RV camping isn’t reserved just for those with hefty tow vehicles that can pull anything. In fact, many RV manufacturers are producing campers under 3,000 pounds to fit the needs of those with vans, SUV’s, and small trucks.
There are many benefits that campers under 3,000 lbs. have over larger travel trailers and luxury fifth wheels. Not only can they be towed by smaller vehicles, but they do not have as great an impact on gas mileage and are easier to handle when being pulled.
There are also downfalls to owning one of these smaller campers. There is significantly less living space these lightweight options, but the floorplans tend to be designed to maximize every inch of available space.
In this article we are going to cover the top 6 travel trailers that have a dry weight of less than 3,000 pounds.
Let’s jump in…
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1. Forest River R-Pod RP-171
The Forest River R-Pod RP-171 is made with an aluminum frame which helps keep the dry weight of this camper under 3,000 pounds. It may be small, but it has all the amenities you would need for a great weekend camping trip.
With a total length of 19 feet and a dry weight of 2,714 pounds, this compact camper can be towed by most SUV’s and small trucks.
In addition, the R-Pod RP-171 has sleeping accommodations for up to four people thanks to the convertible dinette and double bed. This camper also features a 3-piece wet-bath for staying clean at the campground.
In the kitchenette you will find a single bowl stainless-steel sink, a two-burner propane stove, a convection microwave, and a propane/electric fridge.
If you are looking for a lightweight, compact camper with a dry weight under 3,000 lbs., you can’t go wrong with this model.
Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Specs:
- Length – 19′
- Weight – 2,714 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 340 lbs.
- Sleeping Capacity – Up To 4
- Fresh Water Capacity – 30 gal.
- Gray Tank Capacity – 30 gal.
- Black Tank Capacity – 30 gal.
2. Jayco JayFeather Micro 12SRK
The Jayco JayFeather Micro 12SRK is one of the smallest campers in our list. At just over 13 feet in total length, this camper gives new meaning to the word “compact”.
You won’t find any bells and whistles on this travel trailer, but you will find a comfortable place to lay your head for a few nights at the campground.
There is no bathroom or kitchen aboard so there is no need to worry about dumping the waste tanks. However, there is a 12V/120V cooler for keeping food and drinks cold and an outdoor propane griddle for cooking.
With sleeping space for only two people, this camper not only makes a great couple’s camper, but it also has a total dry weight under 3,000 pounds.
Jayco JayFeather Micro 12SRK Specs:
- Length – 13.3′
- Weight – 1,585 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 180 lbs.
- Sleeping Capacity – 2
- Fresh Water Capacity – 25 gal.
3. NuCamp TAB S
For the adventurous couples who love nostalgia, the NuCamp Tab S offers the iconic teardrop shape that defines what camping is. With a dry weight of well under 3,000 pounds and a total length of 15’ 3”, this lightweight camper gives you the freedom to take a weekend camping trip at a moment’s notice.
The interior of this camper includes a wet-bath, a convertible U-Shaped dinette, and a small galley kitchen.
What’s really cool about this camper is the options that NuCamp offers. They have three graphic options available and trim colors to match your tow vehicle.
In addition, NuCamp offers a boondocking package which includes larger 15” wheels, off-road tires, heavy duty axle, and a solar panel for those who prefer to camp off-grid.
NuCamp Tab S Specs:
- Length – 15′ 3″
- Weight – 1,893 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 190 lbs.
- Sleeping Capacity – 2
- Fresh Water Capacity – 19 gal.
- Gray Tank Capacity – 18 gal.
- Black Tank Capacity – 5 gal.
- For more teardrop camper options, be sure to check out these Lightweight Teardrop Campers That Are Perfect For Off-Grid Camping.
4. Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.5
The Forest River NB 10.5 is the smallest floorplan available in the No Boundaries line of campers. In addition to having a total dry weight under 3,000 pounds, this compact camper can be easily towed by may SUV’s, Jeeps, or smaller trucks.
Much like the Jayco JayFeather listed above, this camper has the most basic features of any travel trailer. There is no bathroom, kitchen, or dinette, but this camper does feature a slide-out propane stove and 12V/120V refrigerated cooler located on the outside of the camper.
The Overlander Package offers a kayak rack and all-terrain tires. Other optional equipment that is available for this camper are 12V LED TV, a snowboard/fishing rod holder, and a roof-top tent. What’s best yet, even with all optional equipment, this camper still weighs less than 3,000 pounds.
Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.5 Specs:
- Length – 13′ 10″
- Weight – 1,570 lbs.
- Hitch Weight – 210 lbs.
- Sleeping Capacity – Up To 4 (with additional rooftop tent)
- Fresh Water Capacity – 30 gal.
5. Black Series Sergeant Camper
The Black Series Sergeant Camper was built with beginner’s and off-road enthusiasts in mind. This camper’s dry weight is significantly under 3,000 pounds coming in at just 1,777 lbs.
This ultralight camper features all the quality build aspects of higher end campers without the high price tag. The Black Series is equipped with a custom engineered independent suspension system. What this system does is utilize trailing arms that allow each wheel to move independently of each other. As a result, the advanced technology of the suspension system provides a safer, smoother ride, no matter what terrain you pull it over.
You will also find that these off-road campers are equipped with four shock absorbers, rather than the standard 2 you will find on most other campers.
Plus, with heavy-duty 10” electric brakes (with handbrake), there is no limit to where you can take tis camper.
The deck of Sergeant camper hinges to allow for easy loading and unloading of all your camping gear. For sleeping, there is a 12’ canvas tent mounted on top of the deck.
Black Series Sargent Camper Specs:
- Length – 15′
- Weight – 1,777 lbs.
- Sleeping Capacity – 2
- To learn more about staying powered up when camping off-grid, be sure to read 4 Best Portable Solar Generators For Off-Grid Camping.
6. Casita Campers
Wrapping up our list of campers weighing less than 3,000 pounds is the Casita Camper. These lightweight fiberglass campers have completely revolutionized the camping industry.
Made in the small community of Rice, Texas, the Casita Camper offers all the amenities you find in a much larger travel trailer without the need for a huge truck to tow it.
These campers are available in five different floorplans and since they all use the same fiberglass mold, the specs are the same for each. The only differences are the layout of each floorplan and the option of including, or excluding, a wet-bath.
The Standard version floorplans have additional sleeping space while the Deluxe versions sacrifice additional bunks for an on-board bathroom.
If you want to know more about these tiny campers and what makes them so special, be sure to check out our article, The Casita Camper: A Revolution In Camping Comfort“>The Casita Camper: A Revolution In Camping Comfort.
Casita Camper Standard/Deluxe Specs:
- Length – 17′
- Dry Weight – 2,210/2,480 Pounds
- Hitch Weight – 350 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity – Up To 6 (depending on floorplan)
- Fresh Water Tank – 25 Gallon
- Gray Water Tank – 18 Gallon
- Black Water Tank – 15 Gallon (deluxe models only)
In Conclusion
By now you can see that there are many campers that weigh less than 3,000 pounds. This list is just a small sample of what’s available on the market. Before choosing a camper that best suits you and your family’s needs, always check your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Another consideration to keep in mind is how often you’ll be using this camper. If you plan to take an occasional trip to the campground every year, spending tons of money on a huge travel trailer may not be the best choice.
What are your thoughts on the top 6 campers under 3,000 pounds? Do you or someone you know have any of the campers listed here? If so, leave us a comment and let us know.
