7 Best Used Travel Trailers Under 4000 lbs – RVBlogger

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Travel Trailers under 4000 lbs are becoming more and more popular, especially in recent years, and throughout the pandemic. The benefit of hauling a lightweight travel trailer without the need to upgrade your towing vehicle is a huge draw. And you can save a bundle by purchasing a used travel trailer under 4000 lbs.

Of course, as popularity grows, the market becomes more and more accommodating. Now, the selection of sub-4000 RVs is huge, and it’s often difficult for first-time RVs to sift through the noise and find the perfect option for themselves and their families.

You don’t need a mil-spec G-508 to haul one of these things. Though they may be a little too much for some vehicles, mid and sub-compact vehicles such as the Jeep Cherokees, Land Rovers, the Audi Q5 and Q3, Navigators, Expeditions, and Durangos can haul them safely.

What Size Travel Trailer Is Best For Families?

Travel trailers under 4000 lbs may not be the best for some families. The best choice depends not only on family size but other accommodations you may need according to mostly personal factors. While size is not the only deciding issue, here’s a basic guideline for travel trailer size, matched with family size:

• Campers Under 20′: 2-4 family members depending on interior setup and features
• Mid-Size Campers: 4+ family members that usually offer more storage, carrying capacity, and options for 4 to 6 to live comfortably
• Big Campers (Over 30′): For large families of 4 to 6 who want to live with plenty of extra space, along with more bathrooms

You can make certain travel trailers work for your family size, regardless of the camper’s size. However, if you’re looking at something long-term, space constraints eventually take their toll.

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The 7 Best Used Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs.

With so many travel trailers under 4000 lbs out there, knowing you only want to look at travel trailers under 4000 lbs is only the first step. After all, some are simply better options than others.

Durability, how extensive your use is, comfort, storage, and so much more, are all important considerations. With that being said, here are 7 of some of the best the industry has to offer.

1. Gulf Stream Vintage Cruiser 19CSK

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The retro look and vibe is exterior as well as interior, with a fantastic layout and aesthetic

⛔ Could use some more counterspace

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

In your search for the best travel trailers under 4000 lbs, you should start by looking at the products from Gulf Stream.

This trailer is 23 feet and 2 inches long, making it a decent size for any small family. It has enough space for four people to sleep, so an average-sized family can travel and stay in this trailer.

It is also 7 feet and 6 inches wide, and 10 feet and 2 inches tall. With an unloaded vehicle capacity of 3,395 pounds, you should not have any issues going across any bridges.

It has fresh, grey, and black water tanks with capacities of 27, 33, and 33 gallons, respectively.

Additionally, it comes with a 20,000 BTU furnace that will keep you warm even on the coldest nights. It even comes with a six-gallon water heater that should allow you and your entire family to take hot showers every day.

This travel trailer comes with a fully equipped kitchen. It has a microwave, stovetop, and sink for you to wash your dishes. There is also plenty of storage so that you can bring whatever you want with you on your trip.

The pantry and refrigerator will also allow you to store all the food you need. Finally, the bathroom comes with a toilet, sink, and shower.

2. Jayco Jayflight SLX174BH

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Excellent location for a quick disconnect on the T under the steps for outdoor cooking

⛔ Comes with one propane tank and you’ll have to order a larger rack to accommodate two

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

Another great brand to consider when you are looking for the best travel trailers under 4,000 pounds is Jayco. This trailer is 21 feet and 6 inches in length with a width of 7 feet and 1 inch.

Furthermore, the trailer has an unloaded vehicle capacity of 2,945 pounds and a cargo-carrying capacity of 805 pounds. As a result, you should be able to bring this trailer anywhere you want, even if it is at maximum capacity.

If you have a larger family, this is a great option for you. Although it is not a large trailer, it does have a large sleeping capacity. Up to eight people can sleep here if you have younger kids.

However, if your kids are in their teenage years, you might only be able to sleep five. The reason for this is that there is a set of bunk beds that young kids can double up in. However, once they get bigger, there will not be enough space for more than one person.

The trailer also comes with a great kitchen for you to use. It has a microwave, stovetop, and pantry to store everything you need. The bathroom is also passable as it has a toilet and a tub shower.

3. Forest River R-Pod RP196

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Includes a full, dry bath, something you don’t see too often on RVs this size

⛔ TV is positioned only for the queen bed, not the living space in the center of the RV

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

If you are looking to purchase one of the best travel trailers under 4000 pounds on the market you should consider Forest River as a brand to purchase from.

This trailer is 22 feet and 2 inches long, and 8 feet wide. It also has a height of 9 feet and 10 inches. It weighs only 3,600 pounds as well, so you should not have any issues driving across bridges. At this weight should also be able to tow it with most vehicles.

Although the trailer is average-sized, it does not have the sleeping capacity of some of the other options. Instead, there is only room for four people to sleep.

The manufacturers sacrificed sleeping capacity to improve other aspects of the trailer. The bathroom is complete with a spacious shower, toilet, and sink. There is even a cupboard for you to store all your toiletries.

However, the kitchen is where things are really improved. It comes with a large fridge and freezer, a two-burner stovetop, and a large sink. There is also plenty of counter space for you to prepare a meal.

You will also notice that there is a large pantry on the right side of the pantry that you can use to store all your non-perishable food. With an MSRP of $38,980, you are getting a great deal with this travel trailer.

4. Winnebago Micro Minnie 2106FBS

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Massive CCC with plenty of storage options to accommodate such a large load

⛔ TV is at a hard angle and very close to the sofa/entertainment area

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

Winnebago is another one of the best manufacturers available to you if you are looking for travel trailers under 4000 pounds. One of their best products is the Micro Minnie 2106FBS. This trailer is 21 feet and 1 inch long, making it on par with the size of other travel trailers under 4000 pounds.

Specifically, this trailer has an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,705 pounds. It is also made of fiberglass, and it has one slide-out. It has enough space for four people to sleep. As a result, it is a great option for those with average-sized families.

The trailer comes with everything you need, including fresh, black, and grey water tanks. They have capacities of 31, 25, and 25 gallons, respectively. It also comes with an 18,000 BTU furnace which will keep you warm even at the coldest points of the winter.

Additionally, the kitchen has everything you need to make a meal that will have you feeling like you never left home. It has a three-burner stove top, a stainless steel sink with a sink cover, a microwave, and an oven. There is also plenty of storage space in the fridge and pantry.

5. Forest River Independence Trail 172RB

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The oversized power awning provides great shade for an entertaining day outdoors

⛔ Very little counter space with no flip-up table that would conveniently add to it

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

If you are looking for travel trailers for you and your spouse to travel in alone, this trailer from Forest River might be the best option for you.

Although it is roughly the same size as all the options above at 20 feet and 5 inches long, it only has a sleeping capacity of 3. As a result, you will only be able to use this trailer if you are traveling alone as a couple, or if you only have one child.

This might not be for everyone, but for those of you who prefer to travel in small groups, this is a great option. The rest of its specifications are 8 feet and 6 inches for the width, and 9 feet and 10 inches for the height.

Additionally, the trailer has an unloaded vehicle capacity of just 3,065 pounds. So, you should not have any issues with bridges.

The trailer has fresh, grey, and black water tanks with capacities of 27, 25, and 25 gallons respectively. Since the trailer is similar in size to other trailers with larger sleeping capacities, it uses that space for other things.

Firstly, the bathroom area is much larger as it has a spacious shower, toilet, sink, and a cupboard with plenty of storage for your toiletries.

Finally, the kitchen is great as well, as it has a two-burner stovetop, a stainless steel sink, and a large refrigerator.

6. Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1700BH

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Excellent head space throughout, with a Hyberdeck composite floor beneath your feet

⛔ Dometic A/C unit is not a popular one

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

As we continue to look at some of the best travel trailers under 4000 pounds, we will move on to this trailer from Keystone.

Despite the lower price you do not need to worry about a reduced size as it is 21 feet and 4 inches in length. It also has a height of 10 feet and 4 inches which should give you plenty of space to walk around without worrying about hitting your head. You also will not need to worry about exceeding weight limits as the trailer has an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,377 pounds.

Although the trailer has a size similar to many of the other available options, it has a larger sleeping capacity than most at six. As a result, you can travel in this trailer with a larger family or a group of friends. This makes the trailer a popular option among people who are planning a larger camping trip.

In the trailer, you will have access to many exciting features including the ultra-durable Whitewater continuous edge kitchen countertops. You will have residential-style furniture in the trailer to help you feel like you are at home, and there are even interior LED lights.

Additionally, the trailer has a fresh, waste, and grey water tank. They have capacities of 43, 30, and 30 gallons respectively.

7. Gulf Stream Enlighten 25BH

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Keystone managed to fit a full dry bath and upper/lower, full-size bunks in this model

⛔ Sink is weirdly walled off from the bathroom, but not a part of the kitchen either

Get upfront price offers on local inventory.

The final travel trailer we will be looking at is from the same company as the first, Gulf Stream. Before we get too much into detail, we should note that this trailer does slightly exceed 4,000 pounds as it weighs 4,060 pounds.

The trailer is 27 feet and 2 inches long, making it the largest of the travel trailers listed. As a result, it also has the largest sleeping capacity at seven people. So, you can travel with a large family or a medium-sized group of friends. While it might be a little heavier than you were hoping, it makes up for that in the price.

Although the trailer is filled with places for people to sleep, it does not skimp out on the important features of the trailer. The kitchen has everything you need, including a three-burner stovetop, a microwave, a stainless steel sink, a fridge, and a medium-sized pantry. You will have all the tools you need to make a meal that will make you feel like you are still at home.

Finally, the bathroom has everything you need including a tub shower. So, you can take a bath if that is what you prefer. It also has a toilet and a sink with a cupboard to store your toiletries.

What Size Truck Do You Need To Tow Travel Trailers Under 4000 lbs?

Most compact trucks are capable of handling travel trailers under 4000 lbs. In fact, they will typically handle up to 5000. The Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tundra, Jeep Gladiator, and Nissan Frontier are a few examples of such.

However, some crossovers and mid-size SUVs are capable of handling sub-4000 lb travel trailers as well. The Buick Enclave, Toyota 4runner, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride are all capable of handling up to two tons.

In short, you don’t have to have a 1/2-ton or larger to haul these lightweight, smaller travel trailers around.

What Size Trailer Requires A Brake Controller?

Most states require brake controllers on travel trailers over 4000 lbs. To be more specific, anything that weighs 3,000 lbs or more will need one according to the laws in most states.

Surge brakes are the lone exception. These brakes are built into the travel trailers and, though you can potentially modify them (such as converting them into electric brakes), you can’t replace them.

Is Buying A Used Travel Trailer Worth It?

It may sound counterintuitive, but buying used travel trailers under 4000 lbs comes with a variety of benefits. There’s always the off-hand chance you’ll end up with a dud, but that can happen with a brand-new RV as well.

RVs have a shake-down period when they’re purchased brand new. This is the period, within the warranty when you take the RV out and put it through its paces, identifying anything and everything that’s faulty with it, and using the warranty to file claims and have the issues fixed.

Buying used means avoiding the shake-down period, knowing that most of the things that needed fixing are fixed. Also, any upgrades the previous owner makes to the vehicle are now yours as well, such as upgraded solar packages, entertainment systems, exterior additions, and interior renovations or installations.

The best time to buy used is within five years of the brand-new purchase date.

Final Words About Used Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Pounds

All travel trailers have a finite life span, just like everything else on the planet. Fortunately, most of the quality RVs out there will last between 15 and 25 years. Some will last even longer.

It’s not uncommon to spot a 30+-year-old Scamp out there. The benefits of buying used often outweigh the drawbacks, especially if you stick with something within that 5-year window.

All-in-all, there’s nothing wrong with buying used, and the travel trailers under 4000 lbs listed above are all exceptional examples of travel trailers with longevity.

Just remember, preventative maintenance is the lifeblood of longevity, and it’s hard to make a mistake on purchasing anything.

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