A fantastic method to improve your camping experience without needing a large rig or tow truck is to use small campers that a car can easily tow. They’re also fantastic if you don’t want to have to erect and take down a tent every time you want to go camping. These compact travel trailers have a bed, kitchenette (either indoors or outdoors), sitting area, and occasionally even a bathroom. However, they are also lightweight enough to be pulled by a small or medium-sized car. The majority of RV owners won’t benefit from greater gas mileage or simpler storage because of this. Some of these may even be stored in an ordinary garage! Moreover, who could possibly pass up a tiny camper’s charm?
Advantages of Small Camper Trailers
Tiny campers are less expensive to purchase and fuel while traveling. They can also fit in a typical garage with a door that is 8 feet high. The popularity of teardrop trailers stems from their minimal weight and the fact that their curved, typically tapering, appearance makes them easy to tow.
Simple hauling
- They are easy to haul and give you a greater view of what is going on behind you along the road.
Cozy sleeping area
- Instead of using an air mattress or sleeping pad, try sleeping on a proper bed (or at minimum a tri-fold mattress).
Off-road ability
- It’s not like all tiny camping trailers have these features, but many do, and they can withstand your off-road activities with bigger off-road tires, more ground clearance, and improved suspension.
A refuge for wet days
- The tenuous sense of security offered by a camping tent will be comfier than your inner area.
Disadvantages of Small Camper Trailers
One of the minor drawbacks of small trailers is that more often than not (although not always! ), there isn’t a restroom and, when there is one, the kitchen is typically outside. As a result, whipping up meals can be a frigid experience.
Small Storage Space
- Small camper trailers lack the underfloor or pass-through storage found in bigger motorhomes or towables.
Bathrooms with limited space (if at all)
- There aren’t often any restrooms in compact campers and teardrop trailers. In comparison to larger RVs, those that do must cram them into a relatively little space.
Cooking is still done outdoors
- You’ll still be outside when cooking in one of these little family campers, even though many have covered cooking areas.
A little space for visitors
- A rooftop tent or a second fold-down bed are features of several tiny travel trailers. However, in most cases, your visitors will need to erect a separate sleeping or living area next to you.
15 Best Small Camping Trailers
Happier Campers Small Campers
- Dry Weight: 1,100 to 2,100 pounds
- Cost: Starting at $34,950
- Adaptiv Modular Camper System
These tiny tents from Happier Campers are simply too adorable to pass up. We adore their flexible interiors, which will undoubtedly make you a happier camper. These Los Angeles-made, compact campers with classic styling feature an entirely configurable interior. The modular interior may be quickly and simply configured to meet your needs, from camping to towing to a guest room to a pop-up office.
If you wish to set up a small outdoor adventure, you could even transport the equipment outside this compact camper trailer. A portable toilet, an inverter, a fridge, or a stovetop are just a few of the add-ons available for small fiberglass campers by Happier Camper. Your camping trailer is heavier and costs more with each addition, but fortunately, you can decide which ones you really need. Most cars can pull these best tiny campers, and they can fit in most garages as well as parking spots. Learn more about Happier Camper through their website!
Pika from Timberleaf Trailers
- Dry weight: 970 lbs
- Cost: $11,750
- Pika by Timberleaf Trailers
The Pika, which is appropriately called after a tiny, native to the Rocky Mountains alpine mammal, is one-third smaller than Timberleaf’s Classic small trailer. The Pika expands on Timberleaf’s tradition of producing lightweight teardrop-shaped trailers that may be pulled among most passenger cars by measuring only eight feet by five and a half feet. The smallest trailer offered by Timberleaf has a 4-inch double-sized mattress that can accommodate one or two people. Despite having only 36 inches of headroom, a skylight and side windows give the impression that the space is larger than it actually is. Additionally, a rear external kitchen with two hydraulic gas props greatly contributes to the feeling of space in this little trailer.
The Pika is offered with an all-road kit prepared for hauling following crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive. A 4′′ raise Timbren Axleless suspension, 33′′ BFG All-Terrain tires, electronic brakes, rock armor, and a Max Coupler articulating hitch are included in the Offroad Package. Six USB ports are included in both packages to assist you in staying linked and powered wherever you go. The Timberleaf Classic teardrop, which is 10 feet long by 5 feet wide, provides a bit additional space if the Pika seems a little too little to be what you’re searching for. A cold water faucet and a sink with a Queen-size mattress measuring 57 by 80 inches are included. Custom-fit solar panels, roof racks, and awnings are available as add-ons.
Winnebago HIKE 100
- Dry Weight: 2,828 to 3,310 pounds (final weight depends on optional upgrades)
- Cost: Starting at $46,135
- Winnebago HIKE 100 from Winnebago
The HIKE 100 travel trailer from Winnebago can be used for light off-road outdoor experiences and is intended to be hauled by a mid-size SUV. To make it simple to get all of your camping goods, the trailer’s garage is accessed through the double rear doors. However, that space also serves as your lounge and/or bedroom when the doors are closed. Few tiny travel trailers have full ceilings throughout, which gives most campers ample interior height to straighten up and move around comfortably.
Additionally, the HIKE 100 has a narrower 7-foot external width, which improves visibility while towing with a compact car. However, despite its small size, it still has plenty of amenities, as you can see from the drop-down double bed, air conditioning, as well as wet bath within. It also comes with a 200-watt solar panel and a solar prep for connecting a different portable panel, as well as a solar system for charging the onboard batteries. The majority of the floorplans have an outside kitchen and a front galley to meet all of your cooking requirements while camping.
TAG teardrop by NuCamp
- Dry weight: 1,046 lbs
- Cost: $36,987
- TAG Trailer from NuCamp
The Honda CR-V, a 4-cylinder tiny SUV, could pull this compact travel trailer, whether up and across mountains and another difficult terrain. The inside features a TV and sound system, as well as attractively finished wood cabinet coverings. The kitchen, which has a two-burner stove, a cooler box, and storage space, is visible when the back is opened. The trailer’s curving front window may be opened for air and a sight of the outside.
Additionally, NuCamp provides an excellent TAG Boondock kit for overlanding routes. The TAG is available in a beefier variant that includes extra features like tough off-road tires, a heavy duty pitched axle, and higher ground clearance that are intended for off-road adventure. It retains the same kitchen and convenience accommodations that you’ll like from comparatively tiny campers on long outings.
The Hatchling Small Camper
- Dry Weight: 840 pounds
- Cost: Starting at $6,250
- The Hatchling Small Camper from Casual Turtle Campers
This Casual Turtle Campers little camper trailer is far too lovely to pass up. The Hatchling appears to be a pleasant home on wheels and is both strong and lightweight. This compact travel trailer has enough space inside to fit a full-size bed while it’s empty. Alternatively, an unique interior can be constructed to suit your tastes for living and sleeping.
These compact campers are painstakingly crafted in Fort Collins, Colorado, out of redwood and can be pulled by a range of vehicles. In the market for teardrop and small campers, they are offered at one of the most reasonable price points. The shell version begs you to use it as a canvas for your imagination in a custom build. However, it is constructed with a 3,500-pound axle, 2,000-pound leaf springs, and tires with a 13-inch trailer rating. The Hatchling also comes with a fully attached TPO roofing membrane, a PVC membrane on the underside, as well as an insulated floor made of maple-faced plywood.
No Boundaries (NoBo) 10.5 from Forest River
- Dry weight: 1,570 lbs
- Overall Length: 13 ft 10 inches
- Exterior Width: 7 feet 4 inches
- Exterior Height: 6 feet 11 inches
- Cost: $17,321
- NoBo 10.5 by Forest River
This compact camper has a creative design that makes it simple to modify, but it is also equipped with tires and suspension that provide enough ground clearance and can handle rough terrain, so it can be used right away for outdoor athletic activities. To provide customers even more options, the NoBo is made to be pulled by both 4 and 6-engine automobiles. Additionally, there are a number of alternative designs with somewhat different characteristics and floorplans, such as the NB16.8 style, which has a plastic toilet with holding tanks for both grey and black water.
The NoBo offers optional packages that let you customize your overlanding experience, which will delight overlanders. These overlander packages come with RTV tracks in addition to crossbars, giving you more power over the weight and placement of other optional add-ons like a kayak rack for the roof or a rooftop tent for a more sleeping area. That’s fantastic news if you enjoy changing up your accessories according to the season or if you occasionally enjoy taking trips with friends.
The Cricket Small Camper, by Taxa Outdoors
- Dry Weight: 1,753 pounds
- Cost: Starting at roughly $22,000 (estimate depends on dealer price)
- Taxa Outdoors
The Cricket is yet another adventurous camper designed by Taxa Outdoors. A 4-cylinder automobile can tow this lightweight, tough, tiny camper trailer with a pop-up tent cover. Would like to camp off-road? That is not an issue with this RV! The integrated plumbing, as well as electrical systems of the Cricket, allow for extended boondocking trips. O, as well as electrical systems of the Cricket, a hot camping trip, the pop-up roof adds additional ventilation and raises the inside height to 6’10” (from 4’2′′ when shut).
The Cricket tiny camper has a marine-grade wood kitchen as well as storage, a vent fan, USB connections, and a Dometic stove and sinks combination. It can accommodate two adults and two children. Additionally, it has a folding dinette, a front galley along a two-burner stove, and just a 245-pound hitch weight.
Classic Teardrop Tiny Trailer from Timberleaf Trailers
- Dry Weight: 1,500 pounds
- Cost: Starting at $23,900
- Classic Teardrop Trailer
Constructed with premium wood and aluminum paneling that has been baked with enamel, this little teardrop travel trailer can be customized. When ordering one of these compact campers, you can pick your personal style and color. The cabin is completely insulated to block out the wind, heat, and cold. The tiny trailer’s rear hatch opens to reveal the rear galley, which has a sink, a faucet, LED lights, and options for onboard water storage (11 or 17.5 gallons). Additionally, you may add a 12-volt refrigerator or cooler, a pull-out lockable tray for a camping cooler, and an optional two-burner stove.
The standard configuration of this teardrop trailer includes a Maxxair vent fan, electrical outlets, storage cabinets, a queen-size bed, and a 100 amp-hour deep cycle battery. Additionally, this little trailer is built tough for off-road use. Torsion axles handle the weight of Timberleaf trailers as usual, but the Offroad kit adds 33-inch BFG all-terrain tires, an axleless Timbren suspension with a four-inch lift, electronic brakes, rock guard, and a Max Coupler articulating hitch.
Hummingbird 10RK by Jayco
- Dry weight: 1,545 lbs
- Cost: $26,164
- Hummingbird
Although you may be familiar with Jayco from driving past their larger vehicles on the highway, this venerable RV manufacturer is also skilled at producing compact campers. The design incorporates a full-size RV’s higher roof and longer profile along with a teardrop trailer’s curved exterior borders. The Hummingbird boasts a number of features that provide a touch of luxury despite its small size.
A refrigerator and 12-volt/110-volt LED TV are included in the kitchen, while a fan-powered roof vent keeps you cool. A power tongue jack makes hitching simple when you’re ready to move on to your next location, and a built-in portable Bluetooth speaker enables you to enjoy music both inside and outside. In the event that you want to search for powder or the northern lights, the insulated underbelly also keeps you warm all year long.
Basecamp Small Travel Trailer, by Airstream
- Weight: 2,650 pounds
- Cost: Starting at $46,000
- Basecamp Small Travel Trailer
The two-person, compact camper is built for adventurer
s and is tough and small. These compact camping trailers have the same riveted aluminum construction as Airstream’s conventional travel trailers, but they have a body and roof that are even more aerodynamic. A panoramic glass inside allows you to see the stunning surroundings around you. A kitchen, a bathroom with a porcelain toilet and shower, a well as a sitting area that can be turned into a bedroom are all included in the Basecamp.
The internal height of this camper, which measures 6’3.5″, makes it simple for most occupants to stand comfortably. In order to be easier to pull with a compact car or SUV without sacrificing too much back visibility, it also has a reduced 7′ external width. When the propane tanks are full and the batteries are installed, the hitch weight of this compact trailer is only 410 pounds. Additionally, it has a full bed that is wider than a typical queen bed but not nearly as long.
The Chase Flyer from inTech
- Dry weight: 850-1,000 lbs
- Cost: Starting at $13,174
- The Chase
The Chase Flyer by inTech is an amazingly, ultra-customizable compact trailer that omits the bells and whistles so you may add simply the elements you desire. It is available on the other extreme of the amenities spectrum for small campers. If you wish to develop an off-grid electrical system, it is also prepared with solar panels and batteries. A lift kit, power brakes, air conditioning, a Maxx air vent, twin foam mattresses, a choice of three interior finishes, a roof rack, awnings, and off-road tires are further possibilities.
The Flyer can even be expanded outside its regular 7’5″ interior length and 4’11” interior width—roughly the size of a queen mattress—by purchasing an add-a-room tent. The Flyer keeps things straightforward, lightweight, and uncomplicated if you don’t want to live in your little camper full-time or if you just want a blank canvas to modify. Families can build it as a beginner camper or as a project if they want to create their own custom trailer from the ground up.
Highcamp Teardrop Trailer
- Dry Weight: 1,620 pounds
- Cost: Starting at $24,850
- Highcamp Travel Trailer
The compact campers from Highcamp have a traditional teardrop shape with a rear galley that pops up. These little trailers are made by hand in Portland, Oregon, and have a lovely wooden cabin layout. For outside cooking, the galley is equipped with a pull-out propane burner, a Dometic cooler, and lots of counter space. It has a 170-amp hour deep cycle battery, two 20-pound LP tanks, and a 15-amp shore power outlet.
This camper has a 5-inch queen mattress inside, two entrance doors, his-and-hers reading lamps that can be turned, and two DC outlets for recharging cell phones, laptops, as well as other small electronics. This camper’s external width is seven feet, and its length, from the hitch coupler to the back license plate, is 12 feet. Aside from optional features like a roof-mounted awning or roof racks, it is 5.5 feet tall. For your next camping vacation to be as comfortable and relaxing as possible, Highcamp takes great satisfaction in investing the time and effort needed to properly finish their travel trailers with high-quality materials.
Earth Traveler T250LX
- Weight: 250 lbs
- Cost: $38,500
- Earth Traveler
The Earth Traveler T250LX is a one-piece teardrop trailer that is sufficiently lightweight that even an automobile like the Chevrolet Spark can tow it if you’re seeking for the smallest pull behind a camper. The trailer is 10.5 feet long and 5 feet tall when it is moving. However, you can extend it to 7 feet tall once parked. Due to its two pop-up roofs, the trailer is completely transparent. An easily detachable mat floor, waterproof tents, sidewalls, LED lights, two couch seats, two cup holders, as well as a portable water tank with a 5.22-gallon volume are all included in the interior, which is very simple.
It is the smallest in the line, weighing only 250 lbs. The chassis is made entirely of carbon fiber, which also aids reduce weight. Consequently, the camper trailer is sturdy despite being lightweight. Two sleeping pads measuring 26″ x 93″ can fit inside for the night. Along with side door window coverings and skylight blackout covers, the trailers are completely opaque from all sides for privacy. The camper has five LED lights, which is more than enough lighting.
Tiny Camper 4×8 Rugged Rhino
- Weight – 890 lbs
- Price – $7,300
- Tiny Camper
This tiny trailer camper is designed for heavy-duty uses, as its name suggests. You can off-road the square drop trailer into the challenging terrain if your glamping location is deep within the forest. The durable off-road tires, Dexter Axles, safety chains, couplers, and rear hitch all contribute to the vehicle’s essential durability. The only little pull-behind camper with just an air conditioner is this one. The 5,000 BTU A/C unit is offered to disperse heat and maintain a cool environment.
The inside, which is accessible from both sides, is roomy (46.5′′ x 77′′) and strong. To endure the rough travels, the flooring is composed of hardwood. A cargo net, cabinets, LED lights, a wall-mounted heater, and a 150-250 Watt portable power station are also included. The back galley is another one of the features. A sink with a faucet, a pump, a modest work area, and storage are all included in the galley. Rhino Liner, which is applied to the device, gives it durability. Additionally simple to maintain and clean, Rugged Rhino. The metallic finish makes it simple to remove dust and grime. After the off-road excursions into the countryside, no further laborious effort is required.
Aliner Grand Ascape ST
- Weight – 1,700 lbs
- Price – $19,500
- Aliner Grand Ascape ST
When it pertains to hard-side pop-up campers, Aliner has served as the industry standard-setter for other businesses. The Grand Ascape ST is a continuation of that tradition. The standout feature of this vacation camper is its wet bathroom, which includes a toilet and shower. A kitchenette with a sink and two burners are located across from it. You’ll discover a three-way refrigerator underneath it. With 6.4 feet of headroom, you can move around without risking neck pain. You’ll discover a table and a dinette set as you continue on. Easily transformed into a queen-size bed is the dinette.
The Grand Ascape has an opening on the back, in contrast to other small travel campers on this list. This makes it easier to arrange your belongings within the trailer. Ascape Plus, Grand Ascape Plus, and Grand Ascape ST are the three variants of Aliner Ascape, and they all share a similar set of amenities with a few distinct standard and extra features. This pull-behind camper was in extremely high demand not long after it was released in 2019. In order to enhance product quality and customer service, Aliner has to momentarily halt production.
Things to Consider When Buying a Small Behind Camper
- Purpose of your Small Pull Behind Campers
Do you intend to use the camper trailer for off-road travel? Or are you only planning to bring it to RV parks with paved roads? Each situation will have a different pull behind camper trailers. There are particular versions like Taxa Outdoors and Meaner Bean that are made specifically to navigate difficult terrains. Overland trailers are another name for these trailers. They have an all-metal body, C-channel frame design, electric brakes, and suspension, among other features. You must always purchase with an objective in mind because those elements are typically absent from pop-up campers like the Traveler T250LX.
- Consider the Size of your Travel Trailer
You’ll be purchasing a small pull-behind camper, but it’s advised to strike a balance between size and comfort. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend your whole trip stuffed into a trailer. Calculate the total number of campers you will have on the trip before choosing the appropriate size. Two adults can fit in the smallest camper trailers. If you want to go on a trip with your partner or fiance, you can get by with the smallest campers. They won’t be suitable for families with young children, though. In that case, a larger trailer would be required. Determine the trailer’s square footage and determine if it has enough space for everyone.
- Keep in Mind Your Towing Vehicle
You must consider the towing vehicle first before deciding on a camper trailer. Most campers erroneously generalize towability. But being specific is crucial here. A camper trailer that your vehicle, van, or truck can pull is what you should ideally get. The camper trailer’s gross weight should be greater than the towing capacity of the car. At least 40–50 pounds should be different, if not more. The driving system (4WD, AWD, or RWD) and transmission are the additional factors you need to take into account. The recommended vehicle types for towing camper trailers are listed on the trailers themselves. So choose a trailer that fits your needs specifically.
- Make Sure Your Camper Suits Your Travel Trailer
Which type of RV you should choose will depend on how you intend to live in it. For instance, do you enjoy preparing your own meals while traveling? Then a trailer with a fully functional cooking area is essential. Do you find it difficult to adapt to rising temperatures? Consider a pull-behind camper with air conditioning after that. Are you a compulsive shopper who enjoys making purchases when traveling? Investing in a trailer with extra storage spaces is preferable. These minute details must be taken into consideration while choosing a pull-behind camper trailer.
- Think About Your Budget
The budget is important, but it’s not the last thing. The price of the aforementioned camper trailers ranges from $7,000 to $40,000 and above. Depending on the extras you ask to be included, the price may rise more or fall. Instead of making a purchase based solely on price, it is advised that you balance your budget with the things you want and make a long-term strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the smallest tow behind camper?
- So far, the Earth Traveler T250LX is the smallest one that we have included on the list. But if you want to know where else you can find small pull-behind campers you can get small camper trailers from Terrapin Camper and Happier Camper, measuring 13 feet or smaller and weighing under 2,000 pounds!
Is it worth to get a small travel trailer?
- This largely depends on your plans and preferred mode of transportation. A compact travel trailer is well good enough to justify it if you don’t care about having restricted living and storage room and prefer having something which is simple to tow, economical on petrol, and can go to more locations than larger campers. there are a lot of good reasons and advantages to get a small camper trailer but it also will surely come with restrictions. Make sure you think of all the advatnages and disadvantages before you get one for you and your family.
