15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024
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Article Updated 1/9/24
There is a broader range of travel trailers under 3500lbs on the market than ever before! We have toured many of them at RV Shows and dealerships nationwide. If you are looking for a travel trailer that you can tow with a small truck or even an SUV, there are many great options.
We have investigated them all to find the very best ones on the market today. Our list of the 15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs will give you great ideas to start your search!
Things To Consider When Purchasing a Travel Trailer Under 3,500 lbs?
If you are considering purchasing a Travel Trailer under 3,500 lbs, we recommend two courses of action.
- If you have never owned a small camper before we recommend that you rent one before you buy one. Susan and I did this, and it worked out great for us. We rented a Class C RV for a week and by the end of that week, we knew everything we liked — and didn’t like about that RV. This helped us to purchase the perfect RV for us! And we recommend you “try before you buy” a travel trailer too! It could save you thousands!
- If you are ready to purchase a travel trailer — or any RV — we highly recommend that you use GoRollick to find the best local pricing from dealers near you on new or used RVs!
15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lb
Some of these travel trailers under 3500 lbs are truly unique and exciting additions to an already massive market.
With the growing popularity of these economical, versatile, and easy-to-tow travel trailers, you can stake out your next adventure in style and leisure while operating on a smaller footprint.
1. Airstream Basecamp
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Airstream maintains its well-known, incredible aesthetic on the inside as well as out
⛔ Off-road packages are not much of an off-road upgrade, especially with sensitive components
- Length: 16′ 2″
- UVW: 2,650 lbs
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs
- CCC: 850 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 410 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
Airstream took its old, classical aesthetic and flipped it around on its head with the Airstream Basecamp. Relaying their classical aluminum exteriors to the interiors is a joy to look at, if you dig shiny walls and a clean, metallic look. The massive, panoramic windows on the front are a huge plus, especially if you take it off-road and find some incredible scenery.
This RV packs everything you need for going off-grid, though you may want to upgrade the underbelly with something a little more resilient to off-road adventures. A standard wet bath, two-burner stove, dining area, bed, counter space, and storage are all packed into a 16-footer.
2. r-pod 171C
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Lightweight, highly water-resistant Azdel walls that are lightweight and durable
⛔ Aftermarket options necessary to run the A/C boondocking or off-grid
- Length: 19′
- UVW: 2,449 lbs
- GVWR: 4,725 lbs
- CCC: 2,276 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 325 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
Forest River took the classical, DIY teardrop exterior aesthetic and amped it up a notch with their r-pods, which are really just giant teardrops with more of the features on the inside rather than the outside.
The bathroom is a wet bath, but it’s large enough that you don’t have to sit on your toilet to shower.
The refrigerator is large for the size of the camper, with a large, convertible dinette and a sideways queen bed on the opposite end.
Since r-pods went with the Azdel walls, they are far more durable and long-lasting, with less preventative maintenance throughout the seasons.
3. Rockwood Geo Pro G15RD
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Dexter Torflex Torsion Axle and indie suspension is standard (Nice!)
⛔ Known for having a loud air conditioner that resounds throughout the RV
- Length: 16′ 2″
- UVW: 2,883 lbs
- GVWR: 4,325 lbs
- CCC: 1,442 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 325 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
Another Forest River entry on our list is the Rockwood Geo Pro, which sounds pretty bad to the bone for a camper title.
This particular model features a sideways bunk house in the rear and a convertible U-dinette, both of which sleep up to four. It’s an excellent option for short-term family adventures, whether you’re bringing the kids or rocking some big dogs.
The U-dinette fits square against the bunks, with the remainder of the kitchen appliances and furniture continuing with the flow of the U-shape around the RV.
This makes for more room in the center, where all the day-to-day work and activities take place. It’s a smooth idea that really works, keeping you from feeling constrained when indoors for long periods.
4. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 12FBX
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Includes an AlphaPly roof membrane with gutters for catching rainwater
⛔ No bathroom sink
- Length: 18′ 6″
- UVW: 2,839 lbs
- GVWR: 3,910 lbs
- CCC: 1,071 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 410 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
The Palomino Puma Ultra-Lite 12FBX may carry the Puma name, but it has the shape and versatility of a bulldog. It’s lightweight, yet wide enough and long enough to accommodate all the features we expect in travel trailers under 3500lbs these days.
It’s the tiny things that count and the lengthy design of the dinette, sideways queen, and corner bathroom all work to maximize the central living space.
This Puma does it a little differently than the previous entry, but it accomplishes the same level of space and comfort where it doesn’t seem like there should be any.
5. Scamp 13
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Multiple floorplans with Standard and Deluxe additions to boot
⛔ Air conditioner isn’t standard
- Length: 13′
- UVW: N/A
- GVWR: 1,500 lbs
- CCC: N/A
- Tongue Weight: 150 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
The tried and true Scamp 13 is the quintessential travel trailer under 3500lbs. Scamp has been around for a long time and they’re known for constructing fiberglass behemoths writ small, that can take on just about anything you throw at them.
The Scamp 13 features more than one floor plan, with the addition of standard and deluxe models, depending on how bougie you want to get.
The designs are solid and comfortable, and feature the level of customization you want for either long-term use or short and sweet vacations.
6. inTech Sol Eclipse
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Large amount of kitchen space for its size
⛔ No dedicated bed, like the Horizon
- Length: 17′
- UVW: 2,775 lbs
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs
- CCC: 770 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 445 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
The inTech Sol Eclipse is one of the most exciting and off-grid-ready travel trailers under 3500lbs on the market. There are multiple models under the inTech lineup, with the Eclipse being one of the more popular variations.
Interior space is maximized and simplified, leaving plenty of room for you to make it your own.
The 32-gallon black and gray water tanks, 35-A converter, Dexter torsion axles, all-aluminum triple tube cage frame, 28-gallon freshwater tank, panoramic windshield, and aggressive tread are all combined for the pinnacle in off-road and off-grid adventures. This is the travel trailer you want to pull when going well out into the boonies.
7. Jayco Jay Flight 195RB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Includes electric, self-adjusting brakes
⛔ A/C unit is known for being a little too loud
- Length: 21′ 10″
- UVW: 2,940 lbs
- GVWR: 3,750 lbs
- CCC: 810 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 270 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
This Jayco Jay Flight has the interior feel of an RV much larger than typical travel trailers under 3500lbs. The interior is designed with a corner bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and a parallel queen, the latter of which features plenty of room to move around.
As a lightweight travel trailer, that feeling of size is an impressive accomplishment. The bathroom is sizeable as well, though Jayco left out a sink next to the shower. It’s a dry bath as well, which is often hard to find in a travel trailer within this class.
8. Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Panoramic automatic window is excellent if you like views and spring breezes
⛔ No dedicated sitting area for dining or entertainment
- Length: 19′ 11″
- UVW: 3,180 lbs
- GVWR: 3,885 lbs
- CCC: 705 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 480 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
This little camper features a massive rear bathroom, which takes up roughly 1/3 of the entire RV. However, the Venture Sonic doesn’t skimp on the remaining 2/3 either.
The remaining space is utilized very well, with a parallel Murphy bed (which features a free-standing table for dining), a two-burner stove, sink, and 8 ft³ fridge.
Thanks to the Murphy bed and lack of a traditional dinette, the space in the center of the camper is large and comfortable.
There’s also plenty of cabinetry and storage, with a passthrough on the exterior, a row of overhead cabinets over the stove, and another row of overhead cabinets over the bed.
9. Wildwood 164RBLE
Our Pros and Cons
✅ AccessiBelly feature is amazing in terms of protection and accessibility for repair work
⛔ TV mount is at a harsh right angle, over the queen bed in the front
- Length: 20′
- UVW: 2,819 lbs
- GVWR: 3,880 lbs
- CCC: 1,061 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 380 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
One of the most attractive qualities of the Wildwood 164RBLE is the bright and cheery interior. Stepping inside is like stepping into a breath of fresh air, even if it’s not a very large travel trailer. As you can see in the above floorplan, a lot is going on inside as well.
The 11 ft³ fridge is a huge benefit, especially if you need the extra food for a lot of boondocking or going off-grid.
The bathroom takes up the back 1/5 of the RV, though there’s plenty of room to keep it a dry bath with a sink, toilet, and sizeable shower.
10. Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Traditional travel trailer at a mind-blowing sub-2,000lbs
⛔ Black tank size is very underwhelming at 5 gallons
- Length: 18′ 9″
- UVW: 2,020 lbs
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs
- CCC: 1,480 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 154 lbs
- Sleeps: 3
Sometimes simple is better and, when it comes to travel trailers under 3500lbs, it’s often a good idea to simplify things. The Travel Lite Rove Lite 16RB is both simple and streamlined while retaining a full-featured RV status.
There are some interesting things to get used to in this model, and some that RVers may not like.
For instance, instead of cabinet doors, the Travel Lite features a strong mesh net across all the cabinet openings. There’s also a small black tank instead of a cartridge toilet, which means shorter periods away from home or a campground.
11. Safari Condo Alto 1723
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Nearly half the Safari Condo Alto is a wild array of windows
⛔ This is a very different aesthetic and may not be for everyone
- Length: 17′ 3″
- UVW: N/A
- GVWR: 1,867 lbs
- CCC: N/A
- Tongue Weight: N/A
- Sleeps: 4
This is easily the most unique-looking RV on our travel trailers under 3500lbs list. The Safari Condo Alto is a window-full masterpiece. If you like to see everything around you while never stepping foot outside, this is the camper for you.
The lightweight frame, compact design, and interesting floorplans make this RV a lot of fun and an interesting choice for those looking at travel trailers in this class.
You can literally eat lunch underneath a driving rain, and this camper isn’t known for leaking either. There are limitations on storage and holding tanks, but this remains an excellent off-road adventure choice for single occupants, couples, and small families.
12. Coachmen Clipper 15CBH
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Excellent interior space for travel trailers under 3500lbs
⛔ Lack of windows throughout, with the existing ones being fairly small
- Length: 17′ 10″
- UVW: 2,644 lbs
- GVWR: 3,830 lbs
- CCC: 1,186 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 330 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
Coachmen Clippers make for excellent travel trailers under 3500lbs. Unlike most of the other campers on our list, the floorspace on the Clipper is a sideways L-shape, like an elongated hallway that ends in a sizeable bathroom and a very large shower.
The bathroom occupies the corner space while the two bunkbeds take up the opposite corner. All of your typical kitchen amenities are present making this a very complete travel trailer under 3500lbs.
The dinette is a convertible bed with a large shelf above, maximizing the room in the RV while retaining some extra sleeping and storage space.
13. Little Guy Mini Max
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Hydraulic life TV is a nice entertainment addition in this class of RV
⛔ No battery monitor
- Length: 17′
- UVW: 2,406 lbs
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs
- CCC: 1,094 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 240 lbs
- Sleeps:
The Little Guy Mini Max is one of two campers on our list that approach the true teardrop form (the other is next on the list).
The Little Guy is known for its high-quality interiors, with attention to the finest details throughout. The light tans make for an excellent interior aesthetic and, despite its size, it features all of the major amenities of a traditional camper.
The wet bath is large enough to accommodate both the toilet and shower so as long as you’re not against wet baths it’s a great option.
The entire galley is in the front, which is an interesting change of pace. One of the things people really love about this camper is the number of hidden storage places scattered throughout. If you need to store it, there’s a place for it.
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Very easy to set up as a hybrid pop-up camper
⛔ Dinette bed is not the most comfortable, an understandable lacking in a minimalist design
- Length: 15″
- UVW: 1,450 lbs
- GVWR: 3,000 lbs
- CCC: 1,550 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 150 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
The Aliner Ranger 12 is another of the teardrop-esque travel trailers under 3500lbs on our list of 15.
Its unique, triangular shape is definitely a conversation starter in any campground get-together. However, it’s more of a pop-up camper, in reality, than it is a teardrop.
The interesting triangular roof creates a spacey-feeling interior that other campers in this class struggle to achieve. However, as cool as it looks, you’ll have to go with an exterior shower or only camp at campgrounds where showers are available.
15. KZ Sportsman Classic 180RBT
Our Pros and Cons
✅ Tent beds are well-built and maximize the living space within the travel trailer
⛔ Storage options could be better
- Length: 21′ 9″
- UVW: 3,370 lbs
- GVWR: 4,500 lbs
- CCC: 1,130 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 360 lbs
- Sleeps: 4 to 6
Last on our list of travel trailers under 3500lbs is the KZ Sportsman Classic 180RBT. Unlike the other 14, this RV saves space, and expands it, in an entirely different way, by utilizing fold-out tents for beds. Not only does this save space, but it also opens up the interior to a higher sleeping count.
Thanks to three fold-outs, the interior space is enormous for a travel trailer this size. There’s a full, corner dry bath, a sizeable dinette across from a long bench seat, a fridge, a pantry, and a full kitchen amenity range on opposing walls.
There are also plenty of storage options, though this RV uses a large storage door on the exterior, rather than passthrough storage.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Travel Trailer?
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.
Our RV Warranty plans allow you to change your mind! If you’re looking to sell your RV to a private party, you can absolutely transfer the policy to the new owner. Additionally, if you are trading in your RV, you can cancel your policy for a pro-rated refund.
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.
Are Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs Big Enough For Families?
Some of them are, depending on your definition of family size. Some travel trailers under 3500 lbs will accommodate a single-child family, while some will accommodate two. If they are particularly energetic and rambunctious, it may take a class-A motorhome to accommodate them.
It’s safe to say that maybe one or none are fit for extremely long-term family use. Homeschooling kids in an Aliner Ranger 12, which will sleep up to 4, is doable but not the most envious task in the world.
If it works for you, then by all means. At the end of the day, the thing that works and works well is what you should go for.
Final Thoughts About Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs
Travel trailers under 3500 lbs are extremely versatile and much easier to tow. With the improving technologies and truly unique offerings on the market, they’re exciting for off-grid living, off-roading, regular camping, boondocking, and more.
If you’re in the market for a small, economical travel trailer, these 15 travel trailers should be high on your list.
Related Reading:
– 8 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailers
– 9 Best Travel Trailers Under 30 Feet
– 7 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs
– 8 Best Small Campers Under 2,000 lbs. with Bathroom
Source: https://rvblogger.com/blog/travel-trailer-under-3500-lbs/
