Lightest Camper Options: Exploring Minimalist Travel

If you're looking for a camper that's easy to tow, there are plenty of lightweight options available. Travel trailers are a popular choice for those who want to enjoy the comforts of home while camping and there are several models that weigh less than 5,000 pounds. For example, the Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer weighs just 2,839 pounds and the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth Travel Trailer, which is 12 feet in length, weighs only 900 pounds. The ultra-lightweight Rove Lite by Travel Lite RV is another option that can be pulled by even the smallest vehicles. If you're looking for something a little bigger, the Highland Ridge Open Range Travel Trailer sleeps up to 10 people and has a weight of 4,840 - 6,215 pounds.

Ultra-lightweight options

If you're looking for an ultra-lightweight option, there are several trailers that weigh less than 3,000 lbs. Here are some options:

• Travel Lite Rove Lite: Weighing just 2,500 lbs, the Rove Lite is one of the lightest options available. It features an aerodynamic teardrop design and is crafted from Hydro-Lite material, making it easy to tow behind small vehicles. It comes with a variety of standard features, including a high-rise kitchen faucet, a solid surface kitchen and table, a 12-volt 3.3 cu ft refrigerator, and a 2-burner stainless steel stovetop. The base MSRP for the Rove Lite is $28,499.
• TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth: At just 12 feet in length and 900 lbs, the TigerMoth is a lightweight and comfortable option for camping. It features a solar-powered exterior shower, a grill, and a bike rack. You can also opt for additional upgrades like AC. The price of the TigerMoth ranges from $8,000 to $31,204.
• Aliner Classic Travel Trailer: This pop-up camper has a distinctive triangle shape when in towable mode and is easy to tow. It offers flexible sleeping arrangements with a choice between a full or sofa bed. It also comes with a sink, a stove, a half-fridge, and a microwave. There is no built-in bathroom, but it does have an outside shower. The weight of the Aliner Classic is 1,590 lbs, and the price ranges from $7,000 to $24,000.
• Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Travel Trailer: The Geo Pro is another lightweight option, with some floor plans weighing less than 1,800 lbs. It includes features like a stove/grill combination, a furnace, and options for Wi-Fi boosting and TV. Forest River also offers larger floor plans and upgrades for those who want more space and amenities. The weight of the Geo Pro ranges from 1,133 lbs to 3,161 lbs, and the price ranges from $8,000 to $31,000.
• Airstream Sport: Airstream offers two different-sized versions of its Sport travel trailer: a smaller option with a wet bath and a larger option (22FB) with a complete bathroom. Both versions are suitable for towing by SUVs or small pickups. The weight of the Airstream Sport ranges from 2,900 lbs to 3,600 lbs, and the price ranges from $40,000 to $47,467.
• Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer: The R-Pod offers eleven different floor plans to choose from, allowing you to find the layout that best suits your needs. You can also choose between a single queen-sized bed or bunks. The weight of the R-Pod is 2,839 lbs, and the price ranges from $8,000 to $31,204.

Small campers

Scamp Trailers

Scamp offers three sizes of trailers: a small lightweight 13-footer, a mid-size 16-footer, and the largest 19-foot trailer. The small 13' trailer is durable, lightweight, and aerodynamic, making it easy to tow and manoeuvre. It is designed to be towed by small cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks, and its unique aerodynamic design ensures high fuel efficiency. Scamp trailers are a perfect choice for those looking for a convenient and budget-friendly way to camp.

Airstream Sport

Airstream's Sport travel trailer comes in two different sizes, both suitable for SUV or small pickup towing. The smaller version has a wet bath, while the larger 22FB model offers a complete bathroom. Both trailers provide ample storage space and amenities, all packaged in a sleek aluminium finish.

Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer

The Forest River R-Pod Travel Trailer offers eleven different floor plans to choose from, allowing you to find the layout that best suits your needs. You can opt for a single queen-sized bed or bunks, depending on your preferences. With a weight of 2,839 pounds and a price range of $8,000 to $31,204, it is a versatile and affordable option.

TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth Travel Trailer

The TigerMoth trailer, with a length of twelve feet, is extremely lightweight and easy to tow. While it may not be suitable for full-time use, it provides a comfortable and cosy interior, perfect for tailgating. It includes impressive features such as a solar-powered exterior shower, a grill, and a bike rack. You also have the option to add upgrades like air conditioning.

Aliner Classic Travel Trailer

The Aliner Classic is a pop-up camper with a distinctive triangle shape when in towable mode. It offers a choice between a full or sofa bed and comes equipped with a sink, stove, half-fridge, and microwave. While it does not have a built-in bathroom, it includes an outside shower, and you can always opt for a bathroom tent if needed. With a weight of 1,590 pounds and a price range of $7,000 to $24,000, it is a great option for those seeking a classic and easy-to-tow camper.

Pop-up campers

Aliner Classic Travel Trailer

The Aliner Classic is a pop-up camper with a distinctive triangle shape when in towable mode. It offers a full or sofa bed, a sink, a stove, a half-fridge, and a microwave, allowing you to upgrade from camping to a more homelike experience. While it doesn't have a built-in bathroom, it does include an outside shower, and you can always invest in a bathroom tent for more privacy. The Aliner Classic weighs only 1,590 pounds and is priced between $7,000 and $24,000. It is also easy to set up and can be towed with an average-sized car, making it a convenient option for those looking for a lightweight and manoeuvrable camper.

SylvanSport GO

The SylvanSport GO is a lightweight and spacious pop-up camper that was designed to bring back the fun and adventure of camping. It can be towed by almost any vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency or causing excessive wear and tear. With a weight of only 840 lbs, the GO is a mini camper that offers unmatched comfort and convenience. It features a spacious pop-up tent that can sleep four or more people on self-inflating mattresses. It also provides tons of storage space, including a lockable and waterproof storage box that doubles as a cooler. The SylvanSport GO is perfect for those who want a lightweight and versatile camper without compromising on comfort and amenities.

VIDA Campers

VIDA Campers offers lightweight pop-up tent campers that are perfect for simplifying your camping adventures. Their all-aluminum pop-up campers start at 690 lbs, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight option. VIDA Campers are family-sized and can sleep up to six people. They are also car-towable, so you don't need a large vehicle for transportation. With their innovative construction and elegant design, VIDA Campers provide a blend of elegance and functionality for your camping trips.

Towing considerations

When considering a lightweight camper, it's important to keep in mind the towing capacity of your vehicle. Be sure to check your vehicle's towing capacity and the weight of the camper, including its cargo, to ensure your vehicle can safely handle the load. Keep in mind that you may need to invest in a new vehicle or hitch if your current setup can't accommodate the weight of the camper.

Another factor to consider is the ease of towing. Some campers are designed with aerodynamics in mind, which can improve fuel efficiency and make them easier to tow. Additionally, the length of the camper can impact your driving experience, as longer campers may be more difficult to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces.

It's also important to consider the type of hitch required for the camper. Traditional hitches are more common and less expensive, but some campers may require a specialised hitch, such as a fifth-wheel gooseneck hitch. Ensure you have the proper hitch and that it is installed correctly to avoid safety hazards.

When towing a camper, it's crucial to be mindful of weight distribution. Avoid using a weight distribution hitch or sway control hitch as it can void the warranty on some campers. Instead, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the best practices for towing their specific model.

Lastly, consider the setup process when you reach your destination. Pop-up trailers, for example, require setup and teardown at each campsite, which can be time-consuming and may not be ideal in bad weather. Other campers may have slide-outs or other features that impact the setup process, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the process before hitting the road.

Aerodynamic design

When it comes to lightweight campers, aerodynamic design is a key feature that improves fuel efficiency and towing capabilities. Here are some insights into the aerodynamic design of lightweight campers:

The shape and construction of a lightweight camper play a crucial role in its performance and efficiency. An aerodynamic design minimizes wind resistance, allowing the camper to slice through the air with less drag. This design principle is applied to the overall silhouette of the camper, as well as individual components.

Teardrop and Fiberglass Trailers

Teardrop trailers are a prime example of aerodynamic design in lightweight campers. Their name comes from their distinctive shape, with a rounded front and tapered rear. This teardrop profile helps them cut through the air efficiently, reducing fuel consumption for the towing vehicle. The Rove Lite by Travel Lite RV is a great illustration of this design, crafted from Hydro-Lite material for an ultra-lightweight and aerodynamic package.

Fiberglass trailers, such as those offered by Scamp, also showcase an aerodynamic design. The sleek and smooth exterior of fiberglass campers reduces wind resistance, making them highly efficient to tow. The Scamp trailers, with their hard shell fiberglass construction, are not only lightweight but also easy to maneuver and provide excellent fuel efficiency.

Lightweight and Resilient Materials

The choice of materials is another important aspect of aerodynamic design. Lightweight materials like fiberglass, aluminum, and composite materials are used to keep the overall weight of the camper low. These materials are carefully crafted to minimize air resistance, ensuring the camper glides smoothly through the air.

Additionally, ultra lite travel trailers often feature resilient materials for both the interior and exterior. This combination of lightweight and durable materials optimizes the camper's performance, making it easier to tow and improving fuel efficiency.

Towing Capabilities

The aerodynamic design of lightweight campers expands the range of vehicles capable of towing them. With reduced wind resistance and overall weight, these campers can be towed by smaller cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks. This versatility in towing options makes lightweight campers more accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

In summary, the aerodynamic design of lightweight campers is a critical aspect that enhances fuel efficiency, improves towing capabilities, and broadens the possibilities for outdoor adventures. By employing sleek profiles, lightweight materials, and efficient construction, these campers offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the great outdoors.

Frequently asked questions