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18 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers in 2023

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The pandemic and resulting boom in the RV industry has resulted in a lot of interest in the best small travel trailers. A light weight travel trailer is an ideal choice for many people. They are cheaper to purchase and own than van life Class B campers and more accessible than Class A or Class C motor homes. Many can be towed with the cars and SUVs we already own, making them a win-win. You can explore the world and live the Instagram life, all while traveling on your terms.

In truth, these lightweight camping trailers have been around for a while. They’ve always enjoyed a small niche corner of the RV market. So you might be surprised by the choices available when looking for an RV under 3500 lbs. You’ll find everything from diminutive teardrops and micro campers to off-road overlanding adventure habitats.

Here’s a look at the various things to look for in the best lightweight travel trailers out there, along with some of the best ultra-lite travel trailers on the market today. 

Table of Contents

Best small travel trailers – traditional rv styles, best small travel trailer teardrop campers, fiberglass eggs – best light weight travel trailer choices.

• Best Lightweight Travel Trailer Choices for Off-Road Adventures 

Lightweight RV Towing 101 – What to Tow With and What Not to Try

Towing weight ratings explained, top reasons to purchase a lightweight travel trailer under 3,500 lbs., pros and cons of small travel trailers, traditional micro rvs, soft-sided pop-ups, a-frame hard side pop-ups, classic teardrop-style ultralights, fiberglass egg style, off-road and adventure micro campers, what do you get in a small travel trailer, owning a small camper, should you buy an extended warranty, common problems with travel trailers, what’re the best lightweight travel trailers for your adventure, lightest travel trailer faqs, best ultra lite travel trailers and rv under 3500 lbs., airstream basecamp 16 – one of the best lightweight travel trailers on the market.

Estimated Empty Weight 2,650 lbs. (Based on GVWR 3,500 lbs.)

One of the most eye-catching and stylish lightweight travel trailers on the market is the tiny Airstream Basecamp. It’s available in 16 and 20-foot lengths, each one retaining signature Airstream styling but with a modern aesthetic. The curved aluminum-skinned exterior includes wrap-around windows and the amenities you’d expect from a high-end manufacturer like Airstream.

The layout of the Basecamp is very similar to other sub-20-foot trailers. There is a walk-through dinette in the rear that converts into a double bunk. Mid-layout, there is an enclosed wet bathroom. In the front of this lightweight travel trailer, there is a u-shaped kitchen with a sink, double-burner stovetop, and small fridge.

The Airstream has entry doors at the rear and on the side. The available Basecamp X upgrade includes off-road upgrades and air conditioning.

KZ Sportsman 130RB and 160QB – Traditional Small RV Trailer with Queen-Sized Sleeping Space

Empty Weights Start at 2,240 lbs.

KZ makes very traditional aluminum-sided RV travel trailers. Their 13-foot model (16-foot 9-inch overall) is designed to sleep two adults and starts well under the 3,500-pound mark. In fact, all of their Sportsman Classic floorplans have unloaded vehicle weights under 3,500 pounds–even the 191BHK with a slide-out dinette. 

If your vehicle can tow it, the best balance is undoubtedly the 160QB (QB as in “queen bed”). This model is one of the best lightweight travel trailers and it ditches the all-too-common convertible dinette in favor of a walk-around bed located upfront. The dinette and kitchen are small but completely adequate for a couple. In the rear, there’s an enclosed bathroom with a separate shower. The amount of amenities they’ve squeezed into this sub-3,000 pound travel trailer is incredible.

Aliner Classic

Empty Weight 1,725 lbs.

Aliner makes several sizes of their hard-sided a-frame pop-up, but the original Classic remains the perfect combination of size, weight, and price. It is one of their medium-sized campers, built in a 12-foot box on a 15-foot-long frame. 

The a-frame pop-up provides lots of headroom in the cabin’s center, where you might stand up to use the kitchen or sink. The front and back are dedicated to the dinette and large bed. The dinette converts into a bunk if you have guests over. The Classic does not have a toilet.

Alternatively, the LXE model includes a dormer pop-up on the forward end, extending standing headroom and moving the kitchen forward. There’s also an enclosed shower with a cassette toilet in this area. But getting this travel trailer means giving up the dedicated bunk and dealing with a convertible dinette instead. The weight difference between the two is negligible; the LXE is only 70 pounds heavier than the Classic.

Forest River Rockwood Hard Side Pop-Up

Empty Weight Starting at 2,120 lbs.

Rockwood by Forest River RV makes some a-frame pop-ups like Aliner, but they are a little heavier and come with a few more features. Rockwood also makes traditional tent-style pop-ups. Like Aliner, they have several models of lightweight travel trailers, some with dormers for more headroom and some with full-sized queen bunks. All of their a-frames have unloaded dry weights between 2,120 and 2,648 pounds. They are built in either 12 or 14-foot long boxes.

Empty Weights Starting at 2,750 lbs.

The Lance 1475 camper could easily count as a lightweight travel trailer if you load it carefully and watch your installed options. If your vehicle is sturdy enough to tow 3,500 pounds reliably, this is one of the nicest appointed trailers. The cabin is only 14 feet, with an overall trailer length of 19-feet 8-inches. The total GVWR for the trailer is 3,700 pounds.

The Lance features a layout that boasts features you are unlikely to find in any other travel trailer of this size. Forward you’ll find a queen-sized bunk. In the center, there is a full-featured kitchenette opposite a small dinette or captain’s lounge chairs. In the back, an enclosed shower and bathroom round out this home away from home. 

With all the living space, it’s easy to forget all the other standard amenities you get with this package. For example, air conditioning and ducted heat also come standard. 

Forest River R-Pod – Loaded with Standard Features

Empty Weights Starting at 3,159 lbs.

Forest River R-Pods are traditional RVs made with a slightly more aerodynamic design. They’re large and heavy when compared to many lightweight trailers, but they offer a more conventional RV experience. The interior features a U shaped dinette that converts into a double bed, a rear bath, and large windows throughout that contribute to a spacious atmosphere.

The smallest R-Pod is the RP-153, which is 17.5 feet long overall. There are multiple layouts and options all the way up to the top-of-the-line RP-195, which features a queen size bed with lots of under bed storage.

Jay Feather Micro 12SRK

Empty Weights Starting at 1,585 lbs.

RV giant Jayco isn’t to be left out of the ultra-small camper fun. Their Feather Micro 12SRK is one of the smallest and lightest traditional travel trailers out there. It’s an interesting little trailer–while it looks like a diminutive travel trailer, it’s functionally more like a large teardrop. 

You see, the 12SRK includes an exterior kitchenette. A 12-volt cooler and griddle are accessed from the rear of the trailer. Inside the small cabin, there is only a futon and some storage nooks.

NüCamp TAG and TAB RV Teardrops

Empty Weights Start at 1,269 lbs. (TAG); 1,946 lbs. (TAB 320S Model)

NüCamp makes two different size teardrop campers. The smaller TAG and TAG XL are classic small teardrops. There is no standing headroom in these small and easy-to-tow travel trailers, but there is a full-featured exterior kitchenette around the back. Inside, you’ll find a queen-sized bunk, ample storage, and a really cool stargazing window. Both the TAG and TAG XL are the same length, but the XL is one foot wider.

The TAB 320 is a larger travel trailer that retains the teardrop profile. This camper has standing headroom inside, with an enclosed wet bath and kitchenette forward and a convertible dinette in the rear. It’s a slick, useable layout packed into a very small package. It provides space to hang out when the weather stinks, or you just want to sit comfortably and gaze out the large side windows. But it easily swaps into a bed space each night. 

Little Guy Teardrop

Empty Weights Starting at 1,785 lbs. (Micro Max Model)

This “Little Guy” is similar to the TAB 320–it’s a larger teardrop designed to give amenities that more closely resemble a larger trailer. Three lengths are available, from the smallest and lightest Micro Max at just under 16-feet long to the 21-foot-long Little Guy Max (GVWR 4,200 pounds).

If you’re looking for a basic and easier to tow teardrop and into an ultra lightweight travel trailer, you’ve got to check out the Little Guy MyPod. This 100-percent fiberglass teardrop is sleeker than any other on the road and has a dry weight of only 840 pounds. It also has a unique rear-door entry, which allows for an exterior tent to hook up to add living space. However, unlike other teardrops, it does not come with space for a kitchenette.

Polydrop – Space Age Teardrop with Style

Empty Weight Starting at 820 lbs.

The fact that the Polydrop’s promo photos show it being towed by a Tesla Model 3 is telling. If the Polydrop trailer looks like it came from outer space, that’s because it almost has. This compact travel trailer is a conventional teardrop that was beamed in from the 21st century. The company has studied the design in wind tunnels to get the shape just right, molded the interior to suit a modern aesthetic, and kitted it out with state-of-the-art lithium batteries and solar panels.

The upgraded model, the P17A All-Electric, comes with 260 watts of solar power, 2.4kWh of Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, a 2,500-watt inverter, induction cooktop, and an electric air conditioner that works off the grid.

Scamp 13 – Fiberglass Ultralight Trailers

Empty Weights Between 1,200 and 1,500 lbs.

The Scamp design has been around for a long time, originally built in Canada under the Boler name. That’s good news because there are some available on the used market. But like most of the small fiberglass campers you’ll find, these Scamps have a loyal fan club and values on used campers stay relatively high. 

The Scamp comes in two versions–standard and deluxe. The only real difference between the two is the furnishings–the standard is basic, with fiberglass walls and minimal equipment. This not only keeps it less expensive but lighter for towing. 

This lightweight travel trailer has a convertible dinette in the rear, a small kitchen area in the center, and the forward area comes as either bunk beds or as an enclosed toilet, shower, and closet. If you’re looking for a little more space, the Scamp is also available in a 16-foot extended version and a unique 19-foot-long fifth wheel. 

Happier Camper – High Quality Lightweight Travel Trailers

Empty Weights – HC1 1,100 lbs.; HCT 1,800 lbs.

The Happier Camper has fantastically updated the fiberglass egg design. These beautiful little travel trailers have everything you’re looking for in a micro-camper–classic looks, robust and versatile designs, and adventure-ready features. The HC1 has a 10-foot cabin, while the HCT (Traveler) has a 14-foot cabin.

You cannot deny that one look at a Happier Camper will sell you on the concept. They’re modern yet retro, with two-tone paint schemes and an aerodynamic profile. There is also an off-road upgrade with larger tires and increased ground clearance.

The classic jalousie windows are of particular note in the design, which let plenty of airflow through but doesn’t allow rain in. The rear liftgate is also a welcome addition since it makes the living space easily flow outside.

The interior of this lightweight travel trailers is a cleverly-designed modular system that HC calls Adaptiv. It’s made of removable, rearrangeable, and interchangeable fiberglass 20-inch cubes. There are various cubes, including storage nooks, bench/beds, coolers, a toilet, and a kitchenette. You can rearrange your Happier Camper into any layout you like, customized for any adventure you like. You can also leave space for bikes or other gear, like your own little toy hauler. That’s something no other lightweight travel trailer this size offers.

Dub Box and Dinky Dub Retro Adventure Campers

Empty Weights Start at 2,300 lbs. and 1,100 lbs., respectively

If you have ever dreamed of setting off in a classic VW pop-top camper van, the Dub Box trailer will give you your chance. These new lightweight travel trailers, available in two sizes, mimic the looks of a classic Volkswagen microbus travel trailer perfectly. They include a crank-up pop-top to add standing headroom, a convertible dinette, and kitchenette options. Unfortunately, they don’t include an enclosed bathroom, but they do include a dedicated cabinet for a portapotty.

Check out this tour of this amazing little camper.

The Dinky Dub is only nine feet long, or 14-feet with the tongue. The regular Dub Box Adventure Camper is 12 feet long, 17 feet overall. The exterior shell is molded fiberglass for long life and easy maintenance. They are built in Oregon.

Casita Fiberglass Travel Trailers

Empty Weights Start at 2,210 lbs. (Standard Version)

The Texas-made Casita is very similar in appearance to the Scamp 16, with a slightly more modern design and more amenities. This fiberglass travel trailer has a two-shell design for extra protection from the elements and have been built since 1981. They are very similar to a smaller and lighter travel trailer – Oliver.

The Casita comes in standard and deluxe versions and has several layout choices. The shells are always the same, however–a 17-foot-long cabin. In most cases, the deluxe models sleep fewer people but include enclosed toilet and shower compartments. 

Best Lightweight Travel Trailer Choices for Off-Road Adventures

Bean trailer fiberglass off-road teardrops.

Empty Weights Starting at 1,650 lbs. (Classic Bean Roadster)

Bean–could there be a better name for a teardrop manufacturer?–makes travel trailers that are between 14 and 16 feet long. They are kitted out for either regular camp use (Bean Stalk and Classic Bean) or for off-road overlanding (Mean, Meaner, and Black Beans).

Bean Travel Trailers are configurable in every detail, perfect for a travel trailer this size. After all, every person who buys a Bean will likely be using it slightly differently.

Escapod TOPO and TOPO2 Off-Road Teardrops

Empty Weights TOPO 1,750 lbs.; TOPO2 1,500 lbs.

Escapod started by building an off-road capable teardrop, still available and called the TOPO. The original TOPO is a great lightweight travel trailer with nice specs–it has a wonderful kitchenette in the rear for camp cooking, an upscale interior with lots of storage and tech options, and a rugged but good-looking design that immediately feels at home off-road.

The TOPO2 is the camper that Escaped built after they learned all the off-road teardrop lessons they could. Thanks to a fiberglass shell and upgraded chassis, it’s lighter than the original. It’s got room for all the gear you want to take along and lots of little touches that make sure you know that real sportsmen built it in Utah. In short, it’s hard to find a cooler teardrop if you want to leave the pavement behind.

Hiker Trailers

Empty Weights 800 to 1,350 lbs.

Hiker Trailers are built in Indiana and Colorado, and they present a unique value for those looking for an overlanding lightweight travel trailer. These travel trailers aren’t fancy–they look more or less like small cargo trailers. But they are extremely lightweight, and they are inexpensive enough for most camping budgets. 

Trailers are ranked in four different classes , from “highway deluxe” for regular campsite use to “extreme off-road.” These can go anywhere you can get the trailer to tow to. Upgrades to each model include beefier axles, better suspension, and better ground clearance. If you want a truly off-road trailer–not just one with bigger tires–then the Hiker off-road is hard to beat.

Each rated travel trailer can be spaced out on either a 5×8, 5×9, or 5×10 box. Prices start at just under $6,000 for a 5×8 Highway Deluxe.

Taxa Outdoors Habitats

Empty Weights Starting at 1,270 lbs. (Woolly Bear RTT model) or 1,800 lbs. (Cricket Pop-Top Camper)

Taxa Outdoors makes a few different versions of off-road friendly overlanding “habitats.” These are small, easy-to-tow trailers with varying levels of accommodations. 

At one end, you have the Woolly Bear. This is basically a small but robust ultralight travel trailer built with a frame that supports a rooftop tent (RTT). The trailer’s slick drawers and storage compartments reveal a full exterior kitchenette, complete with a two-burner camp stove and Yeti cooler. 

On the other end of Taxa’s lineup are the Tiger Moth, Cricket, and Mantis travel trailers. The Tigermoth is an updated take on the teardrop, while the Cricket and Mantis are low-profile and lightweight travel trailers that add headroom with a clever pop-top tent. Trailers are available in regular or upgraded overland configurations.

What are Lightweight Travel Trailers?

There are no travel trailers that you can truly tow with any car. So every trailer owner chooses–what is the biggest, most comfortable travel trailer you can tow with your vehicle?

Not everyone can afford to (or wants to) upgrade to a full-size pickup or a motor home. What’s more, many people are looking for a minimalist, simple camping experience. The point for them is not to have recliners and a big-screen TV–the point is to travel, to collect experiences and memories. 

The folks interested in lightweight travel trailers are more likely to be younger couples. Some are occasionally camping throughout the year, and others stay in their campers for months.

From this description, it should be apparent that luxury is not the theme when you shop for an RV under 3,500 lbs. These travel trailers can be towed by many larger cars or mid-sized SUVs, but they will be smaller and more basic than other travel trailers, vans, or motor homes.

If you’re shopping for a lightweight travel trailer, chances are it is because you want to tow it with a small vehicle. Maybe that’s because you already own a car or SUV you’d like to keep, or maybe it’s because you don’t want to sacrifice your vehicle’s good gas mileage or comfort. 

Every car and truck sold comes with a maximum recommended tow weight published by the manufacturer. The number varies depending on your country and how the manufacturer calculates the number. It is always best to stay within this safety limit. Doing otherwise could void your vehicle’s warranty. Worse still, if an accident resulted, you could be found at fault for overloading your tow vehicle.

Keep in mind that a car maker will rate the vehicle for towing based on many criteria. It’s not just the power available from the engine – it’s also the brakes’ quality and the transmission’s robustness, but also the towing bar you choose. Here are a few maximum towing ratings for new vehicles sold in the United States. This should provide some idea of the size trailer you could expect to tow.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum allowable weight for the travel trailer. It’s a designed-in limit, and the manufacturer is telling you not to load it heavier than this. The number includes everything on the rig – the frame, the cabin, all your stuff, appliances, batteries, and even water in the water tank.

What if your trailer has a GVWR of 3,500 pounds while your tow vehicle is only rated to tow 3,000 pounds? While some trailers are built right to the limit and use nearly all of their GVWR, others are not. Some trailers, especially those built to be lightweight from the start, may have a GVWR rating that allows carrying a bunch of gear. But since the cabin and appliances are light, much of that is available for your gear. As long as the actual tow weight is less than 3,000 pounds, you might be good to go.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Each axle of the vehicle is rated to support only so much weight. This is how a trailer manufacturer comes up with the allowable GVWR. 

Dry Weight, Empty Weight, or UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)

This is the exact weight of your trailer, as weighed when it leaves the factory. As you can imagine, it varies with every trailer a company makes. Options like extra travel trailer batteries or better appliances will add to the weight.

It’s a hard number to pin down when shopping for a trailer. The trailer you come home with will have its own number, so you’ll only be getting rough estimates for what it will be before then. Any numbers you see online, including those used in this guide, are likely to be on the low end.

Net Carrying Capacity, or CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

If you take your maximum allowable weight (GVWR) and subtract out the trailer’s dry empty weight, you are left with how much extra gear you can put in it. This is the net carrying capacity.

Tongue Weight

The tongue weight is important because it’s the weight that the rear of your tow vehicle must support. The heavier and sturdier your tow platform, the more tongue weight you can have.

A properly loaded trailer’s tongue weight is around 10 percent of its total weight. Any more than this could result in poor tow performance. Therefore, car and truck makers publish the maximum tow rating for the vehicle and the maximum tongue weight. 

Actual Tow Weight

A number you would only know if you either do the math or weigh the trailer is the actual tow weight. If you know the trailer’s weight when it left the factory and the weights of everything you’ve added, you should have a solid idea of what the tow weight is. 

This is the most critical number to know–because it is this number that you must apply to your vehicle’s tow rating . You’re good to go as long as this number is less than the car’s limit.

Why Choose Lightweight Camping Trailers?

For most folks shopping for light travel trailers, the appeal is that it’s better than a tent. If you have been camping in a tent for years and want a little bit of an upgrade–just a little more storage and more privacy – then a small travel trailer might be the answer. 

What these tiny campers are not is an entry point into RV living . Most of the trailers under 3,500 lbs and 20 feet long will not provide the accommodations and living space you’re looking for. So if you’re shopping for a light travel trailer as an inexpensive way to get an RV with the car you already own, you might be disappointed by the results. If this sounds like you, consider a Class B or Class C motor home that doesn’t require a tow vehicle before downsizing into a minimal trailer.

• Can be towed with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles
• Cheaper to tow – requires less fuel no matter the vehicle
• Easier for boondocking and off-road use
• Lower purchase and upkeep costs
• More outdoor opportunities than larger RVs–exterior kitchens and rear hatches, for example
• Minimalist styling and living
• Can be stored inside a garage or storage shed
• Easy to add more storage and sleeping space if you already tent camp
• Less living space than larger RVs
• Less storage space for gear
• Less privacy than larger RVs have
• Weight limited – can carry less gear
• Fewer appliances and amenities
• Very small and simple kitchenettes
• Cramped bathrooms and showers (if it even has one!)
• Smaller beds or convertible dinettes
• Less insulation and all-weather potential than luxury RVs

Types of Travel Trailers Under 3500 lbs

While being extremely weight-conscious, it is possible to find a traditional-looking and feeling travel trailer that fits the definition of “lightweight.” Don’t expect these campers to be as luxurious or as big as other choices–generally, we are talking about campers whose cabins are only 10 to 13 feet long. In that space, it’s possible to have a dinette that converts to a bunk, maybe an enclosed bathroom, and a small kitchen with a sink, tiny fridge, and maybe a single-burner stove.

It’s this type of RV that can easily get overweight. It’s very important to look at the GVWR for the trailer and exactly how much gear you’re going to be putting in it. Can your car really tow it? If you’re still car shopping, how much more towing capacity would you need?

Outside of specialized designs built for light towing, the RV industry hasn’t put much effort into small camper designs. The money comes from the big ones, and once they’ve convinced their customers that they need to buy a full-size truck to have a comfortable camper, there is little bonus for them to go back and work on lightweight designs. 

However, many recent startups and a boom in the popularity of travel trailers have resulted in a little forward movement. The major trailer manufacturers are working on micro designs that are comfortable and noteworthy. One such example is the Airstream Basecamp.

You can’t discuss lightweight travel trailers without mentioning pop-up campers. These hybrid tent campers are built like traditional trailers but lack walls. Instead, a robust tent with vinyl plastic windows and bug screens is installed on a frame. 

Pop-up campers are an interesting concept, but they pose some problems. The experience isn’t very different from camping in a tent. The soft sides provide very little protection from the elements. They offer little privacy or shelter from cold weather or winds that hard-sided RVs do. 

Another problem is that they tend to be on the heavy side. The travel trailer is low profile but still relatively heavy when folded down in towing mode. 

It’s also worth noting that you can’t camp in soft-sided campers in some parts of the world. For example, in bear country, you need to keep your food, dishes, and kitchen area separate from your living and sleeping accommodations. These are all combined inside the same tent in a pop-up, making for a potentially dangerous combination.

Finally, remember that pop-ups are made of fabric and canvas, which will not last forever. New tents are expensive, so the resale value of soft side pop-ups decreases rapidly. 

A modern take on the pop-up camper is the pop-up a-frame. These campers use standard RV wall material that folds to make an A-shaped RV with standing headroom in the middle. It’s a unique take that solves many of the problems with a pop-up and retains the small trailer size and minimalist design.

Only a few companies make a-frames, most notably Aliner. 

Teardrops have a distinctive aerodynamic shape that makes them appeal to those towing behind a car. Their curved profile means less air resistance, but it also means less room to move around on the inside. Most teardrops are very small, and many even lack standing headroom.

These small teardrops nearly always share a similar layout. The interior cabin has a large padded bunk–and nothing else. Some have added shelves, and some even allow you to sit at a small table. The kitchen area is exterior and accessed through a lifting trunk on the back of the trailer. The inside of the camper is nothing more than an off-the-ground tent. All cooking, eating, and socialization are likely to happen outdoors behind the camper. Also note: most teardrops do not have a toilet at all.

There are also a group of teardrops that are slightly larger and have more amenities, like an enclosed bathroom and an interior kitchen. These are much larger and resemble the vintage “Canned Ham”-style trailers of the 1950s. They are comparable to a fiberglass egg-style camper, with a convertible dinette/bed, a small sink and fridge, and a cramped bathroom compartment.

There’s nothing too complicated about a classic teardrop trailer. Many people opt to save money by building their own, like CLC’s stitch-and-glue plywood teardrop or our very own DIY teardrop trailer .

While many big RVs claim to be made from fi b erglass , they are just made of pre-fab fiberglass paneling in the same method as an aluminum-sided RV. The fiberglass campers described here are completely different–they are laid up in molds, just like the hull of a boat. That means they can have complex curves and sleeker shapes than conventional RVs, but they do cost more to make.

However, they also last much longer and hold their value much better. Fiberglass eggs are some of the most popular micro-sized travel trailers out there. They’re cute as a button and very functional. And in many cases, they weigh far less than a conventional camper.

The epitome of the fiberglass egg is the Scamp. These 13-foot lightweight travel trailers come in several layouts and are light enough to be towed with most sedans and small SUVs. 

Overlanding and boondocking enthusiasts love the versatilities that a camper can offer. But they don’t want a bloated RV that requires a less-than-nimble tow vehicle. Instead, they need something compact, lightweight for towing, and agile enough to follow their truck anywhere.

What Features Provide Off-Road Capabilities?

High ground clearance.

The number one thing that sets an overlanding trailer apart is its increased ground clearance. This isn’t just that the trailer is raised–it also applies to its overhangs. Many highway travel trailers have very low clearance and enormous overhangs to maximize the living space inside the cabin. 

An overlanding trailer is more likely to offer minimal accommodations with smaller overhangs. This is one reason why teardrop trailers are perfect for the job–there’s no expectation of standing headroom inside, and the outdoor kitchen area means the rear can be kept well off the ground.

Stable, Low-Profile Design

Another important factor to consider is the trailer’s overall stability–how hard is it to tip over? While most four-season RV campers are top-heavy, an off-road trailer needs to remain upright at extreme angles should the terrain get sportier. This favors shorter designs, with more weight nearer the axle. The wider the trailer and axle, the better.

Oversized All-Terrain Tires

Knobbly off-road tires not only look cool, but they also get a better grip on difficult terrain and provide the traction needed to make it up inclines. They’re also less likely to get punctured accidentally on rocks and debris. 

Rugged Chassis and Heavy Duty Suspension

All that bouncing along will take its toll quickly on a standard trailer chassis. Aluminum frames, often used on lightweight campers, are too weak to take the stress. Ideally, a galvanized steel frame is where it’s at. 

Suspension on the trailer axle also deserves some consideration. The best offroad travel trailers have robust shocks and springs to help the trailer remain stable and tow well over any surface.

Off-the-Grid Capable

If you’re in the market for a lightweight travel trailer like this, you will want something that is just as comfortable away from hookups as it is with access to them. Most of these campers have battery systems with a small solar panel, a small quantity of freshwater stored in tanks, and not much else needed to have a good time.

Gear Hauling Options

Off-road travel trailers are adventure machines–so what adventure inspires you? Hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, or fill in the blank here–your camper can take you there; just make sure it has storage space and options to carry your gear.

Modern Teardrops and Micro Campers

While the idea of a teardrop is not new, many companies are combining the idea of a modern fiberglass ultralight camper with the classic designs for a teardrop. This site is excellent for boondocking and adventuring offroad. Add on oversized all-terrain tires and a beefed-up chassis, and you’ve got yourself an adventure machine.

Trailer Tents

Another popular option for boondockers is the rooftop tent (RTT). But these tents are heavy–usually over 100 pounds–and pretty awkward to get on and off your car. Some companies have engineered small trailers that hold gear and an RTT. They can be towed by anything and can carry all sorts of gear. 

You can apply this idea with some DIY skills to a classic Jeep trailer or even a $100 Harbor Freight utility trailer. RTTs aren’t cheap, but you can often find them used on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many also have enclosed annexes for showers, portapotties, or changing areas. When you combine this with awnings and the amenities built into the trailer, you have a great campsite ready-made to go anywhere.

Trailers Under 3500 lbs. – Features and Ownership Issues

Here’s a tour video of the Scamp 16, one of the larger campers you can get in this size range. It goes through the various layouts you can choose and gives you a great idea of what the space is like in one of these small lightweight travel trailers.

Owning a lightweight trailer isn’t much different from owning any other travel trailer, except that your overall ownership experience is easier and cheaper. These travel trailers are naturally less expensive than larger models that have more features. But with that plus comes another bonus–smaller trailers have less maintenance and fewer systems to keep working. All of this equals a lower cost of ownership in the long run. 

Small campers are simple items with very little maintenance or warranty problems. You’ll have to look at the camper you choose and evaluate its construction and materials. It pays to scope out owners’ forums online, where you can connect with long-term owners and find out if they’ve experienced any problems. From these details and the cost, you can evaluate the true benefit of an extended warranty.

The only moving parts of a trailer are the wheels and axles. While these have a life span, most will never find it. The biggest danger to the longevity of a simple travel trailer comes from corrosion or rust on the axle and chassis frame. Always tend to any rust immediately to prevent further damage. 

Traditional campers are made from paneled sides made from plywood, aluminum, or thin fiberglass sheets–or a combination of these things. They are framed together with wood or aluminum supports and generally hold up to the elements very well. 

Alternatively, some modern travel trailers use all fiberglass construction. In this case, the camper shell is made in a mold, just like you would make the hull of a boat. This type of camper has a few benefits. They tend to be lightweight and long-lasting. They have more aerodynamic designs since the mold can produce complex curves. And they hold their value better than traditional travel trailers since they have very few maintenance requirements. 

If you’re shopping in the used market, most upgrades will be simple additions you can DIY. Maybe you want to add better batteries, solar, or other off-road options. 

When speccing out a new trailer from the manufacturer, you’ll likely be given many choices. Do you want air conditioning or heat? Do you want upgraded batteries and solar panels? Do you need that pressure water system , or is a jerry can good enough? Of course, all of these choices depend greatly on how you will ultimately use the trailer. 

The only way to determine if an upgrade is valuable to you is to break out a spreadsheet and see how much it really costs. If you’re handy, chances are you can DIY most RV upgrades for less money than they would come from the factory. But, of course, if you’re financing it, it might make more sense just to spec the camper how you want it and make the monthly payment.

Finally, keep in mind that some things are harder or more expensive to add after the fact. If you want an overlanding lightweight travel trailer with extra ground clearance, sturdier suspension, and off-road tires, it’s best to buy this new. Otherwise, you’ll be buying the basic package and all the upgrades, too.

Generally, the smaller and simpler the camper, the fewer problems you will have. The more options and systems you add, the more complex the plumbing and the easier to stop up the drain, so to speak. 

This logic applies to every system in the travel trailer. Simple teardrops usually have camp stoves and jerry cans for water. If that sounds like roughing it to you, you’ll want a built-in freshwater tank with fill and vent. Then, you’ll also need the hose and plumbing to run a 12-volt water pump. And, of course, you’ll need a 12-volt electric system to power that pump. A proper propane cooktop will require propane tanks and hoses, and the stove itself will cost four times as much as a good-quality camp stove.

Every RVer must strike a balance between how complex they want their travel trailer to be and how much time and money they’re willing to spend making it all work. These plumbing and electrical appliances add their complications and, of course, are all things that can and will break down and need replacing one day.

Running water and gas cooktops might sound complicated, but it sure is nice to turn the faucet and have running water. In your efforts to keep it simple, lightweight, and inexpensive, don’t undervalue the comforts of home.

As you can see, there are a lot of choices out there. And thankfully, more lightweight camping trailers pop up on the market every year. There’s probably the perfect adventure camper ready for the mission, no matter where the road takes you.

What is the largest lightweight travel trailer?

Lightweight is a relative term with no official meaning in the RV industry, so defining the largest and lightest is impossible. Most people are limited by their tow vehicle’s capabilities. For this reason, this is where you form your definition of “lightweight.” To some extent, all campers are lightweight since they are designed to be towed by another vehicle.

For example, if you drive a two-ton pickup, you might be interested in a lighter camper to save a little gas money. A lighter camper also means you can tow a bigger camper and have more space and amenities. For you, a lightweight trailer is under 7,000 pounds and is around 25 feet long or more. 

On the other hand, if you drive a newer crossover, you might be limited to 1,000 pounds. For you, an ultra lightweight trailer is your only option, and what that will mean is a tiny teardrop or a pop-up–and even that might be too much for your vehicle.

In other words, just because an RV manufacturer says their product is lightweight or ultra-lite does not mean that any vehicle can tow it. So always start with the rated tow weight your vehicle can handle, and then shop for the most trailer you can get under that weight.

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Mike leads research, writes, and keeps the site up and running. He's worked on upgrades to an old class A Winnebago, vans, and other homes - wherever they are.

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Written by Johnathan R. Smith • October 16, 2020 • 8:46 am • Travel Trailers

Best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: The Ultimate Round-up

Reports say that there is a resurging trend for traveling by RV during this time of coronavirus pandemic. Why not? It is the best option for going around the country while still maintaining social and physical distance. With a travel trailer, you don’t need to use public restrooms, hotels/motels, and restaurants. With a travel trailer, you’ll be assured of a great camping experience amidst this pandemic.

Don’t own an RV yet? Planning to get one? Here’s our feature on the best lightweight travel trailers for this year. You’ll want to continue reading so you can make the best choice. We’ll explore the different features of the different brands in the market today.

Things to know before buying a travel trailer

But first, here are some important things to know before you buy a travel trailer. According to a recent survey on leisure vehicles, 77% of Americans said that they would buy a leisure vehicle if money wasn’t an issue. Almost half of them or 42% of the respondents answered RV or camper as their top choice for a leisure vehicle.

However, there’s a lot more to learn about owning a travel trailer than just being able to hit the road with your own mobile camper.

• Do your research. Never buy on impulse, at the urging of friends or enticed by its looks. Take your time to know the best RV for you and scrutinize each component to get the best value for your money.
• Join RV Groups. You can connect with the experts and those who have a travel trailer of their own. Listen to their recommendations and ask them about their experiences and concerns regarding their trailers. Take note of the tips they give you because they speak from their own experience.
• Negotiate the price. Yes, you can do this! Don’t just go for the market value. Ask the dealer for the best deal and you’ll be surprised that they do give huge discounts especially when you buy during those period when they need to meet their sales quota.
• Be prepared for the expenses. Purchasing an RV comes with a lot of other expenses so make sure you’re prepared for them. Gas, maintenance, repairs, and replacement are quite expensive not to mention that there’s a shortage for RV repair shops.
• Good storage. You’re not gonna use your RV everyday so you need to have a good storage area. You can’t just park your RV in your driveway or across the street. Take note that your RV’s tires and components will age prematurely when exposed directly to direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. There are RV storage spaces for rent but of course, you have to include the storage costs in your budget.
• Choose the best model for you. Even among travel trailers, there are lots of models to choose from – some coming with just the basic necessities while some offer luxury while your put camping. Know which model fits your travel needs.

Now, let’s discuss the best lightweight travel trailers in the market today.

What are the best small travel trailers? Here are our top 7.

Taxa outdoors cricket.

• Forest River R-Pod

Airstream Basecamp

Winnebago micro minnie, happier camper hc1, safari condo alto, hiker trailer.

Let’s look closer at the features of each lightweight travel trailer to see if they suit your travel needs.

This model is hailed in the RV community as the most durable and functional lightweight travel trailer in the market today. It lives up to its tagline “everything you need, nothing you don’t.”

This travel trailer comes with a dry weight of 1,800 lbs and has an exterior length of only 15 ft. This means it is easily towable using almost any kind of vehicle. Parking and storage are not a problem as it can fit in a standard garage. With an overall area of 63 sq ft, it can fit 2 adults and 2 kids. Its design is inspired by NASA which integrates electrical systems and plumbing for a comfortable travel experience.

It is nicely equipped with a Truma Combi eco furnace and water heater system, exterior hot and cold shower, pre-wired solar input, 12V roof exhaust fan, and LED interior and exterior lighting.

The Cricket comes with a pop-up roof for added ventilation and protection for its users. Its inside features include a full size bed with storage underneath. This also transforms into a dinette where your family can lounge while inside the camper trailer . It also has a kitchen counter with a covered sink and a 2-burner stove so that you can upgrade your meals during your camping adventure.

For those who want to upgrade its features, you can opt to have a 5000 BTU Window AC for added comfort, a portable toilet, or add 1 to 2 kid’s berth.

Forest River R.pod

The Forest River r pod is dubbed as the best bunkhouse and most affordable travel trailer of 2021. It comes in 10 different floor plans and 3 more dealer stock only. Its weight ranges from 2504 lbs to 4574 lbs and the length doesn’t exceed 25 ft. Forest River says that the r.pod design series exemplifies the form follows function rule that’s why buyers can be assured that they are carefully constructed with users in mind.

Popular r.pod features include tinted safety glass windows, LED interior lighting, pet-friendly frame mounted utility hook (with food & water bowls for your furbabies!), solar prep, and a universal smart vacuum system with VacPort that allows you to clean your trailer without using a hose.

The interior has a height of 6’6″ to allow comfortable movement while standing, seamless kitchen countertops, residential style shaker cabinetry, hardwood drawer, shower, and wood slideout fascia with corner blocks.

The Tupelo Honey interior decor, designer Carefree flooring, decorative window treatments, and bathroom pocket organizers add a decorative and thoughtful touch to the Forest River r pod’s interior. Some models even have an accent lighting, a fireplace, and a large pantry.

The Forest River r pod comes equipped with a 6 gallon gas/electric DSI hot water heater, 13,500 BTU air conditioner, 28″ 12V LED TV, convection microwave oven, wall-mounted residential style thermostat, water heater by-pass system, 2-burner recessed cook top w/flush mount glass cover, 20,000 BTU furnace, 4 speed MaxxAir® Fan, Thetford™ toilet, and 12V demand water pump. Talk about comfort and luxury while out on the road!

Some r pod models even have a 6 cu ft G/E Double Door Refrigerator and power awning w/ LED lights strip.

The exterior’s material is Laminlux Exterior Azdel Fiberglass. The sidewalls and floors are made of welded aluminum and the entry door step is made of double aluminum. The safety glass windows are custom tinted and there’s also a window in the entrance door for added light and ventilation. It uses a Bauer Keyed Alike Key System to ensure safety and security. There are outside speakers, TV and stereo antenna, and a Schwintek™ slide out system making the r pod truly one of the best luxurious trailers for camping.

As if those features aren’t enough, buyers of Forest River r pod have the option to avail of a solar package for a more eco-friendly RV experience and upgrade to a 15,000 BTU AC to ensure their comfort in all weather conditions. You can even enjoy lounging on a sofa with footrests and TV trays instead of the usual dinette in their RP202 model!

This is also considered by many as the best lightweight travel trailer under 3,500 lbs. The Airstream Basecamp is a modern travel gear for adventurers. According to Airstream, it is tough enough to go anywhere your wanderlust takes you, and comfortable enough to help you really enjoy the time you spend there.

This travel trailer can be easily towed by a mid-size SUV. It has large wheels and an aggressive departure angle to allow you to traverse even the off road with confidence. Its side skirts and wheel flares give an added layer of protection from all the debris and gravel along the way.

Made by Airstream, which is a trusted brand for generations, you can be sure about the quality of the design and construction of Basecamp. It is made from the same aluminum superstructure that Airstream trailers are known for. Its aerodynamic design allows it to pass by the road and slip through the air effortlessly and increases its fuel efficiency.

A look at its floor plan lets you know that it’s packed with all that you need for a great camping experience despite its small size. It has a kitchen, bathroom, and a lounge area that’s convertible into a bed. It is spacious and has more than enough room for your travel and adventure gears. As if this isn’t enough, Basecamp comes with an attachable and inflatable tent to give you more room to relax while camping.

Travel with your comfort in mind no matter where your adventure takes you, this is how carefully designed Basecamp is. When you go somewhere cold, its furnace and heater will keep you warm. No need to worry when you go somewhere hot because the AC and 2-speed fan will help keep you cool. It also has a refrigerator, microwave, and a storage for your cooking essentials.

And it just keeps getting better as most of its features are flexible to accommodate your travel needs. You can reconfigure the benches 7 ways to make them into a full bed, half bed, or seats that can accommodate up to 5 people. The tables are removable to give you more space to move around when you’re done using them. You can also make an outdoor shower if you want to clean up yourself or your gears outside the trailer. How thoughtful of Airstream indeed!

The Winnebago Micro Minnie is recommended for the various options it provides to its users. It comes in 11 different floor plans to ensure that buyers get the model that would fit their specific travel and adventure needs.

It comes with an exterior length starting from 19’4.5″ to 25’8″ and a standard height of 10′ from the exterior and 6’4″ in the interior. The models’ dry weight range from 3,280 lbs to 4,540 lbs. It has an exterior width of 7 ft which makes towing each Micro Minnie easier because of its greater visibility.

Don’t be deceived by its size, the Micro Minnie is roomy inside. There is more than enough room to move around especially in the kitchen area so you can cook delicious food and enjoy hearty meals while camping. It has a sink, microwave, cooktop, and a double door refrigerator to store your fresh meats and ingredients. Each of the floorplans also have ample storage space inside and outside of the trailer that makes packing your stuff so easy.

Another thing that we like about this trailer is the comfortable sleeping area. The Micro Minnie has a wide mattress and Winnebago designed the bed space with windows on both sides for added ventilation and to enjoy the fantastic view outdoors.

Of course, Winnebago hasn’t forgotten about the need for entertainment! The Micro Minnie allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes and dance to the groove with its speakers and power awning with LED lighting located at the exterior of the trailer. The fun begins with just a touch of a button.

Happier Camper HC1 is a little trailer with a big heart. Its manufacturers developed Adaptiv with rights reserved. It is a unique system that allows them to turn this ultra-light travel trailer into a very functional and flexible unit for every user.

HC1 has a dry weight of just 1,100 lbs. It has an overall length of 13 ft. Its inside width is 6’6″, inside height is 6’1″, and the walkable floor space is 42 sf. It can be towed using almost any standard vehicle and can fit in just a single parking space. Inside, HC1 can comfortably accommodate a family of 5.

HC1 comes in a cool retro design and wide panoramic windows for light, ventilation, and enjoying the natural view of the outdoors. The fabrics and hardware in its interior are made of premium materials.

Its modular floor is made of honeycomb fiberglass which assures us of its strength and quality while still being ever so light so it doesn’t weigh the trailer down. The floor design is grooved so that the components inside the trailer are kept in place, just like how Lego works!

Speaking of Adaptiv components, HC1 comes with an Adaptiv bench/bed, table top, storage cubes, counter top lid, cooler cube, bunk bed or couch, standard kitchenette and a toilet all specifically designed to fit the adaptive modular floor design.

Because it’s very adaptive, HC1 can be used not only as a camper but also a guest room, mobile office, photo or market booth, tradeshow, retail space, espresso bar, info kiosk, basically anything you want it to be! Its modular components are very flexible. You can take them outside to enlarge your space and they can withstand different elements.

HC1 is solar-ready to keep you comfortable even when you’re off grid during your adventures.

You can also have add ons to enrich your camping experience. You have the option to have a dry flush toilet which doesn’t require any plumbing anymore or have a 4-gallon road shower for your wet bath. These are designed with your convenience in mind and will help you stay clean during your camping.

Alto is dubbed as an outdoor transformer and is known for its eco-friendly features that’s why it’s also called The Green Travel Trailer. It comes in 6 models – each design is inspired by an aircraft to maximize aerodynamics and put together the important elements of flexibility, lightweight, and durability in one structure.

Alto has a dry weight ranging from 1,765 lbs to 2,947 lbs. The materials used for its roof and walls are mostly recyclable from aluminum, Alufiber (combination of aluminum and fiberglass), Formica, glass, and plastic. All of these were consciously chosen by Safari Condo so that the Alto can surely withstand harsh elements, last longer against wear and tear, while being eco-friendly.

The model you choose will determine if the roof is retractable or fixed. The retractable roof series reduces the aerodynamic drag by 75%. The fixed roof series just comes in a simpler design but retains this important aerodynamic property. This makes Alto towable even by compact cars and smaller vehicles which also means that less non-renewable energy will be consumed as the trailer travels on the road.

The Alto R series has an exterior height of 83.5 inches with the roof down. This is an important feature for users because this means your camping trailers can easily fit in your garage so there’s no added storage cost. When the roof is up, Alto can be very comfortable and spacious for its users giving an interior clearance of 82″. Just to demonstrate this point, you can still use the front dining area even when someone’s using the rear bed. And this front dining area can be converted into another bed, another testament to its thoughtful design and functionality in the front and rear.

But even if the roof is down, you can still use the beds, refrigerator, storage units, and toilet easily. Depending on the model, 3 to 5 people can comfortably stay in this trailer travel. For those who want to have a bathroom, there’s an Alto model that comes with an indoor shower so that you can enjoy a dry bath or wet bath during camping.

The Hiker Trailer is a teardrop trailer that’s best used for off-roading. The best thing about this trailer? It’s customizable to how you want it to be. It can be as bare as can be or have all the amenities you need to make it your home away from home.

Hiker Trailers come in 4×8 to 5×10 sizes. You can choose their highway, mid-range or extreme off-road model depending on your camping needs.

All of their models come with white aluminum exteriors, a door with lock on its curb side, two operable and screened side windows, a manual hand-crank roof vent, and a black powder coated frame. The axle weighs between 2,000 and 4,500 lbs.

The interiors have vinyl flooring, one cabinet, a rear galley, a pass-through door in the middle area, and a 110V power strip.

To make it more camper friendly, you can customize this teardrop trailer according to your needs and budget. You can choose your design, storage solutions, water tank capacity, electric or solar power for off grid, and other amenities that will make your camping a better experience.

What makes a travel trailer lightweight?

A travel trailer with a structure that comes with a weight of 6,000 lbs or less is considered a lightweight. This is exclusive of the weight of the supplies and luggage that travelers put inside these trailers . Weight is a very important factor in RVing. It determines the towing ease and which type of vehicle is suitable to tow the trailer behind.

Why should you choose a lightweight travel trailer?

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of buying a light weight travel trailer to help you decide.

A travel trailer is a towable type of RV. Having a light weight trailer means it is easier to tow around than the traditional full sized trailers. It is also less expensive to operate and maintain. Your fuel cost will also be less with this type of trailer. When it comes to storage, parking, and camping, you have more options and can find a place easier with this kind of trailers.

A light weight travel trailer may not be as strong and durable as the heavier ones. You will also be limited in terms of furniture that you can put inside so that they don’t weigh down the entire trailer. It’s also not for a large family or those who love bringing a bunch of friends on their camping adventure since they won’t be able to fit in this structure.

The Verdict

If you take good care of your light weight travel trailer and have it maintained regularly, it will last for a long time. They also come in different sizes and styles so you’ve got different options to choose from and you can customize it according to your preference. So, buying a light weight travel trailer is a good idea.

Not all lightweight travel trailers are created equal. Make sure you do your research, study the specifications and inclusions as well as the options for upgrade so that you can buy a travel trailer that suits your needs and budget. Hopefully this review of the best lightweight travel trailers help you make the best choice that’ll give you the most amazing camping experience.

About the Author / Johnathan R. Smith

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2017 Travel Lite Air Review

Truck Camper Magazine reviews a 2017 Travel Lite Air, a hard side, non-slide short and super short bed truck camper targeting half-ton trucks.  Is this all just hot air, or is the Air hot?

Travel Lite Campers announced the Travel Lite Air in Truck Camper Magazine on October 4th, 2016.  The idea behind the Travel Lite Air was to take the concept of a simple, light weight, and half-ton compatible short bed truck camper to the lightest, simplest, and most half-ton compatible extreme.

Dustin Johns, President of Travel Lite, has already charted a course down this road with the successful Travel Lite 625 (announced in 2015) and Travel Lite 770 Super Lite (announced in 2011), but he saw even more potential to streamline and light weight a half-ton short bed hard side.

“It’s quite different from the Travel Lite 625, 700, and 770 Super Lites,” Dustin explained.  “It has different cabinetry, materials, netting, and standard features.”

To push the weight and truck compatibility even further, Dustin also designed an all-new front-dinette floor plan for the Air.

To save additional weight and production hours, the Air comes in only one configuration, and has no available options.

Softening the no-options news, the Air comes with a long list of standard features; Dometic refrigerator, Atwood furnace, Fantastic Fan, Shurflo water pump, Atwood cooktop, 20-pound propane tank, vented battery box, converter, winterizing kit, battery disconnect, removable table, and more.  For a basic unit, it’s fairly loaded.

To maximize the Air’s truck compatibility, the Air was based on Dustin’s extensive short bed truck measurements and will fit 5’8”, 6’4”, 6’6”, 6’8”, and even 8’ long bed truck beds.  On many short bed and super short bed trucks the Air is designed fit inside the tailgate allowing the owner to use the factory backup camera.

“It’s the lightest hard side truck camper we’ve ever made!” Dustin excitedly declared over the phone during a pre-launch phone call with Truck Camper Magazine.  “In fact, I think it’s the lightest weight hard side truck camper any production camper manufacturer makes, period.”  Dustin is well known at TCM for his excitability, and this was no exception.

Above: The Air features a wrap around front nose cap.

Saving the best for last, Dustin hit us with perhaps his biggest Air idea, “The Air is going to be the same price anywhere in the United States, coast-to-coast.”  Dustin stated that the power sports industry had adopted this progressive pricing strategy, and he was going to employ it with the Air.  If the “lightest weight hard side” comment didn’t make the industry sweat, including freight into the base MSRP idea surely would.

So what does the Air weigh?  1,120 pounds.  And what does it cost?  $12,268 retail.  With no available options, and no shipping costs added, those are the numbers.  The question is, can a 1,120 pound hard side camper at $12,268 (freight included) really be worth owning?

Is there something to the Air, or is it just dust in the wind?   Let’s find out.

Floor Plan Evaluation

As with the Travel Lite 625 and the  Travel Lite Rayzr Campers , once you step into the Travel Lite Air, everything is right there.  The direction you face determines what area you’re in.

Turn to the passenger’s side and you’re in the kitchen.

Face forward and you’re at the dinette.

Turn to the driver’s side and you’re at the refrigerator, air conditioner, and side table.  From there you can sit in the full-booth dinette or move further forward into the east-west cabover bedroom.

That’s the grand tour of the Air, but it’s certainly not the real story.  Without a bathroom taking up precious floor space or overhead cabinetry consuming headroom mid-ship and forward, the Air actually feels quite open for a small camper.  Remove the removable table and there’s even 5’9” of wide-open floor to look at.

Naturally, a lot of truck camper designs would open up if you (a) removed the bathroom and (b) deleted all the overhead cabinetry from the forward two-thirds of the unit.

It’s almost cheating, except when you remember the concept of the Air; simplicity, light weight, and maximum truck compatibility.  In a way, the Air’s sense of openness is a direct result of these design priorities.

Let’s back up, but not too much that we fall out the entry door.  Two steps back, and stop.  Now turn towards the passenger’s side and voila, the kitchen!

You have to admire how much function Travel Lite fit into a small space.  With a stainless steel two-burner Atwood propane cooktop, stainless steel sink with high rise faucet, Granicote fiberglass countertop, a faux tile backsplash, and a window, the kitchen attractively offers what you need to prepare simple hot beverages and meals, and clean up.

Space for meal preparation (aka counter space) is essentially non-existent, but that’s what the removable table is for.  My hunch is most folks who will purchase the Air will use the cooktop for morning coffee and very simple one-pot meals.  Otherwise, they’ll be grilling outside, eating at restaurants, or preparing meals that don’t require cooking.

Above the cooktop and sink is a storage cabinet that seems destined to hold cups, plates, and dry food items.  Air owners will need to be very conservative about what they bring and equally clever about how they store it within the camper.  There’s storage in the Air, but none to squander.

Under the cabinet and immediately over the cooktop is a metal range hood with a fan and light, and a separate LED light.  In a camper as small as the Air, the range hood light will be a perfect ambient walk-around night light.

The range hood fan is a welcome feature, but probably superfluous with the much more powerful Fantastic Fan above the main area.

Under the countertop is a small cabinet (with two secrets) and a 12,000 BTU Atwood furnace.  When one opens the cabinet door, you discover not cabinet space, but two pull-out drawers.  These drawers are in the perfect spot for silverware and utensils and ring the “right storage in the right place” bell.

I’m not sure exactly why Travel Lite didn’t just put in two drawers here.  Without the admittedly modern aluminum cabinet door, the drawers would have been more convenient for daily access and a touch bigger.  On balance, Travel Lite definitely scores on style points and the surprise factor.

Even with single pane windows (versus insulated dual-pane), the 12,000 BTU Atwood furnace will keep the Air quite warm.  If you’re looking to camp with the Air in colder weather, your only potential limitations could be propane capacity and power.

Speaking of power, there’s a 110-volt GFI outlet on the forward facing side of the kitchen and the water pump switch.  With the location of these features, owners will need to be mindful of a possible spill over from the sink and cooktop above.

Now let’s do the hokey-pokey and turn around.  Directly across from the kitchen on the driver’s side is the 3-cubic foot 3-way Dometic refrigerator, Dual brand AM/FM CD stereo system, aluminum cabinet door with sealed Group-27 battery box, and storage netting.

Not that long ago, a camper this small always came with an ice chest.  Having a 3-cubic foot 3-way Dometic refrigerator as standard is an amazing luxury in a unit where every inch, ounce, and penny counts.  Like the rest of the Air, storage in this camper will need to be used carefully, but the refrigerator is nice feature for an entry-level, half-ton, hard side.

In a small camper like the Air, it’s a bit disappointing to see a large cabinet used up for a battery.  That’s a lot of interior storage lost.  Air owners could employ Torklift International’s Extended Power or Hidden Power battery exterior battery box solutions and gain this precious interior storage space.  Given how precious storage space is in the Air, that would be a priority for us.

Netting is used instead of wood cabinet door faces and hardware primarily to save weight and cost.  Since those are the two goals for the Air, it only makes sense that netting was employed for the storage area along the lower driver’s side.  This looks to be a good area to store shoes.

Now that your shoes are off, have a seat in the face-to-face dinette.  The fact that we’re even talking about a face-to-face dinette in the Air is something of a miracle.  Travel Lite’s trick was to place the dinette along the forward wall; an approach usually seen in European camper designs.  This allows for two full-booth dinette seats, and the addition of a removable table.

The seating was quite comfortable and generously sized for two facing adults.  Two adults on each side might fit, but it would be tight.  Without the table, I can picture two adults lounging with their feet on the opposite sides; reading and relaxing.  In a way, it’s like having two small sofas.  Not too bad for a 1,120 pound super short bed camper.

On the driver’s side of the dinette area is a small table top, Atwood thermostat, 110-volt outlet, and a 12-volt and dual USB outlet.

With the 12-volt and dual USB outlets, the table top is screaming, “charging station” for smartphones, tablets, and the other devices that have kidnapped our daily attention.

Above the table top is where the side-mounted Frigidare air-conditioner is installed.  With seven temperature levels and four settings (low fan, high fan, low cool, and high cool) the air conditioner helps the Air to be useful for hot weather camping.  The obvious caveat is the need for 110-volt power.  To use the air conditioner, you’ll either need to be plugged into shore power or running a 2,000 watt generator like a Honda EU2000i.

Under the table top is a small storage cabinet.  With the minimal amount of storage in the Air, it’s nearly impossible to predict what this space will be for.  I’m always worried about where I can put at least two weeks of underpants.  More on that later.

When I photographed the Air, I moved the removable table top quite a bit.  The Granicote fiberglass top, single post, and three collapsible feet didn’t weigh much (maybe 10 pounds), but the three feet were a bit challenging.  Once you lift the table, the feet collapse downward and together.  That makes putting table back down a little tricky.

Installed in the camper, the collapsible legs and single post weren’t quite steady, and the table wasn’t quite horizontal giving the table a slightly wonky feel.  I would definitely give this system another shot, but the temptation would be to leave it at home.  I’m not 100-percent sold that this camper needs a table.  If it turned out that we did, I would look for a sturdier and more versatile solution.

Between the face-to-face dinette is a lift-up panel that reveals the Shurflo water pump, back of the converter, and ten gallon fresh tank.  And look, the fresh tank fill is located literally on top of the tank.  That means you fill the fresh tank inside the Air.  That’s something we had never seen before in a truck camper.

Dustin explained that routing the water fill from the exterior had several design compromises, and that an interior fill for a ten gallon tank made more sense.  He suggested that owners would run their fresh water hose into their unit and fill the tank.  Or, they could use gallon jugs.  Either way, it’s a quick job.

We stared at this water tank for some time and thought about what Dustin said.  It made sense, until we thought about the realities of filling a water tank.  If you’re not paying attention (and sometimes even when you are), water tanks overfill and/or back pressure will push water out.  With the 110-volt converter and fuse panel inches away, this could potentially be a problem.

To be as safe as possible, I would not recommend filling the Air while plugged into shore power or running a generator.  Even better, pull the battery disconnect too (it’s under the converter).  I would even drape a dry towel over the converter and wires for further protection.

Then carefully fill the tank with a hose adapter that physically enters the fresh tank.  We use a 5/8-inch Camco 40003 water tank filler with shut-off valve that should fit.  Once the tank is full, install the cap, dry any water on the exterior of the tank area, and you should be ready to go.

The east-west cabover bedroom further illustrates the extreme Travel Lite has gone to save weight and cost.  In short, there’s a 79-inch east-west bed, two LED lights, and the fire alarm.  That’s it.

With an east-west design, you’ll be climbing up and over your spouse to get out.  And I’d be the first one to wake up and test the fire alarm battery with my head.  Then I’d need another pair of underpants.  Now, where did those go?

To be fair, north-south cabovers and storage cabinets add a lot of weight and cost.  It could be argued that the Air concept would not work (too heavy, too costly, not as truck compatible) with a north-south bed, and cabover cabinetry.

Duffle bags would be my preferred solution to the cabover storage challenge.  First of all, the Air really isn’t intended for long term or long distance camping.  Most owners will likely camp nearby for a long weekend.  How much clothing do you really need for a long weekend?  A duffle bag of clothing per person would probably do.

Before we take three steps and exit the Air, the windows need one last look.  There’s one slider window on all four sides of the camper; driver’s side, passenger’s side, front wall, and rear.  That’s excellent for light, ventilation, and overall sense of an open camper.  The four slider windows are a nice touch on a well thought out unit.

Specifications

At 1,120 pounds dry, the Travel Lite Air isn’t the lightest hard side cabover camper on the market, but it is the lightest production line hard side cabover camper on the market.

Put another way, the Travel Lite Air is the lightest cabover truck camper you can buy that’s been built on a production line, and that’s available at a dealer network.  To get a camper lighter than the Air, you will need to forgo a cabover (like with a Travel Lite Rayzr), and/or custom order a unit from a direct manufacturer.

The most sensible truck camper to compare the Air to is the Travel Lite 625.  Where the Air has a floor length of 5’9”, the 625 has a floor length of 6’2”.  Does five inches really make a difference?  It does if you care about storage, weight, and cost.  When you’re trying to payload match a half-ton, every ounce counts.

The overall lengths of the two campers are also a few inches apart.  The Air is 10’3” and the 625 is 10’10”.  Again those seven inches come to bear for matching and move the center of gravity.  As of the writing of this review, the 625’s center of gravity was 29-inches from the forward wall, but Travel Lite had not yet released the center of gravity for the Air.

The width is going to surprise folks.  In short, the Air is wider at 86-inches versus 78-inches for the 625.  The eight inches of extra width is a part of the design formula that makes the fantastic full-booth style front dinette possible.  It’s probably another reason why the Air feels so open when you walk in.

The interior height of the Air is 6’3” versus 6’6” in the 625.  Funny enough, I am 6’3”, or at least I am when I stand up straight.  I never noticed the ceiling was low in the Air, so clearly I’m slouching on the job again.  If you’re really tall or need to sit up fully in the cabover bedroom area, this might be an issue, but otherwise you’ll appreciate the lower height when driving down the road.

The Air only has one 10 gallon fresh holding tank; no grey, no black.  Since the 10 gallon fresh tank is only being used for the kitchen sink (there’s no outside shower on the Air), it’s likely to last about a week with conservative teeth brushing, hand washing, and dish washing.  The 10 gallon tank of the Air is also 1 gallon more than what’s in the 625.

The grey runs out of the side of the unit to be captured in a portable container, just like most pop-up truck camper designs.  As is the Air’s mission, not having a grey tank saves weight and cost.

Another big difference between the Air and 625 is the absence of a water heater.  Since the Air doesn’t have an outside shower (the 625 does) there’s really no need for a hot water heater, unless you insist on warm water to wash hands and dishes.  At this price and weight point, most folks probably don’t care enough to add the cost and weight of a hot water heater.  If they do, they can get a 625.

The single 20-pound vertical propane tank matches the offering on the 625 and is utterly perfect.  You can exchange 20-pound propane tanks darn near anywhere, and the 5-gallon capacity should last for at least a week of running heat, the refrigerator, and cooktop.  If it’s really cold outside, maybe less than a week.  If you don’t need heat, at least two weeks, probably more.

With all LED lighting, the single Group 27 battery (shown in the floor plan evaluation) is also perfect for a camper this size.  The blower in the Atwood heater poses the biggest threat to this battery.  If it’s cold out and you crank the heat all night, you could drain this battery in a night or two.  Otherwise, you probably could go a week without a full charge.  If we bought an Air, we would add a single 150-watt solar panel, abstain from all-night heat (that’s what extra blankets are for) and forget our power worries.

Wet Weight Calculation

With only one configuration available and no possible factory options, we only need to run one wet weight calculation for the Travel Lite Air.  If only life was always this simple!

Travel Lite Air: dry weight, 1,120 pounds + 10 gallons fresh, 83.4 pounds + one battery, 65 pounds + 20-pound full propane tank, 20 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 1,788.4 pounds

Having just spent a few million electrons writing about the severely limited storage in the Air, we are going to cut the stuff weight in half to 250 pounds.  This brings the total wet weight of the Air to 1,538.4 pounds.

Truck Recommendations

What would you do to remove 156.6 pounds from your truck camper?  That’s the wet weight difference between the Travel Lite 625 (1,695 pounds) and the Travel Lite Air (1,538.4 pounds).  In terms of percentage, the Air is 9.23% lighter than the 625.  For a camper that was designed to save weight, you have to be impressed with a 9-percent weight reduction.

At 1,538.4 pounds wet, the Travel Lite Air is smack dab in the hot zone of the available payload of many half-ton trucks.  If you go to a truck dealership with a good number and variety of half-ton trucks on the lot, chances are you’ll find one, possibly two with the payload the Air requires (or more).

We know this because we have visited truck dealerships with exactly this goal in mind.  Opening half-ton driver’s side door after half-ton driver’s side door, we discovered that most half-ton trucks on dealer lots hover around 1,200 pounds of payload (pathetic, isn’t it?) but a few might hit the 1,500 to 1,600 pound range.

Remember, we’re talking about new trucks sitting on the average dealership lot.  If you special order the same brand’s half-ton and configure your order to maximize payload, you can get at least another 40-percent more payload.  That’s just not what most truck dealerships order.  They fill their trucks with options and packages that compromise payload.

The bottom line is this; the Air is very half-ton compatible, but you still need to pay attention to the payload of your chosen half-ton.  You’ll have many more half-ton options with the Air, but you still can’t assume a safe match.  Run the numbers and check the payload stickers.

If you can, always buy more truck than you need.  Unless you are 100-percent certain that you won’t want to upgrade campers in the future, or tow a boat two years from now, there’s no sense in buying a truck that just barely meets the payload requirements of your chosen camper.

When it comes to trucks, always go for more payload capacity if you can.  A one-ton short bed with a Travel Lite Air?  Why not?  You would have many more options in the years to come.

The Verdict

With the Travel Lite Air, Dustin Johns set out to build the next ultimate expression of hard side simplicity, light weight, and short bed compatibility.  With the success of the Travel Lite 625 at his back, he challenged every aspect of floor plan design, material choices, and possible appliances to save a few pounds here, and shave a few ounces there.  The result was the 156.6 pound (wet weight) and 9-percent lighter Air.

So what?  Well, it ends up that those 156.6 lost pounds put the Air much deeper into the real world bulls-eye of half-ton payload compatibility.  After all, isn’t the idea of building a truly half-ton compatible hard side truck camper to build a truly half-ton compatible hard side truck camper?  While certainly not universally half-ton compatible (some half-tons have less than 1,000 pounds of payload), Travel Lite has taken another leap closer to that goal.

My biggest concern about the Air is the inside water fills proximity to the power converter.  Air owners can take precautions to prevent any problems when filling the fresh tank, but there’s little room for error with electricity and water.  Hopefully, Travel Lite will adjust this aspect of the Air design, possibly with a front wall fill.  Our current camper has a front wall fill next to the jack on the driver’s side and that works out fine.

Beyond that, potential Air customers need to understand what the Travel Lite Air is, and is not.  To hit the remarkably low weight, low cost, and high compatibility goal for the Air (all huge benefits), a number of carefully considered compromises were worked into the design.  There’s no bathroom or provision for a porta-potti cabinet.  There’s no option for a hot water heater or an outside shower.  And overall storage is extremely limited.  If you get the concept of the Air, none of this is likely a deal breaker.

Flying in the face of the cost and weight compromises is the nearly unbelievable list of standard features, and an insanely great face-to-face dinette.  To have a standard 3-way Dometic refrigerator, 12,000 BTU Atwood furnace, Fantastic Fan, Shurflo water pump, stainless steel 2-burner Atwood cooktop in a truly half-ton compatible cabover camper is simply fantastic.  To have a booth-style face-to-face dinette that looks and feels like two comfy sofas is off the charts.

In the end, the Air represents the progress and compromise needed to match a hard side cabover truck camper to real world half-ton trucks.  Based on our experience with the Air, we’re very impressed.  We also want to encourage Dustin and Travel Lite to continue down this path.  Keep pushing the weight and value.  Besides, there are many gases that are lighter than air.  Perhaps your next model could be the Helium.

Pros Half-ton compatible if carefully matched Tailgate closes on 6-foot short bed trucks Lightest production cabover truck camper available Well appointed standard features – see review Face-to-face booth-style dinette is awesome Slider windows on all four sides for light and ventilation

Cons Inside water tank fill is close to the power converter Very limited storage throughout; pack your duffels No available options, but comes well equipped No bathroom or porta-potti compartment Hidden kitchen drawers waste potential storage space Removable table is a bit wonky in use

Model Information 2016 Travel Lite 625 MSRP: $12,268 Warranty: 1 year from time of purchase

Travel Lite, Inc. 71913 Country Road 23 New Paris, IN 46553

Quality, Customer Service, and Long-Term Reliability

Truck Camper Magazine inspects all reviewed truck campers for design, material, and quality issues and reports what we find.  However, since Truck Camper Magazine reviews only brand new truck campers, our reviews do not address long-term quality, customer service, or reliability.

To learn about a brand’s long-term quality, customer service, and reliability, Truck Camper Magazine recommends talking directly with truck camper owners at truck camper rallies and online via truck camper forums and truck camper owners groups.

Please be sure to balance your gathered feedback across multiple sources including direct correspondence with the truck camper manufacturers and your closest truck camper dealers.  Click here if you are new to truck campers.

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Best Lightweight Travel Trailers

Looking for a lightweight travel trailer to accompany you on your road trips? They're the perfect towable trailer that pretty much any car can take along for the ride.

Of course lightweight trailers compromise on certain things, such as space and luxuries, but they make up on many other aspects, including getting into areas where bigger, more family-sized travel trailers can't.

They're equipped with beds and a kitchen and various other features that vary from model to model, and they give you a base to crash when you really want to get away from it all. 

But which are the best lightweight travel trailers? And why do they stand out? In this review, we look at some of the best models on the market. We've also included a guide in what to look for when shopping for one.

And if you have any unanswered questions we've added an FAQ section dedicated to all things lightweight travel trailers. 

What we love

• Integrated electric, plumbing, and pre-wired solar input
• Stove and large counters for cooking, prepping and eating
• Holding capacity of 15 gallons fresh and 16 gallons grey water in the tanks
• Pop-up roof for enhanced cross ventilation to avoid stuffy indoor situations
• Easily towable with a 4 cylinder vehicle including small trucks, SUVs or even a Sedan

Quick Specs

• Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 kids
• Number of Floorplans: 1 story
• Length: 15’
• Width: 6'7"
• Weight: 1800lbs.

The TAXA Cricket Camper is an incredible travel trailer . It is 15’ long and could be easily parked in a garage or in camping spaces. It is structured with Aluminum Composite panels and features a non-slip patterned flooring, which gives it a strong and dependable laser cut design. 

The design elements are stylish, lightweight, and sturdy. The Cricket is equipped with a combo furnace, a water heater, and a refrigerator . The café table is large enough to hold family meals or other activities. 12V USB onboard outlets are suitable for charging and powering devices. 

The pop-up roof is a great addition that allows cross ventilation and keeps the temperature inside the trailer pleasant with the help of a 12V exhaust fan. The interior is equipped with LED lighting and reading lights illuminating the insides when needed. 

It has full-sized beds as well as facing seats for a wide and broad sitting area. The trailer is secured with electric brakes as well as wireless brake controllers to avoid bumping into the towing car and mishaps. 

Runner-up: Happier Camper HC1

• 100% 1.5” honeycomb fiberglass construction
• Multiple windows and large rear hatch for breezy ventilation
• Solar power enabled trailer ready to function off-grid as well
• Customizable interior with modular components are suited to needs
• Towable with most standard cars and can be parked in a single parking spot
• Sleeps: 5 people
• Number of Floorplans: Unlimited, you can design the interiors however you want
• Number of Slide-Outs: Depends on your choice of added components
• Length: 10’
• Width: 6’6”
• Weight: 110-150lbs.

At first, the small size of the Happier Camper HC1 may seem insufficient, but once you take a deeper look, it is anything but. The small and compact size is made of very durable fiberglass that has a high strength to weight ratio. There are multiple shaded windows to give you a view of the outside. 

Secondly, the HC1 is incredibly versatile. You can change it into anything you want it to. With the modular components, the interior could be designed whichever way you desire to suit your needs. Select the right equipment, components, and interior objects to make it suitable for anything from camping and hauling to a guest quarter. 

The grooved floor design holds the customizable components securely in place like pieces of Lego. The HC1 is super exciting to travel in. You can make use of the space however you want. It combines form and function into one trailer and gives you an authentic camping experience.

Best for the Money: Winnebago Micro Minnie

• Solar prepped with LED lighting for interior
• Pet-friendly with enough space and mounted bowls for food and water
• A great number of safety measures make your stay safe and enjoyable
• Azdel Fiberglass construction with welded aluminum sidewalls and floor
• Fully equipped bathroom and kitchen along with water heaters, a TV and a wall-mounted thermostat
• Sleeps: Variable; minimum 3
• Number of Floorplans: 16
• Number of Slide-Outs: 1; Exterior Sliding/Removable Outside Kitchen in select models.
• Length: Varies; smallest 18’4”.
• Weight: Varies; lightest 2437 lb.

Forest River R-Pod understands when you say safety and utility like home. This trailer is versatile and fully secure. It has strong locks to block out any unwelcome intruders, a smoke alarm, a CO detector, and an LP detector to warn against potential leaks. 

Other than that, it has all the interior equipment to make it as comfortable for you as possible with a TV , a thermostat to regulate temperature, a central vacuum, and an air conditioner . In addition to a wet bath available on all models, some models also carry a dry bath. In some models, the kitchen may also be extended out. The queen-sized beds are comfortable and large enough to sleep up to 3 people. 

Additionally, the lightweight travel trailer has a wide dinette for comfortable meals, which may also be used for various other activities. The camper also boasts a premium look to it with a stylish interior and sturdy exterior. Overall, this model will go where you want it to and take care of your needs while you enjoy your time.

Best Lightweight Fiberglass Travel Trailer: Aliner Travel Trailer

Easy Set-up

Lightweight travel trailers are very easy to set up. They come with pre-designated areas for toilets, bedrooms, kitchen, and sitting area. All you have to do is store your belongings. In travel trailers, you don’t have to worry about not having enough appliances to survive long, for they are literally mini houses on wheels. 

Mostly, they have fully functional and equipped bathrooms and kitchens, as well as heating systems and water holding capacities.

A New Dawn for Travel Lite

With new ownership and leadership, the rv manufacturer is dialing in its products to its selection of truck campers and the recently introduced rove lite ultra-lite trailer..

As with other leaders at Travel Lite RV, Keith Lessner wears a lot of hats. In addition to managing all North American accounts and establishing new dealer relationships as the national sales manager, he works in product development and has a myriad of other responsibilities.

“I’m not a ‘job description’-type guy – I do whatever it takes to move the company forward and grow,” he says. “The reality is that Travel Lite had it a little rough for a while, which is no secret, and now we’re rebuilding.”

Travel Lite RV, based in Syracuse, Ind., is now owned by a group of investors and its board of directors.

“Basically, our job is to produce a quality product that people can enjoy the great outdoors with – that’s our mission. We take a lot of pride in what we do,” Lessner says. “We’re fortunate because our board is extremely receptive and lets us experiment and try new things – and we have a really solid core of dealer partners who have faith in us, which is so important.”

Travel Lite has two product lines: truck campers and travel trailers.

“We like to stay in our niche and remain true to our ultra-lite offerings,” Lessner says. “There’s no need for us to expand to larger units and go toe-to-toe with the big guys. Everything we’re going to do will be lightweight.”

Capitalizing on Ultra-Lites as a New Niche

Lessner says that ultra-lites are a growing segment, as people become increasingly environmentally conscious with smaller vehicles and hybrids.

“The towing rating keeps going down and the gas mileage keeps going up. And there was a big hole in the ultra-lite segment at our price point and weight category,” he says.

Having also worked in RV retail sales for 15 years, Lessner says he would often encounter potential customers walking through the door and asking what they could tow with their smaller vehicles.

“I had to tell them we had nothing to offer other than a pop-up, which they didn’t want,” he says.

It was a natural evolution for Travel Lite to add ultra-lites to its truck camper offerings after speaking with its dealer partners – and the segment knows no bounds as to age and income demographics, according to Lessner.

“The phone calls I field are from older, retired folks to younger generations with small families,” he says. “The demand is all over the place. We saw a hole, and we said, ‘Let’s fill it.’”

Travel Lite’s truck campers kept the company “on life support” as it rebuilt and launched its Rove Lite RVs. The Rayzr truck camper series, which is a “weekender” with basic living quarters for pickups the size of a Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado, is joined by Travel Lite’s Extended Stay truck camper, with four models that require a 3/4-ton pickup or larger.

Breaking New Ground with the Rove Lite

The Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer series, however, is in a “class of its own,” Lessner says.

After making its debut at the 2021 Florida RV SuperShow and partnering with General RV, the three units the manufacturer had on display sold immediately after the event.

“Then, General RV ordered another 36,” Lessner says. “Our overall feedback has been amazing, and every dealer has nothing but good things to say about them. They’re selling like crazy – it’s fun to experience.”

The Rove Lite is constructed with a brand-new, innovative Hydro-Lite material for its sidewalls. “We’ve also eliminated using wood in the sidewalls, floors and ceilings, which is beneficial for weight considerations and water intrusion,” Lessner says. “Everything in our construction is impervious to water, so there’s no delamination and nowhere

for mold to form – the resistance to mold is much stronger than anything with wood in it.”

He adds that no other manufacturer is using the Hydro-Lite technology presently, which was developed with Travel Lite’s supplier, Jasper Plastics. It’s constructed with one-piece gel-coat fiberglass with 2-pound, fire-retardant foam and Azdel composite panels, which are all vacuum-bonded together with epoxy. The entire skin is framed in aluminum. The ceiling also is constructed with a one-piece gel coat fiberglass.

“Jasper is located right down the street from us. They’re not just suppliers – they’re partners,” Lessner says. “All of our suppliers, including Torklift, are great and they’ve been very supportive and understanding as the company has transitioned and moved forward.”

A Rove Lite base unit can be built with a weight of about 1,500 pounds and, depending on options, can come in the ballpark of 1,700 pounds. Three floorplans are available: the 14BH (MSRP: $20,999), 14FD (MSRP: $19,999) and 14FL (MSRP: $19,999).

The Rove features room for two batteries, allowing RVers the capability for extended stays. The floors avoid a foam construction, which can compress over time with foot traffic, and instead uses a 3/4-inch composite honeycomb material that also offers rigidity to the unit.

Exterior storage units are also accessible from the interior, and optional exterior features include

speakers and a power awning. Standard are exterior power outlets, LED outdoor lighting, separate flushes for the 30-gallon gray tank and the 5-gallon black tank (not a cassette toilet), and side-mounted air conditioning units (to avoid rooftop units and potential leaking risks).

The interior features a standard wet bath with foot-flush toilet, cargo-netted storage (rather than doors for light weighting), and a three-way refrigerator that can be powered by either gas, electric or 12-volt battery.

“We’re small enough that we can turn on a dime when it comes to design changes and innovations recommended to us from our dealer partners and customers,” Lessner says. “It doesn’t take an act of Congress – there are really just three of us who make the decisions and we’re nimble enough that we can make changes to production inside of a week if we want to. Our operations manager, P.J. Reidenbach, is fantastic, and makes things happen. I don’t know what we would do without him.

“COO and General Manager Ryan Rebar and I are both sales guys, and we can come up with some pretty crazy ideas, and P.J. is there for us to tell us what will and won’t work,” he adds. “Most often, though, he’ll find a way – we gave him a week-and-a-half to build three prototypes and he got it done.”

Lessner has personally taken prototype units out for test runs for evaluation and assessments. “I towed one prototype 6,500 miles on dealer visits just to figure out what holds up and what doesn’t, so we could make tweaks and make overall improvements to the chassis. If we’re going to sell it, we want to know how well-designed it is,” he says. “The Rove is the culmination of all that hard work and listening to our dealers.”

The Biden Administration’s plans for infrastructure improvements is on Lessner’s radar and how it will affect the RV industry, as well as those who enjoy RVing. Equally important are campground updates and improvements.

“If we’re selling RVs and people have a tough time traveling or finding a place to camp, then what are we doing? And if there’s anything good that came out of COVID, it’s that people are getting back to their roots and their families,” Lessner says. “From my personal experience, we took our kids camping for a four-day trip but didn’t come home until four weeks later. RVing has brought us all closer.”

Travel Lite’s sales goals for 2021 are to produce 1,300 truck campers and 1,500 travel trailers. Depending on the week, the company staffs between 35 and 55 employees.

“We’re just a bunch of guys trying to make it. It’s all hands-on decks, and we’re making it happen,” Lessner says. “I’m humbled by the opportunity that we’ve been given and the relationships I’ve been able to cultivate and grow – from our dealers and suppliers to our customers.

“If you do the right thing by your people, then success will follow and it will help us grow,” he adds. “This is just the tip of the iceberg for us – it’s an open road.”

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10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

These lightweight travel trailers are lightweight and easy to tow. Photo courtesy of Little Guy.

Tread Lightly With These 10 Best Small Camper Trailers

The demand for small RVs is at an all-time high, and several RV manufacturers are responding to the demand for lightweight trailers that any car can pull. This list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022 spotlights the top-rated RVs for families, solo RVers, and adventure travelers.

• Each small RV trailer weighs less than 5,000 pounds.
• The ultralight trailers often cost less than a passenger car. 
• Each trailer has one of the lightest gross vehicle weight ratings ( GVWR ) around. Just about any size truck or even some larger SUVs can pull them. 

(If you’re looking for 2023 model-year lightweight travel trailers, check out our post 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 .)

Top 10 Picks For Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 5,000 Pounds GVWR)

Each small RV is listed in order by weight, from lightest to heaviest.

2022 nuCamp TAG XL: The Stargazer

The TAG XL weighs less than 1,500 lbs – even with all of the bells and whistles.

At the top of our super light travel trailers list is the TAG. This small RV is lightweight and easy to tow. Built with custom Ohio-Amish cabinetry, under-bed storage, and an exterior shower, this teardrop trailer is the perfect way to bring some of the comforts of home when you hit the road.

Cook in nature while using the well-equipped rear galley. At night, you’ll climb into a warm and cozy interior. Watch the stars through a large stargazing window.  There’s air conditioning, LED lighting, alloy wheels, electric brakes, and an optional solar roof package. No matter where you go, the TAG teardrop trailer is ready for adventure.

Climb into a warm, cozy interior – complete with a large window for stargazing.

• Hitch weight: 119 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,369 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 3″
• Exterior width: 7′ 8″
• Interior height: 43″
• Freshwater capacity: 8 gallons
• Optional A/C and heater
• Base MSRP: $24,674

2022 TAXA TigerMoth Overland: The Ultimate Overlanding Vehicle

This rugged overland travel trailer is the ideal adventure home. The TigerMoth Overland Edition is a small RV with big features, including increased ground clearance thanks to the Timbren axle-less suspension with a 4″ lift.

You also get a number of premium accessories including a generous kitchen, roof cargo deck, and an optional tongue-mounted toolbox.

Enjoy 7+ off-grid days or longer

The TigerMoth can take you on a 7-day adventure or longer. The aerodynamic shape is fuel-efficient on the highway, and a generous interior space lets you do more with less. As a bonus, it’s also small enough to fit in a normal garage.

• Hitch weight: 195 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,458 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 942 lbs.
• Exterior length: 12′ 0″
• Full exterior height: 7′
• Exterior width: 6′ 7″
• Freshwater capacity: 5 gallons
• 5 lbs propane tank & mount
• Pre-wired solar input
• Four acrylic, insulated windows with screens & shades
• 16″ alloy wheel with all-terrain tires 
• Base MSRP: $29,350

Go off-grid in comfort.

2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite: Lightweight And Easy To Tow

Travel Lite’s new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable travel trailers on the market (under $20K). It’s light enough to pull behind even the smallest of vehicles. You only need a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. 

The new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable RV trailers on the market. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

Enjoy the sleek Euro-style design made with state-of-the-art composite materials. There’s an aluminum chassis and a seamless poured-resin fiberglass roof. Interior features include a convertible bed and a bath with a shower. This small RV offers space-saving functionality at its best.

The 2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer has a stylish and roomy interior. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

• Hitch weight: 160 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,707 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 793 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 4″
• Full exterior height: 8′ 1″
• Exterior width: 7′ 11″
• Freshwater capacity: 10 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 5 gallons
• On-demand tankless water heater
• 20,000-BTU furnace
• Base MSRP: $19,424  

Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500: New And Improved

Here’s a unique addition to our list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: the ultralight, 15-foot, all fiberglass Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500 camper from L’air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada.

The L’air Trillium Heritage is an ultra-lightweight travel trailer that can be easily towed by many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

This small RV received a complete facelift for 2022. It features dual-pane acrylic windows, a bigger solar panel, a 4.6-cubic-foot fridge with a freezer, and a galley makeover.

With a GVWR of just 2,700 pounds, the Trillium is an easy tow for many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Options abound for personalizing.

The living area of the Trillium Heritage has been updated with an all-new galley and 4.2-cubic-foot fridge. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

• Hitch weight: 180 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,700 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,650 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,050 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 2″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 2″
• Exterior width: 78″
• Freshwater capacity: 13 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 5 gallons
• Single 130W solar panel with charge controller
• Base MSRP: $31,997

Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB: Surprisingly Spacious

The Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB has floorplans starting out at a fuel-saving 3,000 pounds! Both Sonic Lite and Sonic are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system. By arching the roof front to back, this system provides a more durable roof. When it rains, the water runs fore and aft.

Sonic Lite trailers are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system.

• Hitch weight: 460 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,735 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,160 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 575 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 11″
• Full exterior height (with A/C): 9′ 11″
• Exterior width: 90″
• Freshwater capacity: 38 gallons
• Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
• Refrigerator: 8 cu ft
• LP gas capacity: 20 lbs
• Base MSRP: $34,059

2022 Little Guy Micro Max: Fits In Standard Garages

Finding a small travel trailer that can be parked inside a two-car garage isn’t easy unless you check out the new Little Guy Micro Max . This ultra-lightweight, four-season RV camper is a brand-new offering from Little Guy that will be coming out in early 2022.

The Micro Max ultra-lightweight trailer fits inside a standard garage! Photo courtesy Little Guy Trailers.

Some of the features included in this fully equipped micro trailer are an air conditioner, a queen bed in the rear and twin bed up front, two dining areas, an interior galley, and an outdoor shower.

Headroom is a respectable 5′ 8″, which keeps the overall travel trailer height lower than the typical garage-door opening.

The interior of these lightweight travel trailers feels roomy with large windows. Photo courtesy of Little Guy Trailers.

• Hitch weight: 260 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,780 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,720 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 11″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 10.5″
• Exterior width: 80″
• Freshwater capacity: 12 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 8 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,000  

Apex Nano 16R: Backcountry comfort

Be off-grid-camping ready with the Apex Nano 16R . This lightweight trailer comes with off-road tires and high-clearance suspension.

With a 3,800-pound GVWR, the Apex Nano 16R is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

With heated freshwater and holding tanks, a 13.5K-BTU A/C, front bike rack, direct vent furnace, and sleeping accommodations for a family of four, the Apex Nano 16R travel trailer from the Coachmen line is a great choice for outdoor adventure-bound RVers. Its 3,800-pound GVWR is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers.  

Coachmen’s Apex Nano 16R offers a 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge, two-burner cooktop, and microwave. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

• Hitch weight: 330 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,800 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,860 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 940 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 10″
• Exterior width: 7′
• Freshwater capacity: 50 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 35 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 35 gallons
• 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge
• Two-burner cooktop and microwave
• Base MSRP: $27,731

OPUS OP4: Adventure ready

There’s no other travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. After all, this innovative push-button, air-inflated tent camper inflates in less than two minutes and sleeps six.

There’s no other lightweight travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

The OP4 has a spacious interior lounge area, high ceiling, and a ton of windows and skylights to make you feel like you’re outdoors. The external kitchen makes cooking for the family easy, and OPUS offers a long list of options, including heating, A/C, solar power, bike racks, and extension rooms to make any RV outing enjoyable.

The external kitchen of the Opus OP4 makes cooking for the family easy. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

 Features:

• Hitch weight: 400 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,100 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ (closed)/ 21′ 4″ (open)
• Full exterior height: 5′ 4″ (closed)/ 7′ 10″ (open)
• Exterior width: 7′ 2″ (closed)/ 11′ 6″ (open)
• Freshwater capacity 40 gallons
• Cassette toilet
• Base MSRP: $27,999  

Forest River Rpod RP153: Ultra lightweight

The 17-foot floorplan RPOD from Forest River is an ideal size for singles and couples. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The RPOD is one of the best-selling ultra-lightweight travel trailers on the market. Forest River has expanded the line to seven models by adding a smaller version called the Rpod 153 . The 17-foot model has all the basic features of its bigger brethren, and its slightly smaller floorplan is ideal for singles and couples.

The rear bath is spacious, the galley very functional, and the Murphy bed in the front maximizes interior space. This is an RV camper that’s very well designed, appointed, and engineered. It’s a good match for half-ton pickups, midsize pickups, and SUVs.

The 17-foot RPOD from Forest River is well-designed, appointed, and engineered. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Hitch weight: 300 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,280 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,880 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,400 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ 3″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 8″
• Exterior width: 8′
• Freshwater capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,500

2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS: Roomy and comfortable

Forest River’s spacious Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS caught our attention. A walk-around bed is a real rarity in a single-axle travel trailer and a testament to the designers taking to heart what customers have been asking for in years past.

Forest River’s 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS comes with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The large bathroom across the rear of the RV has an oversized shower, and the 72-inch sofa in the slide-out can rotate into a comfortable hide-a-bed. The Geo Pros also come with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires well suited for backcountry RV camping.

The 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS has a walk-around bed, which is a rarity for a single-axle travel trailer. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,442 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 958 lbs.
• Exterior length: 21′ 8″
• Exterior width: 92″
• Freshwater capacity: 31 gallons
• 54″x74″ Full-size bed
• 14-foot awning
• Outside shower
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Base MSRP: $32,675

That’s our list of the most innovative new lightweight travel trailers of 2022. These small RV models are big on affordability, convenience, and amenities.

As a bonus, the features are packaged in a small camper footprint. In most cases, you won’t need to purchase a tow vehicle for these trailers. To find out how much weight your car can pull, open your vehicle’s manual. Look for the maximum trailer towing capacity and you’ll find the answer.

Why lightweight travel trailers are in demand

If you’re thinking about buying one of these lightweight travel trailers, you’re in good company. Demand for big and small RV models is soaring.

For example, according to the latest issue of RV RoadSigns , the quarterly sales forecast published by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV manufacturers are still scrambling to meet consumer demand that started in 2020. This year, more than 600,000 new RVs will be sold. These figures are all-time high that will exceed the record-breaking RV sales of 2021.

“The remarkable production from the RV manufacturers and suppliers is nothing like we have ever seen before, and our new forecast shows the record-breaking streak will continue,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby.

Editor’s note: RV manufacturer materials costs are constantly increasing. The current base costs for the small, light travel trailers on our list may have changed since the time of this writing (Q4 2021).

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Travel warning issued as Calgary and southern Alberta brace for heavy snow

Snowfall totals of 15 to 25 cm expected for parts of the province.

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March 19 was officially the start of spring, but winter's not done with southern Alberta.

A cold front swept south on Tuesday, bringing an evening dump of heavy snow in parts of western and southern Alberta. 

Environment Canada has snowfall warnings in place for a large swath of the province, including Calgary.

"10 to 30 cm of snow is expected by Friday morning across southern Alberta. Most regions will receive 10 to 15 cm of snow but a few locations could see as much as 30 cm," the agency said.

Calgary Transit said it would be activating snow detours on some routes beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

"These snow detours will be active to help us reduce the number of buses that get stuck and keep transit moving as smoothly as possible," it said.

The cold spell is expected to last through the weekend and into next week. 

The forecast prompted the Southern Alberta RCMP to warn of the potential for a spring storm, "which may come with treacherous road conditions in the upcoming 48 hours."

Traditionally, the region between Airdrie and Innisfail on Highway 2 has been an area of "great concern," the Mounties said.

"If you do not have to travel, please stay home," the police agency said in a news release.

"If you must travel, RCMP want to advise motorists to use extreme caution, slow down and maintain an increased distance between yourself and other drivers."

The City of Calgary echoed the Mounties' request for motorists to limit travel if possible, telling Calgarians they are preparing for "a significant snow event."

It said people should be prepared for as much as 25 cm of snow to fall by Thursday evening, with up to 40 cm possible by Friday.

"If you're able to limit travel, this would be our recommendation. But if you have to travel, ensure you are prepared before you head out, expect delays and take your time to get to where you need to go safely," the city said in a statement.

Snowfall needed with ongoing drought

After several days of spring-like conditions, Calgary can expect a high of just 5 C on Tuesday, with snow starting to fall around midnight. 

Wednesday's forecast calls for 5 cm of snow with temperatures steady near –5 C. 

Speaking on the Calgary Eyeopener  on Tuesday, weather expert and freelance video journalist Kyle Brittain said with Alberta's current drought conditions, spring snowfalls are exactly what's needed.

Look at how low the Oldman Reservoir is.<br><br>Bring on that white gold ❄️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abstorm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abdrought?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#abdrought</a> <a href="https://t.co/O6Qv2Zv35Z">pic.twitter.com/O6Qv2Zv35Z</a> &mdash; @BadWeatherKyle

"We need every single flake and we need probably three or four more of these spring snowstorms to really start making a difference," he said.

"You know, the snow is slow-release water. It's our summer insurance. We need it."

With files from CBC

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