Ultimate Guide To The Best Small Travel Trailers Of 2021
Small travel trailers are all the rage these days. They are a wise investment for those buying their first camper to those buying their tenth.
They are typically around 20 feet long and no more than 5000 pounds fully loaded. The length and weight of these small travel trailers equates to easier towing. In fact, most could be pulled with a mid-size SUV.
Benefits of small travel trailers
Affordable
Small travel trailers are the most budget-friendly types of campers on the market. The price typically ranges between $8000 – $23,000 which is less than the cost of a new SUV.
Compact and Convenient
Because of their size, small travel trailers are driveway friendly. This benefit alleviates the need to spend additional money on storage. Having the camper parked at your home also adds convenience when it comes time to fill it with your gear and hitch up. You’ll get on the road a lot quicker.
Amenities
There is no shortage of amenities packed into these models. You will find bathrooms, entertainment, dining, and private bedrooms in many of these smaller travel trailers. You get to decide how luxurious you want to be.
Forest River r-pod 192
This uniquely-shaped r-pod 192 travel trailer offers affordable luxury with one of the lowest tow weights of 2979. The floorplan includes a modern design with sleeping for up to 4.
The dinette provides flexibility for sleeping as well as working or dining. This model includes a dry bath and an optional, removable outside kitchen.
Features:
- GVWR (fully loaded) 3900 lbs
- Length of 20.4 feet
- Fresh, gray, and black water tanks all 30 gallons
- 13.5 BTU air conditioner
- Murphy bed to increase square footage
- Central vacuum
- Outdoor shower
- Optional awning
Airstream Bambi 16RB
The bar was set high when Airstream launched their lightweight, space-maximizing Bambi model in 2020. Previously, Bambi was the nickname for their smallest single-axle travel trailers. Now Bambi officially has it’s own family.
Not to worry, Bambi offers the same iconic Airstream style and quality. This includes windows galore to make you one with nature.
Each of the four floor plans have a dedicated sleeping space, dinette, a kitchen area, and bath. The dinette is convertible which allows for sleeping up to 4.
Features on this small travel trailer:
- GVWR 3500
- Length of 15.11 feet
- Light gray and warm white neutral interiors
- Stainless steel appliances
- Stove top cover for more counter space
- Exterior shower
- Pillow-top memory foam mattress
- Retractable awning
nuCamp TAB 400
TAB 400 is the largest and most spacious of nuCamp’s small teardrop travel trailers. There is a dedicated queen sleeping area along with a convertible dinette for one more person, typically a child.
The sleek modern design creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. Because of the teardrop shape, there are curved walls over the bed and dinette area enhanced with skylights for stargazing or wildlife watching.
Convenience package features:
- GVWR 3900 lbs
- Length of 18.3 feet
- Dual pane windows
- Screen/shade system
- Large front picture window
- 3-speed Fan-Tastic fan
- Instant hot water heater
- Air conditioning
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 183RB
For 15 years in a row, the Jayco Jay Flight is the #1 selling small travel trailer in North America. Floorplan, quality construction, and affordability are some of the reasons for this distinction.
Model 183RB sleeps 2-3 comfortably and has a a rear, spacious bath with a tub. Counter space is plentiful and a large dinette makes mealtime a breeze.
Features of this small travel trailer:
- GVWR 4100
- Length of 21 feet
- 10 foot power awning with LED lights and speakers
- 14 inch Goodyear tires
- LED lighting
- 8000 BTU air conditioning
Winnebago Micro Winnie 2100BH
The 2100BH model includes a bunk to sleep up to 5. This is the most room of any of the Micro Winnie line of small travel trailers. There is a divider curtain to give privacy to the queen bed in the front end of the camper.
The Micro Winnie is a only 7 feet wide. Therefore, it allows for greater visibility while towing and turning.
Other features include:
- GVWR 5000 lbs
- Length of 21.11 feet
- Exterior pack-n-play to easily add your gear
- USB charge ports and WiFi prep
- Wireless cell phone charger
- Microwave convection combo
- Dinette slide-out
Happier Camper Traveler
New in 2020, the Traveler model is for those who want all the comforts of home with a cute retro vibe. Happier Camper’s small travel trailers are equipped to go off-road with a new lifted package.
Five panoramic windows make it easy to bring the outdoor scenery into your camper for all the feels. The length and weight of the Traveler makes it towable by a standard car as well as an SUV.
The two living spaces are fully customizable to create an office, dining space, sleeping quarters, or a lounge area in minutes.
Comfort package features:
- GVWR 3500 lbs
- Length of 17 feet
- 17 gallon fresh and gray water tanks
- Dry or plumbed (with black tank) toilet options
- High-quality 100% fiberglass construction
- Solar ready
- Modular components create indoor-outdoor furniture
Get a sneak peek of the new Happier Camper Traveler in this video:
Casita Spirit Deluxe
Casita offers a durable, single axle lightweight construction that improves fuel efficiency. The Spirit Deluxe is simple to set up and maneuver so there is a much shorter learning curve for all the newbies.
Two separate sleeping areas convert into dinette tables providing comfortable seating for six. This makes this camper the perfect choice for families. Casita also offers a bunk option.
“When it comes to ease of towing, the only thing
Trailer Life Magazine
that can follow you better is your own shadow.”
Features of this small travel trailer:
- GVWR 3500 lbs
- Length of 17 feet
- Wet bath
- Modern, sleek interior with two light color options
- Large screened panoramic windows
- Mach 8 ultra-low profile air conditioner
Keystone Hideout 177RD
The affordably priced Hideout line from Keystone offers a wide variety of single-axle small travel trailers and fifth wheels. All come with a 3-year limited structural warranty.
The clean, crisp interior is pleasing to the eyes and provides all the comforts of home. There are two decor options to meet your design standards . All units are equipped with a new antenna that integrates 4G LTE and WiFi.
Features:
- GVWR 4400 lbs
- Length of 21.5 feet
- 13.5 BTU air conditioner
- Exterior speakers
- Lighted, adjustable 10-foot awning
- Large pass-thru storage
KZ Sportsmen Classic 170MB
The ultra-lightweight Sportsmen Classic line is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. The 170MB floorplan boasts larger livable square footage because of the Murphy bed. When the bed is up, there is a loveseat available for entertaining.
For the adventurers, there is an available off-road package. It includes 15″ mud tires, extra ground clearance, and a heated holding tank.
Additional features of this small travel trailer:
- GVWR 3500 lbs
- Length of 22 feet
- Pass-thru storage
- 12 foot awning
- Alum-a-Tough roofing with 12 year limited warranty
- Tinted windows
Taxa Mantis Trailer
The Mantis is a rugged 19-foot habitat that sleeps up to 4 adults. This funky adventure-mobile will easily go with all your outdoor toys deep into the mountains. When closed, this small travel trailer is even parkable in most garages.
Don’t let the size fool you. When you pop-up the top of the Mantis, you extend your living space height by over 3 feet. Premium features include a wet bath with a shower and toilet to be completely self-sufficient.
Additional features:
- GVWR 4200 lbs
- Length of 19 feet
- Sleeps up to 4 adults with optional folding couch bunk bed system
- 8000 BTU air conditioner
- Pass-thru window
- Roof top cargo storage
- 8 foot awning
iCamp Elite
The aerodynamic contemporary design and lightweight construction make the iCamp Elite perfect for low fuel consumption.
There is a dinette that converts manually to a bed. The Elite also features a wet bath, a refrigerator, and an oven. An optional add-on is a Cool Cat 2-in-1 AC and heat pump unit.
Other features:
- GVWR 2890 lbs
- Length of 14 feet
- Gelcoat high-gloss fiberglass exterior skin and walls
- Dinette/bed with adjustable table
- Sleeps 2-3
- Modular fiberglass bathroom with shower and marine toilet
- iPod connectivity
Scamp 16 Deluxe
No need to rough it with this small, built-to-order travel trailer. The Scamp is easily towed with a small car and the aerodynamic design assures high fuel efficiency.
The Scamp comes standard with real hardwood, oak, or birch. You can choose a side bathroom to allow sleeping for up to four people or choose a larger front bathroom.
Features of this small travel trailer:
- GVWR 3500 lbs
- Length of 16 feet
- Optional 10-foot awning
- Optional roof mount air conditioner
- Gravel shield
- Gas hot water heater
- Battery pack
Hi Tina, Which travel trailers should we be looking at to get best features and 6’6″ headroom, a king or queen bed, dry bath/shower, for my wife and I and our dog, for a cross country trip, new or used, in the smallest size for ease of towing and maneuverability?
Check the fridge size. Many of the small Jaycos have under counter fridges which aren’t much bigger than our pop-up trailer fridge! HELLO!!! I’m done with bending down to get things from the fridge! Other similar small brands of trailers have nicer fridges…..
You’re list is missing the Rockwood Geo Pro!
Hi Tina,
I’d like to purchase a small RV trailer (under 24 feet) with a bunkhouse floor plan. There are so many models to choose from. So I haven’t seen all of them. But I’m leaning toward the Jayco Jay flight or the Forest river Wolf Pup Black edition. I’m willing to pay 28,000 or less but I’d like to keep it under 24 feet. Based on what I’ve seen. The Wolf Pup 17jgbh appeals to me the most. Is there one you would recommend head and shoulders above all others.
Look at the Geo-Pro’s. They’re smaller but have bunk house options and are built unbelievably well for the money.
Read your post. Did u choose one of these.? Our criteria is the same!