Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
6 Great Aluminum Frame Travel Trailers
Aluminum is used to build airplanes, boats, and cars. Although not by many RV manufacturers, it is also used to build RV frames.
Key Takeaways
-
- Aluminum Frames in Travel Trailers:
- Aluminum frames are increasingly preferred in RV manufacturing due to their lightweight, durability, and strength compared to traditional wood frames.
- Lightweight trailers, which can be towed by standard trucks or SUVs and offer better fuel efficiency, are driving this trend.
- Highlighted Travel Trailers:
- Airstream Flying Cloud: Renowned for durability, lightweight build, and panoramic windows; available in multiple layouts.
- Forest River Rockwood Signature: This model offers travel trailer and fifth-wheel options, spacious interiors, and a significant cargo-carrying capacity.
- Grand Design Imagine 2150RB: Luxurious, durable, and double-insulated for comfort in varying weather.
- Forest River Salem FSX 169 RSK: Sophisticated design with versatile floor plans catering to both minimalist and luxury preferences.
- Forest River Flagstaff MicroLite: Compact yet functional with multiple floor plans and impressive storage and amenities.
- Tanami Hybrid 10 Off-Road Camper: Ultra-lightweight, robust off-road camper with advanced features like solar panels, lithium batteries, and off-road suspension.
- Versatility of Designs:
- Most aluminum-frame trailers provide various floor plan options to meet different needs, from minimalism to luxury.
- Many models emphasize modern interiors, smart use of space, and integration of essential amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
- Advanced Features in Modern Trailers:
- Innovative designs include features like double insulation, solar panels, electric pop-up roofs, and high-tech electrical systems for off-grid living.
- Aluminum Frames in Travel Trailers:
Wood is a popular material for building RV frames. Yes, you read that right. Most RV brands use wood to build recreational vehicles.
However, the use of aluminum to build RV frames in the RV manufacturing industry is increasing.
This is because wood frames are heavier than aluminum frames. Therefore, they cannot be used to make lightweight travel trailers, which are fast becoming a prevalent type of recreational vehicle.
Lightweight travel trailers are becoming very popular because, in contrast to average travel trailers, they are generally cheaper and can be towed using standard trucks or SUVs. They also do not affect gas mileage as significantly as average travel trailers do when being towed.
With lightweight travel trailers becoming more popular, it is only logical that more RV brands are starting to make them. Therefore, the industry’s use of aluminum is increasing.
Using aluminum instead of wood in the RV manufacturing industry is also increasing because aluminum is stronger and more durable than wood.
Here is a list of ten strong and lightweight aluminum-frame travel trailers.
Best Aluminum Frame Travel Trailers
1. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer
- Dry Weight: 4,500 lbs.
- Length: 19 ft.
- Height: 10 ft.
Airstream is a renowned RV manufacturer that has long made stylish and durable recreational vehicles. The company was one of the first to use aluminum frames in building recreational vehicles, which is why its RVs are known to be extremely lightweight and durable.
Like most Airstream trailers, the Airstream Flying Cloud is aluminum-framed. This makes it tough, lightweight, and durable. It also means it can be towed by standard trucks and SUVs, unlike heavy travel trailers that can only be towed using powerful trucks and SUVs.
This aluminum travel trailer is available in various layouts/ floor plans. Of the 19 available layouts, I am sure at least one or two will impress you if the overall design impresses you. Whatever layout you choose, you can be sure it will be very versatile, as all Airstream trailers are.
The several different layouts have different features and amenities. However, they all come at least with a spacious and high-quality bed, a decent-sized kitchen, a bathroom, and storage compartments for keeping things orderly.
In addition, all Airstream models come with large panoramic windows that allow owners to view nature and be one with nature without going outside. So get this model if you want an RV with large panoramic windows and nice views.
In summary, this aluminum-frame RV is made by an experienced company. It is available in several layouts and has nice windows.
- Dry Weight: 6,160 lbs.
- Length: 10 ft.
- Height: 8.2 ft.
2. Forest River Rockwood Signature Travel Trailer
- Dry Weight: 8,781 lbs.
- Length: 35 ft.
- Height: 11 ft.
This travel trailer is made by Forest River, a company that started about thirty years ago. Forest River is known for making some of the most stylish, lightweight, and compact RVs currently available!
Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite is one of their lightest travel trailers. This is because its frame and body are made using very light but strong aluminum. While this travel trailer is probably lighter than most on the market, it is one of the heaviest on this list. However, in general terms, it does qualify as lightweight.
The best thing about this recreational vehicle is that it is available in various forms. First, you can buy it as a travel trailer or a fifth wheel. The travel trailer version is available in eight different ways (eight layouts), while the fifth-wheel version is available in four different ways (four layouts).
Before I explain the difference between travel trailers and fifth wheels, let me tell you more about this aluminum travel trailer. It is designed to provide maximum comfort. It is comfortable because it has spacious living spaces and amenities to ensure you stay maximally comfortable while camping or traveling.
The key difference between travel trailers and fifth-wheels is in their design. Fifth-wheels’ general design means they can only be towed using trucks, while travel trailers’ general design means they can be directly hitched and towed using trucks and standard SUVs.
Another difference is that fifth-wheels are generally more prominent than travel trailers.
As highlighted above, you can purchase this Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite travel trailer as a travel trailer or a fifth wheel.
Another thing I must mention about this travel trailer is its cargo-carrying capacity. It can carry 2,394 pounds of cargo. This is a very significant cargo-carrying capacity. This means you will have plenty of equipment, accessories, food, gas, and water in this travel trailer. So, if you want to go off-grid for a while or to visit places far away from big cities and big towns, it is the type of RV you should strongly consider.
In summary, this amazing aluminum frame travel trailer is perfect for long trips or full-time RV living.
3. Grand Design Imagine 2150RB Travel Trailer
- Dry Weight: 5,195 lbs.
- Length: 27 ft.
- Height: 11 ft.
In my opinion, among the well-established RV brands, Grand Design makes some of the most luxurious and robust recreational vehicles in the United States. Most of its RVs are generational. In other words, they are vehicles that last long enough to be passed down to generations. If you buy one, it is almost guaranteed that it will last long enough for you to pass it to your son or daughter or someone else and for them to pass it down.
The Grand Design Imagine 2150RB travel trailer is like most Grand Design recreational vehicles in that it is quite luxurious and durable, even though it has an aluminum frame.
This trailer is very modern and stylish inside. It has stunning finishes and luxurious features throughout its interior. Even the floor is luxurious. It is luxurious in the same way that it is double insulated, maintaining the temperature inside the trailer at comfortable levels even when it gets extremely cold outside.
In addition to luxurious features and amenities, this Grand Design travel trailer comes with all the basic amenities: a kitchen, a bathroom, and sleeping quarters.
In summary, it is the type of trailer you should choose if you are looking for something lightweight but luxurious and comfortable.
4. Forest River Salem FSX 169 RSK Travel Trailer
- Dry Weight: 5,709 lbs.
- Length: 27 ft.
- Height: 11 ft.
Forest River has been making quality and extremely functional recreational vehicles since immemorial. Some say it is what Apple is to the RV industry to the smartphone industry. In other words, it makes the “iPhones” in the RV industry.
The thing I like the most about this particular aluminum frame travel trailer is its sophistication—it looks and feels very sophisticated. I also like the fact that several interior designs/ floor plans are available. Some floor plans are cheaper than others. The cheaper ones are minimalist RVs with only the basics. In contrast, the expensive ones have everything you need regarding comfort and luxury. They are homes on wheels.
Like most Forest River recreational vehicles, all Salem FSX 169 RSK travel trailers come with all the essentials. These include a kitchen, a bathroom, a dining/ sitting area, and sleeping quarters. The kitchen is fully functional and well-equipped in all the versions of this travel trailer. I think it is one of the best kitchens you will ever see fitted inside an RV. This is because it is spacious and it features multiple high-end food preparation appliances.
The dining/ sitting area is also well-designed in all the versions of this Forest River trailer. It is spacious and does not feel restricted.
As I mentioned earlier in this segment, this trailer is aluminum-framed, which definitely makes it quite light. However, alongside the Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer, it is probably one of the heavier trailers on this list.
In brief, this trailer is great for travelers looking for a brand-name lightweight travel trailer that is comfortable and durable. This kind of trailer will make your travels comfortable and worth it.
5. Forest River Flagstaff MicroLite Travel Trailer
- Dry Weight: 4,816 lbs.
- Length: 22 ft.
- Height: 10 ft.
This is another Forest River travel trailer on this list. It is also aluminum-framed, and its quality is as good as the quality of the other aluminum-framed Forest River recreational vehicles I have listed above.
This Forest River travel trailer is called MicroLite because it is one of the lightest and most compact Forest River recreational vehicles. It weighs less than 5,000 pounds and is just 22 feet long. But while it is lightweight and compact, it is also very functional and stylish. I have mentioned this because I feel many see “lightweight” and automatically assume some features and amenities have been sacrificed. This is not the case with this trailer. It is lightweight because it has an aluminum body and all the essential features everyone expects to find in an RV.
The best thing about it is how unassuming it looks outside in contrast to how sleek and luxurious it looks inside. It is very stylish and has nice finishes. There are ten floor plan options available. Depending on your budget, you can get the expensive full-featured floor plan option with all the luxuries and amenities or one of the cheaper minimalist options with fewer luxuries and amenities.
While the floor plans and interior designs are many, all the Forest River Flagstaff MicroLite travel trailers have essentials. The basics include a kitchen, a living area, a bathroom, a sleeping area, and storage compartments. Most of the storage drawers/ compartments, the kitchen amenities, and the beds in all the Flagstaff MicroLite Travel Trailers are made of aluminum, so they are of excellent quality and extremely durable.
Last but not least, this travel trailer has an impressive cargo-carrying capacity of 1,744 pounds.
In summary, what I have been trying to say above is that this is a recreational vehicle that you will be very proud to own and to use.
6. Tanami Hybrid 10 Off-Road Camper
- Dry Weight: Approx. 1100kg
- Length: 5420 mm
- Height: 2375 mm
This is one of the lightest and most exciting travel trailers made of aluminum.
It is an extremely high-quality camper made by Tanami, an up–and–coming RV manufacturer that produces extremely edgy and functional recreational vehicles.
One of the best things about this camper is that it is designed to be easy to tow. You probably will not find a recreational vehicle that many vehicles can easily tow.
Construction
I designed this with durability in mind, using a fully welded aluminum frame paired with royal silver aluminum composite panels and a gloss black aluminum checker plate. The drawbar and chassis are hot-dipped galvanized, featuring a robust 150 x 50 x 4mm frame on the outside and a 100 x 50 x 3mm RHS box chassis. It’s all reinforced with Q345 steel tubing for unmatched strength.
Roof Construction
The roof? It’s built tough with reinforced aluminum composite and an aluminum frame to keep it lightweight but super strong.
Hitch
I’ve included the McHitch 3.5T full off-road coupling and ADR-approved rated safety chains for hitching. There are also dual rear recovery points and an Ark XO 750 Series extra-heavy-duty adjustable dual-wheel jockey wheel.
Brakes
Safety is key, so I added 6-stud 4×4 hubs with heavy-duty bearings, 12-inch heavy-duty electric brakes, and a mechanical handbrake. There’s also a trailer breakaway system for added peace of mind.
Suspension
The suspension is adjustable independent coil spring AusTuff off-road suspension with Pedder’s foam cell big bore 4×4 shock absorbers—perfect for tough terrain.
Gas & Fuel Storage
There will be space for 2 x 9kg or 4.5kg gas cylinders and 2 x 20L jerry cans with secure tie-down points.
Wheels & Tyres
It’s equipped with 4 brand-new reinforced black alloy mag wheels and M/T tires (265/75-R16). I’ve also included heavy-duty lockable and adjustable drop-down stabilizer legs, a spare tire holder, and embossed mudflaps.
Electrical Connections
For power, there’s a 7-pin flat or round plug, a 50Amp Anderson plug, an external 240V inlet, and a 240V outlet.
Electrical System
This is where it gets exciting: 4 x 100Ah LiFePO4 lithium batteries paired with 6 x 100W roof-mounted solar panels. There’s also a REDARC 2kW pure sinewave inverter with 240V auto changeover, a REDARC Manager30 for full battery management, and multiple 240V, USB, and accessory outlets. Lighting includes an LED tail, tent, body lights, and a wireless charging station.
Lighting
For convenience, I’ve installed external LED body lights, multiple internal LED lights, reading lights, stair light handles, and LED strip lighting.
Gas Lines
The gas setup is fully plumbed with a changeover valve, bayonet fittings, and a gas certificate. There’s even a second bayonet connection at the rear for a BBQ hookup.
Water Storage
You’ll have ample water capacity with 2 x 120L food-grade poly water tanks, a 1 x 80L grey water system, and a 12.5L per minute 12V electric pump. Tank guards and water gauges are included for added protection.
Storage
Multiple boxes, drawers, and plenty of open space ensure that storage won’t be an issue. All storage areas have high-quality pinch-weld automotive seals and adjustable compression locks.
Windows & Doors
The double-glazed, three-stage opening windows are tinted and come with shade curtains, mosquito-proof meshing, and blackout screens.
Internal Setup
For a quick setup, there’s a push-button electric pop-up roof and internal zip windows with screens in the pop-top.
Interior Features
You’ll find timber-look vinyl flooring, a dining table, an upright wardrobe, drawer storage, and extra side pockets for additional space.
Dining Area
The dining setup includes an adjustable table with comfortable internal seating.
Mattress
Sleep comfortably on a king-size plush 150mm foldable inner pocket spring mattress.
Shower & Bathroom
You’ll have a full internal bathroom with an electric flushing toilet (external removable cassette), a vanity sink, a fully adjustable shower rose, and a Truma water ultra-rapid gas/electric water heater. There’s also an external hot/cold shower tent.
Kitchen
The slide-out stainless steel kitchen is a highlight. It features utility drawers, a cutlery drawer, a large sink, and an AGA-approved multi-burner cooktop with a windbreak. There’s also a drainage rack, a rear prep bench, a large slide-out prep bench, and multiple storage compartments.
One more thing I must mention about this camper is that it has all the amenities you need for a beautiful short-term or long-term trip.
Conclusion
Aluminum-frame travel trailers are reshaping the RV market, offering lighter, stronger, and more durable options. These models cater to a range of travelers, from casual campers to full-time RVers, with their versatility in layouts, superior design, and cutting-edge features. As more manufacturers embrace aluminum construction, these trailers are becoming the go-to choice for those seeking functionality, efficiency, and style in their travel adventures.
Whether for luxury, rugged off-road trips, or minimalist living, aluminum-frame trailers deliver unmatched value and performance.
