MANY 5TH WHEEL CAMPERS are known for spacious, residential interiors and luxury amenities, which are well-suited for full-time RV living. That also makes them heavier than most travel trailers, requiring a big truck with higher towing and payload capacities. However, those in the market for a small fifth wheel camper that doesn’t require a heavy-duty truck aren’t without options. Here’s a collection of small 5th wheel campers we love!
Key Takeaways
- Compact Yet Capable: Small fifth wheel campers under 33 feet and 9,600 pounds offer full-time living comforts, including residential-style kitchens, ample storage, and flexible sleeping arrangements, without requiring a heavy-duty truck.
- Variety of Layouts: Options range from bunkhouse models for families (Cougar Sport 2700BH) to rear kitchen and rear living designs ideal for couples or entertaining (Cougar 26RKE and Eagle HT 28CRT), featuring multiple slides, theater seating, and washer-dryer prep.
- Tow Vehicle Considerations: Small fifth wheels can often be towed by half-ton trucks such as the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, or Toyota Tundra, but buyers must check weight ratings and tow packages; smaller alternatives include travel trailers, Class B vans, or Class C motorhomes.
The Best Small Fifth Wheel Campers
In the world of fifth wheels, it’s common to find models over 40 feet and far less common to find them under 30 feet. To narrow the field, we’ve selected small fifth wheels that are under 33 feet long and weigh less than 9,600 pounds dry.
Keystone Cougar Sport 2700BH
Specs
- Length: 31’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,646 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,854 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,390 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 10
For larger families, the Cougar Sport 2700BH accommodates up to ten people while maintaining a dry weight under 8,000 pounds. This bunkhouse fifth wheel floor plan positions the bunks along the rear wall, relocating the kitchen to the center while maintaining the spacious primary suite at the front.
How does it sleep up to 10? Well, you won’t find many other small fifth wheel campers that boast triple bunks—and each is a double bed that can sleep two or give a single sleeper extra space to spread out. The sofa also converts into a comfortable sleeping space.
The 12-volt refrigerator uses less power, allowing you to dry camp longer if you enjoy getting away from crowded campgrounds. You’ll also love the ample counterspace that stretches along the campside, where parents can easily keep watch of their kids playing outside.
For more couples-friendly layouts, compare the Cougar Sport 2100RK and 2400RE.
Keystone Cougar 26RKE
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 30’10”
- Dry Weight: 9,200 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,800 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,715 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
Couples will appreciate the spacious rear kitchen layout of the Cougar 26RKE, featuring a countertop that stretches along the entire rear wall and an additional pull-out counter for extra meal prep space. A booth dinette is situated in the campside slide-out, creating a seamless flow between the dining and kitchen spaces.
There are two sitting areas with theater seating across from the entertainment center and a tri-fold sofa that provides a second sleeping space if needed. Outside, you’ll appreciate the mini fridge beneath the outdoor entertainment center, which is all smartly placed under one of two awnings that create 19 feet of shade.
For a rear living layout with additional sleeping space, consider the Cougar 29RLI.
Jayco Eagle SLE 24MLE
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 29’3”
- Dry Weight: 7,855 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,645 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,485 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
This small fifth wheel is another option with a spacious rear kitchen. While the Eagle SLE 24MLE is shorter and significantly lighter than the Cougar 26RKE, it still has L-shaped countertops, a booth dinette, and a tri-fold sofa. There’s also a hutch and pantry for excellent storage in the main living area.
A smaller second slide-out provides added room in the front bedroom and holds a wardrobe and a dresser. Plus, there’s an additional wardrobe at the foot of the bed and a linen closet in the bathroom. You won’t have any problems finding storage solutions in this small Jayco 5th wheel.
Keystone Cougar 23MLE
Specs
- Length: 27’11”
- Dry Weight: 7,745 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,330 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,275 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6
The Cougar 23MLE, the smallest 5th wheel on this list, features a rear L-shaped kitchen, a booth dinette, a storage hutch, and a tri-fold sleeper sofa. There’s also an additional pantry next to the hutch for extra storage.
This small fifth wheel also features a bedroom closet prepped for a washer and dryer unit, providing convenience for full-timers and additional storage for RVers who don’t require a washer and dryer. Whether you’re camping for a weekend or a week, you’ll love the storage of the 23MLE.
I love that the booth dinette sits along the campside wall, offering prime views while you drink your morning coffee or eat dinner. Plus, the large rear window is perfectly placed for views while washing dishes and meal prepping.
Keystone Cougar 26RES
Specs
- Length: 30’11”
- Dry Weight: 8,200 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,100 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,540 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Cougar 26RES features a huge L-shaped rear sectional, one of the most unique layouts on this list of small 5th wheel campers. The side against the campside wall features a tri-fold sofa, providing a second sleeping area for grandkids or occasional guests. I also love the pivot dinette–another unique design—that swivels to face out the campside window or stays against the sectional for easy conversation with guests.
The kitchen is small with limited counterspace, especially for a camper that’s almost 31 feet long. However, for RVers who enjoy entertaining or spending quality time with their families, the living area is the key feature. And you aren’t missing anything in the primary bedroom either, with its king bed, dual nightstands, and washer-dryer-prepped wardrobe.
For an interesting twist on a rear living layout, check out the Cougar 24RDS.
Jayco Eagle HT 28CRT
Specs
- Length: 32’10”
- Dry Weight: 9,595 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,805 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,990 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Eagle HT 28CRT is the largest floor plan in our small fifth wheel collection. With added length and opposing slides, this 5th wheel features a huge rear living area. You have a tri-fold sofa, theater seating, and a large entertainment center with an electric fireplace.
I also love that Jayco designed the dinette with two freestanding chairs on one side and a bench on the other. The kitchen features an island with a stainless steel sink, standard appliances, and ample storage options, including overhead cabinets, drawers, and a pantry closet. The front bedroom also features excellent storage, complete with a third slide-out that includes a linen closet, wardrobe, and dresser.
While this small 5th wheel offers the most space at 32’10”, it’s also the heaviest because of its three slides. You’ll likely need a heavy-duty truck with increased towing capacity or an excellent tow package to pull it safely.
For a lighter rear kitchen layout, check out the Eagle HT 27MLC.
Keystone Cougar 27SGS
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 30’6”
- Dry Weight: 8,343 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,947 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,495 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
If you want recliners but don’t want a motorhome, the Cougar 27SGS may be the perfect choice. Two recliners with end tables sit along the rear wall. A corner entertainment center with hidden storage is situated behind it in the campside slide-out, which is shared by a freestanding dinette. A tri-fold sofa completes the living area, offering abundant seating and convertible sleeping space.
This small fifth wheel camper features a kitchen peninsula with good counterspace for an RV just over 30 feet long. A second small slide-out in the bedroom features a wardrobe that provides additional storage to complement the overhead cabinets and dual wardrobes above the bedside nightstands.
For an identical layout with a Forest River twist, check out the Arctic Wolf 27SGS.
Jayco Eagle HT 25RUC
Specs
- Length: 29’9”
- Dry Weight: 8,120 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,680 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,640 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Eagle HT 25RUC features a large U-shaped dinette along the rear wall with huge windows, offering excellent views. There’s a theater sofa, pantry, and 12V fridge in a slide-out across from the L-shaped kitchen. This spacious layout is an excellent option for RVers who travel with pets.
The walkway to the front bedroom is located opposite most traditional floor plans, with the bathroom situated along the campside wall. An additional wardrobe accompanies the side wardrobes and overhead storage in the bedroom. Like the Cougar 23MLE, this small Eagle HT 5th wheel features a washer and dryer closet for laundry convenience if needed, or additional storage if not.
Honorable Mentions
Who Might Like a Small Fifth Wheel?
Many travel trailer owners eventually transition to a fifth wheel, and there are a few reasons. Many feel they are easier to tow, but most certainly provide more interior space and residential features. There’s a small learning curve when transitioning from towing a travel trailer to towing a fifth wheel, but we’re sure you’ll love the better overall RV camping experience.
To select a fifth wheel that your vehicle can safely tow, you must know its towing capacity and be familiar with RV weight ratings. Here are a few trucks that may be able to tow these small fifth wheel campers:
- Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500
- RAM 1500
- Toyota Tundra
- Rivian R1T
- Nissan Titan
Technician Tip: Tow packages vary. Always check your vehicle’s weight ratings or consult an RV sales expert to ensure you can safely tow your desired RV.
What Is Smaller Than a Fifth Wheel?
Images by Camping World
Fifth wheels, toy haulers, and Class A motorhomes are typically the largest types of RVs. Finding a fifth wheel under 30 feet is challenging. However, finding a small travel trailer, Class B van, or Class C motorhome isn’t as difficult.
Travel trailers can range in size from a teardrop camper to over 35 feet in length. Many small travel trailer options provide all the essentials while staying under 20 feet in length.
Class B vans are the smallest motorhomes, typically measuring 18-20 feet in length. While you can find models with bathrooms, most manufacturers use the interior space for cooking and sleeping. Even at 20 feet long, you’ll still find some Class Bs that can sleep four people.
Images by Camping World
Finally, Class C motorhomes are between Class Bs and Class As. Like travel trailers, these RVs have a wide variety of sizes. However, many RV floor plans are under 30 feet long. Additionally, the cabover bed offers a second comfortable sleeping space, eliminating the need to convert a dinette or utilize a sofa.
Before purchasing a fifth wheel, familiarize yourself with hitch and tow basics to ensure you have the correct towing equipment. Beware of this common 5th wheel hitch mistake that can cause severe damage to your tow vehicle.
Here are some additional fifth wheel buying guides:
- 5th Wheel Campers Under 7000 lbs
- Mid Bunk Fifth Wheels You Can’t Miss
- Front Living Fifth Wheel RV Buying Guide
- What Is The Best Rear Kitchen Fifth Wheel?
- Best Fifth Wheel for Full Time Living
- Best Small RVs
What are the top features or amenities you look for in a small fifth wheel? Tell us in the comments below!
