Road trips are always fun, exciting, and memorable. However, one of the things that can make your trips stand out even more is how you get to your destination. Travel trailers are great for this because they can make homes away from home for weeks at a time.
If you have been considering getting a lightweight trailer under 3500 lbs, there are a few things you need to consider before you make the purchase. Some of the most vital features of a lightweight travel trailer are its dry and haul weight, the carrying capacity of the fresh and wastewater tanks, and the construction material. Also, you need to check for the number of people the trailer can comfortably accommodate by looking at the bed size, whether or not it has bunk beds, or if it has any convertible beds.
When it comes to choosing the best lightweight trailer under 3500lbs, there are also a number of features you need to think about in addition to the basics listed above. These features differentiate one brand from another and will ensure that you get more value for your money. Check the trailer’s storage space, cabinets, and drawers. Also, the kitchenette and whether it has added appliances like a fridge and a microwave and how they are powered. This article will take a deeper dive into 13 of the best lightweight travel trailers under 3,500 pounds to help you choose the mobile home of your dreams.
2018 Rockwood 1905 Mini Lite Murphy Bed
This light trailer by Rockwood might be just what you need for your road camping needs. It is ideal for a small family since at maximum capacity, it can host three.
It has a Murphy bed, which you can set up in less than a minute. It also has a heated mattress for added comfort. When the bed isn’t in use, you can put it up and set up the convertible sofa under it. Both sides of the bed have silent pleated shades and cabinets for added storage. The dinette can also be converted to sleeping space if there is a need.
The kitchen has a two-burner cooker that has a glass cover and a knife rack at the back. This also doubles down as a backsplash. The cooker also has a 20-inch wide oven that can function as storage space. Right next to them, there is a washing sink which also has drawers for dishes and some cabinets on top. There is a gas/ electric powered medium-sized refrigerator.
The bathroom has a large linen closet next to the porcelain toilet. A feature that made me love the bathroom was the additional storage space above and under the sink. In addition, the sink has soap and a toothbrush. If you get too dirty, you can always use the hot/cold hot outside shower.
This unit also has a modern entertainment system that has Bluetooth and an HDMI port. Also, there is an outside TV socket for you to keep your friends busy as you barbecue with the grill that comes with the trailer.
Key features
- Dimensions: 20.92 x 8 x 10.5 feet.
- Interior height of 6.67 feet.
- 3,339 pounds dry weight.
- 43-gallon fresh water tank, and 30-gallon gray and black water tanks.
- 2 propane tanks that carry a total of 9.4 gallons.
- 13-foot long power retractable awning.
- Aluminum body and fiberglass sidewall construction.
- Access ladder at the back of the trailer.
- Automotive windows.
- 10,000-gallon water filtration system.
2020 KZ RV Escape 181RD
This new model by RV Escape is all you need for an unforgettable experience on the road.
Its floor plan places the dinette at the rear end of the trailer. It is surrounded by windows with shades from three sides. This eating space can also function as a bed if you need one. You also have lots of storage space above this area to keep food and other necessities.
There is also a queen-size bed at the front of the trailer. There are windows on each side of the bed, and one of them serves as a fire escape.
When you’re not exploring nature, you can pass time with this unit’s entertainment system. It has a Bluetooth radio and a digital TV with the antenna already set up. The trailer also has a set of external speakers connected to the radio, so you don’t have to sit in silence as you watch the sunset.
The kitchen setup is also pretty spacious, the deep stainless-steel sink allows you to wash a lot of dishes or vegetables at once. The convection microwave is also conveniently placed to give more counter space. A feature that I appreciated was the 6 cubic-foot fridge which is large, especially for a unit of this size.
The bathroom door opens up to a vinyl-floored bathroom with a porcelain foot-flush toilet so you don’t have to bend to flush. There is also a wet shower with a surrounding tub and a curtain, which keeps the rest of the bathroom dry.
Key features
- 2,960 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 11.17 feet.
- Interior height of 6.5 feet
- 6-gallon water heater.
- 20-gallon freshwater and 30-gallon gray and black water tanks.
- 20-gallon propane gas cylinder.
- 13-foot long power retractable awning with LD lights.
- 15-inch diameter tires and aluminum wheels.
2017 Starcraft AR-One 14RB
This trailer falls on the smaller side and it can sleep a maximum of three people.
It does not have a bed on either side of it. To make up for this, it has a large dinette that converts into two separate beds. One can hold one or two people depending on necessity, and the other can hold one. You can easily have a guest over with this trailer. There are overhead cabinets all around this area to store your clothes and supplies. On one end, there is a side air conditioning unit.
In the kitchen, the two-burner makes cooking faster and combined with the large sink, cleaning is equally fast. You have ample storage space for your dry foods and cereals since there are storage cabinets above and below the counter. Your perishables and leftovers are also safe since you have a compact-sized fridge. The convection microwave can be used for both heating food and baking.
The bathroom on this unit is located at the back of the trailer and it did not disappoint. Like most of the other units, it has vinyl flooring. The plastic toilet borders the shower and they are separated by a curtain. The wet shower has a floor tub that keeps the water in. Also, there are skylight windows lined across the bathroom that provides extra lighting and ventilation since there is no overhead fan.
For such a compact unit, this travel trailer is packed with all the necessary features needed to sustain a small family on the road.
Key features
- 2,509 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 7.08 x 9.25 feet.
- Interior height of 6.42 inches.
- 26-gallon freshwater, 15-gallon gray, and 9-gallon black water tank.
- Wood body and aluminum sidewall construction.
- 8-foot long power retractable awning.
2021 Lance 975
As soon as you take your first step into the trailer, you notice a handle to a drawer that stretches all the way into the step. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to storage space where this travel trailer is concerned.
This unit can comfortably sleep four adults. The booth-style dinette can convert into a bed for two. The part of the trailer that goes over the truck bed also has a queen-size mattress. These sleeping areas all have conveniently placed windows and storage closets and drawers.
The kitchen area is the first section of the trailer. Right next to the countertop, you have a shelved pantry for dry foods. With it, you have a 3-burner stove that has a cover for added counter space, similar to the sink. Under the stove, there is an oven and a microwave above it. The large fridge/freezer can be powered in three ways: propane, AC, or DC.
For your entertainment, there is a stereo system that is Bluetooth enabled and it also has a CD port. Interestingly, there is a mobile phone app that was made for use with this system and you can install it from the play store. The unit also has a 28-inch TV that you can watch regardless of where you are in the trailer, except the bathroom, of course. There are also some outside speakers and a socket to set up your TV outside.
With this camper, you don’t need to find alternative methods to get clean on the go. The compact dry bath has a shower/tub combo with skylights on the roof. You can also use the toilet in her and its right next to the sink, which has a sizeable countertop. There is also some storage space above the toilet and under the sink.
Key features
- 3,499 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 19.87 x 8 x 9 feet.
- Interior height of 6 feet 7 inches.
- A 45-gallon freshwater, 30 gallons of gray water, and 26 gallons of black water tanks.
- 6-gallon water heater
- 20,000 BTU furnace00[[pp
- Two 20-pound propane gas tanks.
- Side and rear power-retractable awnings.
- The side awning has a wind sensor that automatically retracts when it’s too windy.
2017 Jayco Jay Feather X17Z
This is one of the best selling travel trailers released by Jayco, a household name in the RV industry. This is the case because of the long-lasting warranty offered by the company together with its extensive sleeping space.
Similar to the trailer you just read about, this unit was also designed to be towed by a pick-up truck. At both ends of the trailer, there are pull-out tent queen-sized beds that take you less than two minutes to set up, which translates to more time camping. The booth dinette can also be made into a bed if bad comes to worse. The couch next to the dinette is also a viable sleeping space so you never have to worry if a guest pops by. All this space allows you to camp with up to 5 other friends or family.
The kitchenette is positioned in the middle of this trailer. You don’t have to forfeit any of your home luxuries on the road since this one has all you need. The five cubic foot fridge and freezer are perfect for storing your perishables. Cooking is also fast with a three burner cooktop and an oven right below it. This unit also has more counter space, which is essential to some.
This unit has a quaint vinyl-floored bathroom just before the rear bed. The plastic toilet has a convenient foot flush toilet stool. Another good feature was the bathroom sink. Aside from a large counter and storage cabinets above and under it, the light switches are also positioned under there for convenience and easy access. Overhead, there is both a skylight and a fan.
Key features
- 3,070 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 19.83 x 7 x 9.5 feet.
- Interior height of 6.33 feet.
- 38-gallon freshwater, 32-gallon gray, and 28-gallon black water tanks.
- 12-foot long power retractable awning.
- One power-retractable slide out.
2016 Camp Lite 16DBS
Up next is this trailer by camp lite. In addition to the functionality it has to offer, this unit has a floor plan that allows it to sleep up to 5 adults. The queen-size bed makes this possible. Next to it is a large leather sofa chair that can sit up to four people y day and by night, you can flip it into a bed.
Whether you want to fix up a quick snack or make a full meal, the kitchen on this unit will surely serve you well. The convection microwave/grill combo is there to warm up leftovers and bake your pizza. There is also a gas/electric fridge with an icebox for your cold drinks and any perishables. With the 2-burner stove, you can make both your bacon and your eggs in a short while. The cabinets over and under the sink all have beautiful finishing, and you can store your dishes, foods, and tools in there.
You also don’t have to ‘hold it’ to the next gas station since this unit comes with its bathroom. This room has a porcelain toilet and a tub and shower that can be considered to b large. The shower has both a light and a skylight on the roof. Although the bathing area is large, the bathroom is rather cramped, and there was not even enough space to fit a sink.
When you’re not outside camping, you can enjoy the TV which is on a pivot mount for everyone to watch. There are also speakers all around the trailer so your shows will sound way better.
Key features
- 3,005 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 18.58 x 8 x 10.04 feet.
- Interior height of 6.5 feet.
- 22.5-gallon freshwater, 30.5-gallon gray, and 22.5-gallon black water tanks.
- 2 propane gas tanks with a 40-gallon total capacity.
- Aluminum body and fiberglass sidewall construction.
- 10-foot long retractable power awning.
- 18 gallon per hour water heater.
- DVD/AM/FM and Bluetooth sound system.
2017 Livin Lite Camplite 14DB
Even with its small size, the 2017 Livin’ Lite packs a mean punch with all its amazing features and it might be the travel companion you and your family are looking for, provided your family is of at most 5. One of the distinguishing features of this model is that it has dual-pane acrylic windows with day and night roller shades.
For your sleeping arrangements, there is a queen-sized bed at the back of the trailer. On the space above the bed. You have the option of putting up a bunk bed that can be adjusted by changing the position of a pin. For added security, the bunk is held in place with a harness. The sofa can also be made into a bed.
The kitchen has a large enough countertop and an attractive tile backsplash and a convection microwave together with plenty of cabinets above it. This is next to the high rise chrome faucet and stainless steel sink which sits next to the 2-burner stove that has a cover for even more counter space.
Across from the bathroom, you will find your compact fridge and a small icebox that is powered by the 120 V supply or propane.
The bathroom also has an aluminum surround. Showering at the campsite is less hectic since you have a shower with a small step and a porcelain toilet with a foot flush system. There are a medicine cabinet and mirror, but no sink. Lots of natural light floods the bathroom thanks to the skylight and the power fan.
Key features
- 3,121 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 18.67 x 7 x 9.67 feet.
- Interior height of 6.33 feet.
- A 38-gallon freshwater tank, 32-gallon gray, and 28-gallon black water tanks.
- Aluminum body and sidewall construction.
- 8-foot power retractable awning
- Single-axle aluminum wheels with a 15-inch tire.
- LED lights in the storage space at the bottom of the RV.
- The screen door to keep out the bugs.
2015 Escape 19
Escape 19’s identifying feature is that it is constructed fully out of fiberglass. This model is designed and built to ensure structural integrity and durability. It also has an aerodynamic design to ensure you do not burn through your fuel while towing.
The main purpose of a travel trailer is to provide a place to sleep. This particular one can hold up to four people. It has a queen-sized bed on one end and a booth style dinette that seats 4 people but can sleep one. It has 4-inch high-density cushions so you can sleep comfortably. The beds have overhead cabinets to store your clothes and other items and there is also some space under the dinette.
The kitchen has a large 6,7 cubic foot fridge that runs on either propane, AC, or DC/ for your cooking needs you have a two-burner cooktop for quick cooking and above the cooker, there is a vent to channel out the smoke.
Next to the burner is a stainless steel sink and faucet for your washing needs. The counter and food tops are made from a material called Formica, which is known to be durable.
It has a complete wet bathroom located on one side of the trailer. The shower is hooked up to the sink and to the side, there is a low profile foot-flush toilet. You don’t have to worry about anyone barging in since the door has a privacy lock. There is also a medicine cabinet behind the mirror.
Key features
- 3,250 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 7 x 8.8 feet.
- Interior height of 6.35 feet.
- 28 gallons fresh and gray water tanks and a 19-gallon black water tank.
- Quality linoleum flooring.
- 12 -foot manual awning that extends 8 feet.
- 12,000 BTU furnace.
2019 Sol Horizon Travel Trailer
This Sol Horizon trailer might be just what you need to take your family on a camping trip. The exterior is made out of aluminum and a one-piece fiberglass roof so you can be sure there won’t be any leaks on wet days and that nobody can fall through.
The travel trailer is able to host up to 4 adults. It has a 60 by 80-inch queen-size bed and a dinette on the front. The dinette can sit up to 6 guests and converts to a bed that can hold a maximum of 2 people. There are some colored lights on the overhead cabinets that give the trailer a calm look. The cabinet doors are also laminated and shiny. Each side of the dinette has a working window and they all have shades except the windshield that has a roll down shade.
To ease the burden, the trailer comes with a few appliances. There is a front microwave positioned above the Jensen speakers which are for your entertainment. There are two speakers on different sides of the trailer.
As soon as you walk through the door, you are met with the kitchen area which has controls that are needed for lighting around the trailer. The kitchen also has colored lights and ample storage above and below the counter. For your cooking, there is a 2 -burner cooktop with a grill and glass cover, and right next to it is The sink. This one adopts a farm-style with a large sprayer faucet and a grill-like cover that can also serve as a dish rack. The countertop can be extended by pulling out a portion.
The bathroom is pretty spacious and was designed to maximize storage. Your mirror is placed on the door and behind the toilet, there are some storage pockets. The lighting here, combined with the beautiful walls gives an elegant aesthetic. It is a wet bathroom and the porcelain toilet is a foot flush.
Key features
- Weighs around 3,400 pounds.
- Dimensions: 16 x 8.5 x 9.5 feet.
- Interior dimensions: 15.75 x 6.8 x6.5 feet.
- 28-gallons fresher water and 28 gallons of black water.
- 13,500 BTU air conditioner.
- 35A electrical service.
- 10-foot manual awning.
2019 R-Pod 189
This model was released to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary and it is an upgrade of an old model. It can sleep four people since it only has a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa made out of vinyl. Right next to the sleeping area, there is a set of three drawers that pull out completely and a large hanging closet where you can put up some of your clothes.
The kitchen has a well-sized under mount round sink that has a cover and a long curved faucet which is next to the two-burner propane gas cooker. In the kitchen, there is a window for light and ventilation that also has shutters. The design used on the cabinets ensures the hinges cannot be seen when they’re shut, which gives a neater look.
For re-heating and baking, there is a convection heater that can get the job done, but it is an optional feature. There is also a 3.7 cubic foot fridge that can run on electricity, propane, or 12V battery. The freezer compartment can be taken out to make it a fridge only and the shelves inside can also be rearranged.
The air in the unit is controlled by a digital thermostat which can be used to adjust both the air conditioning unit and the furnace.
Compared to other models, the R-pod has a larger bathroom. It makes use of the dry bathroom floor plan that separates the bathroom and toilet. This sink has plenty of storage space where you can store your clean towels, spare toothbrushes, and anything else. In the bathroom, there is also a privacy lock for your own safety.
Key features
- 2,792 pounds dry weight.
- Dimensions: 20.33 x 8 x 9.83 feet.
- 6.5 feet interior height.
- 36-gallon fresh water, and 30- gallon black and gray water tanks.
- 1 power-retractable slide out.
- 1 10-foot long power retractable awning.
2019 Winnebago Minnie Drop 170S
This is a trailer by Winnebago, who has been delivering quality trailers to the market for years. this trailer surely is no exception.
The Minnie Drop can give sleeping space to a maximum of 4 people just like most of the trailers reviewed in this article. The unit has a queen-size bed right next to the dinette. On the sides of the bed, there is a window for air and one for emergencies. Also, there are USB charging ports on either side of the bed for phones. The sofa also pulls out to make a bed.
A part of this travel trailer that amazed me was the slide-out kitchen area which ensures there is more floor space at the center. Despite the two-burner cooker and the sink, there was still plenty of counter space left. The convection microwave and the medium-sized fridge are also vital for storage and cooking.
My favorite feature about this unit was the bathroom. The company went all out to get this in order. Unlike other RVs, this one has a proper bathroom, almost like the one you leave home when you go for trips.
The shower is completely separate from the toilet, the sink, and the vanity. All this space makes it possible to have more storage compartments; for instance, there is a closet right behind the toilet that can be used for keeping towels and spare linen. There are also some drawers and shelves under the sink.
For the travel trailer’s entertainment system, there is a radio with AM/FM, a CD and DVD player with HDMI and Bluetooth enabled. When connected to the TV, you get to hear high-quality surround sound.
Key features
- Dry weight 2,800 pounds.
- Dimensions: 20.33 x 8 x 9.25 feet.
- Interior height of 6.42 feet.
- 36-gallon freshwater, 30-gallon gray, and black water tanks.
- Aluminum body and fiberglass sidewall constructed.
- 1 power-retractable slide-out.
- 10-foot long power retractable awning.
2020 R-Pod 195
This is one of the latest releases in the RV market. Since it is an improvement of previous models, it has a ton of useful features that you will appreciate while out on the road with your friends or family.
This unit has a maximum sleeping count of four people. The sleeping space provided by this model is a queen-sized bed and a U-shaped dinette that can be set up to make a bed. An interesting fact is that this is the first R-Pod to be designed with a walk around bed. They then went on to put hanging closets on each side of the bed together with a set of bedside stands for placing items. There is also a USB port on each size to charge their devices.
The bedroom area is also home to the TV and Radio controls. The TV is mounted on a pivot so you can enjoy it from different parts of the trailer. The buttons to the outside speaker are also controlled by the same set of buttons.
It has a rear slide-out kitchen floor setup which overlooks a large window. The kitchen has a wide set of cabinets both overhead and full-extending drawers under the sink. There is also a two-burner stove and right above it, there is an exhaust system to assist in cooling if it gets too hot.
For extra storage, there is a pantry with removable shelves and a 6 cubic foot fridge.
This R-Pod has a dry bath design, so the floor doesn’t get wet every time someone showers. The shower has a small tub to keep the water in and a shower curtain which also offers more privacy. If you love seeing natural light and birds, then this shower might interest you as it has a skylight. The ceiling also has a large exhaust fan to keep the air moving.
The toilet is plastic but it has a more efficient and hygienic foot flush system. At the sink, you have your conventional medicine cabinet and a couple of drawers under it. Right next to the toilet, you have a net-like pouch that can serve as storage.
Key features
- Dry weight 3,587 pounds.
- Dimensions: 22.17 x 8 x 9.67 feet.
- Interior height of 6.5 feet
- 30-gallon fresh water, gray, and black water tanks.
- Aluminum body and fiberglass sidewall constructed.
- 1 power-retractable slide-out.
- 11-foot long power retractable awning.
- Screened room.
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Thank you for reading this post. I hope you found it helpful.
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