Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds

Contributor

Carl Corder

Favorite Trip

Indiana to Montana

Home Base

Indianapolis, Indiana

Favorite RV

Thor Sequence

About Contributor

Carl is our Written Content Manager here at Camping World. He’s an avid reader, road tripper, and camper, and enjoys all things outdoors, especially near rivers. He lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST BARRIERS for RVers is their vehicle’s towing capacity. While many SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and midsize pickups can handle a moderate load, plenty of travel trailers exceed those limits. Instead of upgrading your vehicle, consider a travel trailer that weighs under 3,000 pounds.

Start by checking your vehicle’s towing capacity and contacting the manufacturer to confirm you can install a tow hitch if you haven’t already. Once you know what your vehicle can safely tow and have the right hitch equipment, you can compare the best small trailers for SUV towing..

Ready to find the right fit? Here are some of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3,000 pounds.

Keystone Coleman Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds

Let’s start with three ultralight trailers in the Coleman lineup by Keystone RV.

Coleman Light 17BX

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Specs

  • Length: 20’2”
  • Dry Weight: 2,745 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,255 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Coleman Light 17BX is a lightweight camper for family adventures. This bunkhouse travel trailer is affordable and features everything you’ll need to easily transition from tent camping to RVing, including a tankless water heater, a bathroom with a shower, a two-burner cooktop, a refrigerator, and additional comforts. 

This is one of the quintessential small campers for new RVing families, with easy-to-use features, a no-hassle setup, and a gentle towing learning curve.

Coleman Light 17RX

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Specs

  • Length: 20’5”
  • Dry Weight: 2,695 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,305 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3

The Coleman Light 17RX is an excellent, lightweight, mid-sized camper for two. Keystone adapted the 17BX into a more comfortable couples camper, highlighted by the spacious rear bathroom and closet. It’s a contender to be the best couples travel trailer in 2025, especially for those on a budget.

This 3000-lb camper can be towed by a wide range of vehicles without fuss or unnecessary strain. With upgraded amenities and the smooth, modern look of a laminate, the 17RX is a sharp, affordable small camper.

Coleman 13B

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Specs

  • Length: 15’11”
  • Dry Weight: 2,526 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 974 pounds 
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4

New in 2025, the Coleman 13B is a short, compact camper ideal for couples or small families—especially those new to RVing. Its size and affordability are rarities in the RV world, and this is one of the only campers with a price starting under $10,000. But don’t think its size and affordability mean a lesser camping experience. 
The 13B is comfortable for cooking, cleaning, sleeping, and showering—even for a family with kids. It features a microwave, induction burner, wall-mounted air conditioner, heat, and 78-inch ceilings. For a couple’s version, check out the Coleman 13R.

Learn about the 2025 Keystone Coleman RVs.

Forest River Lightweight Campers Under 3000 Pounds

Let’s move on to three unique lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds from Forest River, including an all-electric camper!

Ozark 1620BHLE

Floorplan image of the Ozark 1620BHLE
Image by Forest River

Specs

  • Length: 20’1”
  • Dry Weight: 2,889 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 961 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Ozark 1620BHLE is a wise choice for families who need a lightweight trailer that’s easy to tow with a properly equipped SUV or midsize truck. It features a no-slide layout with bunks, a front queen bed, and a convertible sofa, offering space for up to five. 

Inside, you’ll find a functional kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, high-rise faucet, and compact fridge. There’s also a rear corner bath for added privacy. Other convenient features include a 13,500 BTU A/C, an electric fireplace, a power awning with LED lighting, and carpet-free flooring—making it a comfortable, easy-to-maintain basecamp for your next adventure.

Wolf Pup 16EV

Overhead floorplan of a Wolf Pup 16EV by Forest River
Image by Forest River

Specs

  • Length: 21’9”
  • Dry Weight: 2,995 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 2,498 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Wolf Pup 16EV is a lightweight travel trailer perfect for families looking to explore RVing. The twin rear beds make this possible. Amenities include a fireplace, a top 12-volt RV refrigerator, an air fryer, and a booth-style dinette. Inside, we love the cubby storage that helps keep everything clean and organized. Speaking of storage, note this camper’s incredible cargo capacity at almost 2,500 pounds. 

Outside, enjoy the shade of a 12-foot awning and store your favorite camping gear in the outdoor storage compartment, such as grills and camp chairs.

Model Note: This all-electric model was re-branded from Wolf Den to Wolf Pup in 2025. So you’ll find it listed under both brands below:

Salem FSX 174BHLE

Floorplan image of a Salem FSX 174BHLE
Image: Forest River

Specs

  • Length: 20’1”
  • Dry Weight: 2,899 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 981 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Salem FSX 174BHLE is a compact, bunkhouse-style single-axle trailer that’s light enough to tow with most SUVs and midsize crossovers. It can sleep up to five and includes a front queen sleeping space, rear bunk beds, and a convertible sofa with overhead storage. The fully equipped kitchen includes a two-burner cooktop and microwave, while the rear bath offers a spacious shower and foot-flush toilet.

Construction-wise, it features a powder-coated I-beam frame, a fully walkable roof with SuperFlex membrane, nitrogen-filled tires, and a diamond-plated front rock guard—everything to withstand road and weather.

Jayco Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds

Next in our roundup, you’ll find two lightweight travel trailers from Jayco.

Jay Feather Air 17BHSL

Jay Feather Air 17BHSL floorplan image
Image: Jayco

Specs

  • Length: 21’3” 
  • Dry Weight: 2,845 pounds 
  • Cargo Capacity: 905 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Jay Feather Air 17BHSL is a lightweight, bunkhouse trailer that remains towable by midsize SUVs and light-duty trucks without sacrificing comfort. It includes a front queen bed, single bunk beds, plus a convertible dinette. The kitchen includes a 2‑burner cooktop, a 5-cubic-foot 12V fridge, and a convection microwave, while the rear bathroom features a tub‑style shower and foot‑flush toilet.

Built tough for reliable road trips, it comes standard with Jayco’s Magnum Truss™ roof backed by a lifetime warranty, PVC roofing, a fully integrated A-frame, galvanized steel wheel wells, and nitrogen-filled radial tires. For comfort, it includes a 13,500 BTU roof A/C, on-demand water heater, power awning with LED lighting, backup camera prep, and residential vinyl flooring.

Perfect for weekend warriors and young families, the 17BHSL blends lightweight ease with well-thought-out amenities—you won’t need to trade in your favorite tow vehicle to start exploring.

Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH

Floorplan of a jay flight slx 170BH
Image: Jayco

Specs

  • Length: 21’3”
  • Dry Weight: 3,000 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 795 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6

The Jay Flight SLX Sport 170BH is a family-friendly, single-axle trailer that keeps things simple. It features rear corner bunk beds, a booth dinette, and a front queen bed. The kitchen includes a two-burner cooktop, an 8-cubic-foot 12V refrigerator, and a microwave, while the rear corner bathroom offers a tub/shower combo and a foot-flush toilet.

What results is a straightforward, classic camper. But, with Jayco, there are a few important differences, including a fully-walkable Magnum Truss™ roof, PVC seamless roofing (backed by a limited lifetime warranty), nitrogen-filled radial tires, and galvanized-steel wheel wells. 

Other standard features include a 30‑amp hookup, an on-demand tankless water heater, a power awning with LED lights, a backup camera prep, and a 13,500 BTU air conditioner.

Other Lightweight Campers Under 3000 Pounds

Sometimes less is more, especially for small, lightweight travel trailers. Less to tow, less to maintain, and less to clean means an easier adventure. In that vein, let’s highlight a few more of our favorite little camper trailers.

Coachmen Catalina Summit 164BHX

Want to get more out of your RV? Subscribe to the Camping World YouTube channel, and never miss a video.

Specs

  • Length: 19’6”
  • Dry Weight: 2,969 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 1,427 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5

The Catalina Summit 164BHX is an excellent family bunkhouse for a travel trailer under twenty feet. It features two 28” by 70” bunks and a 60” sofa. This bunkhouse is built solidly and offers a quality upgrade from similar bunkhouse campers we’ve seen. Enjoy amenities like a 12V fridge, 19,000-BTU furnace, GE stainless steel microwave, and a deep farmhouse-style sink.

Airstream Basecamp 16

Airstream Basecamp 16 camper against white backdrop
Image by Airstream

Specs

  • Length: 16’2”
  • Dry Weight: 2,650 pounds
  • Cargo Capacity: 850 pounds
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2

Airstream’s revitalized Basecamp 16 travel trailer is another excellent lightweight travel trailer under 3000 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 and thoughtful amenities like a rear hatch for cargo loading and an exterior shower for rinsing yourself and your gear.

How Much Does A Small Camper Weigh?

RVs of varying weights can be classified as small campers because there is no official definition. Often, small campers are under 30 feet and weigh less than 5,000 pounds, but it depends on what vehicle you have. For example, some SUVs couldn’t tow a 5,000-pound trailer, but a truck with a bigger towing capacity would have no issue.

Find Your Lightweight Travel Trailer

Today’s towable travel trailers are increasingly easier to pull because they’re manufactured with lightweight materials and designed to be aerodynamic. Though smaller, they offer a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom wherever you park.

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to tow 3,000 pounds. Your ideal RV might even be suited for minivan towing.

Can your tow vehicle pull one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds?

Use our Towing Guide to find out!


Check out more content on lightweight camper trailers and how to find your RV:

Do you have any other suggestions for the best lightweight travel trailers? Leave a comment below.

Author

  • Carl is our Written Content Manager here at Camping World. He's an avid reader, road tripper, and camper, and enjoys all things outdoors, especially near rivers. He lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana.

    View all posts

Leave Your Comment

Shop By RV Type

Your Adventure Awaits

Join our email list and stay up-to-date on the latest news, product innovations, events, promotions, and lots of other fun updates.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
By checking this box, you expressly authorize Camping World to send you recurring automated promotional marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) to the telephone number entered, which you certify is your own. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. & data rates apply. View Terms & Privacy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and not intended to take the place of professional service providers. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or advice contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this blog.

Scroll to Top