If you’re not traveling in a large group and/or are not willing to upgrade to a bigger truck to tow a gigantic luxury fifth wheel, then small fifth wheel campers would be the ideal choice. They are smaller, shorter, much more lightweight and thus open up opportunities for camping in farther off places that would be difficult for a big trailer to access.
Even when you’ve narrowed down your research to just small 5th wheel trailers, there are hundreds of options out there. Worry not, as RVing Trends has handpicked the most reliable and well-rounded models on the market in this delicious list of the very best small fifth wheel campers, including short fifth wheel campers and lightweight 5th wheel campers.
There is something for everyone, plus you will also find at the end of this guide the top buying criteria to look out for when choosing the best small fifth wheel campers for your specific camping needs.
Small Fifth Wheel Campers: Benefits
There are various reasons why many campers opt for the small fifth wheel campers instead of the bigger, heavier full-fledged fifth wheels. Aside from affordability, perhaps the most important benefit of buying or renting small fifth wheel campers is you can find a model that you can tow with your existing pickup truck. This is particularly reassuring if you’re buying the fifth wheel, as you won’t need to upgrade to a new towing vehicle at the same time.
Another benefit is more forgiving handling and maneuvering. Small fifth wheel campers are shorter, more lightweight and have lower center of gravity, which directly translate to decreased wind resistance and better road stability on rougher terrain, which also means improved fuel economy. If you have never towed anything before, small fifth wheel campers would be the ideal choice.
For couples and small families or groups, small fifth wheel campers also offer a better balance between comfort and traveling possibilities. Small fifth wheel campers open up opportunities to camp in farther off places that bigger trailers would have difficulty navigating.
Last but not least, for the outdoorsy travelers and the enthusiasts of minimalist living, having just the right amount of storage and space would naturally prompt you to spend more time exploring the great outdoors, which you should.
The Best Small Fifth Wheel Campers Review
There is something for every camper in this list, whether you’re traveling solo, with your better half or with a big group. We’ll start off with the smallest of the small fifth wheel campers, which means around 20 ft mini fifth wheel campers. Towards the end of this list, you will find larger, better equipped models for larger groups, albeit still belonging in the mini fifth wheel campers category.
1. Scamp 19 Standard OR Deluxe Fifth Wheel (19ft)
Specifications
- Price: starting $22,295
- Sleeps: Deluxe up to 4 people, Standard up to 6 people
- Exterior length: 19ft
- Exterior Width: 6′ 8″
- Interior height: 6′ 3″
- Dry weight: 2,800 lbs
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3,500 lbs
- Water tanks: 12-gallon freshwater, 9.5-gallon grey, 20-gallon black
Scamp specializes in small lightweight fifth wheel campers made from all-fiberglass. Despite their size and affordability, they are durable and comfortable to travel in. At 19-feet length and 3,500-pound loaded weight, the Scamp 19 Deluxe is one of the shortest and lightest small fifth wheel campers on the market, so if you’ve never driven a camper before, this is a very forgiving option.
The Scamp Deluxe is also loaded with features such as a queen size loft bed with cushions, a sofa bed plus two convertible seatings with storage underneath in the dining area, optional rooftop AC (with preparations in place), toilet/shower plus optional side bathroom, a fully functional kitchen with a two-burner stove, sink, 3.7 cu. ft. fridge/freezer, microwave and pantry.
There is ample storage for its size, including the option to add extra storage. Other handy features include LED exterior lights and propane water heater.
This compact Scamp 19 Deluxe fifth wheel can sleep up to 4 people. The 19” Standard version is basically the same, with the difference being the addition of a convertible sofa and the position of the bathroom. In the Deluxe model, the bathroom separates the loft queen bed from the main living area, which means a more private and quiet sleeping quarter, and a bigger shower. Meanwhile, the Standard model puts a spacious convertible sofa in place of this bathroom so that it can sleep up to 6 people.
2. Escape 5.0 Fifth Wheel (21ft)
Specifications
- Price: starting from $33,495
- Sleeps: up to 4 people
- Exterior length: 21ft
- Exterior Width: 7′ 4″
- Interior height: 6′ 4″ to 7′
- Dry weight: 3,910 lbs
- GVWR: 5,500 lbs
- Water tanks: 28-gallon fresh, 28-gallon grey, 30-gallon black
Another excellent option among the best 5th wheel campers under 7000 lbs is the Escape 5.0. Although slightly longer than the above Scamp 19 at 21 feet, this is still one of the shortest small fifth wheel campers. At 5,500 lbs loaded, it is light enough to be towed by many mid-size trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.
Like Scamp, the Escape RV company specializes in lightweight all-fiberglass travel trailers. The manufacturer’s use of full fiberglass construction means that there needs to be much fewer seams compared to regular small fifth-wheel campers. Fewer seams minimizes the possibilities for leaks, without compromising structural integrity in other departments.
The Escape 5.0 is praised for its aerodynamic design, low center of gravity and tandem axle that makes for better stability, handling and fuel economy. As for creatures of comfort, it offers separate sleeping and living areas for more privacy, full fiberglass wet bath and bathroom vent, 6 cu.ft. fridge, 2-burner stove, sink cover, kitchen window over sink, 12,000 BTU Furnace and more.
Despite its limited floor space, its extra high ceiling creates a more spacious feel. A surprising feature for its price is the custom wood interior, adding a cozy, more luxurious touch. Some handy options that would make longer trips even more enjoyable include counter extension, exterior shower and awnings, air conditioner and 190W solar panel with charge controller.
3. Winnebago Micro Minnie Fifth Wheel 2405BH/RG/RL (27ft)
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $34,751
- Sleeps: 4 to 5 people, depending on floor plan
- Exterior length: 26’9″
- Exterior width: 11’5″
- Interior height: 7′
- Dry weight: 5,640 lbs to 5,780 lbs
- GVWR: 7,000 lbs
- Water tanks: 31-gallon fresh water, 25-gallon grey, 25-gallon black
There are 3 floor plans to choose from, with loaded weights ranging from 5,640 lbs to 5,780 lbs and length being at almost 27 feet, sleeping from 4 to 5 people maximum. The Micro Minnie is praised across floor plans, but since we’re discussing small fifth wheel campers, let’s look at the 3 floorplan with almost similar specifications 2405BH, 2405RG and 2405 RL.
At 26’9″ and 5,640 lbs, the Micro Minnie 2405 is among the lightest and most affordable while it is advertised to still sleep up to 5 people. This small fifth wheel camper truly offers the right balance of price, off-road handling, sleeping space and comfort.
Sleeping arrangement for 4 includes 60″ x 80″ queen bed and theater seating IPO sofa (on 2405RL). Other comfort features include 18,000 BTU furnace, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, LED TV, TV antenna, full bathroom and kitchen, with stainless steel microwave, oven and gas electric refrigerator plus exterior awnings, speakers and lighting for outdoor lounging.
For your peace of mind, the Winnebago Micro Minnie line is backed by a 3-Year Limited Structural Warranty & a 1-Year Limited Base Warranty.
4. Z Durango Half-Ton D230RKD (27ft Floor Plan)
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $49,000
- Sleeps: Up to 6 people (other floor plans up to 10 people, depending on floor plan)
- Exterior length: 26’ 9” (other up to 35’)
- Exterior Width: 8’
- Dry weight: 7,110 lbs (others up to 9,740 lbs)
- GVWR: 9,000 lbs (others up to 11,995 lbs)
- Water tanks: 55-gallon fresh water, 93-gallon grey, 53-gallon black
The KZ Durango Half-Ton line offers eight different floor plans, all of which are small 5th wheel campers towable by a half-ton truck. Their lengths range from 27 feet to 35 feet, with loaded weight ranging from 9,000 lbs to 12,000 lbs and sleep from 4 up to 10 people.
All eight floor plans are showered with praises from seasoned campers, but for smallness’ sake, we’ll be discussing the D230RKD floor plan, which is the smallest, lightest and offers a perfect mix of everything you would need in a moderately sized home on wheels. Note that if you want more space, check out the other floor plans, as many feature up to two slide-outs.
Common luxury amenities of the KZ Durango Half-Ton small fifth wheel campers include residential grade furnishings, outdoor speakers, and off grid preps. For extended boondocking trips, get the optional Off-Grid Solar Package, which features 220-watt solar panels and 30-amp charge controller.
A thoughtful feature of this smart floor plan is the pass-through storage compartment at the center of this trailer. This positioning keeps substantial storage weight in front of the trailer’s axle to enable safer towing. Sleeping arrangements for 6 people include a queen bed and standard tri-fold hide-a-bed sofa, for which you have the option to switch to theater seatings.
Other notable luxury features that the D230RKD offers include LED TV with Multimedia Stereo with DVD, Bluetooth, and Wireless connectivity, 18’ awning, 35,000 BTU furnace, and washer/dryer prep in the bathroom.
Read more:
- Top 10 Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 2,000 Pounds
- Top 10 Best Small Camping Trailers with Bathrooms
5. Winnebago Micro Minnie Plus 25RKS (27ft Floor Plan)
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $43,094
- Sleeps: Up to 5 people
- Exterior length: 27’ 3”
- Exterior Width: 8’
- Interior height: 7’ 11”
- Dry weight: 7,220 lbs
- GVWR: 9,995 lbs
- Water tanks: 50-gallon fresh water, 51-gallon grey, 25-gallon black
If you like the idea of the tried-and-true Winnebago Micro Minnie but want something with more amenities, take a look at the Micro Minnie Plus. This line includes 4 floor plans, all of which belong to the larger end of the small fifth wheel campers spectrum, with the 27-feet 25RKS being the smallest.
Like with the entry-level Micro Minnie, the Plus also smartly packs a lot of quality and features into small fifth wheel campers. The Micro Winne Plus features extra comfy sleeping quarters, full bathroom with shower, LED TV, 30,000 BTU furnace and skylight. The full kitchen packs air vent, sink and backsplash, solid surface countertops, microwave, double door gas/electric refrigerator and 3-burner stove, so you can eat healthy on extended trips. It even boasts 17 feet awning and an outdoor music system for lounging outdoors in good weather.
6. Northwood Fox Mountain 235RLS (27ft Floor Plan)
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $53,877
- Sleeps: Up to 6 people
- Exterior length: 27’ 10”
- Exterior Width: 8’
- Dry weight: 8,761 lbs
- GVWR: 12,000 lbs
- Water tanks: 59-gallon fresh water, 42-gallon grey, 36-gallon black
Among the best small fifth wheel campers, the Northwood Fox Mountain is perhaps the best when it comes to protection from extended camping in extreme weather. This entire line of Northwood fifth wheels has made a name for itself for its unmatched capacity to withstand some of the coldest winters that RVs are made to handle, with trademark features including the Four Season Insulation with R-18 ceiling.
In addition to its weather-proof construction, what makes the Fox Mountain special is that it ticks many important boxes with regards to off-grid camping. On top of the more rugged build and an independently-certified off-road chassis, you get standard features such as a 45-watt solar panel with a sidewall solar port, with the option to upgrade for more hardcore green energy systems.
The only downside to such superb insulation, rugged build and amenities is that while this Fox Mountain can be towed by a half-ton truck, it might get too heavy if you fully load it up, so make sure your truck can handle the GVWR.
On top of that, it has rugged camping features like heated holding tanks, a comfy sofa bed, 32” LED TV, optional recliners, glass shower and even a small bathroom tub, an outdoor shower, and powered awning with LED lights. The adventurous campers particularly adore this fifth wheel, since with its 3,000 pounds of cargo capacity, you can add in a host of heavy gears or a robust solar system for extended off-grid stays.
7. Jayco Eagle HT 255REOK
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $61,563
- Sleeps: Up to 6 people
- Exterior length: 28’8”
- Exterior width: 8‘
- Interior height: 7’ 10”
- Dry weight: 7,775 lbs
- GVWR: 9,995 lbs
- Water tanks: 42-gallon fresh water, 32-gallon grey, 32-gallon black
Being on the larger and more expensive end of this list, the Eagle HT 255REOK is Jayco’s shortest fifth wheel at almost 29 feet in length, that is towable with most half-ton trucks. If you’re familiar with Jayco’s standard of quality and design, you can expect the same in their small fifth wheel campers. They might cost a bit more than models with the same size from other brands, but their trailers are loved for their sleek, cozy and residential-feel design, as well as smart and functional features that make camping in a home on wheels as close to living in your home as possible, given the size limit.
The Jayco Eagle HT 255REOK boasts a spacious master bedroom with a queen-sized bed, his and hers nightstands and wards, even an additional TV and a window that makes the room more spacious. The full bathroom is also of a good size, and on top of the fully equipped kitchen and dining area, this Jayco fifth wheel also gets showers of praise for the best exterior kitchen in the industry (with a TV on option). The outside kitchen is perfected with a 20’ electric patio awning with integrated LED lights, so you can cook and hang around a campfire outside in good weather.
Other notable features include a standard four-star handling package that makes it off-road ready and the Zero-Degree Tested Weather Protection package for four season camping.
8. Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442BS
Specifications
- Price: Starting at $53,327
- Sleeps: Up to 4 people
- Exterior length: 28’ 11”
- Exterior width: 8‘
- Dry weight: 7,950 lbs
- GVWR: 9,850 lbs
- Water tanks: 60-gallon fresh water, 80-gallon grey, 40-gallon black
If you are only traveling in a group of 4 at most but want more space and amenities, the Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442BS floor plan is perfect. Among small fifth wheel campers, this Forest River model is quite rare for not trying to pack as much as possible into the smallest space possible, but it intentionally maximizes the space in the bedroom and bathroom with a large 48” by 30” shower with a seat. There are also slide-outs in the living room and bedroom to give you the most interior space once you settle at a campground.
In addition to the hide-a-bed sofa in the main living area, the bedroom features a queen bed, which can be upgraded to a king bed on option, additional dresser storage at the foot of the bed below the TV stand, some shelvings and a full-height shared wardrobe. In general, there is ample storage space, including extra-large countertops with bar seating in the kitchen, and two pantry areas.
The Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442BS is praised for some of the best exterior amenities of its kind, including outside speakers, power awning with LED lighting, outside griddle with propane hookup and work table and a pass-through storage so you can easily access your most used tools and gears.
