10 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs for 2024
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Revised 1-9-24
Finding the best travel trailers on the market can be challenging, so we have compiled a list of the 10 best travel trailers under 4000 lbs after visiting RV Shows and dealerships nationwide. There are so many brands and manufacturers out there that finding the right travel trailer for you can be overwhelming.
This is especially true for someone who has no experience in the world of RVs. Narrowing the search by weight is extremely helpful. And, starting your search by looking at these seven options should be a big help to you.
Below, we will start by looking at ten different travel trailers under 4,000 pounds. Each has its pros and cons, and we will take you through each in detail.
As we look at each trailer, we will list important stats like the unloaded vehicle weight, MSRP, length, and sleep capacity. Each of these factors is incredibly important to the RV owner and can affect which trailer you end up purchasing.
When you are looking for a travel trailer, there are many things you need to consider. The price is obviously essential for most people.
However, there are other significant factors at play. For example, sleeping capacity is a big deal for families. If you have a large family, you will need a larger trailer with more sleeping space.
However, weight is the biggest factor to consider when purchasing a new or used travel trailer. There is no point in purchasing a new travel trailer only to discover that it exceeds the maximum towing capacity of your towing vehicle.
In fact, we recommend that you tow no more than 80% of the maximum towing capacity of your tow vehicle, just to be on the safe side.
10 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs for 2024
Travel trailers under 4000 lbs may be small, but they are also versatile. Even the ones large enough to comfortably hold 4 people are easier to back into tight spots and, for obvious reasons, consume less power.
You’ll find some of the best floorplans on our list below, from the more extraneous models to more traditional RVs.
1. Lance 1575
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Exceptional storage options, inside and out, including a massive pass-thru
⛔ TV sticks out in front of the open door
- UVW: 3,590 lbs
- Length: 20′ 5”
- GVWR: 4,600 lbs
- CCC: 1,010 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 350 lbs
- Sleep: 4
Of all the travel trailers under 4000 lbs on our list, the Lance 1575 is probably one of the simplest in design. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a prime example of simple is better, with more storage than you’ll find on most RVs this size.
A large individual can probably climb into the pass-thru storage, not that we’re suggesting such a thing. The point is, it’s that big. Everything on the Lance 1575 serves its purpose and is presented upfront.
For instance, the full gamut of outlets (traditional AC outlets, DC outlets, and USB), are all situated next to the bed, perfect for those who sleep with CPAP devices. If you need it, the odds are good that the Lance 1575 has it.
2. Casita Liberty
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Much higher degree of customizable options than traditional RVs
⛔ You have to choose between having a bathroom or sleeping four, with no in-betweens
- UVW: 2,480 lbs
- Length: 17′
- GVWR: 3,750 lbs
- CCC: 1,270 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 265 lbs
- Sleep: 2 to 4
It wouldn’t be a proper article about travel trailers under 4000 lbs without a Casita. This is what we’re referring to as the “extraneous” option. Casitas are like Airstreams or Scamps.
They have a large, built-in, and devoted following. It’s mostly because of their unique and highly durable fiberglass bodies and high level of customizable features.
From the large picture windows to the unique, bubble aesthetic, Casita does things a little differently, though no less attractive than the best the industry has to offer.
The Casita Liberty, like all Casitas, comes in a Standard and Deluxe model. If you have a small family, the Standard sleeps 4, while the Deluxe sleeps two but comes with a bath and shower.
3. Grand Design 16BL
Our Pros and Cons
✅ The bar tabletop dinette is a unique twist on the traditional setup
⛔ Shower height barely accommodates 6′
- UVW: 3,976 lbs
- Length: 19′ 11″
- GVWR: 5,495 lbs
- CCC: 1,519 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 406 lbs
- Sleep: 4
Grand Design has some of the best travel trailers on the market and the Imagine 16BL is one of those.
The high-quality interior materials give this small travel trailer the feel of a much more expensive RV.
A slide-out with a Murphy bed is a great use of space and opens up the floor space. A rear L-shaped kitchen is also a nice feature for a smaller camper. The front bunks allow for a full bath in the rear.
Outside a griddle makes outdoor cooking an option and an LP gas quick connect is there if you want to connect a full-size grill.
4. KZ RV Connect Mini
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Full, compact, exterior, slide-out kitchen
⛔ Could have used a fold-out table to increase the counter space
- UVW: 3,850 lbs
- Length: 22′ 1″
- GVWR: 4,800 lbs
- CCC: 950 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 450 lbs
- Sleep: 4
The word “mini” is kind of a misnomer here. Sure, the word Mini is firmly stamped below the large front window, but the interior space defies the defining terminology.
The KZ Connect Mini offers a small slide-out for the Jack-knife sofa. However, it’s the perfect choice, shifting the living space’s primary, central furniture out of the center and really opening things up.
This makes enough room for everything else that RVers expect in a standard RV, including a full bathroom in the back. It’s not often that you have a sink in the bathroom on models in this class, but there is one here, along with a ton of storage space, pantries, wardrobes, and even a full bathtub.
5. Airstream Caravel 19CB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Airstream does a magnificent job of compacting so much into a tiny space, leaving room to breathe
⛔ All-electric fridge is a huge drain on the solar charging capabilities
- UVW: 3,350 lbs
- Length: 16′ 5″
- GVWR: 4,300 lbs
- CCC: 950 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 500 lbs
- Sleep: 4
The Airstream Cavarel is one of a handful of smaller Airstreams that have become popular with the brand. Airstream makes this four-sleeper work by compacting everything in a circular design, with one appliance running directly into the next.
This allows for two sizeable beds, a shower, a commode, a full kitchen, and even a tabletop (if not quite a full-fledged dinette arrangement).
Other than that, the iconic Airstream is on full display here, albeit small. They come with their own, unique look, both inside and out. It’s not for everyone, but if you like the Airstream aesthetic, the Caravel is an excellent option.
6. Coachmen Clipper 18BH
Our Pros and Cons
✅ A ton of space, including a full dry bath, even with the addition of the bunk beds
⛔ Lacking in the CCC department for an RV that hosts up to 6
- UVW: 3,420 lbs
- Length: 20′ 4″
- GVWR: 4,125 lbs
- CCC: 705 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 400 lbs
- Sleep: 6
The Coachmen Clipper is a funny-looking thing, but the bunkbed version has a more traditional aesthetic, with abundant space. There’s a ton of storage available, though you’ll need to pack your lightweight gear, especially if you’re bringing the kiddos and pets along for the ride.
A camper of this size, capable of packing in 6, is the ultimate in affordable travel trailers under 4000 lbs. It is also a durable lightweight trailer, with a BAL NXG frame with a Dexter E-Z Lube axle, HUCK bolt assembly, and an AlphaPly TPO roof. The 7 cu. ft fridge is a nice touch in a small space as well.
7. Bigfoot 2500 B17
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Fiberglass exterior with a retro look compliments a cedar interior
⛔ Most of the storage compartments lack shelves, for some reason
- UVW: 3,360 lbs
- Length: 17′ 5″
- GVWR: 4,300 lbs
- CCC: 940 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 315 lbs
- Sleep: 3
The Bigfoot takes what works with the Casita, Oliver, Scamp, Happier, and Escapes, meshing it with a more traditional, old-school look.
The body is fiberglass and, instead of going with one of the many synthetic wood variations often seen in affordable RVs, Bigfoot chose cedar. It makes for an outstanding, rich aesthetic that also has a wonderful, natural scent.
This also drives away bugs (they hate cedar), so the look has some side benefits as well. Compared to other travel trailers under 4000 lbs, the Bigfoot is built like a beast, with high durability.
Everything has a place and every place has something to love. It’s not the most spacious model on the list, but it can be more than a couples trailer with one pet or child.
8. Little Guy Max
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Comes with a very fine, custom-made master bed entertainment center
⛔ Despite its vibe, it’s not the ideal camper for boondocking
- UVW: 3,140 lbs
- Length: 21′
- GVWR: 4,200 lbs
- CCC: 1,060 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 310 lbs
- Sleep: 2
The Little Guy Max is a teardrop on steroids and another one of those unique classes of travel trailers under 4000 lbs that has its own, seemingly built-in, but highly dedicated following. There’s good reason to join those followers as this is definitely the little camper that could.
Though it does have a wet bath, it’s spacious enough to not be uncomfortable. There are also a ton of storage options and plenty of carrying capacity for an RV that maxes out at three sleepers.
They also feature 100% hardwood cabinetry, which is always a nice touch and aesthetic. That three-year structural warranty is very nice as well!
9. Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1900RD
Our Pros and Cons
✅ A full tub/shower, and private dry bath on a sub-4000 is an example of fantastic room construction
⛔ Queen bed positioning requires some athletics for the inside sleeper to get out of bed
- UVW: 3,760 lbs
- Length: 21′ 11″
- GVWR: 4,700 lbs
- CCC: 940 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 490 lbs
- Sleep: 4
If you love boondocking and are heavy into tech stuff, you’ll love the Keystone Bullet Crossfire The15A MPPT SmartSolar controller, 200W solar panel, and inverter pre-wiring make off-grid camping a breeze.
You get all of that, plus the lightweight, easy-to-tow feature, at an affordable price. This RV definitely falls within that window. Despite a Queen bed and a sizeable dry bath is very spacious.
To expand on that vibe, the dinette sits next to a very large window, so you can enjoy the scenery as you eat breakfast and boondock somewhere well away from civilization.
10. Forest River Ozark 1620BHLE
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Twin bunks share a half-and-half with a dry bath on the back end of the RV
⛔ It could use a fold-up table for more counter space
- UVW: 2,889 lbs
- Length: 20′ 1″
- GVWR: 3,850 lbs
- CCC: 961 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 350 lbs
- Sleep: 6
Most travel trailers under 4000 lbs have trouble packing in enough to support 6 sleepers. However, Forest River’s Ozark 1620BHLE accomplishes what only one other travel trailer on our list manages, and that’s bunks with a dry bath and enough room for 6 to sleep comfortably.
Even with all of that, there is still a comfortable amount of living space in the middle, though the fold-up table option should be standard on RVs that sacrifice counter space for more living space.
The comfortable interior layout provides ample storage solutions. Unfortunately, like the Coachmen Clipper 18BH, CCC becomes a liability when sleeping 6.
How Do You Decide What Size Travel Trailer You Need?
First and foremost, travel trailers under 4000 lbs typically lack variety, though versatility is always a plus. There’s only so much you can do at this weight class and even if it can sleep 6, there are notable sacrifices to achieve that. You should base your decision on several factors.
First, can you tow it? If you have a crossover or mid-size SUV, you need to carefully match the GVWR of your vehicle, with considerations toward carrying capacity added to the RV and the hitch weight.
Second, the size of your family and any pets. If extra space is your thing, and you have a large family, then it will be difficult to find what you want in the sub-4,000 category.
Third, the extent of use you plan on putting the RV through matters as well. For the most part, these RVs are for weekend getaways and short vacations. You can make them work long-term for couples or maybe three.
Understanding Travel Trailer Weight Terms
When you are looking through the plethora of travel trailers available to you, it can be overwhelming. Not only are there several options from many brands available to you, but it can also be difficult to know what to look for.
Additionally, you will come across numerous terms and abbreviations that you might not be familiar with. Here, we have compiled some of the most important terms for you to familiarize yourself with as you search for the best travel trailer for you.
UVW: Unloaded Vehicle Weight
UVW stands for unloaded vehicle weight and is one of the most significant things to remember. The unloaded vehicle weight refers to the weight of the trailer when it has nothing in it.
It’s a good idea to remember what this weight is because there are weight limits in certain areas. Knowing your unloaded vehicle weight allows you to calculate the weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
The gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum operating weight of the vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. This weight includes the chassis, body, engine, engine fluids, accessories, passengers, and cargo.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
The Cargo Carrying Capacity, or CCC for short, is the maximum weight of everything you add to the travel trailer. This includes everything that you add to the trailer, including all your belongings. It is essentially the gross vehicle weight rating minus the unloaded vehicle weight.
Gross Combined Weight Rating
The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the maximum allowed loaded weight of the vehicle with towables such as a motor home towing a car.
Gross Axle Weight Rating
The final term that you may come across that you might be unfamiliar with is Gross Axle Weight Rating or GAWR for short. It is the maximum distributed weight that may be supported by an axle of a road vehicle.
Typically, the rating will be followed by either the letters FR or RR. These letters indicate whether it is a front or rear axle.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Camper?
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.
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.
Final Words About 2024 Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Pounds
We hope that you think one of the 10 easy-to-tow travel trailers under 4,000 lbs is a good fit for you. We know that with each trailer there was a lot of information to absorb, but it is better to have too much information than too little.
After all, purchasing a travel trailer is a significant financial investment, so you should know what you are getting before you buy it.
Furthermore, it is important to do a little research before you start looking to make a purchase. Specifically, you need to make sure you are familiar with all the terms that are related to RVs and travel trailers.
Terms like unloaded vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, and gross axle weight rating will appear almost every time you look at a trailer. If you do not know what they mean, you will not be able to make an informed decision. So, take your time, learn everything there is to know about travel trailers, and you will find the best travel trailer for you.
Are you interested in any of the travel trailers listed? Why are you interested in travel trailers under 4000 pounds? Where do you plan on going on your next trip and who will you be traveling with? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED READING:
– Ultimate Guide to Understanding RV Model Numbers and Letters
– 6 Great Camper Trailers Without Slide Outs
– 11 Best Travel Trailers with Murphy Beds
– Is There a Kelley Blue Book for RVs and Campers?
Source: https://rvblogger.com/blog/travel-trailers-under-4000-lbs/
