10 Best Used Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs

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Two things are happening at once in the travel trailers under 3500lbs category. The first is a steady increase in interest and sales of lightweight travel trailers. The second is the growing increase in interest and sales of crossover vehicles, EVs, and smaller, more economical vehicles.

The correlation, while not as substantive as a direct statistical link, is highly convenient. According to our analysis a growing number of people are looking for smaller, lightweight travel trailers they can pull with smaller cars that aren’t rocking a 6.4L Hemi V8.

With the cost of RVs, gasoline, EVs, and cars in general all steadily heading north, it certainly makes sense. Plus, all the inherent advantages come with a smaller size and a smaller footprint.

If you’re in the market for something a little more casual that you can also pull with a crossover or small SUV, this list of travel trailers under 3500 lbs is what you’re looking for.

These used travel trailers are all 2020 model years. If you want to see the newest models check out our article called 15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024.

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How Big Are Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs?

Not very. But it’s also surprising how much travel trailers under 3500 lbs are packing these days. Some of these trailers can sleep a small to moderate size family. While not exactly teardrops, some of them take the aesthetic and idea of the teardrop and expand on things a bit.

It’s important not to confuse these travel trailers with teardrops, though the latter definitely fall within this category. Teardrops generally feature some interior amenities and a bed, with most of the day-to-day operations taking place outside, with things like an exterior kitchen.

The travel trailers on this list are small while maintaining more significant features than what’s typically inside a teardrop, such as an interior kitchen, bathrooms, entertainment areas, and dinettes. Most of these things aren’t found inside teardrops.

10 Best Used Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs

Most of the travel trailers on this list weigh far less than they look. For instance, the first on our list is over 21′ long while still falling within this weight category.

Manufacturers are constantly finding new ways to maintain durability and quality construction with high-quality components and framework. These travel trailers are the best representations of that endeavor.

1. Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Stick and tin design is a tried and true formula that’s also easy to repair as a DIY job

⛔ That same design advantage is also a disadvantage, with higher preventative maintenance standards

The Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ has everything you need for a weekend getaway or a more extended excursion. This compact travel trailer covers all of the bases and is perfect for towing with a smaller-sized vehicle.

The Wolf Pup has a full bathroom, a must if you plan to take longer camping trips. Having a full bath on board allows you to get outside of campgrounds if you like and also provides a great alternative to using campground facilities.

In the kitchen, a small fridge, stovetop, and microwave allow you to cook meals on the go. For a smaller-sized travel trailer, there is a lot of storage for food and pantry items in the kitchen.

A small dinette features a large window, perfect for taking in the scenery as you enjoy your meals. The dinette also converts into a small extra bed.

You will sleep well in the bed, which has storage underneath and bedside tables on each side. Enclosed overhead storage and two wardrobes provide plenty of space for your clothes and other needed items.

2. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Highly durable, BAL NXG frame using a Huck bolt assembly

⛔ Large dinette is very nice but chews up a lot of central living space

• Length: 21′ 4″
• UVW: 2,749 lbs
• GVWR: 3551 lbs
• CCC: 766 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 330 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

If you are looking for a small travel trailer that doesn’t skimp on storage, take a look at the Coachmen Clipper Ultra Lite 17 CFQ! This lightweight travel trailer features tons of overhead storage and lots of other great features.

We love the spacious bathroom, with shower, toilet, and sink. It is complete with overhead storage and also has a useful medicine cabinet as well.

In the kitchen, you will find all you need to prepare meals during your adventures. The sink is roomy with a beautiful faucet. A fridge and stovetop complete this cozy kitchen. There is also great storage above the kitchen for your food and other kitchen items.

You will love the finishes in this travel trailer. The dinette seats have a leather-like finish, and there are great pattern options for the fabric. The extra storage cabinets above the dinette are a useful feature. They come in handy for all types of odds and ends.

A comfortable queen bed is perfect for resting after a day of exploring. There is also plentiful storage over the bed, ideal for clothing and other needed items.

3. Vintage Cruiser 19CSK

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Incredible, vintage style and aesthetic that is the center of conversation anywhere you go

⛔ Despite its sub-3500lb label, this trailer pulls much better with a 5000lb tow rating

• Length: 23′ 1″
• UVW: 3,395 lbs
• GVWR: 4371 lbs
• CCC: 976 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 325 lbs
• Sleeps: 4

Everyone loves the look of a retro travel trailer! Unfortunately, the cost and repairs needed for an old-school travel trailer are often more than most consumers want to take on. If you are looking for a retro style in a new, modern travel trailer, the Vintage Cruiser 19 CSK is for you!

The highlight of this camper is the living space. The travel trailer also has a small slide, a rarity among lightweight campers. The slide opens up the interior space and gives you more room to walk around in the camper.

Inside the slide, is a well-designed retro sofa. You will love the look and color of this unique and stylish sofa that also converts to a large bed. This camper is all about style, and you will enjoy the window coverings and overall look of the space.

Beside the sofa, two small side tables are perfect for holding your drink or a book while you are lounging in the travel trailer. A sizeable collapsible table completes the space, giving you lots of great options for arranging the living room.

In the kitchen, you will appreciate the large size refrigerator and large freezer. The expansive fridge makes it easy to travel for extended periods without having to make frequent trips to the grocery store.

The large pantry is perfect for storing dishes and dry goods and is conveniently located beside the refrigerator. A double sink, stovetop, oven, and microwave complete the kitchen.

You will sleep comfortably on the large bed, which features a shirt closet on either side. We love the light-colored wood cabinetry of the closets and other storage areas of the travel trailer. Above the bed, a spacious overhead cabinet gives you plenty of extra space for storage.

4. Oliver Legacy Elite

Our Pros and Cons

✅ You can throw it off the side of a mountain and rediscover it at the bottom in one piece

⛔ Sterile interior aesthetic requires a lot of TLC to make it your own

• Length: 18′ 5″
• UVW: 3,700 lbs
• GVWR: 5000
• CCC: 1300 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 370 lbs
• Sleeps: 3

The Oliver Legacy Elite is one of our favorite high-end small fiberglass travel trailers. Oliver is well known for quality and craftsmanship, and you will not be disappointed with this well-designed travel trailer. To learn about the best fiberglass travel trailer brands check out our article called 7 Best Fiberglass Travel Trailer Brands.

A large, comfortable dinette can seat up to four. When it’s time to relax, the dinette also converts to a full-size bed perfect for one or two people. A smaller side dinette converts into a cozy bed for one, allowing you to accommodate a guest with ease.

A full-size bathroom complete with toilet, sink, shower, and vanity makes it easy to travel for extended periods.

In the kitchen, a fridge, microwave, sink, and stove provide everything you need to prepare a quick meal. A good-sized closet offers interior storage for your clothing and more.

Oliver is all about customization. You can choose your upholstery fabrics and floor coverings, allowing you to personalize your travel trailer.

Oliver trailers feature a double-hulled fiberglass shell, which means you will never have to worry about getting too cold, even when traveling during the winter months.

5. Forest River R-POD RP-180

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Improved Azdel walls and stronger structural integrity in more recent models

⛔ A/C is not standard but optional

• Length: 20′
• UVW: 2,950 lbs
• GVWR: 3832 lbs
• CCC: 882 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 332 lbs
• Sleeps: 3

The Forest River R-Pod has quickly become one of the best-selling smaller travel trailers on the market today. Buyers love the many features that are available in this lightweight travel trailer.

It can be towed with many smaller SUVs making it perfect for anyone looking for a compact towable travel trailer with all of the amenities of larger models.

The R-Pod’s compact design allows it to pack a big punch in a small space. The full-size bathroom has a spacious shower, sink, and toilet. A small closet in the bathroom is perfect for storing linens and toiletries.

A roomy queen bed makes it easy to get a good night’s sleep. Above the bed is a good-sized window and a small shelf for extra storage.

In the kitchen, a refrigerator, cooktop, sink, and convection oven provide you with everything you need to cook on the go. There is overhead storage in the kitchen that is big enough to hold the essential items you will need for a short camping trip.

Across from the kitchen, a small dinette for two completes the R-Pod. The dinette converts into a cozy bed for one. There is also storage over the seating area.

Outside, the aerodynamic design of the R-Pod makes it easy to tow. An awning or optional add-on dome room gives you extra living space outside of the travel trailer as well.

6. Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD

Our Pros and Cons

✅ One of the largest pantries in this travel trailer’s weight class

⛔ Not much in the way of counter space for food prep

• Length: 21’10”
• UVW: 3,420 lbs
• GVWR: 5000 lbs
• CCC: 580 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 440 lbs
• Sleeps: 5

With sleeping for up to six people, the Venture Sonic Lite SL169VUD is a great, easy-to-tow travel trailer for families and small groups.

A queen-sized bed, a spacious dinette sleeper that sleeps two, and a double bunk provide plenty of sleeping space for families on the go.

We love the window in the double bunk area, which provides natural light to this cozy space. The dinette, located in the slide, can seat four comfortably. Having the slide in the camper really opens up the space and also provides more room for cooking and hanging out in the camper.

The queen bed area has both a storage closet and an overhead cabinet, perfect for storing clothing and other needed items.

In the bathroom, a shower, sink, and toilet give you everything you need to be comfortable on the road.

The kitchen has a large refrigerator, convection oven, stovetop, and sink. We love the extra storage space in the kitchen.

Outside the rig, a twelve-foot awning provides shade on those hot summer days and creates an excellent space for relaxing outside. Pass-through storage underneath the camper is perfect for storing large items and outdoor toys and gear.

7. 17’ Deluxe Casita Travel Trailers (All 5 Floors Plans are well under 3500 lbs)

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Surprisingly roomy bathroom in some of the floorplans

⛔ You’ll probably want to switch out the seat cushions, as they’re pretty thin

• Length: 17′
• UVW: 2,480 lbs
• GVWR: 3430 lbs
• CCC: 950
• Tounge Weight: 280 lbs
• Sleeps: 3-5

If you are looking for a first-class travel trailer customized for your personal needs, check out the Casita Deluxe line of travel trailers. With five floor plans of travel trailers 3500lbs, you are sure to find a layout and style that work for you.

You may think Casitas are only for singles or couples, but the Heritage model can sleep up to six people! We love the four cozy bunkbeds and comfortable double bed in this unique floor plan.

All of the bunk beds have storage underneath, while the double bed has overhead storage and also converts to a dinette that can seat up to four comfortably.

The other Casita floor plans can sleep between two and four and offer lots of unique options that make the Casita popular with experienced RVers. From swivel chairs to high-end finishes, you will love the special touches found in Casita travel trailers. Some floorplans also offer a king-sized bed option!

All seventeen-foot Casita travel trailers come with full bathrooms and well-designed kitchens. Standard features include a refrigerator, sink, cooktop, and microwave in the kitchen. You will also appreciate the plentiful storage throughout the camper.

8. Scamp 13’, 16’ and 19’ Deluxe Models all under 3500 lbs

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Probably one of the most waterproof travel trailers you can get your hands on

⛔ Depending on the Scamp floorplan, storage options may be limited

• Length: 13′, 16′
• UVW: 1500 – 2400 lbs
• GVWR: 2400 – 3300 lbs
• CCC: 900 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 200 – 300 lbs
• Sleeps: 2-4

You will be amazed at the features of the Scamp Deluxe Model travel trailers! Scamp offers a variety of floor plans ranging from thirteen to nineteen feet, and all of them are well under 3,500 pounds.

While the thirteen-foot model is best suited for one or two people, the sixteen-foot model has several floor plans that can sleep up to five people.

There is a nineteen-foot model that is a 5th wheel for those looking for a small 5th wheel option.

Other features of the Scamp include a lightweight fiberglass design, interior kitchens complete with range, sink, refrigerator and counter space, and full bathrooms.

The Scamp is roomy and comfortable enough to camp for a few days or even a few weeks! Although it is priced higher than similar-sized campers, Scamps are an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a well-designed camper.

Scamps are also very popular with owners and have a high resale value. The fact that they can be towed with SUVs, minivans, and even some cars makes them an excellent option for anyone new to camping or looking to tow their rig with a small vehicle.

9. Airstream Nest

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Rear-entry doorway allows for a ton of customization options in terms of creating space

⛔ 16U’s bed is far less comfortable than the 16FB floorplan

• Length: 16′ 7″
• UVW: 3,300 lbs
• GVWR: 4000 lbs
• CCC: 700 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 375 lbs
• Sleeps: 2

Airstream fans will be thrilled with the new Airstream Nest! This stylish and well-designed travel trailer does not disappoint.

With the durable fiberglass body and lightweight design, it is easy to tow, and it looks great too! Inside, colorful décor and lots of windows make this travel trailer and pleasant, inviting space.

The Nest offers two travel trailers under 3500lbs. Choose from either a fixed bed or a convertible dinette for your sleeping area. Both options feature a Tuft and Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress, making for a perfect night’s sleep.

We love the U-shaped dinette that is perfect for both dining and working on the road. The great color options and all wood furniture and cabinetry make the Airstream feel comfortable and luxurious.

Both floor plans offer a great kitchen, full bathroom, and lots of storage. You will love the small details, like the built-in spice rack and a spacious closet.

10. Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Features a large, gas/electric refrigerator

⛔ Storage options and cabinetry are a bit small and limited

• Length: 21′ 6″
• UVW: 3,124 lbs
• GVWR: 3880 lbs
• CCC: 755 lbs
• Tounge Weight: 380 lbs
• Sleeps: 3

The Palomino Puma Ultra Lite 16QBX has a really unique feature for a travel trailer of its size: a bathtub! A rarity for a travel trailer, the 38” tub is a great feature for anyone traveling with pets or children.

We love that the bathroom is as wide as the entire travel trailer, giving much-needed space. In addition to the bathtub, the full bath has a medicine cabinet and a spacious sink area. You will love the amount of countertop space in this bathroom!

You will sleep comfortably in the queen-size bed, complete with closets on either side and overhead storage. A dinette for two converts into an additional bed.

In the kitchen, a large stainless steel refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and sink make meal preparation easy. We also love the on-trend backsplash and ample storage as well.

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What Size Travel Trailer Do You Really Need?

Choosing a travel trailer under 3500lbs is an easy choice because it’s simply a matter of family size and the level of economy you want to embrace. While you can certainly pull a 3500lb travel trailer with a RAM 3500, it’s really meant for smaller, less powerful vehicles.

Everybody’s needs are different, so the choice of a small travel trailer is almost entirely based on that. If you want something heavier, but don’t have the vehicle to pull it, you’re looking at the cost of the RV plus the cost of a new or used vehicle with a comparable or higher tow rating.

Can A Car Tow A Travel Trailer Under 3500lbs?

There sure are, though some car models may fall inside of that hybrid window. The Mercedes Benz GLE, Volvo V90 Cross Country, and Subaru Outback XT are just a few cars that are capable of hauling 3500lbs.

Final Thoughts About Used Travel Trailers Under 3500lbs

Travel trailers under 3500lbs are advantageous in several ways. Funnily enough, most of their disadvantages only apply when the circumstances that make them a necessity are not present.

For instance, if you have a large family, drive a tank, or need a four-season RV, none of these travel trailers will apply. For those looking to solo or couples their way across the North or South American landscape, these RVs should be high on your radar.

They’re even fine for small families unless you’re talking about something really long-term. Overall, travel trailers under 3500lbs fit the needs of specific RVers.

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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 Bathrooms
– 15 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs for 2024

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