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There is a broader range of travel trailers on the market than ever before! If you are looking for a travel trailer that you can tow with a small truck or even an SUV, there are many great options.
We have investigated them all to find the very best ones on the market today. Our list of the 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs will give you great ideas to start your search!
- Considering Purchasing a Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs?
- 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs
- 1. Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ
- 2. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ
- 3. Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
- 4. Oliver Legacy Elite
- 5. Forest River R-POD RP-180
- 6. Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
- 7. 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers (All 5 Floors Plans are well under 3500 lbs)
- 8. Scamp 13’, 16’ and 19’ Deluxe Models all under 3500 lbs
- 9. Airstream Nest
- 10. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
- Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Travel Trailer?
- Browse Travel Trailer Rentals Near You!
Considering Purchasing a Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs?
If you are considering purchasing a Travel Trailer under 3,500 lbs we recommend two courses of action.
- If you have never owned a small camper before we recommend that you rent one before you buy one. Susan and I did this and it worked out great for us. We rented a Class C RV for a week and by the end of that week, we knew everything we liked – and didn’t like about that RV. This helped us to purchase the perfect RV for us! And we recommend you “try before you buy” a travel trailer too! It could save you thousands!
- If you are ready to purchase a travel trailer – or any RV – we highly recommend that you use GoRollick to find the best local pricing from dealers near you on new or used RVs!
We teamed up with GoRollick because we think they have an awesome network of dealerships all across the country that offer great service and pricing for our readers. Give them a try! Just click the link below to get dealer pricing!
10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs
1. Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ
- Dry Weight: 3,031 lbs.
- Length: 21′ 5″
- Sleeps: 3
- Price: $29,658
The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ has everything you need for a weekend getaway or a more extended excursion. This compact travel trailer covers all of the bases and is perfect for towing with a smaller size vehicle.
The Wolf Pup has a full bathroom, a must if you plan to take longer camping trips. Having a full bath on board allows you to get outside of campgrounds if you like and provides a great alternative to using campground facilities.
In the kitchen, a small fridge, stovetop, and microwave allow you to cook meals on the go. For a smaller sized travel trailer, there is a lot of storage for food and pantry items in the kitchen.
A small dinette features a large window, perfect for taking in the scenery as you enjoy your meals. The dinette also converts into a small extra bed.
You will sleep well in the bed, which has storage underneath and bedside tables on each side. Enclosed overhead storage and two wardrobes provide plenty of space for your clothes and other needed items.
2. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ
- Dry Weight: 2,749 lbs.
- Length: 21′ 4″
- Sleeps: 4
- Price: $23,375
If you are looking for a small travel trailer that doesn’t skimp on storage, take a look at the Coachmen Clipper Ultra Lite 17 CFQ! This lightweight travel trailer features tons of overhead storage and lots of other great features.
We love the spacious bathroom, with shower, toilet, and sink. It is complete with overhead storage and a useful medicine cabinet as well.
In the kitchen, you will find all you need to prepare meals during your adventures. The sink is roomy with a beautiful faucet. A fridge and stovetop complete this cozy kitchen. There is also great storage above the kitchen for your food and other kitchen items.
You will love the finishes in this travel trailer. The dinette seats have a leather-like finish, and there are great pattern options for the fabric. The extra storage cabinets above the dinette are a useful feature. They come in handy for all types of odds and ends.
A comfortable queen bed is perfect for resting after a day of exploring. There is also plentiful storage over the bed, ideal for clothing and other needed items.
3. Vintage Cruiser 19CSK
- Dry Weight: 3,395 lbs.
- Length: 23′ 1″
- Sleeps: 4
- Price: $26,458
Everyone loves the look of a retro travel trailer! Unfortunately, the cost and repairs needed for an old school travel trailer are often more than most consumers want to take on. If you are looking for a retro style in a new, modern travel trailer, the Vintage Cruiser 19 CSK is for you!
The highlight of this camper is the living space. The travel trailer has a small slide, a rarity among lightweight campers. The slide opens up the interior space and gives you more room to walk around in the camper.
Inside the slide, is a well designed retro sofa. You will love the look and color of this unique and stylish sofa that also converts to a large bed. This camper is all about style, and you will enjoy the window coverings and overall look of the space.
The overhead corner space of the slide features two small cabinets, perfect for storing small items such as games and other extras. We love how the corner cabinets make use of space in the slide that is otherwise dead space.
Beside the sofa, two small side tables are perfect for holding your drink or a book while you are lounging in the travel trailer. A sizeable collapsible table completes the space, giving you lots of great options for arranging the living room.
In the kitchen, you will appreciate the large size refrigerator and large freezer. The expansive fridge makes it easy to travel for extended periods without having to make frequent trips to the grocery store. The large pantry is perfect for storing dishes and dry goods and is conveniently located beside the refrigerator. A double sink, stovetop, oven, and microwave complete the kitchen.
You will sleep comfortably on the large bed, which features a shirt closet on either side. We love the light-colored wood cabinetry of the closets and other storage areas of the travel trailer. Above the bed, a spacious overhead cabinet gives you plenty of extra space for storage.
4. Oliver Legacy Elite
- Dry Weight: 3,700 lbs.
- Length: 18′ 5″
- Sleeps: 3
- Price: $57,900
The Oliver Legacy Elite is one of our favorite high-end small fiberglass travel trailers. Oliver is well known for quality and craftsmanship, and you will not be disappointed with this well-designed travel trailer. To learn about the best fiberglass travel trailer brands check out our article called 7 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailer Brands.
A large, comfortable dinette can seat up to four. When its time to relax, the dinette converts to a full-size bed perfect for one or two people. A smaller side dinette converts into a cozy bed for one, allowing you to accommodate a guest with ease.
A full-size bathroom complete with toilet, sink, shower, and vanity makes it easy to travel for extended periods.
In the kitchen, a fridge, microwave, sink, and stove provide everything you need to prepare a quick meal. A good-sized closet offers interior storage for your clothing and more.
Oliver is all about customization. You can choose your upholstery fabrics and floor coverings, allowing you to personalize your travel trailer.
Oliver trailers feature a double-hulled fiberglass shell, which means you will never have to worry about getting too cold, even when traveling during the winter months.
5. Forest River R-POD RP-180
- Dry Weight: 2,950 lbs.
- Length: 20 feet
- Sleeps: 3
- Price: $28,275
The Forest River R-Pod has quickly become one of the best selling smaller travel trailers on the market today. Buyers love the many features that are available in this lightweight travel trailer. It can be towed with many smaller SUVs making it perfect for anyone looking for a compact towable travel trailer with all of the amenities of larger models.
The R-Pod’s compact design allows it to pack a big punch in a small space. The full-size bathroom has a spacious shower, sink, and toilet. A small closet in the bathroom is perfect for storing linens and toiletries.
A roomy queen bed makes it easy to get a good night’s sleep. Above the bed is a good size window and a small shelf for extra storage.
In the kitchen, a refrigerator, cooktop, sink, and convection oven provide you with everything you need to cook on the go. There is overhead storage in the kitchen that is big enough to hold the essential items you will need for a short camping trip.
Across from the kitchen, a small dinette for two completes the R-Pod. The dinette converts into a cozy bed for one. There is also storage over the seating area.
Outside, the aerodynamic design of the R-Pod makes it easy to tow. An awning or optional add-on dome room gives you extra living space outside of the travel trailer.
6. Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD
- Dry Weight: 3,450 lbs.
- Length: 21′ 10″
- Sleeps: 5
- Price: $30,375
With sleeping for up to six people, the Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD is a great, easy to tow travel trailer for families and small groups.
A queen-sized bed, spacious dinette sleeper that sleeps two, and a double bunk provide plenty of sleeping space for families on the go.
We love the window in the double bunk area, which provides natural light to this cozy space. The dinette, located in the slide, can seat four comfortably. Having the slide in the camper really opens up the space and provides more room for cooking and hanging out in the camper.
The queen bed area has both a storage closet and an overhead cabinet, perfect for storing clothing and other needed items.
In the bathroom, a shower, sink, and toilet give you everything you need to be comfortable on the road.
The kitchen has a large refrigerator, convection oven, stovetop, and sink. We love the extra storage space in the kitchen.
Outside the rig, a twelve-foot awning provides shade on those hot summer days and creates an excellent space for relaxing outside. Pass through storage underneath the camper is perfect for storing large items and outdoor toys and gear.
7. 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers (All 5 Floors Plans are well under 3500 lbs)
- Dry Weight: 2,480 lbs.
- Length: 17 feet
- Sleeps: 3-5
- Price: $26,694
If you are looking for a first-class travel trailer customized for your personal needs, check out the Casita Deluxe line of travel trailers. With five floor plans well under 3,500 pounds, you are sure to find a layout and style that work for you.
You may think Casitas are only for singles or couples, but the Heritage model can sleep up to six people! We love the four cozy bunkbeds and comfortable double bed in this unique floor plan.
All of the bunk beds have storage underneath, while the double bed has overhead storage and converts to a dinette that can seat up to four comfortably.
The other Casita floor plans can sleep between two and four and offer lots of unique options that make the Casita popular with experienced RVers. From swivel chairs to high-end finishes, you will love the special touches found in Casita travel trailers. Some floorplans even offer a king-sized bed option!
All seventeen-foot Casita travel trailers come with full bathrooms and well-designed kitchens. Standard features include a refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and microwave in the kitchen. You will also appreciate the plentiful storage throughout the camper.
8. Scamp 13’, 16’ and 19’ Deluxe Models all under 3500 lbs
- Dry Weight: 2,600 lbs.
- Length: 13, 16 or 19 feet
- Sleeps: 2-4
- Price: 28,699
You will be amazed at the features of the Scamp Deluxe Model travel trailers! Scamp offers a variety of floor plans ranging from thirteen to nineteen feet, and all of them are well under 3,500 pounds.
While the thirteen-foot model is best suited for one or two people, the sixteen-foot model has several floor plans that can sleep up to five people. The nineteen-foot model has a unique loft queen bed design with bunks and an additional sleeping area. This model can sleep up to six. The wide range of sleeping options and configurations make the Scamp popular with couples as well as larger families.
Other features of the Scamp include a lightweight fiberglass design, interior kitchens complete with range, sink, refrigerator and counter space, and full bathrooms.
The Scamp is roomy and comfortable enough to camp for a few days or even a few weeks! Although it is priced higher than similar-sized campers, Scamps are an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a well-designed camper.
Scamps are also very popular with owners and have a high resale value. The fact that they can be towed with SUVs, minivans, and even some cars makes them an excellent option for anyone new to camping or looking to tow their rig with a small vehicle.
9. Airstream Nest
- Dry Weight: 3,400 lbs.
- Length: 16′ 7″
- Sleeps: 2
- Price: $45,900
Airstream fans will be thrilled with the new Airstream Nest! This stylish and well-designed travel trailer does not disappoint.
With the durable fiberglass body and lightweight design, it is easy to tow, and it looks great too! Inside, colorful décor and lots of windows make this travel trailer and pleasant, inviting space.
The Nest offers two floor plans, both under 3,500 pounds. Choose from either a fixed bed or a convertible dinette for your sleeping area. Both options feature a Tuft and Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress, making for a perfect night’s sleep.
We love the U-shaped dinette that is perfect for both dining and working on the road. The great color options and all wood furniture and cabinetry make the Airstream feel comfortable and luxurious.
Both floor plans offer a great kitchen, full bathroom, and lots of storage. You will love the small details, like the built-in spice rack and a spacious closet.
10. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX
- Dry Weight: 3,124 lbs.
- Length: 21′ 6″
- Sleeps: 3
- Price: $29,525
The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX has a really unique feature for a travel trailer of its size: a bathtub! A rarity for a travel trailer, the 38” tub is a great feature for anyone traveling with pets or children.
We love that the bathroom is as wide as the entire travel trailer, giving much-needed space. In addition to the bathtub, the full bath has a medicine cabinet and a spacious sink area. You will love the amount of countertop space in this bathroom!
You will sleep comfortably in the queen-size bed, complete with closets on either side and overhead storage. A dinette for two converts into an additional bed.
In the kitchen, a large stainless steel refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and sink make meal preparation easy. We love the on-trend backsplash and ample storage as well.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Travel Trailer?
Yes – but not from a dealership! Unfortunately, your odds of suffering a major mechanical breakdown go up with every passing year. Based on RV Warranty claims records, more than 3 out of every 10 RVs will need major repairs in only their second year on the road.
This skyrockets to 8 out of 10 in their fifth year, and virtually ALL of them in their eighth year! Today’s RVs are increasingly more complex, and with more things to go wrong, the need to protect your investment is more important than ever.
Our RV Warranty plans allow you to change your mind! If you’re looking to sell your RV to a private party, you can absolutely transfer the policy to the new owner. Additionally, if you are trading in your RV, or getting out of RVing altogether, you can cancel your policy for a pro-rated refund.
We bought a warranty through Wholesale Warranties for several reasons:
- We can cancel the warranty at any time and get a pro-rated refund
- We can transfer the warranty to the new owner if we decide to sell our RV
- There are no mileage caps on our policy
- We can use repair shops all across the country
- We can use a mobile repair company right at our campsite
- The price is way better than most dealerships
- We could finance the cost of the warranty
- With parts and labor prices increasing all the time, we have peace of mind
You owe it to yourself to at least check out a warranty and get a free quote to see if it is right for you. It just takes a few minutes and you will learn a ton about protecting your investment. We only recommend products we use ourselves and we highly recommend you get a free quote from Wholesale Warranties.
– 8 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailers
– 9 Best Travel Trailers Under 30 Feet
– 7 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs
– 8 Best Small Campers Under 2,000 lbs. with Bathrooms
– 17 Best Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs
Browse Travel Trailer Rentals Near You!
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Most extended warranties start after the regular warranty ends BUT the prorated amount includes the time under the regular warranty.
Our original warranty was for 12 months and we got another 12 month extended warranty. After a year we traded for a larger trailer and only got 1/2 of the cost of our extended warranty back, even though it wasn’t going to kick in for another few weeks.
Which of these under 3500 lbs come insulated for cold temperatures 5,500 ft above sealevel? I only have a Subaru Outback turbo that can haul up to 3,500 lbs
I have been looking for an ultra lite trailer under 3500lbs that I can tow with my Nissan Frontier. I would prefer one with bunks and no bed. Also I would like a slide out. Double axle would be great also, but that may be asking for too much.
Good information for one looking for a small trailer. With all of my research, for one looking for a light trailer, the LANCE 1475 is a good one deserving of review. it’s more $$$$ than the afore mentioned unit’s, but it’s really nice.
Good to very good quality used 3500 pounds trailer for a 2018 Chevy Equinox diesel to pull well over the Rockies?
Hey Mike, good article. Did you come across Jayco? …2 full years of warranty. Full shower & tub. This is my third Jayco and I’m happy. I’m cruising in a Jayco Jay flight SLX Baja Edition, 145RB.
Dan
Ps: I keep my weight down so I can pull with my Jeep. If I ever get out of a Jeep and into a truck, I’ll keep this article in mind. Thanks.
This was a great grouping of nice smaller trailers! The size is just what an older couple like my husband and I are drawn to. The biggest surprise was the Puma ultra light. It didn’t really stand out from the exterior, but the interior was surprisingly good looking and very functional. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one before. The Casita, Oliver and Nest are also stunners IMO, but I bet you will have to put your name on a waiting list to get one. I recently camped next to a young couple and their dogs staying in a Wolf Pup that was probably even smaller than the 16FQ and it had a rear entry. It had the same big picture window on the passenger side though. That seems like a really great detail to carry across their floor plans. Thank you for the ‘eye candy’. Happy Travels from Michigan