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Last Updated on September 6, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 12 Best Small Campers
Summer is almost here, and now is the perfect time to start planning your warm-weather adventure. There are plenty of opportunities for family or friends to experience the outdoors.
Key Takeaways
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- Variety of Options: The article offers a comprehensive guide to the best small campers under 5,000 lbs, showcasing different styles from teardrop trailers to pop-up and truck campers.
- Targeted Tow Vehicles: These lightweight campers are suitable for various towing vehicles, from compact cars to large trucks, offering versatility for different users.
- Amenities vs. Simplicity: Some campers, like the Eriba Touring and Jay Feather Micro, boast full amenities, while others, such as the SylvanSport Go, prioritize simplicity and weight reduction.
- Price and Comfort Balance: The campers range from economical and compact models to more luxurious options, catering to different budgets and levels of camping experience.
- Unique Features: Campers like the Happier Camper and Forest River Flagstaff offer adaptability and innovative designs, providing unique experiences tailored to off-grid adventures and diverse configurations.
A small camper or travel trailer is a perfect investment for a perfect summer weekend. It can make a camping trip more relaxing, comfortable, and memorable for the right reasons.
Whether it be a pop-up camper, small travel trailer, 5th wheel, class B RV, truck camper, or anything in between, there’s a perfect recreational vehicle for any group of people who want to have a great (and comfortable time) outdoors on any budget.
When considering purchasing a small travel trailer/camper, you must ask many important questions.
- What is your price range?
- How much weight can your vehicle tow?
- How many people does your camper need to sleep?
- What kind of amenities do you want?
Narrowing it down to a few options can be challenging, especially since so many exist. It’s important to consider what kind of camping trips you plan on going on, how often you think you’ll use your camper, and how much camping experience you already have.
Here are a few of our favorite options to help narrow things down for the prospective camper shopper.
The Top-rated small campers under 5,000 lbs
1) Aliner Classic Travel Trailer 480
2) SylvanSport Go Camper
3) Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer
4) Sportsmobile Sprinter
5) Eriba Touring Trailer
The Best Small Travel Trailers under 5,000 lbs
1) Aliner Classic Travel Trailer 480
With a quirky and memorable design, many people associate campers with the Aliner Classic Travel Trailer. This small travel trailer has stood the test of time has been a fundamental part of outdoor enthusiasts’ free time all across the world, and has been in production for over 30 years.
This small travel trailer comes equipped with the right amount of bells and whistles to keep your campout comfortable yet simple and features easy set-up, durable build, and versatility for any camping adventure.
It’s not particularly large—it only sleeps two people (albeit very comfortably)—but it is lighter, which is a perk for owners of almost any kind of vehicle.
Pros: This camper comes with a sink and water tank, refrigerator, and gas stove, electrical outlets, and a microwave. It’s on the lighter side – coming in a little over 1,500 lbs, and can be towed by most kinds of vehicles (although there are plenty of other campers at a similar or smaller weight).
It also features easy setup and takedown. Its comfort and ease of use make it perfect for first-time campers who want to commit to spending more time outdoors.
Cons: This small camper is moderately priced – however, it makes up for the price with its quality. It’s also on the smaller side – it is built to sleep two. However, this could be just the camper for a romantic weekend or outing with a couple of friends.
You can read more about it here.
2) SylvanSport Go Camper
The SlyvanSport Go looks like a tent disguised as a small camper—don’t be fooled, though. There are plenty of perks to choosing a SylvanSport Go over a standard tent. It features plenty of storage space and blow-up mattresses for excellent sleeping, and it is deceptively easy to set up and take down.
Having one of these can be the set up for the perfect trip for a small family or group of friends – you can load up all your gear, food, and supplies on the small camper and still have plenty of legroom in your car, and then go on a great camping trip to boot.
Pros: This camper is easily one of the lightest weight options on the camper market, at only 840 lbs, and it can be hooked up to most vehicles equipped with a hitch. You can be right next to nature in the easy set-up tent-like structure without being too uncomfortable or close to the ground. This is perfect for anyone with some camping experience and the occasional spare weekend to whip off and have fun in nature.
Cons: If you’re looking for the comforts of a stereotypical small camper, this is not your trailer. It doesn’t feature amenities such as a gas stove or fridge – however, this is not what this kind of trailer was meant to feature.
You can read more about it here.
3) Timberleaf Teardrop Trailer
The Timberleaf Teardrop trailers are great examples of trailers on the lighter side that still have no set-up involved. Available in versions that you can even take off-roading, they are perfect for any kind of camping trip for a couple of people. It is compact and has storage space that also doubles as a workspace for prepping food or filleting a fish.
While it is compact and requires no setup, it doesn’t come with any appliances, which may be a drawback to some who are looking for a small camper. On the flip side, this is an excellent option for someone who wants a simple camping experience without hassle.
Pros: This trailer not only comes pre-set-up but is on the lighter end of preset-up trailers. Weighing as low as 1,000 lbs, this can be towed by relatively smaller vehicles. It can also be equipped to go off-roading and adventuring, making it truly versatile.
Cons: This trailer doesn’t have a lot of space or the most storage in the world, but is great for relaxing and is quite comfortable.
You can read more about it here.
4) Eriba Touring Trailer
This trailer, while still on the smaller side, is also on the more luxurious side. They are heavier compared to other trailers on this list, but lighter compared to trailers of the same caliber of luxury. It features a full kitchen, and a bath with a shower, a king-size bed, and space to move around. It features an air conditioner and a heater and has led lighting throughout.
This is great for anyone who secretly hates camping but loves spending time outdoors anyway because sleeping in it feels like sleeping in a building.
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Pros: The Eriba Touring trailer comes with every amenity possible in a trailer. It features both heating and air conditioning and can be used at any time of the year. It has a fully equipped kitchen with a sink, stove, and microwave. It has a generator and a battery to keep things running when you don’t have access to an electricity source.
Cons: This trailer weighs in at about 2500 pounds, which isn’t especially heavy for a trailer of this type, even being compact, but is definitely on the heavier side. This trailer may also be out of the price range for anyone on a budget, or anyone who is only occasionally planning on using it.
You can read more about it here.
5) Jay Feather Micro
As the name suggests, the Jay Feather Micro is Jayco’s lightest travel trailer and can be pulled by most mid-sized tow cars. It’s an excellent next step for people who wish to transition their sleeping bag from the ground in a tent to a bed in their RV. The JayPort system with a 17-inch griddle for outdoor cooking means you don’t have to give up all of your favorite features of tent camping, such as cooking outside.
Our off-road tires enable you to discover new locations and adventures. The Jay Feather Micro has everything you need to take your camping experience to the next level.
The Jay Feather Micro is everything you could look for in a travel trailer. While travel trailers can take a minute to set up, they are compact, easy to hitch onto a vehicle, and on the lighter side. They can also feel spacious and comfortable. The Jay Feather Micro is no exception. This trailer has plenty of space to move around and enjoy yourself, your company, and the outdoors.
This trailer has a dinette, sink, stove, fridge, fan, and microwave. Depending on the floor plan you buy, it can sleep 5-7 people. There is plenty of storage. It can even come with a toilet, heated mattresses, a radio, and speakers.
Pros: This trailer is perfect for someone with moderate camping experience who likes to spend the occasional getaway outside. It is relatively easy to set up and comes equipped with great appliances. The toilet, speakers, stove, fridge, and open layout are all great perks and the recipe for a great weekend. This trailer is also on the more economical side, especially if it was bought just a couple of years ago.
Cons: While this trailer isn’t the heaviest camper in the world, it isn’t the lightest, coming in at over 1,700 lbs.
You can read more about it here.
6) Happier Camper
The Happier Camper is a great, retro-style small camper that’s comfortable and perfect for the gram. It comes solar-powered, with an optional heated shower attachment and Bluetooth sound system. It has a configuration set to be swapped out and transformed, making it the perfect on- and off-road option for any one or two or even five people who want to adventure in comfort.
The interior can be reconfigured like building blocks for any space. It can also be towed off-road, making it perfect for an adventure into the desert or on a secluded beach.
Pros: The interior configuration of this trailer could not be more versatile – its unique “Adaptiv” system allows for a limitless number of different configurations, making it perfect for any family or individual. It has solar power and feels relatively spacious inside considering its lightweight and movability. It weighs 1,100 lbs and can be pulled by almost any kind of vehicle.
Cons: While it isn’t the most expensive camper on the market, it is definitely not cheap – you pay a little extra for its versatility, high-tech, and eco-friendly features, and quality. While it sleeps 2-5, you may also find it a little cramped when you fit in four or five people to sleep.
You can read more about it here.
7) Forest River Flagstaff SEP
The Forest River Flagstaff pop-up camper is a great pop-up camper for a medium-sized group of people who want to have a good time. It includes basic amenities that many pop-up campers include, with a stove and sink. It also features a toilet and shower, plenty of seating and storage, and sleeping space for 6-7 people. It has an exterior gas grill and exterior storage.
This camper is great for people of all kinds of camping experiences who want to be outdoors and want to sleep comfortably as well.
Pros: This camper is spacious compared to other pop-up campers. All the amenities and appliances are a huge selling point. It’s moderately priced, which may be a drawback for some consumers, but there are plenty of new and used models on the camper market. This camper not only has an exterior gas grill but has an optional exterior slide-out kitchen, featuring a sink and gas stove.
It has a queen and a king-size bed, and the benches and dinette can be folded down to sleep, as well as additional people.
Cons: This camper is on the heavier side, especially for pop-ups, coming in at over 3,000 lbs. This makes it towable by trucks, SUVs, and some vans. This camper also requires a little setup and planning, but its large storage makes up for it.
You can read more about it here.
8) Cricket Trailer
This trailer is part tent and part RV and is a great quirky middle ground trailer for someone who enjoys the outdoors and is looking for more opportunities to spend time outside. Its interesting design folds out and up for plenty of headspace and stretching room. This trailer is easy to set up, and easy to hook onto your towing vehicle.
The interior was designed by a NASA engineer for practicality and versatility. It features plenty of storage and several ways to reconfigure the layout, depending on what kind of camping trip you want to go on. It’s especially good for hunting and fishing trips and has room for all the necessary equipment and space for all the necessary equipment to be stowed away when it is not needed.
You might like to check out our guide to RV Depreciation before making a buying decision.
Pros: With a great interior and exterior design, this trailer is very useful. It can sleep up to 4 people and hold up to 16 gallons of water. It is compact and perfect for going off the grid. It has an internal battery that recharges, and its all-terrain tires let it weather the toughest roads.
Cons: The cricket doesn’t have a stove or grill or many other bells or whistles, which may be a drawback for some prospective buyers who are looking to by a small camper or trailer. It is moderately priced and may be out of some consumers’ budgets, and weighs in at about 1500 lbs. While this is lighter for a trailer in general, it’s on the heavier side for smaller compact trailers.
You can read more about it here.
9) Lance 1172
The Lance 1172 Truck camper is a great over the bed truck camper for anyone considering that option and owning a pickup truck. While this classifies as a small camper, it is on the larger end for truck campers. It has plenty of space, A small bathroom with a shower, a great kitchen and sleeping area, a fridge, and plenty of seating.
This is only an option for someone with a large pickup truck, but anyone with that and considering getting a camper should get this camper. This camper is great for someone without much camping and outdoor experience and is just as enjoyable for the seasoned outdoorsman.
Pros: This camper features every amenity you could hope for: a full kitchen, fridge, bathroom, sleeping area with a wardrobe, and a lot more storage space throughout. Compared to other truck campers, it easily attaches to your truck and is especially versatile, as it can go practically anywhere your truck can go! It has sleeping for 6-7 people, optional solar panels, and good lighting.
Cons: This camper isn’t available to the whole market of prospective camper buyers, and it is also on the pricier end of the spectrum. Only consider getting the Lance if you plan on using it a lot.
You can read more about it here.
10) Forest River R-Pod Trailer
The R-Pod is a great and fun trailer for 2-4 people to go on a fun camping trip – it sets itself apart with an optional add on tent space, which gives plenty of extra space to sleep an additional four people. It is quite small for all the features included. It has a simple kitchen space which includes a sink, stovetop and refrigerator, and a simple toilet. The dinette folds into a bed, and there are two interior bunks.
This Trailer is a great no-frill trailer for a simple trip.
Pros: This trailer has a steel frame and coated fiberglass, and is extremely durable. It sleeps four people but can sleep a lot more with the add on tent, and is a perfect smaller trailer for a larger group of friends or family. There is also a solar charging port for your electronic needs, and a lot of different floorplans to choose from.
There is also a lot of storage space and an additional sink and food preparation space in the back, making for a perfect part.
Cons: This trailer is heavier, and it weighs just under 3000 pounds. It also is moderately priced
You can read more about it here.
11) Turtleback Getaway Trailer
The Turtleback Getaway Trailer is the most economically priced trailer in the Turtleback line, which is known for its quirky setup and amazing durability and use. You can take the Getaway or any Turtleback trailer out in the country without worrying about busting a tire or getting stuck in the mud—they are great for offroading or going on a hunting or fishing trip.
Anyone who wants to spend time in the outdoors to rough it easy should consider getting the Getaway. It is a small trailer with a fold out tent on top of it, and plenty of storage space as well as space to add a small kitchenette.
Pros: This trailer is perfect for anyone who wants to go off the beaten path, be it for a camping/fishing trip, or as a base for a long backpacking trip with a group of friends. It has amazing off-road tires and frames and can be used anywhere, any time of the year (careful in the cold though, it doesn’t come with heating!)
Cons: If you want a camper just to make your camping trip more comfortable and easy, this trailer might not suit you. Its biggest perks are its ability to go anywhere and get through any situation.
You can read more about it here.
12) Jay Flight SLX
The Jay Flight SLX Trailer is perfect for a small family who wants to travel comfortably anywhere. It has a homey feel, sleeps 2-4 people, and weighs around 1500 lbs. It is roomy compared to other trailers in similar categories. It has various available floorplans, great lighting, a kitchenette and dinette, and a comfortable queen-sized bed.
Pros: This trailer has a lot of different options available to people with different needs. The space includes heating, air conditioning, Bluetooth marine grade speakers, plenty of space, a kitchenette and dinette, and good lighting. This trailer is perfect for any small group of 2-4 people who either are looking to start camping more or want a central hub for their adventures.
This trailer is made of great products and is incredibly cozy to sleep in without feeling pressed for space. Consider this as a first trailer if you’re starting your outdoor adventures if you have the time and money.
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Cons: This trailer is heavier and can only be towed with a truck or a similar vehicle with a lot of horsepower. It weighs between 3000 and 4000 lbs, which is definitely on the heavier end for its smaller size. This trailer is also on the pricier end of things but is great with its space configuration, given its size.
You can read more about it here.
If you liked this article, you might also like to check out our other travel trailer recommendations here or learn more about RVs here.
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