Today's growing market is seeing more and more lightweight campers introduced seemingly every day. This is great for people who want to get out and explore the world in one but have a smaller, more nimble vehicle that doesn't have the towing capacity of a big truck.
However, the lighter the trailer, the more it sacrifices–or so you might think!
TAXA Outdoors specializes in building revolutionary lightweight travel trailers that offer the best off-road experience but are only as big as needed.
They have quite a selection to choose from, many of which are below 3,000 pounds and can be towed with a mid-sized SUV. We're going to take a look at the top three lightweight campers you need to consider as you search for the best way to revolutionize your next adventure.
3 Lightweight Campers Under 3,000 Lbs.
1. TAXA TigerMoth
The Taxa TigerMoth has a dry weight of 1,310 pounds. Despite the small size, the TigerMoth is packed with features that make it ideal for any off-grid adventure.
It sleeps two adults thanks to the two full-size beds inside. It can be outfitted with a rooftop tent to provide room for an additional 2-3 adults. Inside, the two beds fold into a lounge area complete with a removable cafe table. Back and side hatches open the habitat up for maximum ventilation and to take in scenic views. A slide-out camp kitchen adds more utility layers to the deceivingly small travel trailer.
The TigerMoth comes equipped with a built-in electrical system, external water system, pre-wired solar inlet, and 12 cubic feet of under-bed storage.
While it's plenty capable in its base form, upgrading to the Overlanding edition yields you upgraded suspension and wheels and tires for improved ground clearance. It also upgrades to an articulating Lock N Roll Hitch for added security on rough terrain.
Key Specs
- 12'10" length: Storable in standard garage
- Dry Weight: 1,310 lbs
- Sleeps 2 adults (+3 adults with optional rooftop tent)
- Open design offers optimal ventilation and views
2. TAXA Woolly Bear
With a 1,270-pound dry weight and the looks of a typical gear trailer, the Taxa Woolly Bear appeals to the minimalist. However, it's packed with features that help it function as much more.
The Woolly Bear is built to work with rooftop tents, providing 2-3 adults with plenty of sleeping room. The rooftop tent platform uses adjustable risers that provide more or less height. While that might give some distance from wildlife, it also provides a little extra room for gear on the cargo deck below.
It’s equipped with two large drawers that are perfect for supplies and equipment, like coolers and food. It also has a built-in full-size camping kitchen to further its functionality.
More features that separate it from a regular gear trailer are the quick disconnect awning brackets, shore power connectivity, and Bluetooth-controlled interior RGB LEDs, which can be customized via the Casambi app.
The Woolly Bear can also be upgraded to the Overlanding edition for axle-less suspension and bigger wheels and tires for enhanced ground clearance.
Key Specs
- 10’ 8" Length: Storable in standard garage
- Dry Weight: 1,270 lbs
- Sleeps 3 adults w/ rooftop tent
- Off-road-ready construction
3. TAXA Mantis
The Taxa Mantis weighs in at 3,115 pounds. That's a bit more than the upper limit set here, but it is worth it for large groups and families who want the most comfort on their off-grid adventures.
The Mantis sleeps up to four adults. It maximizes comfort with cushions that are double the thickness of most other offerings. The beds can also fold into a lounge area, and under-bed storage space can be used to maximize cargo room. It can also be outfitted with SidioCrates if you need to expand storage capacity.
Other features that maximize comfort include the expanded shower and full Gally kitchen. The Mantis also has a pop-up roof for maximum ventilation. Bluetooth RGB LEDs, a quick disconnect awning, and Victron Smart Voltmeter further add to creature comforts and control.
Despite how big and spacious it is, this is a true off-road travel trailer that can be upgraded to the Overlanding edition for off-road-ready suspension and wheels and tires and the Lock 'N Roll hitch to match.
Key Specs
- 19’ length: Storable in standard garage
- Dry Weight: 3,115 lbs
- Sleeps 4+ adults
- Secure, pop-up roof for optimized ventilation
How TAXA Makes Its Campers So Lightweight
Heavier doesn't always mean better. Designed by former NASA architect Garrett Finney, TAXA Outdoors’ team works tirelessly with each design to ensure they're providing a travel trailer that's as efficient in weight as it is in space utilization. Reliance on materials like aluminum and steel frames, composite panels, and Baltic birch plywood allows them to put together overlanding trailers that are both rugged and reliable but lightweight and easy to pull with most vehicles.
While there are many lightweight travel campers on the market, few can rival what TAXA Outdoors is able to deliver. Not only are these trailers lightweight and ready for the rough roads you'll explore, but they utilize space like no other.
The folding designs give them the footprint of a small travel trailer while you haul them, but the living space of a much larger unit once you open them. Many can try, but few can deliver the experience you'll have with TAXA Outdoors.
FAQs
What is the dry weight of a travel trailer?
The dry weight of a travel trailer refers to its weight as it comes from the builder. Adding water, gas tanks, air conditioners, and cargo will increase the weight and should be accounted for.
What do I need to do to my tow vehicle to prepare it for my travel trailer?
Your tow vehicle will need a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer brake controller. It's also a good idea to consider load leveling springs or helper springs to keep the tow vehicle level when the travel trailer is attached.
What kind of dirt roads can I use a TAXA Outdoors trailer on?
TAXA Outdoors overlanding trailers are built to endure most off-road conditions. Of course, extreme obstacles and tight routes should be avoided, but they can go just about anywhere most tow vehicles can.
