11 Best Travel Trailers & Campers Under 3,500 lbs

If you don’t have a large tow vehicle or simply want to keep things light and manageable, getting a travel trailer under 3,500 pounds might be the sweet spot between portability and functionality.

But finding the best ones can be a little tricky. While finding dry weight and GVWR doesn’t take long, determining which of these campers are well-built is another story.

So we’ve done the work for you.

This list of the best travel trailers under 3,500 lbs will give you a great place to start, so you can pick the perfect one for you.

1. Airstream Bambi 16RB

We’re big fans of Airstream for a number of reasons, with one being just how light their campers are.  And if you’re looking for a travel trailer under 3,500 pounds, the 16 foot Bambi is a great choice.

It’s easy to tow, uses the space efficiently, and is packed full of great features. To get that amount of functionality with such a small travel trailer is fantastic, because you’ll never be turned away for being too large at a campground. You get more comfort than a teardrop, but it’s packed in a fairly similar footprint.

While the outside is obviously iconic, the interior is where this travel trailer shines. The galley kitchen is arranged for ease of use, equipped with durable stainless steel appliances. It’s got a stove, microwave, and an all-electric refrigerator. There’s also a dinette that can also be used as a lounging space, and an extra sleeping area. You also get a nice wet bath that doesn’t feel too cramped.

Despite the fact that this travel trailer is under 3,500 pounds, it can sleep up to four people. And the master bed has a memory foam mattress that you’ll have no trouble sleeping on. You also get an air conditioner, furnace, and a nice retractable awning for lounging outside (which is always helpful if you want to avoid feeling cooped up).

• Base Weight: 3,050 lbs. (this includes batteries & LP)
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
• Website

2. TAXA Cricket

Another standout in the under 3,500 pound category is the TAXA Cricket, which is a compact and cleverly designed travel trailer that’s perfect for adventurous families. We’ve been a fan of this company for a while, and the Cricket is one of our favorite models that they offer.

With a footprint of less than 15′ × 7′, it’s easy to fit a family of four. The modular interior looks great and includes a cafe table, kitchen, and ample storage. The design allows for cross-ventilation with windows and doors, so you won’t have trouble keeping it cool while exploring the great outdoors.

With a dry weight of just 1,753 lbs, the Cricket is rugged yet lightweight, making it towable by a wide-range of cars. Its short length also makes it easy to control while you’re on the road. We like the Cricket because it’s clearly designed to be durable, while also conveniently fitting in standard garages.

This camper does a good job of packing functionality into limited space. It can sleep two adults and two children. You also have the option to add a 5,000 BTU air conditioner, which is more than strong enough to keep you cool on hot days.

The kitchen area has a large counter, a two-burner stove, and a nice covered sink. There’s an innovative storage tower with removable milk crate drawers for easy loading and unloading between trips. You’ll also get a 15-gallon fresh water tank and a 16-gallon gray water tank, which isn’t bad for a travel trailer of this size.

• Dry Weight: 1,753 lbs.
• GVWR: 2,700 lbs.
• Website

3. Scamp 13

The Scamp 13 is a popular option for people seeking light travel trailers due to its efficient design and towability. Weighing just 1,500 pounds dry (with a tongue weight of 200 pounds), it can easily be pulled by a number of different cars. It’s also a piece of cake to maneuver into just about any campsite.

We’ve always liked this travel trailer because of its durability. The high-quality fiberglass shell not only gives it a sleek, modern look, but also ensures longevity. Inside, the fiberglass cabinets and wood-paneled interior doors provide ample storage without compromising efficiency.

Comfort and convenience are at the heart of the Scamp 13. There’s a well-equipped kitchen area, complete with a 2-burner propane stove, sink, and cabinet over the sink. It’s also prepped for air conditioning and features a 44” bed.

It’s also kitted out with essential power solutions such as LED exterior lights, a 45 amp power converter, and an outside GFI outlet.

The Scamp 13’s comprehensive water system includes an efficient 12-volt water pump. You also have handy features like a USB station, tank monitors, water heater, and a refrigerator.

• Dry Weight: 1,500 lbs.
• Website

4. Happier Camper Traveler Standard

The Happier Camper Traveler Standard is another versatil travel trailer under 3,500 pounds that we love for its combination of functionality with comfort. The 17-foot Traveler boasts a lightweight design that most standard cars can tow with ease, making it convenient to take out for trips whenever you want.

The Traveler utilizes Happier Camper’s Adaptiv components, which allows you to configure two full beds or a number of other customized layouts. It even has the option to add bunk beds, expanding its capacity to accommodate more sleepers.

It also features a fully-equipped bathroom with a shower, toilet, and upper storage cabinet, and a kitchenette that has a stainless steel sink and a portable stove. There’s a nice 20L fridge included as well.

Even though this travel trailer doesn’t weigh much, it’s still equipped with electric brakes that provide excellent control while towing. You also get city and gray water connections, and 17-gallon fresh and gray water tanks so you can venture off-grid.

We also love the design of the Traveler. It looks great on the outside, and spacious on the inside. In our opinion, it’s one of the best looking RVs out there.

• Dry Weight: 1,800 lbs.
• Website

5. Safari Condo Alto R Series

The Safari Condo Alto R Series is one of the more unique travel trailers on our list. Not only is it lightweight, but it’s brimming with innovative designs and features. Crafted entirely from aluminum panels, its durability is impressive and it still only weighs 1,949 lbs dry! Its design is also quite aerodynamic (it’s actually tested in a wind tunnel), making it a great choice for cars that might not be considered a traditional tow vehicle.

You can’t talk about these travel trailers without mentioning the retractable roof. This design does a great job of keeping it compact without compromising on interior space or natural light. And even when the roof is retracted, you can still access the toilet, fridge, and dining area.

We really like the design of the interior as well. The furnishings look modern, and there’s plenty of space to move around. With an extended height of 82” when the roof is elevated, you won’t feel too cramped when inside.

When it comes to utility and features, the R Series is equipped with a fresh water inlet, a water pump, and substantial tanks. It also features an ultra-quiet heating and water heater system, a two-burner LPG stove, and a 3.1-cu. ft fridge. We also like the fact that it has electronic indicators for tank levels, an installed flush toilet, and an outdoor hand shower.

Lastly, the Alto R Series offers optional solar panels if you want to stay charged up when you’re off the grid. We’ve also seen that these travel trailers tend to hold their value quite well, which is good to know if you think you might make a change in the future.

• Dry Weight: 1,949 lbs.
• Website

6. Classic Bean Trailer

We think that the Classic Bean Trailer stands out as a top choice for travel trailers under 3,500 pounds, because it provides great functionality while still keeping things simple. Its seamless fiberglass shell is designed for rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, so it’s a good pick for those who don’t want to baby their camper. In other words, it features a classic teardrop design which combines “tiny home” comforts with solid construction.

Inside, the Classic Bean Trailer is surprisingly spacious. While it might not look like it from the outside, there’s room for a queen foam mattress and an interior height of 5 feet. The cabin transforms from a sleeping area to a couch and table configuration, and the interior walls are covered with stain and abrasion-resistant materials.

There’s also a stainless steel sink, a foldaway faucet, and a Maxx Air fan to help keep things cool. Other features include a roof rack system, fiberglass sculpted fender with Kenda Karrier tires, and an attic over the cabinet doors for additional storage.

• Dry Weight: 1,650 lbs.
• Website

7. Casita Spirit 17′

When it comes to compact yet efficient travel trailers under 3,500 pounds, the Casita Spirit 17′ is a very popular choice (and for good reason). This camper boasts two distinct sleeping areas that double as dining tables, comfortably accommodating up to six people. The rear dinette can even be permanently transformed into a double bed.

The kitchen offers quite a bit as well, equipped with a stainless steel LP gas cooktop with a glass cover and electric ignition. It also has a ventless range hood that circulates air through a charcoal filter to keep smells and moisture from lingering after you cook.

For the style of the interior, the Spirit now comes with brown wood cabinets that we think look great. You can also choose between brown or gray tables.

We were also impressed by the durability and construction of the body. The Spirit is made with a hail and water-resistant fiberglass body and well-sealed base floors that mean you’ll get plenty of use out of this camper over the years.

• Dry Weight: 2,210 lbs.
• Website

8. nuCamp TAB 320

The nuCamp TAB 320 S shines as a good choice for campers who want a blend of convenience and adventure in a lightweight package. Its timeless teardrop design, combined with essential amenities for compact camping, make it a charming and practical option that is well under 3,500 pounds.

The TAB 320 S optimizes space and functionality with a galley kitchen, a wet bath, and a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a sleeping area. The interior feels very well-made with premium soft-close cabinets, composite flooring, central A/C, and entertainment features like a Bluetooth® media center with a 19” TV. The kitchen is well-equipped with a stainless steel sink, a two-burner stove, and a compact fridge.

We like the expandable split bed, adaptable for solo travelers or couples. It’s also equipped with a cassette toilet, a molded sink, and an external shower. The trailer’s molded underbelly shield, steel spare tire, alloy wheels, and aggressive off-road tires ensure durability even on rough terrains.

If you plan on doing a lot of boondocking, you can get their Convenience Package which includes a solar panel, an external solar port, and a lithium battery. It also features intelligent battery detection and a Bluetooth® battery monitor.

• Dry Weight: 2,095 lbs.
• Website

9. Little Guy Mini Max

The Little Guy Mini Max is another great camper under 3,500 pounds that we’ve been recommending for a while. Built with resilience in mind, this camper has 15” premium tires, Azdel composite sidewall construction, a seamless fiberglass roof, and a custom tubular steel chassis. It’s fitted with 4 insulated dual pane windows, LED porch lighting, a 2” rear receiver for added cargo (like a bike rack), and an electric brake Dexter axle for more control and safety while you’re on the road.

The Mini Max doesn’t skimp on interior space and comfort either. With an interior height of 6 feet, it offers plenty of room if you’re lounging or cooking. The residential-style wet bath and convertible dinette maximize the use of space, while the 100% maple hardwood cabinetry, 8” deep kitchen sink, and 2 burner glass top stove add some additional functionality. You even get a 13,500 BTU A/C, and a 16,000 BTU furnace.

The dinette can convert into a queen size bed or two twin beds, and there are large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. It doesn’t look big, but it feels like it when you’re on the inside!

• Dry Weight: 2,434 lbs.
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
• Website

10. Timberleaf Classic

This is a remarkable travel trailer that stands out in the under 3,500 pounds category due to its exceptional craftsmanship, lightweight nature, and thoughtful design features.

Timberleaf is a company with years of experience in high-end woodworking, and it shows in their product. This camper features a fully insulated, customizable cabin with enamel-baked aluminum siding and a clear anodized top.

Weighing in at a mere 1,500 pounds dry with a 150-pound tongue weight, it’s easily towable. The lightweight design can be paired with three different suspension packages you can pick from (Standard, All-Road, and Off-Road) based on your needs.

The galley, designed as the heart of the trailer, maximizes space and efficiency. It provides multiple storage solutions, including upper sliding bypass doors, a lower storage drawer, stove slideout drawer, and more. Additional options include a 2-burner cookstove and a locking pull-out tray for a cooler or fridge.

The cabin is also quite comfortable. It features one of the industry’s largest skylights for travel trailers of this size, creating an open atmosphere. The cabin also houses customized storage solutions like cubbies behind the headboard and cabinets above the footwell. Insulation keeps occupants warm, while the custom-made Colorado Queen mattress makes it easy to rest after a day of adventures.

• Dry Weight: 1,500 lbs.
• Website

11. inTech Sol Dawn

The inTech Sol Dawn has a unique blend of size, functionality, and style. Its design is ingenious and elegant, showcasing a tilt-forward profile that maximizes interior space without expanding its footprint. We think the exterior looks like a cross between a fiberglass trailer and an Airstream because of the massive panoramic front window (which is one of our favorite things about our Flying Cloud).

The Sol Dawn has 6′ 4” of headroom inside, and there’s a front dinette that comfortably seats six adults next to the panoramic windshield. This helps you maintain a connection with the outdoors and keeps the layout feeling a bit more open.

We like that the kitchen and bathroom don’t compromise on luxury or functionality. There’s a large farmhouse sink, a commercial-grade faucet, and a two-burner LP stove with a cast iron grate.

Constructed on an all-aluminum, all-tube, fully welded cage frame, the Sol Dawn guarantees strength and durability. This aluminum construction not only keeps the trailer weight low for the sake of towing, but also ensures longevity and rust-resistance.

This camper also has a large 7′ awning that gives you plenty of outdoor living space shielded from the elements. It’s clear that they designed each feature, from the panoramic windshield to the roomy dinette and high-end amenities, to make the smaller space feel larger and more welcoming.

• Dry Weight: 2,730 lbs.
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
• Website

Bonus: Airstream Basecamp 16

Since we mentioned the Airstream Bambi, we thought it would be worth mentioning the other great travel trailer under 3,500 pounds in the Airstream lineup. The Basecamp is their more affordable/less fancy model that still combines versatility, efficient design, and durability in a lightweight and well-designed package. And because of this, it’s one of the company’s most popular models!

The interior bench seats quickly convert into various configurations, such as a half-bed, a full bed, and a mix of additional seating and sleeping areas (you can sleep up to five people in here). There are two removable and adjustable tables that serve multiple purposes as well, from dining to entertainment.

And despite it being a smaller package, the Basecamp doesn’t compromise on storage or functionality. It uses smart solutions like bungee storage and a wet bath to make the most of the space you have. The kitchen is well-stocked as well, with a two-burner gas stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator.

There’s also a 30 amp air conditioner, an efficient furnace, and tankless water heater. You’ll also find plenty of USB ports and 110V outlets so you can keep your devices charged or get some work done while you’re on a trip.

Closing Thoughts

As you can tell, there are plenty of great options to choose from if you’re interested in a travel trailer that weighs less than 3,500 pounds. And in this list, we’ve given you enough options to choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a long-haul adventurer, there’s a camper for you. So get out there and have some fun!

* All images have been sourced from the company websites listed above and full image credit is attributed to them.