Rig Roundup: Lightweight Trailers That You Can (Probably) Tow with Your Current Vehicle

Dec 7, 2022 | Rigs

Rig Roundup: Lightweight Trailers That You Can (Probably) Tow with Your Current Vehicle

If you’re a solo adventurer, couple, or family looking to tow with a vehicle you already own, these lightweight trailers might be right for you.

By Ashley Rossi

Photo courtesy of Polydrop

Lightweight trailers offer plenty of options for tow vehicles thanks to their lower gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Since these types of trailers are typically smaller, they’re easier to maneuver and more stable on off-road adventures, plus they tend to be less expensive. Thanks to heightened interest in budget-friendly, easy-to-use rigs, there are plenty of lightweight trailer options on the market that you can most likely tow with your current vehicle.

Important Features to Look for in Lightweight Trailers

If you’re looking for a lightweight trailer to tow, you’ll want to consider a few factors, including its GVWR and your vehicle’s payload capacity. Here are the features to keep in mind when you’re researching lightweight trailers.

Weight and Your Tow Vehicle 

If you’re looking for a trailer that you can tow with your current vehicle, it’s extremely important to understand your vehicle’s payload and towing capacity. In order to determine if a trailer is the right fit for your tow vehicle, make sure that your vehicle’s true towing capacity is below the GVWR of the trailer.

Related The Best Vehicles for RV Towing

Layout

Do you want a bathroom in your trailer or are you comfortable using campground bathhouses? Wet baths are much lighter than dry baths, so that is a feature to look for when trying to stay as lightweight as possible. What about an indoor or outdoor kitchen? Layouts vary significantly in this trailer category, so you’ll want to make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves when considering rigs. If you are able to forego some features in the rig, it will likely be lighter and more affordable. 

There are a variety of layouts and trailer types that can be towed by most vehicles—like teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, and small fiberglass trailers. But there are also lightweight travel trailers and rigs that have room for your toys.


Lightweight Trailers You Can Easily Tow

If a lightweight trailer fits your RV lifestyle, here are 11 options to consider with GVWR ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds (listed in order from lightest to heaviest).


Polydrop P17A1 

Small travel trailer with open door and hatch
Photo courtesy of Polydrop

The Polydrop P17A1 is engineered to be towed by electric vehicles. While roadtripping in an EV might not be for everyone (yet), this lightweight trailer is an exciting development. Featuring solar panels, LiFePO4 batteries, A/C, and a heater, this trailer is built for off-roading and camping in all seasons.   

Related 5 Questions We Get Asked Towing Our RV With an Electric Vehicle

SPECS
UVW 1,100 to 1,600 pounds
GVWR 2,000 pounds
Hitch Weight 140 pounds
Exterior Length 13 feet, 7 inches
Exterior Height 5 feet, 3 inches
Fresh Water Tank 6 gallons
MSRP $30,590

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Add customized insulated door and skylight covers for winter camping.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Casita Heritage 17’ Deluxe

Interior view of fiberglass trailer with bunk beds, kitchen, and couch
Photo courtesy of Casita

This fiberglass trailer features a converting dinette as well as two bunks, so it can sleep up to four people. There’s also a wet bath, kitchenette, and plenty of storage space. Add on an aluminum-cased power awning and outdoor shower so you can fully enjoy the outdoor space.

SPECS
UVW 2,480 pounds
GVWR 2,650 pounds
Hitch Weight 365 pounds
Exterior Length 17 feet
Exterior Height 8 feet, 11 inches
Fresh Water Tank 16 gallons (upgradable to 23 gallons)
Black Tank 15 gallons
Gray Tank 32 gallons
MSRP $32,694

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Boondockers can add on Zamp solar panels and upgrade to an AGM deep cycle battery.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Aliner Expedition

Expanded pop-up with A-frame layout
Photo courtesy of Aliner

This pop-up trailer essentially doubles its livable space when the A-frame is unfolded. Choose from two configurations, including a rear sofa or a dedicated bed. All layouts come with a swivel cassette toilet and a standard outdoor shower. Cooking is easy with a two-way fridge, a two-burner stove, a microwave oven, a sink, and an optional, add-on grill.

SPECS
UVW 1,850 pounds
GVWR 3,500 pounds
Hitch Weight 240 pounds
Exterior Length 18 feet
Exterior Height 68 inches
Fresh Water Tank 11 gallons
Black Tank N/A
Gray Tank N/A
MSRP $34,819

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Add on the off-road package if you’re looking for boondocking adventures. 

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Little Guy Mini Max

Interior view of trailer shower and kitchenette
Photos courtesy of Little Guy Trailers
Interior view of dinette in trailer

With an interior height of 6 feet, the Mini Max is roomy for a teardrop trailer. The spacious wet bath, kitchenette, and dual sleeping and living area give you enough space for two people to travel comfortably. Other highlights include the four large windows that give you plenty of natural light.   

SPECS
UVW 2,320 pounds
GVWR 3,500 pounds
Hitch Weight 240 pounds
Exterior Length 17 feet, 2 inches
Exterior Height 9 feet, 1 inch
Fresh Water Tank 19 to 20 gallons
Black Tank 9 gallons
Gray Tank 25 to 30 gallons
MSRP $29,139

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Upgrade to the “Rough Rider” package to add off-road tires and an axle riser for higher ground clearance. Expand your camping space with an additional side-tent from the TeardropShop

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Starcraft Autumn Ridge 172FB

At less than 20 feet long, this lightweight trailer packs a lot into its layout. Featuring a full dry bath, kitchen, dining area, and bedroom, this rig can comfortably accommodate up to four people. Outside you’ll find a power awning and storage bay. With a decent-sized fresh water tank, you can easily go off the grid. 

SPECS
UVW 3,075 pounds
GVWR 3,750 pounds
Hitch Weight 280 pounds
Exterior Length 19 feet, 3 inches
Exterior Height 10 feet, 2 inches
Fresh Water Tank 20 gallons
Black Tank 19.9 gallons
Gray Tank 19.9 gallons
MSRP $23,955
Travel trailer floor plan with separate bathroom, living area, and bed
Photo courtesy of Starcraft RV

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

You can add a two-way fridge so you don’t have to run your RV fridge on electricity only. 

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Forest River r-pod Travel Trailer RP-190

Interior view of a trailer with a kitchen and sleeping area
Photo courtesy of Forest River

This lightweight travel trailer is roomy enough to be used by minimalists for full-time living. It features a large dry bath and separate living and bedroom areas with room for four people. There are tons of storage cabinets and even a slide-out. 

SPECS
UVW 2,979 pounds
GVWR 3,807 pounds
Hitch Weight 307 pounds
Exterior Length 20 feet, 4 inches
Exterior Height 9 feet, 7 inches
Fresh Water Tank 30 gallons
Black Tank 30 gallons
Gray Tank 30 gallons
MSRP $38,675
Floor plan of a small trailer with living space and dry bath
Photo courtesy of Forest River

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Add on an R-Dome awning with a screen room and outdoor kitchen to expand your camping space outside.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


KZ Escape E17 HATCH

Couple standing outside travel trailer with back hatch open at campsites with bikes
Photo courtesy of KZ Recreational Vehicles

You can easily bring along your toys because of the rear hatch door in this rig. A separate living and sleeping space divides the trailer with enough room for a kitchen, dinette, and dry bath. Enjoy open-air camping with the hatch opened and screen rolled down.

SPECS
UVW 3,320 pounds
GVWR 4,000 pounds
Hitch Weight 550 pounds
Exterior Length 22 feet
Exterior Height 112 inches
Fresh Water Tank 20 gallons
Black Tank 30 gallons
Gray Tank 30 gallons
MSRP $34,785
Floor plan of a small trailer
Photo courtesy of KZ Recreational Vehicles

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

The Off/Grid package includes solar panels, an inverter, a tongue-mounted bike rack, a griddle, extra ground clearance, electronically controlled heated holding tanks, and more features.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Taxa Outdoors Mantis

Interior view of living area in a lightweight travel trailer
Photo: TAXA Outdoors

Designed by a former senior architect for NASA’s Habitability Design Center, Taxa’s rigs are built with a purpose. The Mantis comes standard with a full galley kitchen and full-sized bed with the option to add on a wet bath. There are plenty of creative storage spaces and the back hatch opens so you can enjoy the outdoors. 

SPECS
UVW 3,115 pounds
GVWR 4,200 pounds
Hitch Weight 435 pounds
Exterior Length 19 feet
Exterior Height 10 feet (open)
Fresh Water Tank 20 gallons
Black Tank 22 gallons
Gray Tank N/A
MSRP Starting at $49,000

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

You can add on a folding couch bunk bed system or a three-person roof tent for additional sleeping space.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Venture RV Sonic Lite SL169VUD

Interior of an RV trailer with kitchenette and double bunks
Photo courtesy of Venture RV

Looking for bunks and a dedicated bed in a trailer under 4,400 pounds (loaded)? The Sonic Lit SL169VUD features a dedicated front bed and 28-inch by 74-inch bunks. A slide-out with dinette seating opens up the floor space in this 21-foot rig.

Related Rig Roundup: 6 Kid-Friendly RVs With Bunkhouses

SPECS
UVW 3,250 pounds
GVWR 4,400 pounds
Hitch Weight 460 pounds
Exterior Length 21 feet, 10 inches
Exterior Height 9 feet, 11 inches
Fresh Water Tank 38 gallons
Black Tank 30 gallons
Gray Tank 30 gallons
MSRP Starting at $37,885
A floor plan of a small trailer
Photo courtesy of Venture RV

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Upgrade to the Off-the-Grid package to add a 100-watt solar panel and control, as well as off-road tires. All Sonic Lites come standard with solid flip-up steps and a swing-away grab handle.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH

Ideal for families, this lightweight travel trailer sleeps up to five people between the queen-sized bed and bunks. There’s also a full kitchen, living area with dinette, and dry bath with a tub and shower. With a large fresh water tank, you can easily dry camp with everyone on board. 

SPECS
UVW 3,775 pounds
GVWR 4,995 pounds
Hitch Weight 380 pounds
Exterior Length 20 feet, 2 inches
Exterior Height 9 feet, 9 inches
Fresh Water Tank 55 gallons
Black Tank 30.5 gallons
Gray Tank 30.5 gallons
MSRP $35,993
Small trailer floor plan with spacious dry bath
Photo courtesy of Jayco

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

Add on an accessory roof rack so you can bring along any toys. Also, upgrade to heated tank pads if you enjoy camping in the winter. 

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Escape 21C

This spacious floor plan includes a converting dinette, wet bath, separate sleeping area, and full kitchen. The fiberglass trailer is easy to tow, has plenty of storage, and can comfortably fit four people. Escape trailers come with tons of upgrade options, including a composting toilet, compressor fridge, built-in microwave, additional outlets and lights, and more.

SPECS
UVW 3,465 pounds
GVWR 5,000 pounds
Hitch Weight 366 pounds
Exterior Length 21 feet, 4 inches
Exterior Height 9 feet
Fresh Water Tank 28 gallons
Black Tank 22 gallons
Gray Tank 28 gallons
MSRP $42,195
Interior floorplan of an RV with bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and dinette
Photo courtesy of Escape Trailers

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE:

With nearly 50 options for personalization, Escape trailers are very customizable. Add as many or as few as you want to make your rig work for your lifestyle.

More information on this lightweight trailer can be found here.


Calculate the Cost of a Rig


A Note on Rig Specs

It’s incredibly important to pay close attention to specs when shopping for a travel trailer. Use the VIN (vehicle identification number) to find the towing capacity and payload capacity for your specific tow vehicle.


Disclaimer: Togo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by Thor Industries, Inc., of which Jayco, KZ Recreational Vehicles, and Venture RV are subsidiaries.

Rig RoundupRigsTravel Trailers

Ashley Rossi

Ashley is the managing editor at Togo RV. She comes from a background in travel writing which has taken her from Australia to Haida Gwaii. Her favorite national park is Zion and she's helping her parents plan an epic cross-country retirement trip in an Airstream.