There is probably always a travel trailer to suit all your needs. Some people love to spend their money on the most extravagant rides they can get their hands on. Others aren’t that well endowed, so they look for RVs that are less flashy yet provide excellent experience. Or sometimes they just don’t have a car built for towing.
Ultra lightweight travel trailers under 2,000 pounds can be towed by almost any car on the market right now. Some can even be towed by anything more powerful than a bicycle. Here we will be discussing the features and specs of the most functional campers under 2,000 lbs that will tick all your boxes for a reasonable price.
Top 10 Ultra Lightweight Travel Trailers Under 2,000 Pounds
1. Happier Camper HC1 (starts at $34,450)
Notable Features:
- Modular system with cubes to customize to your liking
- You can buy a kitchen setup as an add-on
- Fiberglass shell
- vintage design
- big windows with blinds
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1100lbs
- Tongue weight: 110 – 150lbs
- Shell length: 10’
- Interior height: 6’1”
- Interior width: 6’6”
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3500lbs
Why we love it:
This adorable travel trailer is retro-styled, and we love it. The interior is roomy for a camper its size. You can bring a lot of things from home to your camping destination and the choice to use cubes means you can make a mobile office whenever you want to keep up with your work life or make a queen-size bed. You can load a motorcycle or bicycle for you and your kids to get the best experience on your journey. You can stuff more accessories in the cubes than you might think. Get creative and there are a whole lot of things you can do with this lightweight travel trailer.
Pros:
- Nice design
- versatility
- highly customizable on-the-go
Cons:
- A little bit expensive
2. Jayco Hummingbird (starts at $13,503 for the 10RK)
Notable Features:
- 2×4 folding table that can make into a bed
- Bathroom with separate shower, sink, toilet
- Compact kitchen with convection/microwave stove
- LED lighting
- Comes with a fridge
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1545lbs
- Tongue weight: 315lbs
- Shell length: 13’
- Interior height: 6’6”
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 3015lbs
Why we love it:
There are five floor plans for you to choose from, and it starts at a relatively low price (So if you are wondering whether or not to start camping, this is definitely for you). It has a folding dinette table that can be made into a sleeping place for a third person. One of the best things about the Jayco Hummingbird is the towability and maneuverability. It also has a very compact kitchen space which I love.
Pros:
- 2-year warranty
- Easy to tow for most cars
- Well thought out floor plan layouts
Cons:
- The bed is too short for those taller than average, and the floorplan might be too small
- Frequent maintenance required
3. Polydrop P17 (starts at $24,990)
Notable Features:
- Looks like a Tesla Cybertruck
- Kitchenette accessible from inside or outside
- A lot of futuristic and clean looking standard equipment
- Base P17A model comes with a 260W solar panel
- Lightweight aluminum frame inside, anodized aluminum finish
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1200lbs
- Tongue weight: 110 – 150lbs
- Shell length: 13’7”
- Exterior height: 5’3”
- Exterior width: 6’
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2000lbs
Why we love it:
Needless to say, this travel trailer boasts a futuristic design that can’t deviate any more from the standard looking campers. You might get skeptical about this, but its interior is not just for show. The R-14 structural insulation system is very energy-efficient and can get you through all four seasons. It is suitable for EV towing, comes with built-in solar panels to make living off-grid an easier experience for everyone. As with many on this list, the Polydrop comes with an induction stove, fridge, air conditioners, heaters, all powered with the electrical power from solar panels, without any need for hookups.
Pros:
- Futuristic and aerodynamic design
- Electricity independence
- Lightweight aluminum frame inside, anodized aluminum finish
Cons:
- Expensive for a small amount of features
- No bathroom or in-door shower
4. Hiker Trailer (Base price at $2,895 for 4×8 feet)
Notable Features:
- Simple exterior look
- White aluminum exterior
- Vinyl flooring
- Manual roof vent
- Operable windows with screens
Specifications: (highway deluxe 5×8 model)
- axle weight: 2000 lbs
- dry weight: 800lbs
- Tongue weight: 72lbs
- Interior length: 7’10”
- Interior height: 3’8”
- Interior width: 4’10”
Why we love it:
If you have heard of Hiker Trailer, then you must have heard of the term “the world’s most affordable teardrop trailer”. In addition to being one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 2000 pounds, it is highly customizable to your liking. Although it is a little bit boxy for a teardrop trailer, the interior has everything you would need: a bed, a power socket, nice windows, a kitchen (after you upgrade it). It also comes with a bed which can be folded into a sofa, so you are making the most out of the space you get. With $9,995, you can purchase a 5×10 extreme deluxe off-road version of the camper, which is one of the best offers I have ever seen.
Pros:
- Light to tow and easy to park anywhere
- Very affordable
- 4 different models for you to choose from
Cons:
- Can be a little bit small, which makes it hard to stand up
- The kitchenette add-on is only functional outdoor
5. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
Notable Features:
- Outside sink and gas griddle
- microwave
- Outside kitchen
- refrigerator
- 54” x 74” bed
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1252lbs
- Tongue weight: 162lbs
- Shell length: 11’3”
- Exterior height: 7’9”
- Exterior width: 6’8”
- Payload weight rating: 710lbs
Why we love it:
The Rockwood GeoPro is an overall small and basic trailer that meets most of your needs: bedroom, fridge, awning, kitchen(outside). There is nothing I would complain about since there aren’t many things you can do other than sleep in it. This is the perfect camper for any hiking enthusiast.
Pros:
- Standard but functional floor plan (decent value for money)
- Full-size bed
- Microwave and fridge
Cons:
- Outside kitchen
- Might be a little small for some people
6. Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth
Notable Features:
- Café table top
- LED interior, exterior lighting
- Birch plywood cabinetry
- Pre-wired solar input
- Optional tongue toolbox
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1310lbs
- Tongue weight: 127lbs
- Shell length: 12’10”
- Interior height: 4’7”
- Interior width: 4’7” to 3’9”
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2200lbs
Why we love it:
The most interesting feature of the TigerMoth is the rooftop tent that is optional, but most will buy it distinctively for this feature. Without the tent, there is comfortable sleeping space for two. However, with the additional tent, you can now house 3 more people. It has a lot of cargo storage, a cafe table, a pullout kitchen, pullout seats and several more features that account for our every need.
Pros:
- Excellent storage
- Versatility and functionality
- Decent available add-ons
Cons:
- Might not be the best looking ultra-lite RV out there
7. Aliner Ascape ST 2019 ($18,525)
Notable Features:
- LED lighting
- Flip-up seating
- Wet bath with toilet and shower
- Three-way refrigerator
- Stainless steel sink with pull-out faucet
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1575lbs
- Tongue weight: 220lbs
- Shell length: 13’
- Interior height: 6’4”
- Exterior height: 8’4”
- Exterior width: 6’1”
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2500lbs
Why we love it:
One of the most notable features of an Aliner Ascape ST is the wet bath which has a toilet and a shower. That sets it apart from even some of the other Aliner Ascape products. What’s more is that it has a three-way refrigerator, rooftop air-conditioner, two-burner stove, etc. I must say that it is well-equipped. You can even set up a spacious sleeping area by reforming the dinette space. Other than that, the Aliner Ascape ST comes with standard features in most RVs.
Pros:
- Well-equipped
- Kitchenette is decent
- Easy to tow
Cons:
- None
8. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 12RK ($9,950)
Notable Features:
- Dual entry
- Double-size bed
- TV with DVD
- Outside kitchen
- fridge
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1133lbs
- Tongue weight: 153lbs
- Shell length: 11’
- Exterior height: 7’6”
- Exterior width: 6’4”
- Gross vehicle weight rating: 2000lbs
Why we love it:
This is a model that looks modern and will certainly make you comfortable. Like its GeoPro counterpart, it has a full-size bed, a fridge, outside kitchen, awning, etc. It has the best bedroom design I have seen so far in an ultralite trailer. As is advertised by the company itself, the Flagstaff E-Pro can be towed by small SUVs. This is the perfect trailer for you and your loved ones to go back to after a long day.
Pros:
- Nice, simple design
- Everything works perfectly
- Wifi booster and AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth and USB with exterior speakers
Cons:
- Outside kitchen might be inconvenient sometimes
9. Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer ($23,400)
Notable Features:
- Two doors, two windows, one skylight
- 4-inch-thick Queen mattress
- Lots of wooden shelves
- 1” thick foam between 2 layers of baltic birch plywood
- Galley kitchen with stainless steel sink and two-burner stove
Specifications:
- Dry weight: 1400lbs
- Tongue weight: 150lbs
- Shell length: 14’
- Exterior height: 5’5”
- Interior height: 3’
Why we love it:
This teardrop trailer is unlike any other. It is handcrafted and comes with a minimalistic design that makes you feel like you are looking at a small treehouse. This teardrop trailer comes with a cooktop at the back that is as aesthetically pleasing as you can get, all thanks to the especially gifted craftsmanship of the Timberleaf workers. It also has a massive skylight allowing for stargazing at night. Definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing ultra lightweight travel trailers under 2,000 pounds.
Pros:
- Easy to tow
- Minimalistic design
- Lots of cargo shelves
Cons:
- None
10. Roulottes Prolite (starts at $25,870 for 12V)
Notable Features:
- Portable electric heater
- Battery, solar panel
- Glass-ceramic induction heating
- refrigerator
- tempered glass window
Specifications: (12V)
- Dry weight: 1049lbs
- Tongue weight: 120lbs
- Shell length: 13’6”
- Interior height: 5’11”
- Interior width: 6’1”
Why we love it:
The 12V was marketed by Roulottes Prolite as an ultralight innovative caravan due to its renewable energy. As a matter of fact, that is the selling point of this trailer for me. The two 100 watts solar panels will provide ample energy for any daily routines, so you can wholeheartedly focus on your journey.
Pros:
- Innovative
- Environmentally friendly
- Has a bathroom
Cons:
- Outside kitchen
- Looks a bit cheap
Buying Ultra-Lightweight Travel Trailers: Things to Consider
Weight
When you are looking for ultra lite travel trailers under 2,000 lbs for sale, it is obvious that the specification for weight catches your glance right off the bat. There is just one thing I would like to point out: Don’t be fooled by the look of the travel trailer (especially when shopping online), it might be really heavy.
You never know until you see the vehicle’s dry weight. After that you will also have to give a total estimate of the amount of tow weight (travel trailer and expected cargo weight) that your car will be towing.
Dimensions
Again, put your trust only in the figures that appear on manufacturers’ websites, so that you know what you are buying.
Features
This is what separates a travel trailer that suits your lifestyle (and aesthetic eye) and something that doesn’t.
Brand
Like many other travel trailer categories, ultra-lightweight travel trailers are specialties of a selected few and are therefore what those brands are known for. There isn’t a single go-to brand for every segment of campers. They are all committed to one that they know they are the best at.
Spending money is like a marathon, you have to look closely enough, spend enough time contemplating different choices to know what the best product for you is going to be.
Price
As I was saying, spending money is like a marathon, especially when we are talking about such a big sum of money that will be evaporating due to a random thought you had the other night.
Whether you are rich or not so well-off, it is best to mull over your decisions before swiping that card. Money is, after all, hard to make, yet easy to spend.
Lightweight Travel Trailers: Weight Ratings You Must Know
Dry Weight: The dry weight is the weight of the travel trailer with its standard equipment, but not including fuel, fluids, cargo, passengers, other equipment. In other words, it is just the weight of the travel trailer’s shell being taken into consideration. This figure is oftentimes very small compared to other weight ratings (and therefore rarely matters when discussing towability).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): While the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the weight of a trailer and its payload altogether, the gross vehicle weight rating is the manufacturers’ recommendations for the maximum of such weight that allows for safe trailer towing.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The gross axle weight rating is the most amount of distributed weight that can be towed by each of the travel trailer’s axles. Most lightweight travel trailers have two axles, but some of the more extra-heavy fifth wheels may have three or more axles to support its weight.
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): This weight rating is often found on your towing vehicle (regular car or a motorhome) and is determined by the manufacturer. As the name suggests, it is the maximum amount of combined weight of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle (like your lightweight travel trailer) that you can safely travel with. This figure is not redundant yet is often ignored or taken lightly by the owners. You might want to look into it whenever you buy a regular car, a motorhome, or a travel trailer.
Tongue Weight (TW): The tongue weight is just what it is: the weight of the travel trailer’s tongue.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The cargo carrying capacity is the most additional weight you can add onto your travel trailer to be safely towed. Make sure you sort out what belongings you want to bring the most from your home as the lightweight travel trailers aren’t going to be very tolerant due to their exceedingly small space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ultra-lightweight travel trailers aren’t for everyone. The only benefits they have over their larger counterparts are the size, weight, and maneuverability. If the budget allows it, you should definitely go for the bigger, more refined RVs. However, if it is in your best interest to buy a smaller fifth wheel, then this article can be of great help to your already long and arduous search for ultralight RVs.
