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The appeal of small travel trailers has dramatically increased over the past few years. Manufacturers are introducing new and innovative designs that pack lots of features into a smaller, more compact trailer. These options are becoming very enticing for those looking to enter the world of camping for the first time or perhaps those downsizing after their kids have gotten older.
A small camper is not for everyone. If you have a large family, then you will need the extra room and sleeping space provided by a larger rig. If you decide you can’t travel without a large-screen TV and theater seating, then these small travel trailers will not be a good fit.
However, if you like the idea of going camping without the need to purchase a large truck and tow a large trailer around, then these small trailers will be right up your alley.
Most of these units can be towed with an SUV or car with towing capacity, and some of them can even be stored in your home garage. You can easily maneuver these trailers into the tightest of camping spots, making those in the larger trailers jealous of the places you can go.
There are many options available on the market today, but they are not all created equal. Do your research, explore your options, and you can find a small travel trailer that meets your needs and does not skimp on comfort or features. Here are the top 6 small travel trailers that you should consider:
Happier Camper HC1
The Happier Camper HC1 is a retro-style camper that is easily customizable with their Adaptiv™ interior. With an average base dry weight of 1,100 pounds, this is an ultra-lightweight trailer that can be towed very easily. In some cases, you can even pull it with a car!
The HC1 is small enough to fit into most parking spaces and garages, but it does not lack in features. It is made of insulated fiberglass and comes standard with electric brakes and panoramic windows. Even more, the Happier Camper can be configured to sleep up to 5 people.
There is plenty of storage space built into this camper as well as LED lighting, both outside and in. While this unit is not equipped with an air conditioner, it does come with a 14” dual airflow ceiling fan for plenty of ventilation on those warm nights. You will also have no problem charging your devices on your trip using either the AC or DC power outlets provided.
One of the unique features of the Happier Camper is the Adaptiv™ modular interior. You can easily switch out the interior modules to provide different setups based on your current needs. Whether you need sleeping space for five, more countertops with kitchen and dinette, or a mobile office, snap the modular cubes into place, and it’s like you have a whole new space! There is nothing else quite like it, and this makes the Happier Camper one of the most versatile choices available.
Forest River R-Pod
The Forest River R-Pod is a great choice for those looking for the comforts of home in a small, lightweight camping trailer. With 13 different floor plans available, there is certain to be one that fits your needs.
Ranging in weight from 2,500 to 3,600 pounds, the R-Pod does not require a large truck for towing. They range in length from 18 to 22 feet, which allows for plenty of space while still being maneuverable. With an interior height of 6’6”, you’ll never feel cramped inside these trailers.
Most of the R-Pod models come equipped with a queen-sized bed and a wet bath, although a dry bath is available on some floor plans. Standard equipment also includes a hot water heater and refrigerator. You’ll find plenty of other options too, such as a 24” LED TV, air conditioner, and a solar package. This is considered by many to be one of the few luxury travel trailers in the small category.
TAXA Outdoors Cricket
The TAXA Outdoors Cricket does not look like a typical travel trailer. It has a unique and rugged design and is an excellent fit for those looking for a real outdoor adventure. While it is not an excellent fit for those looking for luxury features, it is an excellent option for those looking to get away and experience nature.
With a dry weight of only 1,800 pounds, the Cricket is easily towable, and you can likely tow it with whatever vehicle you already own. It can be stored in a standard garage due to its length of only 15 feet. Even with its shorter length, it still provides a sleeping area for two adults and two kids.
You’ll feel at one with the outdoors due to the wide-open views and the mesh upper panels provided in the Cricket. Equipped with a furnace, water heater, and 2-burner stove, you’ll have no problem enjoying hot meals during your time in the outdoors. An optional portable toilet can also be included with the unit.
Since these trailers are not currently mass-produced, you’ll need to put down a deposit to reserve your slot on the production line. If the Cricket is not the right fit, don’t worry!
TAXA Outdoors also produces a couple of other models that may better align with your needs. If you are genuinely looking to get away and experience areas that may not be accessible to other campers, the TAXA Cricket is worth a serious look.
Winnebago Micro Minnie
Winnebago is a name that has been synonymous with RV’s for many years. While probably most well known for their large motorhomes, Winnebago also offers fifth wheels and travel trailers, among other things. The Winnebago Micro Minnie is a small travel trailer that is packed full of exciting features and options.
There are 11 different floor plans available that range in length from 19’ to 25.5’. The Micro Minnie features a fully functional kitchen complete with a refrigerator. It also includes a dry bath which provides a separate toilet and shower. A hot water heater, furnace, and roof-mount air conditioner are also included as standard features.
While the Micro Minnie is not a tiny trailer and the models are a little heavier and larger than some of the other small travel trailers on this list. This camper is a great option for someone looking to travel in style without the headache of a huge RV.
You’ll also have plenty of room for the kids and pets to come along on your next adventure. Be sure to give the Micro Minnie lineup strong consideration before you decide on which small travel trailer to purchase.
iCamp Elite
The iCamp Elite is another one of the teardrop trailers on the list. It boasts the claim of being one of the smallest trailers on the market to include a bathroom. Measuring just 14 feet in length, it is effortless to tow to your next destination. Not only does it include a bathroom, but it also comes with a refrigerator and gas cooktop as well.
If you need space for a family on your trip, then this is probably not the right choice for you. The iCamp Elite features a dinette area that converts into a bed for sleeping. This allows for maximum utilization of space as there is a daytime configuration and a nighttime configuration. However, don’t plan on sleeping more than 2-3 people in this unit.
If you are looking for a little more luxury, this model does include some options that can make you feel a bit more at home. These options include a flat-screen TV, A/V system, and A/C heat pump unit. Given the compact size of these trailers and the available features, the iCamp Elite is worth a serious look if you are in the market for a small camper trailer.
Pro Tip: If you’re loving the teardrop camper look, you have to check out The 10 Best Teardrop Camper Trailers on the Market!
Safari Condo Alto
The Safari Condo Alto is a classic teardrop design featuring a unique retractable roof. This allows for easy storage and towing but provides much more room when you set up camp and expand the roof.
These trailers were designed to be very lightweight and produce the lowest possible drag when traveling. The Alto creates 75% less drag than a standard travel trailer. This allows them to be towed with smaller vehicles, thereby reducing emissions and helping the environment.
These small trailers are surprisingly roomy on the inside. Some models are available with a king-sized bed and a dining area that is available even while the bed is set up. The Alto models are also available with an interior shower and toilet.
Not only does the retractable roof make for impressive aerodynamics, it dramatically increases the interior room of the unit. When open, there is a full 82” of interior clearance. This makes the unit feel spacious even to those individuals who are over 6 feet tall. When the roof is retracted, many of the features inside the camper are still usable such as the bed, storage, refrigerator, and toilet.
If you don’t like the idea of the retractable roof, Safari also makes other models with a fixed roof. These models are also made to be environmentally friendly while still offering great features and options. You can select an optional solar panel on almost any of the Safari models. This may be worth it if you want to go boondocking.
Should You Get A Small Travel Trailer?
There has never been a better time to get into the RV game with a small travel trailer than today. With so many different options available from rugged, outdoorsy trailers to tiny luxury models, the possibilities are endless. Head to your local dealer to check out some of these models and start planning your next adventure today!
I have the R-POD 177,it fits me right only wish it had more storage space