A single axle camper is perfect if you own a small truck or SUV. They are generally lighter and easier to tow while offering all the creature comforts you need for a comfortable RV camping experience – especially if you’ve been tent camping up to this point.
Choosing the best single axle camper begins with understanding RV weight ratings and your vehicle’s towing capacity. From there, you can narrow your search based on the floor plan, interior amenities, and exterior features.
What Is a Single Axle Camper?
A single-axle camper is a travel trailer with only one axle—two wheels—as opposed to a double-axle (or dual-axle) trailer, which has four wheels. Depending on the RV manufacturer, a single-axle camper may be equipped with a spring or torsion axle.
What Is the Best Single Axle Camper For Families?
When searching for a family-friendly travel trailer, it’s difficult to find lightweight options since campers with bunk beds will generally be longer to accommodate the added sleeping space. However, we have five excellent single axle campers with bunks for family camping.
Keystone Coleman 17B
Specs
- Length: 20’5”
- Dry Weight: 3,088 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 902 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Keystone Coleman 17B features a bunk bed floorplan, making it an excellent option for families looking for a single axle camper. The corner bunks are next to the rear bathroom, which is ideal for parents with younger children who may need to get up in the middle of the night.
While this camper is only about 20 feet long, you still have a booth dinette, queen bed, overhead storage, and a full kitchen. There’s also an 8’ awning to provide a comfortable outside space at the campsite. Unlike previous Coleman single axle campers, Keystone added headroom in the shower and a propane RV furnace for more comfortable three-season camping.
Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 17JW
Specs
- Length: 23’11”
- Dry Weight: 4,311 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,396 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Another excellent single axle camper for families is the Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 17JW, which also features corner bunks. These bunk beds are double-over-double, providing room for two kids in each bunk. You’ll also love the storage underneath, so the kids have space to put away their toys and clothes.
This bunkhouse camper has a rear corner bathroom next to the bunk beds, a U-shaped dinette in a slide-out, a full kitchen, a queen bed, and plenty of overhead storage. The slide-out creates a spacious interior while keeping this camper under 5,000 pounds. Plus, the dinette offers ample room for a family of five or six to gather for meals. In addition, this single axle camper boasts almost 1,400 pounds of cargo carrying capacity, which is plenty for bringing all your camping gear for a weekend trip.
Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH
Specs
- Length: 20’6”
- Dry Weight: 3,020 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,330 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH features a floor plan similar to other single axle campers on this list. It has corner bunk beds, a rear bathroom, a booth dinette, a full kitchen, and a front queen bed.
However, I love the length and cargo carrying capacity. While it’s just 20’6” long, it boasts over 1,300 pounds in cargo carrying capacity. You get a small, lightweight camper with ample storage space. There’s overhead cabinetry throughout the interior and an exterior pass through storage compartment up front.
When you’re ready to take the party outside, you have a 10’ awning to provide shade or protection from rain. The 175BH is another great option for families or grandparents who enjoy taking their grandkids camping occasionally.
Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSK
Specs
- Length: 22’11”
- Dry Weight: 4,194 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,451 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
If you like Murphy beds, check out the Forest River Salem FSX 178BHSK. This single axle camper features a front Murphy bed that extends over a sofa. Many RVers love this layout because you have room to entertain and hang out during the day. At night, it’s easy to fold down the bed to get a good night’s sleep.
This Murphy bed trailer also features a U-shaped dinette in a slide-out, expanding the interior space and providing ample room for family dining. There’s a full kitchen, corner bathroom, and double-over-double bunks for the kids. This floor plan makes it easy for younger kids to get to the bathroom at night and offers dedicated storage for their toys and gear.
The outside kitchen and 14-foot awning provide a great space for cooking and relaxing around the campfire. The more than 1,400-pound cargo carrying capacity is a huge feature for weekend warriors with lots of camping gear.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH
Specs
- Length: 21’3”
- Dry Weight: 3,000 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 795 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH also features corner bunks, a rear bathroom, a booth dinette, and a front queen bed. There are no slides, which means a smaller interior space but also no slide malfunctions to worry about. The 10’ awning provides good shade while camping, making the outdoor experience enjoyable for the whole family.
One spec to note is the cargo carrying capacity (CCC). The 170BH isn’t rated very high for cargo, so you’ll have to be careful not to exceed 795 pounds when loading the trailer. However, with this lower CCC also comes a lighter camper overall. This Jay Flight SLX single axle trailer can be towed by various vehicles, opening the door for families or grandparents to enjoy RV camping without spending money on a larger vehicle.
Honorable Mentions
Best Single Axle Camper For Couples or Solo Travel
If you don’t want a camper with bunk beds, you’ll have more options. You’ll also enjoy ample interior space since bunk beds will be replaced with a sofa, a larger bathroom, or more counterspace. Check out these five single axle trailers under 5,000 lbs dry that provide everything you need for comfortable couples camping.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 160LK
Specs
- Length: 21’5”
- Dry Weight: 3,455 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,245 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 160LK features a huge rear bathroom that stretches along the entire back wall. There’s also a linen closet to store towels and toiletries, a feature you don’t always see in small campers for couples.
I also love the L-shaped kitchen, which provides abundant counterspace for storing kitchen gadgets and preparing meals. A jackknife sofa sits in a slide-out, and a removable table is easily set up for dinner. If you like to invite friends, the Jay Flight SLX 160LK gives you lots of room. A front queen bed and overhead storage complete this single axle camper layout.
Keystone Coleman 17R
Specs
- Length: 20’8”
- Dry Weight: 3,094 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,266 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Keystone Coleman 17R also has a spacious rear bathroom with a huge linen closet. If you need extra storage for clothes or gear, you’ll love the additional space. The bathroom doesn’t have a sink, but the kitchen has a 3.3 cubic-foot 12V refrigerator, a microwave, and a 2-burner cooktop.
I love that the booth dinette sits on the camp side with a window into your campsite. If you’re boondocking out West, it’s sure to provide beautiful views! A queen bed, a side wardrobe, and overhead storage complete the floor plan of the Coleman 17R trailer.
Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS
Specs
- Length: 20’2”
- Dry Weight: 3,543 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 894 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Another excellent single axle camper for couples or solo travelers is the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 19FBS, which offers everything you need in just over 20 feet of length and less than 5,000 pounds fully loaded. While its cargo carrying capacity isn’t as much as other single axle campers, you have a spacious layout with a single central slide-out.
There’s a rear corner bathroom, a galley-style kitchen, and a front queen bed. A 72” sofa sits in the slide-out across from the kitchen, which allows for great flow. The removable table is also a highlight of this Flagstaff E-Pro trailer, making the transition from dining to lounging simple.
Forest River Wolf Pup 14CCW
Specs
- Length: 19’3”
- Dry Weight: 3,314 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,161 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The unique layout of the Forest River Wolf Pup 14CCW features a rear entry door, which leads into the bathroom space. It’s a split bath with the shower on one side and the toilet on the other. A galley-style kitchen sits against the driver’s side, and a booth dinette sits along the campside. This layout allows for great views, with two large windows on both walls.
The front queen bed isn’t separated from the rest of the trailer, but this probably isn’t a deal-breaker for couples or solo travelers. You’ll still enjoy plenty of overhead storage even though this Wolf Pup camper is just over 19 feet long.
But one of the best features of this single axle camper is the massive cargo carrying capacity. At over 2,100 pounds, you can haul practically anything you need for a weekend camping trip! And with the rear entry design, you can easily slide in a paddleboard, kayak, or fishing poles for adventure travel.
Forest River Rockwood Geo-Pro 19FDS
Specs
- Length: 20’2”
- Dry Weight: 3,417 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,015 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
If you want a dinette and a sofa in a single axle camper, a Murphy bed layout is the perfect solution. The Forest River Rockwood Geo-Pro 19FDS features a front Murphy bed that folds over a 74” sofa. You have the best of both worlds—a comfortable lounge space during the day and a cozy 54” x 74” bed at night.
This small travel trailer also features a spacious rear bathroom, a galley-style kitchen along the driver’s side, and a booth dinette along the campside. The 32” dinette is perfect for a couple or solo traveler to enjoy coffee at sunrise, work remotely, or dine in style.
On the exterior, you have storage in the front and back of the camper, a 14’ awning, and a griddle. This Rockwood Geo-Pro single axle camper may be lighter and shorter than other trailers, but it still gives you maximum bang for your buck!
Honorable Mentions
Benefits of a Single Axle vs Double Axle Camper
Let’s look at some of the advantages of single axle campers:
- Lightweight. On average, single axle campers are lighter than double-axle trailers.
- Maneuverable. They are easier to turn and maneuver into parking spots or campsites.
- Adaptable. More vehicles can tow them, including small trucks and some SUVs.
- Efficiency. You’ll enjoy better fuel economy due to their lighter weight and lower profile.
- Versatile. Camp in RV resorts, state parks, national parks, and remote boondocking sites.
- Affordable. They are among the most affordable RVs, giving you a budget-friendly avenue to experience RV camping for the first time!
Buying an RV is a fun decision for your family and your camping lifestyle. Here are a few more resources to help you select the right single axle travel trailer:
- Best Small Campers of 2025
- Top Small Travel Trailers with Slide-outs
- What Is the Smallest Travel Trailer with a Bathroom?
- Small 5th Wheel Campers
- Best Micro Campers
Which of these single axle campers captured your interest? Tell us your favorites in the comments below.
Thank you, but what are the criteria for saying the best? What about the GULF STREAM ENLIGHTEN 19BH?
Hi Tom!
That Gulf Stream model could’ve certainly made the list. Here’s the link where folks can learn more about that model if interested:
https://rv.campingworld.com/product/gulf-stream/enlighten/19bh
Thanks for pointing that out as an additional option!