We are big believers in the fact that RVing can be as expensive or as affordable as you want to make it. Some families want to enjoy all the freedom and adventure that RVing offers but need to keep it on the budget-friendly side. The good news is: there are plenty of options for that! One of our favorite solutions is a lightweight travel trailer that you can tow without having to buy a heavy-duty truck to go along with it. Most SUVs and mid-size trucks can tow RVs that come in at 4500 pounds or less of dry weight before passengers and cargo, so we’ve selected a few of our favorite travel trailers that hit that mark and have everything you need for family travel.
Palomino Puma XLE Lite
Credit: Northgate RV Center
With this lightweight travel trailer by Palomino, you can easily select a floor plan that fits your family. The 20MBC floor plan, for example, has double stacked double beds as well as a sofa/murphy bed, and its UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) comes in at 4458 lbs. It has a residential refrigerator so you can fit all the snacks the family will need as well as an oven to cook it in. There’s also an outside shower so the kids can wash off without tracking the mess from outdoor adventures into your rig.
Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro
Credit: Lazydays RV of Loveland
For an ultra-lightweight option, check out the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro. It weighs in between 1252 and 3513 lbs. of dry weight depending on the floor plan, and you can select from a variety of options, such as the E20BHS floor plan with a queen bed and rear bunk beds. A gas griddle also gives you flexibility to have family dinners outside. This is definitely a more compact option than some other lightweight travel trailers, but if you have a small family that doesn’t need a ton of space, this option could be great for you.
Jayco Jay Flight SLX
Credit: White Horse RV Center (Williamstown)
Jayco is a popular brand in the RV world and their Jay Flight SLX 8 has lightweight options that are packed with family-friendly features. The 224BH floor plan for example features a queen Serta mattress and double bunks, both of which can have a little privacy by closing the curtains to each “room.” You’ll also love the outside kitchen and awning for family nights enjoying the great outdoors. The pass through storage underneath makes it easy to fit everything you need to pack along!
Winnebago Micro Minnie
Credit: Travelcamp of Savannah
Another name every RVer knows is Winnebago. Not every floor plan of their Micro Minnie can accommodate a whole family, but there are definitely options that work, like the 1700BH floor plan. Its dry weight is just 3280 lbs., and it has a bed for mom and dad with a divider curtain and bunk beds for the kids. The exterior storage makes packing a breeze and the power awning with LED lighting makes evenings outside even better.
Dutchmen Aspen Trail
Credit: Delmarva RV Center
This Dutchmen model’s main selling point is the range of floor plans it offers that cover any camping style and budget, which means there’s a lightweight option that fits the qualities we’ve outlined in this post. The 1950BH floor plan has a queen bed and stacked double beds in the rear, as well as a dinette that can convert into a bed if needed. It also has a large refrigerator to stock up food for the whole family and an outside kitchen so your family can enjoy more of the outdoors in each others company.
Travel Trailers That Weigh 4,500 Pounds or Less That Are Perfect for Families
If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight travel trailer that will fit the whole family, we’ve got you covered with this list. There’s no reason you can take part in all of the fun that comes with RVing in a budget-friendly way that accommodates you and the kids. Get started on your search for a lightweight family travel trailer on RVUSA.com today!
