Ultra-Lightweight Travel Trailers:
Models Under 1000lbs

Modern travel trailers with weight under 1000lbs can offer amenities you would only expect from larger campers; here we've compiled a list of 8 of our favorites......

          Travel trailers today are lighter than ever, with many even being manufactured under 1,000 pounds. This makes it easy for smaller cars to tow these convenient trailers. Actually some can be even towed by “heavier” motorcycles.

Despite general skepticism and opinions that “ultra-light” must be very small and definitely much less comfortable, these days modern ultra-lightweight travel trailers offer amenities you would only expect from larger campers.

In this article, we've compiled a list of our favorite lightweight travel trailers that weigh no more than 1000 pounds. We start with 2023 models and then follow with older models that already proved themselves on the market....

Top Lightweight Travel Trailers Below 1000 lb

Earth Traveler T250LX

Earth Traveler T250LX (Here fully "expanded w/lifted roof and folded-down sidewalls. 

          Both Earth Traveler models T300 (starting at 400 lbs) and T250LX (starting at 250 lbs) represent hybrid designs, combining the key elements (and coming with it, benefits) of Teardrop, Pop-up, and Tent(s). Namely, the weather-resistant hard shell as well as its aerodynamic shape enhanced by a “flattened” front-end (Teardrop), compactness on the road, coming with effortlessly expandable space on the campground (Pop-up) as well as low weight and flexibility of tents.
     The shell of the T300 is entirely made from Fiberglass Composite materials. It's Dry Weight starts at 400 lbs/182 kg) and price ($+).

     The shell of the T250LX is made from Kevlar/Carbone Fiber and its Dry Weight starts at 250 lbs and price ($$+).

      All shells are built as “one-piece” (monocoque), self-supporting structures (the frame exists only in a very shortened form, basically consisting of the tongue). Each section of the trailer’s roof (front and rear) pops up independently, creating this way generous headroom (up to 7.25 ft). Both - front and rear sections are factory-equipped with a tent, “automatically” unfolding when the roof is lifted. 
In the same spirit, each sidewall (curb and roadside) opens down expanding this way the interior space. Thanks to their structural strength and support, these drop-down walls can be used as extra sleeping space for kids (in practice, possibly even for adults). To make it easier, each side wall comes with a custom tent.

Given the fact that the interior of the trailer has enough space for two (it comes with two 72” L X 21” W x 4” H lounge cushions), altogether the Earth Traveler can sleep up to four adult persons.....

See details at: --> Ultra-Light Earth Traveler T250LX

Timberleaf Kestrel

Timberleaf Kestler (here in an All-Road version)

          Kestrel represents the minimalistic design offering a sleeping space defined by the dimensions of a double-size mattress (75” x 54”). The mattress is 6” thick, however, an 8” thick one is available as an option. Two side doors with windows and two additional windows offer enough natural light to enhance the feeling of “warmness” created by the Baltic Birch interior finish. All windows are vented and with additional help from a ceiling vent the small interior somehow maintains the “contact” with the outdoors (an optional skylight can further boost this experience).
        Unlike most traditional teardrops (including Classic and Pika), Kestrel does not have a rear-hatch galley. This unorthodox approach was necessary to keep the trailer’s dry weight at 860 lbs...

For more details see: --> Timberleaf Kestrel

Hiker Trailers: Highway Basic

Hiker Trailer: Highway Deluxe (here model 5 x 10ft)

      The beauty of the Hiker Trailer’s design is that it covers the whole spectrum of hikers’ needs. In the simplest “entry” version, it will be just a towable, DOT-approved “box on wheels” w/door and windows (estimated cost of a few k$). The basic 5ft x 10ft Highway Deluxe w/standard features costs 8k$ and weighs about 1,000 lbs (version 5ft x 8ft correspondingly 6k$ and 800 lbs). Box’s standard features include....

See details at: --> Hiker Trailers

Kwik-Kampa-2

Kwik Kampa-2

         Kwik Kampa-2 is the second-generation camper trailer designed by Phil Savory, founder, and owner of Stockman (Melbourne-based Australian manufacturer of ultralight travel trailers). In Phil’s words, it’s an almost indestructible, multipurpose travel trailer that can be towed by any car. 
Stockman makes 3 versions of pods: Pod Trailer, All-Roada and Extreme Off-Roada. The main difference between them is the suspension, designed correspondingly as “four-leaf slipper springs” for beaten roads, “fife-leaf eye-to-eye springs” for off-road, and “Cruismaster independent coil-spring” for extreme off-road conditions....

The article below describes the model built based on an Xtreme Off-Roada pod (992 lbs). However, replacing the pod by its version All-Roada lowers the trailer's dry weight to just 882 lbs, what leaves extra room for options.... 

For details see: --> Kwik-Kampa-2 Extreme

1.       Buzz

      Made by So-Cal, Buzz is the lightest and most compact trailer you can find on the market. It will be extremely easy to tow it around, because your car won’t even feel it. Don’t be confused by its light weight, because it is able to withstand any challenge and weather and be a companion for life.

Looking like a bumblebee, with an aerodynamic shape, Buzz’s body is supported by resistant wall steel tubing, of the highest quality. It comes with a torsion axle and two wheels of 14 inches per piece. Inside, a 46” wide mattress can comfortable accommodate two adults. A curb door is the only way inside, which opens to the sides.

Among other facilities are a cabin light, a 12v outlet if you need something to plug in, and shelves, which are all foldable for extra space. If you need more space for cooking, you can also opt for a table, which will be side mounted.

Buzz travel trailer (courtesy of So-Cal Teardrops)

Specifications:

• 136” overall length, body and towing 
• 68” total width;
• 47” width of the inside space
• 44.5” height inside the the cabin
• 66” total height;
• 670 lbs. total weight;
• 4"x47"x78" dimensions of the bed, for 2 
• 15” clearance of the ground;

2.       Rover

        Another ultralight trailer from So-Cal Teardrops: a beautiful and aerodynamic camper, with sufficient space to accommodate travelers and offer them all the facilities they need for a comfortable camping experience. On the outside, the Rover has sturdy materials, which will keep you safe regardless of conditions. Also, the body is made to last, so you can enjoy as many outdoor experiences you want.

It is large enough to offer a comfortable place to sleep, while storing a fridge and a stove, with two burners, for increased convenience. In the back area of the galley lid, you will find areas available for storage, the space inside the trailer being maximized. It represents a compact and complete solution for every outing you plan to enjoy.

Rover travel trailer (courtesy of So-Cal Teardrops)

Specifications:

• 156” overall length, body and towing system; 
• 68” total width;
•  47” width inside the cabin;
•  44.5” height inside the cabin;
•  65” total height;
•  920 lbs. total weight;
•  4"x47"x78" dimensions of the bed, for 2 persons;
• 15” clearance of the ground;

3.       Suite

       It’s a spacious and easy to tow trailer, to take with you in every traveling experience. For this one, you don’t need a large car to move it around, because it was designed to be straightforward when it comes to transportation. Even if has reduced dimensions, the trailer can still offer you everything you need. In one end, you will find a sofa bed for two. Make it a sofa during the day, for extra space, and pull it in the shape of a bed at night, for a comfortable sleep. The table is mounted on the wall, a smart mechanism allowing you to push it sideways according to your needs, without the need to get it off the wall.

A Fan-Tastic fan is also part of the trailer’s equipment, making the atmosphere inside nice and cozy. And for an efficient use of the space, two depositing areas are available on the outside, two small access doors allowing you to store anything you may need. It has a total weight of 550 lbs., making it easy to tow and maneuver.

Suite - ultralight travel trailer made by Canadian company Roulottes-Prolite.

Below - the view inside of the trailer

Specifications:

• 11'10” length; 
• 4'6" width;
•  4'4” height inside the cabin;
•  6'4” total height;
•  550 lbs. dry weight;
• 935 lbs maximum weight
•  76"x52" dimensions of the front bed, for 2 persons;

4.       Cool

       For a small family of four, or in case you wish to grab another couple with you in your camping experiences, this trailer can be just perfect. It will require a compact car, slightly bigger than the one required for the previous model, for towing. Everything in this trailer is made to accommodate in a comfortable manner four persons. A sofa bed and dinette will provide the space needed when night comes. During the day, both of them can be reduced in size to make more room inside the trailer.

       A cook top is available, plus a table as well, to facilitate cooking and serving diner. There is room for a small fridge at the same time. For an efficient use of the space, all shelves are foldable and one depositing space in created above the dinette, protected with a net to prevent objects from falling. It has a total weight of 925 lbs. 

Cool 13 - ultralight travel trailer made by Canadian company Roulottes-Prolite.

Below - floorplan of the trailer

Specifications:

• 13'10” length; 
• 7'4" external width;
•  6'0” height inside the cabin;
•  7'6” total height;
•  850 lbs. dry weight;
• 2000 lbs maximum weight
•  74"x 48" dimensions of the front bed;
• 74" x 54" rear bed

              As the world becomes more focused on eco-friendliness and minimalist lifestyles, ultra-lightweight travel trailers have become increasingly popular. These trailers are designed for people who want to travel and explore while still minimizing their carbon footprint and living in a compact, minimalist space.

So let's continue the review of ultralight models available on the market....

Continue:  --> Next

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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