If you’re the type who likes to get up and go for the weekend, a lightweight travel trailer might be the best RV for you. With a compact floor plan, a lightweight travel trailer is easy to pack-up, clean, and keep maintained. They offer a simpler camping experience that’s as laid back as tent camping, but still offers the luxury of a hard shell, private bathroom, and kitchen. With fewer bells and whistles, there are fewer parts to maintain and replace as road wear and tear takes its toll. Not only will you save money in the long run with fewer repairs, but you’ll save up front as some of these lighter models are much more affordable than their larger counterparts. You can also save in fuel efficiency as it will take less fuel for your vehicle to pull it. Often, you can also tow these lightweight travel trailers behind your everyday SUV or truck (but be sure to check the tow rating first!).
Perfect for couples or families of up to four or five, we love these three lighter models:
1. Jayco Jay Flight 154BH SWIFT
The Jayco Jay Flight 154BH Swift is a bunkhouse unit that is a perfect starter trailer for a young family. With a tow rating of 2,544 pounds, you’re not going to find a much more lightweight unit that this. It can be easily towed with a truck of almost any size, and even a small SUV. The dinette folds out into the master bed and then you have the bunk beds for the kids. Both the bunk beds and dinette have ample storage beneath them that are accessible from the outside. For an active family who just needs a place to sleep, use the restroom, and shower, the Jayco Jay Flight is the perfect camping trailer.
2. R-Vision Trail-Lite Trek 262BH
The R-Vision Trail-Lite Trek 262BH is another bunkhouse unit that’s great for families, and it’s a bit larger than the Jayco Jay Flight. Like the Jay Flight, it does not have a slideout, but that helps with the tow rating. The interior feels much larger than it actually is, and huge windows keep it well lit. This unit has a master bedroom, unlike the Jay Flight, but there’s a half wall between it and the dining area. This makes the trailer feel much roomier and allows for both a dinette and sideways couch. There’s a ton of storage available throughout the unit, a large tub/shower, and it’s really easy to keep clean.
3. Lance 1575
The 2014 Lance 1575 is just about the most luxury you can get and still keep your weight rating low. The beautiful interior woodwork ensures quality and durability, but doesn’t add too much weight. Real wood is used in the cabinetry and storage spaces, and one piece is used for each part to prevent stress cracks. Another feature that is uncommon in a lightweight, 15-foot trailer is the slideout. Normally, the frame of a 15-foot trailer couldn’t support a slide, but the Lance 1575’s frame has been specially-engineered to give you some extra room with the slide. To offset some of the weight, a special plastic composite is used for the windows. The dinette can easily fit four people and it can fold down into a bed, if necessary, and the unit features a roomy queen in the master bedroom area.
For a camping experience that provides the best of both traditional and RV camping, try one of these three lightweight travel trailers. If you’d like to take a look at any one of these three units, or have something else in mind, give us a call today.
