Forum Discussion

Away2Maine's avatar
Away2Maine
Explorer
Oct 20, 2016

Travel Trailer Recs under 5,000

Hey there!

We tented for 1 year, PUP for 2 years, TT for 2 years, and 5th wheeled for 10 years (mostly for long trips). The boys are older and our days of 2 or 3 week camping trips needing the packing space of a 5th wheel are likely behind us.

With that in mind, we were looking at possibly getting back into a PUP, but it appears that may be a tough transition for my lovely wife. With that in mind, we are considering moving back to a relatively light (under 5,000) hard-sided travel trailer. This weight may allow me to transition to a different vehicle from the Duramax down the line.

Here are some basic thoughts for your consideration...

1) Unloaded weight under 5,000
2) Would like to stay under 25 feet in length
3) Would like to have fixed/permanent beds for at least 3
4) Maximum we'll ever take is likely to be 6
5) Descent amount of storage is important

We have been quite happy with our Forest River products. My DW is curious about the possibility of the "Retro" brand lightweights as well.

Thanks in advance for your experience and insight!

Peace...Away...
  • iagary's avatar
    iagary
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2016
    Lance 2185. Triple bunks and only 4210 lbs dry weight. I don't know much about them but they seem to get good reviews. I am thinking about Lance for my next TT.
  • kknowlton's avatar
    kknowlton
    Explorer II
    Oct 20, 2016
    Sounds like you need to look for a bunkhouse model, though I don't think you'll find any that are quite as light as you're looking for. If you want 3 fixed beds,that's about the only way you'll get that in a trailer.
  • djsamuel's avatar
    djsamuel
    Nomad
    Oct 20, 2016
    PAThwacker wrote:
    djsamuel wrote:
    Camplite 21BHS


    How does 6 people camp in that. Food for 6, clothes for 6, towels for 6, diddy bags for 6?


    His requirements included:

    3) Would like to have fixed/permanent beds for at least 3
    4) Maximum we'll ever take is likely to be 6

    Two bunks, a full size queen and the dinette easily handles 5. If the max he'd ever take is 6, that extra could be squeezed in.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2016
    My old 21ft hybrid in signature could "camp 6" with nobody on the dinette or couch.
  • nickthehunter's avatar
    nickthehunter
    Nomad II
    Oct 20, 2016
    Dick_B wrote:
    How do manufacturers make a lighter weight rig? What do they leave out or minimize? Think about this when considering a purchase.
    Well I don't know about all manufacturers but a lote use lighter materials, such as for instance aluminum instead of wood. Same way they make airplanes light enough to fly and strong enough to survive thousands of landings.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2016
    I had a 2006 kz zeppelin 291. Total piece of **** Bal bolt together frame. Full front and rear panels without any structure behind. Billowing fronts and rear and frame bending.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Oct 20, 2016
    The vehicle manufacturers are to blame. They and mass market had body on frame SUV with 6100 or more towing capacity standard. Here comes the CUV craze. Zero towing capacity unless given factory tow packages. Minuscule 3500 to 5200.
    Add shear statistics to mix. .01 percent have factory tow options.

    What's left full size SUV to handle the trailers from smallest pups to largest within ratings bumper pull

About Travel Trailer Group

44,025 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 26, 2025