The world of recreational vehicles has become quite expansive. A multitude of brands now offer far more styles than the bulky RV’s and teardrop trailers of yesteryear. Many modern travel trailers favor functionality over size and weigh in under 5,000 lbs. With this in mind, here are some of our thoughts on what makes the best travel trailers under 5,000 lbs.
Lightweight Travel Trailer Benefits
Before heading right into suggestions, let’s discuss some of the pros of owning a lightweight travel trailer.
Price Point
Lighter travel trailers typically require less raw material. These savings from the manufacturing process typically get passed down to the consumer. As such, most consider these trailers more budget-friendly than their bulky counterparts.
Convenience
The best travel trailers under 5000 lbs typically occupy minimal footprints. Due to their reduced size, lightweight trailers are often driveway and garage friendly. Not to mention, they squeeze into all those tight spots while offroading or camping with ease.
Efficiency
Many lightweight trailers manage to pack all necessary amenities into a smaller package. This means that campers get all the comforts of a larger vehicle all the while enjoying superior fuel economy and space utilization.
Materials for Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs
Quality materials are among the most important attributes to determining the best travel trailers under 5,000 lbs. TAXA Outdoors habitats feature rugged, stylish materials that look great and stand up to the elements. Durable powder coated steel is used on all habitat chassises. Our fenders and gravel guards on are also powder coated steel.
The Cricket and TigerMoth skeleton is built with high grade laser-cut aluminum – a big factor is making these durable habitats lightweight. Lightweight and eco-friendly Aluminum Composite (Aluminum alloy ASTM B 209) panels have a powder coated kynar exterior and interior. A 2 pound closed cell foam core provides excellent insulation with significant R-Value, strengthening without adding unnecessary weight.
TAXA Offerings
TAXA Outdoors specializes in lightweight high quality camping vehicles. Here are our home team suggestions on the best travel trailers under 5000 lbs.
Best Minimalist Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs
Woolly Bear
Often overlooked, the Woolly Bear belongs on this list for a reason. It delivers prime functional appeal in a rugged lightweight package.
While not a camper in the traditional sense, the Woolly Bear nevertheless serves as a robust area to sleep and store valuables. It houses a platform for 2-3 person tents all the while incorporating 830 lbs of cargo capacity. The trailer also includes an integrated camp kitchen and a steel cargo deck for bulkier items.
Weighing at under 1,300 lbs and measuring a mere 10′ 8″, the Woolly Bear is every minimalist camper’s dream.
Best Remote Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs
TigerMoth
The TAXA TigerMoth is a lightweight trailer designed for big adventures.
It features sleeping room for 2 adults (+3 more with an optional rooftop tent) and features a slide out camp kitchen with a two-burner portable stove.
A large side hatch allows for easy access when loading/unloading, amazing views, and breeze from all angles. Not to mention, its built-in electrical system, external water system and pre-wired solar inlet deliver plenty of comfort even while off the grid.
With a dry weight of only 1310 lbs, the TigerMoth is an ideal remote camping vehicle.
Best Off-Road Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs
Cricket
The TAXA Cricket approaches design with durability in mind. However, it never sacrifices the practical.
Towable by most 4-cylinder engine vehicles, the Cricket sleep two adults and two children comfortably. Its five swing windows coupled with an expandable mesh tent top offer a superior approach to ventilation and lighting. The optional 5,000 BTU air conditioner is just the cherry on top.
Beyond spatial fluidity, the Cricket delivers the essentials for comfort. It includes a two-burner stove, covered sink, and an exterior hot/cold shower.
Cricket’s NASA-inspired design proves capable when facing the outdoors. Equipped with a laser cut aluminum skeleton and powder-coated steel gravel guards, the Cricket is built tough. With a dry weight of only 1,800 lbs, the Cricket makes for an attractive option in a multitude of off-road settings.
Best Family-Sized Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs
Mantis
For those with families, pets, or just in need of a little more space, Mantis is the king of versatility. Thoughtfully designed, the Mantis is saturated with adaptable spaces. The trailer boasts lots of headroom and comfortable seating for six. Its storage tower provides easy access for spatial transformations when needed.
Despite ample living room, the Mantis still includes plenty of helpful amenities. Its full galley kitchen includes a sink, two-burner stove, and water heater. Additionally, the trailer comes standard with a 8,000 BTU air conditioner, 8 ft patio awning, and an exterior hot/cold shower.
While excelling in comfort, the trailer has plenty of rugged personality. Its 15-inch steel wheels accompanied by all-terrain tires prove suitable for even the roughest of off-road adventures. At 2,972 lbs, the Mantis blends style, comfort, and go-anywhere durability in a conveniently lightweight package.
Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs Recap
The best travel trailers under 5,000 lbs occupy a meaningful niche in adventure habitats. These trailers offer convenience, efficiency, and comfort in smaller packages and at lower price points than traditional recreational vehicles.
TAXA offerings meet all these criteria and more. Our vehicles combine purposeful design with quality materials to create lightweight mobile habitats designed for engagement with the natural world.
For more information on the best travel trailers under 5,000 lbs, check out this list here from RV Talk. To get suggestion on which TAXA habitat best fits your needs, try our habitat quiz.
