What Is The Best Small Travel Trailer?
SMALL TRAVEL TRAILERS OFFER the perfect blend of mobility, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking adventure, or a family, the best small travel trailer provides all the essentials without added heft. But with so many options, how do you find the perfect one for your camping needs?
From lightweight campers towable by SUVs to models packed with innovative features, we’ll guide you through the top picks that combine compact size with big-time benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Small travel trailers are defined (in this guide) as models under 25 feet and roughly 5,000 pounds UVW, offering easier towing, better campsite access, and layouts suited for couples, families, and adventure travelers.
- Top models are grouped by use case: family-friendly bunkhouse options (e.g., Coleman 17B, Jay Flight SLX 197MBW, Salem FSX 174DBLE), couple-focused floorplans (e.g., Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS, Campsite Reserve 16BC, Jay Flight SLX 160LK), and compact toy haulers (e.g., Grey Wolf 18RR, Coleman 13T).
- Leading brands in 2026 include Jayco, Keystone Coleman, Rockwood Geo Pro, Forest River Wildwood FSX, and Keystone Hideout Sport, with each offering multiple sub-25’, lightweight floor plans packed with smart storage, modern amenities, and towability.
What Defines a “Small” Travel Trailer?
The best quality travel trailers generally range from under 20 feet to over 40 feet long, with unloaded vehicle weights (UVW) starting at just a couple thousand pounds and reaching nearly 10,000 pounds.
While definitions of “small” vary, the standard travel trailers below are all under 25 feet in length and have a dry weight (UVW) of 5,000 pounds or less. Travel trailers of this size are often single-axle campers—but not always.
Small travel trailers offer several advantages. They can more easily fit into smaller campsites and can be towed by smaller trucks and select SUVs.
Need to check your towing capacity?
What Is The Best Small Travel Trailer for a Family of 4?
The best small travel trailers for families of four combine smart design, essential amenities, and smooth towing to make every trip memorable. Below, we spotlight top family-friendly small campers with practical sleeping arrangements, well-equipped kitchens, and thoughtful storage solutions.
Keystone Coleman 17B
Specs
- Length: 20’5”
- Dry Weight: 3,071 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,229 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 5
The Coleman 17B travel trailer is a family adventure powerhouse, blending comfort with functionality in a compact design. Its clever layout features a queen bed, cozy bunks, and a dinette that transforms into extra sleeping space, allowing families to settle in and enjoy quality time together.
Designed with safety and stability in mind, the Coleman 17B boasts a solid entry step and enhanced towing capabilities, allowing it to be towed by many common vehicles. The 8-foot power awning extends your living space outdoors, perfect for enjoying evening meals or stargazing. With ample storage and a stylish interior, the Coleman 17B is ready for unforgettable family road trips.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 197MBW
Specs
- Length: 23’7”
- Dry Weight: 3,815 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,320 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
The Jay Flight SLX 197MBW is a single-slide compact travel trailer that maximizes space and comfort with a double-over-double bunk bed. Its relatively light dry weight makes it accessible to a range of tow vehicles, while its generous cargo allowance lets you pack what you need to suit a larger group of campers in a compact travel trailer.
Inside, you’ll find a somewhat flexible layout centered around a slide-out U-shaped dinette that can convert into a bed, and a front Murphy bed that tucks away to free up space during the day. In the rear, you get a full-size bathroom with a shower.
Meal prep is easy with a simple galley kitchen, and windows all around let in natural light without sacrificing privacy thanks to the G20 dark-tinted window treatment. In the evenings, the 13-foot power awning extends your living space outdoors — a perfect spot for relaxing or dining.
The strengths of the 197MBW lie in its multiuse living area, its ability to accommodate a larger group in a relatively small footprint and its balance between amenities and towability. Whether you’re camping for a weekend or venturing on a longer trip, the 197MBW provides a smart, comfortable basecamp for making memories on the move.
Forest River Salem FSX 174DBLE
Specs
- Length: 21’8″
- Dry Weight: 3,229 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 706 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 7
The Salem FSX 174DBLE delivers big-family comfort in a small, no-slide footprint. Its smart layout packs double-over-double bunks into the rear corner—a rare find in a 21-foot trailer—giving kids or guests a full bed each without cutting into your living area.
Inside, the design feels open and efficient. The galley includes a deep sink, two-burner cooktop, and a large under-counter refrigerator, while the rear bathroom offers a roomy shower and toilet setup. The clean, modern interior and durable vinyl flooring keep the space bright and easy to maintain, with the distinctive look that sets Salem apart.
With a lighter cargo capacity than some competitors, it’s best suited for families who pack light and travel with essentials rather than heavy gear. The trade-off is easy towing and smoother handling for smaller vehicles—perfect for weekend trips or state park getaways.
Outside, the power awning, roof-mounted A/C, and walk-on roof come standard, giving the 174DBLE a level of comfort and durability that belies its size. For families wanting bunkhouse sleeping capacity, simple setup, and lightweight towability, the Salem FSX 174DBLE hits the sweet spot between convenience and capability.
Honorable Mentions
What Is The Best Small Travel Trailer For Couples?
When choosing the best compact trailer for couples, the priority is maximizing space without sacrificing comfort. A well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable bed, and a functional bathroom greatly enhance your camping experience. Additionally, consider loaded weight rating for easy towing, storage options, and a layout that matches your travel style.
These are our favorite small travel trailers matching this criteria:
Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS
Specs
- Length: 21’2″
- Dry Weight: 3,669 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 752 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS blends compact travel convenience with a touch of premium comfort. This is a no-nonsense camper that has everything you need in an easy-to-tow rig from a brand—Rockwood—that has perfected the small camper.
Inside, the small layout still manages a full, non-Murphy bed, which many couples prefer over setting up the bedroom each evening. The single, midship slide-out offers one of the camper’s unique traits, a 72” sofa with cupholders and a mini table. The galley and seating area share space, keeping things simpler and lighter.
What helps set this small camper apart is its thoughtful standard features and construction. You get a walkable roof, composite wall construction (for strength without excess weight), and a fully laminated roof. The Geo Pro line also leans into modern touches—power control systems, efficient layouts, and a balance between structural durability and lightness.
In short, if you want a trailer that feels more spacious than a simple teardrop but still stays light and easy to tow, the Geo Pro G20FBS is an appealing middle ground—especially for travelers who value comfort, simplicity, and smart design over pure sleeping capacity.
Campsite Reserve 16BC
Specs
- Length: 21’10″
- Dry Weight: 3,764 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,767 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Campsite Reserve 16BC is a lightweight, well-equipped travel trailer designed for couples who want full amenities in a smaller, easier-to-tow package. At just under 22 feet, it delivers a surprisingly open layout anchored by a front camp queen bed and a full rear bath. A midship galley and dinette create a natural flow through the space, while large panoramic windows and a bright interior make the camper feel larger than its footprint.
Upon entering, the off-campside kitchen offers more counterspace than some other options on our list and includes some of the Campsite Reserve features we love, like a glass rinser and overhead lights. The kitchen and dinette placement provides a simple floor plan that streamlines the overall feel. Perhaps one drawback, though, is the placement of the TV mount, which might feel a bit crowded next to the sink.
Outside, the pass through storage will be helpful with that extra cargo capacity, while the Ultra Ride® suspension smooths out the ride for confident towing on highways or backroads. Compact yet capable, the 16BC combines practical construction with premium design touches—perfect for couples who want a lightweight trailer that’s easy to tow without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX 160LK
Specs
- Length: 21’5”
- Dry Weight: 3,455 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,245 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Jay Flight 160LK is a couples-friendly small trailer that keeps things simple and open. Up front, a 60″ x 80″ queen bed sits east to west with an overhead shelf and a small nightstand/ward—no nightly Murphy-bed setup, and it’s easy to hop in from the foot of the bed.
Mid-coach, the campside galley gives you a practical cooking setup with sink, cooktop, microwave, and overhead storage, all opposite a jackknife sofa in the slide-out. The movable table allows the sofa to act as your dining spot or disappear to open up the living area. At night, it converts to extra sleeping space for guests. In back, a true rear bath spans the corner with a shower, toilet, and a handy linen closet—rare storage for a trailer this size.
Outside, you get a 12′ power awning for covered hangouts and an LP quick connect for a griddle—easy upgrades that make short stays feel dialed-in. The standard tankless water heater keeps hot water flowing. Jayco’s Magnum Truss
Roof System, StrongholdVBL laminated walls, and integrated A-frame construction give the SLX 160LK its signature durability in a light, easy-to-tow package.
Overall, it’s a lightweight and efficient layout that suits two travelers perfectly, while still accommodating an occasional guest.
Honorable Mentions
What Is The Best Small Toy Hauler Travel Trailer?
Finding the best small toy hauler travel trailer means balancing comfort and versatility for all your outdoor adventures. These trailers are designed to carry your toys—like ATVs and bikes—while providing a cozy living space. Let’s check out the most nimble small toy haulers:
Forest River Grey Wolf 18RR
Specs
- Length: 24’1”
- Dry Weight: 5,008 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,662 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
If you’re a couple looking for a compact travel trailer that can tackle adventure and provide comfort, the Grey Wolf 18RR is worth a second look. Its length and weight make it manageable for many mid-size tow vehicles, yet it delivers more capacity and versatility than a conventional “lightweight” camper.
One of its biggest strengths is payload flexibility. With its generous cargo capacity, you have a lot of room for gear, toys, and supplies. That makes the 18RR not just a cozy camper — it’s also a small-scale hauler or weekend utility rig.
Inside, the layout is smart and efficient. You get a convertible garage that shifts from haul-mode to lounge-mode effortlessly. Add in a compact kitchen, full bathroom, and flexible seating and sleeping zones, and you get much of what a larger trailer offers in a more manageable footprint.
If you want a small trailer that doesn’t feel overly constrained, one that can adapt between hauling gear and delivering a comfortable camping experience, the 2026 Grey Wolf 18RR offers a strong balance of utility and livability.
Keystone Coleman 13T
Specs
- Length: 15’11”
- Garage Length: 10’3”
- Dry Weight: 3,005 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,995 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Coleman 13T redefines what a small toy hauler can be. Measuring just about 16 feet long, it’s one of the most compact and versatile hybrid campers on the market—built for adventurers who want simplicity without limits. The rear ramp door makes it easy to load bikes, kayaks, or gear, while the open interior converts seamlessly into a cozy living and sleeping space.
Inside, a Murphy bed folds down to create a comfortable main sleeping area, complemented by a flip-up bar table and a well-equipped front kitchen that includes a microwave, cooktop, and sink. The wet bath provides essential livability without taking up unnecessary space, and the pop-out tent adds flexible sleeping capacity—perfect for an extra guest or that true “under-the-stars” camping vibe.
On mild nights, dropping the rear ramp and keeping the mesh screen closed gives the feeling of tent camping with all the comforts of an enclosed RV. Lightweight, easy to tow, and designed for creative travelers, the Coleman 13T proves you don’t need a large camper to take big adventures.
Top Pick Brands in 2026
The best small travel trailers of 2026 combine smart design and big features in compact form. These leading RV brands deliver the perfect mix of innovation, comfort, and value for modern campers.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 11
Floor Plan Types: bunkhouse, rear living, and rear bath
Key Features: Magnum Truss roof system, enclosed and heated underbelly, integrated a-frame with diamond plate rock guard
Keystone Coleman
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 7
Floor Plan Types: bunkhouse, rear bath
Key Features: 78” interior height, tankless water heater, backup camera prep
Rockwood Geo Pro
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 16
Floor Plan Types: bunkhouse, rear bath, front queen, and rear king
Key Features: 190-watt solar panel for off-grid capability, 12V refrigerator for energy efficiency, torsion axle for enhanced towing performance
Keystone Hideout Sport (Mini)
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 14
Floor Plan Types: bunkhouse, rear bath, and rear living
Key Features: central vacuum system for easy cleaning, SolarFlex 200 for solar power integration, and upgraded nsulation for better temperature control
Forest River Wildwood FSX
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 15
Floor Plan Types: Rear bath, bunkhouse, rear bedroom
Key Features: opening panoramic windows, fully walkable roof, tankless water heater, under-counter refrigerator
Keystone Coleman Light
Floor Plans Under 25’ & 5000 Pounds: 3
Floor Plan Types: bunkhouse and rear bath
Key Features: 78” interior height, tankless water heater, backup camera prep
RV Tip: Some key features will only be available on select models in these lineups.
Honorable Mentions
- Forest River Wolf Pup
- Keystone Springdale Classic
- Forest River Ozark
- Forest River Campsite Reserve
- Grand Design Transcend One
- Winnebago Micro Minnie
If you like the idea of a small RV and would like to explore additional resources, check out the following articles:
- Small Campers for 2 People
- Small Fifth Wheel Trailers
- Is A Single Axle Camper Right for You?
- Micro Campers
Drop us a comment below, and tell us which one is your favorite.
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