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.
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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
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.
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| 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
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
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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
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.
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| 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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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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.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
- GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
- UVR (Unloaded Vehicle Rating)
- CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
- Tongue Weight
- Dry Hitch Weight
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.
