Apr. 09, 2024
Automobiles & Motorcycles
By Kelly Beasley
You've read those articles 'teaching' you about small travel trailers.
The ones where many different little campers are randomly mentioned with 'pros and cons' listed for them without any real experience behind them from the author.
That is a flawed concept. How could you possibly learn the REAL pros and cons of these small camping trailers from that?
I wanted you to hear from REAL PEOPLE who owned small campers.
Therefore, I reached out to my friends that DO have one!
They happily coughed up the advantages and downsides of their small pull-behind trailer. These are REAL OWNERS' opinions on having smaller floorplans, cooking areas, workspace, bathrooms, and more in their compact campers.
Choices for floorplans and amenities can seem limitless in pretty much any small bumper pull camper. But what is it like to have such a small floor plan and area?
Keep reading below, and you'll find out.
(NOTE: All photos in this article were provided by the camper owner unless otherwise noted.)
Still Have Questions?
We commonly have people asking specific questions about compact travel trailers, so we planted the most frequent ones we hear below.
How Much Does A Small Camper Cost?
It depends on how small or large the camper is and the materials used to make it. In general, in the 8-12 foot range, the smallest of campers cost anywhere from $11,000 to $25,000.
Larger small pull campers in the 12-18 foot range can run from $15,000 to $60,000+. Buying used means you can shave anywhere from 30-50% off of that cost depending on the year, make, and model of that trailer.
Do Small Campers Have AC?
Some small lightweight pull campers do have AC, and others do not. For some, it's an option that the original owner either chose to get or not. The most basic tiny RV trailers do not have AC and don't offer it as an option.
Are Small Campers Worth It?
Whether a small camper is worth it is up to you. We love them and think they have their place in the camping world. The smaller your camper is, the less there is to maintain and the less that can go wrong with it.
What Is A Micro Camper?
A micro camper is nothing more than a very small camping trailer. It may have nothing but space for a bed and nothing else. They are easy to pull with small trucks or SUVs, and some are so light they can even be moved around by hand.
Conclusion
Small trailers are amazing camper trailers when it comes to dry weight, height, (sometimes) budget, freedom, and even easy parking (storage) in your garage with some of the smallest camping trailers.
Either go small and choose a wider variety of spots you can visit, or go bigger and have more headaches with more that can go wrong and fewer places you can camp. If your destination is always a campground, this won't matter to you much.
But if you can handle living in such a small place, especially if it's only for short camping trips, then your preferences might lean towards these types of mini travel trailers. There are so many different styles and different floor plans you're sure to find a cute tiny camper to your liking.
Pack up your family into your easy-to-tow travel trailer, potentially complete with a gas stove, dinette, beds, LED lights, tv, microwave, and a table for feasting. You can head pretty much anywhere on the road, and your travel trailer will take you!
Author: Kelly Beasley
I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.
Ultra-light or ultralite travel trailers weigh less than other options. Their light weight makes them great for towing with a vehicle you already own, like an SUV. Designed specifically to be light and aerodynamic, ultra-lite travel trailers are a wonderful option for easy towing and conserving gas.
An ultralite or ultra-light travel trailer is any travel trailer designed to be both lightweight to tow and more aerodynamic than a typical travel trailer. Ultralite RVs typically use lighter, still-durable materials for construction, inside and out. This helps keep them light enough to be towed by a variety of vehicles, from SUVs to trucks. Heartland has ultra-light travel trailers with dry weights starting under 3,700 lbs.
The biggest benefit of an ultra-light travel trailer is that it’s extremely light to tow. Ultra-lite travel trailers can contain the best features of other travel trailer models. You’ll find a wide range of beds, floor plan layouts, and amenities in ultra light travel trailers. For instance, our lightest Pioneer Trail travel trailer can also sleep up to eight people. Perfect for bringing the whole family!
Ultra-lite travel trailers are also specially designed to be more aerodynamic. So, they’re not just lighter on the ground, but provide less drag in the wind when you’re towing. They’re also built with lighter materials, such as our Azdel composite side walls. Azdel walls are thinner than traditional materials but better at insulating against noise, bad weather and extreme temperatures. They’re perfect for reducing the weight of a lightweight travel trailer for towing.
Lightweight travel trailer RVs are great for anyone who wants to tow an RV with a capable vehicle they already own. With dry weights starting below 3,700 lbs., you can tow an ultralite travel trailer with many SUVs and trucks. No need to buy a new vehicle just to tow your new RV. And with a range of sizes, amenities, and sleeping capacities, ultra-light trailers have a model to suit almost anyone. You don’t have to sacrifice comforts like climate control, workable kitchens or generously sized bathrooms with an ultralite travel trailer. There’s something that will meet all your needs.
If you’re interested in a lightweight Cruiser travel trailer, take a look at our floor plan options on our website. Our ultra-lite RVs start around 21 feet in length with dry tow weights starting under 5,000 lbs. Visit our RV Finder to help your best RV model by its specific capacity and features.
A small camper trailer is an RV that’s a travel trailer, meaning it’s towed, but specifically designed to fit a smaller footprint. Small travel trailers can span from micro-trailers to the smaller end of standard travel trailers. Cruiser RV small travel trailers start at under 4,000 lbs. dry weight and 22 feet in length. Small travel trailers can be an affordable entry into RV ownership, providing all the necessities in an easy-to-handle package.
Benefits of a small travel trailer RV include affordability, flexibility, and convenience. Because they’re small, they can be a great value for first time RV owners. The lightest models can often be towed by an SUV. That means you can often own a small travel trailer without needing to buy a new vehicle. And because small travel trailers are affordable, they are a great entry level choice for anyone who wants to try RVing.
Small travel trailers are built with an efficient use of space. They can often sleep four or more people, perfect for young families or couples traveling with friends. But even though they are small, they can still contain best-selling features. For instance, with a Heartland RV, you’ll still get heat and A/C, a fridge, a cooktop, and a bathroom in a small travel trailer. No need to sacrifice comfort for convenience.
Small campers are perfect as a first RV, because they are shorter and can have a lower price point than other models. They’re ideal for couples and young families and can easily fit a family of four or more. Small travel trailers are also a great choice for solo campers looking for a good value in an RV. The best small travel trailer for you will depend on which features are most important for your lifestyle. There are models that prioritize beds over living space, and those that sacrifice beds in exchange for more features.
Our small campers start around 22 feet in length, and can sleep a max of between 4 and 8 people. Dry tow weights start under 4,000 lbs. Visit our RV Finder to help find your best RV model by its specific capacity and features. Or learn more about travel trailer floor plans here.
Disclaimer: Always consult owner’s manuals for vehicles and accessories before towing a recreational vehicle. Towing capacity will vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers.
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