For those adventuring with a Ford Maverick Hybrid, a nimble crossover, or a versatile wagon, the quest for a towable camper often hits a wall at the 2,000-pound towing capacity. The options typically dwindle to tent trailers, motorcycle haulers, or petite teardrop campers. However, manufacturers are acknowledging this niche, and some innovative brands are venturing into the realm of lightweight, hard-sided trailers. Enter the Encore RV VENŪ, a newcomer making waves with its remarkably cozy design and feather-light 1,500-pound weight. This compact travel trailer is redefining what’s possible for small vehicle owners seeking adventure.
When navigating RV shows, the sheer magnitude and price tags of many trailers can be overwhelming, often rivaling the cost of a house and demanding a heavy-duty truck just to haul them. But not everyone requires, or can afford, a colossal 40-foot behemoth. What about those with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles? Take, for example, the 2024 Volvo V60, boasting a 2,000-pound tow rating. The good news is, a growing segment of manufacturers is producing lighter, more accessible trailers perfectly suited for these vehicles. Encore RV emerges as a fresh face in this burgeoning market of tiny campers. At the 2023 Indiana RV Open House, they unveiled the VENŪ, a travel trailer hitting the scales at a mere 1,500 pounds, promising adventure without the bulk.
Encore RV: A Newcomer with a Solid Foundation
Front view of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer highlighting its modern design and compact profile.
Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Encore RV is a relatively new company in the RV industry, established amidst the RV boom of 2020. Founder Rich Schnippel is no stranger to the world of RVs and motorsports trailers, bringing two decades of experience since 2000. His background includes significant roles in management and marketing at companies like ATC Trailers, KZ Recreational Vehicles, and inTech Trailers. Notably, Schnippel has a history of designing lightweight adventure trailers, akin to robust off-road models like the Off-Grid Trailers Pando 2.0.
Encore RV RŎG series travel trailer, showcasing the brand's previous lightweight and rugged designs, relevant to the new 1500 lb VENŪ.
Schnippel’s vision for Encore RV centers on crafting durable campers. Their initial trailer line, the RŌM (later renamed RŎG), showcased a commitment to lightweight yet robust construction, featuring a fully welded, all-aluminum frame and chassis paired with a composite body and CNC laser-cut aluminum cabinetry. Encore RV’s RŎG series offers various sizes of off-road trailers, ranging from the ultra-compact 1,414-pound RŎG 10MC to the more spacious 2,900-pound RŎG 16RB.
The Encore VENŪ 10KB: Maximizing Comfort in a 1500 lb Package
Side profile of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer, demonstrating its manageable length and towing suitability.
The VENŪ represents a refined approach from Encore RV. While still designed for adventure, the VENŪ prioritizes maximizing interior space and comfort for its occupants. The inaugural model, the VENŪ 10KB, is a testament to efficient design in a small footprint.
This trailer’s compact dimensions are immediately apparent. It measures just 13 feet from tongue to tail, with the trailer box itself being just under 10 feet long. To put this in perspective, many 13-foot fiberglass campers share a similar box size. Inside, the floor stretches to 8 feet in length, and the ceiling peaks at a comfortable 5 feet, 10 inches of headroom.
Interior view of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer showing the dinette area before conversion to a bed.
Close-up of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer's kitchen area, featuring a sink and countertop.
Another interior perspective of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer, emphasizing the spacious feel despite its small size.
Stepping inside the VENŪ 10KB, the interior belies its compact exterior, feeling surprisingly spacious. The kitchen area is immediately accessible, featuring a sink and a robust countertop. While a built-in stove isn’t included, ample counter space allows for portable propane or induction cooktops.
An optional 3.5 cubic-foot 12V refrigerator is available, and in models without it, a cassette toilet can be accommodated. Standard features include a MaxxAir fan for ventilation and a 21-gallon freshwater tank.
Detail of the kitchen countertop in the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer, illustrating the available workspace.
Dinette area converted into a bed in the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer, showing the sleeping configuration.
The bathroom facilities are limited to the cassette toilet option within the trailer. However, external water outputs provide the possibility for an outdoor shower setup. The majority of the interior is dedicated to a comfortable dinette that easily converts into a bed, comfortably sleeping two adults. Optional upgrades include an air conditioner with a heat pump, a 32-inch television, and an off-roading package that adds all-terrain tires, an optional roof rack, and an awning.
A distinctive interior design element is the subtle under-counter lighting in the kitchen area, creating a pleasant ambient glow.
Ambient under-counter lighting in the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer kitchen, highlighting a unique interior design feature.
Interior view of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer showcasing overall layout and features from a different angle.
Staying true to Encore RV’s construction philosophy, the VENŪ boasts an all-aluminum chassis, composite walls, and a seamless one-piece fiberglass roof. Encore emphasizes the complete absence of wood in their camper construction, highlighting the benefits:
“We’ve found success by differentiating ourselves and building our products with materials that are engineered to last a lifetime,” Schnippel explained. “By eliminating the steel and wood from our construction, we not only take away the possibilities of rust, mold and rot, but we also are building an RV that can last for multiple generations.”
Rear view of the Encore RV VENŪ 1500 lb travel trailer, emphasizing its compact and easily maneuverable size.
All of this is achieved while maintaining a base weight of just 1,500 pounds. Despite its light weight, the VENŪ is built with robust 3,500-pound axles, allowing for a generous cargo capacity of an additional 1,500 pounds for gear, water, and supplies. This minimal base weight makes it genuinely towable by vehicles like the Ford Maverick Hybrid.
Currently, as a brand-new model, pricing for the Encore RV VENŪ is yet to be released, and it’s not yet listed on Encore’s website. If the VENŪ enters the market at a competitive price point, similar to other lightweight trailer innovations, it has the potential to be a significant success. Regardless of price, the Encore VENŪ 10KB adds a welcome and valuable option to the growing market of lightweight RVs, offering greater freedom for adventurers with smaller tow vehicles.
