Are you looking for an easy-to-tow camper that you can pull with your small SUV?
If so, you’re in luck!
Because in this blog post, we highlight 15 of the most popular lightweight campers you can pull with a small SUV.
So, if you’re ready to hit the open road with your small SUV, keep reading for our top compact camper picks!
Small SUV Towing Capacities
Before highlighting the most popular compact campers for small SUVs though, it’s important to first understand small SUV towing capacities.
So that everyone is on the same page.
Compact SUVs tend to have smaller engines, lighter suspensions, smaller brakes, and less robust transmissions.
And because of this, they’re generally less capable when it comes to towing capabilities and capacities.
As seen from the below table, which shows the towing capacities of some of the most popular small SUVs on the market today.
Popular Small SUV Towing Capacities (Lowest to Highest)
| Make/Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | 1,500 lbs |
| GMC Terrain | 1,500 lbs |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 lbs |
| Chevrolet Equinox | 1,500 lbs |
| Kia Sportage | 1,653 lbs |
| Subaru Forester | 1,500 – 3,000 lbs |
| Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs |
| Ford Escape | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2,000 lbs |
| Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| Jeep Compass | 2,000 lbs |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 2,000 – 2,200 lbs |
| Subaru Outback | 2,700 – 3,500 lbs |
So before towing any camper with your small SUV, you should always check the max towing capacity of your tow vehicle, while also keeping in mind the 80 rule for towing.
Which states that you should ideally never tow more than 80% of your tow vehicle’s max tow capacity.
Best Campers You Can Pull With a Small SUV (Lightest to Heaviest)
Now that we’ve explained small SUV towing capacities, let’s take a look at 15 of the best and most popular campers you can pull with a small SUV.
Starting with the lightest campers and working our way up to the heaviest.
So that you can easily find the best compact camper for your small SUV, based on its particular towing capacity.
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod | 840 lbs | 11′ 6″ | $13,500 |
| 2. Sylvansport Go Trailer | 840 lbs | 11′ 11″ | $11,995 |
| 3. Timberleaf Pika | 1,025 lbs | 12′ | $14,500 |
| 4. inTech Flyer Chase | 1,025 lbs | 12′ 5″ | $13,000 |
| 5. Happier Camper HC1 | 1,100 lbs | 13′ | $34,450 |
| 6. Aliner Scout Lite | 1,180 lbs | 13′ | $15,000 |
| 7. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer | 1,200 lbs | 13′ | $15,000 |
| 8. TAXA Outdoors Tiger Moth | 1,310 lbs | 12′ 10″ | $25,000 |
| 9. Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0TD | 1,418 lbs | 14′ 2″ | $16,000 |
| 10. Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD | 1,465 lbs | 17′ 2″ | $13,000 |
| 11. Bean Stock Bean | 1,650 lbs | 14′ 1/4″ | $22,990 |
| 12. nuCamp TAB 320 S | 1,946 lbs | 15′ 3″ | $30,000 |
| 13. Lance 1475S | 2,600 lbs | 19′ 8″ | $45,000 |
| 14. Airstream Basecamp 16X | 2,650 lbs | 16′ 2″ | $48,000 |
| 15. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB | 2,667 lbs | 16′ 4″ | $25,000 |
1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod
Quick Specs
- Price: $13,500
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Screen Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
The Little Guy Trailers MyPod is one of the smallest and lightest campers on the market today, with a dry weight of just 840 pounds and a length of only 11 feet 6 inches.
Making this ultralight compact camper the perfect choice for those with smaller SUVs.
As it’s light enough to be pulled behind even the smallest of tow vehicles.
Despite its compact size and ultralight weight though, the MyPod is still loaded with creature comforts.
As the lightweight camper offers an entertainment center with a TV, 12V and 110 power, air conditioning, and a three-speed Fantastic fan.
The features don’t stop there though, as the MyPod also offers a molded fiberglass body, a protective gravel guard, and various accessories that can add even more functionality and versatility to the camper trailer.
The MyPod also offers a two-person sleeping space thanks to its full-size bed.
And if you need even more sleeping space, you can outfit the small camper with an optional screen room tent, which gives the MyPod a five-person sleeping capacity.
For more information on the Little Guy Trailers MyPod, be sure to check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.
2. Sylvansport Go Trailer
Quick Specs
- Price: $11,995
- Dry Weight: 840 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 11 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: N/A
The Sylvansport Go Trailer has the exact same dry weight as the Little Guy Trailers MyPod from above at 840 pounds.
However, these two campers couldn’t be more polar opposites in their design.
Because while the MyPod features a teardrop camper design, the Go Trailer features a pop-up toy hauler design.
Allowing you to not only camp comfortably but also to bring all your favorite toys along for the ride.
As the Go Trailer offers an upper equipment rack, a front exterior storage box, and a 48-inch by 84-inch tilting gear deck that can hold up to 810 pounds.
And when it’s time to get some rest after a long day of adventuring, the Sylvansport Go Trailer has you covered.
As this tent camper features a unique tent pod that can sleep up to four campers at a time.
For more information on the Sylvansport Go Trailer, be sure to check out Sylvansport’s website by clicking here.
3. Timberleaf Pika
Quick Specs
- Price: $14,500
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: N/A
The Timberleaf Pika is a great middle-of-the-road teardrop that offers a nice blend of functionality and lightweight minimalism.
Which allows this teardrop to be pulled by most small SUVs.
Designed to be the perfect small adventure trailer, this small trailer from Tiberleaf has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
From its spacious two-person sleeping cabin to its rear outdoor galley.
Which offers tons of counter space and storage as well as an optional Dometic CFX-35W 12-volt refrigerator.
Where the teardrop camper really shines though is in its heavy-duty construction, which can withstand even the harshest of trails and environments.
Thanks to its premium construction features, such as an over-built fully welded powder coated steel frame, enamel-baked aluminum sides, a 2,000-pound torsion axle, 15-inch aluminum rims, and rugged aluminum fenders.
If you’re looking for even more ruggedness and offroad capability though, Timberleaf also offers an All-Road and Off-Road package for the Pika that provides even more offroad capability.
Thanks to off-road friendly features like all-terrain tires, electric drum brakes, a 4-inch lift kit, rock sliders, and an articulating Max-Coupler hitch.
For more information on the Timberleaf Pika, make sure to check out Timerleaf’s website by clicking here.
4. inTech Flyer Chase
Quick Specs
- Price: $13,000
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 with Optional Add-A-Room Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
Coming in at the same unloaded vehicle weight, as the Timberleaf Pika from above, the inTech Flyer Chase is one of the smallest and lighted fully enclosed toy haulers you can buy.
As it has an unloaded vehicle weight of just 1,025 pounds and a length of only 12 feet 5 inches.
It’s not just its lightweight and compact size that makes the inTech Flyer Chase so unique though, as it also happens to be one of the most affordable toy haulers as well, with a price of just $13,000.
To see other affordable toy haulers, check out our article “The 10 Cheapest Toy Haulers You Can Buy“.
Despite its budget-friendly price though, the inTech Flyer Chase still offers tons of upgrades.
Including such features as a versatile interior, lots of storage space, a comfy full-size mattress, MaxxAir vent fan, LED lighting, Bluetooth stereo, and 12V USB and 110 outlets.
And if you’re looking for even more comfort and functionality, the Flyer Chase can also be optioned with an add-a-room tent, a roof rack, electric brakes, a straight or 270-degree awning, off-road tires, and even a roof-top AC with heat.
For more information on the inTech Flyer Chase, make sure to check out inTech RV’s website by clicking here.
5. Happier Camper HC1
Quick Specs
- Price: $34,450
- Dry Weight: 1,100 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Porta Potty (Optional)
If you want a stand-up camper but still need it to be small SUV towable, the Happier Camper HC1 makes a great choice.
As the Happer Camper HC1 has a base weight of only 1,100 pounds and a length of just 13 feet.
Allowing even the smallest of SUVs to tow this ultralightweight fiberglass stand-up camper.
Despite its compact size though, the HC1 still manages to pack a lot of comfort and versatility into the camper.
Thanks in large part to its one-of-a-kind modular interior called the ADAPTIV™ floorplan.
That allows you to use its modular honeycomb fiberglass floor and ADAPTIV™ components to build out the interior to fit your specific needs and wants.
Even if you need a utility trailer, as all the components can be removed from the camper.
Leaving you with an empty trailer that can be used as a fully-enclosed utility trailer.
And thanks to its dual door design and large rear flip-up hatch, loading and unloading the HC1 is a breeze.
As you might have already noticed from the price though, all this functionality and versatility doesn’t come cheap.
As the Happier Camper HC1 is one of the most expensive compact campers you can buy, with a starting price of $34,450.
For additional information on the Happier Camper HC1, be sure to check out their website by clicking here.
6. Aliner Scout Lite
Quick Specs
- Price: $15,000
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: N/A
If you’re looking for a lightweight small camper that’s easy to set up and take down, the Aliner Scout Lite makes an excellent choice.
As the Scout Lite has a dry weight of 1,180 pounds and can be set up or taken down in about a minute, thanks to its unique hard-sided A-frame design.
And with a length of just 13 feet, the Scout Lite can fit into the tightest of campsites.
Despite its small and lightweight design though, the Scout Lite still manages to pack a lot of features into the compact camper.
Including high-density foam hypoallergenic mattresses, a convertible dinette booth, and a kitchen sink.
The Aliner Scout Lite also comes standard with a number of creature comforts as well, like a 12-volt water pump, onboard battery with a solar port, LED lighting, and a Fantastic fan.
And for even more comfort, the Scout Lite can also be optioned with a Command A/C with heat pump, a front soft dormer, and a high wind lift assist.
For more information on the Aliner Scout Lite and to see its floorplan, check out their website by clicking here.
7. 13-Foot Scamp Trailer
Quick Specs
- Price: $15,000
- Dry Weight: 1,200 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 or 4 (Depending on Floorplan)
- Bathroom: Available 3-Piece Wet Bath
Similar in many ways to the Happier Camper HC1 from above.
The mini 13-Foot Scamp Trailer features the same egg-shaped two-piece fiberglass body.
Despite their similar look and design though, there’s one major difference between these lightweight campers, and that’s price.
As the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer has a starting price of just $15,000, making it less than half the price of the HC1.
For more information on the price of the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer, check out our article “How Much Does a 13-Foot Scamp Trailer Cost?“.
Which makes this stand-up camper from Scamp a great alternative to the far more expensive Happier Camper HC1 for those shopping on a budget.
Beyond their stark price difference though, there are a couple of other key differences as well, including their floorplans and their available features.
Because while the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer doesn’t offer a modular interior like the HC1, it does offer two distinct floorplans.
Including one with a four-person sleeping capacity and bunk beds and another with a two-person sleeping capacity and a full three-piece wet bath.
Making the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer, one of the smallest and lightest campers available with a bathroom.
If you opt for the floorplan with the bathroom though, it does add 400 pounds to the weight of the camper, bringing the weight up to 1,600 pounds.
For more information on the 13-Foot Scamp Trailer and to see its different floorplans, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.
8. TAXA Outdoors Tigermoth
Quick Specs
- Price: $25,000
- Dry Weight: 1,310 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 10 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (5 With Optional Roof Top Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
If you’re looking for a small SUV towable off-grid camper, one of the best options out there is the TAXA Outdoors Tiger Moth.
As this small camper makes the perfect basecamp for boondocking, thanks to a built-in electrical system, external water system, and pre-wired solar inlet.
Allowing you to camp in the backcountry for seven-plus days.
And with a dry weight of only 1,310 pounds and a length of just 12 feet 10 inches, this compact camper can be pulled by a wide variety of small SUVs.
Beyond its off-grid capabilities though, this unique mini camper offers many comfort features as well.
Including such features as a pull-out outdoor kitchen with a two-burner propane stove, cutting board, and portable sink, as well as a flexible interior with a large flip-up side hatch.
Plus, there’s even the option to add a rooftop tent, increasing the sleeping capacity from two to five people.
Also, if you like to get off the beaten path, the Tigermoth has you covered, thanks to its many off-road features.
Including 15-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tires, a torsion axle suspension system, electric brakes, full-size spare tire, and class-leading ride height and clearance.
For more information on the TAXA Outdoors Tigermoth, be sure to check out their website by clicking here.
9. Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0TD
Quick Specs
- Price: $16,000
- Dry Weight: 1,418 Pounds
- Length: 14 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: Thetford Porta Potti (Optional)
The Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0TD is one of the most unique mini pop-up campers available today.
As the Clipper Express 9.0TD features a distinctive single hinge design, that allows you to easily set up or take down the camper in a matter of minutes.
Thanks to its gas-strut-assisted single pivot point, that allows one person to easily lift the roof into place.
And with a dry weight of only 1,418 pounds and a length of just 14 feet 2 inches, this compact camper can be pulled by most small SUVs.
Once set up, the Clipper Express 9.0TD also provides a surprisingly spacious interior with plenty of room to sleep two people comfortably.
And there’s even the option to add an optional Thetford Porta Potti for a camp bathroom if you so choose.
Additionally, the Clipper Express 9.0TD is also one of the most affordable campers on our list, with a base price of just $16,000, making it one of the most budget-friendly campers available.
For more information on the Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0TD and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out their website by clicking here.
10. Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD
Quick Specs
- Price: $13,000
- Dry Weight: 1,465 Pounds
- Length: 17 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Bathroom: N/A
While the classic pop-up camper, with dual opposing fold-out bunks, is not as popular as it once was.
This type of traditional pop-up camper still offers many benefits over small teardrop campers and more modern pop-up camper designs.
Most notable of which is its higher sleeping capacity.
As can be seen on the Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD, which has a five-person sleeping capacity without requiring an optional add-on tent.
Beyond the higher sleeping capacity though, more traditional pop-ups also offer numerous create comforts not typically found on smaller teardrop or ultralightweight campers.
Including a four-person dinette booth, ample storage space, and a full-featured kitchenette.
And as is the case for the Rockwood 1640LTD a 20,00 BTU furnace, heated mattresses, a seven-foot awning, an optional power lift system, 100W solar panel, and a roof-mounted air conditioner.
Also, while the Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD does weigh in at 1,465 pounds, it’s still within the towing capacity of many small SUVs.
And with a length of just 17 feet 2 inches, it’s also relatively easy to maneuver and store, when not in use.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD, you can find additional information on their website by clicking here.
11. Bean Stock Bean
Quick Specs
- Price: $22,990
- Dry Weight: 1,650 Pounds
- Length: 14 Feet 1/4 Inch
- Sleeping Capacity: 2 (3 or 4 With Optional Kid Bunk or Rooftop Tent)
- Bathroom: N/A
Like the Timberleaf Pika from above, the Bean Stock Bean is designed to be a simple minimalist style teardrop trailer.
As this basic small camper has everything you need for a quick weekend getaway.
Available in several different models, including the Black Bean, the Meaner Bean, the Mean Bean, the Classic Bean, and the Stock Bean.
The Stock Bean is the simplest, lightest, and most affordable version of the Bean teardrop camper.
Despite its lighter weight and more affordable price though, it still offers the same top-notch construction as the other bean trailers.
Including a one-piece fiberglass shell with composite side walls, a robust frame, and a rugged torsion axle.
And if you’re looking for a few more comforts than what the standard Stock Bean offers, Bean offers over 20 different upgrades and accessories you can add to the Stock Bean to fit your specific needs and wants.
Including such upgrades as a roof fan, Thule Probar roof rack, Norcold fridge/freezer, lithium-ion batteries, a 140-watt solar panel, air conditioning, and an iKamper SkyCamp 2.0 roof top tent, to name just a few.
For more information on the Bean Stock Bean, make sure to check out Bean’s website by clicking here.
12. nuCamp TAB 320 S
Quick Specs
- Price: $30,000
- Dry Weight: 1,946 Pounds
- Length: 15 Feet 3 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
While the nuCamp TAB 320 S might have a familiar teardrop shape found on other teardrop trailers, the TAB 320 S is anything but your ordinary teardrop trailer.
As this mini teardrop camper from nuCamp has a fully walkable interior, with 5 feet 9 inches of interior ceiling height.
To see other walkable teardrop campers, check out our article “10 Must-See Teardrop Trailers You Can Stand Up In“.
In addition, the TAB 320 S is also a fully self-contained camper, with a standard three-piece wet bath with a 19-gallon freshwater, 18-gallon grey water, and 5-gallon black water tank.
But the features and amenities don’t stop there on this large premium teardrop camper.
As the nuCamp TAB 320 S, also offers an expandable split bed, a full-featured kitchen, a roof-mounted solar panel, acrylic dual-pane windows, custom Ohio-Amish cabinetry, Alde® central heat/hot water system, and central air conditioning.
However, as was the case with the premium stand-up Happier Camper from above, all of these features and amenities don’t come cheap.
As the nuCamp TAB 320 S is one of the most expensive compact campers you can pull with a small SUV, with an average price of $30,000.
For additional information on the nuCamp TAB 320 S, be sure to check out nuCamp’s website by clicking here.
13. Lance 1475S
Quick Specs
- Price: $45,000
- Dry Weight: 2,600 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
At 2,600 pounds, the Lance 1475S is more than 600 pounds heavier than the previous camper trailer.
However, for that extra weight, the Lance 1475S offers features and amenities not usually found on smaller and lighter campers.
Including a full three-piece dry bath with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink, as well as a complete galley with a range/oven, sink, and lots of counter space.
Also, the 1475S offers a small slide-out, a queen bed, upgraded euro cabinetry, ducted heating, and solid surface countertops in the galley.
The features and amenities don’t stop there though, as the exterior of this small travel trailer is also loaded with upgrades and extras as well.
Including a dual-pane skylight, an all-weather package, a one-piece PVC roof, a power awning with LED lights, an exterior wash station, and a molded fiberglass front cap.
With an average price of $45,000 though, all these features and amenities don’t come cheap.
As the Lance 1475S is one of the most expensive compact campers on this list.
However, for those with the means and an SUV with the necessary towing capacity, it’s hard to go wrong with this high-end premium smaller compact camper.
To learn more about the Lance 1475S, make sure to check out Lance’s website by clicking here.
See other Lance models and their costs, by checking out our article “How Much is a Lance Travel Trailer? Full Cost Breakdown“.
14. Airstream Basecamp 16X
Quick Specs
- Price: $48,000
- Dry Weight: 2,650 Pounds
- Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
At $48,000, the Airstream Basecamp 16X is one of the most expensive camper trailers you can pull with a small SUV and the most expensive camper on this list.
You might be wondering though, what makes the Airstream Basecamp 16X so expensive?
As the camper in many cases is more than double if not triple the cost of other small lightweight camper trailers.
Well, it turns out quite a bit.
As the Airstream Basecamp 16X is second to none when it comes to its off-road and off-grid capability.
Thanks to such features as a robust torsion axle suspension, upgraded Goodyear tires, a full-size spare tire, Nev-R-Adjust® brakes, a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure, and stainless steel front stone guards.
In addition, the Basecamp 16X also offers two 20-pound steel propane tanks, a 21-gallon freshwater tank, enclosed aluminum insulated heated underbelly with 12V tank heaters, and an optional 200 or 300-watt solar package.
Which would allow you to stay off-grid in the backcountry for a week or more.
It’s not all about rugged off-road and off-grid capability though, as the Airstream Basecamp 16X also offers plenty of creature comforts as well.
Including such amenities as a flexible living space, a three-piece wet bath, a fully-equipped front kitchen, a Truma Combi™ Eco Plus heating system, a 12,000 BTU ducted furnace, a roof-mounted AC with heat strip, and a large rear hatch that makes loading larger items and outdoor gear into the trailer a breeze.
For more information on the Airstream Basecamp 16X, make sure to check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
15. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB
Quick Specs
- Price: $25,000
- Dry Weight: 2,667 Pounds
- Length: 16 Feet 4 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The last lightweight camper trailer on our list that you can pull with a small SUV is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB, which is the sister RV to the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB.
As they both offer the same floorplan, with a rear twin bed that can be converted into a single king-size bed, a fully-equipped front kitchen, and a two-piece corner wet bath.
Known as the Swiss Army knife of travel trailers.
The Geo Pro and E-Pro lineups offer tons of features and amenities that you don’t normally find on similar size and price point campers.
Including a standard 190-watt roof-mounted solar panel with a 1,000-watt inverter, an outside shower, a Teton all-in-one Wi-Fi booster with LTE prep and antenna, outside speakers, a power awning, tinted bondless frameless windows, and heated holding tanks.
In addition, this well-equipped camper from Forest River also offers interior and exterior Azdel construction, a 13,500 BTU roof-mounted AC, 20,000 BTU furnace, a Maxxair® vent fan with cover, a gas/electric quick recovery water heater, and a shower water miser to help save water while boondocking.
And if you’re looking for even more comfort and convenience, you can also equip the trailer with an optional microwave, 2nd 190-watts solar panel, pro rack mounting bars, and a tongue mount bike rack.
For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
To see other Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro models and their pricing, check out our article “How Much Does a Geo Pro Cost?“.
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