Top 5 Awesome Travel Trailers Under 3,000 Pounds

The selection gets limited when you start searching for the top travel trailers under 3,000 pounds. We scraped the internet to find these 5 travel trailers for your enjoyment.

For anything that is towed, there is really a minimum weight. From a trailer of 3,000 to 5,000 you still have a toilet, waste tanks, wheels, axle, frame, tongue jack, propane bottle, refrigerator, shower, electrical, pipes, etc. The only thing you may be giving up is some of the length, the widths are typically the same. As you cram the same amount of items into a smaller package, the weight does go down, but not by too much.

All of the travel trailers we found can be towed with a midsize SUV due to them being lightweight. Some minivans or crossovers may be able to tow these units as well. As we always mention, check out the tow guides at TrailerLife.com for the most comprehensive list we have found on the internet to date. To learn more about what travel trailer would be best for you and what features to look for, check out our buyers guide.

Let’s get started on our favorite travel trailers under 3,000 pounds:

Jayco 145RB

Our first favorite model under 3,000 pounds would be the Jayco 145RB. This model, like other Jayco products has a 2 year warranty. This specific model can sleep three, one on the sofa, and two on the fold down dinette. The model includes a tub/shower, as well as toilet, but no sink within the bathroom. The positive, is that this is a dry bath. The rest of the interior is simple with a ward, overhead cabinets above the sofa and dinette, as well as a small 3 cubic foot refrigerator, single basin sink, two burner stove, as well as microwave. This trailer comes with a 10’ power awning and has everything you could ever want in a very small package weighing 2,380 dry with a gross weight of 2,995 pounds.

The 145RB is designed with a 3” steel box tube frame, 30 amp service, Goodyear tires, and a single 20# propane bottle. There is a 6 gallon gas only water heater, bathroom skylight, power awning, 13,500 BTU A/C unit as well as an integrated black tank flush system.

As far as electronic features, there is a premium sound system with MP3, iPod, and bluetooth jacks, solar prep, backup camera prep, as well as a hitch light. This little 145RB is small, but includes everything to have a successful camping trip.

The Jayco is perfect for a couple with one child going on a camping trip. This unit does require some rearranging at bed time, but just like any trailer, you will never find the perfect situation. (unless your trailer is 30′) Jayco has been around for many years and many users are very happy with their units.

Pros

• Dry Bathroom
• Large Shower/Bath

Cons

• Small Fresh, Gray, and Black Tanks

Forrest River R-pod RP-172

The r-pod travel trailer has been known as a popular unit with a cult like following. Just read about it on their many different user forums. This specific model includes a huge 58”x74” dinette with tv, as well as two 42”x74” bunks for sleeping. The kitchen is very usable with a 2 burner stove, single basin sink, as well as refrigerator directly behind the stove for easy access.

The bathroom is a wet bath, which means you shower in the same area where your toilet is. This can be a negative, but allows much more usable room within the RV. Just a reminder, this unit has LOTS of usable space.

This trailer could sleep up to 6 people on the two bunk beds and dinette. The best part about having the bunks is that if there is up to 4 people, you do not have to make the dinette into a bed. This saves time and allows you to have separate spaces for eating and sleeping

The r-pod is built on a steel frame, has independent torsion axles for smoother handling than leaf springs, and uses a 2” hitch coupler similar to many boat trailers. The sidewalls and roof are made out of fiberglass which can be better than a rubber roof as it is more sturdy with branches or items damaging it, but can be harder to repair shall something penetrate it. R-Pod even posts their sidewall and roof insulation value if you are wondering.

There is a 6 gallon gas/electric DSI hot water heater, 20,000 BTU furnace, two burner recessed cooktop, 3.7 cubic foot 3 way refrigerator (gas, electric, 12v) 55 amp converter with charger, as well as 4 speed MaxxAir Fan. This fan is on our must have feature lists when buying a new travel trailer.

A Furrion Bluetooth stereo is included with an amplified TV and stereo antenna. Other tech includes an exterior 120v receptacle for your TV, outdoor speakers, LED interior lighting as well as a Go Power solar charging port.

The R Pod also has a 13,000 BTU air conditioner, as well as a convection microwave upgrade which takes place of an oven. The best part of this unit is the LARGE holding tanks for this size of RV. These will keep you out in the wild longer than other models.

This unit sleeps the most out of all 5 on our list and is perfect for a small or medium sized family. The holding tanks can ensure a longer boondocking experience, and the R Pod family is a great one to be a part of.

Pros

• 2 bunks
• Lightweight
• MaxxAir Fan
• Friction Hinge Door
• Large Holding Tanks

Cons

• Wet Bath

Forrest River E-Pro 14FK

Yet another trailer on the list by Forrest River, they must know their consumer is looking for a smaller lightweight unit. The E-Pro is another good things come in small packages type of travel trailer. The trailer has sleeping capacity for 2 on its large u shaped dinette in the rear. There is a TV and entertainment center viewable from the dinette in sleeping or eating position.

The refrigerator is next to the dinette and there is a 3 burner stove, microwave, and single basin sink. The bathroom is pretty much a wet bath, but the shower pan is almost out of reach of the toilet. The toilet however is in the shower. With a curtain, you may not get the toilet area soaking, but it would be hard to tell. There is storage in the bathroom as well as overhead storage above the kitchen.

The trailer rides smoothly with its torsion axle suspension. This unit has a 9’ power awning, exterior gas grill, and rear ladder included. A gas/electric hot water heater keeps your showers warm, and there is a 20,000 BTU furnace to keep your interior warm from the 2 20# propane bottles. 20,000 BTU output on the furnace is enough to heat this unit even in the coldest of temperatures. This unit has the power to keep heated better than the other units due to its larger gas capacity and huge amount of BTU’s for a 14′ unit. Our 21′ unit has a 18,000 BTU furnace that keeps us heated nicely.

The 14FK has a lot of fun tech features such as an included 100 watt solar panel with inverter to keep you off grid longer, outdoor speakers, WIFI Ranger range booster (another must have feature on our new travel trailer list), power awning, Bluetooth stereo, 12 volt TV with DVD player, amplified TV antenna, prewired system for backup camera, 3 way refrigerator, shower miser water saver, black tank flush, and a Water Pur filtration system. A 13,500 BTU A/C can be added along with a convection microwave.

The E-Pro is perfect for the couple of 2 traveling into remote regions where the solar system can shine to provide power off grid. This model has the most features out of them all, so if you are tech savvy and don’t feel the need to install any of these items aftermarket, this trailer is the one for you.

Pros

• 100 Watt Solar Included
• 3 way refrigerator
• Backup Camera Prep
• WIFI booster preinstalled
• Water Filtration Included

Cons

• Small holding tanks

Lance 1475

The Lance 1475 is one of the only travel trailers on this list with a full bathroom. This means, real shower, toilet, and sink within a closed door. This is seen as a huge plus for many users. The 1475 also includes a slide out which is the only model on this list along with a glass window in the front cap.

There is a 5 cubic foot 3 way fridge right when you walk into this trailer with wardrobe, move forward to the full bathroom, slide out couch, front bed with overhead storage, as well as a kitchen with oven, microwave, lots of counter space, as well as a single basin sink. This model can sleep from 2-4 people with the bed and slide out couch. We can all agree the Lance 1475 packs a lot into a small package.

Dining in this unit is done on the couch with tables that attach and allow comfortable eating while on the couch. These tables are stowable when watching TV or going to bed so they are out of the way.

Top highlighted features of the 1475 include: black tank flush, ducted heating, skylight, led lighting, Bluetooth stereo with exterior speakers, exterior 12 volt and 120 volt entertainment center, power roof vent in bath, solar prep, HD TV antenna, roof vent in bed and living area, enclosed, insulated, and heated fresh water tank, gas/electric water heater with boost feature, 14,300 BTU furnace.

Some optional accessories include a Low Profile AC, Backup Camera with vehicle monitor, fantastic roof vent, 170 watt solar panel, 28” TV, 10’ power awning, electric tongue jack, key fob, lift kit, and oven.

If you are looking to have a factory upgraded trailer, this is the one you can do it with. Lance also gives you three choices for decor options.

The Lance 1475 is perfect for the couple with a child or 2 who want to get out and about with a very capable travel trailer that will last them for years to come. This unit is one of the most livable with large interior space due to the slide out as well as the largest refrigerator. Comfort wise, this unit would be the most comfortable with the ducted furnace, and gas/electric hot water heater with the boost quick heat feature.

Pros

• Window in Front Cap
• Slide Out
• Full Bathroom
• Heated/Insulated Water Tank
• Black Tank Flush
• Large Refrigerator

Cons

• Can be a bit over 3,000 pounds

Sonic SL150VRK

The Sonic SL150VRK is another unit that makes the top of our list due to the great floor plan. This is really only a travel trailer for 2, but it does a great job at it. To start off, there is a full bathroom with 36” tub/shower combo. This is huge for any RV. There is a pantry/closet as soon as you enter, with a 4.2 cubic foot refrigerator adjacent to the kitchen area sporting an overhead cabinet, 2 burner cook top, microwave, and single basin sink.

This unit has a 60”x75” Murphy bed which looks at a TV and is a couch in up position. Dining is on a free standing table which can be moved outside for exterior dining. There are two wardrobe closets on either side of the bed, with an overhead cabinet and pass through storage. Our trailer has a Murphy bed and we love the fact that it can both be used as a couch or bed. This single feature allowed us to buy a travel trailer 6′ shorter.

Overall, this unit is livable for a long cross country trip. Outside, you will find a 11” awning with flip up solid steps so no worrying about clunky rickety steps as you enter the unit. A remote propane adapter allows you to hook up the included grill to your house propane tank.  An outdoor shower as well as outdoor speakers, TV hookups, integrated bottle opener, and LED lighting can be found outdoors as well.

Did I mention this trailer has tons of storage? It does inside and out. The water capacity is 6 gallons with a gas/electric with DSI water heater, a single 20 pound propane tank, 16,000 BTU furnace all rolling on 14” tires.

The kitchen sports solid surface counters, and there are hidden cabinets for charging your devices with USB and 110 volt outlets. The tub has a large skylight above for natural light. The interior lighting is all LED which uses very little energy. There is a Bluetooth stereo to provide tunes to your travelers and neighbors at the campfire. Tech features on this model include a handy battery disconnect switch, friction hinged entry door, black tank flush, LED lighted awning, one piece fiberglass roof, prewired for a solar system and backup camera, a designer back splash, and memory foam mattress.

This unit is perfect for the couple who wants to load up and travel around the US in comfort without sacrificing bringing their favorite items. We like this unit for the actual livability by providing space with the Murphy bed.

Pros

• Lots of Storage
• Large Holding Tanks
• Best Bed Situation
• Tub
• Full Bathroom

Cons

• Have to make bed to eat on couch

Make/Model	Jayco 145RB	r-pod 172	E-Pro 14FK	Lance 1475	Sonic SL150VRK
Length	16’6”	18’4”	14’1”	19’8”	19’2”
Width	7’1”	8’	6’4”	7’1”	7’6”
Height	9’4”	9’6”	9’4”	9’10”	9’11”
Unloaded Weight	2,380	2,338	2,259	2,600	2,480
Dry Hitch Weight	250	243	331	250	270
Gross Weight	2,995	3,243	2,971	3,700	3,500
CCC*	615	905	712	1,100	1,020
Fresh Water	16	36	26	26	38
Grey Water	19.9	30	12	26	20
Black Water	19.9	30	12	26	20
MSRP	$18,886	$20,620	$20,586	$39,035	$23,334
Online Sales Price	$12,995	$15,495	$14,900	$29,900	$15,500

*CCC= Cargo Carrying Capacity

Conclusion

Over these top 5 units, you cannot go wrong with any of them. Each of these units holds a specific purpose such as, if you are headed around the country, we would pick either the Lance, Sonic Lite, or R-Pod depending on how many travelers are accompanying.. If you are camping around your area the Jayco or E-Pro would be great models. If you can tow some additional weight, find our top picks under 5,000 pounds here.

Most of these travel trailers are about the same price, but the Lance is double. There are many reasons why it is double, as it shares many items with full size RV’s as well as the fit and finish are quite better. Check one out at your next RV show and you will see why they are priced differently.