Shopping for a Small Camper or Travel Trailer

When you imagine a camper or travel trailer what comes to mind? Many of us picture a large motorhome or a 5th wheel. Maybe you even see a full bus conversion. Those are great, and we love them, but they aren’t for everyone.

Some of you would prefer to hit the road with something more compact. You may be traveling solo or as a couple. Maybe you’re a tent camper looking for an upgrade. Perhaps you just like the better gas mileage and flexibility of a smaller RV.

There are a lot of options out there for traveling small. It always pays to do some comparison shopping before you buy a travel trailer so you get the one that best fits your style, plans, and budget.

What is a Small Travel Trailer?

There’s never going to be a complete consensus on the definition of a small travel trailer or camper. What is small to one is enormous to another. But we can narrow down the field using two criteria: length and weight.

A small travel trailer or camper trailer is usually less than 22 feet long and weighs less than 5,000 pounds dry. As we look at some options, we’ll be using those numbers as our general rule.

Small travel trailers are not the same as Sprinter or camper vans.

These little beauties are all designed to be pulled behind a vehicle.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that small travel trailers lack features. The ingenuity that goes into making the most of every inch of space in a larger RV goes turbo for these smaller rigs. You’ll be surprised at what can be built into a compact, lightweight trailer.

Let’s take a look at a few styles of small camper trailers. We’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each kind, as well as things to consider before you buy.

Teardrop Trailers

We’re not going to lie, we love teardrop trailers! These super lightweight trailers have been around for decades. Their usual configuration includes a bed and some storage inside, with one or two exterior doors, and an outdoor kitchen hidden under the back panel.

Some teardrops weigh less than 1,000 pounds and can be pulled by a wide range of vehicles. The original style was very much like a lockable tent—barebones and simple.

Today’s teardrop trailers have a lot more options. A few even have a toilet and sink. Others have convertible seating inside.

Advantages

Lightweight. You can often tow them with regular cars and SUVs.
Versatile. Their size makes them great for off-road adventures.
Compact and Streamlined. The teardrop shape is nicely aerodynamic and many of these little trailers can be stored in your garage.
Price. Teardrop trailers are generally pretty affordable. You can customize and buy add-ons like tents and awnings as your budget allows.

Disadvantages

Very Small. Teardrop trailers seldom sleep more than two people and are not designed for standing. They’re a little claustrophobic for some people.
Fewer Amenities. Though the space in a teardrop trailer is ingeniously used, there just isn’t enough of it for a lot of extras.
Not much storage space. This is especially true if you’re towing it with a smaller vehicle. Storage space can limit the duration of your trip.

Pro Tips

Don’t be afraid to buy used! An older teardrop trailer can be customized with exactly what you need for your outdoor adventures. Take a look at what our experts did with a vintage silver teardrop trailer.

Plan your trips carefully so you have access to bathrooms and showers. Though teardrops seem perfect for boondocking, make sure you’re comfortable with the facilities nature provides if you take one off the beaten path.

Stand-Up Travel Trailers

If you’d like a little more space and a few more features than a teardrop, consider a stand-up trailer. These look like miniature versions of a standard travel trailer. They have room to stand up (hence the name) and layouts vary quite a bit.

Depending on the model you choose, you may have a full bathroom with a shower or a good-sized kitchen. These little trailers are geniuses of multi-purpose space. Most will have sitting areas that convert to sleeping areas.

Advantages

Tall. Roomier than a teardrop but still small enough to tow with a car and store in a garage.
Price. More expensive than a teardrop but still much less than a full-sized trailer.
Options. Choose which features and amenities are important for your travels. You can either search for the perfect layout or have your stand-up trailer customized.

Disadvantages

Boxy. Not as aerodynamic as a teardrop so can be trickier to tow.
Uncommon. Less common than other styles so it may take longer to find the one that’s right for you.
Small. More space than a teardrop, but you still won’t be able to have a full host of features. They generally sleep two to four people.

Pro Tips

Customize it! If you find a used stand-up trailer that’s in good condition but not your ideal layout, go for a remodel. Since the small stand-up trailer is much less expensive than its larger cousins, you can consider upgrades and remodels sooner.

Consider a miniature Airstream. Though they’re heavier than other models, they’re classic. Search for used small Airstreams on enthusiasts’ forums.

Popup Campers

A great small travel trailer option for families is a popup camper. Light enough to be towed by an SUV or car, these trailers expand upwards and outwards with tent components.

There are many interior layout options. Some have bathrooms, some have kitchens. But like stand-up trailers, if you choose a small popup camper, you’ll have to forfeit some amenities.

Advantages

Folded Dimensions. Small popup campers are low when they aren’t set up. You can usually see over them while driving and often store them in your garage
Space. Popup campers usually have more sleeping space than teardrops or stand-ups.
Camping Feel. With the increased airflow of tent-like components, you’ll feel more connected to nature in a popup than in a traditional RV.
Price. A small pop-up camper is a bargain compared to its larger siblings.

Disadvantages

Small. Like all small travel trailers, you forfeit some space. But you are likely to be able to sleep four or five in a popup.
Setup. The biggest drawback of the popup camper is the time it takes to set up and fold down. But practice makes perfect!
Tents. The popup camper has many of the same disadvantages as tents. You need to be sure everything is waterproof and well-sealed.

Pro Tip

Maintenance is king! Taking good care of your popup travel trailer will extend its life. The soft sides need extra attention, so make sure you set up a maintenance schedule.

Hints and Tips for Shopping for a Small Travel Trailer

When you shop for a small travel trailer, you’re going to find all sorts of variations of every style. You’ll see oval pods and a-line designs, tiny log cabins on wheels, and high-tech pop-ups that are towable by motorcycle.

Don’t get flustered by the seemingly endless options. Do a few things to narrow down the options and make the experience fun instead of stressful.

Find out the towing capacity of your vehicle.
Do not rely on the dry weight of a travel trailer. Have a professional help you figure out how much to add to the dry weight to account for gear.
Know how many people you need to accommodate.
Know which amenities you cannot go without.
Set a budget.

Don’t rule out buying a used small camper or travel trailer. What you save in initial cost can be used for those amenities you want to add. Be sure to have a used RV of any kind thoroughly inspected by a professional before you buy.

Are you new to small RVs? Rent before you buy. That will help you figure out which style is right for you. It will also give you some practice towing with your vehicle.

Getting Small

Small travel trailers are fantastic. They’re less expensive and easier to store than larger options. They give you access to dry camping spaces where larger vehicles cannot go and cost less to insure and maintain.

If you’re ready to downsize your RV experience, consider a smaller travel trailer. It’s a different type of travel that brings you closer to nature without sacrificing the comfort of a real bed and a door that locks (and maybe a toilet and shower).

Call or stop in at Leisure Coachworks and ask about the different kinds of small travel trailers that might be right for your adventures. We’re happy to help you turn your RV dreams into real-life experiences.