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Are you ready to go camping, but want to travel light? Small 5th wheel trailers could be your answer. These lightweight options mean you can camp in luxury but don’t have to break the bank when it comes to price. Let’s review why a small fifth wheel might be right for you, and review the 10 best small fifth wheel campers on the market!
What Classifies Small 5th Wheel Trailers?
When you think of a fifth-wheel trailer, you might think of a huge trailer nearing 40’ and weighing well over 10,000 lbs. However, the RV industry has caught on to consumers’ desires to live tiny, and you can now find many floorplans well under those specs.
So, what are the specs of a small fifth wheel? Generally, it will measure under 30’ long, and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) will be about 10,000 lbs or less.
Pros of Small 5th Wheel Trailers
There are many benefits to small fifth wheel campers. Whether you’re looking for something that’s easy to tow or fits in your budget, a small fifth wheel camper has you covered. Let’s review some of the popular reasons why RVers love fifth wheels.
You Have a Separate Vehicle
One of the main benefits of having a towable RV is once you are at your campground, you can unhitch your trailer and go exploring with your tow vehicle. You only have to set up camp once and you’re good to go.
Unlike drivable RVs, where you have to pack up camp every time you need to run an errand or go exploring.
Pro Tip: Not exactly sure what type of RV is best for your travel style? Read all about the 7 Unique Types of RVs: Which is Right For You?
Affordable Prices
With a price to match their size, small 5th wheel trailers are more economical in cost and maintenance than your standard motorhome. Granted, RV prices are rising but small fifth wheel campers are still affordable.
Small 5th wheel trailers tend to cost less than their larger counterparts, opening the doors for more RVers to experience this travel style.
You Don’t Need a Huge Truck For Small 5th Wheel Trailers
If you choose one of the small fifth wheel campers below, you can pull it with a lighter-duty truck. Depending on the camper model, you’ll still need a half or three-quarter-ton truck to tow safely, but you won’t have to spend a fortune on a one-ton.
Towing Ease and Safety
Small fifth wheel campers are safer to tow than travel trailers. Because fifth wheels hook into your truck bed, you have more control when driving.
People seek out fifth wheels because of how easily you can tow them. Unlike a travel trailer pulled via a bumper hitch, a 5th wheel hitches to the truck bed. This hitch style helps reduce sway and offers better handling. If you purchase a small fifth wheel, you can expect these same towing benefits.
If you’re a first-time RVer, small 5th wheel trailers are great for getting your feet wet. Additionally, if you already have a truck, you don’t have to worry about learning an entirely new system.
Pro Tip: Be sure to read our RV Towing Guide for Newbies if you’re nervous about towing your first RV.
Cons of Small 5th Wheel Trailers
Because you lose square footage, you won’t find luxuries like office space, spare bathrooms, or residential-style appliances.
Another downfall to small fifth wheel campers is the holding tank capacities. It makes sense that larger fifth wheels would have larger tanks but nearly double the size in some cases.
For example, the small Northwood Fox Mountain 235RLS has 59-gallon fresh water, 42-gallon gray water, and 36-gallon black water tanks. Its big sister, the Arctic Fox Grande Ronde 27-5L, has an 88-gallon fresh tank, 67-gallon gray tank, and 65-gallon black tank.
The Best Small 5th Wheel Trailers on the Market
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of small 5th wheel trailers, we can explore what’s available. Below is a list of the ten best units on the market. Let’s find out which one has your name on it.
1. KZ Durango Half-Ton D230RKD
Length: 26’ 9”
Height: 12’ 6”
GVWR: 9,000 lbs
MSRP: $58,435
The KZ Durango Half-Ton D230RKD has a rear entry into a spacious kitchen and living room. The living room slide-out has the option of a hide-a-bed for guest sleeping space or theater seating for lounging with your partner. It also has a dinette and entertainment center opposite the slide.
This mid-size rig comes nicely equipped with uncompromising quality, standard features, and luxurious decor. The Durango comes with an under-mount sink and sink cover, and a faucet with a pulldown sprayer. The drop-in cooktop with a glass cover and oven allows you to cook up delicious dinners whenever you want.
You’ll find a dry bath mid-coach and a queen size bed in the front. One feature that stands out in this small fifth wheel is the washer and dryer closet in the bedroom.
Small Not Your Style?: Are You looking for something with a little more wow factor? Check out our article on the Top 5 Luxury Fifth Wheels You Have To See!
2. Palomino Puma 255RKS
Length: 28’ 5”
Height: 12’ 2”
GVWR: 8,800 lbs
MSRP: $45,921
The Palomino Puma 255RKS is another rear entry small 5th wheel trailer. The beautiful L-shaped kitchen with ample counter space greets you when you walk in.
The kitchen has a huge stainless steel sink, three-burner range, built-in knife and spice racks, pantry, microwave, and a refrigerator. The living space has a dinette that folds into a bed, a sofa, and an entertainment center.
The sleeping area in the front has a queen-size bed. A dry bath with a sizable rounded shower lies between the living room and bedroom. We also appreciate the interior storage, including the linen and wardrobe closets.
This model has a cargo capacity of 2,046 pounds. Meaning you can bring along all your favorite camping accessories.
3. Scamp Lite 19″ Deluxe
Length: 19’ 0”
Height: 8’ 10”
GVWR: 3,500 lbs
MSRP: $27,790
This is the smallest fifth wheel camper on our list! The kitchen in the Scamp Lite 19’ Deluxe offers plenty of counter space, a two-burner stove, sink, and a 3.7-cubic-ft fridge.
We also love the rear overhead cabinets that wrap around the kitchen and dinette. A wet bath separates the living area from the lofted queen-size bed, offering a cozy place to retreat each night.
4. Keystone Springdale 253FWRE
Length: 32’ 10”
Height: 12’ 4”
GVWR: 10,300 lbs
MSRP: $47,880
The Keystone Springdale 253FWRE isn’t the smallest fifth-wheel trailer on our list but not the heaviest. With its size comes ample entertainment space. The 253FWRE has a tri-fold sofa, two recliners, a 50” LED TV, fireplace, and a dinette. Plus, it has two slide-outs in the rear, so you won’t feel cramped in the living room.
Even though this is a small fifth wheel trailer, you’ll find a spacious bathroom with a rounded shower and linen closet in the front. The bedroom has a queen mattress, a wardrobe, plus more storage over and beside the bed.
The Springdale is an affordable, fifth wheel luxury trailer with hardwood cabinet doors, decorative backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and an oven with a glass cooktop and accent LED light strip.
Over-slung axles give you more ground clearance, while the all-terrain tires offer more traction, and the micro-diamond plate skirting provides more durability. With Zamp solar prep and a 30 lb. propane tank, the Springdale encourages you to go deep into the woods and stay there awhile! If you’re an avid boondocker, this is one of the best small fifth wheel campers you can get.
5. Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442BS
Length: 28’ 11”
Height: 13’ 1”
GVWR: 9,852 lbs
MSRP: $57,925
The Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442BS is a small mid-entry fifth wheel with two slide-outs. The living room has a hide-a-bed sofa and a breakfast bar that seats two.
Additionally, the U-shaped kitchen features a three-burner gas range, microwave, stainless steel sink, and an 11 cubic-ft 12V refrigerator.
This small 5th wheel trailer is unique because the primary bed is on a slide-out. It comes standard with a queen, but you can upgrade to a king. The bedroom also has a dresser, wardrobe, and shelves for clothes storage.
Lastly, full-time RVers can enjoy the 48” by 30” shower and extra counter space in the bathroom. There is even an outdoor shower so you can rinse off your feet (or pets paws) after camping in dirt, sand, or mud.
6. Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 2445WS
Length: 28’ 11”
Height: 13’ 1”
GVWR: 9,815 lbs
MSRP: $63,299
Do you need sleeping space for occasional guests? The Rockwood Ultra Lite 2445WS has it. The living area features a convertible dinette and hide-a-bed sofa. This small 5th wheel trailer also has a queen mattress in the main bedroom.
Another key feature of the 2445WS is the abundant storage space, including a sizeable slide-out wardrobe in the bedroom, overhead cabinets in the living room, and pass-through storage on the exterior. When it comes to small 5th wheel trailers with nice storage, this one is a winner.
The extra-large Double Door Two-Way Refrigerator, Kitchen Backsplash, and Flush Mount Stainless Steel Sinks With “High Rise” Lift-Off Faucet are just a few of the luxurious interior amenities that come standard with the Rockwood.
The Rockwood Ultra Lite is the perfect alternative for owners of a mid size truck, allowing you to lighten your load and go on the adventures of a lifetime.
7. KZ Sportsmen 231RK
Length: 24’ 10”
Height: 12’ 5”
GVWR: 7,500 lbs
MSRP: $64,086
The KZ Sportsmen 231RK is an excellent option for a minimalist couple. It has one slide-out in the living room, which houses a tri-fold sofa. On the opposite wall is a booth dinette and TV, and the L-shaped kitchen sits to the left of the rear-entry door.
At the front of the coach are the bedroom and bathroom. It has a separate water closet for the toilet, offering extra functionality and privacy. The bedroom has a queen bed, two wardrobe cabinets, and a linen closet. When it comes to small 5th wheel trailers, the length and GVWR can’t be beat on this option!
8. Escape Trailer 5.0
Length: 21’ 2”
Height: 10’ 0”
GVWR: 5,500 lbs
MSRP: $36,995
The Escape Trailer 5.0 feels more like a truck camper on the inside. Upon entry, you’ll find a full wet bath directly in front of you and a lofted bed to your right.
You’ll see the kitchen to the left, which features a two-burner flush mount cooktop, a six cubic foot fridge, and stainless steel sink. The living space has two options: a bench seat or a U-shaped dinette.
This is the second smallest fifth wheel camper on our list, making it perfect for half ton truck.
9. Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE
Length: 29’ 10”
Height: 12’ 0”
GVWR: 9,800 lbs
MSRP: $64,608
If you prefer your small 5th wheel trailers to have an open concept and modern amenities, consider the Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25RE. Both the dinette and theater seats sit on the living room slide-out, opening up the floorplan.
The kitchen features solid wood cabinets, a farm-style sink, and stainless steel appliances, giving this small fifth wheel a high-end feel.
It has a dry bath with LED motion sensor lighting and a queen-size pillowtop bed. We also appreciate the closet to the left of the entry door for hanging jackets or storing gear.
10. Northwood Fox Mountain 235RLS
Length: 27’ 10”
Height: 12’ 9”
GVWR: 12,000 lbs
MSRP: $62,328
The rear-entry Northwood Fox Mountain 235RLS has a jackknife sofa in the living room, while the booth dinette lies on the slide-out opposite the L-shaped kitchen.
Additionally, thanks to the recessed range and covered sink, you’ll have plenty of counter space for preparing meals.
It has a queen-size bed in the upstairs bedroom with two wardrobes. The bathroom has a garden tub with a glass shower enclosure, and the toilet is in a separate water closet. The 235RLS sleeps six people comfortably between the convertible dinette, sofa, and main bed.
Camp Big With These Small 5th Wheel Trailers
Small fifth-wheel trailers are perfect for your next adventure, whether it’s a short weekend adventure, a weeklong vacation, or an everyday journey.
Just because you want to travel smaller and lighter doesn’t mean you have to give up comforts. The small fifth wheel campers mentioned above provide everything from entertainment space to storage.
You can even get queen-sized beds for stretching out after a long day. When you’re ready to buy, any one of these small 5th wheel trailers can take you on a big adventure.
