3800 lbs
Sleek and versatile, the InTech Sol Dusk travel trailer offers unparalleled flexibility and durability. Its features include a bed/lounge area that easily converts depending on your needs (and the time of day) and a generous dinette that can seat up to 5 adults. Its high-quality, lightweight aluminum construction is just the cherry on top.
The Sol Dusk’s most fun feature could be its slide-out exterior kitchen. Equipped with a convenient LP griddle, it’s perfect for outdoor cooking experiences.
Image courtesy of inTech
Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH
- Starting Price: $20,000
- Weight: 3500 lbs
If you’re looking for an entry-level RV that doesn’t skimp on features, the Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH is worth a look. This single-axle lightweight RV can comfortably accommodate 4 to 6 people, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized families.
Despite its affordable price tag, the Keystone Bullet Crossfire touts features such as a Girard Tankless Water Heater, air conditioning, and an LED TV with entertainment systems.
With a decent fuel efficiency of about 12 MPG, it’s easy to tow and won’t break the bank at the pump.
Image Courtesy of Keystone
Lance 1475 Travel Trailer
- Starting Price: $41,000
- Weight: 3225 lbs
The Lance 1475 Travel Trailer is all about smart design. From the residential-style galley with a solid surface countertop to the swivel chairs with kick-out footrests, every inch of the 1475 is thoughtfully crafted for comfort and convenience.
With a gross dry weight of just 3225 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to tow.
Don’t be deceived by its compact size. This travel trailer includes a JBL Int./Ext. Bluetooth Speaker-Wall Mount Bracket, LED interior and exterior lighting.
Image Courtesy of Lance
Winnebago M-Series 2326RK
Starting Price: $37,000
Weight: 4510 lbs
Last but not least, we have the Winnebago M-Series 2326RK. This entry-level compact travel trailer features a rear kitchen floorplan, offering plenty of space for cooking up your favorite meals on the road.
The M-Series 2326RK also includes many standard features, such as a fully enclosed and heated underbelly, a powered awning with LED lighting, and a power tongue jack.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a camping newbie, the M-Series 2326RK is a reliable and affordable option for your next adventure.
Image Courtesy of Winnebago
Key Features to Look for in a Lightweight Travel Trailer
With a basic understanding of the market’s best lightweight travel trailers, let’s look at the essential features to consider while shopping. Indeed, choosing the right trailer goes beyond the brand or model.
Towability
The best lightweight trailers are designed to be:
- Lighter in weight, reducing the strain on your vehicle
- Aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency
- Well-balanced, ensuring stability on the road
These features make ultra-light trailers a breeze to tow.
But before you hitch up and hit the road, there are a few things to consider:
Check your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) to ensure it can handle the trailer’s weight.
Also, take into account the trailer’s design. A sleek, aerodynamic shape can reduce wind resistance and improve fuel efficiency.
Durability
Durability also plays a vital role in selecting a lightweight travel trailer. After all, your trailer will be exposed to the elements and needs to withstand the rigors of road travel.
Look for high-quality materials like:
- RENOLIT GORCELL
- Thermo-Lite Board
- XPS Panels
- Fiberglass
These materials are not only strong but also lightweight, making the trailer more efficient and long-lasting.
Storage Space
Storage space isn’t just about the amount of room inside the trailer. It’s also about how that space is utilized.
Innovative storage solutions like under-bed storage, stackable bins, and pull-out drawers can make the most of every inch of space in the trailer.
Summary
If you are purchasing a lightweight travel trailer to tow with your daily driver, it’s crucial to consider the camper’s weight, length, and width. The size of the RV will not only determine the type of towing vehicle required but will also inform the storage space needed for the off-season.
Most lightweight campers don’t exceed 30’ in length and, therefore, can fit in a standard-sized garage. However, if you already have your daily drivers parked in any available garage space, you’ll need an off-site storage place. An enclosed or covered is recommended to protect the camper from humidity, debris, and UV damage.
Renting a 10’x30’ or 10’x40’ storage unit is the perfect solution to protect your new travel trailer. Use Neighbor, a self-storage marketplace, to find budget-friendly RV storage for your travel trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Company Makes the Lightest Travel Trailers?
Companies like Airstream, Scamp, and Jayco are known for making some of the lightest travel trailers available.
What Is the Best Ultra Lite Camper?
The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro is often praised as one of the best Ultra Lite campers due to its balance of features, weight, and usability.
What Is the Lightest Weight Travel Trailer With a Bathroom?
The Scamp 13’ Deluxe Trailer is one of the lightest weight travel trailers with a bathroom, offering compact convenience.
Are Ultra-Light Travel Trailers Good?
Yes, ultra-light travel trailers are good for those who prefer easy towing and optimal fuel efficiency, but they might have limited space and amenities compared to larger trailers.
