Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs: 7 Best Models on the Market

Travel trailers under 3000 lbs offer exceptional maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and flexibility in where you can explore. With so many options on the market, choosing the right small camper for your needs can feel overwhelming. As an avid road tripper and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve learned what to look for in these sub-3000-pound trailers.

I can’t wait to share my top picks for the best small, lightweight travel trailers. We’ll explore models from leading manufacturers like KZ RV, Jayco, Forest River, and more. Whether you need a basic budget trailer or a fully loaded luxury camper, I’ll highlight the standout features, clever designs, and things to consider with trailers under 3000 lbs. Grab your road atlas and let’s hit the road to adventure in a lightweight, nimble camper perfectly suited for your needs!

Quick Answer

When it comes to campers under 3000 lbs, you will get the following benefits as opposed to if you had a heavier trailer:

1. Various vehicles, from mid-size SUVs to minivans, can easily tow them.
2. Most of them will go easy on your pockets.
3. They are designed using light materials, which comes in handy when factoring in fuel costs.

But it is only the basics. Read on and find out what features and benefits these trailers offer, what are their pros and cons and how to choose one that is perfect for you. Let’s get to it straight away!

Travel Trailers Under 3000 lbs: Comparison Chart of Top 7 Lightweight Travel Trailers

Check the table below, where I compare the features of the campers under 3000 lbs:

1. Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe

The Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe is a lightweight travel trailer whose body is constructed using steel. It features a 3-way, 4.3 cubic foot refrigerator, a 13,500 BTU AC unit, and a dinette double bed. Additionally, the 6.17 ft tall RV can accommodate up to 3 people, and It has a power retractable awning to allow outdoor comfort.

The 2 burner stove and 30 amp electrical service will also benefit you. Extra features include an LPG water heater, LED lights, and high lift suspension pkg.

Floorplan

At the front end of the trailer, you’ll find the wet bath and closet. The bathroom is vinyl-floored and has a plastic toilet, which is also in this area. A dinette that switches to a double bed and kitchenette is nearby. In the main living area, the Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe has an overhead cabinet to enable you to store several items.

The kitchen is at the rear and also has a vinyl floor. In this area, you will also benefit from bench seats.

Pros and Cons

Let’s shed light on the pros and cons of the trailer:

Here’s more insight on this RV:

2. Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 195RB

This RV is designed using wood, while the sidewall is constructed using aluminum. You will enjoy appliances like a mid-size 3 cubic foot electric-powered fridge and a recessed stove with two burners and an overhead fan. This trailer also boasts a 10 ft awning equipped with LED lights. There is also an 8,000 BTU AC to keep you cool.

The trailer’s wheels consist of steel and are from the brand Goodyear. The electrical service clocks at 30 amps to provide you with power. Despite its interior height of 6.5ft, the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 195RB can comfortably accommodate 3 people and is easy to tow.

Floorplan

Starting with the kitchen located at the center, you’ll notice it is equipped with bench seats and a vinyl floor similar to the living area, which is centrally located. At the front of the RV is the master bedroom, which is also vinyl floored with a curtain door style.

The bathroom is located in the rear, together with the bathtub. There is also a plastic toilet. The shower is in this designation with a curtain door style. You’ll have access to a dinette that folds into extra sleeping space if you have company or want more space for yourself. Additionally, you can store stuff in the overhead storage cabinets.

Pros and Cons

Now, let’s delve into the pros and cons of the trailer:

Here is a video on this model:

3. KZ RV Escape E14 Hatch

This travel trailer has a durable aluminum exterior with fiberglass wall construction. Despite its interior height of 6.6 ft, this Toy Hauler trailer can comfortably accommodate 2 people. Some interior compliments include 2 non-reclining vinyl sofas, an 8-cubic-foot 12-volt refrigerator, 2 cooktop burner stoves, a microwave, and a round stainless steel kitchen sink. There is also a retractable 10ft awning providing great outdoor cover.

Let’s look at this trailer’s specs, floorplan, pros and cons.

Here is a list of specs for this machine that I compiled:

Floorplan

This trailer has a unique floor plan. Starting from the back, you will get a convertible dinette, allowing you to enjoy exterior dining with a cabinet to the sides. On the right is a vinyl-floored bathroom with a center-placed plastic toilet and a standard shower space (not a wet bath). The left portion hosts a pantry.

Your kitchen area located at the front has a vinyl floor and is accompanied by a pedestal table. Additionally, you get extra exterior storage.

Pros and Cons

To help you decide, here are the pros and cons of the lightweight trailer:

If you want more insights on this trailer, here’s a visual depiction to aid you:

4. Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB

While this model was terminated in 2020 and the Feather Micro was introduced, fans of the Jayco Hummingbird 16MRB have always had room for this work of art. This RV can comfortably house two people with an interior height of 6.5 ft. Its exterior is manufactured using aluminum, and the sidewall is constructed using fiberglass.

On the interior, you’ll get a single-cloth sofa, a two-burner oven, a compact 2-way, 3-cubic-foot refrigerator, and a queen Murphy bed to enjoy your rest comfortably. The travel trailer also comes with a 2×4-foot picnic table, allowing you room to upgrade your RV however you see fit.

Floorplan

At the front of your RV is your living room location. Located next to it at the center, you have a kitchen. Both of these areas are vinyl floored. At the back of the RV is a vinyl bathroom with a shower separated using a curtain and a tiny sink. You also have a plastic toilet in that designated area.

The exterior of this travel trailer boasts a 10-foot awning and aluminum steps. You will also notice an aerodynamic, rounded profile with front and rear black diamond plating at the exterior. If you enjoy the outdoor vibe and want music playing, there are 2 marine-grade exterior speakers.

Pros and Cons

Let’s explore the pros and cons of this lightweight trailer under 3000 lbs:

Here is some visual assistance on the trailer:

5. Travel Lite Rove Lite

The Travel Lite Rove Lite has several models with different floor plans and features to accommodate various tastes. With around $22,000, you can enjoy one of these lightweight trailers. There are several amenities designed to make your trip enjoyable. Some include:

1. 2-burner stoves;
2. 3-cubic-foot fridge rated at 12 V;
3. Limited 10-gallon fresh water supply;
4. Solid surface kitchen and table with a high-rise kitchen faucet;
5. A 9′ electric power awning.

You will also receive 13″ Custom Lite-weight Aluminum Wheels on the truck. The sidewalls are hydrolite to make it extra light. Many people prefer this due to its comparison to a heavy trailer, which may cause you towing difficulties.

Floorplan

You will enjoy a dinette for 2 people on the left and a sofa with the Travel Lite Rove Lite at the front. The back of the RV features the foot flush toilet with a 12 V power vent. You also have a single-bowl stainless sink on the right of the RV.

There is also a wood cabinetry storage design for the trailer. The storage build will help you easily keep items to prevent unnecessary space wastage.

Pros and Cons

Here are some key advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:

Here is a video explaining more about this model:

6. Gulf Stream Coach Ameri-Lite 16BHC

This RV is a wood-manufactured RV that has one awning to ensure you enjoy your outdoor activities. For the heat-ridden days, you have an 8000 BTU AC unit to cool you down. It also features one sliding door, a stove with two burners, and a compact electric fridge.

The RV accords you premium comfort through the Teddy Bear Bunk Mattresses. 2 bunks and a 30 amp electrical service are part of the package. In the bathroom located at the rear, you will also enjoy a bathtub with a fan system.

Floorplan

At the front is the living area, which has no sofas. Next to it is the kitchen area with bench seats. The plastic toilet and shower area are located in the rear. It is worth noting that the bathroom is vinyl-floored. In this RV, 4 is the total headcount it can comfortably handle. The Gulf Stream Coach Ameri-Lite 16BHC also has a dinette that transforms into a large sleeping area.

Pros and Cons

The pros and cons of lightweight trailers are clear:

You can add more visual statistics to this trailer:

7. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB

If you are searching for a travel trailer with massive sleeping space and excellent build quality, here’s your fit. It has several amenities, including your TV and speakers. It also contains a 12 V refrigerator.

The exterior has a 10 ft awning for outdoor camping. Your kitchen will have a small sink and a 3-burner stove, allowing you to multi-task. I found it thrilling that this RV has two external storage units, maximizing space efficiency.

Floorplan

When you enter this lightweight trailer, you will notice the vinyl-floored kitchen that takes up the front space area. It also comes with a pedestal table. A vinyl bathroom and a porcelain toilet are located next to the kitchen. The shower is also in this section and has a glass or plastic door. This travel trailer has a dinette at the back, which can make two beds. The living area is also situated in the rear.

Pros and Cons

Weigh the pros and cons to see if a lightweight trailer is right for you:

Regarding the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB, here is a video to give you more information:

How to Choose a Lightweight Travel Trailer Under 3000 lbs

There are several things you have to consider before acquiring a lightweight travel trailer. Here are some tips that will nudge you in the direction that best suits your needs:

1. Understand the towing capacity of your vehicle: Review your ownership manual to find this metric. Ensure the travel trailer you wish to acquire can be fully supported by your vehicle.
2. Check weight ratings: Once you become an RVer or are aspiring, you must understand various weight ratings, like a hitch or dry weight. It should generally be 10-15% of your trailer’s dry weight. So, if it has a dry weight of 3000 lbs, a hitch weight of between 300- 450 lbs is recommended to prevent trailer sway while driving.
3. Always consider extra charges: Most people who own lightweight travel trailers get to a point where they wish to add extra comforts like air conditioners, a patio, which may cost around $1,000, and heated floors. The floors may cost you $10-15 per square foot. Air conditioner installation may cost you approximately $2,000, labor included.
4. Read reviews: You will receive honest, unsolicited feedback about factors like quality from reviews that can save you the trouble of dealing with a bogus vehicle. You can get reviews from sites like rvinsider.com and Reddit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To crown it all, campers under 3000 lbs are generally lightweight travel trailers towable by various vehicles, including minivans and mid-sized SUVs. These campers offer you multiple benefits besides being economically friendly since you can get one with $10,000-20,000. These campers also offer you the basic amenities necessary for camping, like a refrigerator, kitchen, shower, and bed. Being lightweight, they will also save you a lot in fuel and get up to 14 mpg, depending on your vehicle.

However, of all these campers, the Casita Travel Trailers Spirit 17′ Deluxe is my top recommendation. Aside from having a large accommodating space of up to 5 people, this 6.67× 6.17 ft. camper has great features like a PG water heater, a 6-gallon water tank, and a high lift suspension, making it one of the best lightweight travel trailers. Additionally, being lightweight, any vehicle that can tow 3,500 lbs from 4 by 4 to a minivan can handle it.