Travel trailers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes – from lightweight campers suitable for any vehicle to enormous luxury RVs that need to be towed by truck.
If you want to dip your toes into the travel trailer life and escape the 9 to 5, but are worried about the price of a larger trailer and the possibility of needing to buy a new truck or car to tow it, fear not. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best lightweight travel trailers on the market today. All of these campers come with all of the features and fixtures you need for a comfortable trip, and all are less than 1,500 pounds in weight. After all, it’s all about quality and not quantity.
Note: All measurements are interior and do not include exterior or towing measurements. Dry weight is the weight of the trailer containing standard features with no fuel or fluids, passengers or cargo. More details can be found on the company websites.
The Meerkat
- Length: 9 feet 6 inches
- Width: 58 inches
- Height: 73 inches
- Dry Weight: 920 pounds
- Standard Features: Camp stove, cushions, blinds, opening windows, icebox, closet, manual pump sink, LED lighting, port-a-potty, under-seat storage, rollout bed, fan, 12-volt power system, sleeps 2
The MeerKat is a hugely popular trailer, appearing on many “best of” lists on the internet. Although it is tiny, this lightweight travel trailer packs a punch and is ideal for solo travellers or couples.
Keeping things simple, this trailer has all the basic necessities you need, plus the option of adding a refrigerator, awning, side room tent, bed extender and a storage rack to make it even more versatile. The beauty of The MeerKat is that it cuts out the need for any complicated hitching, unhitching or set up, so you can simply pull up to the perfect spot and get on with your holiday.
At the super light dry weight of just 920 pounds, The MeerKat can be pulled by any 4-cylinder vehicle and can be easily maneuvered by hand.
The trailer is fully-insulated and can be well-ventilated through the opening windows and ceiling vents.
Rustic Trail Teardrop Papa Bear
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 5 feet
- Height: 4 feet
- Dry Weight: 1,295 pounds
- Standard Features: Rear receiver for bikes and cargo, dinette for 2-3 people, sliding windows, dual USB charge points, queen size folding bed, sleeps 2
The Rustic Trailer Papa Bear is a pretty basic camper, with no kitchen or bathroom included. However, the features that are offered promise comfort despite the lack of amenities and there’s ample room to move around and store everything you need. The website does recommend certain models of cooking stoves and toilets that you can stash safely and neatly away under the dinette, with links to buy them online.
A/C is an added extra, which can be included for a little more money, and heating doesn’t come as standard. But, as with the cooking equipment and toilet, the website recommends heaters that you can buy. As the trailer is so small, it doesn’t take much to heat up, so the chances are you’ll only need a small heater even in the depths of winter.
Oregon Trail’R DoDrop Alpha
- Length: 7 feet
- Width: 4 feet
- Height: 3.5 feet
- Dry Weight: 550 pounds
- Standard Features: Sleeps 1 (or 2 if you want to get cozy)
The DoDrop Alpha is one of the smallest travel trailers you’re ever likely to see. Built for off-roading, this lightweight trailer is a beefed-up version of Oregon Trail’R’s popular DoDrop model. It only sleeps 1 person, but is perfect for the more adventurous, as its small size allows it to fit down the smallest wilderness roads and the reinforced suspension and large tires are ideal for the roughest of terrain.
As with all Oregon Trail’R travel trailers, the DoDrop Alpha is fully customizable and comes with an extensive list of options, including custom cabinets, digital audio amp upgrade, a 3-speed fan, reading lights, rear accessory hitch for bikes or cargo, a stainless steel countertop, exterior shower, porch light, panic siren, water system, bamboo mattress upgrade, and a stargazer window to name just a handful.
Looking like an armored vehicle, the beauty of the DoDrop Alpha lies firmly in its simplicity and your ability to equip it how you want. In this way, it truly is made for any adventure, and the fact that you can choose exactly what you want to be included in your Alpha package means that you pay a flexible price, based entirely on the optional additions you pick (the base price is $6,140).
Timberleaf Classic
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 5 feet
- Height: 5.4 feet
- Dry Weight: 1,400 pounds
- Standard Features: Fully-insulated cabin, outdoor galley kitchen with a stove slide-out drawer, sink and storage drawers, shelves, custom made Colorado Queen mattress, air vent fan, counter space, LED lighting, sleeps 1
Another tiny lightweight travel trailer that gives you the flexibility to build it exactly to your specifications, the Timberleaf classic trailer comes in 3 models: Standard, All-Road and Off-Road. Each model is basically the same, with bigger tires and stronger suspension and axles on the All-Road and Off-Road allowing for rougher terrain driving.
As with the Oregon Trail’R, the beauty of the Timberleaf Classic is the endless options for customizing your trailer for your needs and tastes. The list of options is long and includes customized colors on the exterior and fixtures, extra shelving, window tinting, mattress upgrades, curtains, 2-burner stove, refrigerator drawer and heating. The “build your own” feature on the Timberleaf website is incredibly easy to use and helps you keep track of the price as you add more features whilst showing you clearly what the features will look like.
Similarly to the Trail’R, the Timberlake Classic is incredibly simple and only suitable for 1 person, or 2 if you don’t mind being cozy. With no space for a shower or toilet, this is a trailer for those who like to rough it a little more. But the compact size and light weight do allow for great on and off-road driving and much more versatility in terms of where you can travel.
Scamp 13′
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 6 feet 8 inches
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches
- Dry Weight: 1,200 pounds
- Standard Features: 2-burner propane stove, A/C, kitchen sink with cabinet, LED exterior lights, city water hookup, propane water heater, overhead cabinets, screen door, silverware drawer, convertible dinette/bed, sleeps 2
The Scamp is another big company making high-quality lightweight travel trailers. With 13-foot, 16-foot and 19-foot models and standard and deluxe options available in each size, there are multiple layout choices for each version, allowing for real versatility and trailers suitable for everyone.
The standard 13′ Scamp trailer comes with 2 layout options: front bunks, which includes a sofa bed ideal for small families, or a front bath for those who want the added luxury of a private toilet and shower. Each layout comes with the standard features and options for extras, including a refrigerator and extra storage.
Like the Timberleaf Classic, Scamp trailers are ordered directly from the manufacturer, which makes each build unique and customizable for every individual need. Prices also vary depending on which options you go for on your build.
Although 16-foot and 19-foot options exist, the Scamp 13′ is the most popular option, as it is light enough to tow with an average family car and manoeuvre by hand if needed.
TAXA Outdoors Tigermoth
- Length: 12 feet 10 inches
- Width: 4 feet 7 inches
- Height: 3 feet 9 inches – 4 feet 7 inches
- Dry Weight: 1,310 pounds
- Standard Features: cafe-style table top dinette, birch plywood cabinets, full-size bed and sofa, sleeps 2-5, LED lighting, reading lights, pre-wired solar input, under bed storage, pull out galley kitchen with 5.5 square feet of countertop space and a 2-burner portable stove
Another great little lightweight trailer with options to build your own to custom specs online, the TAXA Tigermoth is a lightweight, rugged and versatile camper. With a large side hatch to allow for a brilliant view across the wilderness and easy loading/unloading, and an entirely off the grid energy and water system that allows you to live unplugged for up to 7 days, and an optional rooftop tent that increases the capacity from a 2 person camper to a comfortable family trailer that sleeps up to 5 people.
Other additional options available for the Tigermoth trailer include a 6-foot awning with mosquito room, toolbox, A/C and a 5-pound propane tank and mount.
The lightweight cafe-style dinette comes out and the seating slides across the trailer to create a generous queen bed, with ample space underneath for all your gear, and the rooftop 3-man tent is incredibly easy to unfold and comes complete with a ladder. Despite its compact size, the Tigermoth’s interior manages to feel spacious and airy thanks to its large side opening and generous windows and the wooden floor adds warmth and a feeling of coziness.
The only thing that some may consider a downside to the Tigermoth is the lack of toilet or shower options. However, if you enjoy the roughness and readiness of real wild camping, this potential failure is more than made up for by the rest of the great features this little trailer has to offer.
Relic
- Length: 10 feet 5 inches
- Width: 6 feet 5 inches
- Height: 6 feet 5 inches
- Dry Weight: 1,000 pounds
- Standard Features: 12-volt lighting, sleeps 2, solid wood cabinets, Marmoleum floor, cushions, chrome kitchen details, laminate countertops, fire extinguisher, smoke detector
The Relic is a stunning little trailer, with a beautiful vintage feel, handbuilt and fitted to your specs. As with all the other lightweight travel trailers mentioned, there is a long list of additional options you can choose from to make the Relic your own cozy home: vintage reproduction kitchen features, a variety of toilet and bathroom options, RV mini fridge, mini kitchenette with 2-burner cooktop, vintage awnings and a whole host more. It’s well worth spending some time exploring every package available on the excellent company website.
This gorgeous trailer isn’t just made for people who love camping or those who want to escape the rat race for a few days. It’s built for lovers of vintage elegance and fun. Relic also offers a variety of bigger options including the Glamper, the Luxury Resort, and vintage camper restorations.
Go Little Guy MyPod
- Length: 6 feet
- Width: 5 feet
- Height: 3 feet
- Dry Weight: 760 pounds
- Standard Features: Entertainment center, 12-volt power, full-size sleeping area (sleeps 2 adults and a child), A/C, 3-speed fan.
The smallest of the trailers on our list, this ultra-lightweight trailer is tiny but perfectly formed. Made entirely of fiberglass, the MyPod is light enough to be towed by any vehicle and can be moved by hand. The majority of the interior is taken up by the bed, but you can add floor space with an optional screen room side tent which can be purchased separately. A roof rack is also available to add space for your gear and the trailer can be purchased in a variety of different colors, which are protected from chips and scratches by a built-in gravel guard.
This tiny, ultra-lite trailer might not look like much, but it sure does pack a punch. Although it doesn’t come with amenities like a bathroom or kitchen, the versatility that comes with such a light and compact trailer is comfortable, cozy and perfect for a weekend getaway.
Happier Camper HC1
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 6 feet 6 inches
- Height: 6 feet 1inch
- Dry Weight: 1,100 pounds
- Standard Features: Flexible and ultra-lite, large rear hatch door, sleeps a family of 5, premium fabric and hardware, fits in a single parking space, off-the-grid and solar prepped
Again, most of the features on the HC1 are optional, making this lovely little trailer fully customizable. A kitchenette is available, complete with a 5-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks and a drawer refrigerator and a roadshower option can also be added. A dry flush toilet can be installed and the flexible modular interior system allows easy customization on-the-go to suit your changing needs.
A rear hatch room extension will add floor space and extra storage and beds can also be added to sleep more people. A patio can also be added and a memory foam topper is available to add extra luxury to the queen-size mattress that comes as standard.
Happier Camper has also trademarked an adaptive module system (Adaptiv) which uses a variety of different sized boxes that can be used together or interchanged to create extra seating, work surfaces, or space for your gear.
A truly flexible space, The Happier Camper HC1 is ideal for everyone.
How To Choose Your Perfect Lightweight Travel Trailer
Ultra-lightweight travel trailers may not be to everyone’s tastes. With the lack of space and weight comes a certain lack of amenities and luxury which may not suit everyone’s needs. But if you’re on the hunt for a lightweight trailer for your adventures, there are plenty of things to consider when choosing which is right for you.
- How much space do you need in your trailer?
- Would you like to be able to stand up straight in it?
- Does it need a kitchen or a bathroom and how many people want to sleep in it?
- What’s your budget, and how many additional options would you like to include in your build?
- Remember that the price will go up the more you add.
- How durable does the construction need to be?
- Will you be off-roading or sticking to main routes and highways?
- How much weight can your vehicle tow?
- Remember, the weights mentioned here are dry weight and don’t account for the weight of the trailer fully loaded.
If you only plan on taking your trailer out for short weekends, the more basic models, which are lower in price, might be all you need, but if you’d rather buy something you can comfortably stay in for longer periods, or prefer more luxurious surroundings, you’ll want to look at something a little more kitted out.
Looking for a lightweight pop-up trailer? Check out the article, 6 Best Pop-Up Campers Under 1,500 Pounds.
Wrapping It Up
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can narrow down your options and begin your search either online, where custom building your trailer is simple and quick, or at a dealership. If you spend some time and effort exploring all your options and weighing up all of the pros and cons of each, you can invest in a camper trailer that will last you for many years and bring lots of adventure to you and your family.
