Lightweight travel trailers have changed who gets to camp. You no longer need a heavy-duty truck to tow a real bed, a kitchen, and in some cases a bathroom down the road. If you drive a mid-size SUV, a crossover, or even a capable sedan, a camper under 2,000 pounds opens up weekend trips, boondocking, and tight national-park sites that big rigs can’t reach.
Below are five of our favorite campers that come in under 2,000 pounds dry, sorted from lightest to heaviest, plus a quick comparison table and answers to the weight questions buyers ask us most.
Why choose a lightweight camper?
Campers under 2,000 pounds dry give you a shorter shopping list of compromises than most people expect. The upside:
- Tow with what you own. Most mid-size SUVs and many crossovers can handle these without a vehicle upgrade.
- Better fuel economy than a full-size trailer, both from lower weight and smaller frontal area.
- Access to tight sites and older campground loops that larger trailers can’t navigate.
- Lower cost to buy, insure, and maintain.
- Easy storage in a standard garage or driveway.
Best lightweight campers under 2,000 lbs
Every model below is under 2,000 pounds dry. Dry weight is the figure to match against your vehicle’s tow rating, but plan for real-world loaded weight too: small trailers carry roughly 800 pounds of gear, water, and propane on top of dry weight, so a 1,650-pound trailer can roll down the road closer to 2,400 pounds fully packed.
| Model | Dry weight | Sleeps | Length | Bathroom | Easiest tow vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happier Camper HC1 | 1,100 lbs | Up to 5 | 13 ft | Optional dry-flush toilet | Most SUVs & crossovers |
| inTech Luna Light | 1,450–1,630 lbs | 2 | 15 ft 6 in | No (outdoor kitchen) | Crossover or SUV |
| Bean Trailer Beanstalk | 1,650 lbs | 2 | 14 ft | No | Mid-size SUV |
| Safari Condo F1743 | 1,765 lbs | 4 | 17 ft | Full bathroom | Mid-size SUV |
| Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB | 1,993 lbs | 2–3 | 16 ft 4 in | Full wet bath | Mid-size SUV |
1. Happier Camper HC1 — the lightest pick (1,100 lbs)
At about 1,100 pounds dry, the HC1 is the lightest camper on this list and the closest thing here to a true ultralight. Its modular interior reconfigures from seating to sleeping for up to five, with an optional dry-flush toilet and tailgate-tent compatibility. Best for adventurers who want maximum flexibility and vintage style in a package almost any vehicle can tow.
2. inTech Luna Light (1,450–1,630 lbs)
An aluminum frame keeps the Luna Light trim while an outdoor gourmet kitchen, panoramic window, and solar-prep package make it punch above its weight. Best for foodies and style-conscious campers who do their cooking outside.
3. Bean Trailer Beanstalk (1,650 lbs)
A rugged teardrop with a rear galley, roof rack, all-terrain tires, and an optional stargazer window. Best for minimalists who want a tow-anywhere build and don’t need an indoor bathroom.
4. Safari Condo F1743 (1,765 lbs)
One of the few sub-1,800-pound trailers with a full bathroom, plus a queen bed and convertible dinette that sleeps four. Best for small families who want lightweight without giving up the wet stuff.
5. Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB (1,993 lbs)
Right at the 2,000-pound line, the E-Pro packs a convertible twin-to-king bed, a full wet bath, a compact kitchen, and a generous awning. Best for couples who want home-like comforts in a still-tow-friendly package.
How much do these campers really weigh?
Three numbers matter when you shop. Dry weight is the empty trailer (the figures above). GVWR is the most it can safely weigh fully loaded. Tongue weight, usually 10 to 15 percent of total weight, is the downward force on your hitch. For a deeper breakdown across every trailer type, see our guide to how much campers and trailers weigh.
A quick rule of thumb: add roughly 800 pounds to dry weight to estimate a realistically loaded trailer, then confirm your number on a CAT scale before a long trip.
Can your vehicle tow one?
Start with your owner’s manual tow rating, then apply the 75 percent rule for a safety buffer. If your SUV is rated to tow 3,000 pounds, aim for a loaded trailer around 2,250 pounds or less. Account for water (8.3 pounds per gallon), propane, gear, and passengers. Most of the models here sit comfortably within mid-size SUV and crossover ratings, which is the whole point of going small.
What to look for before you buy
- Bathroom or not. Skipping a wet bath saves weight; if you boondock, weigh a cassette or portable toilet against a built-in.
- Build quality. With so many new brands, check warranty terms, parts availability, and owner forums before you commit.
- See it in person. Test layouts at an RV show or rent before buying.
Need a little more room than 2,000 pounds allows? Our roundup of campers under 5,000 lbs covers the next step up while still staying SUV-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the lightest travel trailer you can buy?
Among our picks, the Happier Camper HC1 is the lightest at about 1,100 pounds dry. If you want to go lighter still, you’re into teardrop and tent-trailer territory, where some models dip under 1,000 pounds.
Is there a camper under 1,000 lbs?
Not really in hard-side travel trailers. True sub-1,000-pound options are teardrops, tent trailers, and tiny utility-style campers. The lightest full trailer on this list is the 1,100-pound Happier Camper HC1. For the lightest comfortable setups, look at teardrop campers.
What campers are under 1,500 lbs?
The Happier Camper HC1 (about 1,100 pounds) clears 1,500 with room to spare, and the inTech Luna Light starts around 1,450 pounds dry. Both tow easily behind a crossover or mid-size SUV.
Can an SUV tow a camper under 2,000 lbs?
Yes. Most mid-size SUVs and many crossovers are rated to tow 2,000 to 3,500 pounds, which covers every model here once you apply the 75 percent safety rule. Always confirm your vehicle’s specific tow rating first.
Are there campers under 2,000 lbs with a bathroom?
Yes. The Flagstaff E-Pro 15TB has a full wet bath and the Safari Condo F1743 has a full bathroom, both under 2,000 pounds dry. For more bathroom-equipped small trailers, see our picks for teardrop campers with bathrooms.
