What is a lightweight travel trailer? How is it different from a travel trailer?

Lightweight travel trailers—which can include ultra-lite trailers, expandable trailers and teardrop campers—are RVs that can be towed with smaller trucks, SUVs, crossovers, even some sedans. They are typically made with lighter materials and shaped more aerodynamically, all of which help keep towing weight down. Generally, to be considered a lightweight travel trailer, the RV must weigh 6,000 pounds (dry weight) or less. The major differences between a lightweight and standard travel trailer is that lightweights typically weigh less, cost less in fuel to tow and don’t require a heavy-duty truck or large vehicle.

Why should I consider purchasing a lightweight travel trailer?

We wanted to find a towable RV that could comfortably house two adults and two dogs. Originally, we thought this meant we’d need something with a lot of space. After we started looking at various models, we realized we didn’t need something really big to feel comfortable. Lightweight travel trailers have open floor plans, making them feel extra roomy and spacious despite their smaller size. Compared to larger travel trailers, lightweights can be towed by a wider range of vehicles so it’s easy to find one that can fit your existing tow vehicle. Here are a few key factors that led us to buy our lightweight travel trailer:Weighs less than other travel trailers and isn’t as long, leading to less wear and tear on the tow vehicleComes equipped with two axles and four wheels, providing a smoother ride on long drivesDespite the shorter length, we have a slightly curved room which offers more headspace and makes the interior feel biggerFull-sized amenities, including a large kitchen sinkA multi-purpose living space that is easy to convert and can be used as a work space

What are some common features and amenities that come in a lightweight traveler trailer?

Despite their smaller size, lightweight travel trailers come packed with amenities. You can pretty much find all of the same features as a large travel trailer, including a bedroom, kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. Our RV has a king size bed, which also lifts up to provide storage underneath. We have ample storage space throughout our lightweight camper, including a large closet that we use as both a pantry and a place to store extra clothes. And lastly, many lightweight travel trailers come with a full kitchen, including a mid-sized refrigerator, and a full bathroom with a standing shower.

On average, how many people can sleep in a lightweight travel trailer? What are some common sleeping arrangements and layouts?

Most lightweight travel trailers can comfortably sleep between two and four people. In addition to a convertible dining area or pull-out, it’s not uncommon for lightweight travel trailers to have multiple sleeping spaces—usually a queen or king bed on one end and bunk beds on the other. However, there are a few lightweight travel trailers that can sleep eight or nine people. Between the standard bed, bunk beds and converted dining table, there is lots of sleeping space for additional visitors and guests.

How can I organize a small RV like a lightweight travel trailer?

Keeping things neat and organized, especially in a smaller space, is very important. Everything in your lightweight travel trailer should serve a purpose and have it’s own, dedicated space. This makes it much easier to put things away and avoid clutter when you know exactly where things belong.Make the best use of your cabinets and storage spaces by adding collapsible bins or totes to keep things contained. You can also store items in your shower when you’re not using it. Most lightweight travel trailers have ample outdoor and undercarriage storage as well. These compartments are great for keeping things like camping chairs, hoses, coolers, and adventure gear—anything that might get dirty should stay outside.

Which lightweight travel trailer is the best for boondocking? What size inverter do I need for a lightweight travel trailer?

If you know you’ll be doing a lot of boondocking, be sure to look for a lightweight travel trailer that has off-grid capabilities or the option for off-grid upgrades. This includes things like:Roof-mounted solar prepPre-wiring for an inverterA rubber torsion axle to navigate rough roadsOff-road or all terrain tiresBoondocking, by nature, requires diligent use and management of your power supply. The size of the inverter will vary based on each RV’s appliance needs or what you plan to use while boondocking. For a lightweight travel trailer, inverters typically range from 2,000 to 3,000 watts. In most cases, installing several extra batteries will be required to maintain a power supply. You will also need multiple solar panels if you don’t plan to use a generator. It’s best to figure out what features and appliances you’ll be using while boondocking and then plan your power supply accordingly.

What kind of vehicle can tow a lightweight travel trailer? How do I figure out if I can tow a lightweight travel trailer with my current vehicle?

Because of their smaller size and lighter weight, a lot of different vehicles can tow a lightweight travel trailer, including small SUVs and some sedans. However, you’ll need to make sure that your current vehicle has the ability to pull the RV’s weight. The best place to start is to look in your vehicle's owner’s manual and find the maximum towing capacity—this number will tell you the maximum amount of weight your vehicle can tow when pulling a trailer. A general rule of thumb is to not exceed 80 percent of this tow capacity due to risk of sustained stress on the vehicle from continuous use. There are several towing and weight acronyms that are important to learn before making a decision. A few important ones are:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—the maximum, total safe weight of your vehicle, including the curb weight (the weight of our vehicle when empty), plus the weight of your passengers, fuel, cargo, and the tongue weight of a tow trailerTongue Weight (TW)—the downward force or pressure the trailer puts on the back of the towing vehicleGross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR)—the maximum weight of a vehicle and its attached trailer.Lastly, it’s helpful to have an idea of how you’ll plan to use your lightweight travel trailer (full-time vs. seasonal) and where you’ll plan to go (off-grid vs. established campgrounds), as these can help dictate what size RV to consider and the type of tow vehicle.

What is the best hitch for a lightweight travel trailer? How do I hook it up?

There are a few different hitch types that you can use with a lightweight travel trailer: ball mount, weight-distribution and sway control. We currently have an Equal-i-zer hitch, which includes both sway control and weight distribution. We like this hitch configuration because it really keeps the RV stable, especially when driving up and down hills. It also distributes the trailer’s tongue weight so there is less stress on the end of our tow vehicle.First and foremost, establish a routine when hitching and unhitching your trailer and be sure to follow it every time. Create a checklist that you can reference. Before hooking up the hitch, make sure your tow vehicle's parking brake is on and that the trailer wheels are chocked. Hitching your lightweight travel trailer to your vehicle will vary depending on the type of hitch configuration, so be sure to consult your dealer or owner’s manual for guidance. Most lightweight travel trailers connect directly to your tow vehicle’s rear bumper with a ball mount (hence the name bumper-pull). However, you can also use a weight distribution hitch, a sway control hitch or a combination of the two. Once your lightweight travel trailer is fully hitched, make sure the emergency chains are attached and that the trailer cables are plugged into your tow vehicle port. This last step is essential for connecting your brake lights and turn signals.

How do I tow a lightweight travel trailer? Any tips for backing into a campsite?

There are several things to keep in mind while towing your lightweight travel trailer, but the most important thing is to take your time and give yourself plenty of space. Take slow, wide turns and avoid quick reactions. Plan ahead by looking at your route and checking weather conditions. There are several GPS services that provide specific trucking and RV routes to avoid getting stuck in hard-to-navigate situations. We like to use Copilot GPS.Backing up with a lightweight camper takes time, and we recommend practicing in a wide, open space or large parking lot to get a feel for how the RV moves. Here are a few suggestions for backing into a campsite:Track your tires in your sideview mirrors and make sure you can see them at all timesHave your partner or a fellow camper stand in the direction of where the tires should end upWatch your surroundings—not just along the sides but also above and below youGo slow and don’t overcorrect if you make a mistake

How much do lightweight travel trailers cost? What impacts the price?

Most new lightweight travel trailers range from $15,000 for shorter models to $30,000 for mid-sized models. Several key features can impact the price:Total lengthNumber of axlesNumber of slideoutsExterior wall materialOverall brand designBefore making a decision about a lightweight travel trailer based solely on price, we recommend you figure out exactly what you want your RV to have and how you plan to use it. If you intend to use your RV for occasional weekend trips, then something smaller with less amenities might work best. If you plan to RV full-time, then investing in something with more features and more space might be worth it.

Everything You Need to Know About Lightweight Travel Trailers

TODD & MARCIA SCHABEL

33 & 31, APPLETON, WISCONSIN

Todd and Marcia Schabel, along with their two mini goldendoodles Malai and Aspen, are traveling across the country in their Crossroads Sunset Trail travel trailer. Todd paints landscape portraits as they travel, while Marcia is a designer and marketer working remotely from the RV. Their dream is to one day own a farm in Wisconsin.

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FAQs about Lightweight Travel Trailers

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FAQs about Lightweight Travel Trailers

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Travel Trailers:

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