Small travel trailers are great...
First off, you can tow them with a small vehicle - some can even be towed with a car. This makes for plenty of super lightweight travel!
Plus, a small camper means less cleaning (always a win) and less limitation on where you can park your rig.
No parking spot is too small with some of these campers!
In this article, we reveal the 15 best small campers under 5,000 pounds.
Check out the quick index below to jump straight to a trailer you've heard about, or just scroll through to see them all!
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1. Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer
Quick Stats
Weight: ~2,839 lbs
Length: 20'0"
Width: 96"
Slide outs: 1 (Tent Bed)
Click here for the full specs.
Forest City's R-Pod Travel Trailers are fun mini campers. With an air conditioner for those hot summer days, a burner stove top, bunk beds, and a sleeping capacity of 2-4 you can fit the whole family! They come in eleven different floor plans, which you can check out on their website.
Here are a few common ones:
Depending on which model you get, you might have a tight “shit, shower, and shave” type bathroom. (The toilet and shower are a single room - see below.)
However, they do also offer models featuring a full bathroom with separate shower and toilet. Want to learn more? Here's a quick video:
It's a pretty cool small travel trailer. But there are plenty more to look at!
2. Escape Trailer
Quick Stats
Weight: ~2,190 lbs
Length: 17'8" to 21'
Slide outs: 0
Click here for the full specs.
Escape makes four kinds of trailers of various sizes, including a super tiny 21' fifth wheel with radial tires that nearly any truck can pull. You can also customize certain add ons including a stove top, refrigerator, and even a solar system for your roof! These additions can make your camping experience beyond compare.
Here's a look at the 17A's floor plan:
These tiny travel trailers have received excellent reviews due to their build quality, abundant amenities for such a tiny space, they are easy to tow with almost any vehicle. This model has extra space for supplies in the many overhead storage cabinets, and four person side dinette.
You can even custom build your own trailer to get everything just the way you want it!
As far as small travel trailers and small fifth wheels go, you'll be hard-pressed to find one with more amenities!
3. Scamp 13' Fiberglass Trailer
Quick Stats
Weight: 1,200-1,500 lbs
Length: 13'
Slide outs: 0
Click here for the full specs.
If you want a truly tiny camper that can be pulled by a car and is easy to tow, the Scamp 13 is the trailer for you! At just 13' and less than 1,500 lbs, this micro camper still has the room for a toilet, bed, and kitchen, depending on the model you choose. Your travels will be lightweight and worthwhile with this camper and the many camping trips to come.
Here are their two potential interior designs:
Better yet, the Scamp comes with super insulation, allowing you to stay comfortable in temperatures ranging from 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit!
Here's a video tour of the 2017 version:
4. Aliner Classic Travel Trailer
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 1,590 lbs
Length: 15’
Width: 78"
Slide outs: 0 (But it has pop-ups)
Click here for the full specs.
If you like that classic pop-up camper look, you'll love the Aliner Classic.
Sporting a sink, two stove top cookers, a microwave, and a half-fridge, this is your one-stop shop to replace that tent with something a little more comfortable. This model definitely makes travel lightweight and easy.
While it doesn't have a built-in bathroom, it DOES have an outside shower. Here's a peak at the floor plan:
Pro Tip: Don't want to poop in the woods or gross public restrooms? Grab yourself a bathroom tent and a portable toilet for some wonderful privacy.
5. Cricket Camper
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 1,500 lbs
Length: 15'
Width: 6’11
Slideouts: 0 (But the roof pops up)
Click here to see the full specs.
If you’re looking for ultra lightweight travel trailers under 2000 pounds with a bad ass rugged look and feel, the Cricket Camper is for you. It is especially convenient for those who like to take their travel "off road".
Despite it's (very small) size, there's plenty of living space in this bad boy. Especially when you pop up the top. Take a look:
Unfortunately, like the A liner, Cricket Campers don’t come with a bathroom. You need a portable toilet and bathroom tent to get your privacy.
However, they do come with a built-in portable shower you can use to wash yourself off after an outing at a beach or lake. Additionally, there is plenty of interior and ceiling height for those who like the have plenty of space to stand and stretch!
Related Reading: 30 RVing Experts Reveal Their Must-Have RV Supplies
6. Mantis Camper
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 2,800 lbs
Length: 18'
Width: 6’9"
Slideouts: 0 (But the roof pops up)
Click here to see the full specs.
Looking for a unique travel trailer? How about one inspired by NASA?
This Mantis Camper is 18-feet-long, has integrated plumbing and electrical systems, and an independent suspension system (14" to be exact). There is also a side dinette, and wet bath making this like home sweet home.
Want to take a look inside?
This is another model with the "shit, shower, shave" setup. Better than nothing, am I right? 😉
Test Before You Buy!
Buying an RV is a big purchase. Why not rent the model you're
thinking of buying first so you can make sure it's the right fit for you?
7. Timberleaf Teardrop Trailers
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 1,200 lbs
Length: 15'
Width: 65"
Slideouts: 0
Click here to see the full specs.
This travel trailer might not look like much, but it's filled with everything you'd need for a little excursion. It features a fully-insulated cabin designed to keep the heat, wind, and chilly nights at bay.
Not only do they offer a "classic teardrop trailer", they have an off road teardrop trailer too!
Here’s the layout, if you’re curious (sorry it's small!):
The one downfall this small travel trailer has?
There's no bathroom attached to the trailer. You'd definitely need to purchase a portable toilet and bathroom tent to get your privacy (unless you're a man - or woman - of the wild).
8. Sportsmobile Sprinter Extended (This Might Break the Bank, Though!)
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 4,641 lbs
Length: 22’6
Width: 6’10
Slideouts: 0
Click here to see the full specs.
We couldn't leave this bad boy out...
The Mercedes Benx 4x4 Sprinter is a dream (the question is, do you have the money to spend?).
Check out this incredible video of this sucker in action:
I know, I want one too. But there are some things we have to keep in mind here...
1. Mercedes = expensive
2. If you want a built-in bathroom, you have to purchase a custom made model which means... more money.
If you're one of the lucky ones with the money to spend on this, please give us a tour (and tell us if it's worth breaking the bank for).
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About RVing with Pets
9. iCamp Elite
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 2,890 lb
Length: 14’
Width: 6'8
Slideouts: 0
Click here to see the full specs.
Guess what?
This camper has a small bathroom!
Not to mention a dinette table that transforms into a bed and (even better) an oven and a fridge.
Here’s the floor plan for a better look:
Keep in mind that this camper is a diamond in the rough - you won't find many with these features.
10. Jay Sport Camping Trailer
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 2,270 lbs
Length: 21’6 Opened (18’5 Travel Size)
Width: 7’1
Slideouts: 0 (But 2 Pop Outs!)
Click here for the full specs.
If you're looking for a classy camper, the Jay Sport Camping Trailer will provide just that. With plenty of sleeping space, and compactable pop-ups, this camper is perfect for all of your travel needs. Imagine having all of that living area and space!
How could you not want something that looks like this:
Sure, there might not be a built-in bathroom, but there is an exterior shower and side dinette!
Check out what this mini camper looks like in this video tour:
Jayco is known for creating some of the best quality, top rated travel trailers. And pop up camper trailers are extremely lightweight, making this an excellent choice for smaller tow vehicles!
11. Happier Camper
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 1,100 lbs
Length: 13'
Width: 7'
Slideouts: 0
Click here for the full specs.
The Happier Camper will make your days, well... happier!
With total freedom and a wide range of layouts possible, this small RV will be made specifically for you and your needs. Additionally they can be easy to tow and make for very lightweight travel.
Take a look at one of the custom layouts they offer:
Like I said, this is just one of the many floor plans they offer - check out more here.
Take a look at the video tour below for an in-depth look at this model:
Related Reading: Best Fold-able Camping Tables for RVing in 2019
12. Timberline Trailer
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: Ranges from 4,150 ~ 4,350 lbs
Length: 23'
Width: 7'11"
Slideouts: 0
Click here for the full specs.
We have nothing but good things to say about Timberline trailers - they're unique, solar powered, and are made with healthy, sustainable materials.
This tiny trailer comes with a wet bath (the average shit, shower, and shave model) and can sleep up to five people! This is definitely a different way to get that camping experience.
Take a look at the floor plan to get a better look at the inside of the Timberline trailer:
13. Bicycle Camper
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 88 lbs
Length: 9'4"
Width: 3'2"
Slideouts: 0
Click here for the full specs.
Guys... how freaking cute is this bicycle camper?!
Bill and I about died when we first saw it - it's unlike anything we've ever seen before!
The sitting area transforms into a bed and there's a nightstand attached for a small lamp (or to place your drinks/electronics). Imagine having such a unique camper that is easy to tow and makes for extremely lightweight travel. This camper can be taken almost anywhere on, and off road. As long as you're willing to go there.
Take a look at the floor plan to get a better idea of what you'd be working with if you went with the bicycle camper:
14. Terrapin Camper
Quick Stats
Dry Weight: 1,260 lbs
Length: 12'
Width: 6'9"
Slideouts: 0
Click here for the full specs.
The Terrapin camper from Casual Turtle can be built any way you'd like - which makes this camper a unique "true-to-you" model. The wood paneling and interior design of this model definitely make any camping experience unique.
Many people use this model for a quick trip to the lake, or week long getaways - but don't let that stop you from pulling this sucker halfway around the country if that's your goal!
Because the floor plan is made specifically for people interested in purchasing one of these models, we unfortunately don't have one to show you.
We can, however, show you what it looks like on the inside of one that's already built:
Again, the interior layout is 100% customizable! If you're after a queen sized bed, fair sized master bedroom, and a nightstand, it's yours!
If you're after a pull out couch and a dinette though? It's yours (as long as the owners can make it for you, of course).
Still Not Sure Which One's Right?
Maybe you found a few you like... But you're not sure which one is best.
The answer? Test out your favorites by renting them before you buy!
15. Turn Your Car Into A Camper!
While this isn't something you're towing, this is something so freaking cool that I couldn't pass it up.
Have you ever dreamed of turning your personal car into a camper? Well, now you can thanks to Swiss Room Box!
While this is literally just a bed in a car, it's one of the coolest inventions we've ever seen - and it's pretty practical for those who just want to hit the road and keep their travel lightweight.
Take a look at the video below to get a better look at how to set this up (and how cool it looks once it's ready to use):
What'd you think?
And that brings us to the end of our list of small campers!
I hope you had as much fun reading this as we did writing it! Let us know in the comments - did we miss any cool mini campers? Are you going to get one from this list?
Not sure which trailer to get? Click here to see 100's of camper rentals so you can try before you buy!
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What about TrailManors? Mine is 2600#, with more amenities than any you covered. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/72748ffc0b8389d54c6f011c25e22151746e9a64a1f44bfa69bdbd83d2b5fb15.jpg
Thanks, Diane! We’ll add this in when we update the article next 🙂
While there several very small campers here there are many not mentioned under 5000 pounds that offer so much more comfort and convenience. Gulf stream has the vintage, Vista, and the Capri just to name a few. What did you use as your guidelines?
Thanks for the recommendations, Kenneth! We’ll be reviewing this article and adding those in soon.
Our guidelines were finding trailers that were small enough to tow easily (many can be towed by cars or SUVs) while also finding trailers with decent amenities and unique qualities.