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Hi, it’s Mike from RVBlogger — I’m in front of the camera and Susan’s behind it. If you’re a brand-new RVer looking for a small, easy camper that’s simple to tow and even simpler to set up, this is for you. We toured three lightweight travel trailers with beginner-friendly floor plans and tons of smart storage.
Below, I’ll show you what stood out in each rig, who each one is best for, and a few setup and ownership tips we’ve learned the hard way.
Watch the full video here and see every feature in action — and don’t forget to subscribe so you catch our new RV reviews each week.
Video timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:47 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 175BH (family bunkhouse)
12:53 Keystone Springdale 1750RD (rear dinette lounge)
27:56 Airstream Bambi 16RB (iconic compact)
Why These Three Lightweight Campers Made My Shortlist
We picked these because they’re easy to live with, easy to maintain, and easy to tow for many SUVs and light pickups. All three focus on simple systems (no slides to fiddle with), practical layouts, and storage you’ll actually use. If you’re just getting started, that combination matters more than fancy options you’ll rarely touch.
Quick note on weights: shoppers often search for “under 3,500.” Manufacturers list several numbers (UVW, CCC, GVWR). UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) is the camper as built; GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the max the trailer is rated to weigh when fully loaded. The Airstream Bambi 16RB is rated at 3,500 lbs GVWR; the Jayco and Keystone we toured have UVW around low-to-mid 3,200–3,300s with higher GVWR ceilings. Always match your actual loaded weight to your tow vehicle’s ratings and hitch limits.
1. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 175BH — Small Bunkhouse That Actually Works for Families
Tour starts: 0:47
Why Susan and I like it: If you’re a small family, this layout just works. No slides, no drama — you’re camping, not troubleshooting.
Specs (as toured): UVW ~3,315 lbs | CCC ~1,285 lbs | GVWR ~4,600 lbs | Hitch ~305 lbs | Length 22’1″ | Sleeps up to 5 | Tanks: 30F / 20G / 20B
Highlights I point out on camera
- East–west residential queen (60″ x 80″) — rare in a compact trailer and great for taller folks. Trade-off: the inside sleeper climbs over their partner at night.
- Real family zoning: bed up front, bunk stack by the bath for the kids, and a convertible dinette for an extra guest.
- Inline galley with sideways two-burner cooktop to free up counter; big overheads; simple microwave and hood.
- Kid-ready bunks: upper has light + USBs; lower adds a window and 120V outlet; 300-lb sleep / 200-lb storage ratings.
- Tub-shower (great for little kids) plus plenty of headroom with skylight. I’d swap the mirror for a medicine cabinet on day one.
Who it’s best for: first-time RV families who want bunks, a real 80-inch bed for the grown-ups, and zero slides to maintain.
Pro tips from the tour: add a small cargo net to the overhead cubby near the bed so your stuff doesn’t fly out on travel days; consider a fold-up counter extension at the galley’s end for coffee/breakfast prep.
Watch this segment: 0:47 → 12:52
2. Keystone Springdale 1750RD — Rear Dinette Lounge With Big Windows
Tour starts: 12:53
Why we like it: the rear U-dinette with three opening windows makes this a cozy couples’ coach that still sleeps a guest when you need it.
Specs (as toured): UVW ~3,201 lbs | CCC ~1,199 lbs | GVWR ~4,400 lbs | Hitch ~430 lbs | Length 20’11” | Sleeps up to 4 | Tanks: 21F / 30G / 30B
Highlights I point out on camera
- Mid-bath splits the space logically: bed up front, lounge/dining in back.
- Accent wall at the bed makes the sleeping nook feel calmer (yes, the old model-home trick still works inside RVs).
- Great counter run with a sideways two-burner cooktop, 120V outlet, and overhead storage you can organize with clear bins (Susan’s specialty).
- Rear U-dinette converts to a ~78″ x ~42″ bed; plan for three diners comfortably (four with a camp chair).
- Pantry doors can tap the wall — toss on clear cabinet bumpers; a tiny bead of silicone inside door panels stops the rattle.
Who it’s best for: couples who value a bright lounge, weekenders who don’t want to set up and break down bunks daily.
Pro tips from the tour: this one’s a short RV queen (~60″ x 74″) up front — upgrade the mattress and add a CPAP shelf/outlet if you need one. Exterior pass-through and rear storage hatch make loading chairs and totes easier.
Watch this segment: 12:53 → 27:55
3. Airstream Bambi 16RB — Iconic Fit & Finish in a True Compact
Tour starts: 27:56
Why we like it: the Airstream feel is real — riveted aluminum, panoramic front window that actually opens, and tidy storage everywhere.
Specs (as toured): UVW ~3,050 lbs (per label in unit) | GVWR 3,500 lbs | Hitch ~475 lbs | Length 16’3″ | Sleeps up to 4 | Tanks: 23F / 30 combo (gray/black)
Highlights I point out on camera
- Front dinette/secondary bed with overhead cabinets and media tucked neatly away; power under the seating for laptops or a countertop cooker on rainy days.
- Compact galley with sliding overhead doors; two-burner top; sink cover doubles as prep space.
- Rear sleeping area with flexible TV/viewing orientation and bedside power.
- Mid wet bath saves space; about 6’1.5″ headroom in the shower; medicine cabinet included.
Who it’s best for: buyers who prioritize build quality and a timeless design in the smallest footprint — solo travelers or minimalist couples who want the Airstream experience.
Pro tips from the tour: bring an easy-up screen tent (clam) to extend your living space; stash odds and ends under the dinette’s pull-out drawer and behind the seatback cavity.
Watch this segment: 27:56 → end
Side-by-Side Quick Specs
| Model | UVW (approx) | GVWR | Hitch | Length | Sleep | Tanks (F/G/B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayco Jay Flight SLX 175BH | ~3,315 lb | ~4,600 lb | ~305 lb | 22’1″ | up to 5 | 30 / 20 / 20 |
| Keystone Springdale 1750RD | ~3,201 lb | ~4,400 lb | ~430 lb | 20’11” | up to 4 | 21 / 30 / 30 |
| Airstream Bambi 16RB | ~3,050 lb | 3,500 lb | ~475 lb | 16’3″ | up to 4 | 23 / 30 combo |
Always verify the exact sticker weights/options on the unit you’re buying and match to your vehicle’s tow, payload, and hitch ratings.
Beginner Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Lightweight Camper
1) Match the floor plan to your life
- Kids? Jayco 175BH’s true bunks win daily convenience over converting dinettes.
- Couples/guests? Springdale’s bright rear lounge is a nicer rainy-day hangout.
- Smallest footprint? Bambi’s a compact with premium finishes.
2) Measure real bed sizes
A “queen” in RV-speak can be 60″ x 74″ (short) or a true 60″ x 80″. If you’re tall, that Jayco 80-inch mattress is a big deal.
3) Bathroom reality check
A tub (Jayco) is awesome for toddlers. A mid dry bath (Keystone) fits most folks fine. A wet bath (Bambi) saves space but sets expectations.
4) Storage & power where you need it
Look for USB/120V at beds and bunks, and exterior access to under-bed/dinette storage for totes, cables, and the dog crate.
5) Keep it simple to own
No slide = less weight, fewer things to maintain, faster campsite setup. That matters on Friday nights after a long workweek.
Our Setup Tips From the Tours
- Add a fold-down counter extension near the galley on Jayco/Keystone units for breakfast space.
- Install cabinet bumpers and a thin silicone bead inside loose cabinet panels (Springdale) to kill rattles.
- Swap plain mirrors for shallow medicine cabinets to gain vertical storage (Jayco bath).
- Pack a countertop ice maker if you’re using compact fridges (Keystone/Bambi) — it frees up the tiny freezer for food storage.
- For Bambi/other compact models, plan an outdoor screen room to move cooking/eating outside, keeping the interior uncluttered.
FAQ
1. Can my SUV tow one of these?
Maybe — many midsize SUVs can tow 3,500–5,000 lbs, but your loaded trailer weight (UVW + cargo, water, propane, gear) must stay within your tow rating, payload, rear axle, and hitch limits. Use a weight-distribution hitch with sway control and load heavy items ahead of the axle.
2. What’s better for kids: bunks or a convertible dinette?
Bunks (Jayco) win for everyday convenience. A convertible dinette (Keystone, Bambi front) works for occasional guests but gets old if you’re doing it daily.
3. Wet bath vs. dry bath?
Wet baths save space (Bambi) but everything gets…well…wet. Dry baths (Jayco/Keystone) feel more familiar and are easier for families.
4. Do I need a slide-out?
Not for these layouts. No-slide units are simpler, lighter, and faster to set up — great for beginners.
What I’d Pick (And Why)
- Family with little kids: Jayco 175BH for the bunks + tub + 80″ bed.
- Couple weekenders: Springdale 1750RD for the airy rear lounge and easy entertaining.
- Minimalist or Airstream-curious: Bambi 16RB for compact quality and that front window.
Ready to See Them in Action? Watch the Video Next
It’s always easier when you can see bed sizes, aisle space, and storage on camera. Jump into the video here and use the timestamps to hop to the rig you’re considering. If you’ve camped in any of these, tell Susan and me what you loved (or didn’t) in the comments — we read them all and your tips help other first-timers.
Related Reading:
– 15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs
– 8 Best Small Campers Under 2,000 lbs. with Bathrooms
– 9 Best Camper Trailers For A Jeep Wrangler
Mike Scarpignato – Bio
Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.
We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.
We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.
