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.
Table of Contents
ToggleKeystone Coleman Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds
Let’s start with three ultralight trailers in the Coleman lineup by Keystone RV.
Coleman Light 17BX
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
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
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

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

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

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

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

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
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

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:
- What’s the Best SUV for Towing RV?
- RV Camper Weight
- Campers Under 4,500 Pounds
- Retro Camping Trailers
- 24 FT Travel Trailer Floor Plans
Do you have any other suggestions for the best lightweight travel trailers? Leave a comment below.
Author
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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.
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I have a 2015 Lexus rc 350, I want to tow a camper to live in. Sleeps one person double bed , shower, toilet A/C and heating . What do u recommend
Hi Georgia!
First, you can use our towing calculator and input your vehicle information to determine your maximum towing capacity (https://rv.campingworld.com/towguide).
Then, we have over 200 dealerships nationwide and would love to help with your search. You can use our website to find the perfect RV for you: https://rv.campingworld.com/ and you can request a VIP appointment from there!
Hi I have a jeep wrangler 2019 four door.
What type of little trailer would you recommend? And Sleeps 5
Hi Julie!
You can use our towing guide (https://rv.campingworld.com/towguide) to check your vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure the GVWR of the trailer you choose doesn’t exceed it. You can also contact your local Camping World to speak with a sales rep that can help you narrow down your options. Here’s a link to our nationwide directory: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations
I am having trouble deciding from a travel trailer to a RV. I am lookong used and am feeling a little intimadated to whole Idea of living in and owning a travel house. Wade i think you look a lot like my cousin Braden. Uncanning. With that said what would you recommend? I am a woman, in my 40’s, with a disability looking for a home. I dont need super luxury, but I also dont want something that could potentially be a money eater. I have a variety of tools and sure i can use them and figure things out, but even i know when i shoukdnt or its beyond my knowledge. When i go camping its usually in my car or a tent. What wpuld you reccommend? Are there easier and harder options? Can i paint this rv purple and green if i would like? I have so many questions. I will keep on researching more and more i kind of liked the van home my cousin guy had two yeara ago, althoigh i never dis get to see the inside. I dont know whether to buy a dolly and tow my car behind or buy a new car to tow the home. The 4 cylinder vehicle i have may not be enoigh. I just hope it is big enough for 2 and maybe a dog. I may want to make dinner for aomeone someday. I may want to have my family visit., althoigh theu may have to find their own place to sleep. Wow i better stop, i have no idea.
What about cassita and scamp?
They are 13-17 feet and feature full bath, kitchen, dinette, full bed, etc
Those are indeed great options John. Thanks for bringing them to the attention of your fellow readers!
Is there anything <3,000 that sleep 3 adults and has a bathroom? We’re a family of 4 with 3 wanting to visit the 4th at college for weekends. Car is a Chevy Traverse with max tow of 5,000-ish but understand we want to be well under for the trailer. Lots of options to sleep 2.
Hi Jim!
You might also be interested in our article on trailers under 4500 pounds:
https://blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/travel-trailers-that-weigh-4500-pounds-or-less-that-are-perfect-for-families/
The first two Coleman trailers in that article sleep up to 5 and up to 4, respectively.
Hope that helps!
Are there any 3,000 -3,500 lb travel trailers with tandem axles?
And as always not one word about the price. B i g secret!
Wade
You should look at RKS Offroad. I visited them a month ago. They are a startup trailer company out of souther California and they are doing some great things. Hopefully they make it to Florida.
There is a new trailer company out of California called RKS Offroad. You should include new companies like this for consideration in your list
Try looking at the e-pros by Thor Flagststaff and their companion G-Pro. Many of them are under 3000 pounds and come with all kinds of bells and whistles
I wan thebedroom in the back of the trailer is that possible
Dry weight does not include the cargo or the weight of the passengers. Isn’t that to be considered when towing capacity. Our towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. we were told to add our weight and everything in the truck bed and stowed inThe camper such as food appliances and dishes.
Can we get any of these without the dinette, I really need theater, double recliner
Please provide price for these 5 light weight rvs.
I would like to come down Monday afternoon to apply for finance Im looking for a small pull behind camper that sleeps four
Hi Courtney!
There is a lot to learn when you’re new to RVing, but I’d say the best thing you can do is head to your local Camping World to actually tour different RV types and floorplans in person. There’s really no substitute for walking into an RV when it comes to envisioning how your lifestyle might look if you owned it.
Aside from that, here are a few links to articles that address some of your questions:
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/how-to-overcome-first-time-rver-intimidation/
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/choosing-your-rv-towable-vs-motorized/
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/intro-to-rvs-types-classes/
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/inside-your-rv/what-you-need-to-know-if-you-want-to-repaint-the-inside-of-your-rv/
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/5-rvs-you-can-pull-with-an-suv/
https://blogcw.local/rv-basics/finding-your-rv/rv-buying-guide-towing-with-a-midsize-suv/
Hope that helps!
Hi Peter, it’s not a big secret, but the price can vary dramatically depending on the deals and promotions currently going on. Because of that, they are omitted from this article. It would be silly to publish prices when you could potentially get a far better deal than the list price. I’d suggest you go to https://rv.campingworld.com/ if you’re curious about the prices on these travel trailers. The prices can be easily found there.
Yep! Check the inventory on Camping World’s website!
Hi Pam, your right. Dry weight doesn’t include the cargo or the weight of the passengers. It must be factored in. If you’re vehicle is only able to tow 3,500 lbs, then you definitely need to make sure you’re under that with the passengers and cargo included.
Hi Joda, give your local dealership a call and I’m sure they will be happy to assist you!
Hi Jerry, the price will vary depending on where they’re sold. The MSRP isn’t super representative of what you can get them for at Camping World dealerships. Your best bet is to click through to Camping World’s inventory and see what the dealers have them listed for.