13 Top Rated Small Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs (2024)

Updated January 11th, 2024

There are more lightweight travel trailers than ever before! Gone are the days when small SUV owners were stuck tent camping or pulling a tiny pop up. In fact, in some of the 3,500 lb travel trailers on my list, you’ll find sleeping for 4 or more, generously sized bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, and even off-road capabilities! 

One even has a fireplace! 😲 

All of this in an ultra-lite camper that can be pulled by a small SUV and even some crossovers. SWEET! 

So whether you want a travel trailer under 3,500 lbs that fits your vehicle or just want to save some gas on longer trips, there’s something on this list for everyone!

13 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Here are 13 awesome campers that all (actually almost all) have a GVWR of 3,500 lbs or less. What the heck is GVWR? Learn more in the towing terminology section after the list. 

Let’s get started with a mini version of an iconic travel trailer that’s sure to turn some heads, the Airstream Bambi!

*If you’re looking for small RVs with bathrooms, don’t miss these articles…


1. Airstream Bambi 16 Travel Trailer

airstream bambi in forest
Source: Airstream.com

Pros: It’s hard to beat an Airstream’s intelligent and high-quality design. 

Cons: With an MSRP starting at $60,400, the 2024 Bambi is definitely not the cheapest on my list.

The 16-foot long model has a GVWR of just 3,500 pounds. The RB in the model name stands for “rear bed”. Despite being just 16-feet long, it’s got a full-time rear bed. Plus, there’s a dinette that converts into a bed for two more. They also manage to fit in a kitchen with a stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator. And it’s also got a wet bath and a hanging wardrobe for extra storage. 

See the inside in the official Airstream video tour here.


2. KZ Sportsmen Classic Ultra Lightweight

kz sportsmen classic
Source: kz-rv.com

Pro: The 180BH has a well-thought-out floor plan for families with kids while still coming in at a GVWR of 3,500 pounds. 

Con: The lightweight construction and budget-friendly price doesn’t lend itself to long-term durability.

For lightweight space that doesn’t break the bank, check out the KZ Sportsmen Classic Ultra Lightweight line of RVs. 

The 180BH is surprisingly large for a travel trailer with a 3,500 pound GVWR. It’s a little over 20-feet long and has a dry bath, bunk beds, a 54”x80” bed, and a dinette that converts to another bed. 

Check out the video tour for the 180BH model.


3. Airstream Basecamp 16 or 16X

Source: Airstream.com

Pros: One of the more stylish small travel trailers for adventurous couples on the go. It’s got some of the classic Airstream stylings with a few changes for going off the beaten path and enjoying the outdoors.

Cons: Only the 16 and 16X have a GVWR of 3,500 lbs. The longer floor plan is heavier.😥

If you’re into boondocking and dispersed camping in out-of-the-way areas, you’ll love the Basecamp and Basecamp X (the X version is a little more rugged). It’s got a huge set of panoramic windows for taking in the view at your favorite spot. 

And despite its tiny 16-foot length, the Basecamp has everything you need for a few days of off-the-grid exploring— solar panels, wet bath, kitchenette, and a seating area that converts into a bed. Plus, it comes with a Solar Pre-Wire Kit for those who want to stay away from other people even longer. 😜

Watch the official Basecamp video tour here.


4. Jayco Jay Flight SLX

jayco jay flight slx
Source: jayco.com

Pros: Well organized living space with a queen-size bed, bunk beds, a bathroom with tub, and a dinette that converts to another bed. Plus LED awning lights!

Cons: UVW is 3,075 pounds, but the GVWR is 3,950 pounds. So you have to be careful how much you load in it to not go over 3,500 pounds.

Jayco has really packed a lot into this ultra-lite travel trailer. A queen-size bed! Bunk beds! An actual tub! Awesome! Granted, it’s a small tub…but having a tub is nice for bathing the kiddos or even doing some emergency camp laundry.

With all those features, this trailer is one of the best options for families who need the extra space but aren’t ready to upgrade to a bigger vehicle.

Check out the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH walk through tour.


6. Scamp Trailers

Source: scamptrailers.com

Pros: Even fully-loaded deluxe models with wet baths will only cost around $20,000.

Cons: The interiors on the Standard models are, well…how should I put this🤔…not very elegant. Just think of it as “vintage”. 🤪

Despite their tiny size, Scamp lightweight trailers actually fit a surprising amount inside. It’s not very often that you get a 13-foot travel trailer that weighs less than 3,000 pounds and still has a kitchenette, dinette that converts into a bed, PLUS a sofa that converts into a bunk bed.

Check out the official Scamp Trailer 16 video tour.


7. Little Guy Mini Max

lg mini max
Source: golittleguy.com

Pros: Despite the ultralight dry weight of just 2,320 pounds, you still get a wet bath, microwave, 5.0 cu. ft. refrigerator, and a stargazer window.

Cons: Great for couples, not kids.

Don’t let the teardrop-inspired shape or the sub 2,400-pound dry weight fool you into thinking there’s little more than a bed inside. This lightweight RV makes really good use of space and is one of the best lightweight camper options (it’s a feather!)

And while some travel trailers under 3,500 pounds can feel dark and claustrophobic inside, the Mini Max has tons of windows (including a cool stargazer window) that let in a lot of natural light. 

Watch the Mini Max video tour here.


8. Coachmen Clipper Express

Source: coachmenrv.com

Pros: Super light (1,536 lbs) and ready for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cons: No bathroom.

Get ready for a new type of hybrid camper. It’s kind of a cool mix of a pop-up roof top tent and a camper. There is an overlanding style rooftop tent

If your SUV or crossover isn’t equipped to pull 3,500 pounds, these still may work for you. The 9000ROK has a UVW of just 1,536 lbs! Even the heaviest 12,000ROK has a dry weight of just 2,115 lbs.

Plus, they’re available with an off-road package and cargo racks for hitting rough roads with bikes, kayaks, and other toys.

Check out the Clipper 9.0 video tour here.


9. Aliner LXE

aliner camper in front of desert background
Source: Aliner.com

Pros: A lightweight option for couples with smaller vehicles 

Cons: Technically more of a pop-up than a real “travel trailer”

Although some might not consider the Aliner LXE to be a real travel trailer, it deserves a spot on this list. With a dry weight of just 1,795 pounds, it comes well under the 3,500 pound towing capacity of many small SUVs. 

Also, despite the small size, you still get a wet bath, a 6-gallon water heater, and an 11-gallon freshwater tank. 

Watch the Aliner LXE video tour.

Related: 9 Best Pop Up Campers & Tent Trailers (Video Tours + Reviews)


10. Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers

rove ultra light weight travel trailer
Source: travelliterv.com

Pros: A real travel trailer (16 feet long!) that weighs less than a lot of pop-ups.

Cons: If you’re over 6-feet tall, get ready to bump your head.

If you’re looking for a camper that’s well under 3,500 lbs but don’t want to settle for a pop-up or a teardrop, check out the Rove Lite Ultra Lightweight trailers. These lightweight RVs only weigh a little more than the tiny Scamp trailers. But with their extra length, they feel a lot more spacious inside. 

Watch the Rove Lite trailer video tour here.


11. TAXA Cricket

Source: taxaoutdoors.com

Pros: A small off grid specialized trailer that’s a good option for light weight (only 1,753 lbs) camping

Cons: If you’re looking for a “normal” trailer with tons of space and comforts, this isn’t for you. Also, there’s no bathroom. 

The Taxa Cricket is sure to turn some heads with its Nasa inspired design. But don’t let its funky shape turn you off. It has a super practical and utilitarian design (look at that extra ground clearance!) that’s at home on dirt roads and boondocking campsites. 

It’s popular relative, the Taxa Mantis, still comes under the limit at a dry weight of 3,115 lbs… but that doesn’t leave a ton of packing space. And it pushes it for your vehicle’s towing ability!

Check out the Cricket video tour.


12. InTech Luna

lune teardrop camper trailer
Source: intechrv.com

Pros: Really cool optional features for such a small travel trailer. 

Cons: It’s still technically a teardrop, so you can’t stand up inside. 

The InTech Luna is really cool, to say the least. Yes, I know…it’s not a full-size trailer with tons of space and a normal ceiling height. But with a GVWR of just 2,200 pounds and some really unique features, this deserves a spot on this list of travel trailers under 3,500 pounds. 

It’s got a super nice kitchen in the back under the pop-up hood. The stainless steel farmhouse sink and faucet look more like ones you’d have at home and not in an RV (let alone a teardrop).  Plus, you can also get an integrated cassette toilet, a microwave, TV, futon, and more!

Get the whole scoop with the InTech Luna video tour.


13. SylvanSport GO

Source: sylvansport.com

Pros: Only 840 lbs and is designed to haul ALOT of toys/gear!

Cons: Requires a bit of setup and really only has room for sleeping/sitting. No kitchen or bathroom.

If you are looking for something ULTRA lighweight, this is your rig! As long as you don’t mind soft sides, this actually has a surprising amount of interior space. It even has a king size sleeping area option!

There are some pretty genius design details such as the ability to still have a drop down table and hidden storage space. However, I would only recommend this if you’re comfortable using a portable toilet and kitchen as there are no amenities included.

See the full walkthrough of the SylvanSport GO here


But you still might be wondering…

Thinking of Buying an Ultra Lite Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs? 

While deciding on a tiny, sub 3,500-lb travel trailer, keep these 3 things in mind.

  • Have Realistic Expectations
  • Double Check Your Towing Capacity
  • Rent One First!

Have Realistic Expectations

Don’t expect to find 20’+, dual axle campers with multiple slide-outs and space for a few dirtbikes. 3,500 pounds isn’t a lot so don’t expect to have tons of space inside. With more than one person inside, you’re gonna bump some elbows, step on a few toes, and maybe even have to suck in your gut once or twice to get around. 😜

That’s why these 3,500-lb travel trailers are great for couples and families who spend most of their camping time outside. And isn’t that why we go camping anyway…to get outside?!

Double Check Your Towing Capacity

If you’ve never towed with your vehicle before, it’s always a good idea to double-check your vehicle’s towing capacity. Be sure to check the towing capacity for its specific trim level, tow package, and engine size. The max towing capacity of small SUVs and crossovers can vary by 1,000 pounds or more depending on those factors. 

Rent a Small Travel Trailer Before Buying

Seeing a lightweight camper’s video tour or checking it out at an RV show is one thing. Camping in it for a few days is another. 

That’s why I HIGHLY suggest renting a small RV before buying.  RVshare is a really nice option for doing that!

RVshare lets you search for travel trailers by location and even by model. That way you can truly test out a small camper before actually buying it and realizing you should’ve gotten something bigger for your family.

Now let’s dive into this list of the 13 best travel trailers under 3,500 lbs!

List of a Few Vehicles That Can Pull a 3,500 lb Camper

Here are a few small SUVs, minivans, and crossovers that could potentially tow a lightweight camper. 

*Important: Always double-check your vehicle’s trim, engine size, and towing package. 

VehicleTowing Capacity
2021 RAV4 Adventure & TRD Off-Road3,500 pounds
2021 Ford Escape (250 HP 2.0 liter Ecoboost)3,500 pounds
2020 Jeep Cherokee (271 HP 3.2 liter V6)4,500 pounds
2020 Chevrolet Equinox (252 HP 2.0 liter Turbo)3,500 pounds
2021 Subaru Outback (260 HP 2.4 liter Turbo)3,500 pounds
2019 Toyota Sienna (296 HP 3.5 liter V6)3,500 pounds
2019 Chrysler Pacifica (287 HP 3.6 liter V6)3,600 pounds
2020 Honda Pilot (FWD 280 HP 3.5 liter V6)3,500 pounds (Up to 5,000 with AWD trims)
2021 Ford Bronco Sport (W/ Class II Tow Package)2,000 pounds (Up to 2,200 on highest trims)
Hyundai Tucson (181 HP 2.4 liter) 2,000 pounds
2020 Ford Ecosport (AWD 166 HP 2.0 liter)2,000 pounds
Sample vehicles that can pull 3500 lb camper

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