11 Of the Best Small Travel Trailers for Sale Right Now

Studies show more RVers are choosing smaller Class C motorhomes and towable travel trailers.

Many Big Advantages in the Best Small Travel Trailers

RVers seeking to live more sustainably, do off-road adventures, and get back to nature are ideal buyers of the best small travel trailers on the market right now. This crowd generally doesn’t mind skipping the widescreen TVs, giant leather loungers, and electronic gadgets that only big RVs can accommodate. Choosing a smaller travel trailer completely depends on your lifestyle. The luxury coaches may be nice to look at, but they may not be what you really need. Having lots of space may end up being more trouble than it’s worth.

The best small travel trailers advantages over big RVs include:

1. A small travel trailer is much easier to tow than a 35-foot trailer
2. These micr-RVs often cost significantly less
3. Small trailers have more camping, parking, and storage options.

Of course, a small travel trailer isn’t for everyone. If you travel with a large family or like to entertain, sometimes only a large motorhome can meet your needs.

Three cons of small travel trailer RVs include:

1. Small trailers have small holding tanks
2. Bathrooms in tiny trailers are cramped, or don’t exist at all
3. And tiny trailers are less comfortable than bigger ones. Period.

Decreasing the size of your RV can increase your freedom on the road! This list of 11 of the best small travel trailers on the market may surprise you. Take some time to explore the fun features of these unique models.

1. Forest River r-pod

Forest River’s line of r-pod trailers is advertised as offering affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in its class. These small travel trailers are designed to be easy to tow and incredibly functional. This line comes in 11 different floor plans.

With so many different layouts to choose from, you can decide where your priorities lie.

• Do you need more sleeping space?
• How about a rear kitchen?
• Is a roomier bathroom important?
• Want to stay away from slides?

No matter what you like or don’t like, there’s an r-pod layout for you.

The r-pod ranges in length from 19ft to 25ft, so every model is easy to tow. We think it’s one of the best small trailers because it can fit in almost any camping space. Whether you’re parking in a national park, boondocking, or just putting it in storage, it’s easy to manage.

Standard r-Pod Features

• Six gallon gas/electric DSI hot water heater
• 3.7 cubic foot 3-way refrigerator
• Two burner recessed cooktop with a flush mount glass cover
• 4-speed MaxxAir fan
• Wet or dry bath
• Outside shower with hot and cold water
• A convection microwave oven and 28″ 12V LED TV

Forest River makes the r-pod with a powder coated steel frame. This gives durability, corrosion resistance, and little to no maintenance. Unlike some smaller trailers, the r-pod has a 6’6″ interior height. Tall RVers get plenty of headroom to walk upright inside.

Upgrades for r-Pod Trailers

If you like to upgrade your options, you can always add:

• An R-Dome awning with screen room
• The solar package that includes a 110W panel, digital controller, and 1000 Watt inverter.

R-pod owners say this is one of the easiest trailers to tow, even on twisting mountain roads. They also like the convenience of the outdoor shower and how easily this model gets into the back country.

2. TAXA Outdoors Cricket Camper

If you like a traditional design in a travel trailer, then the Cricket might not be your top choice. TAXA Outdoors’s Cricket is an innovative design that looks sleek, modern, and made for off-road adventure.

Cricket is ultra-easy to tow by even some 4-cylinder vehicles. At only 15 feet in length, it is also easy to maneuver into the tightest places. But don’t discount this model’s ability to conform to your needs. It comfortably sleeps two adults and two children.

The amazing functionality of this little travel trailer is due to its ground-breaking design. Garrett Finney, is the founder, and CEO of TAXA. He worked on the International Space Station and has lots of experience designing for purposeful usage in small spaces.

It’s one of the best small trailers because of useful features like:

• A pop-up roof with five mesh windows. In tandem with the four swing windows, it optimizes ventilation and gives the feeling of inside the outdoors. You can capture the breeze, or enjoy your privacy in crowded campgrounds.
• The swing windows also include shades and screens.
• TAXA’s unique design allows you to access storage under the bed.
• A pop-up table is usable, even when the bed is in use.
• Enjoy panoramic views from the 32 x 20 window.
• The kitchen has a large counter and covered sink.
• A galley has plenty of space for prepping and cooking, as well as storage.

A huge selling point of the Cricket travel trailer is its construction.

This small travel trailer features 1-inch plywood floors with ABS laminate. A non-slip seamless nickel patterned flooring gives extra durability. The laser-cut aluminum skeleton and powder-coated steel chassis keep the Cricket lightweight and incredibly strong.

This is one of the best small trailers for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to bring the RVer into nature, it lack some amenities found in the other best small travel trailers. It’s a travel trailer that functions more like a base camp for outdoor adventure than as a home away from home.

This may not be your top choice for lounging around in or using as a workspace. But for RVing outdoor enthusiasts who want to step up from tent camping, Cricket’s ease of use and incredible functionality makes it a great choice.

3. Sonic Lite Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer

If TAXA’s design is a little too out-there for you, check out the Sonic Lite Ultra-Lite camper by Venture RV.

Why you need this lightweight travel trailer

• Eight cubic foot refrigerator
• 6-gallon water heater
• 38-gallons of fresh water capacity
• Porcelain toilets
• USB charging station with USB and 110V outlets
• Overhead storage
• 6-feet, eight-inches of standing room.

Construction features include a 1-piece fiberglass roof from stem to stern. There are aluminum rafters, R-14 insulation, and a Beauflor linoleum floor with a 7-year limited warranty.

Sonic Lite kitchens feature tons of unusual options. You’ll love the large single bowl stainless steel farmers sink. And a glass-topped, flush-mounted, 3-burner cooktop with oven makes meal prep easy. The manufacturer offers the single-axle Sonic Lite in six floorplans, all of them under 3,600lbs.

4. Happier Camper HC1 Travel Trailer

Another really cute little travel trailer is Happier Camper’s HC1. This retro-style travel trailer makes our list of the best small towables because it’s infinitely customizable. You can arrange the modular interior depending on your current camping needs.

Get to know the Adaptiv dynamic interior.

A unique system features 20″x20″ cubes. Stack them into multiple configurations for benches, sitting, and sleeping cushions. Nest them to form table or counter tops. Use their lids for storage, as a cooler, or as a toilet cover. The cubes also create sitting, dining, storage, and sleeping space that can be used outdoors. This expands your living space, and makes cleaning and storage easy. If you aren’t sure where to start, they offer configuration examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Best features of the Happier Camper HC1

• Available in 7 retro color palettes
• 13 feet long with an interior height of 6’1″
• Weighs 3500 lbs.
• Large rear hatch with wide entry door
• Thick 1.5-inch honeycomb fiberglass floor

HC1 floor plans also have built-in features like table bases, a drain, and frame-mounted D-ring tie-downs. Users have multiple placement options for table, sink, cooking surface, or cargo.

This trailer has an insane amount of options! The interior does not have divided or dedicated space for sleeping quarters, kitchen, or bathroom. This is one con that could be a drawback for those not creatively inclined. But if you like the idea of customizing your space on the fly, the Happier Camper is a great choice.

The Happier Camper HC1 interior accessories include

• Dry flush/turbo toilet options
• Heated and pressurized shower
• Kitchenette with a Dometic drawer refrigerator
• Flexible reading lights
• Rear hatch privacy screen
• Exterior loading ramp
• Contoured 100-watt solar panel package

The HC1 is also available with a lifted suspension for off-road adventures. Users love that the rear hatch makes hauling outdoor equipment easy. The interior versatility is a bonus because it can accommodate so many different functions.

5. nuCamp TAB 400

Another model on this list that uses the classic teardrop shape is the nuCamp TAB 400. The nuCamp trailer line has burst on the minimalist RV scene with attractive, functional, lightweight travel trailers. All TAB 400’s weigh just under 2,900 lbs.

The nuCamp TAB 400 comes in two floor plans, Standard and Solo. A standard floor plan has an option for either a 2-way fridge, or a 3-way fridge. Other than interior space and the slightest of weight differences, specs for both plans are the same.

The TAB 400 features an overall length of 18’3″ and exterior eight of 8’8″. This gives you an interior standing room of about 6’5″. It also holds 22-gallons of fresh water. Use the handy kitchen sink, wet bath and exterior shower.

That classic teardrop shape can be styled with attractive trim options. There’s also a dry camping package! If you love boondocking you’ll appreciate the optional 15″ sport rims, off-road tires, solar power package and structural beefing up in critical areas.

6. Winnebago Micro Minnie

Another of the best small travel trailers is Winnebago’s Micro Minnie. This seven-foot-wide trailer has twelve open floor plans to choose from and includes lots of great options.

Some of the Micro Minnie’s standard features include:

• The NXG engineered chassis
• A high-quality frame
• Strong, lightweight foundation
• TPO roof (which is heat reflective and energy efficient)
• A 13.5K BTU low profile air conditioning system.

Three of the ten-floor plans come without any slides. Trailers without slides are ideal to decrease overall width to fit into tighter spaces. Or, if you just prefer a travel trailer without moving exterior parts.

The Micro Minnie has all the modern amenities you could ask for in a tiny trailer

• Full kitchen (complete with a split galley sink and pull-out faucet)
• Generous size bathroom
• Roomy dinette
• King sized mattress that can convert into two twin beds
• Microwave, cooktop, and double-door refrigerator
• Windows designed for cross ventilation
• Exterior sound system
• Power awning with LED lighting

Micro Minnie models range in exterior length from 19’5″ (for the 1708FB model) to 25’8″ (for the 2225RL model). Dry weights range from 3,360 to 4,540lbs. The interior height of each model is 6’4″. These are great for RVers over 6-feet tall.

Why Winnebago customers love the Micro Minnie

Buyers report that this is an easy to use compact travel trailer. It’s a great quality at an affordable price. Towing is easy thanks to the dual axles that aren’t usually found on a trailer of this size. The whole unit is solidly built with many features for a small space.

Micro Minnie buyers also report that Winnebago has great service and support.

7. Hiker Trailer

If you are looking for an affordable, hand-crafted, custom travel trailer consider the Hiker Trailer.

This company offers trailers custom built to the customer’s preferences and individual specifications. These insanely customizable compact trailers can be towed with most small vehicles, including cars, mini-vans, and crossover SUVs.

Hiker Trailers are all about customization.

White is the standard color, but you can choose others. Use their Quote A Hiker page to configure dozens of options for your own unique Hiker Trailer.

When using the Quote page, you can then select the exterior features like color, trim, racks, fenders, awnings, and doors. Other options include the hitches and mounts, the heat, air, and electrical systems, and interior features like cabinetry.

If you aren’t sure about how you’d like your build, Hiker Trailer also has rental units available so that you can try before you customize and buy.

This company offers three distinct models; Highway, Mid-Range, and Extreme Off-Road.

The Highway Model

Available in three sizes: 5 x 8, 5 x 9, and 5 x 10. This model comes with a black powder coated frame, 14-inch aluminum wheels, two windows with screens, and a white all-aluminum exterior.

The Mid-range Model

This one is offered in the same three sizes but has larger 15-inch aluminum wheels a higher rated axle, and additional ground clearance. You’ll also enjoy a large rear side-opening galley door and sturdy black steel diamond fenders.

The Extreme Off-Road Deluxe

You can only get this in the 5×8 and 5×9 configurations. This model has large 17-inch wheels with 33-inch tires, perfect for off-road adventures. The two rear drop-down legs offer great stabilization no matter what the terrain and a front storage box offer additional space.

Customers generally feel that Hiker Trailers offers good quality at an affordable price. They find these trailers to be pretty utilitarian. It’s one of the best small trailers because it’s great for outdoor lovers looking for a small, easily towable camper for weekend getaways.

8. Scamp Trailer

The Hiker Trailer is more for bare-bones campers and off-road adventurers. But the Scamp is another retro-looking trailer for RVers seeking something a little homier.

Established in 1975, Scamp is a trailer manufacturer located in Backus, Minnesota. They sell all trailers factory direct through their Minnesota dealership. This company prides itself on producing American-made travel trailers and use only US-based suppliers.

Scamp trailers come in three lengths

The 13-foot trailer. This one is best for singles, couples, or small families. The 13-foot Scamp is one of the original models the company offers and has a two-burner stove, icebox, and sink. You can get it in a variety of choices in the available flooring and cushions. It sleeps 2-4 people and the rear dinette seats four. A new 13-foot layout includes a front bathroom option now.

Scamp’s 16-foot trailer. The mid-range 16-foot Scamp is a great choice because the extra length offers additional counter and storage space. This model sleeps 2-5 people and comes in a choice of five floorplans. Like the 13-foot model, the dinette converts to sleeping space and the couch converts into two bunks.

A 19-foot trailer. This towable sleeps up to six people easily. The main difference between the 19-foot fifth wheel and the 16-foot model is the addition of a loft bed at the front of the trailer. This increases the sleeping space to accommodate up to six people.

Keeping it simple for easy RVing

Without slides or complicated external features, Scamp fiberglass RVs are easy to tow and set up once you’ve reached your destination. The 13-foot model can be towed by most smaller vehicles (including 4-cylinder cars). Their 16-foot model is designed to be towed by medium-sized cars or smaller trucks and SUVs. Finally, the 19-foot model is only available as a fifth wheel.

Scamps are all built on heavy gauge tubular steel. The axle uses a torsion suspension system for independent suspension to each wheel. A durable frame is also coated for rust prevention, and the body of the trailer is fiberglass construction.

Scamp owners are notoriously loyal to the company and appreciate that Scamp stands behind their trailers and offer great customer service. These trailers also hold their value well because of their solid construction and commitment to customer satisfaction.

9. Safari Condo Alto Travel Trailer

Another company that specializes in small, lightweight travel trailers is Safari Condo. These travel trailers are inspired by aircraft design to be aerodynamic and durable. Part of the Alto line’s appeal is the independent Flexiride suspension that gives great stability to its weld-free aluminum frame.

Meet the Safari Condo

These trailers get on our list of the best small travel trailers because they’re environmentally conscious. Designers built them to be towed with minimal fuel usage and by smaller vehicles. These trailers are made with mostly recyclable materials. Three Alto models (R1713, R1723, & F1743) have dry weights under 1900 lbs.

The roof and walls of these trailers are designed with a plastic honeycomb core. It’s sandwiched between aluminum on one side and either aluminum or Alufiber (a material that combines the strength of aluminum with fiberglass’s durability). The Alto line encompasses two series of models:

The R series

This trailer is distinguished by its retractable seamless aluminum roof. You’ll appreciate how it’s meant to fit easily inside a standard garage. When the roof is down, the exterior height is only 83.5 inches. Once its roof is raised, however, the interior height is 82 inches, giving plenty of headroom for taller campers inside an exterior length of 17’3″.

There are two R series models

• The R1713 whose 72 x 76 king size bed converts to two twin beds
• And the R1723 which has a smaller 60 x 76 bed.

Both models sleep 3-4 people and have a dining area that is available even while the bed is in use. The table in the R series models can be moved to create two distinct areas, a two-seat and another five-seat dinette. These models also have a fixed flush toilet and handy storage in the toilet area.

The F17 series

This is a fixed roof model which the company bills as a “European-style.” You’ll know why when you see the double-glazed panoramic acrylic windows with a built-in blind and screen combination system. This gives the feeling of being outdoors when inside the trailer.

A larger fixed-roof model has an exterior height of 95 inches and needs a bigger garage, but can still be towed by most compact cars and small SUVs.

The F1743 sleeps 3-4 people with a 60 x 81 queen size bed and the conversion of the front dining area into a 36 x 81 bed. This model also features a fully enclosed interior shower and toilet as well as a large bathroom cabinet and a large wardrobe.

Need more space and storage?

You can’t get bigger than the Alto, the F21 series which also has a fixed roof and a greater exterior height of just over 101 inches. The F2114 model differs from the F17 model in its more spacious interior and additional storage. This small trailer is designed to fit 4 people and includes both king (a whopping 80 x 81) and queen (60 x 81) beds.

The F2114 also has a larger fridge and a more powerful heating system in addition to a four seating front dining area. A table in this area can also be moved outside and attached to the exterior of the trailer for al fresco dining.

Customers love the amount of natural light inside the Alto models. They also appreciate how this easy to tow trailer doesn’t sacrifice on stability, even in heavy crosswinds.

10. Airstream Basecamp

A staple brand in the RV world, Airstream’s Basecamp is the company’s smallest model. This unit is designed for those stepping up from tent camping or first-timers who want to try RVing.

Basecamp’s exterior length starts at 16’3″ and has an interior height of 6’3.5″ enclosed in a floor plan ingeniously designed. It features a kitchen, bathroom, and dining area that converts to sleeping space for two. Basecamp models run all the way up to the 20X, which is 20ft. long and includes loads of other features. Our focus here is on the Basecamp 16.

Airstream Basecamp 16 Features

The dining area holds two removable tables that adjust to different heights and move in different directions for customized configuration. All tables and their legs stow away inside the surrounding benches. The benches around the tables offer to seat for up to five people.

Each bench converts to either a half bed on one side or a full bed (76 x 76) across the back of the trailer. This end of the trailer also has bungee storage perfect for storing hiking gear.

The bathroom has a wet bath with a shower, toilet, and sink in one enclosed space. A stylish shower head pass-through makes it convenient to create an outdoor shower as well.

A kitchen has a two-burner gas stove, sink, microwave, and fridge. You’ll love the cooking space, which also includes spice and grocery storage. The countertop follows the curve of the trailer and faces the gorgeous panoramic windows.

While the interior layout is set, this model does come in three different interior decor themes. Another fun feature is the rear door that holds additional storage and is separated from the interior by a screen. The main door includes a screen as well.

Basecamp X Options

Airstream also offers the Basecamp X designed for off-road use with higher ground clearance and larger tires. This model also has stainless steel protectors on the front of the trailer. Protectors keep rock or other debris from damaging the unit. The protectors swing out for easy cleaning. Solar stone guards also protect the front glass windows.

Both models also offer optional tent packages. These tents attach to the rear hatch and main door to extend the trailer’s livability outside.

Those who’ve used the Basecamp rave about how easy it is to set up. They appreciate the strategically placed LED lights that make setting up in the dark no hassle at all. Customers also like how easy the rear bed is to set up. The storage bench has rings to snap in the legs of the tables so they don’t roll around or get damaged when not in use.

11. Oliver Travel Trailers Legacy Elite II

The final small RV on our best travel trailers list is also the longest. Meet the Legacy Elite II by Oliver Travel Trailer, a 23’6″ tandem axle travel trailer. The company’s most popular camper trailer is designed to be a high-quality luxury in an off-road ready trailer. Easy to tow with small vehicles, Elite II has a dry weight of 4,900 lbs.

Legacy Elite II is a four seasons trailer with two-floor plans that have either a standard rear bed (79 x 75) or twin beds in addition to the bed that converts from the side dinette.

Meet the Legacy Elite II

Both floor plans come with a complete bathroom that has a molded vanity with toiletry storage and mirrored cabinet doors. The bathroom also has a chrome faucet and a sliding frosted window with a screen and a mirror tinted glass door.

Standard features on the Legacy Elite II include:

• Dexter E-Z Flex suspension
• Dual charging station
• Flip down TV mount
• Reading light package.

Add-ons for off-road camping include the 340-watt solar package that lets you go off the grid more easily. You also get four Trojan dual purpose AGM deep cycle batteries. These RV batteries are touted to be maintenance-free and exceptionally reliable.

Attention to detail sets Oliver travel trailers apart

Another aspect that sets this Oliver trailer apart is the attention to detail like the rubber-lined storage space that provides a no-slip storage surface. The LED lighting inside the cabinetry that adds a nice ambiance to the trailer.

A generous refrigerator in the kitchen is larger than normal for a trailer this size, at 4.5 cubic feet. This trailer’s kitchen drawers feature a soft-close function that clicks them firmly into place with just a small tap.

The Legacy Elite II was designed with luxury boats in mind. It borrows many of the same boat features in the flooring, counters, and use of space. This gives the same refined feeling you would find in a state-of-the-art yacht.

The entire trailer is molded fiberglass bolted to an aluminum frame to keep it lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. From plumbing to holding tanks, and drain pipes, the system is enclosed between shells with heat. This prevents them from freezing in colder temperatures.

See before you buy

Manufactured in Tennessee, Oliver Travel Trailers offers factory tours. You can get personalized walk-throughs of their models all across the US. Another cool bonus to purchasing directly from Oliver is that they provide a customer education class when you take delivery. That way you’ll know how to set up your travel trailer. The class teaches how to use RV hookups, safety equipment, and towing.

They also pay for your first night of camping in one of their local campgrounds. This lets new buyers test their trailer right away while they’re nearby to offer assistance and answer any questions.

Conclusion

Any one of these travel trailers would make an excellent choice. Remember you can often rent a travel trailer through peer-to-peer services like Outdoorsy to try out a few options.