TOP MANUFACTURERS are competing to make ultra-lite travel trailers under 5,000 pounds that don’t require a heavy-duty truck for towing. Our list of favorites is broken down into ultralight RV trailers with GVWRs under 5,000 pounds and slightly heavier options with dry weights starting under 5,000 pounds.
Let’s help you compare lightweight camper trailers from leading brands!
Key Takeaways
- Ultra-Lite RV Trailers Under 5,000 Pounds – Top brands now offer GVWRs under 5,000 pounds and ultra-light models under 5,000 pounds dry weight, all towable by many SUVs and half-ton trucks.
- Top Picks for Different Needs – Our favorites include the all-electric Coleman 13 Series (13B, 13R, 13T, 13S), the adventure-ready Airelume 172, the family bunkhouse Hideout Mini 161BH (sleeps 5!), the Coleman and Coleman Light 17 Series, and the slide-out Jay Flight SLX 197MB.
- Consider Towing Capacity – Buyers should match their tow vehicle’s capacity to the trailer’s GVWR, accounting for loaded versus dry weight differences to ensure safe, efficient towing.
Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 Lbs GVWR
If you have an SUV or a small pickup truck with a towing capacity of around 5,000 pounds, you don’t need a larger vehicle for camping. These travel trailers have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 5,000 pounds. While compact and lightweight, they still boast comfortable amenities.
Technician Tip: GVWR = Unloaded vehicle weight (UVW, or dry weight) + cargo carrying capacity (CCC). Learn more about trailer weight ratings.
Keystone Coleman 13 Series
| Specs | 13B | 13R | 13T | 13S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 15’11” | 15’11” | 15’11” | 15’11” |
| Hitch Weight | 352 pounds | 336 pounds | 480 pounds | 340 pounds |
| Dry Weight | 2,506 pounds | 2,483 pounds | 2,940 pounds | 2,795 pounds |
| Cargo Capacity | 994 pounds | 1,017 pounds | 1,940 pounds | 1,205 pounds |
| Sleeping Capacity | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
The Keystone Coleman lineup is known for lightweight campers, excellent affordability, and smart floor plans. Their 13 Series lightweight campers all come in under 16 feet and 5,000 pounds GVWR.
The 13B, 13R, and 13S are all-electric RVs: no propane, induction cooktops, 110V refrigerators, and electric fireplaces. That makes them uniquely low-maintenance, safe for campgrounds with fire restrictions, and easy to plug into standard campsite power. The 13T is a micro toy hauler that adds a 2-burner gas range, a 42K BTU tankless water heater, and a rear ramp door with 1,940 pounds of cargo capacity for hauling e-bikes, kayaks, or gear.
Each floor plan serves a distinct camper:
- The 13B packs corner single bunks in the rear with a full-size bed in the front — perfect for young families.
- The 13R strips the bunks and installs an extra-large camp-side window and a bar top workspace — a natural fit for couples who prioritize views and simplicity.
- The 13S uses a rear-entry floor plan with a small jackknife sofa, a full corner bed, and a single flip-down bunk — splitting the difference between the 13B’s family focus and the 13R’s couple-friendly layout.
- The 13T offers just over 10 feet of garage space, with a Murphy bed and a pop-out tent bed — ideal for couples or small families hauling dirt bikes or other adventure gear.
Across all four, you get Keystone’s 3-year limited structural warranty, 1-year limited base warranty, exclusive color-coded unified wiring, power awning, sidewall A/C, USB A+C plugs, and a walkable roof.
Check Prices & Availability:
Forest River Airelume 172
Specs
- Length: 21’7”
- Hitch Weight: 460 pounds
- Dry Weight: 3,629 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,231 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Airelume 172 is a fresh face in the under-5,000-pound category, built with a lower profile for more aerodynamic towing. The front-bed, rear-bath layout keeps zones well separated — a layout that works equally well for couples and small families. The Airelume comes with a “LumaView” camp-side window designed to frame outdoor views, and StepAbove
entry steps for easier access.
This Airelume’s ultralight design doesn’t mean it lacks amenities. The 172 boasts a 60K BTU tankless water heater, roof-mounted solar prep, Tufflex PVC roofing, and a powder-coated steel frame. The smart coffee nook with built-in coffee pod storage provides a dedicated space for crafting your signature latte without taking up other needed counterspace.
Because it offers over 1,200 pounds of cargo capacity, you’re free to pack for extended trips with fewer supply runs. Backup camera prep, LED awning lighting, and an optional 200-watt solar package round out a feature set that makes setup, breakdown, and camp life easier.
Compare other small Airelume campers.
Keystone Hideout Mini 161BH
Specs
- Length: 20’6”
- Hitch Weight: 340 pounds
- Dry Weight: 3,085 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,255 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
The Hideout Mini 161BH is one of the best-value family campers in the lightweight travel trailer space. In addition to sleeping capacity for five in a trailer under 21 feet, the 161BH features full pass through storage, an 8-foot power awning with LED lights, a 3.3-cubic-foot 12V refrigerator, a two-burner gas cooktop, a microwave, and a 42K BTU tankless water heater.
The bunk layout is designed for families with younger children. Single stacked bunks sit in the rear corner, with the Olympic RV queen bed at the front. This keeps the dinette free to remain your dining or game space unless you need it for that fifth guest. LED lighting throughout, blackout night shades, and multiple USB-A and USB-C ports bring a level of residential comfort.
For towing, the 161BH’s 4,340-pound GVWR keeps it well within reach of mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks. Radial tires, a power tongue jack, heavy-duty rear stabilizer jacks, and backup camera prep make hitching up and leveling quick. If you’re asking, ‘What’s the best camper under 5,000 pounds that sleeps 5?’ the Hideout Mini 161BH might just be the answer.
Explore other lightweight Hideout Mini travel trailers.
Coleman and Coleman Light 17 Series
| Specs | 17R | 17B | Light 17BX | Light 17RX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 20’5″ | 20’2″ | 20’1″ | 20’5″ |
| Hitch Weight | 368 pounds | 398 pounds | 350 pounds | 305 pounds |
| Dry Weight | 3,061 pounds | 3,071 pounds | 2,785 pounds | 2,835 pounds |
| Cargo Capacity | 1,239 pounds | 1,229 pounds | 1,215 pounds | 1,165 pounds |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
The Keystone Coleman and Coleman Light lineups offer four distinct travel trailer floor plans with GVWRs under 5,000 lbs. All four are single axle and share many features, such as a 2-burner gas range, 42K BTU tankless water heater, microwave, power awning, full pass through storage, and Keystone’s 3-year structural warranty. The differences lie in who they’re built for and how much they add.
The Coleman 17R and 17B both feature a 60” x 74” queen front bed with under bed storage. The 17R is the couple’s pick: a clean, no-slide rear-bath layout that sleeps three. The 17B condenses the rear bath and adds a bunk area, adding two more sleepers and making it the better choice for a family of four or five. Both are simple, dependable trailers built around Keystone’s proven value formula.
The Coleman Light 17BX and 17RX offer similar floor plans with lighter dry weights. The 17BX mirrors the 17B’s bunk layout; the 17RX mirrors the 17R’s couple-friendly rear bath. The Light models add .040″ smooth aluminum front skin, aluminum rims, seamless pressed countertops, a black tank flush, and a power tongue jack. To achieve a lighter weight, the roofs on these models are not walkable.
Check Price & Availability:
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MB
Specs
- Length: 23’7”
- Hitch Weight: 605 pounds
- Dry Weight: 3,940 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,055 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The 2026 Jay Flight SLX 197MB is an ultralight floor plan that shows why Jayco has been one of America’s best-selling travel trailer brands for over 20 years. Despite a 4,995-pound GVWR, the 197MB fits a slide-out housing a large U-shaped dinette, a Murphy bed that converts to a jackknife sofa, double-over-double rear bunks, and a full corner bathroom.
The Murphy bed concept is key to this floor plan: when it’s tucked away, you have a spacious living area; when it’s down, you have a full sleeping space that doesn’t require anyone to convert furniture before bed. Solid hardwood cabinet doors with hidden hinges give the interior a residential feel that’s uncommon at this price point.
From a towing perspective, the 197MB’s 3,940-pound dry weight and 605-pound hitch weight place it within the range of many full-size SUVs and half-ton trucks. The nitrogen-filled radial tires, galvanized steel wheel wells, and PVC roofing membrane (with a limited lifetime warranty) add practical durability. With 1,055 pounds of cargo capacity, you’ll want to pack thoughtfully. But Jayco’s oversized cabinets, under bed storage, and lit exterior pass through help you make every pound count.
Compare other Jay Flight SLX travel trailers under 5,000 pounds.
Other Towable Campers with GVWRs Under 5,000 Pounds
- Drifter 10ROK — A rugged, off-road-capable micro trailer for overlanders who want ultralight, backcountry-ready camping in the smallest possible towable package.
- Rockwood Geo-Pro 17LE — A compact single axle camper with off-road-ready features and a bunkhouse layout fit for small families.
- Jay Feather Air SL 15TBSL — Newly remodeled for 2026, Jayco packed a convertible king bed in an ultralight travel trailer under 18 feet.
- Wildwood FSX 164FBLE — An ideal couples retreat with a queen bed and open lounge seating that serves as both a dinette and a place to unwind.
- Jay Feather Air 18FBS — A front-bedroom/rear-bath Jayco ultra-light blending premium finishes with a sub-5,000-pound GVWR for couples and small families.
Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 Pounds Dry Weight
Compare the ultra-lite travel trailers above with these slightly heavier options. These are still RV trailers and camper trailers under 5,000 pounds dry weight, but they boast higher GVWRs that might require a higher towing capacity when fully loaded.
Forest River Campsite Reserve 20AJ
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 24’7”
- Hitch Weight: 550 pounds
- Dry Weight: 4,693 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,857 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Campsite Reserve 20AJ offers a unique twin-to-king bed conversion — a rare floor plan in the travel trailer segment. For couples who like to sleep separately, it’s one of the best options in 2026. However, there are benefits for couples who enjoy cuddling as well. The twin beds convert to a super king at night, giving you plenty of room to starfish, or for the family pet to curl up at your feet.
The twin beds can also be comfortable lounges during the day. Combined with the sofa that has removable tray tables, it might be the most versatile seating arrangement in any travel trailer under 5,000 pounds dry. Plus, this is a slide-free floor plan, meaning less maintenance, more reliable seal integrity in wet weather, and a full interior height across the entire living space.
With nearly 2,900 pounds of cargo capacity, this trailer can carry everything a family needs for a week-long trip. When fully loaded, it will require a full-size SUV or a half-ton truck with a proper tow package, but the upgraded rust-resistant chassis and UltraRide suspension provide smoother towing and added longevity.
Compare all Campsite Reserve RV floor plans.
Winnebago Thrive 18FBS
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 22’11”
- Hitch Weight: 486 pounds
- Dry Weight: 4,740 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,260 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Thrive 18FBS brings one of RVing’s most trusted brand names into the under-5,000-pound dry weight category. The 18FBS floor plan uses a front-bedroom, rear-bath configuration that gives couples and small families a well-organized interior with a clear purpose to each zone.
When you walk in, it’s hard not to notice Winnebago’s fit and finish. Storage is a particular strength. Under bed compartments, overhead cabinets, and pass through exterior storage are all sized generously for the trailer’s footprint. Plus, there are added touches that are anything but standard: a pull-out trash cabinet with a sliding utensil drawer, removable shelving in the pantry, and a privacy curtain to block the front queen bed off from the rest of the floor plan.
The kitchen boasts a gas cooktop with an oven beneath it. And the 72” jackknife sofa provides comfortable seating for two and a convertible bed for kids or guests. This layout works equally well as a couple’s camper for long weekend trips or a family camper for shorter excursions, and the overall trailer footprint is manageable for most campground sites.
Keystone Coleman 19B
Specs
- Length: 23’7”
- Hitch Weight: 602 pounds
- Dry Weight: 4,240 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,460 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Coleman 19B offers many of the same features that make the 13 and 17 Series Coleman trailers so popular. It’s still single axle, still under 5,000 pounds dry, and still offers a remarkably affordable price tag. Keystone adapted everything that works for this lineup into a bunkhouse trailer with a single slide-out that dramatically expands the living space.
Rear bunks provide families with additional sleeping capacity without converting a second sleeping surface each night. The front queen bed provides a comfortable sleeping space for adults, and the kitchen offers a two-burner gas range, a microwave, and a 12V refrigerator.
Pass through storage and overhead kitchen cabinetry ensure there’s room for gear, groceries, and everything a family brings for a long weekend. A propane-burning furnace and a wall-mounted air conditioner help you keep the interior comfortable, and a tankless water heater provides nearly endless hot water when connected to full hookups.
Discover other lightweight Coleman trailers.
Forest River Salem FSX 178ICE
Images from Camping World
Specs
- Length: 23’9”
- Hitch Weight: 480 pounds
- Dry Weight: 4,099 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,481 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Salem FSX 178ICE continues the brand’s rich tradition of blending practical features with accessible pricing. This travel trailer under 5,000 pounds offers an ideal layout for large families needing plenty of sleeping space in a compact, lightweight package.
The standard suite of construction details includes radius-cornered cabinetry, a seamless one-piece roof membrane, and a powder-coated steel main frame. The extra-deep dinette is another Salem calling card, providing seating that actually matches the sleeping capacity. And the redesigned off-camp window still offers comfortable ventilation while providing more privacy from campground neighbors.
The front queen bed offers an unseen benefit: higher window placements allow you to easily upgrade to a thicker mattress without blocking the view or compromising the shades. Plus, they smartly installed hooks beneath the overhead cabinets to provide ample wardrobe storage while in transit. Forest River’s nationwide dealer network is also one of the largest in the RV industry, making the Salem FSX 178ICE a practical choice for easier service and parts availability.
Explore all lightweight Salem FSX floor plans.
Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S
Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 22’4”
- Hitch Weight: 557 pounds
- Dry Weight: 4,493 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,344 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Looking for privacy in a lightweight RV trailer under 5,000 pounds? The Rockwood Mini Lite 2109S features a curtain between the front queen bed and the rest of the camper. When you want to hide your sleeping area, this privacy curtain earns its real estate.
Rockwood installed a 72″ sofa with a removable table instead of a dinette. This allows more flexibility, and the slide-out creates even more interior space. Along the camp-side is the kitchen, which means you’ll have campsite views while preparing meals or washing dishes. There’s also a flip-up counter extension that increases your counterspace. And as one of the few dual-axle travel trailers under 5,000 pounds dry, the 2109S adds meaningful road stability in this weight class.
A properly equipped half-ton truck or a full-size SUV with a Class III hitch will handle this trailer well. The 1,344-pound cargo capacity gives you enough room to pack for a full week for two adults. Rockwood’s heritage as one of the most trusted RV brands makes this a smart long-term investment for campers who want to upgrade without stepping into the 6,000-plus-pound GVWR territory.
Compare other Rockwood Mini Lite RVs.
Other Towable Trailers Under 5,000 Pounds Dry
- Wolf Pup 17JW — A single slide-out bunkhouse camper with a U-shaped dinette and sleeping space for up to seven.
- Enlighten 25BH — A bunkhouse-equipped lightweight trailer designed for budget-conscious family campers.
- Springdale Mini 1950RBS — A compact rear bath camper with a galley-style kitchen on the camp-side and a unique front dinette-to-queen bed conversion.
- Passport Classic 180RBC — A clean rear bath travel trailer with a front bed and a single slide room that houses the 12V fridge and a jackknife sofa.
- Micro Minnie 2108FBS — Winnebago’s Micro Minnie 2108FBS features one slide room housing a 44” deep dinette, a front bed, and a full-width rear bathroom.
Can Your Vehicle Tow These 5,000 Pound Campers?
Before purchasing a lightweight camper, ensure your vehicle can safely tow it. If you’re choosing a travel trailer under 5,000 pounds fully loaded, you might tow it with an SUV like a Subaru Ascent, Kia Telluride, or Honda Pilot — all of which boast a towing capacity of at least 5,000 pounds.
If you choose a travel trailer under 5,000 pounds empty, but it may exceed that threshold when loaded, check the towing capacities of an Audi Q7/Q8, a GMC Yukon, or a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. There are even SUVs for towing a camper with capacities of over 9,000 pounds, like the Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition.
Always ensure you understand vehicle weight ratings before purchasing a camper or towing vehicle. These numbers help keep everyone on the road safe and protect your SUV or truck from potentially expensive repairs.
What Is the Difference Between GVWR and Dry Weight on a Camper?
Dry weight (also called UVW, or Unloaded Vehicle Weight) is the trailer’s weight from the factory, with no gear, water, or supplies on board.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum weight the trailer can legally carry when fully loaded, including all water, gear, and cargo.
The difference between GVWR and dry weight is your Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). When matching a trailer to a tow vehicle, always check the GVWR against your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, not just the dry weight.
Whether you’re looking for a travel trailer under 5,000 pounds with a Murphy bed, bunk beds, or a rear bed, these options provide all the essentials without the heavy weight. But if you’re not sure these campers are the right fit, check out these other articles!
- Awesome Micro Campers You Shouldn’t Overlook
- Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 3000 Pounds
Do you have a travel trailer under 5,000 pounds that you love? Let us know about it in the comments!
The post Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 Pounds (2026) appeared first on Camping World Blog.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://blog.campingworld.com/find-your-rv/travel-trailers-under-5000-pounds/