10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers for 2025

A sunset image of a Gulf Stream travel trailer near a lake. Photo courtesy Gulf Stream.

The best lightweight travel trailers with a GVWR of less than 6,500 pounds

Lightweight travel trailers fit the needs and budgets of many RVers across the country. They provide the comfort and accommodations to make camping trips enjoyable without the need to have a full-size pickup as the tow vehicle. These lightweight travel trailers are typically less than 23 feet in overall length. Plus, they have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 6,000 pounds. That weight rating means they can be safely towed by smaller pickups, SUVs, vans, and crossovers.

The challenge facing many outdoor and camping enthusiasts is finding the lightweight travel trailers that are suited for one’s lifestyle. That just isn’t easy when RV dealer lots and websites present potential buyers with myriad choices. All of which makes it difficult for a buyer to know where to begin in the search.

One way to help narrow down the search for the best lightweight travel trailers suited to your needs is by taking a look at what’s new in the market. There are literally dozens of these smaller travel trailers hitting dealer lots in 2025 that are either  a new floorplan in that line of campers, or a brand new line of trailers.

Innovation and new technologies are constantly changing the RV landscape, and these new offerings from the manufacturers of smaller travel trailers are testament to that trend. Here’s a sampling, in alphabetical order, of the best lightweight travel trailers for 2025 that we found are worth checking out at your nearest RV dealer.

The Best Lightweight Travel Trailers for 2025

Coachmen Apex Nano 190RBS

Coachmen Apex Nano bedroom.
Photo courtesy Coachmen RV.

Coachmen’s entire Nano line of small travel trailers has a GVWR less than 5,000 pounds. That means they can be towed by any of today’s half-ton pickups as well as many minivans and SUVs. The 22-foot 7-inch-long 190RBS, a single-axle camper with a slideout, is the newest offering, replacing the old 190. The rear bath, front bedroom floorplan has a dinette in the slide opposite the galley. That gives this compact camper a more spacious, airy ambiance than some of its competitors. And, like the rest of the Nano line, the walls are made from vacuum-bonded Azdel and fiberglass for long life.

Some of the biggest changes from the old model to this reimagined “off-grid” version are 3D graphics, a wider awning, 400-watt solar prep, an exterior griddle for outside cooking, and a black glass entry door at the rear (instead of front) to give easy access to the rear bath. The tankles water is also new, as is more storage inside due to the amidships galley. The skylight and big front window give a lot of cross-ventilation without need to use the roof A/C during hotter days. The 190RBS delivers more features, more storage, and a more functional layout than the old model—all at a lower price. coachmenrv.com

Coachmen Nano floorplan.
Floorplan courtesy Coachmen RV.
  • MSRP: $31,382
  • GVWR: 4,700 lbs
  • Dry Weight: 3,670 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Hitch Weight: 461 lbs
  • Length: 22′ 7″
  • Awning Size: 15′
  • Fridge Size: 8 cu-ft    

East To West Della Terra 181BHS-LE

Forest River Della Terra exterior. Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.
Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.

In the world of RVs, extra space and storage are very important, and the three new 2025 single-axle floorplans from East To West provide campers with both. One model, the new 181BHS-LE is “A single-axle, single-slide model on steroids,” says Forest River’s Chris Serge. “We noticed that there was a growing need for shorter and lighter RVs, but we wanted to put our own spin on it. That spin includes making these single-axle units 8-feet wide with 6-foot 9-inch ceilings, and installing extra oversized cabinetry that runs all the way to our flush ceiling.”

That extra interior space in this bunk-house model brings with it a bigger slideout than is found in other campers of this size. That results in a roomy eating/work-space and provides an additional sleeping space for guests when the dinette is in the bed position. Other features of this new 5,620-pound GVWR travel trailer include 20-percent-thicker sidewall metal, limited lifetime warranty PVC roofs, ventless floors, finished-off pass-through storage, and the addition of the new Furrion Chill A/C, according to Serge. easttowestrv.com.

Forest River Della Terra floorplan. FP courtesy Forest River Inc.
Floorplan courtesy Forest River Inc.
  • MSRP: $28,487
  • Dry Weight: 4,478 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,620 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 495 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 24′
  • Awning Length: 14′
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

Forest River Ozark 1670RB

Forest River Ozark exterior image. Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.
Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.

It’s not often you find a Queen bed in a single-axle travel trailer along with a huge rear bath that includes dual sinks, massive window on rear wall, and a mirror vanity. But that’s what the 2025 Ozark 1670RB camper provides, along with a single slide-out dinette for even more spaciousness. It also features a 60,000-Btu tankless water heater for endless hot water and a u-shape dinette/booth dinette combo that easily transforms into a restaurant-style booth or additional sleeping space. The big panoramic window in the dinette gives the interior a very open feel while providing a great view of the surroundings. 

The exterior of this 23-foot 3-inch long 5,570-pound GVWR camper is covered by a tough aluminum skin that’s easy to clean and less susceptible to dents, dings, and scrapes than competition, and the “accessibelly” underbelly protect against rocks and debris during travel. Up top, the roof membrane carries a Lifetime warranty for additional peace of mind.  forestriverinc.com.

Forest River Ozark floorplan. Courtesy Forest River Inc.
Floorplan courtesy Forest River Inc.
  • MSRP: $31,900
  • Dry Weight: 4,274 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,570 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 470 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 23’ 3”
  • Awning Length: 14′
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

Grand Design Transcend One 161BH

rand Design Transcend exterior image. Photo courtesy Grand Design.
Photo courtesy Grand Design.

The Transcend One 161BH is the first model in the Transcend One lineup that offers a slide, plus more added space and more natural lighting. Between the bunk beds in the rear adjacent to the full bath, the convertible dinette in the slide, and the queen-sized Murphy bed up front, this camper sleeps six in a pinch, but it’s ideal for a couple’s camper. The trailer’s 8-foot width, 6-foot 6-inch ceiling height, and abundance of windows gives the interior a very spacious feeling.

This is one of the few smaller travel trailers that comes prepped for up to 600 watts of solar and a 2,000-watt inverter. It also has an outside griddle with 1.7-cubic-foot fridge and a propane quick-connect to feed other external appliances. For those needing a camper for winter use, it can be optioned with a Four Season Protection Package that includes a heated-and-enclosed underbelly with ducted heating to the subfloor. Value for the price is high in this market. granddesignrv.com

Grand Design Transcend floorplan. Floorplan courtesy Grand Design Inc.
Floorplan courtesy Grand Design Inc.
  • MSRP: $23,398
  • Dry Weight: 4,784 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,500 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 524 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 23′
  • Awning Length: 16′
  • Fridge Size: 3.3 cu-ft

Gulf Stream Laura Ashley Vintage Cruiser

Gulf Stream Laura Ashley Vintage Cruiser exterior. Photo courtesy Gulf Stream.
Photo courtesy Gulf Stream.

For more than four decades, family-owned Gulf Stream Coach has been building travel trailers that have garnered a very loyal fan base due to build-quality and innovation. The 1950’s-looking Vintage Cruiser line is high on that list because of aesthetics, lightweight design, and exceptional durability. There are 14 floorplans from which to choose, including the special-edition 19ERD Laura Ashley model, which commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Vintage Cruiser line. Between the one-piece fiberglass roof that runs from the frame up front to the rear bumper to the welded aluminum frame, this model’s unique interior decor and exterior paint/graphics embrace everything people loved about the 1950s.

“The original concept was to appeal to the growing number of single female campers,” said Saylor Shea, project manager. “Over the last year we’ve received a lot of dealer feedback and – working closely with Laura Ashley’s design team—we’ve used that feedback to fine-tune the travel trailer design to appeal to an even broader segment of the RV market.”

“We’re pushing the boundaries of RV design with this special-edition 19ERD,” explained Gulf Stream Coach Chairman Dan Shea. “We’re introducing new colors, new concepts, and a fresh theme that honors the retro charm our Vintage Cruiser fans adore, while maintaining the lightweight durability and quality craftsmanship that define our brand.” gulfstreamcoach.com

Laura Ashley Gulf Stream floorplan.
Floorplan courtesy Gulf Stream.
  • MSRP: $36,400
  • Dry Weight: 3,090 lbs
  • GVWR: 4,384 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 370 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 23′ 1
  • Awning Length: 15′
  • Fridge Size: 8 cu-ft

Jayco Jay Feather Air 18MBH

Jayco Jay Feather exterior image. Photo courtesy Jayco.
Photo courtesy Jayco.

Jayco’s 2025 Jay Feather Air 18MBH, the first in the new line, is a standout in lightweight, versatile travel trailers. Designed with the modern camper in mind, the 23-foot 18MBH combines the ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and compact design. That makes it perfect for both seasoned adventurers and first-time RVers. Jayco’s Mark Lawson says, “This sleek, aerodynamic, all-new model is built with high-efficiency materials to reduce weight, without sacrificing durability or comfort. We are very proud of our Amish craftsmanship and the extra care each trailer receives as it’s built.”

The 18MBH offers a spacious interior layout with a large Murphy bed, making it perfect for maximizing space while still providing a cozy sleeping area. It’s also equipped with a full kitchenette, including a dining bar with an overhead TV, and ample storage throughout. Whether you’re headed for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, this solar-equipped trailer delivers a nice mix of innovation, comfort, and functionality. jayco.com.

Jayco Jay Feather Air floorplan. Photo courtesy Jayco.
Floorplan courtesy Jayco.
  • MSRP: $35,985
  • Dry Weight:4,400 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,650 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 535 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 23′ 1″
  • Awning Length: 15’
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

Keystone Reign 18RB

Keystone Reign exterior image. Photo courtesy Keystone RV.
Photo courtesy Keystone RV.

Keystone RV’s new Reign travel trailers are some of the lightest, least expensive, single-axle, single-slide campers on the market. The 22-foot 8-inch-long Reign 18RB, the larger of the two floorplans in this line, has an empty weight of just 3,995 pounds (with a 4,835-pound GVWR) to make it compatible with many SUVs and mid-size pickups. It’s said to “elevate the camping experience with its compact layout and impressive amenities.” Its ergonomical European-inspired interior design features blend nicely with its exclusive automotive-finished aluminum exterior, composite flooring, and structurally composite experience shell. That’s in addition to the Glow Edgeview exterior accent lighting.

Many of the Reign’s interior ergonomic storage solutions create additional space in unexpected places. Those include hidden storage under the Murphy bed to unique shelving and cabinetry. Netting is used in many of the storage compartments instead of doors to keep items secure and weight down. Underneath, a Dexter Torflex torsion axle helps minimize road shock when road surfaces get a little bumpy. Keystone also offers a near-twin version in the western regions under the Sprout brand. keystonerv.com.

Keystone Reign floorplan. Photo courtesy Keystone RV.
Floorplan courtesy Keystone RV.
  • MSRP: $34,380
  • Dry Weight: 3,995 lbs
  • GVWR: 4,835 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 435 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 22′ 8
  • Awning Length: 11′
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

Prime Time Avenger 17RK

Prime Time Avenger

The 21-foot 6-inch long, 4,765-pound GCWR Avenger 17RK from Prime Time RV looks small from the outside, but step inside and this new floorplan has a ton of elbow room.

“This is largely achieved by replacing the traditional bulky dinette setup, with a long dining countertop across from the sofa,” explains Spencer Kaylor, Avenger Product Manager. “By going away from the dinette, it opens up the walkway into the rear kitchen and bathroom area, giving the feeling of a much more ‘open’ unit. Along the back wall there is additional countertop space that can be used as a coffee nook, with storage below for a full size trash can. The kitchen itself is also not lacking features. The trade-off for most single axles is going to a small “dorm-style” fridge. In the 17RK, we opted to keep the 10.2-cu-ft French door fridge, allowing customers to increase the amount of perishables they can bring.”

Another attractive aspect of the $24,932 17RK is it’s fully loaded, which is unique in the entry-level single-axle trailer market. Standard features include a long list of items including 13.5K roof-mount A/C, fully enclosed and heated underbelly, kitchen skylight, on-demand water heater, Wi-Fi prep and the dining bar with stools. primetimerv.com.

Prime Time Avenger floorplan. Photo courtesy Prime Time Mfg.
Photo courtesy Prime Time Mfg.
  • MSRP: $24,932
  • Dry Weight: 3,654 lbs
  • GVWR: 4,765 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 365 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length:  21′ 6″
  • Awning Length: 15′
  • Fridge Size: 10.7 cu-ft

Sunset Park RV Sun Lite 15MB Sport

Sunset Park Sun Lite 15MB exterior image. Photo courtesy Sunset Park.
Photo courtesy Sunset Park RV.

What struck my interest in Sunset Park RV’s new Sun Lite 15MB Sport, the seventh floorplan in this line, is it’s light 3,500-pound GCWR weight. That makes it towable by a wide range of crossover SUVs, and it sports a huge rear window that really brightens up the interior of this camper. The sitting area is also big, and unlike many other little campers on the market, it comes with a roof-mounted A/C and gas furnace.

In addition, the Sport Package adds a small lift and off-road tires for better ground clearance and improved durability off-the-grid. It also comes standard with a queen Bed, two-burner cooktop, 12-volt freezer/fridge, microwave, enclosed bathroom shower, a power awning and outside shower. It’s a nice package for a single RVer or RVing couple that doesn’t want to use a full-size pickup to tow it. sunsettrailers.com.

Sunset Park floorplan. Photo courtesy Sunset Park RV.
Photo courtesy Sunset Park RV.
  • MSRP: $28,000
  • Dry Weight: 2,380 lbs
  • GVWR: 3,500 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 320 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 16′ 2″        
  • Awning Length: 9′
  • Fridge Size: 6 cu-ft

Winnebago M-Series 1923RB

Winnebago M-Series trailer exterior image. Photo courtesy Winnebago.
Photo courtesy Winnebago.

Winnebago rolls into the 2025 travel season with this new single-slide floorplan that makes the 23-foot, 11-inch 1923RB a wonderful couples trailer. Its spacious layout, ample storage in the galley and lavatory as well as its exterior camp kitchen, make this model special in a hotly contested sub-6,500 GVWR tow-behind market.

“We wanted to bring the success from our Micro Minnie line into the M-Series with a shorter open-concept layout,” says Grant Smith, Winnebago Product Manager.  “We listened closely to our Micro Minnie customers in designing the 1923RB, which resulted in a slightly larger bathroom, an exterior kitchen, a floor-to-ceiling pantry where the TV has traditionally been located, and relocating the TV on a swing arm bracket in the galley where it can easily be watched from the dinette or from the bed. This is a lot of trailer for well under $30,000.” winnebagoind.com

Floorplan courtesy Winnebago.
  • MSRP: $27,930
  • Dry Weight: 4,424 lbs
  • GVWR: 6,000 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 432 lbs
  • Axles: Tandem
  • Length: 23’ 11”
  • Awning Length: 16’
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

Bonus: More of the Best Lightweight Travel Trailers of 2025!

Cherokee Wolf Pup 16CM LE

Cherokee Wolf Pup exterior. Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.
Photo courtesy Forest River Inc.

Compact yet packed with modern amenities, the 2025 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16CM is designed for campers who want the freedom of the open road without compromising on comfort. The $5,800 Limited Edition (LE) “option” is actually mandatory as it includes everything from a furnace, A/C, and fridge to the off-road tires, lifted suspension and diamond-plated exterior. In this configuration this 23-foot-10-inch-long camper is ideal for young couples or small families because its’ a lightweight, easy-to-tow travel trailer offers everything you need for an unforgettable camping experience from full bathroom to modern kitchen to the Queen bed and convertible dinette. It’s also bright and airy feeling with big windows for natural light and great campsite views.

This new floorplan allows you to take every camping experience outdoors with a large, electric awning and exterior speakers, perfect for relaxing outside or hosting gatherings at your campsite. It’s also good for extending camping season because it’s well-insulated. Whether it’s a chilly mountain morning or a hot summer afternoon, the efficient heating and cooling systems will keep you comfortable inside your Wolf Pup year-round. forestriverinc.com.

Cherokee wolf Pup floorplan. Floorplan courtesy Forest River Inc.
Floorplan courtesy Forest River Inc.
  • MSRP: $36,798
  • Dry Weight: 3,820 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,526 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 426 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length:  23′ 10″
  • Awning Length: 15′
  • Fridge Size: 7.1 cu-ft

Prime Time Tracer 170RS Touring Edition

Prime Time Tracer exterior image. Photo courtesy Prime Time Mfg.
Photo courtesy Prime Time Mfg.

Typically space is always an issue in singe-axle travel trailers, often leaving RVers settling for less when shopping for a lighter-weight camper. But not in Prime Time’s new Tracer 170RS camper, which offers a bar-top dining area that doubles as a great cooking prep space and/or work station. Another nice feature of this compact travel trailer is that the rear entertainment area surrounds the theater seats with large campsite windows that make this new floorplan feel very airy while providing a comfortable space for lounging.

The east-west layout of the queen bed up front and amidships bathroom on the streetside also adds to the feeling of spaciousness. A nice galley on the off-side leaves plenty of working space for the camp chef, and the tall pantry next to the fridge is a nice arrangement that adds to the feeling of openness without compromising storage. A tankless water heater and 30,000-Btu furnace help extend seasonal camping. primetimerv.com.

Prime Time Tracer floorplan. Floorplan courtesy Prime Time Mfg.
Floorplan courtesy Prime Time Mfg.
  • MSRP: $42,666
  • Dry Weight: 4,269 lbs
  • GVWR: 5,685 lbs
  • Hitch Weight: 585 lbs
  • Axles: Single
  • Length: 23′
  • Awning Length: 15′
  • Fridge Size: 10 cu-ft

As you know, there are hundreds of ways to determine the best lightweight travel trailers for 2025. But the one for you is the one that fits your lifestyle, making it the best lightweight travel trailer of all.

Bonus #2: The Importance of GVWR

When it comes time to get serious about buying a travel trailer, there’s one number that you should pay very close attention to. That number is Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For safety’s sake, the trailer’s GVWR should never exceed the maximum tow rating of the vehicle towing it. And that vehicle must be “properly equipped” for towing that weight travel trailer. GVWR is the maximum weight of the trailer when it’s fully loaded for camping. And that includes water, fuel, supplies, and other cargo.

A second number to pay attention to is the trailer’s A-frame (tongue), or hitch weight. That’s how much down force the loaded trailer places on the hitch. Both numbers should be clearly displayed on the metal Federal Certification/VIN ID tag located on the front left side of trailer. And also on the specifications listed on the trailer manufacturer’s website.

With those two numbers you can determine if the tow vehicle you have is up to the task. The vehicle manufacturer sets the limit on how much any vehicle can tow and that is found in the “towing/trailering” section of the vehicle owner’s manual. That will give the tow vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, its maximum hitch capacity, and what it needs to be “properly-equipped” to safely tow a trailer within those weights. 

A good rule-of-thumb when matching a trailer to a tow vehicle is keeping the trailer’s GVWR less than 75 percent of the tow vehicle’s towing capacity. For example, if the vehicle is rated to tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds, a trailer with a GVWR of 4,500 pounds (or less) would be the right choice. That rating would make it easy to select one of the best lightweight travel traiulers mentioned above!

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