Finding a lightweight 5th-wheel toy hauler can be challenging, as neither 5th wheels nor toy haulers are known for their lightweight design.
So when you combine the two RV classes together (5th wheel + toy hauler), finding a lightweight option can be almost impossible.
As many 5th-wheel toy haulers have unloaded vehicle weights starting at over 12,000 pounds!
And that’s before you load anything into the camper.
As those same 5th wheels will often have cargo-carrying capacities of 4,000 pounds and gross vehicle weight ratings of 16,000 pounds.
Which requires the most robust and capable tow vehicles, such as a one-ton truck or higher.
Think Ford F-350 or F-450.
Because of this, we created this blog post, which highlights the lightest 5th-wheel toy haulers.
So you can find the perfect lightweight option based on your needs and your tow vehicle’s max tow capacity.
Lightest 5th Wheel Toy Haulers (Lightest to Heaviest)
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | Length | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dune Sport DW5SK 24 Foot | 6,460 lbs | 24′ | $31,160 |
| 2. KZ RV Sportster 280TH | 8,100 lbs | 32′ 6″ | $50,000 |
| 3. Forest River XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE | 8,348 lbs | 32′ 6″ | $45,000 |
| 4. Forest River XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE | 8,702 lbs | 32′ 6″ | $48,000 |
| 5. KZ RV Sportster 311TH10 | 8,810 lbs | 34′ | $60,000 |
| 6. Forest River Stealth SA2816G | 9,640 lbs | 33′ 5″ | $82,000 |
| 7. Palomino Puma Unleashed 382THS | 10,218 lbs | 39′ 10″ | $50,000 |
| 8. Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5 | 10,724 lbs | 35′ | $70,000 |
1. Dune Sport DW5SK 24 Foot
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $31,160
- Dry Weight: 6,460 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,940 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 10,400 Pounds
- Length: 24 Feet
- Slide-Outs: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
The lightest and shortest 5th wheel toy hauler on the market today is the Dune Sport DW5 24 Foot, which has a dry weight of 6,640 pounds.
In fact, there isn’t any other fifth-wheel toy hauler that even comes close to the weight of the DW5 24 Foot.
As the second lightest 5th wheel toy hauler, the KZ RV Sportster 280TH (#2 on this list) is almost 2,000 pounds heavier compared to the DW5 24 Foot.
So if weight is your primary concern and you need the absolutely lightest 5th wheel toy hauler available, due to a more limited tow vehicle, like a Ford F-150 or a Dodge RAM 1500.
There is really no other option than the Dune Sport DW5 24 Foot.
As the Dune Sport DW5 24 Foot is one of the few 5th-wheel toy haulers that’s actually half-ton towable.
Dune Sport DW5SK 24 Foot Floorplan
It’s not all good news for the Dune Sport DW5 24 Foot though.
As the 5th wheel’s lighter weight and shorter length make it a far less cable and comfortable fifth-wheel toy hauler, even when compared to other lightweight options.
Starting with its toy hauling capability, because while its payload/cargo-carrying capacity is respectable at just under 4,000 pounds, its smaller garage area doesn’t allow a lot of room to store outdoor gear and toys, especially larger toys like ATVs and UTVs.
As the garage/cargo area on the DW5 24 Foot only measures 11 feet 2 inches long by 6 feet wide at its narrowest point.
Plus, because of the smaller size and lightweight design comfort does take a bit of a hit as well.
As there’s not a lot of room to hang out or relax inside the camper and few comfort and convenience features.
Beyond the most basic of amenities, including a four-person sleeping capacity, a convertible dinette area, a three-piece dry bath, and a small kitchenette.
The good news though is that the Arizona-based Dune Sport, which sells all its campers fully customizable and factory direct, offers a wide variety of 5th-wheel toy haulers, including larger models.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that once you start moving into larger and longer Dune Sport models the weight also quickly starts to go up.
For more information on the Dune Sport DW5 24 Foot and to see other lightweight options that they offer, check out their website by clicking here.
2. KZ RV Sportster 280TH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $50,000
- Dry Weight: 8,100 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,630 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,400 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,500 Pounds
- Length: 32 Feet 6 Inches
- Slide-Outs: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 5 – 7
The second lightest 5th-wheel toy hauler on the market today is the KZ RV Sportster 280TH, which has a dry weight of 8,100 pounds and a length of 32 feet 6 inches.
Just because this toy hauler 5th wheel offers a lightweight design though, doesn’t mean it’s light on features and amenities.
As the KZ RV Sportster 280TH, comes with a full range of comfort and convenience features.
Starting with its many garage features and upgrades.
KZ RV Sportster 280TH Floorplan
As the Sportster 280TH offers a large garage area, measuring 12 feet 3 inches long at full width with a total depth of 18 feet 11 inches, allowing you to load even the largest of toys into the back.
The fifth wheel also offers many garage convenience features as well, including multiple tie-down points, a full-size ramp door, and even an optional 30-gallon fuel tank.
Allowing you to refuel your toys even in the middle of nowhere.
But, the Sportster 280TH’s awesome lightweight design doesn’t stop there, as it also offers a full range of comfort and convenience features as well in the living space.
Including a fully equipped kitchen, ample seating, a private front owner’s suite, and a spacious three-piece dry bath, with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
One of the best features of this fifth wheel though has to be its high sleeping capacity.
As this fifth-wheel toy hauler from KZ RV can sleep up to seven at a time when the camper is equipped with the optional power lift bed at the rear of the fifth wheel in the garage area.
For more information on the KZ RV Sportster 280TH and to see a 360-degree virtual tour of the inside, check out KZ RV’s website by clicking here.
3. Forest River XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE
*Video showcases the previous year’s model and trim level, the 301LRLE.
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $45,000
- Dry Weight: 8,348 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,456 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,308 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,656 Pounds
- Length: 32 Feet 6 Inches
- Slide-Outs: None
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
The third lightest 5th-wheel toy hauler is the Forest River XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE, which was previously known as the XLR Micro Bost 301LRLE.
Coming in at 8,348 pounds unloaded, the Micro Boost 301XLRE provides a lightweight design while still offering plenty of capability.
Starting with its large garage area, which measures 17 feet long by 7 feet 9 inches wide.
Although to be fair, as is the case with most 5th-wheel toy haulers, this is not fully usable garage space.
As there are certain design and living elements in the cargo area that impede the usability of the garage, such as a built-in kitchen and various furniture pieces.
However, for a toy hauler fifth wheel that’s only 32 feet long and 8 feet wide, the 301XLRE offers class-leading usable cargo space.
Making it a great option for those that want to maximize storage and cargo space while still keeping the overall length as short as possible.
Forest River XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE Floorplan
Beyond the garage area though, the 301XLRE also provides a great living space with plenty of comfort and convenience features.
Including a private front owner’s suite with a queen-size bed and a large wardrobe, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious three-piece dry bath with a large 24-inch by 36-inch shower.
What really sets the living space apart on this camper from other lightweight 5th-wheel toy haulers though is its ample seating.
As the XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE offers tons of seating in the living/cargo area of the 5th wheel.
Including a rear seating area with opposing gaucho couches and a large dinette table, two swivel garage chairs, and an extra sofa.
And as an added bonus this 5th-wheel toy hauler from Forest River also comes with a standard patio deck that turns the rear ramp door into exterior living space.
For more information on the Forest River XLR Micro Boost 301XLRE, be sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
4. Forest River XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $48,000
- Dry Weight: 8,702 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,674 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,172 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 11,874 Pounds
- Length: 32 Feet 6 Inches
- Slide-Outs: 1
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
The Forest River XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE, which was formerly known as the XLR Micro Boost 335LRLE shares many similarities with the above XLR Micro Boost.
As both have the same length of 32 feet 6 inches, both have similar dry weights of under 9,000 pounds, and both offer similar features and amenities.
Including such features as a large rear garage area, a six-person sleeping capacity, a well-equipped kitchen, a three-piece dry bath, and a private front owner’s suite.
Forest River XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE Floorplan
But there is one glaring difference between these two similar XLR Micro Boost trim levels, which is the inclusion or lack of a slide-out.
Because like the first two lightweight fifth-wheel toy haulers on this list, the 301XLRE offers no slide-out, while the 335XLRE does.
Allowing the XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE to offer much more interior space to spread out and relax when the RV is in camp mode.
There is one disadvantage to the slide-out offered on the 335XLRE though, and that’s the added weight it adds to the camper.
As the 335XLRE weighs 354 pounds more compared to the lighter 301XLRE, despite being almost identical in size.
Which might not seem like that big of a deal.
Especially when you’re talking about an RV that weighs almost 9,000 pounds.
But in some cases, 350 pounds of weight can be the difference between a particular tow vehicle being able to safely pull the camper or not.
Beyond the slide-out though, there are a few other differences between the 301XLRE and 335XLRE that are worth mentioning.
Starting with the larger kitchen offered on the 335XLRE, as the 335XLRE offers a much larger L-shaped kitchen with more cabinet and counter space than the 301XLRE.
In addition, the 335XLRE also offers a much nicer and larger entertainment center as well, with a built-in fireplace.
For more information on the Forest River XLR Micro Boost 335XLRE, make sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
5. KZ RV Sportster 311TH10
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $60,000
- Dry Weight: 8,810 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,600 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,690 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 12,500 Pounds
- Length: 34 Feet
- Slide-Outs: 1
- Sleeping Capacity: 6 – 8
There are very few 5th-wheel toy haulers that have an unloaded vehicle weight of less than 9,000 pounds.
However, KZ RV managed to accomplish this feat twice, with the above Sportster 280TH (#2 on this list), and the Sportster 311TH10.
Making KZ RV an industry leader in lightweight 5th-wheel toy haulers.
KZ RV Sportster 311TH10 Floorplan
Unlike other lightweight fifth-wheel toy haulers under 9,000 pounds though, the KZ RV Sportster 311TH10 makes very few sacrifices regarding features and amenities.
As the Sportster 311TH10 offers a full range of features and amenities that are typically only found on heavier and larger 5th-wheel toy haulers.
Starting with its well-equipped oversized living space that offers full separation from the garage area.
Thanks to a separating wall and door between the two spaces.
Which significantly improves the comfort and enjoyment in the toy hauler’s living space.
By reducing noise levels and preventing garage odors from entering the living space.
There’s more to the Sportster 311TH10 than just a separating wall though, as the 5th-wheel also offers a full range of comfort and convenience features as well.
Including such features as a well-equipped L-shaped kitchen, a living room slide-out, an oversized u-shaped dinette booth, and a large entertainment center with an optional built-in fireplace.
If there was one drawback to the KZ RV Sportster 311TH10 though, it would have to be its smaller garage area, which only measures 10 feet in length.
Because one of the drawbacks of having a separating wall between the garage and living space in a toy hauler is that it greatly shortens the length of the garage area.
As the separating wall prevents the living space from acting as both living and garage space, as is common on 5th-wheel toy haulers that lack a dividing wall.
For more information on the KZ RV Sportster 311TH10 and to see a 360-degree tour of the interior, check out KZ RV’s website by clicking here.
6. Forest River Stealth SA2816G
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $82,000
- Dry Weight: 9,640 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 2,210 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 4,570 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 14,210 Pounds
- Length: 33 Feet 5 Inches
- Slide-Outs: 2
- Sleeping Capacity: 7
Coming in at number six is the Forest River Stealth SA2816G, which has a dry weight of 9,640 pounds.
Making the 5th wheel 800 pounds heavier compared to the preceding fifth wheel.
This might give you the impression that the Stealth SA2816G is somehow a heavy 5th-wheel toy hauler.
In reality, though, any 5th-wheel toy hauler that’s under 10,000 pounds is still a very lightweight option.
Forest River Stealth SA2816G Floorplan
And the good news is that thanks to the heavier weight of the Stealth SA2816G, the 5th wheel is able to offer more luxury features and upgrades.
Including upgrades such as dual slide-outs, dual power awnings, upgraded interior finishes, a larger main living area, and a larger front bedroom, with a king-size bed.
To see the ultimate luxury 5th-wheel toy haulers, check out our blog post “Top 10 Luxury 5th-Wheel Toy Haulers (With Pricing)“.
Also, it’s worth pointing out before we move on to the next lightweight toy hauler that the Forest River Stealth SA2816G actually has a sister RV that offers the same layout, size, and weight just with different branding called the Forest River Sandstorm 286GSLR.
So if you’re interested in the Stealth SA2816G make sure to look into both models.
As the Sandstorm 286GSLR offers different exterior graphics as well as different exterior/interior color schemes, which you might prefer more.
For additional info on the Forest River Stealth SA2816G specifically, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
7. Palomino Puma Unleashed 382THS
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $50,000
- Dry Weight: 10,218 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 1,900 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 3,682 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 13,900 Pounds
- Length: 39 Feet 10 Inches
- Slide-Outs: 1
- Sleeping Capacity: 4 – 6
At just over 10,000 pounds, the Palomino Puma Unleashed 382THS is definitely not the lightest option on this list, but it does provide one of the best values if you’re looking for a larger lightweight 5th-wheel toy hauler.
As the Puma Unleashed 382THS is almost 40 feet long and has an average cost of $50,000, making it the largest option on this list as well as one of the most affordable.
Because of this, it’s a great choice for those looking for a larger lightweight 5th-wheel toy hauler that won’t break the bank.
Palomino Puma Unleashed 382THS Floorplan
And thanks to its larger size, the Puma Unleashed 382THS is able to offer features and amenities that its smaller lightweight counterparts can not.
Including a dedicated 12-foot garage, a dividing wall separating the garage and living space, a large living room with an oversized slide-out, and one of the best kitchens on this list, with a dedicated walk-in pantry.
Plus, the 382THS also offers sleeping capacity for up to six when equipped with the optional electric lift queen bed as well as one of the largest showers on this list, measuring 32 inches by 40 inches.
For more information on the Palomino Puma Unleashed 382THS and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Palomino’s website by clicking here.
8. Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $70,000
- Dry Weight: 10,724 Pounds
- Hitch Weight: 2,385 Pounds
- Cargo Carrying Capacity: 5,661 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 16,385 Pounds
- Length: 35 Feet
- Slide-Outs: 2
- Sleeping Capacity: 7
Rounding out our list of the lightest 5th-wheel toy haulers is the Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5, which has a dry weight of 10,724 pounds.
Making it the heaviest option on this list but one of the lightest options compared to your standard fifth-wheel toy hauler.
And the good news is that this extra weight means extra capability and features.
As the XLR Nitro 28DK5 offers some of the best capabilities and features out of all the fifth-wheel toy haulers on this list.
Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5 Floorplan
Starting with its extra large garage, which spans 17 feet 6 inches from front to back when including the hybrid garage/living space.
It’s not just the extra large garage that makes the 28DK5 so special though, as the 5th wheel also offers class-leading garage and living features.
Including a standard 30-gallon fuel station, 5,000-pound cargo tie-downs, an insulated floor, a weatherproof insulated ramp door, a retractable panoramic screen, and an electric queen bed in the garage area.
As well as two slide-outs, ample seating, an L-shaped kitchen, a king-size bed, stain-resistant vinyl flooring, and a contemporary interior design package in the living area.
For more information on the Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5 and to see a 3D virtual tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
FAQs
The lightest 5th wheel is the 19-Foot Scamp 5th Wheel, which has a dry weight of between 2,000 and 2,900 pounds, depending on its version, layout, and options.
The average 5th-wheel toy hauler has an unloaded weight of between 12,000 and 14,000 pounds and a fully loaded weight of between 15,000 and 17,000 pounds.
The lightest toy hauler travel trailer is the Forest River Wildwood FSX 181RT, which has a dry weight of 3,204 pounds and a length of 21 feet 8 inches.
Wrap-Up
5th-wheel toy haulers are one of the heaviest RV classes you can pull, as they often have unloaded vehicle weights ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 pounds.
However, this list has shown that there are lighter-weight options out there.
As some of the lightest 5th-wheel toy haulers have unloaded vehicle weights of 9,000 pounds or less.
Making them 3,000 to 5,000 pounds lighter compared to your average fifth-wheel toy hauler.
Allowing you to have all the functionality and utility of a fifth-wheel toy hauler but at a fraction of the weight.
Regardless of which fifth-wheel toy hauler you choose though, or its weight, we hope this blog post helped to make light work of choosing the perfect lightweight 5th-wheel toy hauler for you and your family!
Good luck in your search and happy RVing!
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