One barrier facing many aspiring RVers is their vehicle’s towing capacity. Your SUV, crossover, minivan, or midsize pickup can likely tow a moderate amount. However, many travel trailers are heavy, and not all vehicles can handle that much weight. Rather than purchase a new vehicle, consider the best travel trailers under 3000 pounds.
Check your vehicle’s towing capacity and contact your vehicle manufacturer to see whether you can install a hitch if you don’t already have one. Once you know what you can tow and have the right hitch equipment, you’re ready for endless fun, adventure, and vacation memories.
Are you pining yet? Let’s look at the best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds.
Coleman Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds
Let’s start with three ultralight trailers in the Coleman lineup by Dutchmen RV.
Lantern LT 17B
- Length: 21’5”
- Dry Weight: 2,985 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
The Coleman 17B travel trailer is a lightweight camper for family adventures. This bunkhouse camper is affordable and features everything you’ll need to easily transition from tent camping to RVing, including a six-gallon water heater, a bathroom and shower, a two-burner cooktop, a single-door refrigerator, and additional comforts.
This is the quintessential small camper for new RVers, with easy-to-use features, a no-hassle setup, and a gentle towing learning curve. This is also one of the most readily available units at Camping Worlds nationwide.
Lantern LT 17R
- Length: 21’5”
- Dry Weight: 2,970 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Lantern LT 17R is one of the most popular small campers in this Coleman lineup. Dutchmen adapted the 17B into a more comfortable couples camper, highlighted by the spacious rear bathroom and closet, and it’s a contender to be the best couples travel trailer under 30 feet. Especially for those on a budget.
This 3000 lb camper is readily available at most Camping Worlds nationwide. It can be towed by a wide range of vehicles, and owners can complete any number of Lantern LT 17R upgrades to improve its performance.
Rubicon 1400BH
- Length: 15’11”
- Dry Weight: 1,908 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Ideal for couples or small families, the Rubicon 1400BH is a rarity among travel trailers today. With an overall height of seven feet, it can fit in most garages. The rear outdoor kitchen features a bigger refrigerator than previous models, and the reinforced wheel fenders provide easy roof access. You might not believe it, but this actually includes a (small) bunk for kids, too.
Forest River Lightweight Campers Under 3000 Pounds
Let’s move on to three unique lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds from Forest River, including one that’s all-electric!
Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB
- Length: 15’8”
- Dry Weight: 2,667 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB has a unique layout with two 30” x 74” twin beds that convert into one king-sized bed for couples. It’s one of Forest River’s smallest campers, but it still packs a full kitchen and bathroom for comfort and convenience.
This travel trailer also comes with an exterior gas grill. You’d be surprised how much you’ll use an outdoor kitchen in a smaller RV. The Rockwood Geo-Pro 15TB is a lightweight travel trailer with a 10’ power awning, plenty of exterior storage, and a 2” hitch receiver for a bike rack or cargo carrier.
Cherokee Wolf Den 16EV
- Length: 21’9”
- Dry Weight: 2,995 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
The Wolf Den 16EV is a lightweight travel trailer perfect for families looking to explore RVing. The twin rear beds make this possible. Amenities include a fireplace, 12-volt refrigerator, air fryer, and dinette. Inside, we love the cubby storage that helps keep everyone organized and the camper clean!
Outside, enjoy the shade of a 12-foot awning and store your favorite camping gear, such as grills and camp chairs, in the outdoor storage compartment.
Salem FSX 164RBLE
- Length: 20’
- Dry Weight: 2,819 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
For couples or solo campers looking for an easy-to-tow RV with lots of storage capacity, the Salem FSX 164RBLE might be the ticket. This lightweight travel trailer has fairly basic amenities and features, but the benefit is additional cargo capacity.
With a high-capacity axle and basement storage, you can bring more gear than you usually might with a camper of this size. Inside, enjoy a north-to-south queen-size bed with two wardrobe closets and overhead storage. While compact, this is a straightforward, no-frills unit, which means you save on the price tag.
Jayco Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds
Next in our roundup, you’ll find two lightweight travel trailers from Jayco.
Jay Flight SLX 154BH
- Length: 18’
- Dry Weight: 2,810 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Jay Flight SLX 154BH is a simple bunkhouse floorplan with 29” x 75” bunks, a convertible front dinette, a full bathroom, and a modest kitchen. There’s also a nice ward next to the entrance door, a spacious pantry, and plenty of storage in the overhead cabinets.
While it’s already easy to tow because it’s small and lightweight, this Jay Flight SLX camper is also prepped for side and backup cameras. Plus, the exterior includes an LP quick connect, an exterior TV hookup, and roof solar prep as standard features.
Jay Flight 195RB
- Length: 21’10″
- Dry Weight: 2,940 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
For couples or solo campers looking for a lightweight Jayco, the Jay Flight 195RB combines affordability, function, towability, and comfort all in one RV. Interestingly, you enter the 195RB towards the back of the trailer, adding additional privacy. You also have a pull curtain for extra privacy between the main sleeping area and the rest of the floorplan.
Enjoy tons of overhead storage, a substantial kitchen countertop, a two-burner stovetop, and a freezer/fridge combo. The star of the storage is the large wardrobe closet at the back of the small camper that adds even more storage.
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.
RV owners often find peace of mind by towing smaller travel trailers, especially when navigating certain roads and paths. Whoever said good things come in small packages must have referred to these travel trailers.
Coachmen Catalina Summit 165BHX
- Length: 19’6”
- Dry Weight: 2,969 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
For a travel trailer under twenty feet, the Catalina Summit 165BHX is an excellent family bunkhouse travel trailer. It features two 28” by 70” bunks and a 60” sofa. This is built with solid construction and offers a quality upgrade from similar bunkhouse campers we’ve seen. Enjoy amenities like a 12V fridge, 19,000-BTU furnace, GE stainless microwave, and a deep farmhouse-style sink.
Airstream Basecamp 16
- Length: 16’2”
- Dry Weight: 2,650 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 inside and is equipped with 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 really depends on what vehicle you have. For example, many SUVs wouldn’t be able to 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, you get a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom wherever you park in one of these tiny homes on wheels.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to tow 3,000 pounds. You might even be able to tow your ideal RV with a minivan.
Can your tow vehicle pull one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3000 pounds?
Use our Towing Guide to find out!
If your current RV isn’t lightweight, sell or trade it in for one that is. Camping World has options to suit every RV enthusiast! Fill out an online credit application and get pre-approved today.
Check out more content on lightweight camper trailers and how to find your RV:
- How Much Does An RV Weigh?
- 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.
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.