best travel trailers for small suvs

Pop up Campers

Last updated on: March 18, 2022

The 7 Best Campers and Travel Trailers You Can Pull With an SUV

by Chris Coleman

www.rvtalk.net is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There are few greater pleasures in life than getting away from the daily grind, heading out into nature, and truly relaxing. But for a lot of us, the idea of tent camping doesn’t always sit so well. 

That’s where campers and travel trailers come in. 

With the rise of the almighty SUV in recent years, I thought it was well overdue to dive deep and find all the best campers and travel trailers that can be towed by the most popular car class on the market!

Why Choose a Towable Camper or Trailer?

The wrap up.

I mean, there’s a smorgasbord of answers to this question. If you have ended up here then I’m sure you have your own reasons.

I used to love tent camping, but as the years pass by I find myself enjoying a few more of the creature comforts. I bought my first camper about a decade ago, and although I still do a bit of tent camping from time to time it has definitely become a rarity.

At the bare minimum, campers and travel trailers offer a comfortable sleeping space and a food preparation area. Might not sound like much but it can make a huge difference to the ease and pleasure I get from trips away. 

So, now without any more pitstops and in no particular order, I present the best campers and travel trailers that you can pull with just an SUV!

Happier Camper HC1 – The Best Tiny Camper Featuring Retro Styling With All The Modern Touches

If you are a fan of all things vintage then it’s going to be hard not to fall head over heels for the Happier Camper HC1 . This gorgeous little fiberglass pillbox of brilliance is not only pretty to look at, but it’s also pushing the boundaries.

The Happier Camper HC1 may look straight out of the 1950s, but take a step inside and you will find one of the newest age setups available. Packed to the brim with modern conveniences and featuring the highly flexible Adaptive™ modular interior system which allows for easy on-the-go customization, this camper certainly stands out from the crowd.

• Price: MSRP $29,950
• Dry Weight: 1100 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 110-150 lbs
• Shell Length: 10’
• Exterior Height: 7’4”
• Exterior Length: 13’
• Inside Width: 6’6”
• Inside Height: 6’1”
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3500 lbs
• Rear Hatch Door: 54.5” w x 53.5” h
• Sleeping Capacity: Up To 5
• Walkable Floor Space: 42 square foot
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 5 Gallon
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 5 Gallon
• Black Water Tank Capacity: NA
• Bathroom Facilities: Optional 4 Gallon “Roadshower” and Dry Flush Toilet
• Kitchen: Optional Kitchenette
• BTU per hour furnace: NA

The  Adaptiv™ cube modular floor design is what makes this camper so unique. 

You can change up the layout and components in a literal blink of the eye, with all the options made from super durable 1.5″ thick honeycomb fiberglass – lightweight and built to last. 

This one is actually small and light enough to be towed by a range of cars and can sleep up to a family of 5 depending on the layout. 

With proper care, fiberglass trailers can last decades and tend to hold their value particularly well.  The HC1 is easy to maintain and should stay in great condition for decades. Sure, there are cheaper options available, but remember to keep in mind resale value and overall quality.

I would usually discuss floor plans, and the HC1 does come with a range of options, but the  Adaptiv™ cube modular design makes this one way more customizable than most of the competition so it’s best to head over to https://happiercamper.com/pages/hc1-travel-trailer# to see for yourself!

FOREST RIVER RV R POD RP-153 – The Best Tiny Camper with a Full Bathroom

One feature that you find missing from the vast majority of tiny campers is a full bathroom . Not the case here.

The Forest River R Pod RP-153 comes standard with a separate shower and toilet, plus a vanity and half-length mirror.  And somehow, the space doesn’t feel cramped. Sure, it’s not the biggest bathroom you’ve ever seen but it’s roomier than I expected.

I’m a big fan of the whole layout of this camper. Everything seems to have been thoughtfully laid out, and at a squeeze, it can sleep up to 5 people. The main Murphy bed is surprisingly comfy and folds away for extra room during the daylight hours. 

The kitchenette area is well stocked with a decent-sized fridge (actually the largest for this class) and pantry, a 2 burner stovetop, and a convection oven . Everything you need to prepare delicious, fresh meals for the whole family. 

In terms of build quality, there’s a lot to like. The Azdel composite panels are tough SOBs and have been designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions while keeping the overall unit lightweight and easy to tow. This is combined with an independent suspension torsion axle which ensures the smoothest possible ride.

Overall, a solid and roomy small camper that covers almost every possible base. Click right here to see more for yourself – https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/r-pod/RP-153/5914

FOREST RIVER Flagstaff E-PRO 12RK Trailer – The Best Tiny Travel Trailer For Small SUVs

https://visalettersapplication.com/

Staying with Forest River, the Flagstaff E-PRO 12RK Trailer is the smallest option in their entire range. Perfect for those among us with smaller SUVs or even just a medium to large-sized car, this travel trailer offers a comfortable sleeping area with a well-stocked outdoor cooking area.

• Price: MSRP  $9,950.00
• Dry Weight:  1133 lbs / 513.9 kgs
• Exterior Height:  90 in / 228 cm
• Exterior Length: 11.33 ft / 3.5 m
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  820 lbs / 372 kgs
• Body Material: Aluminum
• Sleeping Capacity: Up To 2
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 20 Gallon
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 6 Gallon
• Bathroom Facilities: NA
• Kitchen: Outdoor Kitchenette
• Structure Warranty (Months): 24
• Roof Warranty (Years): 12
• Basic Warranty (Months): 12

The  Flagstaff E-PRO 12RK Trailer is very highly rated, with a score of 4.3 out of 5 on RVinsider.com and it is easy to see why!

The outdoor kitchen is fully packed with a bar fridge, microwave, outside sink, and a gas griddle. The kitchen cover pops up to offer full coverage from the weather, and I for one really enjoyed cooking surrounded by nature but with the convenience of modern appliances.

In terms of internal space, let’s be totally honest. Apart from the ultra-comfy double bed, there is really not a lot of space. Thankfully, Forest River has been kind enough to include an entryway on both sides making the cabin easily accessible. There is a wall-mounted LR 12V TV and DVD player combo, a little outdated but this TV does feature an HDMI port. 

There is also a handy WiFi booster with every unit which does a top-notch job of ensuring you have solid WiFi coverage as long as your service provider covers the area you are camping in. There is also a dual-band radio which incorporates BlueTooth and USB ports for charging or pairing, two 20 lb. propane tanks, a 1000 watt inverter that is ready for solar panel connection, 4 stabilizing jacks, and an A/C that sits flush with the roof.

This Trailer is perfect for couples who want an easy to tow, no setup camper that can be strapped to a large vehicle and is ready to go at a moment’s notice. And, at just $9,950.00 is super affordable.  Check out Forest Rivers website for the full details – https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/flagstaff-e-pro/E12RK/3553   

Aliner Scout Lite – The Best Mini A-Frame Trailer

The Scout Lite by Aliner has been around for a while and is still one of the best-selling mini trailers on the market. Why you ask?

Well, it’s probably thanks to the less than 30 second set-up time, the super lightweight frame that offers easy towability, the affordability, and the fact that it has been rated 4.3 out of 5 on RVinsider since it was first released.

• Price: MSRP $10,125.00
• Exterior Height: 4.7 ft closed 
• Exterior Length:  13 ft
• Dry Weight:   1180 lbs / 535.2 kgs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2500 lbs / 1134 kgs
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: NA
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: NA

As you can see from the specs there is no bathroom on offer here, and the kitchenette comes as an optional extra. But, these exclusions mean that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (the amount of weight the trailer is rated to carry) is much higher than many on this list. This allows for the owner to pick and choose exactly what they want to bring, and not be forced into lugging unnecessary equipment about. 

So, what does come standard with the Aliner Scout Lite?

Well, in simple terms, A LOT! 

You get Azdel lightweight thermoplastic composite interior wall and ceiling panels, Performax   500 premium marine-grade flooring, and vacuum bonded fiberglass panels that keep the overall weight down. There are 4 stabilizer jacks, a 35 amp converter, the e-coated frame with powder coating on the front tongue and bumper, two skylights with nightshades, 10″ electric brakes for extra safety, and 3 interior electrical outlets all as standard!

The bed is an absolute dream to sleep on and converts into a cozy dining area once folded away. There’s a full spread sofa area for relaxing which is big enough for a smaller person to comfortably sleep on, bringing the overall sleep to count up to 3!

Head over to https://aliner.com/campers/scout/ to check out all the options!

Airstream Bambi 16RB – The Best Airstream For SUV Owners

No travel trailer/camper roundup would be complete without at least one Airstream unit being featured! Don’t worry, I have 2 coming your way right now!

First up we have the Airstream Bambi 16RB. This trailer is a little bigger than the previously reviewed options but is still small enough for most SUVs or larger trucks to easily handle. There are a few Bambi floor plans available, the smallest being the 16RB.

• Price: MSRP $48,900.00
• Dry Weight:   2900 lbs / 1315.4 kgs
• Exterior Height:   111 in / 281 cm
• Exterior Length:  15.92 ft / 4.9 m
• Exterior Width:  96 in / 243 cm
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  3500 lbs / 1587.6 kgs
• Sleeping Capacity: Up To 4
• Number Of Double Beds: 1
• Number Of Sofa Beds : 1
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 23 Gallon
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 28 Gallon
• Black Water Tank Capacity: 28 Gallon
• Bathroom Facilities: Wet Bath With A Toilet, Shower, And Sink 
• Kitchen: Two-Burner Propane Cooktop, Sink, Microwave, 12vdc Compressor-Based Refrigerator
• Basic Warranty (Months): 36

The Airstream Bambi 16RB offers all the features of a full sized travel trailer in a much more compact unit. The 16Rb is the smallest of the traditional trailers offered by the universally loved company, and I cannot stress how much I love the look of this one (or any Airstream for that matter).

The very first thing that jumped out at me was the wrap-around front window that covers the whole front end where the dinette is located. It makes the whole unit feel so much bigger than it actually is, and gives the interior a feeling of lightness. The whole unit is covered in windows, for that matter, and It all works perfectly. 

The bed is a little smaller than what’s on offer by some of the competition at just 48” X 78”, but to be totally honest this smaller space did not worry me or my partner, although this may be something to take into consideration. It comes with a memory foam topper that is cloudlike to lay on.

In terms of build quality, Airstream has always had a great reputation of producing top-quality units that last the test of time. The Bambi 16RB is no different, so absolutely nothing to be sorry about here. The Aluminum based design does need to be looked after, but that goes for any travel trailer. 

Check out all the info at https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/bambi/  

Airstream Basecamp 16 – The Best Mini Airstream

So, we have seen one of the larger Airstream Travel Trailers that an SUV is capable of towing. Now it’s time to check out the absolute smallest Airstream currently being produced – the Airstream Basecamp 16!

• Price: MSRP  $35,900.00
• Dry Weight:    2585 lb / 1172.6 kgs
• Exterior Height:    104 in / 266 cm
• Exterior Length:   16.25 ft / 5 m
• Exterior Width:  84 in / 213 cm
• Number Of Double Beds: 0
• Number Of Sofa Beds : 2
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 22 Gallon
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 29 Gallon
• Black Water Tank Capacity: 0 Gallon

They say good things come in small packages and never has it been more true than with the all-new Airstream Basecamp 16 . This little bundle of brilliance somehow manages to fit a sleeping area big enough for 2, a bathroom, and a kitchen into a tiny footprint, and does so in a pretty ingenious way.

The sleeping area is huge . I mean, it’s not a king bed or anything, but for the size of this camper the bedding area is large to say the least. These are converted into a tidy dining and sitting area for daytime use, with easy and quick conversion. You can choose to have the bed totally tucked away, or to use just half the sleeping area while still having the dinette fully assembled.

Again we are treated to a huge wave of windows, with the riveted aluminum superstructure seemingly covered in panoramic vistas.

The kitchen comes ready for meal prep , with a 2 burner stovetop, a decently sized fridge, a convection microwave, and more storage space than I was certainly expecting. 

And then we have the bathroom. Seriously, this is the smallest trailer I have ever seen that offers a full bathroom experience. Sure, this trailer is a bit more expensive than similar sized units,  but it offers absolutely everything you could need for an extended trip away.

Definitely a hard one to pass up! Check out all the relevant info right here – https://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/basecamp/  

The Meaner Bean – The Best Teardrop Offroad Ready Travel Trailer

The Meaner Bean is the newest addition to the Bean Trailers line of campers, and it 100% does not disappoint. Priced to please and ready for any adventure you can throw its way, the Meaner Bean is perfect for the overland adventurer looking to explore the less traveled path!

With 17 inches of clearance, a fully redesigned Timbren independent suspension system, and a shell that can deal with all the punishment you can throw at it, the Meaner Bean is one tough son of a gun. 

• Price: MSRP  $17,900.00
• Dry Weight:   2000 lb
• Exterior Height:   83 in 
• Exterior Length:   14.25 ft 
• Exterior Width:  7 ft 4 in
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  2500 lbs
• Body Material: , Armadillo coated stand-on fiberglass 
• Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 18 Gallon
• Bathroom Facilities: NA 
• Kitchen: Rack-out Partner Steel Stove , Stainless steel sink with foldaway faucet, Powder coated cooler/fridge rack-out.
• Roof Warranty (Years):  Lifetime Warranty

I’ll just say this straight up – If you are looking for a super comfortable, luxurious camper then this may not be the one for you. But, if you want a camper you can take almost anywhere, and one that can handle the knocks and bumps of offroading then stick around.

The bed area is more than capable of handling 2 big people, and folds away in seconds. Is it the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on? No, but I was more than happy to sleep on it for the 3 day trip. 

Once packed away you are able to set up the sitting area, and this offers ample space for use as a work or dining area. 

The outdoor kitchen area has been built to last. The 2 burner stove is about as heavy duty as they come, and the cooler or fridge (your choice) slides in and out with ease. The whole area just has a super rugged feel to it, matching the overall feel of the trailer. 

Build quality is always important to look at, but even more so for a trailer marketed for off road use. The cabin has a roomier feel to it than I am used to from teardrop designs, and every component seems to have been thoroughly thought out. 

The entire shell is a single-piece fiberglass shell. This means there are zero seals to fail, and the whole shell comes with a lifetime guarantee which is something you just don’t see with any other company I can think of. This warranty alone should fill you with confidence, 

The chassis itself is made for war, and as hard as I tried I just couldn’t find any way to fault the build quality here!

So, head to https://beantrailer.com/meaner-bean-off-road/ to see what the fuss is about!

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH – The Best Large Low Cost Trailer for SUV Owners

So, you want a decently sized travel trailer with a bathroom and kitchen, but you don’t want to spend more than about $20,000? Easier said than done!

Say hello to the Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH. This feature packed, budget friendly camper has pretty much every you need as standard, and an exhaustive list of optional extras. 

• Price: MSRP  $19,037.00
• Dry Weight:    3075 Lbs / 1394.8 Kgs
• Exterior Height:    117 In / 297 Cm
• Exterior Length:    21.67 Ft / 6.6 M
• Exterior Width:  85 In / 2.15 M
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  3750 Lbs / 1701 Kgs
• Body Material: Wood With Aluminum Sides
• Number Of Queen Size Beds: 1
• Number Of Bunk Beds: 2
• Gray Water Tank Capacity: 19.9 Gallon
• Black Water Tank Capacity: 19.9 Gallon
• Bathroom Facilities: Tub/Shower Combo 
• Kitchen:  Two Stove Burner, Overhead Cabinetry, Stackable Pantry, And 3 Cubic Foot Refrigerator And Freezer.
• Structure Warranty (Months): 36
• Basic Warranty (Months): 24

The kitchen has the biggest fridge out of any on today’s list. It’s easy to forget how handy it is to have extra fridge room when out camping, but let me tell you that I filled up every cubic ft with fresh ingredients and we ate like kings for almost a week! The 2 burner does a great job, as do the rest of the fittings. There is a bunch of counter space for prep, which as the main cook I really liked.

In fact, the entire cabin felt roomy. After trailing so many tiny campers in the previous weeks, it felt amazing having all this space and never having to pack away the bed! The bed itself is also pretty large and very comfy, as are the two bunks.

The bathroom feels like a mini home bathroom. Everything is there, it’s all just shrunk down slightly with enough room to do a standing snow angel if and when the feeling strikes. I mean, how often do you find a decent-sized bathtub in a travel trailer? Almost never!

So what are you waiting for? Head to https://www.jayco.com/rvs/travel-trailers/2022-jay-flight-slx-7/174bh/ to see if this is the one for you!

So, there you have it. My comprehensive list of the best and brightest SUV-ready travel trailers on the market. 

There really is an option for any family size or travel want, but if you want my definitive favorite then it’s pretty hard to pass up the very first on today’s rundown – The Happier Camper HC1! Sure, this camper definitely is not for everyone, but I am a total sucker for retro styling and I always love to see new innovations such as the  Adaptiv™ cube modular floor design.

Happy Camping!

About Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. He owns an RV Accessories shop in New York City so he has the knowledge necessary to provide thorough reviews and give advice on how to choose the right products for RV travel. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Besides product buying guides/reviews, Chris also writes informative articles, how-to articles and RV camping guides in his own interesting viewpoint. Chris’s blog is one of the most reliable information sources for RV campers no matter if you're an expert or a determined beginner.

Related Articles in this Category

Your guide to an ingenius old camper remodel, the complete guide to replace your pop up camper canvas (costs breakdown + dyi and pro options), the 6 best pop-up campers with bathrooms and showers (with prices, pictures, and floor plans), the best 9 small and lightweight pop up campers (with pricing, pictures, floor plans, etc), 7 retro campers you have to see before they’re all gone, the 10 best hybrid campers to buy in 2022, how much does a camper weigh, how much to replace canvas on pop-up camper, the ultimate guide to micro campers: our recommended models, top 10 pop up truck campers for off-roading in 2022, how much does a pop up camper weight, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The 14 Best Small Travel Trailers

Even though more people than ever before are hitting the open road and experiencing the exhilaration of overlanding, not everyone has the financial means to purchase a recreational vehicle, an Airstream Classic, or a rig that was built specifically for them. A solo weekend excursion may be enough to satiate the need for adventure in some people (even if it results in new levels of wanderlust).

Small travel trailers are an excellent choice for individuals who yearn for the thrill of exploration but do not have the resources or the space necessary to maintain the typical large vehicle associated with a bigger travel trailer.

If you’ve always had the urge to hit the open road and see the world, purchasing a small travel trailer might be the best option for you. You can attach one of these compact trailers to the back of your car and travel with all of the comforts of home.

But how do you determine which of the numerous available choices is most suitable for you? This article will examine the best compact travel trailers that are currently available on the market and provide helpful guidance for selecting the travel trailer that is best suited to meet your requirements. When you look at these mobile homes, you won’t be able to help but daydream about hitting the open road for a cross-country adventure or a quick weekend getaway.

The class of vehicles known as small travel trailers has its own distinct personality. Large corporations compete alongside newer, more nimble businesses. We will use the following definition of compact travel trailers for the purposes of this discussion:

Mini-campers are available at a reasonable price, with many models retailing for less than $10,000. On the other hand, the price will be significantly higher if there are any conveniences (like a bathroom) present. On the other hand, given their diminutive size and low weight, they are remarkably simple to manipulate. In addition, the overwhelming majority can be transported using a standard automobile.

In this article, we will be focusing on lightweight camping trailers that have a GVWR of less than 3,550 pounds and a length of less than 23 feet. These are the types of trailers that can be easily towed by a midsize truck or SUV (and in some cases, even a regular sedan) to fit in an average-sized garage.

Table of Contents

Best Small Travel Trailers

Airstream basecamp 16.

Trailer Specs

• Length:  16’ to 20’
• Dry Weight:  2,650 to 3,400 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  2-4

Although the Basecamp does not look like other Airstream travel trailers, it is built to meet the high-quality standards of the company. In fact, its low profile and aerodynamic shape naturally lower wind resistance.

In a time when sleek forms, industrial materials, and vintage aesthetics are all the rage, it’s no surprise that Airstream trailers are selling like hotcakes. This is all expertly blended in the Airstream.

Their signature curved metal architecture is not only striking in appearance but also expertly crafted. It’s no different for the Airstream Basecamp. Both of these floor plans make the most of their 16 square feet by providing spacious interiors and well-considered layouts.

There is also a wet bathroom and bench seating that converts into a full-size bed inside the Basecamp. The front kitchen has a two-burner gas stove, a sink, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

The Airstream Basecamp lives up to its reputation for style and functionality. The solar front window protection and the three-inch lift kit are two of our favorite eye-catching features, as they keep the interior cooler on hot, sunny days and increase off-grid driving clearance.

Airstream Bambi 16RB

• Length:  16’ 1”
• Dry Weight:  3,050 to 3,500 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

The layout of the Airstream Bambi 16RB Floor Plan is ideal for a luxurious upgrade to any weekend excursion. Everything in here has been meticulously planned to maximize productivity, maintain comfort, and encourage even more enjoyment. The lightweight Bambi 16 travel trailer has thoughtfully arranged amenities to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Bambi stands for quickness, extraordinary endurance, and sure footing. This lightweight, easily maneuverable travel trailer has everything an adventurous weekend needs, making it ideal for Airstream fans who have always wanted to experience life on the road. The Bambi is the smallest of Airstream’s trailers at 16 feet in length, but it’s still made with the same high quality and unmatched durability as the rest of them.

The Bambi 16RB is an excellent option if you’re looking for a lightweight travel trailer but still want the sophisticated Airstream look. The Bambi 16RB travel trailer packs all the features you’d expect from an Airstream into a surprisingly compact package.

There’s a dinette in the trailer’s front that can seat four people in comfort and be transformed into a bed. In the middle of the layout is a wet bathroom and a compact cooking area with a range, sink, microwave, and small fridge. There’s a bed for two in the back, and it’s quite roomy.

Aliner LXE Camping Trailer With Bathroom

• Length:  15’
• Dry Weight:  1,795 pounds to 3,000 pounds
• Suggested Price : $22,680

The Aliner LXE was created to be a comfortable home away from home. The built-in shower and cassette toilet, both of which come standard in the standard hard-walled front dormer, have plenty of room and headroom. Everything you need, and it weighs less than two tons.

The Aliner LXE is a compact camping trailer measuring just 15 feet in length, but it still manages to pack a surprising number of amenities. A sofa in this unit can be pulled out to form a bed that’s 80 inches wide by 76 inches long. There’s also a kitchenette that has everything you need to cook.

The peak of the ceiling is 8 feet, so there is plenty of room for your head. Although it’s not immediately obvious, the Aliner LXE’s bathroom can be transformed into a fully functional wet bath. The cassette-style toilet in the Aliner LXE has a 5-gallon black tank. This compact camper could be the one for you if you need access to a bathroom while on the road.

Casita Heritage

• Length:  17′
• Dry Weight:  2,480 pounds to 3,000 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  4-6
• Starting at : $32,694

The Casita Heritage is a great choice for families who want to camp together but have never done so before. The dinette’s back section converts into a bathroom with a shower, and the space can also be used as sleeping quarters for four. Meanwhile, the base model offers enough space for six people to sleep comfortably.

The Casita’s lightweight construction features an impressive 50 cubic feet of storage space, a remarkable feature not often found in small camping trailers with bathrooms.

The large windows and a rooftop air conditioner allow for optimal air circulation. A 16-gallon freshwater tank and a 13-gallon gray tank are standard but can be upgraded to 25 and 32-gallon tanks, respectively. 

The bathroom is a typical shower/toilet combination but it feels more extensive than standard combination setups. Since the Deluxe models include a bathroom, they have 15-gallon black holding tanks. Additionally, you’ll find a two-burner cooktop, a 4-cubic foot refrigerator, and space for a microwave in the kitchen.

Happier Camper HC1

• Length:  13’5”
• Dry Weight:  around 1,800 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  1-2
• Starting At::

Happier Camper is quickly becoming a leader in the small camping trailers industry. This is due to the fact that they are well-made and have widespread aesthetic appeal. The Happier Camper is a highly adaptable RV due to the company’s Adaptiv® modular system.

The HC1 is a one-of-a-kind small travel trailer, offering unprecedented adaptability in a lightweight package. The Adaptiv® interior, a trademark of the manufacturer, is included in this lightweight travel trailer. The Adaptiv floor grid is modular, so you can quickly reconfigure your RV’s interior to meet your needs. The camper’s modular components include a dry flush toilet, but it lacks a shower.

Because of its adaptability, the Happier Camper is a promising recreational vehicle option. The Adaptiv product line is compatible with all available floor plans, allowing for fully personalized decor. In a nutshell, this camper is made up of easily removable modular pieces that can be rearranged as desired.

From the looks of their extensive catalog of optional extras, it’s clear that they excel at crafting one-of-a-kind rigs to meet the specific requirements of each customer. As your needs change from a camping trip to a camping trip, you can easily adapt the standard floor plan to suit your needs.

The Happier Camper Traveler model is equipped with a kitchenette, making it ideal for those in search of a compact recreational vehicle.

With their appealing lifted suspension package, you can convert your camper into a trailer equipped for off-road travel, complete with off-road tires mounted on a torsion axle. In addition, it has solar prep so you can learn about your solar requirements for long boondocking trips.

inTech Flyer Explore

The inTech Explore is, in every sense of the word, ready for an adventure. Because every Flyer is constructed using an all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame, they are robust enough to handle conditions when you find yourself off the paved trail. This is especially true when you take into account the fact that the lift kit and off-road tires are already included.

The inTech Flyer Explore is one of the best small travel trailers, and it’s a great choice for campers who like to go off the beaten path. Every Flyer is constructed with an all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame, which makes it durable enough to withstand challenging terrain and driving conditions.

Every Flyer comes equipped with a tip-out on the roadside as a standard feature, and a second tip-out on the curbside can be added as an optional feature. A slide-out kitchen that can be added on as an option comes equipped with an electric stove and refrigerator. Inside, there is a large amount of open floor space, a countertop, and beds in the tip-outs of the nooks. This travel trailer does not come equipped with a bathroom.

Unlike conventional toy haulers, the inTech Flyer Explore can maneuver in tight spaces. Due to the Explore’s low weight of just 2,000 pounds, a wide range of compact and midsize sport utility vehicles and pickups can tow it. The Explore has a roadside tip-out as standard equipment and a curbside tip-out as an available extra. The interior is much roomier than it first appears, and the unit can easily accommodate four to six adults with the help of the unit’s various tip-outs. You can use your Explore as a roomy adventure camper or as a compact, lightweight toy hauler.

Lance 1475 Travel Trailer

• Length:  19’8”
• Dry Weight:  3225 pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  2-3
• MSRP : $41,706

This is Lance’s lightest towable. However, it provides everything necessary for a pleasant camping experience. Lance made sure to include all the essentials, beginning with the kitchen. There is a stove with three burners, a refrigerator with three doors that holds five cubic feet, a large circular sink, and plenty of counter space in this unit.

The model 1475 is an excellent choice for a couple’s rig. A kitchenette complete with an oven, a refrigerator, and a microwave can be found inside the rig. Two swivel chairs and a dining table can be found directly across from the kitchen. The rear of the recreational vehicle contains the full bathroom with a shower, a vanity, and a bathtub. The front of the vehicle contains the queen-size bed.

Everything you’d expect from a Lance, but with the convenience of a single axle. The use of composite materials in building ensures a product that is both sturdy and lightweight. For over a decade, our lightest-weight models have been the industry standard in terms of quality, functionality, and towability; now, with their euro-inspired graphics and sleek aerodynamic lines, they’re also turning heads aesthetically. A classy alternative for drivers of smaller sport utility vehicles and compact pickup trucks.

The 1475 is available without a dinette as a standard feature. When it’s time to kick back and relax, you can now choose from a sofa bed slide-out option that includes kick-out footrests and two swivel tables.

nuCamp Barefoot

• Length:  16’7”
• Dry Weight:  2,109 pounds

Camp in elegance and ease. The Barefoot Travel Trailer is an exceptional recreational vehicle (RV), and its distinctive appearance guarantees it will attract attention at any campground. The Barefoot’s distinctive silhouette, sea glass color, and baby moon wheels give it a throwback appearance. Come on in and take a look around; the butcher block countertops, dual-paned windows, and 3-bottle wine rack will make you happy.

The nuCamp Barefoot is without a doubt one of the cutest and most charming lightweight travel trailer currently available on the market. The skin is made of a fiberglass shell that is molded into a curvy shape and colored to look like sea glass. Its vintage appearance is sure to garner a lot of attention and spark a lively discussion at the campsite.

The interior of the Barefoot travel trailer provides you with everything you could possibly require, beginning with a roomy dinette in the shape of a U that can be transformed into a cozy sleeping area. Butcher block is used for the countertop in the galley kitchen, which also has a refrigerator and a deep basin sink with a faucet that folds away. A cassette toilet and a showerhead that can be retracted for use either inside or outside are included in the wet bath.

Jay Feather Micro

• Pricing begins at $36,585
• Sleeps up to 8 guests
• Between 19 feet 7 inches and 23 feet 2 inches
• Between 3,775 and 4,510 lbs

The Jay Feather Micro collection features only lightweight floor plans that weigh less than 5,000 pounds without compromising on amenities. Jay Feather Micro’s minimalist yet efficient layouts will take your gaming to the next level.

Rather than staying in a tent, you should consider upgrading to Jayco’s starter Jay Feather Micro travel trailer. This Jayco travel trailer is the lightest of its kind and can be towed by almost any vehicle with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The Jay Feather Micro has been tested in extreme temperatures, from -100 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to its Climate Shield coating. The Jay Feather Micro has a stronghold VBLTM with double-sided Azdel perimeter walls and a 2-inch vacuum-bond laminated floor, making it superiorly built.

With the 16-inch Goodyear tires and the self-adjusting electric brakes, you can drive with confidence. As a result of the 55-gallon freshwater tank, dry camping is a real possibility.

Scamp Trailers

• 13 to 16 feet in length
• weighing 1,200 to 2,000 pounds dry
• 7 distinct floor plans
• Up to four people can be accommodated
• $15,000 to $20,000

Since 1972, Minnesota has produced the iconic Scamp Travel Trailer. Instead of mass production, each coach is built to the customer’s specifications. They can select the size, layout, and interior features that they want.

According to some owners, the construction took only a few weeks. The interactive aspect of the experience was what they enjoyed the most. Throughout the process, the manufacturer sent pictures and responded to questions.

Customers can pick up their finished unit at Scamp’s headquarters in Backus, Minnesota. If a customer is unable to arrive, Scamp will go above and beyond to assist them. The RV can be delivered to the customer anywhere in the continental United States.

Scamp comes in three different sizes. The 13- and 16-foot models are small travel trailers, while the 19 is a fifth wheel. Each size has a standard version and a deluxe version. The 13-footer has two layouts, while the 16-footer has five. Some models have combined toilet and shower wet baths, while others do not.

Each trailer has its own set of costs. Scamp does not publish its starting prices. Some owners have discussed their pricing on internet forums. These prices have generally ranged from $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the model, package, and additional features selected.

The 13-foot standard layouts include either a sofa or a dinette up front. The first layout includes a sofa that can be converted into a bunk bed. The second layout swaps out the sofa for a wet bath and a second closet. In the deluxe version, you can choose between a dinette and a wet bath.

The rear dinettes that fold out to form the master bedroom remain constant. They also have full kitchens with sinks and small refrigerators.

Standard models provide a more basic approach to camping. Additional packages include a 1.9 cubic foot refrigerator in kitchens. Many electronic features, such as TV hookups, are optional. Customers who want to customize their amenities can choose from these models.

Deluxe models have a more comprehensive package offering than standard models. Larger features and amenities are available. Many electronics, such as TV hookups, air conditioners, vinyl flooring, and other high-end features, can be added.

KZ RV Escape

• 2.690- 3,820 pounds dry weight
• 18.10- 27.3 feet in length
• There are 11 different floor plans to choose from.
• There is room for up to ten people
• $11,995- $29,300

The KZ Escape series is the most adaptable on our list. Seven of the 11 floor plans meet our definition of small travel trailers. There are hybrids, slideouts, and even a toy hauler that are 22 feet or less long.

KZ created this series with everyone in mind. One of their models is aimed at off-road enthusiasts. The E191BH is taller and has 15-inch mud tires. It also has heated holding tanks that are electronically controlled, which is useful for off-season camping.

The E171MB has a one-of-a-kind storage feature. A storage space with both inside and outside access is located on the slide-out that houses the refrigerator. There is also a queen-size Murphy bed that shares space with a sofa. A full kitchen and bathroom complete the interior of the coach.

The E171 MB is 19.8 feet long and weighs 3,170 pounds dry. This coach will be easy to tow with your midsize SUV.

Little Guy Travel Trailers

• 17 to 21 feet in length
• 1,993 to 3,140 pounds dry weight
• There are 17 different floor plans to choose from
• Sleeps up to three people
• $20,000- $30,000

The teardrop trailer was given new life by Little Guy Trailer Company, which brought it into the modern era. This RV manufacturer has introduced a fully functional teardrop with all the latest amenities. They honor the teardrop’s heritage by adhering to the maximum weight that a car can tow.

The Little Guy Mini Max is a lightweight RV that still has all the amenities of a larger model. A complete kitchen is hidden within the light maple hardwood cabinetry. A top-of-the-line four-cubic-foot refrigerator is included. A refrigerator of this size is unusual in RVs of this size.

Max the Small Guy is only four feet in length and weighs around 1,900 kilograms. Many 21-foot trailers exceed this weight. The ability to use a compact SUV as a tow vehicle is a great feature of this coach.

The dinette’s adaptability is one of its best features. Usually, they can be transformed into a double bed. This one can be set up with either two twin beds or one queen bed, depending on your preference. Hydraulics support the dinette as it slides along the bed’s slats to create a flat surface in the middle.

These coaches’ soaking showers were designed with care. Toilet paper wrappers are impervious to water. The water-saving shower uses only 2.20 gallons per minute. This roomy bathroom ensures that no one will accidentally brush up against the toilet while getting cleaned up.

The Little Guy Max was named Best in Show at the RVIA National RV Trade Show by RV Pro Magazine in 2018. The winning RV manufacturer had a throwback look but also included cutting-edge amenities and plenty of space.

Forest River R-Pod

• Length: 18.4–22.2 feet
• Dry Weight: 2,497–3,600
• 15 unique layouts are available.
• Sleeps a maximum of 4
• $14,500- $30,000

In 2018, Forest River marked ten years of manufacturing the R-Pod. This RV borrows many features and amenities from its more expensive siblings. There’s an R-Pod perfect for you and 14 others just like it, all with different layouts.

Numerous basics are bolstered in the ten-year celebration bundle. Some examples include built-in audio from Furrion, solar power outlets, and seamless granite countertops. There is also a handy hook on the frame for your dog’s leash, which is a popular addition.

Permanent queen-size beds are standard in most room layouts. Dinettes that fold out into beds, bunk beds, and murphy beds are some of the additional sleeping options. The R-coach Pod’s is renowned for its innovative use of space. That’s why it’s lasted so long at the top of the charts.

A solar panel system consisting of a 110-watt panel and a 1,000-watt inverter is a popular upgrade. A fully functional outdoor kitchen can be added to some models right from the factory. If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, the R-Pod comes with a screen room that can be attached to your awning.

Oliver Travel Trailers

• Length: 18.5-23.6 feet;
• Weight: 3,400–4,600 lbs.
• It has 6 distinct layouts.
• A maximum of three people can sleep here.
• $48,900- $55,900

Those who have purchased an Oliver Travel Trailer (or “Ollie”) are automatically accepted into the group. Oliver manufactures trailers, which are available for purchase directly from the business. Only upon specific request do they create them. Trailers are manufactured in Hohenwald, Tennessee, and customers can pick them up there once they are finished.

Ollie currently produces Elite I and II. The Elite I has two layout options, while the Elite II offers four. There is either a fixed main bed or a dinette that converts into a bed. The third sleeping area can be a twin bed or a fold-down dinette for two.

Many of the amenities found in other popular RV brands are included in the price of an Ollie. Ollie stands out from the competition thanks to its many extra features. Dual awnings are a surprisingly viable alternative. One for the side of the coach near the door, and another for the side farthest from the door.

In addition, they provide food for thought. Condensation-fighting materials are made of specialized materials. Bicycle rack attachment points and outside storage baskets. Heating systems that use propane and electronic amplifiers for weak signals. There are a plethora of extras that can be purchased if desired.

After placing an order with a sales rep, a customer’s request will be sent to production. Your RV may take up to 10 weeks to be produced. When finished, the customer spends the first night in their new coach at the factory. Both the purchasing procedure and the trailer are one-of-a-kind.

Why Choose a Small Travel Trailer?

When it comes to travel trailers, there are endless sizes and models available on the market. However, small travel trailers have become increasingly popular in recent years for a variety of reasons.

Small travel trailers offer flexibility and freedom while traveling. Most vehicles can tow them without the need for a large truck or SUV. This means you can explore more remote areas that may not be accessible with larger RVs.

Small travel trailers tend to be more affordable than their larger counterparts. Not only is the initial purchase price lower but so are the ongoing costs, such as maintenance and fuel expenses.

Another advantage of choosing a small travel trailer is its compact size, which makes storage much easier when not in use. You won’t need an extra-large garage or storage unit to keep your trailer safe from damage during off-season months.

These smaller units often come with creative floor plans that maximize space efficiency, making them perfect for couples or families with one child seeking adventure on the road without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

There are many advantages to owning a small travel trailer for those who value flexibility, affordability, and unique design features while exploring different destinations across North America!

What to Look for When Buying a Small Travel Trailer

• They are considered “self-contained” because everything you need is present in the trailer itself. There’s also a subset of trailers that are equipped only with outdoor kitchens.
• There’s a cap of 23 feet on the enclosed trailer’s length. Even if it’s part of a line that also includes larger trailers, a travel trailer is still considered “small” if it’s shorter than 23 feet in length.
• The maximum allowable dry weight is 3,500 pounds. The lightest trailers will be given priority. Due to their construction, some small campers can reach altitudes of 4,000 meters. Some of the trailers are too large or cumbersome to be considered “small travel trailers,” so keep that in mind. Below, we’ve highlighted the models that are too big to fit in our trailer.

How to Choose the Right Small Travel Trailer for You

When it comes to choosing the right small travel trailer, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, think about your specific needs and preferences. Are you a solo traveler or do you have a family? How much storage space do you require? Do you prefer a compact design or something more spacious?

Next, consider the towing capacity of your vehicle. You’ll want to make sure that the small travel trailer you choose is compatible with your car or truck. Check the weight limits and ensure that your vehicle can handle it safely.

Another important aspect to think about is the layout and features of the trailer. Consider how many sleeping areas you need, as well as amenities such as kitchen facilities, bathroom options, and entertainment systems.

In addition to functionality, aesthetics also play a role in choosing the right small travel trailer for you. Look for designs and color schemes that resonate with your personal style and taste.

Don’t forget about budget considerations. Small travel trailers come in various price ranges, so determine how much you’re willing to invest in this adventure on wheels.

By taking all of these factors into account – your needs, towing capacity, layout preferences, aesthetics, and budget – you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the perfect small travel trailer for an unforgettable journey ahead!

The Benefits of Small Camping Trailers

Small camping trailers offer a multitude of benefits that make them an attractive option for travelers. One of their main advantages is their compact size, which allows for easy maneuverability and flexibility on the road. With a small travel trailer, you can navigate narrow roads, fit into tight campsites, and even park in residential areas without much hassle. Another benefit of these trailers is their affordability. Small travel trailers are generally more budget-friendly compared to larger RVs or motorhomes. They require less fuel to tow and have lower maintenance costs. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want to explore the world on a limited budget. Additionally, small camping trailers offer convenience and comfort. Despite their size, they are equipped with essential amenities such as sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, storage space, and bathroom facilities (in some cases). These features ensure that you have everything you need while traveling without sacrificing comfort. Furthermore, small travel trailers encourage a minimalist lifestyle. Their limited space forces travelers to prioritize what they truly need for their journey and eliminate unnecessary clutter from their lives. This can lead to a more simplified way of living and promote mindfulness about consumption habits. Lastly but importantly, small camping trailers allow travelers to immerse themselves in nature. They provide opportunities for off-the-grid adventures where breathtaking landscapes become your backyard every day. Whether it’s exploring national parks or campgrounds off the beaten path, these compact trailers allow you to get closer to nature and experience its wonders firsthand. In conclusion: Small camping trailers offer numerous benefits, including maneuverability on the road; affordability; convenience; encouraging minimalism; and immersing travelers in nature’s beauty

The Drawbacks of Small Travel Trailers

When it comes to small travel trailers, there are certainly many advantages. However, it’s important to consider the drawbacks as well before making a decision. One of the main drawbacks of small travel trailers is their limited space. While they are perfect for solo travelers or couples, families may find them too cramped. This means less storage space for belongings and limited living space inside the trailer. Another drawback is that smaller trailers often have fewer amenities compared to larger ones. This could mean sacrificing certain luxuries, such as a full-size kitchen or bathroom facilities. It’s important to prioritize what features are essential for your travel experience. Small travel trailers also tend to have less stability on the road compared to larger ones. They can be more prone to swaying in windy conditions or when passing large vehicles. This may require careful driving and adjustments while on the road. Additionally, if you enjoy entertaining guests or having extra sleeping accommodations, a small trailer may not be suitable. These trailers typically have limited seating areas and only enough sleeping space for a couple or small family. Resale value can be another drawback of small travel trailers. As they are initially more affordable than larger models, their value tends to depreciate faster over time.

While these drawbacks should be considered when choosing a small travel trailer, they may not outweigh the benefits depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Small travel trailers offer numerous benefits for travelers who prefer a compact and efficient camping experience. They are easy to tow and maneuver, making them ideal for both novice and experienced campers. These trailers also provide a cozy and comfortable living space while allowing you to connect with nature.

In this article, we have explored the world of small travel trailers and highlighted some of the best options available. When it comes to choosing the right small travel trailer for your adventures, it’s important to consider factors such as size, amenities, weight capacity, and budget.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that there are also drawbacks associated with small travel trailers. Limited space can be challenging if you’re traveling with a large group or carrying bulky equipment. Additionally, some smaller models may lack certain amenities or features found in larger RVs.

The decision on whether to choose a small travel trailer depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider how much space you require, what amenities are essential for your travels, and what type of towing vehicle you have at your disposal.

To make an informed choice about which small travel trailer is best suited for you, take the time to research different brands and models. Read reviews from fellow travelers who have firsthand experience with these trailers.

Remember that finding the perfect small travel trailer is all about striking a balance between comfort and functionality during your outdoor excursions without compromising or breaking the bank.

Happy Camping!

Top RV Air Conditioners in 2023

An RV is all about seeing the country in comfort. This necessitates the use of a good air conditioner to keep the interior cool and comfortable on warm, warm, and…

How to Determine the Best Used RV Price

How to Determine the Best Used RV Price It’s that time of year again, and the weather forecast looks promising for camping and RV activities. Looking for a new RV…

How to Purchase an RV

Before you pull the trigger on one of the larger purchases of your life, consider some of these finer points on how to efficiently purchase an RV. Let’s take a…

Best RV Air Conditioner: Top Models for Efficient Cooling on the Go

Traveling in an RV offers the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, but extreme temperatures can compromise the latter. An efficient air conditioner becomes a vital feature, pivotal in maintaining…

All You Need To Know About RV TVs

Because there are so many factors to think about, shopping for an RV TV might be overwhelming. You must first decide on the kind of television technology you want, the…

The Top 5 12 Volt TVs for Your Campervan or RV

What Should a 12V TV for Campervan or RV Contain? (6 Items) You are aware that your campervan or RV needs a TV, but what should you seek for? I’ve…

FAQ: Can RV Air Conditioning Run Continuously?

Can I operate my RV’s air conditioner continuously? Without creating a problem, you can leave the air conditioner on continually in your RV. Set your thermostat a little lower if…

How do you choose an RV air conditioner?

Regardless of the kind of RV air conditioner you pick, make sure to do your homework and read reviews from other RVers before making a purchase. No matter where the…

6 Tips for Making Your RV Air Conditioner Quieter

One of the reasons you travel on vacation to the vast outdoors is to escape the city sounds. Nature is tranquil and calm, and you appreciate the times when there…

Best of Micro Camper Necessities 2023

Best of Micro Camper Necessities 2023 Are you going on your first Micro Camper vacation? Let’s speak about getting ready for an early season adventure in your Micro Camper. It’s…

The Top 5 RV Air Conditioners Units for 2023 (15,000 BTU Rooftop)

In the summer, Vs can become extremely hot. An RV is essentially a metal cage with no inside. The metal box will quickly become warm when left in the sun,…

The Winnebago Micro Minnie: Seven Things You Should Know

One of the most well-known lightweight campers on the road today is the Winnebago Micro Minnie. Thanks to its high-quality building, market-leading features, and a variety of well-designed floorplans. But…

How Long Can You Keep an RV Air Conditioner Running?

A Complete Guide on How Long an RV Air Conditioner Can Run The best time of year to travel in an RV is during the summer. However, you must make…

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

The 15 Best Travel Trailers for Camping and Road-Tripping Adventures

Vehicles that will allow you to feel right at home, no matter where you are..

Senior Staff Writer

Bryan Hood's Most Recent Stories

Bentley’s new mulliner will have its most powerful w-12 engine ever, this bonkers transformers-themed bugatti veyron is heading to auction.

• Bang & Olufsen’s Iconic 1990s CD Player Has a New Ultra-Limited Remake
• Share This Article

Traveling doesn’t mean having to step foot in a frenzied airport. In fact, there’s never been a better time to go camping. With the right travel trailer, you can easily leave the city behind without having to deal with anyone other than your nearest and dearest. Today’s featured-packed caravans are nothing like those you rode in as a kid, either. Not only do they look good, but they’re packed with enough luxury features that you’ll feel right at home, no matter where you are.

We’re also at the point where there’s a trailer for practically every kind of camper, regardless of what vehicle they drive. If you’re the kind of person who likes the classics, there are multiple aluminum-sided Airstream and Bowlus models to choose from. Want to bring as much of your home on the road with you? How about Living Vehicle or Land Ark’s mammoth condos on wheels? There are also caravans you can take off-road with your 4×4 and ultra-light and compact models you can tow with an EV. Some can even be turned into a mobile office if you want to mix work and play. Below are 15 travel trailers that will allow you to take to the road in just about any way you can imagine.

Our Best Travel Trailer Picks

Best overall: living vehicle hd24, best for luxury lovers: bowlus endless highways performance edition, best for off-road enthusiasts: mammoth overland extinction level event.

• Best to Live In: Airstream Globetrotter

Best for Entertaining: W2 Romotow T8

Best for going off-the-grid: escapod topo2, best for tech obsessives: retreat cabin and ozxcorp’s erv, best for stylish trips: eriba touring 820, best for families: land ark drake, best for ev owners: pebble flow, best for beginners: colorado teardrops boulder, best for couples: hunter nature raptor xc.

• Best for Design Obessives: X-Cabin300

Best for Roughing It: Taxa Mantis

Best under 5,000 pounds: happier camper hc1.

If you want a better understanding of how far travel trailers have come over the decades, just look at the Living Vehicle lineup. The Santa Barbara-based company’s boxy trailers are basically mini apartments you can take with you on the road. Our favorite might be the new HD24, which is far from the company’s biggest offering, but comes with all the amenities you could need at the campground—and then some.

The all-electric model, which starts at $299,995, may measure only 24 feet, but its minimalist interior still has more than enough for a bedroom, kitchen, entertainment area, and a bathroom with a dedicated shower. One particularly clutch feature is a five-by-eight-foot multi-purpose space that can be used as an office, guest room, or laundry room. If that wasn’t enough, the top-of-the-line Pro variant has a solar-assisted power system that can keep the trailer running for up to a month off the grid.

Special Features:   —Trailer can be configured to include a laundry room, office, or guest room. —Interior has a clean minimalist look and comes packed with premium amenities. —Range-topping Pro version’s power system produces enough energy for 30 days of off-the-grid living,

It may not be the most famous shiny caravan maker—that would be Airstream—but Bowlus is the company that gave us the first riveted travel trailer. The company, which was revived in 2014, knows not to mess with a good thing, so its well-regarded trailers—like our favorite, the  Endless Highways Performance Edition —look just like those it produced in the 1930s, only bigger and with better materials (think: alclad aluminum for the exterior and birchwood for the interior).

Despite its classic look, the $225,000 trailer has all the conveniences you expect in 2022, including heat and air-conditioning systems, a WiFi modem and plenty of outlets for charging all your smart devices. Best of all, though, might be a lithium iron phosphate that gives you the ability to live off the grid for two peaceful weeks. If you’re an animal lover, there’s also the  Terra Firma , which features a bunch of Fido-friendly features like a built-in food bowl, pet bed and remote temperature control system.

Special Features:  —Thee’s a double-sided indoor galley and an outdoor cooking area with electric and propane outlets. —The hotel-style shower has teak flooring and seating. —Lithium iron phosphate power system can keep the entire trailer running for up to two weeks.

Mammoth Overland’s latest model is a burly off-road trailer designed to withstand anything it encounters in nature. The appropriately named Extinction Level Event (ELE) rides on a set of chunky all-terrain tires and has an angular aluminum body reinforced with steel armor and skid plates. If that doesn’t sound like enough, you can upgrade to Level 3 bullet-proof armor. There’s also a built-in bear spray system too, for added security. The ELE, which starts at $67,000, is pretty compact since it’s a tear-drop trailer, but it can comfortably sleep two and has an integrated workstation inside its cabin. There’s also a swing-out kitchenette in the back for cooking.

Special Features:   —Comes with a built-in bear spray system and is available with bullet-proof armor. —Despite its compact size, the interior cabin still has room for a built-in workstation. —The swing-out kitchenette isn’t big, but has everything you need to cook a delicious meal.

Best Overall: Airstream Globetrotter

One brand leaps to mind when most of us think about travel trailers—Airstream. Its iconic aluminum-sided caravans have been instrumental in popularizing road trips and  camping  in the US for decades. One need only look at the company’s  Globetrotter  model to see why: In addition to looking beautiful, the silver-covered caravan is packed with creature comforts to keep you traveling comfortably. It’s not the brand’s largest model—that would be the flagship  Classic —but it’s available with one of six different floor plans, each of which has room for a spacious entertainment area (that can sleep up to four adults).

Inside you’ll find a full-featured kitchen, half-bathroom, shower and sizable bedroom with either a queen-sized bed or two twins. As you would expect from Airstream, the amenities are top-rate, too, like Franke faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, stainless steel appliances, Quietstream climate control system and multiple LG LED TVs. The Globetrotter starts at $120,000. If it doesn’t fit the bill, the brand has plenty of other models to choose from, including collaboration editions like the  extra-homey Pottery Barn Edition  or their  ultra-rare Supreme edition .

Special Features: —There are different floor plans to choose from, each of which features a full kitchen, half bathroom and dedicated shower. —The Quietstream climate control system barely makes a peep, even when the heater or A/C is running. —A built-in canopy provides shade when you want to spend time outside.

Good things come to those who wait. More than a decade after it was first announced, the Romotow T8 is finally available to order. The 30.5-foot caravan, which was designed by New Zealand-based architecture and design firm W2, has two main components—a fixed chassis and a smaller living space that fits just inside of it. When the $268,500 trailer is parked, the cabin slides out at the touch of a button and can be rotated 90 degrees like a swiveling USB stick. When rotated like this, the hydraulic-powered chassis can then be used as a patio. While this unique design may be the vehicle’s main selling point, its interior cabin comes with all the features you need and has enough room for six adults.

Special Features:   —Unique rotating design is unlike anything else currently on the trailer market. —The living area is large enough to sleep up to six adults. — Hydraulic patio comes with an integrated deck set.

The  Escapod Topo2  is a trailer for anyone looking to take their camping trip off road with minimal fuss. The brand’s update of the classic teardrop trailer is an off-road-friendly model without any of the bulk. Unlike most of the trailers on this list, Escapod’s bedroom and kitchen area are separated from one another. The dedicated sleeping area has room for a queen-size mattress and is equipped with a stargazer window so you can really take in the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. The galley, meanwhile, is only accessible from outside the $39,500 trailer, but has ample counter space for meal prep and cooking. Both sections get their power from a VPR 4EVER lithium ion battery with some solar panels to help keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

Special Features: —Exterior is made from a single-piece of composite fiberglass that is rugged and weather-resistant. —Laser-cut tube steel frame should last for years. —Bedroom’s stargazer window offers up a beautiful view of your surroundings.

It was only a matter of time until the  electric revolution  made its way to the world of trailers and campers.  Retreat Caravan and OzXcorp’s ERV  is a rugged trailer that also happens to run entirely on battery power. Roof-mounted solar panels provide juice for a 14.3-kWh lithium battery that keeps the trailer’s many appliances running. And while the trailer is perfectly equipped for some off-road fun, thanks to a specially tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, it also packs all of the comforts of a luxe hotel room inside, including a bathroom, spacious seating area and master bedroom suite with a king-sized bed and closets. But the true highlight may be the $75,000 caravan’s full-size kitchen, which features an induction cooktop, fridge and washing machine. There’s also a Weber electric barbecue and slow cooker for making your meals outdoors.

Special Features: —Solar panels and 14.3-kWh battery power the trailer and let you go off grid. —A specially tuned suspension and large all-terrain tires let you go off-road. —The primary bedroom has enough room for a king-size bed and its own closets.

Are you looking for an aluminum-sided trailer that looks like more than just another Airstream or Bowlus’s rip-off? If so, the  Eriba Touring 820  might fit the bill. The company’s top-of-the-line caravan updates the classic silver bullet look with a retro-futuristic shape and details. Even more impressive, though, is the 27-foot-trailer’s interior. The company has packed it full of luxury amenities like a sizable, leather-covered lounge area (that can be converted into a bed), customizable mood lighting and a surprisingly fashionable bathroom. The true highlight, though, is a bedroom with a large panoramic window that offers up a gorgeous views of your surroundings. That’s good, too, since you might not actually want to leave the $88,500 trailer.

Special Features: —The kitchen has a mini wine cellar for keeping your best bottles at the ready. —The leather-upholstered entertainment area can be converted into an additional sleeping area at night. —Adjustable mood lighting will help you feel at home no matter where you are.

Almost more of a portable house than a trailer, the  Land Ark Drake  basically lets you take all the comforts of home on the road. The gigantic, yet stylish, two-level, 357-square-feet trailer can comfortably sleep seven adults. Stark and modern on the outside, the trailer features an equally clean white-washed pine and black metal decorated interior. Across its two floors, it has room for a full-sized kitchen, living room and bathroom (which includes a bathtub), along with two loft bedrooms and an office which can also be converted to a sleeping area. Its $139,000 starting price may sound a lot for a trailer, but for a two-story house on wheels it’s not that bad.

Special Features: —The two-level design means you have 357-square-feet of space. —Downstairs bathroom includes a tub for when you need to take a relaxing soak. —It has a primary bedroom and two loft-style sleeping areas.

There are plenty of EV-friendly travel trailers on the market at this point, but none are nicer to an electric powertrain than the Pebble Flow, which starts at $109,000. The futuristic vehicle is available with an optional propulsion that includes two electric motors—one situated on each wheel—to help make sure its 6,200-pound weight isn’t eating up all your battery-powered vehicle’s range. That’s far from the Flow’s only forward-thinking feature though. The trailer also comes with an “Instacamp” system that can be used to park the vehicle and set up camp (which includes leveling out the vehicle, deploying its staircase, and turning on the lights). The unique feature can also be triggered remotely via Pebble’s smartphone app.

Special Features:   —An optional propulsion system means it can even be towed by EVs. —Unique “Instacamp” system allows you to park the vehicle remotely via the company’s smartphone app. — Solar-assisted battery pack produces enough power for a week of off-the-grid living.

There are EV-friendly trailers and then there’s  Colorado Teardrops’s Boulder . Not only is the company’s latest designed to be towed by a battery-powered SUV or truck, it can also charge your EV’s battery. That ability comes courtesy a 75-kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a built-in DC fast charger that will give you some much needed peace of mind out on the open road. At the very least, it gives you the freedom to come up with a route centered around sights instead of charging stations. Aside from this very vital feature, the compact caravan has everything two adults and two children need to live off the grid for a for a few days, including a comfortable queen-sized mattress, two bunk beds (for the kids), an enclosed kitchenette and an optional climate control system. The $55,000 trailer also comes in a variety of two-tone color schemes that all look pretty sharp.

Special Features: —Doesn’t just ease the burden on your EV’s battery; it can charge it, too. —A unique bunk-bed design creates room for four people to sleep (two adults and two children). —The enclosed kitchenette has plenty of counter space.

A big trailer can be a godsend on the campground, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. The problem, of course, is getting the hulking vehicle there. No matter how experienced the driver, maneuvering a large caravan can be very tricky. Luckily there are trailers like  Hunter Nature’s Raptor XC . The brand’s angular model looks compact but features a pull-out section that just about doubles the size of its interior. When it’s fully extended you’ll have more than enough room for a dedicated living area, kitchen and bedroom. This will come in handy if there’s more than two in your traveling party, too. That’s because the $44,000 trailer’s entertainment area can easily be converted into an additional sleeping area at night.

Special Features: —An expanding segment turns this trailer into a multi-room cabin. —The bedroom has a large skylight so you can see the stars at night. —A spacious lounge can be converted into an additional sleeping area if you need more room.

Best for Design Obsessives: X-Cabin300

Silver trailers don’t all need to be bullet-shaped as nice as the classic Airstream may look. Just take a gander at the X-Cabin300. The all-aluminum vehicle has a boxy shape that looks both classic and modern. The Japanese-made caravan is compact, but comes with four different interior layouts designed to meet your varied needs (it can even be used as a food truck). The $50,000 trailer is smaller than most—it measures just seven feet tall, seven feet wide, and 15 feet long—and only tips the scales at 1,650 pounds, which means a compact SUV can even tow it. 

Special Features:   —A refreshing spin on the classic all-aluminum travel trailer. —Available with four different interior layouts. —Small and light enough to be towed by a compact SUV.

It can be hard to find a trailer that fits everyone’s needs, but the  Taxa Mantis  comes close. Its no-nonsense design means it fits with nearly anyone’s style. Thanks to a pop-up roof section, ingenious use of space and plenty of storage compartments, the Mantis has all the room you and your friends and family need to camp in comfort, which can be crucial on longer trips. It’s also got all the necessary features, including a bathroom with a built-in shower, water heater, kitchenette and 8,000 BTU air conditioner. The trailer, which starts at $46,000, is ideal for off-roading, but there’s a  special Overland edition  if you want something even more rugged.

Special Features: —A pop-up roof means you don’t have to sleep in the kitchen if you don’t want to. —There’s a built-in water heater and climate control system with a 8,000 BTU air conditioner. —It comes with a built-in canopy for outdoor hangouts.

Imagine if you didn’t need a truck or SUV to tow your trailer. You don’t if the caravan in question is Happier Camper’s compact  HC1 . The Los Angeles-based outfit’s smallest model is as light as they come, with a dry weight of just 1,100 pounds, meaning it can be towed by practically any car, even a modern-day Mini Cooper. It features a semi-modular interior designed by Adaptiv that can be customized to fit your camping style—components snap in like Legos—with either a full kitchen or enough sleeping room for up to five people. You can even add solar panels if you want to go off the grid. The $34,450 trailer’s old-school design is also sure to stand out on practically any campground. Even better, no pickups needed.

Special Features: —At only 1,100 pounds, it can be towed by just about any car. —The semi-modular floor plan allows you to arrange the interior to accommodate your camping style. —The larger rear hatch opens up space when you are entertaining.

Read More On:

Inside the Race to Build America’s EV Charging Network

Queen Elizabeth II Drove This Daimler Majestic. Now It’s up for Auction.

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Cars

The Transformers-Themed Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse in Photos

Queen Elizabeth II’s 2001 Daimler Majestic in Photos

More from our brands, abby phillip flows in gold pleated dress by sergio hudson on white house correspondents’ dinner 2024 red carpet, detroit sets nfl draft attendance record at 2024 event, post malone turns stagecoach into ’90s/’00s night, and miranda lambert gets ‘fancy’-ful with reba, on fest’s guest-star-studded night 2, dani levinas, art enthusiast who ‘collected collectors,’ dies at 75, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• Find a Location

5 RVs You Can Pull with an SUV

Our list starts with Flagstaff’s E-Pro line of travel trailers . These SUV towable RVs have been a mainstay for RVers looking for off-road capability from a camper they can tow with an SUV or small truck.

With 13 models to choose from, the E-Pro line of campers ranges in length from approximately 12 to 21 feet. The smallest E-Pro, the E12S, has an unloaded vehicle weight (UVW) of just 1,900 pounds. Meanwhile, the E20FKS is the largest E-Pro and has a UVW of almost 4,000 pounds. There’s quite a range, so look for E-Pro models within your SUV’s towing capacity. 

E-Pro travel trailers are not only small and light but rugged and designed to go off the beaten path. They come standard with 15” Mud Rover Radial tires and a lift kit for additional clearance. And, like many other Flagstaff RVs, they’re built with Azdel paneling, which is mold-resistant and offers better insulation. 

You’ll also enjoy standard features like an outdoor shower, an outside griddle with LP hookups, a fixed exterior ladder, and outdoor speakers. 

Jayco Jay Feather Micro

The Jay Feather Micro is a lightweight single-axle offering from popular RV manufacturer Jayco. It offers the traditional RV comforts of Jayco’s larger campers in an SUV-friendly format. With available models, Jay Feather Micro travel trailers range in length from approximately 19 to 23 feet, and the unloaded weights go from 3,895 pounds to 4,510 pounds.

The compact yet comfortable floorplans range from couples campers to mini bunkhouses capable of sleeping eight! Like most of these SUV-friendly travel trailers, a Jay Feather Micro can fit into almost any size campsite. 

While Jay Feather Micro is an entry-level RV line, it offers excellent Jayco construction features like 0-100 degree Climate Shield protection and Azdel-constructed walls for moisture resistance and increased insulation. With 55-gallon fresh tanks and tankless water heaters, you won’t miss the comforts of home.

Airstream Basecamp

Airstream’s smallest offering is the Basecamp. Though smaller than other Airstreams, it can fit a kayak or any other gear you might want to take onboard. The Basecamp is 16 feet three inches in length and weighs 3,500 pounds.

You can expand the footprint of this SUV-towable RV with side and rear tents. Another option is the Basecamp X option, which makes it even better equipped to go off the asphalt with a three-inch lift kit and other off-road-friendly features.

Airstreams are notorious for being sleek, aesthetically unique, and completely functional. This small trailer design is no exception. Though it differs from the traditional silver bullet look of a full-size airstream, it delivers all the same sleek functionality in the tiniest package possible. A vista bay window isn’t a bad way to wake up each morning. Rugged adventures are calling when you take this stainless steel gem off-road.

Winnebago HIKE 100

The HIKE 100 campers are an exciting offering from Winnebago. They promise feature-packed adventure for campers under 16 feet and 3,300 pounds. Choose from five models that sleep from two to four.  

Lightweight, off-road-ready, and with floorplans that resemble Class B RVs more than travel trailers, the HIKE 100s offer something new to the SUV towable camper scene. They have modular layouts with full-height ceilings to make the most of every inch. 

Owners love the ability to bring along extra gear with a 2-inch receiver and a rack-ready patented exoskeleton to bring along kayaks and other toys. Plus, All HIKE 100 campers come equipped with solar power in the form of a 190-watt solar panel with the option to add a second. 

Keystone Outback OBX

Ready to meet the newest SUV towable travel trailer to hit the scene? Welcome the Keystone Outback OBX, available for the first time in 2024. Choose from two single-axle models that are lightweight, compact, and ready for off-road adventures. 

At under 4,000 pounds and just over 20 feet, the OBX sleeps five to six campers, with bunks included on both models. The 18BHS features a single slide-out for a more spacious dining and living area, a rarity among travel trailers of this size. 

Built for off-road adventures, the OBX includes knobby 14” radial tires and high-performance, water-resistant flooring. It also includes a cargo rack on the bumper, an outdoor shower, and an outdoor kitchen. With a 37-gallon fresh water tank and tankless water heater, you can enjoy hot, convenient showers when venturing off the beaten path, too. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing an SUV Towable RV

When shopping for a towable RV, you will need to know a few terms. Knowing what these terms mean will help you determine if your current vehicle can tow the specific RV you’re looking at. 

Your SUV’s Towing Capacity

Look in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for its towing capacity. Most SUVs are rated to tow between 1,500 and 5,000 pounds, but each is different. And, of course, there are exceptions. Some SUVs can tow more than 5,000 pounds. Use our handy tow guide to find out your vehicle’s tow capacity with a few clicks. 

Your vehicle’s payload, curb weight, and gross vehicle weight rating are equally as important. Confused already? Learn all the essential weights and numbers with our guide to weight ratings .

In short, curb weight is how much your vehicle weighs without anyone in it. Payload is how much the vehicle can carry. Your GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the dry weight (no items or liquids onboard) of your vehicle and the maximum payload. If you don’t know your vehicle’s payload, find the GVWR and subtract the curb weight from that number.

The RV’s “Dry Weight”

As you look at RVs, you will see terms like “dry weight,” AKA unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), and CCC. An RV’s dry weight is its weight straight out of the factory with no potable water, waste, or anything else in it.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

This is the weight your RV will be capable of carrying on board. This is important because you won’t be pulling an empty travel trailer to go camping, you’ll have it packed up. You’ll load up your camper with gear, potable water, accessories, and other supplies. On the way back, you’ll also have liquids in your gray and black tanks (if your RV has these, which most do).Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Adding an RV’s CCC and dry weight will give you its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the number that needs to be within your vehicle’s tow rating. CCC + UVW = GVWR

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

There’s also a gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This rating includes your SUV, trailer, passengers, and cargo. 

Just because you pull a camper within your towing capacity doesn’t necessarily mean you’re all set. You also need to stay below the vehicle’s GCWR. If you stay under the GCWR with all of the things discussed above, you’re headed in the right direction. 

Tongue Weight and Your Vehicle’s Payload

Don’t forget to take into account the RV’s tongue weight. Every vehicle will have its hitch rated for a certain weight. Even if you’re within the towing rating and under a GCWR, if you’re over the rating for your vehicle’s hitch you can experience problems. It’s also important to note that the tongue weight of the RV factors into the vehicle’s GVWR. If the tongue weight of the RV puts you over on GVWR, it’s too much trailer for your vehicle. 

If you’re a little confused, it’s okay. You can come back to this weight rating guide at any time for a quick refresher.

Have you ever thought about pulling a used travel trailer with your SUV? Browse our small campers and let us know which one you like.

• Comment (6)

no prices makes this a no go for me. I want to know the prices of each

Each model we listed in this piece has a link to where you can check pricing and availability. But here they are for easy reference!

Forest River NoBo: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/forest-river/no-boundaries TAXA Cricket: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/taxa-outdoors/cricket TAXA Mantis: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/taxa-outdoors/mantis Airstream Basecamp: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/airstream/basecamp Forest River R-Pod: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/forest-river/r-pod Jayco Hummingbird: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/jayco/hummingbird

Hope that helps!

You also forgot the Trailmarker trailer. Plenty of room and VERY lite. Made of all aluminum they even have a smaller off road specific model.

I have 1997 Chevy Silverado with camper top

You forgot DROPLET teardrop trailers. Those super cute lightweight campers are under 1000lbs and can be towed by a VW Golf!!

I wish there was a nationwide list where you type in your vehicle model and it displays all the RV’S you can tow. (Showing ALL manufactures.)

Leave Your Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Shop By RV Type

Your Adventure Awaits

Copyright © 2023 cwi, llc all rights reserved.

• RV Glossary |
• Privacy Policy |
• California Privacy Rights |
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information |
• Targeted Advertising Opt Out |
• Terms of Use

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Journey With Confidence

10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

These lightweight travel trailers are lightweight and easy to tow. Photo courtesy of Little Guy.

Tread Lightly With These 10 Best Small Camper Trailers

The demand for small RVs is at an all-time high, and several RV manufacturers are responding to the demand for lightweight trailers that any car can pull. This list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022 spotlights the top-rated RVs for families, solo RVers, and adventure travelers.

• Each small RV trailer weighs less than 5,000 pounds.
• The ultralight trailers often cost less than a passenger car. 
• Each trailer has one of the lightest gross vehicle weight ratings ( GVWR ) around. Just about any size truck or even some larger SUVs can pull them. 

(If you’re looking for 2023 model-year lightweight travel trailers, check out our post 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 .)

Top 10 Picks For Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 5,000 Pounds GVWR)

Each small RV is listed in order by weight, from lightest to heaviest.

2022 nuCamp TAG XL: The Stargazer

The TAG XL weighs less than 1,500 lbs – even with all of the bells and whistles.

At the top of our super light travel trailers list is the TAG. This small RV is lightweight and easy to tow. Built with custom Ohio-Amish cabinetry, under-bed storage, and an exterior shower, this teardrop trailer is the perfect way to bring some of the comforts of home when you hit the road.

Cook in nature while using the well-equipped rear galley. At night, you’ll climb into a warm and cozy interior. Watch the stars through a large stargazing window.  There’s air conditioning, LED lighting, alloy wheels, electric brakes, and an optional solar roof package. No matter where you go, the TAG teardrop trailer is ready for adventure.

Climb into a warm, cozy interior – complete with a large window for stargazing.

• Hitch weight: 119 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,369 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 3″
• Exterior width: 7′ 8″
• Interior height: 43″
• Freshwater capacity: 8 gallons
• Optional A/C and heater
• Base MSRP: $24,674

2022 TAXA TigerMoth Overland: The Ultimate Overlanding Vehicle

This rugged overland travel trailer is the ideal adventure home. The TigerMoth Overland Edition is a small RV with big features, including increased ground clearance thanks to the Timbren axle-less suspension with a 4″ lift.

You also get a number of premium accessories including a generous kitchen, roof cargo deck, and an optional tongue-mounted toolbox.

Enjoy 7+ off-grid days or longer

The TigerMoth can take you on a 7-day adventure or longer. The aerodynamic shape is fuel-efficient on the highway, and a generous interior space lets you do more with less. As a bonus, it’s also small enough to fit in a normal garage.

• Hitch weight: 195 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,458 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 942 lbs.
• Exterior length: 12′ 0″
• Full exterior height: 7′
• Exterior width: 6′ 7″
• Freshwater capacity: 5 gallons
• 5 lbs propane tank & mount
• Pre-wired solar input
• Four acrylic, insulated windows with screens & shades
• 16″ alloy wheel with all-terrain tires 
• Base MSRP: $29,350

Go off-grid in comfort.

2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite: Lightweight And Easy To Tow

Travel Lite’s new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable travel trailers on the market (under $20K). It’s light enough to pull behind even the smallest of vehicles. You only need a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. 

The new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable RV trailers on the market. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

Enjoy the sleek Euro-style design made with state-of-the-art composite materials. There’s an aluminum chassis and a seamless poured-resin fiberglass roof. Interior features include a convertible bed and a bath with a shower. This small RV offers space-saving functionality at its best.

The 2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer has a stylish and roomy interior. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

• Hitch weight: 160 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,707 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 793 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 4″
• Full exterior height: 8′ 1″
• Exterior width: 7′ 11″
• Freshwater capacity: 10 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 5 gallons
• On-demand tankless water heater
• 20,000-BTU furnace
• Base MSRP: $19,424  

Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500: New And Improved

Here’s a unique addition to our list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: the ultralight, 15-foot, all fiberglass Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500 camper from L’air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada.

The L’air Trillium Heritage is an ultra-lightweight travel trailer that can be easily towed by many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

This small RV received a complete facelift for 2022. It features dual-pane acrylic windows, a bigger solar panel, a 4.6-cubic-foot fridge with a freezer, and a galley makeover.

With a GVWR of just 2,700 pounds, the Trillium is an easy tow for many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Options abound for personalizing.

The living area of the Trillium Heritage has been updated with an all-new galley and 4.2-cubic-foot fridge. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

• Hitch weight: 180 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,700 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,650 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,050 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 2″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 2″
• Exterior width: 78″
• Freshwater capacity: 13 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 5 gallons
• Single 130W solar panel with charge controller
• Base MSRP: $31,997

Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB: Surprisingly Spacious

The Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB has floorplans starting out at a fuel-saving 3,000 pounds! Both Sonic Lite and Sonic are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system. By arching the roof front to back, this system provides a more durable roof. When it rains, the water runs fore and aft.

Sonic Lite trailers are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system.

• Hitch weight: 460 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,735 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,160 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 575 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 11″
• Full exterior height (with A/C): 9′ 11″
• Exterior width: 90″
• Freshwater capacity: 38 gallons
• Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
• Refrigerator: 8 cu ft
• LP gas capacity: 20 lbs
• Base MSRP: $34,059

2022 Little Guy Micro Max: Fits In Standard Garages

Finding a small travel trailer that can be parked inside a two-car garage isn’t easy unless you check out the new Little Guy Micro Max . This ultra-lightweight, four-season RV camper is a brand-new offering from Little Guy that will be coming out in early 2022.

The Micro Max ultra-lightweight trailer fits inside a standard garage! Photo courtesy Little Guy Trailers.

Some of the features included in this fully equipped micro trailer are an air conditioner, a queen bed in the rear and twin bed up front, two dining areas, an interior galley, and an outdoor shower.

Headroom is a respectable 5′ 8″, which keeps the overall travel trailer height lower than the typical garage-door opening.

The interior of these lightweight travel trailers feels roomy with large windows. Photo courtesy of Little Guy Trailers.

• Hitch weight: 260 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,780 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,720 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 11″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 10.5″
• Exterior width: 80″
• Freshwater capacity: 12 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 8 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,000  

Apex Nano 16R: Backcountry comfort

Be off-grid-camping ready with the Apex Nano 16R . This lightweight trailer comes with off-road tires and high-clearance suspension.

With a 3,800-pound GVWR, the Apex Nano 16R is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

With heated freshwater and holding tanks, a 13.5K-BTU A/C, front bike rack, direct vent furnace, and sleeping accommodations for a family of four, the Apex Nano 16R travel trailer from the Coachmen line is a great choice for outdoor adventure-bound RVers. Its 3,800-pound GVWR is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers.  

Coachmen’s Apex Nano 16R offers a 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge, two-burner cooktop, and microwave. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

• Hitch weight: 330 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,800 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,860 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 940 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 10″
• Exterior width: 7′
• Freshwater capacity: 50 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 35 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 35 gallons
• 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge
• Two-burner cooktop and microwave
• Base MSRP: $27,731

OPUS OP4: Adventure ready

There’s no other travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. After all, this innovative push-button, air-inflated tent camper inflates in less than two minutes and sleeps six.

There’s no other lightweight travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

The OP4 has a spacious interior lounge area, high ceiling, and a ton of windows and skylights to make you feel like you’re outdoors. The external kitchen makes cooking for the family easy, and OPUS offers a long list of options, including heating, A/C, solar power, bike racks, and extension rooms to make any RV outing enjoyable.

The external kitchen of the Opus OP4 makes cooking for the family easy. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

 Features:

• Hitch weight: 400 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,100 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ (closed)/ 21′ 4″ (open)
• Full exterior height: 5′ 4″ (closed)/ 7′ 10″ (open)
• Exterior width: 7′ 2″ (closed)/ 11′ 6″ (open)
• Freshwater capacity 40 gallons
• Cassette toilet
• Base MSRP: $27,999  

Forest River Rpod RP153: Ultra lightweight

The 17-foot floorplan RPOD from Forest River is an ideal size for singles and couples. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The RPOD is one of the best-selling ultra-lightweight travel trailers on the market. Forest River has expanded the line to seven models by adding a smaller version called the Rpod 153 . The 17-foot model has all the basic features of its bigger brethren, and its slightly smaller floorplan is ideal for singles and couples.

The rear bath is spacious, the galley very functional, and the Murphy bed in the front maximizes interior space. This is an RV camper that’s very well designed, appointed, and engineered. It’s a good match for half-ton pickups, midsize pickups, and SUVs.

The 17-foot RPOD from Forest River is well-designed, appointed, and engineered. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Hitch weight: 300 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,280 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,880 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,400 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ 3″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 8″
• Exterior width: 8′
• Freshwater capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,500

2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS: Roomy and comfortable

Forest River’s spacious Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS caught our attention. A walk-around bed is a real rarity in a single-axle travel trailer and a testament to the designers taking to heart what customers have been asking for in years past.

Forest River’s 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS comes with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The large bathroom across the rear of the RV has an oversized shower, and the 72-inch sofa in the slide-out can rotate into a comfortable hide-a-bed. The Geo Pros also come with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires well suited for backcountry RV camping.

The 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS has a walk-around bed, which is a rarity for a single-axle travel trailer. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,442 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 958 lbs.
• Exterior length: 21′ 8″
• Exterior width: 92″
• Freshwater capacity: 31 gallons
• 54″x74″ Full-size bed
• 14-foot awning
• Outside shower
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Base MSRP: $32,675

That’s our list of the most innovative new lightweight travel trailers of 2022. These small RV models are big on affordability, convenience, and amenities.

As a bonus, the features are packaged in a small camper footprint. In most cases, you won’t need to purchase a tow vehicle for these trailers. To find out how much weight your car can pull, open your vehicle’s manual. Look for the maximum trailer towing capacity and you’ll find the answer.

Why lightweight travel trailers are in demand

If you’re thinking about buying one of these lightweight travel trailers, you’re in good company. Demand for big and small RV models is soaring.

For example, according to the latest issue of RV RoadSigns , the quarterly sales forecast published by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV manufacturers are still scrambling to meet consumer demand that started in 2020. This year, more than 600,000 new RVs will be sold. These figures are all-time high that will exceed the record-breaking RV sales of 2021.

“The remarkable production from the RV manufacturers and suppliers is nothing like we have ever seen before, and our new forecast shows the record-breaking streak will continue,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby.

Editor’s note: RV manufacturer materials costs are constantly increasing. The current base costs for the small, light travel trailers on our list may have changed since the time of this writing (Q4 2021).

Connect with other RVers

One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.

Related articles:

• 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023
• 8 Best Small Pull Behind Campers For 2022
• A Look At The New 2022 Keystone Campers

20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV for 2024

Sharing is caring!

Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

Updated April 5, 2024

When purchasing a camper, don’t worry; you don’t necessarily need a big, expensive truck to pull your smaller rig. We found plenty of campers that you can tow with your SUV. Some have plenty of amenities for your home away from home.

You will find travel trailers on our list that sleep a whole family, have spacious bathrooms, and others that will take you on backroad adventures.

Check out our list of the 10 best campers to tow with an SUV in major weight categories. We will include examples of SUVs that fit each category to give you some perspective. But don’t consider this an all-inclusive list for SUVs or campers.

Dry Weight + Cargo Carrying Capacity = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

How much can my suv tow.

The best way to learn how much your SUV can tow is to check your owner’s manual. Smaller SUVs come with one or two towing capacities, but larger versions can have multiple versions.

Towing capacity comes from your engine’s horsepower and torque, transmission gearing, and other components under the hood. Yet the heart of your SUV is only part of the equation.

The skeleton, tendons, and feet of your crossover or SUV have a lot to do with your towing capacity. The chassis, suspension, axles, and even tires affect how much your SUV can tow. You’ll also need the correct weight distribution hitch with sway control.

In our list of the best campers to tow with an SUV, we’ve broken them into the 5 crossover/SUV categories. Each classification has been paired up with travel trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating that meets the SUV classes’ general towing capacity.

• Mini Crossover SUV: 1,500 lbs.
• Compact Crossover SUV: 2,000 lbs.
• Crossover SUV: 3,500 lbs.
• Mid-Size SUV: 5,000 lbs.
• Full-size SUV: up to 9,300 lbs.

10 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV

With all the benefits of campers towing with an SUV, it’s hard to go wrong. However, some rigs just stand out from the rest, no matter how you look at them. Here are some of the best of the best, with an eye for innovation in size versus living space.

1. Airstream Basecamp

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Incredible interior aesthetic of shining, metal walls with panoramic windows

⛔ Definitely a little pricier than comparable brands and models

• Length: 16′ 3″
• UVW: 2,700 lbs
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs
• CCC: 800 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 450 lbs

The Airstream Basecamp comes in two floorplans with different options for each. The above specs match Basecamp 16. There’s also the 20, which features an 800-lb increase in GVWR and UVW. Though there are SUVs that will haul the Basecamp 20, be very sure that yours can handle the higher weight before you jump on it.

If you love the boondocking life, it’s a good idea to opt for the Special Edition version, which features LP batteries, more storage, and enough room to sleep a third individual. The standard Basecamp features 200 watts of rooftop solar, while the Special Edition ups the ante with 360 watts!

2. Rockwood Geo Pro G19BH

✅ Solid storage space with over half a ton of cargo-carrying capacity

⛔ Bathroom is a little tight by necessity

• Length: 20.2′
• UVW: 3,209 lbs
• GVWR: 4,425 lbs
• CCC: 1,216 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 425 lbs

One way to do more with less space is to throw in bunk beds. The Geo Pro G19BH does just that, with plenty of room to spare and a weight light enough for SUVs to handle.

You get the whole 9 yards with this one, including a tight but usable bathroom, a kitchen dinette, a full bed in the front, a sizeable shower, stove, microwave, and fridge.

It also has that authentic, interior aesthetic, something that really small campers sometimes lack. If you’re not using the bunks, the bottom one flips up for an additional storage option, so the bunks don’t just sit there, taking up space when you’re traveling as a couple or solo. The G19BH is a fine example of more with less.

3. Bigfoot 2500 B21

✅ Fantastic fiberglass body with a design for handling just about anything nature can throw at it

⛔ Corner beds are always a little problematic when it comes to couples getting in and out

• Length: 21′ 6″
• UVW: 4,308 lbs
• GVWR: 7,500 lbs
• CCC: 3,192 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 440 lbs

Bigfoot RV has a reputation for campers that are built like tanks. While featuring a structure and construction model similar to the Olivers, Scamps, and Escape campers of the world, Bigfoot sports a more traditional exterior design. It looks like a fantastic, everyday camper, but it can withstand an avalanche.

It’s also a trooper when it comes to CCC, with a ton and a half of capacity. With a design that features the dinette all the way in the front, there’s enough room for everything else to stretch out. The counter space is surprisingly long, with a sizeable rear bathroom and a corner bed.

4. Forest River Remote 19R

✅ Rear bathroom location allows for a lot of extra space

⛔ Bathroom door opens to the front of the fridge

• Length: 21′ 8″
• UVW: 3,556 lbs
• GVWR: 4,700 lbs
• CCC: 1,144 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 378 lbs

The Forest River Remote 19R is the perfect example for campers to tow with an SUV. It’s great for couples or even a small family with a maximum of four sleepers. Instead of a traditional dinette, it features a long sofa in front of a table, which brings back echoes of residential living and eating while catching the latest movie or streaming episode.

There’s plenty of cabinet space throughout, and the large bathroom is exceptional for an RV of this size. In fact, it makes you wonder why all small travel trailers don’t feature a rear bathroom that takes up the width of the trailer. Not only does it present a larger bathroom, but it also cuts down on the amount of space the bathroom takes up.

5. Droplet XL

✅ Huge windows that open the entire interior up and make sleeping at night an adventure

⛔ Traditional limitations of a teardrop

• Length: 9′ 6″
• UVW: 1,050 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 150 lbs

As an article about campers to tow with an SUV, we would be remiss if we left out the teardrops category. The Droplet XL is a fun little pocket of living innovation on wheels. Like most teardrops, the kitchen is on the outside, beneath the back hatch, with cabinetry, drawers, shelves, and racks to boot.

As the XL version, the Droplet offers more sleeping space and more storage options than the standard edition. The windows are large and extensive, enough so that you feel like you’re sleeping under the stars at night. It also features off-road tires for hitting the backroads and spending some camping time off the grid.

6. East To West Silver Lake 16RBLE

✅ Booth Dinette includes overhead cabinetry and underneath storage

⛔ You’ll need an extra, hinged mount if you install a TV

• Length: 21′ 3″
• UVW: 3,584 lbs
• GVWR: 4,955 lbs
• CCC: 1,371 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 555 lbs

The rear bathroom that runs the width of the travel trailer never gets old. It makes for a lot of extra bathroom space, while not eating into the overall space of the camper. The East-to-West Silver Lake 16RBLE also has a surprisingly robust number of storage options.

There are storage spaces under the dinette, under the bed, pass-thru storage, a wardrobe in the bathroom, plenty of cabinetry, and overhead cabinets above the dinette. With over half a ton of CCC, you won’t find yourself wanting for space or weight limitations when storing your gear.

7. Cruiser RV Hitch 18MRB

✅ Large bathroom with a tub/shower and a linen closet

⛔ No traditional or convection oven

• Length: 21.9′
• UVW: 3,770 lbs
• GVWR: 4,995 lbs
• CCC: 1,222 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 288 lbs

Not only do you get the bathroom in the back (as if that observation hasn’t been hammered enough), but you also get the Murphy Bed in the front. Of all the campers to tow with an SUV, this one offers the most customizable space, thanks to these two simple features.

The only thing this camper lacks is an oven. Instead, you get a microwave above the refrigerator, along with a three-burner stovetop. The traditional dinette and compact kitchen counter space round out the rest of this camper. If you like a modular-like space saver, put the Cruiser RV Hitch 18MRB at the top of your list.

8. Heartland Sundance 211MB

✅ Murphy bed and double bunks provide plenty of sleeping room with maximum central space

⛔ Relatively basic, entry-level aesthetic and amenities

• Length: 25′ 10″
• UVW: 5,194 lbs
• GVWR: 7,450 lbs
• CCC: 2,224 lbs

The Heartland Sundance 211MB is another example on our list of campers to tow with an SUV, that utilizes the Murphy bed and rear bathroom to maximize interior space while providing plenty of living space in between. In this case, however, the bathroom splits the space with double bunks.

This makes the bathroom a little smaller, but still more than enough to hold a sizeable shower, sink, and toilet. The central living and galley spaces are pretty traditional, though this is an excellent entry-level camper with all of the expected amenities in place.

9. Winnebago Minnie 1808FBS

✅ Excellent weight distribution with dual axles on a tiny camper

⛔ The tiny exhaust fan

• Length: 20′
• UVW: 3,760 lbs
• GVWR: 5,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,240 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 390 lbs

Ironically, the Winnebago Minnie has a large and growing following. As one of the 10 campers that are good to tow with an SUV, the Minnie is one of the most innovative. For one, it features two axles, a strange feature considering its size, until you realize how much it improves weight distribution.

Winnebago also improved Minnie’s boondocking capabilities by throwing in 190 watts of solar, off-road tires (Goodyear Wranglers), and an improved suspension system. You’ll also love the storage space on the Minnie, with over half a ton of accommodating carrying capacity for all your outdoor needs.

10. TC Teardrops Adventure

✅ Enough interior storage options to outfit two people for a week

⛔ Only 10 gallons of freshwater storage

• Length: 10′
• UVW: 1,300 lbs
• CCC: 2,200 lbs
• Tongue Weight: N/A

The last of our campers to tow with an SUV is the second teardrop on the list. The TC Teardrops Adventure is exactly what it sounds like—a travel trailer for taking on an off-road, backwoods adventure. It is clearly built for it, with up to 35″ off-road tires, a Lock-n-Roll articulating hitch, and a 3,500-lb “de-rated” torsion axle.

The number of add-ons is enticing as well. If you want, you can even add bunk beds to the TC, along with an extended steel frame that’s perfect for throwing on a couple of mountain bikes. The galley is fairly large, with a 25″ depth and all of the amenities you expect in a teardrop, exterior kitchen.

What Weight Do I Look at for Towing a Camper?

You need to look at several weights when matching up your tow vehicle with a camper.

First, you will need to know how much your SUV can tow. If your vehicle has a maximum trailer weight rating of 8,000 pounds, your trailer needs to have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 7,000 pounds.

For example, the trailer you want to purchase has a dry weight of 6,500 pounds and a cargo capacity of 1,000 pounds. Add those two numbers together to get the GVWR. In this case, that would be 7,500 pounds, below your maximum tow capacity.

RV manufacturers may publish gross vehicle weights that are slightly different. Always use their weight rating. If you can’t find it, use the equation above to get a general idea.

There will always be some weight added to your trailer, including the holding tanks, so you will need to make sure that your trailer’s dry weight and the cargo do not add up to more than your SUV’s towing capacity. A great way to find that total in a “real” sense is to head to a CAT Scale and weigh your setup fully loaded.

Here are the common terms you will want to find:

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)

Or “dry weight.” This is the weight of an empty travel trailer. When we say “empty,” it refers to how the RV came off the factory floor.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

The CCC, or cargo-carrying capacity is the maximum additional weight your trailer can handle. Some RV companies use Net Cargo Capacity, which is the same thing. 

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

This is the safest maximum weight to tow your travel trailer or drive your motorhome. This weight comes from the manufacturer and is required by the law and RV regulators. Towing above this rating can void your RV insurance if you get into an accident. 

So if the trailer you’re looking at has a UVW, or dry weight, of 6,000 lbs., and a CCC of 600 lbs., the GVWR is 6,600 lbs. If your vehicle can tow 7,000 lbs., then you should be in good shape.

Tongue (or Hitch) Weight

The tongue is the front part of the trailer that hooks to your vehicle’s rear chassis. Tongue and hitch are used interchangeably, but the word “tongue” usually refers to travel trailers, and “hitch” designates fifth wheels.

Your SUV will have a maximum tongue weight rating. Hitch receivers attached to the rear chassis are ideal for towing. Using a ball hitch on your bumper could rip it off with the lightest weights.

The tongue weight rating of a travel trailer is approximately 10%–15% of the trailer’s dry weight.

If you have a travel trailer with a dry weight trailer weight rating of 5,000 lbs., the tongue weight rating should be between 500 and 750 lbs.

As long as your SUV has a tongue weight rating over this range, you won’t damage the rear suspension or drag the bottom of your vehicle on the road as you tow the trailer.

Final Words About Travel Trailers To Tow With SUVs

The best person to know what you need in a camper is you. Not everyone can purchase a large SUV, so it’s great to have some choices on the smaller end of the spectrum, both in a camper and tow vehicle.

Make a list of the amenities and options that you desire in a camper, and then take some time to research brands and models. There are so many to choose from that will accommodate a solo traveler, a couple, or a family.

Be sure to check out plenty of reviews for each camper you consider. Even if you don’t plan to buy a new camper, go to an RV show or take a stroll around a local dealer and ask many questions.

Know what your vehicle can tow and consider all the weight factors listed above. You do not want to find the perfect model and then realize it is too big to tow with your SUV.

Finally, enjoy the process. Purchasing a camper is a big decision, and you want to make sure you like what you get. Once you find your ideal SUV and RV pairing, they will take you on adventures for years to come.

Related Reading:

– 5 Best Used Travel Trailers For Couples – 10 Best Travel Trailers Under 30 Feet for 2024 – 7 Best Used Travel Trailers Under 4000 lbs – 10 Best Travel Trailers Under 4,000 Lbs for 2024

About the Author

Terri nighswonger – author and full time rver.

Terri Nighswonger and her husband Todd have been RVing and work camping for six years with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Newton, and their Minnie Australian Shepherd, Remi.

In Addition to the RVBlogger team, Terri has written for RV Life and RV Camping Magazine and is always excited to talk about her passion for RVing and her knowledge and experience in work camping.

Writing is Terri’s passion, but she also loves hiking, kayaking, walking her dogs, and anything she can do outdoors.

They originate from the Midwest but plan to enjoy the West for a few years, wintering in Arizona and summering wherever the road may lead.

1 thought on “20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV for 2024”

The picture at the beginning of the article shows an Alto R1713, but you never mention it in the article. I have one, at it easily meets my needs on long 2-3 month trips with my wife and greyhound dog. It tows easily behind my Ford Expedition and has been all over southern Canada and most US states. It sleeps 3, has a refrigerator, bathroom, stove and sink inside. I am disappointed that you did not discuss it after putting it on the lead-in.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Best Small Travel Trailers – Ultimate Round-up

A small travel trailer is arguably the most practical and adventure-friendly creation for any enthusiastic traveler. Also known as camper trailers, they cater to outdoor lovers by being a convenient and is of course pocket-friendly option.

Having a small camper trailer onboard makes camping more fun. The increased popularity of these trailers has led to the introduction of various models in a wide variety of designs, quality, and of course, comfort levels.

The plethora of options for small camper trailers can confuse first-time buyers. Well, leave that to us. Here we have covered some of the small travel trailers currently offered in the market so you can explore the terrains without leaving the comfort.

Say goodbye to the busy city life of yours and treat yourself with some quality time with your family. Take a road trip to the hills and mountains, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Check them out!

Go retro with Dinky Dub Camper  

Are All Small Travel Trailers The Same

Some people look for practicality in a small camper trailer, while others need some home comforts while traveling. To meet all demands, manufacturers have created a wide range of travel trailers while addressing the diverse demands of travelers and campers. 

So, to answer the question in a single word, no, each travel trailer is equipped with its perks and flexes. Some of the travel trailers are decent sized, they contain enough space to fix a TV , and you can even fix a couch in there as well.

If you want to travel light, then a small travel trailer that weighs around 3000 pounds would be perfect for you. But if you want a small camper trailer which has almost everything that is necessary to you to go through the day, then a travel trailer of a size slightly larger than this would be a better option for you. 

The smaller the travel trailer generally means the easier to tow, hence giving more control to its consumers. If you want to take your truck on different routes, then a smaller truck will play in your favor as it is easier to tow. Going for a little time out in the hills? You can easily take your small travel trailer with you.

What Makes a Small Travel Trailer Great For Traveling

Different RV users have their own preferences and expectations. Well, if you intend to purchase a new travel trailer, it is recommended to consider a few features in order to avoid any regret in the future. This section has summarized top qualities that make a small travel trailer ideally suitable for traveling.

Let’s have a look at them.

Ease of Use

The most prominent characteristic of any small camper trailer is its user-friendly design. The travel trailer is usually equipped with almost all basic amenities that are quite accessible in the hour of need. The proper organization of the interior guarantees a comfortable experience to the user.

Lightweight

Most of the customers choose these small travel trailers for their compact and lightweight design. They are relatively easier to tow, easier to store, and, most importantly, much easier to maintain. You don’t have to spend tons of bucks every time on maintenance.

A great small camper trailer has a moderate weight that is easily towed by most of the tow truck. To be on the safe side, it is better if you check the capacity of your tow truck, and then you would be able to choose the perfect trailer for your use.

• Ground fault electrical circuit
• Features designer carefree flooring
• Has a fire extinguisher for safety purposes
• Has safety chains in case of any emergency
• Interior is of approximately six feet and six inches

Why it Stands Out to Us Forest River is definitely one of the best travel trailer brands . From chassis/running gear, additional appliances/equipment, safety, insulation, interior, to its exterior, every feature and every item that is placed in this travel trailer is for a reason, and its designers have placed it impeccably.

All these outstanding features make it stand out to us, but the point that it comes with some remarkable safety features makes it even better. These safety features entail breakaway switch, LP detector, smoke detector, safety chains, CO detector, deadbolt door lock , and even comes with a ground fault protected electrical circuit. So keep these remarkable features in mind before making a final decision. Who Will Use This Most Travelers and campers who demand an exquisite interior and exterior should enjoy multiple features on this small travel trailer. This walking apartment is equipped with a toilet and sink. There's also an option of a dry bath, and if your privacy is very dear to you, then you'll be happy to know it comes with multiple mini blindfolds.

If you want demand more, there's additional space in the bathroom so that you can easily hang some extra boxes or dividers, making this a small, but spacious travel trailer.

Best for the Money: Taxa Mantis Trailer

• Insulated design with an appealing appearance
• Multiple cabinets to provide ample storage space
• Freshwater tank to allow a comfortable experience
• Sturdy fiberglass construction to ensure reliability
• Compact enough to easily tow around with smaller vehicles
• Sleeps: 1-4
• Number of Floorplans: 2
• Number of Slide-Outs:
• Length: 13 foot
• Width: 6’8”
• Weight: 1200-1500 lbs.

Ideally designed for couples or small families, this Scamp standard trailer is known for its comfortable service. The trailer boasts a fiberglass construction to easily combat extreme weather situations for a long time. It's a compact and lightweight design weighing only 1500 lbs, so you can easily tow it around by using your car or SUV.

The setup is extremely convenient and easily carries your personal belongings, thanks to enough storage space. You will find a rear dining area where you can enjoy your meal and later convert it into a double bed for sleeping at night. Similarly, there's a front sofa that can easily turn into bunk beds . This way, you will get enough room for 4 adults to have a sound sleep.

The interior design is good-looking with brown and blue cushions, carpets in addition to beige curtains. The windows are wide enough to improve the ventilation and allow natural sunlight. Finally, the fiberglass cabinets complete the look of the interior and make it a popular option for a comfortable weekend away.

The TerraDrop

• Ideally suited for off-road tours
• Compact design to enhance the portability
• Enough storage capacity to fit multiple accessories
• High-quality construction to make it a reliable choice
• Surely the most economical travel trailer on the market
• Length: 8 foot
• Width: 5 foot
• Weight: 1200 lbs.

The Terradrop travel trailer is built with a rugged design to make it perfect for adventure. It comes with sturdy construction to ensures long-lasting service. The chassis is square steel tube powder-coated and features a black texture, and the design is extremely compact plus weighs only 1200 lbs. to make it a lightweight option on the list.

It boasts ample storage space and easily sleeps 2 people. You can easily customize the whole trailer to enjoy your camping and off-road trips, and you'll have no worries taking your personal belongings. The refractive interior lighting system keeps the trailer nice and warm for you.

The door is stylish with quite a big window to improve the ventilation, while the outside of the trailer is equipped with a full-camping kitchen. There's also attachments for a roof rack, gear, and other supplies, so you can easily bring along the necessary accessories to get the best out of this small trailer. 

Safari Condo Alto F1743

Safari Condo Alto F1743 Interior

Restrictions While Traveling

The major disadvantage of having a small travel trailer is that there are limited amenities. You can’t take everything you want as there is less space inside the trailer. Similarly, you can’t have many guests coming along with you.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying a Small Travel Trailer

If you are seriously considering to buy a small travel trailer, it is important to keep several points in your mind.

It is important that whichever trailer you buy satisfies your needs. So have a clear idea regarding your needs and then narrow down your list of trailers depending on your requirement. The more you spend, the more luxuries and better construction you'll get. But for your first trailer, it's ok to go with something cheaper, after all, you may not take to the great outdoors.

Reliability

It's better if you invest in a trailer that is made up of a structure that is reliable and durable. You don’t want to buy a trailer that needs repairing all too often. Sure, price comes into this, but you can get good quality trailers at reasonable prices.

If you are a family of five, then a small trailer for two won’t help you out. Choosing a trailer while keeping your storage and space demands in check is always something you should consider.

Scamp 13' Interior

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

A couple of points will help you land on a straight and profitable deal when it comes to travel trailer shopping. These include:

Heater and Generator

Be mindful that you will be spending the nights in a small camper trailer when the temperature drops, so heating plugs and electricity are important. Always keep in mind that you will need a generator setup and heating systems as well.

Ceiling Height

This is one of the most important features to consider, but usually, it gets ignored by most travel trailer enthusiasts. If you're treating yourself with an RV or a travel trailer that comes with luxurious features such as a bathroom, then make sure your trailer is heightened enough that you can easily stand and move around in there. The aim is not to feel claustrophobic in your ride.

People Also Ask

A small travel trailer is meant to provide a comfortable and enjoyable trip with all the amenities. Whether you travel around the desert, mountains, and valleys, these trailers feel safe and protected from extreme weather conditions. Moving forward, we have answers to some of the frequently asked questions by people to ensure them a better experience.

Share to Pinterest

9 Small Campers You Can Pull with Almost Any Car

Picture this: you’re gazing up at the stars, miles from the nearest town. When you wake up in the morning, snug and warm, everything you need is within reach—stowed away in its own little spot. And when you finally rise to hit the road, all you have to do is step outside, walk around to the driver’s seat, and put the keys into the ignition. It’s not a tent— it’s a small trailer. And it makes life a lot simpler knowing that you can tow your home away from home almost anywhere, not to mention maneuver your trailer by hand if you find yourself in a tight spot. Small campers have several advantages over full-size RVs.  If you ever need to change plans mid trip, a combination of a small camper and the offline maps of The Dyrt PRO will be able to get you out of any pinch.

Small campers cost less to buy and fill up with gas along the way. And they can fit in a standard garage with an 8-foot high door. Teardrop trailers , which have a curved profile usually tapering toward the rear, are popular for their lightness and the aerodynamic shape makes them efficient to tow.

One of the few downsides to small trailers is that they often (but not always!) lack a bathroom and the kitchen is usually on the outside (if there is one), so rustling up breakfast can be a chilly affair. If that doesn’t scare you off, here’s a list of lightweight campers that sleep two or more adults and are still light enough to trail behind a sturdy car or SUV.

These Small Campers Are Easy to Tow

Before buying any of these small campers, it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s towing capability is rated at least 1,000 lbs above the dry weight. You’ll also want to get a hitch installed if one wasn’t included when your car rolled off the lot.

Once those details are taken care of, you can start shopping for the right small camper for the outdoor adventures you have in mind. From teardrop trailers to camp trailers, there’s as much variety with small campers as there are classes of bigger types of RVs . These nine show off some of the features and amenities you can expect from towable, small travel trailers:

1. Pika by Timberleaf Trailers

Image from Timberleaftrailers.com

Dry weight: 970 lbs Overall Length: 11 feet 10 inches Width: 5 feet 6 inches Interior height: 36 inches Available from: Timberleaf Trailers Phone: 970-778-3744

Aptly named for a small, alpine mammal native to the Rocky Mountains, the Pika is a third smaller than Timberleaf’s Classic small trailer. Timberleaf is known for its lightweight teardrop shaped trailers which can be pulled by most passenger vehicles, and the Pika takes that legacy even further at just eight feet by five and a half feet.

Timberleaf’s smallest trailer comes with a 4-inch double size mattress that is suitable for one or two people. Despite just 36 inches of headroom, a skylight and side windows make it feel roomier than its tiny size would indicate. An exterior kitchen at the rear with two hydraulic gas props does a lot to make this small trailer feel spacious, too.

The best way to save money while camping with a small camper? The Dyrt PRO lets you find campsites from your camper without cell service. “My alternative to using pro would be to drive back out to cell service.”

The Pika is available with an all-road package ready for towing behind all-wheel-drive crossover SUVs. There is also an Offroad Package, which features a Timbren Axleless suspension with a 4″ lift, 33″ BFG All-Terrain tires, electric brakes, rock armor, and Max Coupler articulating hitch. Both packages include six USB ports to help you stay charged and connected no matter where you go.

If the Pika seems a little smaller than what you’re looking for, Timberleaf’s Classic teardrop offers slightly more space at 10 feet long by 5 feet wide. It has a 57 inch by 80 inch Queen size mattress, a sink with cold water faucet. Add-on options include a custom-fit solar panel, roof-rack and awning.

2. TAG teardrop by NuCamp

Image from Nucamprv.com

Dry weight: 1,046 lbs Overall length: 13 feet 7 inches Width: 4 feet 10 inches Interior height: 47 inches Available from : Find a dealer at nucamprv.com

This lightweight travel trailer can be towed behind a 4-cylinder small SUV, Honda CR-V, even up and over mountains and other steep obstacles. The interior has nicely finished wood cabinet covers and comes equipped with TV and sound system. The back opens up to reveal the kitchen, which includes a two-burner stove, cooler box, and storage shelving. The curved window at the front of the trailer opens to provide ventilation, and a view of the great outdoors.

NuCamp also offers an TAG Boondock package that’s ideal for overlanding trails . This beefier version of the TAG has the same kitchen and comfort amenities you’ll want from small campers on long excursions, but with extra features like tough off road tires, a heavy duty pitched axle, and higher ground clearance that are designed for off-road adventure.

3. TerraDrop  by Oregon Trailer

Image from Oregontrailer.net

Looking for a teardrop that won’t slow you down on your off-road adventures?  Look no further than the TerraDrop.  Designed and built by Oregon Trailer, a company known for their off-road options, this trailer comes with all the perks of an overlanding vehicle but is still lightweight enough to be towed by a small 4-cylinder sUV.

Some of the perks include: color changing lights below the trailer, lights installed within the wood paneling interior, magnetic cabinets, usb ports, reading lights, thermostat controlled fan, built in rack system, color changing overhead led strips in the galley, 1 ton suspension axel system, electric brakes, all terrain tires, front rack and a rear leveling system.  Since these small camper trailers are customizable, you have the ability to make this teardrop specific to your desires and adventures.

4. No Boundaries (NoBo) 10.5 by Forest River

Image from Forestriverinc.com

Dry weight: 1,570 lbs Overall Length: 13 ft 10 inches Exterior Width: 7 feet 4 inches Exterior Height : 6 feet 11 inches Available from:  Camping World or find a dealer through Forest River

This small camper has a clever design that makes it easy to customize, but it’s still ready to tackle outdoor sporting activities straight out of the gate with tires and suspension that give ample ground clearance and can handle rugged terrain.

The NoBo is designed to be towed by both 4 and 6 cylinder vehicles, too, giving even more consumer flexibility. And there are several different styles with slightly different features and floorplans, like the NB16.8 style that’s equipped with a plastic toilet and both grey and black water holding tanks.

Overlanders will be excited to see that the NoBo has optional packages that let you roll your own overlanding experience. Those overlander packages include not just crossbars, but also RTV tracks that give you more control over the weight and positioning of other aftermarket add-ons, like a roof-mounted kayak rack or rooftop tent to add extra sleeping space. That’s great news if you like to swap out your accessories depending on the season, or if you sometimes like to travel with friends.

5. Hummingbird 10RK by Jayco

Image from Jayco.com

Dry weight: 1,545 lbs Overall Length: 13 feet Exterior Width: 6 feet 8 inches Interior Height : 4 feet 5 inches Available from: Camping World

You might know Jayco from cruising past the company’s bigger rigs on the highway, but this legacy RV maker is just as good at making small campers, too. The design borrows the curved edges of a teardrop trailer with the ceiling height and longer profile of a full-size RV. And although it’s compact, the Hummingbird has several features that add a sense of luxury.

The kitchen includes a 2-way 12V/110V LED TV and refrigerator, while the fan-powered roof vent helps keep you cool. When you’re ready to depart for your next destination, a power tongue jack makes hitching a breeze, and a portable Bluetooth speaker mounted inside allows you to stream music inside or outside. The insulated underbelly keeps you comfortable year-round, too, in case you want to chase powder or the northern lights .

6. Luna Lite by inTech

Image from Intechrv.com

Dry Weight: 1,450 lbs Overall Length: 15 feet 6 inches Exterior width: 7 feet 10 inches Interior Height : 4 feet 6 inches Available from: Aloha RV, Albuquerque, NM. 505-797-8444. * For other dealers check www.intechRV.com.

The Luna Lite combines the best of teardrop trailers and travel trailers in one sturdy unit. The curved rear and a square profile at the front, complete with a large picture window, gives a spacious feeling and connection to the outdoors. The aluminum shell is, true to the name, lightweight yet sturdy. It also comes in a light color pallet that will reflect the sun nicely in sun belt RV meccas like Palm Springs .

Inside, twin futons convert into a bed and serve as seating during the day. The kitchen, accessed by via a hatch at the back, has a two-burner stove, sink, ample workspace, and a Coleman 12-volt fridge. The Luna Lite is also stocked with an 8000 BTU air conditioner, a power-operated roof vent, and a 32-inch LED TV.

7. The Chase Flyer by inTech

Dry weight : 850-1,000 lbs Overall length: 12 feet 4 inches Exterior Width :6 feet 10 inches (Interior: 4 feet 11 inches) Interior Height: 3 feet 9 inches Available: Aloha RV, Albuquerque, NM * For other dealers check www.intechRV.com.

On the other end of the amenities spectrum for small campers, inTech offers the Chase Flyer, a super-minimalist, ultra-customizable small trailer that leaves off the bells and whistles so you can add in only the features you want.

It’s solar-panel and battery ready, too, if you want to build out an off-grid electrical system. Other options include the choice of three interior finishes including interior carpet, twin foam mattresses, a lift kit, electric brakes, AC, a Maxx air vent, roof rack, awnings, and off-road tires.

You can even purchase an add-a-room tent that expands The Flyer beyond its standard 7’5″ interior length and 4’11” interior width— roughly the size of a queen mattress. If you aren’t planning on living in your small camper full-time, or you simply want a blank canvas to customize, The Flyer keeps it simple, lightweight, and low-fuss. It’s a great starter camper for families, or a project for someone eager to design their own dream trailer from the ground up.

8. Sportsmen Classic 130RB by KZ-RV

Image from Kz-rv.com

Dry Weight: 1,803 lbs Overall Length: 15 feet 10 inches Exterior Width: 7 feet Interior Height: 6 feet 6 inches Available: Find a dealer through KZ RV

This small trailer feels (and looks!) like a much roomier RV inside and out. Unlike some small trailers, the profile of the Sportsmen Classic is only rounded on the hitch end, maximizing interior space. That gives ample room at the rear for an RV toilet and shower.

The stubby tub will have you feeling like Loretta Lynn, who famously insisted on a bathtub in her touring rig. At the opposite end, the cozy dinette is equipped with thick high-density foam cushions that double as sleeping quarters.

That’s not the only smart use of space. The Sportsmen Classic features lots of storage space under the seats to make the most of the trailer’s square footage, as well as a small closet. You can even add in a tiny refrigerator to the kitchen and awning to the exterior to complete the RV vibes in a package that clocks in at just 15 x 7 feet. That’s small enough for even a mid-size SUV to tow, not to mention larger trucks.

9. Vintage Trailers

Image from Terry Bone on Wikimedia, (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Many camping enthusiasts love vintage trailers— just ask Shari and Hutch who have been camping full-time in their canned ham trailer for over five years. There are many different types of vintage small campers, though, with a whole cornucopia of amenities. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose an antique, vintage, or classic camper based on the aesthetic, the original amenities, or the rig’s potential for contemporary upgrades.

The 1954 Cardinal by Adams Trailer Manufacturing Company, for example, is similar to many modern small campers in that it has full size bed with pull down bunk and dinette that converts into an additional sleeping area. The kitchen in the Cardinal is surprisingly spacious, too, with a three-burner gas stove and oven. Others, like the Ruby Red 1956 Platt Camper, stand out from modern travel trailers with a strong retro aesthetic that calls to mind the diners that once dotted famous highways like Route 66 .

If you’re shopping for vintage small campers, you can find everything from fixer-uppers ready to customize to fully restored luxury trailers full of antique charm. If you love Air Streams, for example, but don’t want the long length and size, you can find vintage small trailers with similar space-age silver exteriors, too, or even the classic wood paneling you might recognize from old school station wagons.

The important thing to remember about vintage trailers is to shop as carefully as you would for a used car or a home. Make sure there’s no water damage, no gaps that vermin could squeeze into , and that the structure of the trailer is still sound. You will want to look into the safety of the electrical and plumbing systems, if any, as well as the insulation.

Consider how you’ll want to power your rig— whether through a solar system, hookups, or an occasional generator. Also decide how important kitchen or bathroom features are and shop or renovate accordingly. Don’t forget to factor in the additional weight of any cabinetry or features you add when calculating your towing capacity, too.

This article was brought to you by Banner and Oak

Banner and Oak makes high quality snapback trucker hats for an affordable price.  

Related Articles:

• Robbers Cave State Park
• Camper Van Conversion
• Small Pop Up Camper
• Destination Trailers

Related Campgrounds:

• Lake Hemet , Mountain Center, CA

Rosalie Rayburn

Rosalie Rayburn is an avid cyclist Journalist, blogger, nomad and world traveler. Born in the US, she spent most of her early life in Europe, moving from France to England and Ireland. Life adventures took her to Norway, Saudi Arabia and Australia before returning to the US. She settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she spent 18 years as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal. She is the author of “Living & Working in Saudi Arabia: Your Guide to a Successful Short of Long Term Stay”, How To Books, UK, 2001.

More Articles

The Checklist Every First Time RVer Needs

Sitting behind the wheel of your new RV comes with a lot of elation and anticipation. The open road is in front of you, and…

Freak Out Your Friends with These 13 Scary Campfire Stories

This article is brought to you by Banner & Oak, a company with deep expertise in headwear. Their ladies hats are the perfect addition to your next camping…

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

13 Best Travel Trailers for Road Trips and Camping

Hit the open road and camp in comfort with the best travel trailers.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

With so many brands, sizes, and amenities to choose from, it can be difficult to know which travel trailer is right for your next adventure in the great outdoors . Paige Bouma, executive vice president of sales and operations of Trader Interactive, knows a thing or two about RV travel. She has been taking RV vacations with her family for years, often traveling for 30 weekends a year. According to Bouma, towable RVs (like travel trailers) are great for camping , and there are a number of choices to consider. "Families looking to experience the great outdoors have several choices when it comes to trailers they can tow behind their car, SUV, or pickup," she said. "The traditional travel trailer comes in a variety of lengths and weights, and provides a multitude of amenities and a sleeping capacity for any size family to go camping."

With this in mind, we've rounded up 13 of the best travel trailers so you can plan your next road trip . Whether you're a first-timer looking for tips to get started or a frequent traveler trying to decide on your next RV rental , this list includes fan favorites like Airstream, Winnebago, and Jayco travel trailers, ranging from luxury vehicles to small and lightweight campers.

1. Airstream Classic Smart Trailer

Airstream travel trailers are among the most luxurious, spacious, and advanced towable RVs. They say not to mess with a good thing, but Airstream's new and improved Classic Travel Trailer is an exception. This elegant and roomy travel trailer is best for long trips, with lots of space and innovative amenities, like a heated bathroom and handcrafted cabinetry. Now, this iconic trailer has smart-control technology, allowing you to adjust the lights, awning, and air-conditioning as well as monitor propane, battery, and tank levels from your phone. This trailer can be between 30 and 33 feet long and can sleep up to five people with four different floor plans. Airstream is currently working on more improvements for future RVs, including off-road capabilities and advanced electric vehicle compatibility.

2. Winnebago Micro Minnie

Winnebago travel trailers are beloved in the RV world, and the Winnebago Micro Minnie is one of their most popular options, even winning the RV News Top Lightweight Towable Trailers Award in 2021. This compact, seven-foot-wide trailer offers a number of floor plans to choose from, with features like a spacious kitchen with a sink, a double-door refrigerator, a microwave, and a cooktop. Each floor plan also has windows designed for cross ventilation. With a starting weight of 3,360 pounds , the Micro Minnie is the perfect tow for electric vehicle owners. It also comes solar-ready, with a spacious, walkable roof. With certain packages, the trailer even includes off-road tires, perfect for the boondock explorer. Once you've settled into your campground, take the fun outside with its patio speakers and a power awning featuring LED lighting.

3. Jayco Jay Flight

The Jayco Jay Flight has been a family favorite for years. This travel trailer has a large range of floor plans, offering options with luxurious kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, comfortable seating, spacious lounge areas, and more. Jayco's elite package offers solar prep, which, depending on your rig, comes with corresponding batteries, inverters, and Go Power! kits for sidewall and roof-mount prep. It's important to keep in mind that certain floor plans may exceed an electric vehicle's towable weight limit. Jayco prides itself on its craftsmanship and construction so you know this trailer can handle any adventure you embark upon.

4. TAB Teardrop Camper

If you're looking for a small travel trailer, the TAB Teardrop Trailer might be the best choice for you. This nuCamp RV is perfect if you're traveling alone or with a partner. It is compact, but still has amenities such as a wet bath, a kitchen, and a dining area that converts to beds. Available with the TAB Teardrop Trailer is the Boondock Package, which includes everything for your off-roading needs, including the Boondock Aluminum Platform, aggressive off-road tires, heady duty entry door step, and much more. The Convenience Package comes with a solar roof package, perfect for electric vehicles.

5. Happier Camper Traveler

The new, lightweight Traveler trailer from Happier Camper has vintage vibes and flexible, modular seating to accommodate the needs of anyone hitting the road. This travel trailer has a floor grid and Adaptiv components so you can customize your space with areas for sleeping, dining, lounging, and more. Plus, it's towable by standard cars so you don't need a large SUV. The Happier Camper Traveler is 17 feet long with 85 square feet of walkable floor space — the layout is up to you, thanks to the modular design.

6. KZ Durango Half-Ton

The KZ Durango Half-Ton RV is a fifth wheel trailer that offers eight unique floor plans, complete with a washer and dryer, maple-glazed farmhouse-style carpentry, an electric fireplace, a double-door refrigerator, and so much more. KZ offers an "Off The Grid" package, which includes solar panels for their already solar-ready roof. The Durango Half-Ton is perfect for full-time traveling or a weekend getaway with the whole family.

7. Casita Spirit

As far as lightweight travel trailers go, the Casita Spirit is a great option for families on the go. This trailer can sleep three to five people, with dinettes that convert into double and single beds. The Spirit comes in two 17-foot models, while add-on options include roller shades, a furnace, and more. Casita offers a plethora of internal and external add-ons, including — but not limited to — solar panels, a surge protector, and an Anderson "No Sway" Distribution Hitch, as well as a maintenance tool kit to be used inside or outside the trailer.

8. Keystone Hideout

Keystone touts the Hideout as a perfect travel trailer for first-timers. The Hideout has several sizes and floor plans, and it comes with a three-year limited structural warranty, LTE and Wi-Fi antenna, tinted windows, high-quality kitchen appliances, and more. Most floorplans are towable by standard cars, however, the model's heft makes it durable to sustain off-road bumps and swerves. The Hideout features a walkable roof and multiple options for SolarFlex™ solar panels, providing high-quality energy great for electric vehicles.

9. Forest River Alpha Wolf

The lightweight Alpha Wolf trailer from Forest River's Cherokee line was named "Best in Show" by RV News in 2018. According to the Forest River site, the Cherokee Alpha Wolf "offers the best mix of floor plan diversity and top-shelf amenities while at the same time creating a tougher, lighter, better insulated shell." The interiors of this travel trailer look beautiful and modern while providing areas to cook, relax, and dine. Alpha offers multiple packages to personalize your trailer experience, including the Juice Package for all your solar needs.

10. Grand Design Reflection

If you're looking for a towable luxury RV with great value, the Reflection by Grand Design might be right for you. This trailer offers a beautifully designed kitchen, a spacious shower with a glass door, and more. The RV comes with a mandatory Solar Package, 4-Season Protection Package, Peace of Mind Package, and the Ultimate Power Package, with additional add-on packages available to make your Reflections RV experiences as comfortable as possible. This RV is great for owners of electric SUVs and for those who wish to go off-road.

11. Opus OP 15 Hybrid

Looking for a spacious, lightweight, off-road trailer? Then look no further than the Opus OP 15. This hybrid, family-friendly trailer comes fully loaded with a king-size bed, twin bunk beds, an indoor bathroom, a four-burner stove, off-road and alloy tires, and solar panels. The interior is decorated with bamboo cabinetry and features 6'6'' of headroom. The Opus OP 15 was designed specifically to be an off-road, off-grid getaway while remaining easy to use for families and first-timers.

12. Alto Series F2414

Alto's Series F2414 travel trailer is designed to make hitch traveling with an electric vehicle easier than ever before. The trailer comes packed with four beds that can be converted to dining/lounge areas, a full kitchen, a small bathroom, and furniture that can be moved for outdoor fun. It sleeps five comfortably, six with the purchase of an additional electric bed. The interior design takes some inspiration from European trailers while maintaining an all-American flair. Solar panels can be purchased for an additional cost. The F2414 is towable by most SUVs.

13. Polydrops P17A

If you're looking to travel in something high-tech that will undoubtedly turn heads, look no further than Polydrop's P17A1 trailer. This California-made vehicle is specifically engineered to be the most aerodynamic travel trailer on the market. Its unique design and lightweight frame lend it to unlimited possibilities. The P17A's minimalist design comes fully insulated with built-in solar panels, storage, built-in speakers, a kitchenette, an awning, a control panel (for LEDs, air conditioning, chargers, and more), and a full-size mattress. This trailer was made to work hand-in-hand with electric vehicles, with its design specifically created to use less electricity, allowing for more travel and less charging time. Though one of the smaller trailers on this list, the P17A1 is sure to impress even the most traditional trailer travelers.

This post may contain affiliate links or mention our own products, please check out our disclosure policy .

Picking The Best Travel Trailer For Your SUV Towing Capacity

Published on September 20th, 2022 by Bruce Smith (Freelance Writer)

How To Pick The Right Trailer For Your 2023 Small/Midsize SUV Towing Capacity

Matching the right size trailer to tow behind your small or midsize 2023 SUV is very important for safety reasons . Towing a trailer that’s too heavy will adversely affect the vehicle’s handling and braking abilities, putting you, your passengers, and those you are sharing the road with at risk. So let’s discuss how to match your SUV towing capacity to the RV you will pull it with.

How heavy of a trailer can your vehicle safely pull? You can find that information in either the vehicle owner’s manual and/or on the vehicle manufacturer’s website—usually under the “trailering/towing” section of the owner’s manual under the “specifications” tab for your make/model, or in the towing guide that can be found on many manufacturer’s websites.   

When you start shopping for a tow-behind trailer for your vehicle, pay close attention to two numbers:  The trailer tongue weight (TW) and its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) . Both of those should be closely adhered to when it comes to choosing the right size trailer to tow behind your vehicle: Neither of those trailer weights should exceed the maximum number listed on the vehicle’s tow capacities or tow ratings . 

DON’T MISS OUT ON CAMPER SMARTS UPDATES

Sign up for the newsletter today.

Please enter a valid email address.

An error occurred. Please try again later.

Thank you for subscribing to the Camper Smarts newsletter, keep your eye on your inbox for updates.

Pay attention to trailer weights.

Too much weight pressing down on the trailer hitch can:

• Damage the hitch and whatever it’s attached to.
• Take too much weight off the front tires, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag and the front to rise, resulting in steering and handling problems.

A trailer’s “dry weight” that might weigh less than your SUV’s maximum trailer tow capacity can easily exceed the tow vehicle’s maximum towing capacity when the trailer is loaded with water, supplies, outdoor gear, and camping equipment. The maximum loaded weight of the trailer is its GVWR , and that’s the number you should always use when matching a trailer to the vehicle pulling it.

So when it comes time to shop for a camping trailer of any type, always be sure the trailer’s GVWR number is less than the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. It’s even better to choose a trailer that’s 20 percent lighter than what your vehicle can tow. Towing a trailer that exceeds your tow vehicle’s maximum tow rating is an unnerving experience for both driver and passengers. 

Towing Upgrades For A Safer Drive

While you can’t do anything that will legally increase your SUV towing capacity, you can get some upgrades that will give you a smoother and safer towing experience. Make sure you talk to the trailer salesperson about any special equipment that might be needed to make the towing experience even safer and more pleasurable, such as the use and installation of a weight-distributing hitch system or air helper springs if the trailer’s tongue weight is approaching the maximum limits for your vehicle. 

Air helper springs or other suspension upgrades can improve vehicle stability and improve the ride and handling when pulling a trailer. However, no aftermarket suspension upgrades increase the vehicle’s tow rating. The listed maximum tow rating is the limit set in stone by every vehicle manufacturer, the same as its VIN, and it relates to insurance and liability issues.  Weight-distribution systems, on the other hand, help level the vehicle and control trailer sway. They can be very beneficial on trailers that weigh more than 4,000 pounds.   

Tow Ratings For 2023 Small/Midsize SUVs

This list is the maximum trailer towing capacity of popular small and midsize 2023 SUVs when equipped with the factory towing package and highest horsepower engine. (The maximum trailer pulling capacity of earlier models may be less.) Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for your vehicle’s maximum tow rating:

Turn Your Phone Into An RV Safe GPS While Towing With Your SUV

Now that you know how to look for a travel trailer that fits your SUV towing capacity, plan the ultimate road trip with an RV LIFE Pro subscription to enhance your travel adventures. Pro members get access to the number one RV trip planner, RV LIFE Trip Wizard , coupled with full access to the RV LIFE App which turns your phone into an RV-safe GPS unit. No more worrying about steep mountain passes, low clearances, bridge weight limits, or propane-restricted tunnels. Subscribers enjoy turn-by-turn navigation, including voice- and lane guidance, that even works offline.

Share this post:

Related posts:.

Backing Up a Trailer Solo: Master the Art with These Tips

Choosing the Best Truck for Towing Your Large RV

What is the Fifth Wheel Tug Test?

About the author:.

RV and automotive journalist Bruce W. Smith has held numerous editorial titles at automotive and boating magazines, and authored more than 1,000 articles, from tech to trailering. He considers his home state of Oregon a paradise for RVing and outdoor adventure.

4 thoughts on “Picking The Best Travel Trailer For Your SUV Towing Capacity”

Hehe…Ford Escape 3,500 lbs. tow… on flat land NOT on any steep mountains … traded my Ford Escape large large 2.0L 4 cylinder Turbo with factory hitch and radiator cooler for a Dodge Durango 6,200 lbs GVWR in 2022.

I tow a Aliner Grand ST 1800 lbs dry and max weight of 2500 lbs.

Add the 600 lbs people and cargo in the SUV and 2200 lb for the camper (1800 plus 400 lbs cargo) and I was at 2800 lbs which was 80% of the Escapes 3,500lb GVWR.

The 2021 bet made by a friend was that the engine or transmission would fail on a 2 month trip from SE USA to Colorado Loveland Pass and Rocky Mountain NP, thru UT ascent Vernal UT to Flaming Gorge, into UT150 with 10,000 peak to Mirror Lake, Jackson WY and Yellowstone to Cody WY then returning to SE USA.

I got lucky and returned home safe. I had to make several travel adjustment that were not to my liking

1. Had to tow with AC off and not fluids in camper. It was 106 degrees the beginning of August near Cody WY. The electronics in the Ford Escape issued a warning that the transmission was over heating on 1000ft climbs.

2. Had to pull over for 45 minutes ever 3 hrs to cool engine and transmission I had to pull over, pop the engine hood and wait until I could lay my hand on the engine comfortably.

3. Had to stop after 5 miles and cool the engine for steep climb.

4. Had to travel behind the slow moving tractor trailers at 35 to 40mps on steep interstates.

That is a whole lot of babying a vehicle to not blow the engine or transmission. And extremely uncomfortable in 100 plus heat. I had multiple good Samaritans pull over and ask if I was in trouble because I had the engine hood open. I thanked them and explained the tow challenge.

I traded for a Dodge Durango 6-cylinder 6,200 lbs GVWR and had no problem towing mountains this summer. A larger engine V6 Durango runs on regular gas vs having to run premium gas in the Ford Escape when towing. I spent the same amount of money towing this summer with the Durango V6 as last summer with the Ford Escape. And I owner the Ford Escape V6 model prior to this the downsized 4-cylender. The Ford Edge had at one point a 6-cylinder.

Bottom line — a 4–cylinder rated at 3,500 lbs GVWR won’t tow 2200 lbs plus 600lbs people and cargo in the SUV on mountain roads.

Get a V6 with at leadt 5,000 GVWR rating. Always include people and cargo in the SUV in your total tow weigh. Find a CAT scape and weigh your setup.

Happy camping and safe towing!

Thanks for this article. I needed to know this recently.

Would like to know the towing weight for a Jeep Compass, which is the same size as a Jeep Cherokee.

The Jeep Compass is rated for 2,000 pounds.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Welcome please follow these guidelines:.

• Be kind and respectful.
• Keep comments relevant to the article.
• Avoid insults, threats, profanity, and offensive remarks.
• Refrain from discussing gun rights, politics, or religion.
• Do not post misleading information, personal details, or spam.

We may hide or remove comments at our discretion.

I have read and accepted the Comment Guidelines and Privacy Policy *

Follow Camper Smarts:

• Follow Us On Facebook
• Follow Us On Twitter
• Follow Our Pins

10 Compact Travel Trailers Perfect for Small Trucks

Are you looking for the perfect travel trailer to pair with your small truck?

If so, you’ve come to the right place.

Because in this blog post, we’ll be highlighting the 10 best travel trailers for small trucks , from ultra-lightweight compact models to larger models with all the amenities from home.

So whether you’re a solo traveler or have a family in tow, or prefer a minimalist or luxury camping experience, there’s sure to be a travel trailer on this list that’s perfect for your needs and camping style.

Top 10 Travel Trailers for Small Trucks (Lightest to Heaviest)

*Before towing any travel trailer with a small truck, it’s important to check that the truck can handle the weight of the trailer. By making sure that the fully loaded weight of the trailer is below the max tow capacity of the truck.

1. Happier Camper HC1

Quick specs.

• Price : $34,450
• Dry Weight : 1,100 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 3,500 Pounds
• Length : 13 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity : 5
• Bathroom : Porta Potty (Optional)

While the Happier Camper HC1 isn’t the most affordable travel trailer on this list that can be pulled by a small truck, it’s definitely the lightest.

As the HC1 has a dry weight of just 1,100 pounds and an average fully loaded weight of only 1,600 pounds.

Making this small travel trailer roughly a thousand pounds lighter compared to the next trailer on this list.

Because of this, even the smallest and least capable compact trucks, such as the Ford Maveric and the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow this camper with ease .

Happier Camper HC1 Floor Plan

It’s not just the trailer’s ultra-lightweight that makes it great though, as the HC1 is also the most versatile and flexible trailer on this list as well.

As the HC1 has a fully customizable interior, thanks to its ADAPTIV™ floorplan.

Allowing it to be equipped with a variety of ADAPTIV™ components, including everything from storage and bed cubes to table tops and a kitchenette cube.

The HC1 can even be equipped with a small porta-potty.

Making it one of the smallest campers on the market that still offers a bathroom.

To see other small lightweight campers with a bathroom, check out our blog post “ 10 Smallest Travel Trailers with a Dry Bath “.

In addition, another distinctive feature of the Happier Camper HC1 is that it’s the only camper that I’m aware of that you can actually remove all the interior components of the camper.

Allowing you to use the trailer as an enclosed utility trailer or a toy hauler for even more versatility.

And thanks to the HC1’s double door design and large rear flip-up hatch, loading and unloading the camper is a breeze, no matter what configuration the trailer is in.

To see more information on the Happier Camper HC1 and to find out how to order one, check out Happier Camper’s website by clicking here .

2. Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe

• Price : $17,000
• Dry Weight : 2,200 Pounds
• Length : 16 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity : 4
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath

For those looking for a compact ultra-lightweight camper with all the features of a full-size travel trailer, you definitely need to check out the Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe .

Which is the big brother to the Scamp 13-Foot .

As this lightweight fiberglass camper offers a four-person sleeping capacity, a full-featured galley, a three-piece wet bath, and a decent amount of storage, all in a package that weighs just 2,200 pounds and that’s only 16 feet long.

Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe Layout C Floor Plan

If you’re wondering how fiberglass campers are able to be so much lighter compared to more traditional travel trailers, it’s all about how they’re constructed.

Because while most travel trailers utilize a traditional stick frame construction of either wood or aluminum with multiple layers of cladding or sheeting overtop, fiberglass campers are constructed using a molded fiberglass shell.

Made by laying layers of fiberglass mat or fabric over a mold in the shape of the desired camper, which is then covered in a layer of resin to create a strong, rigid structure.

Eliminating the need for an internal wood or metal framework as well as the various layers of cladding or sheeting overtop.

Which helps to save considerable weight.

And because fiberglass campers are molded from large pieces of fiberglass they also tend to hold up much better over time and are much less prone to leaks.

It’s not all good news for fiberglass campers though, as they tend to be more expensive, offer less of a thermal barrier, and can be much more expensive to repair compared to more traditional travel trailers.

To find out what affects the price of a 16-Foot Scamp, check out our blog post “ How Much Does a 16-Foot Scamp Trailer Cost? “.

3. Casita Freedom Deluxe

• Price : $32,694
• Dry Weight : 2,480 Pounds
• Length : 17 Feet
• Sleeping Capacity : 2

The Casita Freedom Deluxe is another popular fiberglass camper that has a very similar length and weight compared to the Scamp 16-Foot Deluxe from above.

However, despite their similar lengths and weights, these two fiberglass campers couldn’t be more different on the inside.

Because while the 16-Foot Scamp focuses more on being family-friendly, by offering a four-person sleeping capacity and bunk beds, the Casita Freedom Deluxe is all about maximizing comfort and convenience for two.

Making the Freedom Deluxe perfect for couples or for anyone looking for maximum comfort in a small lightweight camper .

Casita Freedom Deluxe Floor Plan

As the Casita Freedom Deluxe offers numerous comfort and convenience features not typically found on trailers 17 feet in length.

Including such features as a large rear dinette booth that converts into a double bed, a full-featured galley, two caption swivel chairs with an accompanying table, a three-piece wet bath, and a large wardrobe closet.

Plus, this Casita model like all Casita trailers offers many added benefits, thanks to its lightweight fiberglass construction, including improved towability, a highly weather-resistant exterior, and long-lasting durability.

Which is probably why Casita trailers, like other fiberglass campers, tend to hold their value far better compared to more traditionally built RVs.

Also, if you like the Casita Freedom but need a more family-friendly floor plan not to worry.

As Casita produces five different models, including the Spirit, the Independence, the Heritage, the Freedom, and the Liberty, many of which offer family-friendly floor plans with higher sleeping capacities.

To see the various models and floor plans available for the Casita, check out our blog post “ Casita Trailer Pricing Guide: All Models Included “.

4. Forest River R-Pod RP-171

• Price : $23,000
• Dry Weight : 2,714 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 3,840 Pounds
• Length : 19 Feet

The Forest River R-Pod RP-171 is the first mass-produced travel trailer on this list that’s made by one of the main RV manufacturers.

However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

As the R-Pod like all Forest River travel trailers, such as the Geo Pro , the Wolf Pup , and the Wild Wood are able to benefit from Forest River’s economies of scale.

Most notable of which is faster and quicker innovation as well as cost savings.

As the Forest River R-Pod, which was first released in 2008 is one of the most feature-rich and economical small travel trailers you can buy .

Which is why the Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular small lightweight campers on the road today.

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Floor Plan

Available in 10 different trim levels and floorplans, one of the most popular versions of the R-Pod is the RP-171 .

Due in large part to the trailer’s well-laid-out floorplan and feature-rich design.

Because despite being the lightest and second smallest R-Pod available, the 171 still manages to offer all the features that the larger and heavier trim levels offer.

Including such features as a four-person sleeping capacity, a convertible dinette booth, a fixed rear queen-size bed, a bathroom, plenty of interior and exterior storage, and a full-featured galley.

As well as tons of standard upgrades, including Azdel construction, a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof, a roof-mounted 13,500 BTU AC, a propane furnace, designer Carefree® flooring, and residential-style shaker cabinetry.

For a more in-depth review and walkthrough of the R-Pod RP-171, check out our blog post “ Forest River R-Pod 171 (In-Depth Review & Walkthrough) “.

5. Lance 1475S

• Price : $45,000
• Dry Weight : 3,225 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,500 Pounds
• Length : 19 Feet 8 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity : 3
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Dry Bath

Another great travel trailer perfect for couples and small trucks is the Lance 1475S .

As this lightweight compact camper has a dry weight of just 3,225 pounds and an overall length of less than 20 feet, while still offering every amenity that a couple or small family would need while camping.

Including such amenities as a full-featured galley, a spacious three-piece dry bath, and a large fixed front east-to-west bed.

As well as a good amount of storage and a comfortable couch that’s on a shallow slide-out, the really helps to open up the interior of the camper.

Lance 1475S Floor Plan

And because the sofa on the 1475S can be converted into a sleeping space, this smaller camper can actually sleep three people at a time, while still offering all the above amenities.

The best part though is that we haven’t even mentioned the main features that set the Lance travel trailer apart from other campers.

Because the Lance travel trailer and its various models (11 in total) are considered premium campers, thanks to all their high-end features.

As all Lance travel trailers including the Lance 1475S offer numerous class-leading features, including a best-in-class all-weather package, an enclosed underbelly with insulated and heated holding tanks, and a one-piece PVC roof.

As well as ducted heat, thermopane Euro windows with screens and blackout shades, high-end cabinetry, and solid surface countertops to name just a few.

To see what affects the price of the Lance 1475S and how much other Lance travel trailers cost, check out our blog post “ How Much is a Lance Travel Trailer? Full Cost Breakdown “.

6. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS

• Price : $29,000
• Dry Weight : 3,375 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,479 Pounds
• Length : 20 Feet 2 Inches

Another popular travel trailer made by Forest River that can be towed by a small truck is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS .

As the Geo Pro G19FBS has a dry weight of only 3,375 pounds.

Allowing the camper trailer to be pulled by a variety of small trucks.

Despite its lighter weight though, this particular Geo Pro still manages to offer two very rare features for a lightweight camper, including a slide-out as well as a full three-piece dry bath.

Which really helps to improve the overall livability and comfort inside the camper.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS Floor Plan

The trailer’s slide-out and dry bath aren’t the only things that make this camper great though, as the G19FBS also offers tons of other upgrades and premium features as well.

Including such features as a full kitchen, with a three-burner cooktop, an oven, a stainless steel sink, a microwave, and a good size double-door 12V refrigerator.

As well as standard solar power, a power awning, frameless windows, lots of interior and exterior storage, a large flip-down sofa, a fully-equipped entertainment center, exterior speakers, and a full-size east-to-west queen bed.

For a more in-depth review and walkthrough of the Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS, check out our blog post “ Forest River Geo Pro 19FBS (Full Review & Walkthrough) “.

7. Airstream Basecamp 20X

• Price : $58,000
• Dry Weight : 3,500 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,300 Pounds
• Bathroom : 2-Piece Wet Bath

While Airstream is perhaps best known for its iconic “Silver Bullet” trailers, they actually make another type of travel trailer called the Basecamp , which is a complete departure from their classic “Silver Bullet” design.

As the Basecamp was built from the ground up to be the ultimate adventure camper .

Available in two main models.

The Airstream Basecamp 20X, which is the upgraded version of the standard Basecamp 20, and the big brother to the Basecamp 16 and 16X is one of the best off-road and off-grid campers you can pair with a small truck.

Airstream Basecamp 20X Floor Plan

As the Basecamp 20X offers a slew of off-road and off-grid features that make exploring the backcountry not only possible but enjoyable .

By including features like a 3-inch lift kit, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, stainless steel front stone guards, a 300W roof-mounted solar package, good-size holding tanks, an enclosed and insulated aluminum heated underbelly, and 12V tank heaters.

Just because the Airstream Basecamp 20X is off-grid friendly though, that doesn’t mean that it’s void of all creature comforts.

In fact, the Basecamp 20X actually offers a surprising amount of creature comforts.

Including a fully functional galley, two convertible dinette booths, a self-contained wet bath, a four-person sleeping capacity, and plenty of flexible storage.

Plus, the Basecamp 20X also offers numerous premium features as well, like an aluminum exterior, handcrafted aluminum entry doors, and windows, a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure, and a Truma Combi™ Eco Plus heating system.

As well as aluminum interior walls and ceiling, handcrafted Italian laminated cabinetry, panoramic front windows, blackout shades, and stain-resistant indoor/outdoor cushions.

For more information on the Airstream Basecamp 20X and to find out what affects the cost of the Basecamp, check out our blog post “ How Much is an Airstream Basecamp? Cost Breakdown “.

8. Winnebago Hike H172BH

• Price : $25,000
• Dry Weight : 3,596 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,200 Pounds
• Length : 20 Feet 8 Inches
• Sleeping Capacity : 6

Another travel trailer that’s great for small trucks and boondocking in the backcountry is the Winnebago Hike H172BH.

Because just like the Airstream Basecamp from above, the Winnebago Hike, was designed from the ground up for off-road and off-grid adventures .

Thanks to numerous standard features, including a heavy-duty axle and suspension, 15-inch offroad tires with an axle lift, a propane heating system with dual propane tanks, roof-mounted solar prep, an oversized 31-gallon freshwater tank, and enclosed tanks with 12V heating pads.

Winnebago Hike H172BH Floor Plan

Available in 5 different trim levels and floor plans, one of the most popular trim levels is the H172BH , thanks to the trailer’s rear bunk house.

As this allows the camper to sleep up to six at a time when combined with its large convertible u-shaped dinette booth in the front.

Which is pretty amazing for a travel trailer that’s just over 20 feet long.

A large sleeping capacity isn’t the only thing this trailer has to offer though, as the trailer also features a large slide-out that helps to open up its interior.

Giving the camper a spacious feel inside despite its smaller size.

In addition, this camper trailer also features a full three-piece dry bath as well as an outdoor kitchen, which is pretty rare on a 20-foot trailer.

One of the most striking features of the Winnebago Hike though has to be its unique exoskeleton, which actually serves a couple of purposes beyond just making the camper look cool and rugged.

As the exoskeleton not only helps to protect the fiberglass walls and roof of the camper, but it also provides endless attachment points on the camper’s exterior to attach outdoor toys and gear.

To see other trim levels of the Winnebago Hike and how much they cost, check out our blog post “ How Much Does the Winnebago Hike Cost? Answered “.

9. Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH

• Price : $26,000
• Dry Weight : 3,775 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 4,995 Pounds

Like the Winnebago Hike from above, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH is another popular lightweight bunkhouse travel trailer, that a variety of small trucks can pull.

As the Jay Feather Micro 171BH has a dry weight of just 3,775 pounds.

Where these two bunkhouse travel trailers differ though is in their slide-out or lack thereof.

Because while the above Hike H172BH offers a mid-slide-out, the Jay Feather Micro 171BH offers no slide-out at all.

Which at first might seem like a real drawback.

However, there are some advantages to a travel trailer with no slide-outs.

For instance travel trailers with no slide-outs tend to cost less, weigh less, offer easier setup, have fewer mechanical issues, and are less prone to leaking.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH Floor Plan

Despite having no slide-out though, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH still manages to offer all the same features and amenities of a travel trailer of similar size with a slide.

As the Jay Feather Micro 171BH offers a three-piece dry bath, a full-featured galley, a convertible dinette booth, an east-to-west short RV queen-sized bed , and a good amount of interior and exterior storage.

Plus, the 171BH also offers tons of standard features and upgrades as well, including Azdel construction, a Glacier package with an enclosed underbelly, a magnum truss roof system with a one-piece seamless roof, a power tongue jack and awning, and a 15,000 BTU air conditioner on the exterior.

As well as residential vinyl flooring with cold crack resistance, residential-style kitchen countertops, an on-demand tankless water heater, four-inch high-density cushions, and decorative roller shades with a reflective backer on the interior.

For more info on the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 171BH and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Jayco’s website by clicking here .

10. Airstream Bambi 20FB

• Price : $67,000
• Dry Weight : 4,000 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 5,000 Pounds
• Length : 20 Feet 7 Inches

The Airstream Bambi, which is the smallest and lightest “Silver Bullet” model made by Airstream, makes the perfect companion for small truck owners looking for a high-end camping experience.

As the Bambi, which is offered in four different trim levels, has a dry weight of at or less than 4,000 pounds, depending on the trim level.

While still offering one of the most premium and luxurious camping experiences available in a compact lightweight camper.

Airstream Bambi 20FB Floor Plan

And one of the best trim levels for the Bambi, in our opinion is the 20FB.

As the Airstream Bambi 20FB offers a nice compromise between the smallest and largest versions.

By offering a larger more spacious interior, while still maintaining Bambi’s trademark compact lightweight design, with an overall length of 20 feet 7 inches and a dry weight of 4,000 pounds.

In addition, the Bambi 20FB also offers one of the largest kitchens with the most counter space on this list.

Thanks to the trailer’s large rear L-shaped kitchen.

Making the trailer a great choice for cooks and amateur chefs alike that really want to be able to spread out while cooking.

For more info on the Airstream Bambi and what affects its price, check out our blog post “ How Much is an Airstream Bambi? Full Cost Breakdown “.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Travel Trailer for a Small Truck

Now that we’ve seen some of the best and most popular travel trailers for small trucks, we thought that it was important to briefly go over what to consider and look for when choosing a travel trailer for a small truck.

Small Truck Max Towing Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a travel trailer for a small truck is the max towing capacity of the truck.

As this will have the biggest impact on the size and type of travel trailer you can pull with the truck.

To give you an idea of the typical max towing capacity for a small truck take a look at the below list.

Which lists some of the most popular compact trucks and their corresponding max tow capacities.

Small Truck Max Towing Capacities (Least to Most)

• Ford Maverick – 2,000 Pounds
• Hyundai Santa Cruz – 3,500 to 5,000 Pounds
• Chevrolet Colorado – 3,500 to 6,000 Pounds
• Toyota Tacoma – 3,500 to 6,800 Pounds
• GMC Canyon – 6,000 Pounds
• Nissan Frontier – 6,230 to 6,720 Pounds
• Ford Ranger – 7,500 Pounds

*Max tow capacities displayed are for the most recent model year.

Regardless of the small truck though, when choosing a travel trailer, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with a travel trailer that has an unloaded vehicle weight and a fully loaded weight considerably below the max towing capacity of the truck.

As this will ensure that you have the power and capacity needed to safely tow the trailer regardless of conditions or terrain, and will help to prevent accidents or breakdowns on the road.

Another crucial factor to consider when buying a travel trailer for a small truck is your RV budget.

As this will help to narrow down your options and make it easier to find the best fit for you, your budget, and your truck.

So to help provide some budgeting guidance when shopping for a travel trailer, we created the below list.

Which highlights five important RV budget rules that everyone should follow when shopping for an RV.

5 RV Budgeting Rules to Follow When Buying an RV

• Actually Have a Budget : The first step in budgeting for an RV is to actually have one and not just wing it on the RV lot. So before you ever look at your first RV, sit down with your finances to figure out how much you can actually afford to spend on one. As this will help you narrow down your options, allow you to focus on RVs within your price range, and keep you from looking at RVs you can’t afford.
• Don’t Break the Bank : When figuring out your RV budget, keep in mind that the whole point of RVing is not to buy the most expensive RV you can afford but instead to be able to enjoy the RV lifestyle. So make sure you have plenty of money left over in your bank account after you buy the RV for travel.
• Shop for Deals : RV pricing can fluctuate substantially, especially throughout the year. So keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and other promotions. Also, keep in mind that the best RV deals are often found during the RV off-season (October – February). So consider shopping for a travel trailer in the fall or winter months, if you’re hoping to find the best price.
• Shop Around for Financing : If you need to finance your RV, shop around to find the best rates and terms. And don’t forget about your local bank, as they can be a great alternative to lot financing.
• Don’t Forget About Used RVs : Buying a used RV can be a cost-effective way to get the RV of your dreams without breaking the bank. Also, buying a used one allows you to avoid the heavy early depreciation common on new RVs.

The Different Types of Travel Trailers a Small Truck Can Tow

There are many different types of travel trailers on the road today that a small truck can tow, and the type you choose can have a big impact on the type of camping or RVing you do.

To illustrate this point, below we’ve listed some of the most popular types of campers available today for small trucks and the style of camping they’re best suited for.

Teardrop Trailers

A teardrop trailer is a small lightweight camper designed to be towed by smaller vehicles, making them ideal for small trucks.

These trailers typically have a streamlined, aerodynamic shape and are built on a small, lightweight chassis.

Teardrop campers have a basic layout and design, which often includes sleeping for two, a small simple exterior galley, and basic amenities.

However, more upgraded teardrop campers can have additional features such as awnings, rooftop tents, screen rooms, electrical systems, and heating and cooling.

Teardrop campers are a popular choice for minimalist solo or couples camping.

As the trailers provide a small basic cozy living space that’s easy to tow and set up.

To see the cheapest teardrop trailers on the market today, check out our blog post “ The 12 Cheapest Teardrop Trailers You Can Buy! “.

Pop-Up Trailers

A pop-up trailer or tent trailer is a small, lightweight camper that can be easily towed by smaller vehicles, such as small trucks.

As these trailers are not only lightweight but also have a very low profile, thanks to their pop-up design, utilizing fold-down canvas or fiberglass walls that “pop up” when the trailer is in camp mode.

Like teardrop trailers, pop-up campers typically have a basic layout, with a small kitchen area, a sleeping area, and a small amount of exterior and interior storage.

But where they differ is in their headroom and interior living space.

Because, unlike teardrop campers, pop-up campers have a fully walkable interior, due to their pop-up design.

Pop-ups are a good choice for those who want an affordable compact, lightweight RV for occasional camping trips.

To find out how affordable, check out our blog post “ The 10 Cheapest Pop-Up Campers You Can Buy “.

Lightweight Travel Trailers

Lightweight travel trailers are one of the most popular types of campers for small trucks.

As they provide all the features and benefits of larger full-size travel trailers just in a smaller lightweight package.

Offering a good amount of interior space as well as many amenities, like full-featured kitchens, bathrooms, plenty of sleeping capacity, and lots of storage space.

All while still being light enough to be towed by most small trucks as well as small SUVs .

Lightweight travel trailers are a good choice for those who want a bit more space and comfort, but still want to be able to easily tow their trailer with a small tow vehicle.

Toy Haulers

One of the last types of travel trailers that a small truck can tow is a toy hauler, which is a cross between a travel trailer and an enclosed utility trailer.

Because while toy haulers have all the same amenities as a travel trailer, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping quarters, they also have a garage area that can be used to store and transport recreational toys.

Making them a great choice for those who want to camp and travel, while still being able to bring all their toys and recreational vehicles with them .

It’s worth noting though that due to the heavier nature of most toy haulers, many will exceed the max tow capacity for a small truck.

The good news, however, is that there are many lightweight toy haulers available today that small trucks can tow, which you can see by checking out our blog post “ Top 10 Toy Haulers Under 5,000 Pounds (with Pricing) “.

Travel Trailer Sleeping Capacity and Arrangements

Travel trailer sleeping capacity can range from as few as two to more than six, depending on the size of the camper and its design.

So before choosing a travel trailer for your small truck, it’s important to consider how many people you need to sleep inside the camper as well as the level of comfort and convenience you want the camper to offer in regards to sleeping.

For example, do you want the trailer to have a separate or private sleeping area, or are you okay with everyone sleeping in the same communal area?

Also, worth considering is whether you want the trailer to offer fixed sleeping locations or whether you’re ok with converting a couch or a dinette booth into a sleeping space each night.

Travel Trailer Features and Amenities

Another important factor to consider when choosing a travel trailer for a small truck is what features and amenities you want the camper to offer.

As there can be big differences in features from one trailer to the next.

For example, minimalist-style campers will often only offer very basic accommodations, such as a place to sleep and perhaps a little bit of storage, while more feature-rich campers can offer all the comforts and conveniences of a modern home.

So when choosing a travel trailer to pair with a small truck, it’s important to think about what features you’d like the camper to offer.

To help you decide what’s important to you when looking at travel trailer build-outs.

Choosing the best travel trailer for your small truck can seem overwhelming at first, due to the sheer number of travel trailers and campers on the market today.

However, we hope that our list of the 10 best travel trailers for small trucks has helped you to narrow down your search, or at least helped you figure out what you want and don’t want in a travel trailer.

Regardless of which travel trailer you end up going with though, we hope you find the perfect travel trailer for you and your family and wish you many many years of happy camping!

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

Recent Posts

47 RV Storage Ideas to Maximize Your Space for Compact Living

Camping and living in an RV is an incredible adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly around storage, due to the lack of space. Because of this, it's a must to make...

23 Inspiring Farmhouse RV Decors to Transform Your Camper

Are you looking to give your RV a cozy, rustic makeover? If so, farmhouse decor is the perfect style to transform your camper into a warm and inviting home on wheels. In this blog post, I'll...

Effortless RVing

15 Best SUVs for Towing Travel Trailers

Having all the stuff that you need for your next trip and then some without any restriction on cargo space must be an awesome feeling. There is no better alternative than to use a travel trailer. Sure enough, motorhomes are what come to most people’s minds when we mention RVs, but travel trailers aren’t in any way inferior.

They just suit different owners. If you’ve already got a car, such as one of the SUVs mentioned below, then a travel trailer saves money and adds cargo space (additional cargo space from your car as well).

If you are somebody who already has a travel trailer or fifth wheel (or your family is planning to purchase one), then this article is for you. We will shed light on some of the most popular SUVs for you to choose from, but not based on regular criteria, but on a travel trailer compatibility standpoint.

Ranking these SUVs is a particularly tricky task, so I will just include them all here for you to rank them based on your preferences and further inspection. For that reason, there is no order on this list. Let’s find out which are the best SUVs for towing travel trailers .

First, let’s try to understand why we would recommend an SUV for towing travel trailers. Among all the different types of automobiles that can compete with the SUV in this category, the trucks or pickup trucks definitely are a cut above the rest as the best vehicles for towing campers.

When put on the scale with SUVs, trucks and pickup trucks are superior to SUVs in various aspects: towing capacity, number of towable travel trailer types, types of hitches that are towable.

Even in the face of such adversity, SUVs have emerged as one of the most prominent choices for towing due to their affordability and gas mileage, the towing capacity is no joke either. The SUVs have the added benefit of being smaller (can fit into more parking lots), a more all-purpose type of vehicle which is everything a family can ask for.

2. Toyota Land Cruiser

3. nissan armada, 4. jeep grand cherokee, 5. ford escape, 6. dodge durango, 7. land rover discovery, 8. kia sportage, 9. chevrolet suburban, 10.  ford expedition, 11.  lincoln navigator, 12.  gmc yukon, 13.  land rover defender, 14.  cadillac escalade, 15.  porsche cayenne, final words, best suvs for towing travel trailers.

What is it that we are looking for in an SUV in order to be one of the best tow vehicles for travel trailers? To sum up, there are the towing capacity, seating comfort, durability, looks, reliability, size (compact, mid-size, full-size) which we have looked into. 

First off on our list of best SUVs for towing a camper is Audi Q5. The Audi Q5 is one of the compact SUVs that can effectively tow a small travel trailer. The Audi Q5’s max towing capacity is 4,400 pounds, a rare figure for a car its size. You will probably see a lot of compact SUVs on the roads with caravans hitched to the back of them.

When properly equipped, the base engine variant will perform as mentioned, but the plug-in hybrid can only tow 2000 pounds max, as the battery pack being heavy makes the engine subjected to having a lot more to pull compared to the base variant.

All in all, when you have such weight on board, then there must be a trade off on the towable weight left for the travel trailer. Fifth wheeling is therefore much less recommended for hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV with all the benefits of a tough, powerful off-roader. This car has a lot of space for you and your family, despite its rough handling, it still is a car to desire due to its legendary reliability and masculinity. Full-size SUVs are generally expected to pull a lot more than the midsize and small-size counterparts, and the Land Cruiser is no exception to this rule.

The 2020 Land Rover can pull up to 8,100 lbs. This car is still going strong after 70 years on the market, still beating out most of its competitors in the off-road category, earning its place as one of the flagship models in every Toyota lineup ever since the first Land Cruisers came to existence.

Despite that, it is also worthy of note that the Land Cruiser is beaten by many other luxury SUVs in terms of on-road experience, and obviously, when it comes to looks. 

The Nissan Armada is another full-size SUV that is very capable in terms of towing capacity. The newest models such as the 2021 Nissan Armada can tow around 8,500 lbs. This model is constantly revamped by Nissan.

The radiator supports are now V-shaped, the 8-inch screen has been replaced by a 12.3-inch screen and better resolution, etc. Even the engine got a slight boost from 390 to 400 hp. Keep in mind that the 8500 lbs figure is only achieved through properly equipping your connection from the car to the fifth wheel.

For the 2021 model, a standard integrated trailer brake controller was added along with tow hitch receivers. With its reputation as an SUV with high towing capacity, you can safely pull most of the travel trailers out there.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very powerful SUV, ranking amongst the highest in towing capacity for mid-size SUVs. The only difference between the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee is the size, and therefore towing capacity, so don’t be mistaken when you’re trying to identify the Grand Cherokee.

Specifically, only the SRT and the Trackhawk versions of the Grand Cherokee are capable of such feats, due to their 6.4L and 6.2L supercharged V8 engines respectively, granting 645 pound-feet of torque.

Thanks to its incredible power, you can tow pop-up campers, hybrid trailers, teardrop trailers, you name it. Keep in mind the trims and years of your Grand Cherokee to buy the most suitable campers to go with it.   

Who says a compact SUV can’t tow anything? Not everyone can afford a full-size SUV just so they can tow a boat. The Ford Escape proves that it can be one of the best SUVs for towing travel trailers. This compact SUV can tow up to 3,500 lbs, of course, with the right equipment.

Keep in mind that only the 2.0L EcoBoost engine can produce such a pulling force. There are also some more powertrains to choose from such as the hybrid or plug-in hybrids, but they won’t give you as much towing force.

The Ford Escape’s interior varies by model types, the base models only come with 4.2-inch radio displays and AM/FM radio, whereas the other higher trim levels give you 8.0-inch touchscreens and above. The Escape is overall very practical and fairly sized.

The standard Dodge Durango all-wheel-drive which comes with the 6.4L HEMI V8 engine is the man amongst men in the mid-size segment. It is nicely trimmed, spacious with an incredibly hefty towing capacity of 8700lbs, which is what you are here for.

You can even tow two travel trailers at once with this car. Keep in mind that this car is in the mid-size SUV bracket, so it is actually beating every other mid-size SUVs by a wide margin.

Other than that, everything about the Durango is acceptable: the infotainment is easy-to-use, the safety standards, fuel economy, and the maneuverability are nothing outstanding. You might want to take this car with your family on your next boat trip.

Land Rover is an English luxury automobile company and as you might expect, its products are quite well received by the masses. What about their towing capacities? I must say I’m quite surprised and impressed by the Discovery being able to tow 7,700 lbs easily.

Other than being one of the best towing SUVs, the Land Rover Discovery is an excellent off-road vehicle which comes with top-of-the-line interior features and a lot of cargo space.

One other thing that should be noted is the Discovery’s price starting out as rather average within the luxury mid-size range. Overall, one of the best mid-size SUVs for towing a travel trailer that also maintains awesome off-road maneuverability and first-rate interiors.

Kia Sportage truly shines when towing a braked travel trailer. For a compact crossover SUV, Sportage’s 4400lbs of towing capacity is a force to be reckoned with.

There are several engine choices that come with Kia Sportage: 1.6L/2.0L/2.5L gas, 1.6L/2.0L diesel, also you can choose base, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid.

The Kia Sportage ranks high in many compact crossover SUV rankings due to its spacious cargo hold, easy-to-use infotainment system, and excellent driving experience.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large family SUV that is as cutting edge as it looks. Just by taking a quick look at this bad boy, you can surmise the over-the-top cargo capacity, and that is not all.

Coupled with a 5.3L V8 engine (2-wheel-drive) and equipped with the Max Trailering Package, it can pull the heaviest of travel trailers with 8300lbs towing capacity. Not ending there, this Suburban can reach 108mph in speed with its impressive engine, 21 city mpg, 27 highway mpg, excellent safety features, and gives your kids a lot of room to move around even with a lot of cargo.

It might be a little bit tricky to maneuver, however. Recently, Chevrolet has released an option of 6.2L V8 engine to further expand your choices on the road. With its impressive readings, the Suburban proves itself to be one of the best SUVs to tow a travel trailer.

This one definitely is up there as one of the best-in-class heavy duty travel trailer towers. With a towing capacity of around 9,300 lbs, the Ford Expedition nonchalantly blows every other car out of the water.

This beast of a machine when equipped with the right powertrain and trailering technologies such as the standard Heavy-duty trailer tow package, alongside its 3.5L EcoBoost engine that produces up to 375 hp and 470lb-ft, will certainly deliver the desired performance.

This heavyweight is here to get things done. In particular, the Expedition Platinum will give the best numbers when it comes to towing given the above towing package. If you’re looking for the best SUVs for towing RVs based on performance alone, then the Ford Expedition is all you need and more.

The Lincoln Navigator is actually the luxury sibling of the Ford Expedition which was launched by the Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln. Looking at both of these cars, the Navigator takes after the Expedition in many aspects: the frame size, twin turbocharged 3.5L V-6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, equipped with Ford’s Sync 3 multimedia system.

The Ford Expedition is a little below in horsepower and torque, which makes the Navigator the faster of the two, and at the same time, the better at towing (when comparing the base models at least).

The Expedition Platinum mentioned before (9,300 lbs) actually pulls ahead of the Lincoln Navigator (8700lbs) in towing capacity. Definitely one of the best SUVs to pull a camper and the distinction with the Expedition is minimal.

GMC Yukon is another full-size SUV on this list. 2021 GMC Yukon can tow up to 8,400 lbs, allowing the owner to pull a boat or some of the larger travel trailers. Keep in mind that only with the right equipment, namely the Max Trailering Package, can you tow this much.

General Motors manufactured the Yukon into an almost exactly identical twin of the Chevrolet Tahoe, with only the soft parts such as headlights, bumpers being different.

What sets the Yukon apart from its sister model is the additional Denali trim, which is ostensibly the best bang for your buck among the different GMC Yukon trims.   

The Land Rover Defender comes off as a high-tech mid-size SUV and even holds a reputation as one of the most outstanding off-road performers in the SUV segment. The only thing bugging owners of this car is the fuel economy.

If you are willing to look past that, then driving the Land Rover Defender will surely bring you joy. Not only is the overall performance of this car the best of its generation, but the Defender’s towing capacity also is surprisingly full-size-SUV caliber. You are in for 7,700 lbs of towing goodness if you opt for the Defender.

There aren’t many cars that can compete with the Defender in style and performance, but you are also advised to mull over the price tag before making the hard choice. 

Another luxury coupe that is manufactured by Cadillac to compete with formidable opponents in the full-size segment such as: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or Lincoln Navigator. The newest installment features either a 6.2L V8 or a 3.0 L turbodiesel inline-6 that isn’t very fuel-efficient, but it surely gives a lot of pulling force, in particular 8,200 lbs.

Besides below average mpg, there are few flaws to this beast: The simplified, angular exterior gives off an exquisite vibe, sumptuous interiors, plush seats, ample cargo capacity, excellent maneuverability. You can also purchase the ESV which comes with 390mm extra length compared to the base model.

I will probably even recommend this over the GMC Yukon just for its superior looks and better cargo space.

Porsche is always a little bit more extravagant in both looks and price compared to others of the same category, and Porsche Cayenne proves my point very well. That is not to say this luxury midsize SUV is inferior to other midsize SUVs in capabilities.

The Cayenne S with 434 hp can accelerate from 0-60 mph within 4.9 seconds and can tow about 7,700 lbs, the same as the Land Rover in towing performance. Its inside is sleek, modern, has plush seating, and provides a sports car like driving experience. Even so, this is more like an honorable mention for Porsche worshippers since there aren’t many people who would use a Porsche to tow a fifth wheel.

We went over 15 best of the best SUVs for towing a travel trailer. All in all, SUVs are becoming more and more of a smart, economic choice for anyone willing to take their families on fulfilling weekend trips.

As you can see, ranging from compact, mid-size to full-size, there is a suitable SUV for every fifth wheel lover.

You no longer have only one option to buy a truck just to tow your favorite camper . 

About The Author

David Kelly

David Kelly is the founder of Effortless RVing. He is an accomplished writer and passionate traveler who specializes in the RV lifestyle. With a keen eye for undiscovered gems and a love for adventure, David's articles provide a unique and insightful perspective on camping and RV travel. As a former Sales Manager at Camping World, David is dedicated to staying up-to-date with new trends in RV world and the ever-changing landscape of RV travel, making him a valuable resource for both experienced enthusiasts and newcomers to the lifestyle. Whether you're looking for RV product reviews, tips, inspiration, or a glimpse into the camping lifestyle, David's sharing posts are a must-read.

One Response

Enjoyed your information greatly. Can a subaru VX Crosstrek tow 1,000 lb? trailer with 2 kayaks?

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Types Of RVs
• Tow Vehicles
• Maintenance & Repairs
• RV Power & Electrical Supplies
• RV Appliances
• Living In An RV
• Travel & Destinations
• RV Gear Buyer’s Guides

10 Best Mid-Size SUVs for Towing A Travel Trailer

• Last Updated: March 14, 2024
• 28 minutes read

Mid-size SUVs are some of the most popular vehicles on the road. They offer the sporty performance of a car, with the utility hold a fair amount of gear, and more than a fair amount of towing power.

So, it’s little wonder why so many people want to use their daily driver SUV to tow an RV trailer. 

If this sounds like what you are gearing up for, and you’re in the market for an upgrade, then you might be wonder what is the best mid-size SUV for towing a trailer.

Right off the bat, the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango stand atop the list as one of the best mid-size SUVs that can tow up over 5,000 lbs. with ease.

Though it certainly has some stiff competition both in the foreign and domestic market.

Not to mention a fair amount of competitor models that have special features meant to cater to niche interests.

To help you find the best SUV to tow a camper you already have or are thinking about buying, we decided to roll our sleeves up and look at some of the most popular and most powerful mid-size SUVs with best towing capacity .

This included things like a reputation for material build quality, towing capabilities, and the statistics that matter most when towing anything. 

How Much Can A Mid-Size SUV Tow?

The maximum towing capacity for the highest trim level of some of the best mid-size SUVs can tow more than 7,000-pounds.

A more reasonable average figure for most mid-size SUVs is in the neighborhood of 3,500 to 5,000-pounds. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the prevailing wisdom is to never tow more than 80% of any vehicle’s rated maximum towing capacity.

This leaves you power in reserve for tackling loose surfaces, accelerating to highway speeds, and pulling the trailer up a steep incline.

Of course, staying at 80% or less of the maximum towing capacity also reduces your risk of developing a dangerous trailer sway. 

How Much Does An Average Trailer Weigh?

Travel trailers and “Campers” can be broken down into different categories, each with it’s own average weight range. 

• Popup Campers – Also known as “Expandable Campers” popup campers have an average dry weight of right around 2,000-pounds . 
• Teardrop Campers – They an vary from as low as 500-pounds to a dry weight of up to 3,200-pounds. 
• Lightweight Travel Trailers – Most of the best lightweight travel trailers will have a dry weight of 5,000 to 6,000-pounds. Though there are certainly travel trailers that weight much more than that, and even a few that weigh less . This puts lightweight travel trailers in range for some of the more robust mid-size SUV to tow. 

The 10 Best 2021 Midsize SUVs For Towing Travel Traile rs

Keep in mind that a lot of automotive manufacturers like to advertise what is the highest-rated towing capacity for their vehicles, which is often the highest trim level for that make and model.

These mid-size SUVs typically have a much higher price tag than the middle of their range.

Though when you step down to the middle of their range the towing capacity can be significantly less. 

To cover your options thoroughly, whenever possible, we tried to include a trim level in the middle range as well as the top end for each make and model.

Some manufacturers list their towing capacity based on trim level, while others list their towing capacity based on the engine size of the SUV. 

Here are 10 of the best mid-size SUVs for towing camper trailers:

• 2021 Dodge Durango
• 2021 Ford Explorer
• 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2021 Land Rover Discovery
• 2021 Chevy Traverse
• 2021 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021 Lexus GX 460
• 2021 Toyota 4 Runner
• 2021 BMW X5

1. The 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango is one of the most powerful domestic midsize SUVs. It has multiple trim levels with an available towing package.

Best of all, it’s roomy and has plenty of room for stowing the family camping equipment on the weekend, while still being a great daily driver on Monday thru Friday. 

Pros & Cons of the 2021 Dodge Durango

• Great acceleration for merging onto the highway or towing up a steep incline.
• Superior towing capacity for a mid-size SUV.
• Tons of storage space.
• All but one trim level comes with all-wheel drive.
• Fuel consumption is poor
• The initial purchase price is high
• All-wheel drive goes through the tread on all four tires faster

Trailers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Dodge Durango

With it’s impressive towing power the Dodge Durango can tow a lot of trailers. Though two leap to the top of the list.

• The Cruiser RV Embrace EL260 has a dry weight of just 5,900-pounds.
• The Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS which has a dry weight of 6,162-pounds. 

2. The 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the most popular domestic midsize SUVs.

It has multiple trim levels and engine sizes , with optional upgraded towing packages that can influence the maximum towing capacity.

So, it’s important to pay attention to the engine size of the trim level you are interested in, and then also inquire about whether that particular trim level has the optional Class III Trailer Tow Package installed. 

Pros & Cons of the 2021 Ford Explorer

• Good handling on and off-road.
• A comfortable ride with minimal road noise.
• Good for towing & as a daily driver.
• Good cargo space.
• Third-row seating is small.
• Fuel consumption isn’t optimal when towing.
• Interior styling feels like corners were cut.

Trailers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Ford Explorer

With the towing package professionally installed the 2021 Ford Explorer can tow most popup and teardrop campers with ease.

There are even a few smaller travel trailers that are within range for the higher trim levels of the Ford Explorer. 

• The Airstream Sport 22FB has a GVWR of 4,500-pounds.
• The Forest River R-Pod, which has a dry weight of 3,487-pounds. 

3. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a powerful and very popular domestic midsize SUV. It has multiple trim levels with a towing package included.

It has a reputation for being room, which you need for packing out a family’s camping gear, while still having superior handling in daily traffic.

While Jeep likes to talk about the maximum towing capabilities of their highest trim level, it is also a much more costly machine.

The mid-trim levels tend to have a lower price tag, as well as a more modest maximum towing capacity 

• Plenty of power.
• Nimble handling & ride comfort.
• Superior material build quality throughout.
• Higher trim levels are expensive.
• Modest trim levels only have 3,500 lbs. towing capacity..

The Best Trailers That Can Be Towed By A Jeep Grand Cherokee

With a significant difference between the mid trim levels and the top trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you have to be mindful of the weight of the trailer you want to pair it with. 

• The Heartland Mallard M26 with a 5,995-pound dry weight can be towed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and the TrackHawk, but not the lower trim levels. 
• The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro only has a dry weight of 1,763-pounds, which can be towed by the mid trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

4. The 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a foreign make and model that has garnered international appeal for its power, styling, and comfort. Its presence in the United States marketplace has continued to grow to make it more accessible than ever.

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery’s 8-speed automatic transmission does a great job of putting the power down.

It’s comfortable as a versatile daily driver as well as a very capable tow vehicle for pulling a camper on the weekends. 

• Great off-road capabilities.
• Superior towing power.
• Tons of special features & creature comforts are available. 
• The initial purchase price is high.
• Can be hard to find licensed dealers when traveling.
• The depreciation curve is unclear. 
• Not a true “Luxury” SUV.

The Best Trailers That Can Be Towed By the 2021 Land Rover Discovery

With robust towing statistics the 2021 Land Rover Discovery can tow pretty much all popup and teardrop campers, as well as a fair number of lightweight travel trailers.

Though there are a few that standout as a good pairing for this powerful foreign mid-size SUV. 

• The East to West Alta 2100MBH has a dry weight of 5,300-pounds
• The Coleman Light 2455BH has a dry weight of 5,708-pounds, which is in range for the Land Rover Discovery models with a 3.0-liter turbo charged engine. 

5. The 2021 Chevy Traverse

The 2021 Chevy Traverse is one of the most popular domestic mid-size SUVs with families and commuters.

So, it’s no wonder why so many Traverse owners are interested in seeing if their model can tow a camper or modest-size travel trailer.

While Chevy loves to tout the top trim level’s 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, the lower trim levels can have as little as 1,500-pounds. It’s definitely a vehicle where the devil is truly in the details. 

• Comfortable and designed for families.
• Creature comforts interior.
• Easy to find licensed dealers if you have a problem traveling. 
• Only the highest trim level has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
• Also needs to have an optional towing package installed.
• Might be low on power at altitude.

The Best Trailers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Chevy Traverse

The lower trim levels of the Chevy Traverse are meant more for towing lightweight popup campers.

Though the more robust LT and Premier trim levels of the Chevy Traverse with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity can tow a wide range of tear drop campers, with power to spare. 

• The 13’ Scamp with a 2,200-pound gross vehicle weight rating.
• The iCamp Elite with a gross vehicle weight rating of 2,366-pounds. 

6. The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is another very popular mid-size SUV in the US domestic market.

Nissan has done a great job over the years of making their parts and certified dealerships readily available and easy to access, which is great if you ever have a problem while traveling.

Though it’s worth noting that while the Nissan Pathfinder is powerful, you need to have the towing package installed, which isn’t necessarily standard with all models and trim levels. 

• Loaded with safety features.
• Good storage capacity.
• Comfortable ride.
• Plenty of power for a mid-size SUV
• Soft handling at slow speeds.
• Larger than average blind spots, which can be a challenge reversing a trailer.

The Best Traiers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder

One of the nice things about the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is that all the various trim levels all have the same 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

This leaves the door open for it to tow most popup campers and teardrop campers as well as a few lightweight travel trailers. 

• The Forest River Wolf Pup with a dry weight of 3,784-pounds. 
• The Jayco Hummingbird which has a dry weight of 3,017-pounds.

7. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln is known for being a luxury US automotive brand that falls under Ford Motor Company’s large umbrella.

The Aviator represents a luxury mid-size SUV that is comfortable enough to be a daily driver, or an executive car on the weekdays, with more than enough power and towing capability to pull a trailer on the weekends.

While there are a lot of different trim levels with various creature comfort and luxury features, most of the trim levels of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator either have a 6,700-pound maximum towing capacity or a 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity. 

• A true luxury SUV at every trim level.
• Smooth, comfortable ride.
• Superior power for a mid-size SUV.
• The overall cost of ownership is high.
• Not particularly rugged. 

The Best Trailers For A 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has robust towing characteristics, with the highest trim levels being able to pull up to 6,700-pounds.

This puts a lot of teardrop campers and popup campers easily in play, as well as a fair number of lightweight travel trailers.

• The Keystone Hideout with a dry weight of 3,666-pounds.
• The Grand Design Transcend Xplor 187MK which has a dry weight of 4,796-pounds.

8. The 2021 Lexus GX 460

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is another foreign-produced SUV that has a strong presence in the US domestic marketplace.

Its presence in the ranks of mid-size SUVs has grown significantly in recent years, it also has a reputation for comfort and performance.

This has made it an increasingly popular option for families who want a commuter vehicle that can also do a little towing on weekend vacations.

With the Lexus towing package professionally installed, all three trim levels can tow up to 6,500-pounds. 

• Every trim level offers impressive comfort.
• Smooth, ride with minimal road noise.
• Superior power for a mid-size SUV with an 8-cylinder engine.
• Cargo space is a little bit lacking.
• Fuel consumption is high.
• The cost of ownership is a little high.

The Best Trailers To Pair with a Lexus GX460

All three of the most popular trim levels of the Lexus GX460 come with a robust 6,700-pounds maximum towing capacity.

While this puts pretty much all popup and teardrop campers in bounds, it also opens the door for a fair number of lightweight travel trailers that can appeal to small families, who need a little more interior living space. 

• The Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 195 RBS has a dry weight of 4,892-pounds
• The Dutchman Kodiak Ultra Lite which has a dry weight of 4,338-pounds. 

9. The 2021 Toyota 4 Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4 Runner is one of the most popular mid-size SUVs on the American road.

It offers a 4.0L engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

This makes it peppy and powerful as a commuter vehicle, while also giving it the power to tow trailers and campers on the weekend.

Best of all, it comes with Toyota’s reputation for reliability. It’s also worth noting that all the trim levels of the Toyota 4 Runner will boast a robust 5,000-pounds maximum towing capacity with the optional SAE J2807- rated tow package installed.

This is better than most of its apples-to-apples competitors in its segment. 

• Toyota reliability.
• More powerful than competitors in its segment.
• All trim levels have a 5,000-pound towing capacity
• Sub-par fuel economy for 6 cylinder engine.
• Minimal rear cargo space.

The Best Trailers For A 2021 Toyota 4 Runner

With the tow package professionally installed the Toyota 4 Runner boasts an impressive 5,000-pounds maximum towing capacity throughout the spectrum of trim levels.

It gives you the ability to tow most popup and teardrop campers, as well as a few of the lighter weight travel trailers on the market. 

• The Flagstaff E-Pro 19FD with a dry weight of 2,829-pounds
• The Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe which has a dry weight of just 1,970-pounds. 

10. The 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 boasts some significant power and towing capacity in a vehicle that was originally designed to be a comfortable commuter SUV.

Even without a tow package installed this mid-size SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 6,200-pounds.

Though when you select the optional upgrade to the class 3 towing package, and you select the highest trim level of the BMW X5 you see an impressive 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity. 

• Powerful engine.
• Visually stunning interior and exterior styling.
• Highly responsive steering
• Small third-row seating and limited rear storage
• V8 model is heavy and thirsty.

The Best Trailers For A BMW X5

As a powerful mid-size SUV the BMW X5’s highest trim levels can tow up to 7,200-pounds, which is more than enough to pull pretty much all teardrop campers as well as all popup, expandable campers, Not to mention a fair number of lightweight travel trailer. 

• The Venture Sonic SN220VBH with a dry weight of 4,560-pounds.
• The Airstream’s Caravel which has a dry weight of just 4,200-pounds

How Much Can I Safely Tow With A Mid-Size SUV?

The prevailing wisdom is to only tow up to 80% or less of the maximum towing capacity of any given vehicle.

For example, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 with a 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity can safely tow up to 5,760-pounds of a trailer.

This will leave you 20% or more in reserve to do things like tow a trailer up a steep incline or over a loose surface. 

Should I Get A Foreign Or Domestic Mid-Size SUV?

Domestic SUVs have made some major engineering improvements over the course of the last decade making them on-par with the efficiency and power offered by foreign mid-size SUVs.

What it sometimes comes down to, is the availability of dealers and affiliated mechanics.

If you do happen to have a problem when you are traveling, the last thing you want is for the nearest dealer service center to be 300-miles away.

So, if you are going to invest in a foreign mid-size SUV, make sure it is one of the long-established manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, or BMW.

If you are interested in a less-popular foreign SUV, do some searching around to make sure you are aware of certified dealers and mechanics. 

Mid-size SUVs have seen a renaissance in recent years, as they have departed from the antiquated mid-size truck chassis that used to support them to become true sports-utility vehicles.

This wave of innovation in engineering and material build quality has also translated into superior towing capabilities. 

If you are interested in a domestic model with a lot of power and storage space, then the 2021 Dodge Durango might be the best mid-size SUV to tow a trailer.

With a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700-pounds, it can tow a wide range of teardrop campers and small travel trailers. 

If you are looking for a powerful foreign-made model with a reputation for superior engineering, then the 2021 BMW X5 might be the best mid-size SUV for towing a trailer.

With a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,200-pounds, it can certainly tow a wide range of popup campers, teardrop campers, and small travel trailers.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

The 8 Best RV Parks And Campgrounds in Quartzsite, Arizona

6 awesome class a motorhomes with bunk beds.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You Might Also Like

Nissan Rogue’s towing capacity: Can You Pull A Camper Trailer With A Nissan Rogue?

Finding The Best LED Light Bar For Your Truck You Can Buy

What Is The Normal Or Average Transmission Temperature When Towing?

Start typing and press Enter to search

We're sorry for any inconvenience, but the site is currently unavailable.

• What's My Car Worth?
• Buyer's Guide

Comparison Test: 2024 Compact SUVs for the Real World

Dodge Hornet, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

From the May/June issue of Car and Driver.

To all our beloved readers who've written to kvetch that we don't cover affordable cars or vehicles that real people buy, this one's for you.

The segment's volume leader, the Toyota RAV4 , is represented here by the tough-looking TRD Off-Road model. Next in ubiquity, as you probably could have guessed, is the Honda CR-V . We requested an EX-L, which is the highest trim with the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four, rather than the more powerful hybrid powertrain that enlivens the CR-V's top trim levels. The Nissan Rogue also populates highways and byways just about everywhere, and here, it's dolled up in the top Platinum trim. Rather than compare the sort-of-off-roader Bronco Sport , we requested the considerably more popular Escape , which arrived equipped to go after our fun-to-drive score with a 250-hp engine in the ST-Line Elite trim. The recently redesigned Kia Sportage seemingly couldn't decide what to wear, so it combined rugged and fancy with its X-Pro Prestige duds. The Volkswagen Tiguan arrived carrying just a whiff of sportiness in the form of the SEL R-Line model. Mazda is represented by the newer CX-50 rather than the smaller CX-5 , and it was a nattily attired Premium Plus, packing the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four under the hood. Finally, the relative newcomer Dodge Hornet appeared with its base powertrain (rather than the available plug-in hybrid) but with the Blacktop and Track Pack options bringing the signature Dodge 'tude. Taking a lesson from the warmhearted television fare of our youth, we stopped at eight, because eight is enough.

We realize some players in this vast field are missing, most notably the Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain , the Hyundai Tucson , and the Subaru Forester . All are on the eve of redesigns or refreshes, so they sat out this round. And Mitsubishi wasn't able to rustle up a non-plug-in Outlander . Excepting the mid-spec Honda, at $37,965, the vehicles on hand ended up in a fairly tight price range of $40,030 to $44,844—just below the most recent new-car average of $47,401. That's keepin' it real, people.

Our herd assembled, we headed to the South of France. Ha! No. We went to the most real state we could think of: Ohio. Part of America's Heartland, it also happens to be right next to Michigan. This is the true story . . . of what happened . . . when eight normcore SUVs . . . were let loose . . . in the real world.

8th Place: Nissan Rogue

Climb into the Nissan Rogue Platinum for the first time, and you may be wowed. Caramel-colored leather—real and synthetic—appears on the instrument panel, the doors, and the sides of the center console. The seats have a quilted stitch pattern, and there's an attractive mix of trim materials. Ultrawide-opening doors aid access to the roomy rear seat, which had the most amenities, with seat heaters, climate controls, A/C vents, and window shades. The infotainment looks good, retains a few buttons, and nestles into the dash, providing a padded rest for your hand.

HIGHS: Interior looks like luxury, welcoming rear seat, lots of equipment. LOWS: Resistant to having fun, numb and aloof steering, falls far short of its EPA numbers. VERDICT: First impressions aren't everything.

We wish Nissan had put the same level of effort into the Rogue's major controls. Several drivers called out the numb, woolly steering, and more objected to the spongy brake pedal. The comfort-biased suspension makes for smooth highway sailing, but don't ask much more of this chassis. The Nissan suffers from significant body roll in faster corners and brake dive in hard stops, and it just seemed easily discombobulated. Then there's the powertrain, where Nissan strays from the established formula, but the novel approach doesn't bring much payoff. Nissan boldly employs only three cylinders, whereas the others in this contest rely on four. Granted, the Rogue's turbocharged engine is no smaller than the Honda CR-V's turbo at 1.5 liters, and it features Nissan's variable-compression-ratio technology (it ranges from 8.0 to 14.0:1). The resulting output is 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to powertrains, this test was bifurcated into the fast group (Dodge, Ford, Mazda) and the slow group (everyone else). Of the latter, Nissan's turbo three and CVT combo was—just barely—the quickest to 60 mph at 8.0 seconds. But once you're cruising along at a steady speed, the turbo three suffers from sluggish throttle response—note the Rogue's last-place showing in the 30-to-50-mph and 50-to-70-mph acceleration tests (the latter tied with the Sportage). At least this engine is well muted when giving its all—it's the quietest of the group, in fact, so there's no offensive droning.

With the fewest cylinders to feed, the Nissan boasts the best EPA numbers, which look good on the window sticker. But this hardworking triple fell 5 mpg short of its EPA combined estimate in our hands, landing midpack at 26 mpg.

Overall, the Rogue is just fine if you don't look past the surface, but others here have more depth.

2024 Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD 201-hp turbocharged inline-3, continuously variable automatic, 3729 lb Base/As-Tested: $41,590/$43,375 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.1 sec @ 87 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 177 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.83 g C/D observed fuel economy: 31 mpg

7th Place: Kia Sportage

Will it surprise you to learn that, aside from the mid-trim Honda, this top-spec Kia had the lowest as-tested price? Or that it came with a raft of features and amenities? Those include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and Kia's Highway Driving Assist—a luxury-grade haul for just a hair over $40,000.

HIGHS: Wallet-friendly price, all the bells and whistles, quiet cruising. LOWS: Oh so slow, middling fuel economy, longest stopping distance. VERDICT: How slow can you go?

The exterior is edgy, if polarizing, while the screentastic dash conveys a note of modernity inside. Once you get past the pointless home screen on the center display, you'll find a pleasing array of audio and navigation information. But no one liked the ridiculous dual-mode haptic buttons and dial (also found in other Kias) that switch between controlling climate and audio functions, all but guaranteeing you're always in the wrong mode. We did appreciate the plentiful stowage, and the sliding and reclining rear seats offer an extra measure of versatility. Splashes of piano black and the seats' novel stitch pattern divert attention from the liberal use of hard and cheap-looking plastic elsewhere—perhaps the reason why this cabin smells like a dime-store shower curtain.

None of us were overly impressed with the Sportage dynamically, with drivers calling it out for excessive body roll and brake dive. The X-Pro trim's 17-inch wheels and 65-series all-terrain tires smother bad pavement, but they also cling to the skidpad with only 0.81 g and contribute to a 182-foot stop from 70 mph, the longest in this comparison test.

The biggest issue, though, is in the engine room. Our Sportage had the base engine, and the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder struggled like an air-cooled VW bus on uphill grades. The gutless powertrain also requires a lot of planning for passes. Although the 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque are only three horsepower and one pound-foot in arrears of the CR-V's engine, the Kia's 9.1-second 60-mph time is a full second slower than the Honda's. And since you have to work the engine so hard, there's no payoff in fuel economy, with the Kia's 25-mpg observed average trailing all, save for the much-quicker Mazda and Dodge.

Relief for this biggest pain point, however, isn't far away. We'd invite you to check out the quicker and more economical hybrid and plug-in-hybrid Sportage models.

2024 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD 187-hp inline-4, 8-speed automatic, 3737 lb Base/As-Tested: $39,365/$40,030 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 9.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.9 sec @ 84 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 182 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.81 g C/D observed fuel economy: 31 mpg

6th Place: Toyota RAV4

With a portfolio of off-road favorites such as the Tacoma, the 4Runner, and the Land Cruiser, it's no wonder Toyota would want to spread some of that rugged image to the RAV4. Our test example was decked out in TRD Off-Road trim, which, in addition to a slightly tougher appearance, brought softer suspension tuning (springs and dampers), 18-inch wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail 01A tires, roof rails, and a front skid plate.

HIGHS: 4Runner-wannabe rugged looks, plenty of space for people and their stuff, observed fuel economy tops the field. LOWS: Engine strains and sounds coarse doing so, off-road kit is a hindrance on-road, interior is more practical than pretty. VERDICT: A Toyota that will please people who like Toyotas.

That equipment would likely give the RAV4 greater off-pavement capability than the rest of this bunch, a boon for those who go off-road. But most drivers don't, and we didn't either. And on asphalt, the all-terrain tires do the handling no favors, as steering feel is largely AWOL, and the Toyota posted the lowest skidpad grip at just 0.79 g. The tall sidewalls provide an extra measure of cushion over potholes, however, and the RAV4 also exhibits good body control, considering the TRD Off-Road setup.

Superfluous running boards, $620 for the pair, were an obstacle to step over on each entry and exit (the TRD Off-Road's ride height isn't nearly great enough to require them, and they'd just be a hindrance on the trail). Inside, the rubberized vinyl, chunky HVAC knobs, and thick door pulls set the style tone. Copious storage space enhances the practical vibe, as does the straightforward switchgear. Our testers deemed the driver's chair to be about average, while a low cushion hurt rear-seat comfort, although space is more than adequate.

"Just adequate" describes the RAV4's 2.5-liter engine, at least in city and suburban traffic. The farther you push the pedal, though, the more gutless the four-banger feels, as it makes more noise than thrust. At 78 decibels, the RAV4 tied the Mazda for loudest under acceleration, but its engine note is far more irritating. At least this engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic rather than a CVT. The Toyota's 60-mph time (8.3 seconds) and quarter-mile effort (16.5 seconds at 87 mph) were slower than all but the Kia's.

Despite working hard, this naturally aspirated four-banger squeezes a lot of miles out of each tank of gas. At 29 mpg, the RAV4's observed fuel economy led the field, and its 32 mpg in our 75-mph highway test was also the most efficient, tied with the Escape.

Top-drawer fuel economy is historically a Toyota trait, as is a practical interior, and the trail-ready getup doesn't seem like an artifice. Add presumed reliability, and the RAV4's combination of virtues explains its popularity but doesn't push it to the front of this pack.

2024 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road 203-hp inline-4, 8-speed automatic, 3719 lb Base/As-Tested: $39,645/$44,844 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 87 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 176 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.79 g C/D observed fuel economy: 32 mpg

5th Place: Dodge Hornet

Starting our drive on the cratered roads of southeast Michigan put the Hornet in the worst possible light. We hadn't gone 1000 yards before slamming into a pothole that we feared might've bent a rim. All the way to our first driver-change point outside Toledo, the Dodge was repeatedly racked by broken pavement. Flicking through the stupefying amount of information available in the digital instrument cluster and the center display (which includes peak g, turbo psi, and torque output), we thought we might have found the cause: tire pressures that were 43–44 psi. It turns out that the recommended cold pressure is 42 psi, so we concluded that the Hornet is supposed to drive this way.

HIGHS: Hemi-like acceleration, sporty interior environs, hot-hatch persona. LOWS: Hemi-like fuel consumption, painful over potholes, cramped back seat. VERDICT: The small crossover for those who really want a Challenger.

It's also supposed to drive lively, affecting the persona of a racy hot hatch rather than a workaday SUV. And it does. Look no further than its 268-hp turbo four, the most powerful here—and that's the base engine. The Hornet took the checkered flag in the 60-mph sprint with a time of 5.7 seconds, and it also hustled through the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds (just a tick behind the Escape) at 95 mph. Power delivery isn't perfectly linear at low speeds, but that's perhaps to be expected, as is the snarling exhaust note. It contributed to a 73-decibel din on the highway, where the speedy Dodge also had a greater-than-average thirst for unleaded.

The steering is hyperresponsive, and the Hornet wants to dive through corners. Even with its dampers in Sport mode, the Hornet feels taller than a real hot hatch when the road gets twisty, but its 0.85 g of grip is the best here, aided by the most athletic footwear in the test (Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires).

The red-accented cabin features heavily bolstered, body-hugging seats that hold you in place for all the action. Most drivers praised them, although some found they had to adjust the seating position awkwardly high to see the gauges, putting their noggin close to the ceiling. There was unanimous agreement about the rear seat, which is seriously cramped. And the luggage compartment is the smallest in the test. The highly configurable infotainment looks great but can be laggy, and the tiny touchpoints are too small a target to hit when on the move. The cabin also has some ergonomic oddities, like an audio volume roller tucked behind the shifter and a wiper stalk whose logic is inscrutable. The Hornet, though, is unbothered by such mundane concerns.

2024 Dodge Hornet GT Plus AWD 268-hp turbocharged inline-4, 9-speed automatic, 3844 lb Base/As-Tested: $37,995/$44,725 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.7 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 95 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 177 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.85 g C/D observed fuel economy: 28 mpg

4th Place: Ford Escape

In the 1973 film White Lightning , bootlegger Gator McKlusky (played by Burt Reynolds) pilots a specially prepared Ford Custom 500 whose plain brown wrapper conceals a hotted-up engine within. Our Ford Escape wore a similar cloak of anonymity with its almost intentionally anodyne styling, but it too was packing under the hood.

HIGHS: Overachieving powertrain, surprising fuel economy, well-laid-out infotainment. LOWS: Depressing interior environs, wonky brake-pedal action, exterior is a style-free zone. VERDICT: All ate up with motor.

Boasting the model's top-of-the-food-chain engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, this Ford has 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That was enough to vie with the high-strung Dodge in acceleration: The Escape was the quickest off the line (to 30 mph) and the quickest to triple digits—in between, its 5.8-second time to 60 is just 0.1 second in arrears of the Hornet. From 30 to 50 mph and again from 50 to 70 mph, the Ford is in front, besting all comers. Away from the drag strip, the Escape has plenty of easy oomph, and throttle response and power delivery are more linear here than in the Hornet. There is a Sport mode (buried three layers into the touchscreen), but it seemed only to lock out top gear, so it's not something you'll want to access anyway.

Despite the powertrain's hustle, the Ford is a suburban softy at heart, as it showed on the winding, diving, roller-coaster-like two-lanes in southern Ohio, where it gamely went along with the crowd but did so with a grimace and gritted teeth. Or maybe that was the driver. Either way, blame the weirdly springy steering effort and brakes that suffered from both a squishy pedal and grabby response. The convex-feeling seat cushion adds to the awkwardness.

The Escape is far more at home in the suburban slog or motoring along bombed-out urban freeways. Its comfortable-riding suspension shrugged off the slings and arrows of northern Ohio's and southeast Michigan's most battered pavement. Oh, and over the course of our test, the Escape also posted the second-best gas mileage, just 1 mpg behind the far-slower RAV4.

This generation of Escape has been around since 2020 but boasts plenty of screen acreage inside, part of a 2023 update. The digital instrument cluster is a basic affair with limited configurability, but the well-designed central infotainment display is able to show multiple functions on its home screen. Look away from glowing displays, however, and the Escape cabin could be something from the Big Three bankruptcy era, as Ford appears to have wrung every nickel of cost from this black-grained-plastic interior. The materials are starkly below the rest of the field, and this isn't exactly a field of Bentleys. But call us Gator, because if we were chasing moonshiners in Arkansas, this low-key Ford might be our first choice.

2023 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite AWD 250-hp turbocharged inline-4, 8-speed automatic, 3697 lb Base/As-Tested (2024 model): $39,455/$43,355 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @ 97 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 166 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g C/D observed fuel economy: 32 mpg

3rd Place: Honda CR-V

Sitting in the Honda CR-V, there's lots to like. Thin pillars and large windows enhance visibility and overall well-being. The driver's seat earned the best score for comfort, and the rear seat took top honors for space and was judged the most comfortable. Additionally, the CR-V has the roomiest cargo hold with rear seats up or folded. Although our EX-L was far from top spec, the door panels and dash look rich, with interesting details. The steering wheel feels great, although the thinly padded door armrests do not. Three knurled-edge knobs look and feel like quality, but the Honda was not immune from minor fit issues. We don't ding the CR-V for its physical gauges—we actually kind of prefer them—but there's no charm in the puny infotainment screen and its small touchpoints.

HIGHS: The ace of space, pleasing cabin, charming chassis. LOWS: The lack of pace, missing features, smallish infotainment display. VERDICT: Much of what we love about the Accord, in SUV form.

Steering that's absurdly light at parking-lot speeds quickly firms up once you're on the move. When the road gets twisty, the helm's natural feel makes guiding the Honda an almost unconscious exercise. The CR-V feels unflappable, even though its 0.82-g skidpad result was unremarkable. The brake pedal is similarly well tuned, and the brakes hauled the CR-V down from 70 mph in just 163 feet, the best in this test. The contrast with the Escape (from which our drivers migrated as we moved through the cars in alphabetical order) was striking.

Accelerating onto the freeway, however, cues the sad trombone. A 5-to-60-mph charge down the on-ramp takes 9.0 seconds. Honda's pint-size 1.5-liter musters 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque and is lashed to a CVT. The CVT's faux shifts mitigate elastic throttle response somewhat, but this droning powertrain underserves this nicely tuned chassis. However, observed fuel economy, at 28 mpg, was just 1 mpg shy of the top-ranking Toyota.

Honda doesn't offer its top-drawer model with a nonhybrid powertrain, and that held the CR-V back a bit in the final tally, as the Honda's missing features outweighed the $2065 savings compared to the richly equipped Kia.

Of course, the CR-V offers more expensive models that are better equipped, and they feature a higher-achieving hybrid powertrain that both accelerates quicker and returns better fuel economy. But we wanted this test to focus on nonhybrids, so that's not what we had here.

2024 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD 190-hp turbocharged inline-4, continuously variable automatic, 3614 lb Base/As-Tested (2024 model): $37,510/$37,965 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.1 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.3 sec @ 89 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 163 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.82 g C/D observed fuel economy: 31 mpg

2nd Place: Volkswagen Tiguan

Tired of flailing in the U.S. market, Volkswagen finally decided to give the people what they want. And VW figured that what Americans want is really big SUVs. Therefore, the Tiguan—measured from nose to tail—is the biggest SUV here (just as the Atlas is among the biggest in its segment and the Taos in its). It's big enough to squeeze in a third row; without that option, our test example swallowed 11 carry-on-sized boxes with the seats up (just one less than the CR-V) and 25 with the rear seats folded (tying the Rogue for third place behind the CR-V and the Sportage). Certainly, the cabin feels roomy, an impression bolstered by expansive glass. VW has also learned that Americans don't always demand the finest materials, so there are lots of hard-edged surfaces in here, although the SEL does get real cowhide on the seats. VW has gone all in on screens, and while the central display works well, the new haptic climate controls are a step back ergonomically. There are more haptic buttons on the steering wheel. What we really wish, though, is that someone could snap Wolfsburg out of its obsession with touch sliders.

HIGHS: American-size interior, Korean-level value, German-correct suspension tuning. LOWS: The lowest horsepower meets the highest curb weight, fussy touch controls. VERDICT: Designed for America, with just a hint of the Old World.

The Tiguan is the only member of our octet to weigh in on the high side of two tons, against which Volkswagen's turbo four brings the fewest ponies to bear (184). Its 221 pound-feet of torque, however, arrives at a low 1600 rpm. That helps the Tiguan move easily through traffic, albeit with some turbo lag. Still, an 8.2-second 60-mph time is the result of too many pounds and not enough horses.

Despite its heft, the Volkswagen slightly overachieved in fuel economy, returning 30 mpg in our 75-mph test (against a 29-mg EPA highway rating) and 26 mpg overall (beating its EPA combined estimate by 2 mpg).

If the Tiguan shows any evidence of VW's roots, it's in the chassis tuning. The suspension is taut and well controlled—dare we say Germanic? A vestige of old VW. And the Tiguan's 0.84 g of skidpad grip tied the CX-50 for second place. Good sightlines and a chair with enough lateral support to hold you in place help the driver pilot this SUV confidently on winding roads. It's too bad about the overboosted steering, which feels like another sop to our market.

VW has also learned that we love a good bargain. The Tiguan's as-tested price is within a few hundred dollars of the Kia's, and that's with a similarly deep roster of equipment. All of this combines for a well-rounded package, enough to give the Tiguan a podium finish.

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line AWD 184-hp turbocharged inline-4, 8-speed automatic, 4003 lb Base/As-Tested: $40,305/$40,700 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 8.2 sec 1/4-Mile: 16.3 sec @ 85 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 181 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g C/D observed fuel economy: 30 mpg

1st Place: Mazda CX-50

The compact SUV isn't typically a species that gets by on its looks, but the Mazda CX-50 almost could. Longer, lower, and wider than its CX-5 sibling, the CX-50 is model handsome with its scowling visage and long-hood profile that convincingly ape an upscale, rear-wheel-drive layout (it's a ruse; the CX-50 has a transverse engine, just like the others here). Only the fake rear fascia vents and the thick band of black plastic along the lower body torpedo its invitation to the Museum of Modern Art.

HIGHS: Fetchingly wagon-like proportions, robust turbo four, ride and handling in harmony. LOWS: Cavelike rear seat, not-so-great gas mileage, infotainment struggles. VERDICT: A top-tier powertrain meets a top-tier chassis.

Whereas the others serve up a new-car smell that's a mix of off-gassing plastics and glue, the smooth-grained hides on the CX-50's dash and door panels give the Mazda's high-design interior the aroma of a fine-shoe store. We're also charmed by the physical switchgear and the real gearshift, but we just can't follow the obtuse logic of Mazda's rotary controller for the infotainment system. And despite being more than five inches longer than the CX-5, the Mazda's dark rear seat was deemed cavelike and not particularly comfortable, and its luggage compartment was smaller than the group average.

Start driving, though, and the CX-50 quickly elbows its way back to the front of the pack. The steering's heft seems like an artificial concoction, but the three-spoke wheel is deliciously precise and the responses predictable. Skidpad grip, at 0.84 g, is just 0.01 g behind the Dodge. The tightly wound suspension manages to rein in body motions effectively without transmitting undue harshness over broken pavement. This is the best-realized chassis in the group, and it lends the Mazda an air of upmarket refinement that's missing among the rest.

With a relatively large 2.5-liter inline-four, the Mazda doesn't rely heavily on turbo boost. Throttle response and power delivery are smooth and linear. Despite 256 horsepower and a best-in-test 320 pound-feet of torque, the Mazda trailed the Ford and the Dodge in most acceleration tests but was solidly in the upper echelon. Although they worked harmoniously together, the biggest-displacement engine and the transmission with the fewest ratios were not a winning pair at the gas pump; the CX-50's 23-mpg average brought up the rear in this measure.

Despite falling short in some practical measures, the Mazda's combination of a solid powertrain and winning chassis made it the vehicle we most wanted to drive and live with. And the plush, high-quality interior is a fine place to spend time, even when sitting in traffic. The real world can often be unglamorous, but the Mazda proves that the right compact SUV can elevate the mundane.

2024 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus 256-hp turbocharged inline-4, 6-speed automatic, 3864 lb Base/As-Tested: $44,675/$44,675 C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 6.4 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec @ 92 mph Braking, 70­–0 mph: 167 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g C/D observed fuel economy: 29 mpg

.css-1updq97:before{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;left:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;} Comparison Test .css-1e2ieb7:after{background-color:#000000;color:#fff;right:0;width:50%;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:48%;height:0.125rem;content:'';position:absolute;z-index:-2000000;}

2023 BMW M2 vs. 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Tested: Mazda CX-50 vs. VW Tiguan Split Hairs

2001 Mid-Size Luxury SUV Showdown: Urban Cowpokes

Comparison Test: Dodge Hornet vs. Ford Escape

Comparison Test: Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V

1999 Ford F-250 SuperDuty vs GMC Sierra 2500

Tested: 1999 Nissan Xterra vs. Jeep Cherokee Sport

1999 BMW 328i vs 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro

View Photos of the 1999 BMW 328i vs. 1998 Audi A4

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD vs. 2023 Chevy Colorado ZR2

2023 Honda Accord vs. Toyota Prius: Hybrid Theory