You don’t need to haul around a giant trailer in order to have a superior camping experience. There are plenty of smaller and more manageable models on the market.
Some of them can even be towed behind a car rather than a heavy-duty truck or SUV. The trick is to know what you’re looking for, and which features you might be willing to forego. Here’s our guide to the 12 best small travel trailers on the market.
- Jayco Hummingbird 17RK
- Forest River R-Pod RP-182G
- Winnebago Micro Minnie 1706FB
- Scamp 16-Foot Travel Trailer
- Airstream RV Sport 16 Travel Trailer
- Aliner Ascape Travel Trailer
- Safari Condo Alto R1723
- KZ Spree Escape Mini 181RK
- Airstream Basecamp X
- Oliver Legacy Elite II
- Homegrown Trailers Woodland
- Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series 14BH
Table of Contents
Finding The Best Small Camper Trailers: What You Need To Know
Benefits Of Small Campers
When it comes to RV living, bigger isn’t always better. Here are a few reasons why you might want to think small:
- Weight—A smaller unit will be lighter and easier to tow
- Maneuverability—You’ll have an easier time driving and parking than you would with an oversized rig
- Flexibility—A small travel trailer will give you more freedom, in terms of both parking and sheer exploration
- Cost—You’ll spend much less than you would on a larger model
Bear in mind that a smaller unit will probably be equipped with fewer standard features than a large-scale model. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice basic comfort, but you might be faced with some difficult choices. Before you buy, think about which aspects of camper life are most important to you. If you do most of your cooking outside anyway, consider a unit with limited or nonexistent kitchen facilities. Similarly, if you usually camp in RV parks that have well-maintained comfort stations, you might be willing to forgo the built-in bathroom. Solo travelers or couples can opt for units with close-knit sleeping quarters, especially if they’re of average height. You can use these criteria to narrow down your list, making your choice that much easier. Offering a choice of five different floor plans, the Hummingbird RK has a well-appointed interior that manages to feel snug and spacious all at once. The separate sleeping area contains a queen-sized bed, the bathroom facilities are adequate (if slightly cramped), and the cushions on the U-shaped dinette bench are comfy and inviting. Specifications: Outfitted with a powder-coated steel frame and gel-coated fiberglass, this is one of the most durable models on our list. Its compact teardrop shape make towing and storage a snap.A Word About The Features
The Best Small Travel Trailers: Product Review Guide
Jayco Hummingbird 17RK
Forest River R-Pod RP-182G
While there’s plenty of storage space, the interior is cozy to the point of being claustrophobic, especially if you take advantage of the extra built-in bunks. Technically, the RP-182 can sleep four, but we wouldn’t recommend it for extended trips.
Specifications:
- Length: 20 feet
- Height: 9 feet 11 inches
- Width: 8 feet
- Dry Weight: 2836 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 385 pounds
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 36 gallons
- Gray Water: 30 gallons
- Black Water: 30 gallons
Winnebago Micro Minnie 1706FB
The Winnebago brand has a long reputation for offering quality models at an affordable price. The 1706FB is equipped with attractive and durable kitchen appliances, a tankless water heater, and a retractable awning with LED lighting.
It also has an impressive cargo capacity for a unit of this size, so you don’t have to worry as much about overpacking.
Specifications:
- Length: 19 feet, 2 inches
- Height: 10 feet
- Width: 7 feet
- Dry Weight: 2980 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 300 pounds
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 31 gallons
- Gray Water: 25 gallons
- Black Water: 25 gallons
Scamp 16-Foot Travel Trailer
Scamp’s recognizable capsule-shaped trailer is available in three different sizes, 12, 16, or 19 feet. We’ve gone with the 16-footer for this review because it offers a decent amount of storage and living space while still falling into the “compact” category.
This unit is small enough to be towed by a mid-sized car and large enough to accommodate built-in bathroom facilities. Both the dinette and the couch can be converted into sleeping space, making it a decent option for families. If you prefer to buy American, Scamp prides itself on using only products that were made in the USA.
Specifications:
- Length: 16 feet
- Height: 7 feet, 10 inches
- Width: 6 feet, 8 inches
- Dry Weight: 1600 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 165 pounds
- Sleeps: 3
- Fresh Water: 12 gallons
- Gray Water: 26 gallons
- Black Water: 6 gallons
Airstream RV Sport 16 “Bambi”
This is another distinctive 16-foot model, distinguished by its sleek silver exterior. The construction is durable inside and out, and the layout is cozy and convenient, with both kitchen and wet bath included.
This is one of the pricier units listed here, but the quality goes a long way toward offsetting the sticker shock. Note that there are no separate tanks for gray water and wastewater, so the combination tank has a relatively high capacity, but needs to be cleaned and treated as you would a regular black water tank.
Specifications:
- Length: 16 feet, 4 inches
- Height: 9 feet, 3 inches
- Width: 8 feet
- Dry Weight: 2860 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 350 pounds
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 23 gallons
- Gray & Black Water (combination tank): 21 gallons
Aliner Ascape Travel Trailer
If you’re a first-timer who’s nervous about towing a rig, you might want to consider this sweet little unit. It’s one of the most maneuverable models we’ve found, with an appealing half-pod design that fits easily into campsites and parking spots.
While bathroom and kitchen facilities are limited (with a cassette toilet and no built-in black water tank), at least it has both, which gives the Ascape an impressive degree of versatility. We think this is a great choice for couples or solo adventurers.
Specifications:
- Length: 13 feet
- Height: 8 feet, 4 inches
- Width: 6 feet, 4 inches
- Dry Weight: 1630 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 170 pounds
- Sleeps: 2
- Fresh Water: 11 gallons
- Gray Water: 11 gallons
- Black Water: N/A
Safari Condo Alto R1723
Safari Condo is an especially eco-conscious company, using mainly recyclable materials in the construction of their lightweight travel trailers.
The R-series trailers come with retractable aluminum roofs and moveable dinette furniture, allowing you to redesign the layout to your preference. These models are also designed to fit inside a standard garage, which makes them easier to store during the winter season.
Specifications:
- Length: 17 feet, 3 inches
- Height: 6 feet, 11 inches (when retractable roof is closed)
- Width: 6 feet, 11 inches
- Dry Weight: 1725 pounds
- Hitch Weight: N/A
- Sleeps: 3
- Fresh Water: 15
- Gray Water: 11
- Black Water: 11
KZ Spree Escape Mini 181RK
Despite its diminutive footprint, the Escape Mini 181RK boasts plenty of counter space in addition to a full-sized bathroom. We especially like the netted storage space above the sleeping area—the perfect spot for storing books and devices without having to get out of bed.
Specifications:
- Length: 20 feet, 9 inches
- Height: 8 feet, 9 inches
- Width: 8 feet
- Dry Weight: 2888 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 310 pounds
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 30 gallons
- Gray Water: 32 gallons
- Black Water: 30 gallons
Airstream Basecamp X
The Airstream Basecamp X is geared toward newbies who are planning to make the switch from tent camping to the RV lifestyle. To ease the transition, this model even comes with a tent attachment that expands the living space.
Setup is simple, and the interior is equipped with both kitchen and bathroom facilities—there’s even an outdoor shower option.
Specifications:
- Length: 16 feet, 3 inches
- Height: 8 feet, 8-3/4 inches
- Width: 6 feet, 4-1/2 inches
- Dry Weight: 2635 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 435 pounds
- Sleeps: 2
- Fresh Water: 22 gallons
- Gray & Black Water (combination tank): 29 gallons
Oliver Legacy Elite II
This is the model to consider if you don’t want the hassle of dealing with a large travel trailer, but still need a little extra room to spread out.
Since the Legacy Elite II is a four-season model, t’s also worth a look if you plan on taking your camper on the road year-round. An oversized refrigerator and 340-watt solar package make this the ideal option for frequent boondockers.
Specifications:
- Length: 23 feet, 6 inches
- Height: 8 feet, 6 inches
- Width: 7 feet
- Dry Weight: 4900 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 490 pounds
- Sleeps: 3
- Fresh Water: 30 gallons
- Gray Water: 32 gallons
- Black Water: 18.5 gallons
Homegrown Trailers Woodland
With its exterior wood paneling, this teardrop trailer is designed to help you blend right in with the great outdoors. Features like the 400-watt solar package and composting toilet add to the sustainability factor. While it’s a tad too long to be towed by a car, it’s suitable for most SUVs and crossovers. It can also be stored in a standard-sized garage.
Specifications:
- Length: 19 feet, 4 inches
- Height: 6 feet, 9 inches (top down)
- Width: 7 feet, 5 inches
- Dry Weight: 2850 pounds
- Hitch Weight: N/A
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 12 gallons
- Gray Water: N/A
- Black Water: N/A
- Awning Size:
Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series 14BH
The LT series offers a number of unique floor plans, in addition to a bevy of extra goodies like tinted safety windows, interior speakers, and even a microwave.
The 14BH is also lightweight enough to be towed by a smaller vehicle. A set of bunk beds is tucked into a rear corner, doubling the available sleeping space and making this a suitable fit for families of four. The interior design isn’t fancy, but it’s functional and solidly built.
Specifications:
- Length: 18 feet, 9 inches
- Height: 9 feet
- Width: 8 feet
- Dry Weight: 2782 pounds
- Hitch Weight: 362 pounds
- Sleeps: 4
- Fresh Water: 27 gallons
- Gray Water: 28 gallons
- Black Water: 28 gallons
The Verdict
As far as we’re concerned, you can’t go wrong with any of these travel trailers. Which one you choose depends largely upon your own personal circ*mstances.
That said, we’re big fans of the Aliner Ascape model. Because it’s so small and easy to maneuver, novices don’t need to be apprehensive about the towing experience.
It’s also ideal for adventurers who want to get off the highway and explore some of the hidden corners of the land. As long as you don’t mind dealing with the lack of a black water tank, the Ascape provides a superb camping experience.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: 8 Great Lightweight Toy Hauler Travel Trailers
