Knowing how much a small travel trailer weighs is one of the most important factors to know when towing one.
Because choosing a travel trailer that exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity poses a significant safety risk and can cause extensive damage to your tow vehicle.
So to begin, let’s take a look at the average weight of a small camper.
Small travel trailers typically have a dry weight or unloaded weight ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 pounds.
However, simply knowing the average dry weight and gross vehicle weight rating of small travel trailers isn’t sufficient to determine the type of travel trailer your specific vehicle can tow.
So to help you figure out specific travel trailers your vehicle may be able to tow, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 most popular small travel trailers and their respective weights.
20 Small Travel Trailer Weights (Lightest to Heaviest)
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | GVWR | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Scamp 13 Standard Trailer | 1,200 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 13′ |
| 2. nuCamp RV TAG | 1,213 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 13′ 7″ |
| 3. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK | 1,252 lbs | 1,953 lbs | 11′ 3″ |
| 4. Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK | 1,585 lbs | 2,795 lbs | 13′ 4″ |
| 5. inTech RV Flyer Pursue | 1,595 lbs | 2,200 lbs | 13′ 9″ |
| 6. Aliner Ascape Plus | 1,650 lbs | 2,400 lbs | 14′ |
| 7. nuCamp Tab S | 1,993 lbs | 2,900 lbs | 15′ 3″ |
| 8. Scamp 16 Standard Trailer | 2,000 lbs | 3,000 lbs | 16′ |
| 9. Casita Spirit Standard | 2,210 lbs | 3,200 lbs | 17′ |
| 10. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB | 2,350 lbs | 2,800 lbs | 16′ 9″ |
| 11. Riverside Retro 135 | 2,640 lbs | 3,640 lbs | 15′ 9″ |
| 12. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G15TB | 2,667 lbs | 3,877 lbs | 15′ 8″ |
| 13. Forest River R-Pod RP-171 | 2,937 lbs | 5,250 lbs | 19′ |
| 14. Jayco Hummingbird 17RB | 3,010 lbs | 3,850 lbs | 19′ 10″ |
| 15. Airstream Bambi 16RB | 3,050 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 16′ 1″ |
| 16. Lance 1475 | 3,225 lbs | 4,500 lbs | 19′ 8″ |
| 17. Winnebago Hike H170S | 3,260 lbs | 4,000 lbs | 21′ |
| 18. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS | 3,375 lbs | 4,479 lbs | 20′ 2″ |
| 19. Airstream Bambi 20FB | 3,900 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 20′ 7″ |
| 20. Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108DS | 4,291 lbs | 5,500 lbs | 22′ 5″ |
Understanding Different Travel Trailer Weights
It’s easy for RV beginners to become confused about the weight of a small travel trailer, as each trailer usually has several different weights, such as dry weight, hitch weight, cargo-carrying capacity, and gross vehicle weight rating.
Plus, to further add confusion, different RV manufacturers often use varying weights for their marketing and spec sheets, which can make it difficult to compare one trailer’s weight to another.
So to help clarify this confusion, we’ve defined the most common weights you’ll encounter when trying to determine the weight of a travel trailer.
Dry Weight (Unloaded Weight)
Dry weight or unloaded weight is the weight of a travel trailer when it’s completely empty with no cargo, fluids, propane, or batteries.
Basically, the dry weight of a trailer is the weight of the trailer as it comes from the RV manufacturer.
While this is an important figure to know, as it gives you a good starting weight for the trailer, it doesn’t offer a complete picture of the trailer‘s weight when fully loaded.
So when you see an RV manufacturer highlighting the dry weight of their travel trailer, take this with a grain of salt and realize this is not an accurate picture of the weight of the trailer when it’s fully loaded with cargo and fluids.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum weight the travel trailer is rated for when fully loaded.
The gross vehicle weight rating is set by the RV manufacturer and represents the maximum weight the trailer can safely handle.
Hitch Weight
The hitch weight of a travel trailer is the amount of weight a camper loads onto the hitch of your tow vehicle.
Which is important to know, as your tow vehicle will not only have a max tow capacity but also a max hitch weight rating.
Cargo Carrying Capacity
The final weight you need to know when it comes to travel trailer weights is the cargo-carrying capacity of the trailer.
The cargo-carrying capacity on a travel trailer is the maximum amount of weight you can load into the trailer without exceeding its gross vehicle weight rating.
For example, if the dry weight of the travel trailer is 2,000 pounds and the gross vehicle weight rating is 3,000 pounds, then the maximum cargo-carrying capacity of the trailer would be 1,000 pounds.
Which is a pretty common cargo-carrying capacity, as most small travel trailers can usually handle anywhere from 800 to 1,500 pounds, depending on the trailer.
What Affects the Weight of a Small Travel Trailer?
There are many factors that can affect the weight of a small travel trailer, including size, design, construction, features, and amenities.
Size of the Camper
There is no greater factor affecting a small travel trailer’s weight than its size and length.
For example, both a 13-foot and a 20-foot camper are generally considered a small travel trailer, however, these two trailers will usually have a weight difference of several thousand pounds.
Travel Trailer Type
While you might assume there is just one type of small travel trailer, in reality, there are many different types of small campers on the road today.
Including teardrop trailers, stand-up campers or “Standy’s”, classic travel trailers, and toy haulers.
When it comes to travel trailer weight though, the important thing to know is that trailer type can have a big impact on its overall weight.
| Travel Trailer Type | Length | Dry Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Teardrop Trailer | 11′ – 15′ | 760 lbs – 2,000 lbs |
 | Stand-Up Trailer | 13′ – 17′ | 1,000 lbs – 2,500 lbs |
 | Classic Travel Trailer | 16′ – 22′ | 2,500 lbs – 6,000 lbs |
 | Toy Hauler | 16′ – 22′ | 3,500 lbs – 6,000 lbs |
Construction and Materials
The construction of a small travel trailer can vary as much as its design.
As different RV manufacturers use a wide variety of building materials and construction techniques, which can greatly impact the overall weight of the trailer.
For example, RV manufacturers like Scamp and Casita use a fiberglass shell in their construction with no internal framework to maximize interior space and reduce the trailer’s weight.
While Forest River and Winnebago typically use wood frame construction, similar to how a home is built.
Using stick frame wood construction for support and structure, with interior sheeting made from plywood, MDF, or vinyl, and exterior sheeting made from fiberglass.
Features and Amenities
Another factor that can significantly impact the weight of a small travel trailer is the number of features and amenities it has.
For example, a fully loaded classic travel trailer with slide-outs, wood cabinetry, a bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen will weigh substantially more compared to a basic teardrop camper that offers few amenities beyond a place to sleep and perhaps a small kitchenette.
What Travel Trailers are the Lightest?
The two lightest travel trailers on the road today are teardrop trailers and stand-up trailers, which usually have a dry weight ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 pounds.
Teardrop trailers are generally the lightest, with dry weights usually falling between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds, depending on the make and model of the trailer.
If you want to know what the absolute lightest travel trailers are today though, we’ve put together this list of the lightest travel trailers you can buy.
Top 10 Lightest Travel Trailers Unloaded (Lightest to Heaviest)
- Little Guy Trailers MyPod – 760 Pounds
- ProLite Eco – 995 Pounds
- Timberleaf Pika – 1,025 Pounds
- Happier Camper HC1 – 1100 Pounds
- Scamp 13 Standard Trailer – 1,200 Pounds
- nuCamp RV TAG – 1,213 Pounds
- Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12RK – 1,252 Pounds
- Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E12RK – 1,252 Pounds
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth – 1,310 Pounds
- Sunset Park RV 109 – 1,320 Pounds
Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 1,000 Pounds
Finding a travel trailer under 1,000 pounds is a challenging task, as only a handful of options in the entire RV market weigh under or close to 1,000 pounds.
However, we did manage to find three awesome little travel trailers that are either right at or under 1,000 pounds, which means they can be pulled by almost any small SUV as well as some cars.
1. Little Guy Trailers MyPod
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $15,000
- Dry Weight: 760 Pounds
- Length: 11 Feet 6 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
After extensive research, the lightest travel trailer we could find currently on the market is the MyPod, with a dry weight of only 760 pounds.
Which beats the next closest lightweight travel trailer by more than 100 pounds.
A pretty amazing accomplishment considering how challenging it is just to be under 1,000 pounds.
This ultralightweight travel trailer also has a really sleek and aerodynamic look with its all-fiberglass body, frameless windows, and rear hatch door.
And while this trailer from Litte Guy Trailers is far from loaded, it does offer plenty of features to make your next camping trip more than comfortable.
Including such features as a built-in AC, a 3-speed fantastic fan, an entertainment center with a TV, and 12V and 110 power.
2. Timberleaf Pika
Quick Specs
- Starting Cost: $14,750
- Dry Weight: 1,025 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
The Timberland Pika was designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind, thanks to its available aggressive off-road package.
This package includes a Timbren axleless 3,500 independent suspension, 4-inch lift, electric drum brakes, BFGoodwrench KO2 tires, oversized fenders, front corner rock sliders, and a Max-Coupler articulating hitch.
Allowing this rugged ultralight travel trailer to go just about anywhere.
However, it’s not all about off-road capabilities with this small camper, as it also has a well-appointed interior as well.
Including such features as LED lighting throughout, a large skylight, a 4-speed electric vent fan, and multiple USB charging ports as well as a 110 outlet.
3. Happier Camper HC1
Quick Specs
- Starting Cost: $32,950
- Dry Weight: 1,100 Pounds
- Length: 13 Feet 5 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
While not quite under 1,000 pounds, the Happier Camper HC1 with a dry weight of just 1,100 pounds, is a super lightweight camper and one of the few ultralight campers you can actually stand up in, with a center interior height of 6 feet 1 inch.
The lightweight design of this small camper is just one of the things that makes this compact trailer so special.
As the trailer also uses a modular interior layout as well, which allows you to completely customize the interior of the trailer.
This ultra-lightweight customizable trailer doesn’t come cheap though, as the base price of this small camper is $32,950.
Making this trailer from California-based Happier Camper one of the most expensive lightweight campers you can buy.
Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 1,500 Pounds
When you move up to travel trailers under 1,500 pounds, you have a lot more options compared to travel trailers under 1,000 pounds.
As many RV manufacturers make lightweight campers under 1,500 pounds, including Forest River, Scamp, and nuCamp.
1. Scamp 13 Standard Trailer
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,000
- Dry Weight: 1,200 Pounds (Without Bathroom)
- Length: 13 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
No list of small lightweight travel trailers is complete without including the iconic Scamp 13, which has a dry weight of just 1,200 pounds in its simplest form, with no bathroom or air conditioning.
(When fully equipped with all options, including a wet bath, awning, and air conditioner, the Scamp 13 Trailer has a dry weight of 1,500 pounds.)
One of the main reasons why the Scamp trailer is so light is due to its construction.
As Scamp uses a lightweight two-piece fiberglass hull that’s joined in the middle without any internal framing, which also makes the camper very strong and watertight.
Despite its compact lightweight size though, this little camper from Scamp has everything a family of four would need for a weekend getaway.
Including such amenities as a convertible dinette booth that sleeps two, double bunk beds, a small kitchenette, with a sink, fridge and two-burner cooktop, and a decent amount of storage.
2. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,500
- Dry Weight: 1,252
- Length: 11 Feet 3 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
One of the most popular teardrop trailers on the market today is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK, which has a dry weight of only 1,252 pounds.
Allowing you to tow this small base-camp style camper with just about any small SUV.
Plus, despite its short hitch-to-bumper length of just over 11 feet, Forest River was able to pack a ton into this small camper.
Including such features as a full-size bed, an optional roof-mount AC, an entertainment center with TV, and a rear outdoor kitchen that includes a small fridge, microwave, and sink.
3. TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
Quick Specs
- Starting Cost: $28,589
- Dry Weight: 1,310 Pounds
- Length: 12 Feet 10 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4 (With Optional Roof Top Tent)
One of the coolest looking and most unique lightweight travel trailers on this list has to be the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth, which can sleep up to 4 campers at a time and has a dry weight of only 1,310 pounds when equipped with standard features.
Many factors make the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth unique, but one of the most noticeable is its two large gas-strut supported doors at the rear and side, which swing open to give the trailer a very open feel inside.
But its unique and industry-leading features don’t stop there.
As this small camper from TAXA Outdoors also includes a slide-out camp kitchen, a full week of off-grid capability, a flexible multi-purpose interior, and a large gear rack.
Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3,500 Pounds
One of the most popular weight classes for small travel trailers is between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds.
As this trailer weight class, allows for a lightweight yet fully self-contained travel trailer.
Such lightweight campers usually feature a wet bath, a full kitchen, additional sleeping capacity, and ceiling heights adequate enough for standing inside.
Which helps to provide a much more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
1. Forest River R-Pod RP-171
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $23,000
- Dry Weight: 2,937 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
One of my favorite lightweight travel trailers in this weight class is the Forest River R-Pod RP-171, which is one of the smallest R-Pods you can buy.
Despite its compact size though, this lightweight RV has everything you could want in a small travel trailer, including a wet bath, a rear queen-sized bed, a convertible dinette booth, and a complete kitchen that even has a microwave.
But the main reason why I love this lightweight travel trailer is due to its unique teardrop shape with rounded front and rear walls.
As this teardrop shape really makes the Forest River R-Pod stand out from every other RV in its class.
2. Lance 1475S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $45,000
- Dry Weight: 3,225 Pounds
- Length: 19 Feet 8 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
When it comes to premium lightweight travel trailers, Lance trailers are some of the best you can buy.
And the Lance 1475 is no exception to this rule.
As this lightweight travel trailer from Lance has some of the best quality finishes and amenities you’ll find in a light camper.
What Lance trailers are best known for though is their four-season capability, allowing you to camp year-round.
Which is quite rare among lightweight travel trailers.
As lightweight campers are usually only three-season trailers and not meant for cold weather winter camping.
3. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $28,000
- Dry Weight: 3,375 Pounds
- Length: 20 Feet 2 Inches
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
With a dry weight of over 3,000 pounds, the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS is one of the heaviest RVs on this list.
However, with this extra weight comes best-in-class comfort and interior space.
Due in large part to the trailer’s slide-out, which significantly opens up the interior and provides more room than you’d typically find in a trailer of this size.
Additionally, this RV also comes equipped with a full three-piece dry bath, a welcome upgrade from the standard wet bath commonly found in small lightweight travel trailers.
To see other compact travel trailers with a three-piece dry bath, check out our blog post “10 Smallest Travel Trailers With a Dry Bath“.
What is the 80 Rule for Towing?
The 80 rule for towing is a rule of thumb used when towing a trailer. It states you should never exceed 80% of your tow vehicle’s max tow capacity.
For example, if your tow vehicle has a max tow capacity of 2,500 pounds, the 80 rule for towing states you shouldn’t tow anything heavier than 2,000 pounds.
While this rule is not an industry standard or requirement, it’s generally a good guideline to follow when towing a travel trailer.
As it provides a safety cushion, ensuring that you don’t overload your tow vehicle.
Another reason why the 80% rule for towing is advisable is that the maximum towing capacity specified by your vehicle manufacturer and what your vehicle can comfortably tow can differ significantly.
For instance, your small SUV might have a max tow capacity of 2,500 pounds.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that this number is what the vehicle manufacturer is stating is the absolute maximum tow limit of the vehicle.
So while you could technically tow 2,500 pounds, you probably shouldn’t long term, as it would put a lot of stress on the engine, drivetrain, and brakes potentially shortening the life of all three.
To find out which travel trailers are the shortest, check out our blog post “The Top 10 Shortest Travel Trailers on the Road Today“.
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