Top 6 Best Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

Searching for a Travel Trailer? STILL? How DO you choose? What really puts an RV on the BEST list? Even after using our search filter of “less than 3,000 lbs” for a lightweight camper, there are 800+ travel trailers to choose from, and to be perfectly honest, it’s truly overwhelming.

But the demand for travel trailers stays strong, the quest for which ones are best, and which one to invest in. It is a steady topic of conversation and frustration. This is why we’ve again narrowed and listed a mere six, of the best ones by taking into consideration: the overall user rating, expert recommendations, and the best features available. The travel trailers of course range to some degree in comfort and convenience as well as the type of camping and travel you like to do best; and include “most important features” too.

With the ability to be able to tow an rv with your small pickup or a larger SUV has become almost a requirement. If you’ve never been able to experience the adventures of rving because of the towing capacity of your vehicle, your dream can now become a reality. The comfort and convenience of camping with an rv trailer is one of the best ways to make memories for yourself (lots of solo travelers out there every day now), with family, and friends.  We now have made a list of the 6 best travel trailers under 3,000 pounds GVWR. If you see repeats from our other posts on “best” and “top 10’s”: there’s a good reason. Most of these are “new” and exclusively 2018 models.

The Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds:

1. Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer
2. Aliner Travel Trailer
3. Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series Travel Trailer
4. Airstream RV Sport Travel Trailer
5. Jayco Hummingbird
6. KZ Spree Escape Travel Trailer

Find trailers like these for rent on Outdoorsy.

 

Why We Recommend Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer

Despite the small size, the Forest River R-pod’s powder coated steel frame and 2-tone gel coated fiberglass makes it highly durable. This durability goes a long way as the designers have managed to add floor plans with bunkhouses in it to extend the maximum sleeping capacity of this mini RV to 4 people. The 9 available floor plans tip the scales way below 3,000 pounds, allowing you a variety of choices in this compact camper on wheels.

 

 

Other features of this travel trailer are the 20,000 BTU furnace, solar charging port, EZ Glide Dinette Table among other features just as impressive as these! Undoubtedly, the Forest River R-Pod deserves a place in our list of the 5 best travel trailers under 3,000 pounds. We recommend checking these floor plans out: R-Pod RP 171 and R-Pod RP 182G.

Key Features:

• 9 different floor plans available
• Water heater by-pass system
• Air conditioner ready
• Fire extinguisher with smoke detector
• Ground fault protected electrical circuit
• 55 amp converter w/ charger

Model RP-182G:

• • Hitch Weight   385 lbs
  • UVW                  2836 lbs
  • CCC                     1049 lbs
  • Exterior Length   20’0″
  • Exterior Height   9’7″
  • Exterior Width    96″
  • Fresh Water         36 gal
  • Awning Size         Opt R-dome

  Why We Recommend Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series Travel Trailer

  Having a lightweight trailer under 3,000 lbs that still offers the same amount of versatility as its heavier counterparts is a feat, and the Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT series certainly boasts of this amazing deal. The four available floor plans (Coleman Lantern LT Series 14BH, Coleman Lantern LT Series 14BHWE, Coleman Lantern LT Series 15BH and Coleman Lantern LT Series 15BHWE) have unique layouts, allowing you the option to pick the one that suits you and your family best.

  

 

In addition, the Coleman Lantern LT series has features like a CSA uplift and seal that you can opt to make it better. Some of these other options include a 30 AMP power cord, 18,000 BTU furnace, tinted safety glass windows, a microwave, and interior speakers. Combine all of these amazing features, and the Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT series travel trailer is a definite deal for those who are looking for an RV that suits your smaller vehicle’s towing capacity. It’s the perfect choice for a lightweight travel trailer. 

Key Features:

• 4 different floor plans
• Solid State Converter w/Built in Battery Charger
• Range Hood w/12V Light & Exhaust Fan
• Residential Grade Vinyl Flooring
• Silver Spoke Rims
• Porch Light w/Switch on Light

 

Why We Recommend Aliner Titanium Series 10 and 12 and Ascape Travel Trailer

The Aliner Camper Series is rugged and a step-up for those who either had enough of tent camping, or changed their traveling styles. Choose between 10′ or 12′ boxes, lengths of 13′ and 15′ respectively. Unloaded weight is at most 1670 pounds. Titanium is designed to be your home-on-the-road, fit for rugged terrain and adventure. The Ascape is a fully equipped travel trailer. It’s base weight is 1,500 pounds and easy to tow. All pluses in our book.

 

 

Titanium Standard features include:

• USB Ports
• 1.9 cubic ft Refrigerator
• Grey Fiberglass with Black Extrusion
• Front and Rear Black Diamond Plate
• Extreme Graphics Package
• Magnetic Baggage Door Clips
• 15″ Off Road Wheels and Black Alloy Rims
• 4 Stabilizer Jacks
• LED Exterior Lights
• Dual Propane Tanks with Cover

And options:

• Furnace
• Water Heater
• Air Conditioner
• Outdoor Grill
• Lift Assist
• Awning
• Cool Cat Heat Pump (only available on Titanium 12)
• Stereo (only available on Titanium 12)

Ascape Standard features include:

 

Why We Recommend Airstream RV Sport Travel Trailer

We know we have recommended these models already. At least once. (Please read our previously published articles and details on these models. It’s worth your time.) And with sometimes mixed reviews regarding specifically cost, the Sport remains very popular, and for good reason. The price tag seems to be the biggest hurdle for most. But in this case with Airstream, you get what you pay for. Quality amenities are the mainstay with the Sport models. Fully loaded, these are travel trailers to take anywhere and remain assured quality construction as well as interiors that endure. Function, performance and beauty.  The Airstream sport is available in 2 different floorplans that  weigh less 3,000 lbs: the Sport 16 and the Sport 16RB can carry up to 4 people. Apart from its wonderfully low weight, it also features an LG LED HD TV, aluminum mini blinds, and seamless vinyl flooring.

 

As if the features of luxury and convenience in the RV wasn’t enough, Airstream has also added extra security measures to make the Sport a secure travel trailer for your safety. In addition to the standard fire extinguisher and smoke detectors, they have added Carbon Monoxide and LP detectors to make it a sweeter and safer family experience. These great features make this beautiful and safe RV one of our favorite picks. It’s hard to ignore the thought and quality that’s gone into these models.

Key Features:

• 2 different floor plans
• City Water Inlet with Water Pressure Regulator
• Hand Crafted Welded Extruded Aluminum Window Frames
• Semi-Monocoque Aluminum Superstructure
• 5/8” WBP Tongue-and-Groove Wood Floor
• 5/8” WBP Tongue-and-Groove Wood Floor

 

Why We Recommend Jayco Hummingbird Travel Trailer

The Jayco Hummingbird travel trailers are specifically designed for those who prefer a lightweight travel trailer, which can be towed easily with any pickup truck or even an SUV. You also get a smaller footprint, as any floor plan you choose won’t go over 20 feet in length. This is beneficial for those of us who have a smaller storage area.

 

 

Though small, this lightweight camper provides you with everything you’ll need in an RV. On the exterior, these RVs  have fantastic features, such as the black-coated aluminum fenders and the tinted safety glass windows. As you step inside, you’ll experience the comfort of high-density dinette cushions, LED lighting, and U-shaped dinettes (in Hummingbird 17FD and Hummingbird 17RK) for a cozy yet spacious interior. Options for Canadian standards, LED TV, AC and other additions serve as the cherry on top. These beautiful features give a spacious feel to the lightweight travel trailer, which is why we recommend it so highly. 

Key Features:

• 5 different floor plans available
• AM/FM/CD/DVD/Bluetooth stereo with speakers
• Aerodynamic, rounded profile with front & rear black diamond plating
• 30-amp service with detachable power cord
• LED brake lights
• High-density dinette cushions with vinyl backing
• Front U-dinette/rear queen bed model
• Power awning with multi-functional, multicolored LED lights with remote
• Simmons® mattress with bedspread and pillows
• Goodyear® radial tires (made in the U.S.A.) with self-adjusting brakes
• 25.5-gallon fresh water, black and gray tanks

 

Why We Recommend the KZ Spree Escape Travel Trailer

Aside from floor plans that can range from a measly ~2,200 lbs all the way up to ~2900 lbs, the KZ Spree Escape possesses various options for those who prefer its feature set, but desire a unique layout for their next family getaway. We recommend these specific floor plans as some of our favorites, so don’t hesitate to check them out: Escape E14RB and Escape E191BH.

 

In terms of features, you won’t be missing out on anything a normal sized trailer has by choosing the KZ Spree Escape as your lightweight travel trailer of choice, including a bathroom. You’ll have a 12V converter with charger, durable aluminum roofing (with 12-year warranty), and interior lighting with you on all of your trips. Other luxury options include the 16,000 BTU furnace, creating a cozy indoor atmosphere that make the KZ Spree Escape one of the best travel trailers under 3,000 pounds.

Key Features:

• 8 different floor plans available
• Alum-A-Tough Roofing w/12 Year Limited Warranty
• Norco/Bal Frame (E-Coated) & A-Frame (Epoxy Painted)
• Titanium Gray Front & Rear Fiberglass
• LED Interior Lighting
• Diamond Plate Rock Guard

• Standard Features

  • Alum-a-Tough^® Roofing w/12-Year Limited Warranty
  • Tinted Windows
  • R-7 Insulation
  • Diamond Plate Rock Guard
  • Rear Bumper w/Sewer Hose Storage
  • Self-Adjust Electric Brakes
  • Radial Tires
  • 20# LP Bottle
  • Cable Hookup
  • City Water Fill
  • Digital TV Antenna
  • 12V Converter w/Charger
  • 6 GAL LP DSI Water Heater
  • Monitor Panel
  • Linoleum Throughout
  • 2-Burner Cooktop
  • Microwave
  • 4 CU FT LP/Electric Refrigerator (E160RBT, E161RB, E180QB, E180TH, E181RB, E191BH)
  • 6.3 CU FT Double-Door Refrigerator (E180RBT, E191SS, E201RB, E231BH)
  • Amish-Crafted Rustic Maple Cabinets
  • Rail-Style Cabinet Doors w/Modern Handles
  • Overhead Cabinets
  • LED Interior Lighting
  • Shower & Toilet

 

If you’d like to try camping in a trailer like this, you can find several small trailers to rent on Outdoorsy!