Discover the Freedom of Lightweight Travel Trailers

Travel Light, Camp Big

For adventurers who crave the open road without the burden of bulky rigs, Lightweight Travel Trailers are your perfect gateway to unforgettable journeys. Imagine towing a comfortable, feature-rich camper with ease, behind your existing SUV or even a smaller vehicle. This dream is a reality with lightweight travel trailers, and for decades, Scamp Trailers has been at the forefront of this travel revolution.

Just ask the thousands of satisfied Scamp Trailer owners who have collectively traversed millions of miles. Their stories speak volumes about the durability, lightweight design, and aerodynamic efficiency of Scamp’s 13’ small travel trailers. These hard-shell fiberglass wonders are engineered for effortless towing and maneuverability, making them ideal companions for a wide range of vehicles – from compact cars and SUVs to minivans and light trucks. The intelligently crafted aerodynamic profile isn’t just about sleek looks; it translates directly to impressive fuel efficiency, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint as you explore.

Finding Your Perfect Camping Companion

Choosing the right travel trailer is a crucial step in ensuring comfortable and enjoyable camping experiences. Lightweight travel trailers come in various sizes and configurations, catering to diverse needs and preferences. At Scamp Trailers, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why our expert team is ready to guide you in selecting the ideal model for your adventures.

Are you wondering if our nimble 13’ lightweight travel trailer is the right fit for your solo explorations or couples’ getaways? Or perhaps you need a bit more space? In that case, our 16’ towable camping trailer with a convenient side dinette might be the perfect upgrade, offering additional room without sacrificing towability. And for those who desire even more expansive living quarters on the road, our largest 19’ 5th wheel travel trailers provide a truly home-away-from-home experience. These spacious 19’ models are designed to be easily towed by mid-size pickups like Rangers or Tacomas, blending size and convenience seamlessly.

When you compare a Scamp to other fiberglass campers on the market, the value proposition becomes strikingly clear. For the investment, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another travel trailer that matches the quality, durability, and thoughtful design of a Scamp.

A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your Lightweight Travel Trailer

The allure of camping lies in its promise of escape and reconnection with nature. Lightweight travel trailers and small campers amplify this experience by offering a comfortable and economical way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. If you’re venturing into the world of towable campers, the array of choices can seem daunting. How do you pinpoint the perfect lightweight travel trailer that aligns with your unique needs, preferences, and budget?

This guide will navigate you through the key considerations in selecting your ideal small camping trailer or lightweight travel trailer, ensuring your outdoor pursuits are nothing short of extraordinary.

The rising trend of RV living and the appeal of tiny camping have placed a spotlight on finding the right towable camper. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a camping novice, the world of lightweight travel trailers offers a spectrum of options. You might be considering small lightweight pull campers, the streamlined mini max trailers, classic teardrop campers, robust fiberglass travel trailers, versatile truck campers, or the renowned Scamp trailers – each type presents a unique set of features and benefits.

Exploring the Diverse World of Lightweight Camping Trailers

Lightweight camping trailers are not monolithic; they come in diverse types, each tailored to different travel styles and needs. Understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed decision.

Teardrop Trailers: These compact marvels are the epitome of lightweight and easy towing. Ideal for solo travelers or couples who prioritize minimalism and maneuverability. Teardrop trailers typically feature a cozy sleeping area and a basic kitchenette, offering essential amenities in a remarkably small footprint. While space is limited, their ease of use and fuel efficiency are undeniable advantages.

Pop-Up Trailers: Offering a unique blend of compactness for towing and expanded living space at the campsite, pop-up trailers are a versatile choice. They collapse into a low-profile unit for travel and expand to provide comfortable sleeping areas and basic amenities like a kitchenette and storage. However, setting up and taking down a pop-up trailer requires some effort, and their canvas sides may not be ideal in harsh weather conditions.

Fiberglass Trailers: Renowned for their durability and sleek, aerodynamic designs, fiberglass trailers strike an excellent balance of lightweight construction and robust features. These trailers are easy to tow and come in a variety of sizes and layouts to accommodate different needs. Scamp fiberglass trailers, for example, are celebrated for their longevity and often include features not typically found in lightweight trailers, such as bathrooms, air conditioning, and well-equipped kitchens.

Small Travel Trailers (including “Small Campers”): This category represents a broader range of trailers that offer more living space and amenities compared to teardrop or pop-up models. Perfect for families or groups, small travel trailers provide separate sleeping areas, more comprehensive kitchens, and sometimes even bathrooms. While still considered lightweight, they are generally heavier than teardrop or pop-up trailers and might require a slightly larger tow vehicle. Scamp’s 16-foot and 19-foot models exemplify this category, with the 19-foot option utilizing a 5th wheel gooseneck hitch for enhanced stability and towing capacity.

Budgeting for Your Lightweight Camping Trailer

The financial aspect is a crucial part of any purchasing decision. The cost of a small camping trailer can fluctuate significantly based on type, size, features, and brand. A basic teardrop trailer might range from $5,000 to $15,000, while a more luxurious fiberglass trailer could easily exceed $30,000.

Defining your budget requires careful consideration of your camping style and desired features. If you envision occasional weekend trips and prioritize simplicity, a more basic teardrop or pop-up trailer could be a cost-effective entry point. However, if you plan on frequent camping excursions or extended road trips and desire more comfort and amenities, investing in a higher-end fiberglass or small travel trailer might be a worthwhile long-term investment.

Beyond the initial purchase price, remember to factor in other associated costs:

Tow Vehicle: Ensure your current vehicle has the appropriate towing capacity and hitch. If not, upgrading your vehicle or adding towing equipment will add to your overall budget.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for any trailer. Budget for cleaning supplies, routine servicing, potential repairs, and upgrades over time.
Storage: When your trailer isn’t in use, you’ll need a storage solution. If you don’t have suitable space at home, factor in the cost of storage facilities, which can vary depending on location and storage type.

By comprehensively considering both the purchase price and ongoing expenses, you can establish a realistic budget for your lightweight camping trailer.

Essential Features to Prioritize in a Small Camping Trailer

Beyond the type and cost, specific features significantly impact your camping experience. When evaluating lightweight travel trailers, focus on these essential aspects:

Size and Layout: Carefully assess the interior space and layout. Ensure it comfortably accommodates you and your travel companions. Look for a sleeping area that suits your needs and sufficient storage for your gear and supplies. Consider different layouts – some prioritize sleeping space, while others offer larger kitchens or living areas.
Material Quality and Durability: The construction materials determine the trailer’s longevity and resilience. Prioritize trailers built with high-quality materials like fiberglass, aluminum, or steel. Fiberglass offers excellent durability and weather resistance, while aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. Also, inquire about insulation – adequate insulation is crucial for comfort in varying weather conditions, keeping you cool in summer and warm in colder months.
Safety Features: Safety should be paramount. Confirm that the trailer is equipped with essential safety features, including functioning brakes, lights (running lights, brake lights, turn signals), and reflectors. Consider additional safety features like sway control and electric brakes for enhanced towing safety, especially for larger lightweight travel trailers.

Determining the Ideal Size for Towable Lightweight Travel Trailers

The “ideal” size is subjective and depends on a combination of factors:

Tow Vehicle Capacity: Your vehicle’s towing capacity is the primary limiting factor. Always choose a trailer that is well within your vehicle’s rated towing capacity to ensure safe and controlled towing. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for towing specifications.
Number of Occupants: Consider how many people will regularly use the trailer. Solo travelers or couples can often manage comfortably in smaller trailers, while families or larger groups will require more spacious models.
Camping Style: Your camping style influences size needs. If you primarily camp at established campgrounds with amenities, a smaller trailer might suffice. However, if you plan on boondocking or spending extended periods off-grid, you might appreciate the extra space and storage of a slightly larger lightweight travel trailer.

For solo adventurers or couples, smaller teardrop or pop-up trailers are often excellent choices due to their compact size and ease of maneuvering. Families or groups might find larger travel trailers or fiberglass trailers more suitable, offering more living space and amenities. Remember to always prioritize safe towing and choose a size that aligns with your vehicle’s capabilities and your intended camping destinations. Some campsites, particularly in older or more rustic locations, may have size restrictions.

Assessing Your Storage Space Requirements

Storage needs are directly linked to your trip duration and camping style.

Short Trips: For weekend getaways or shorter camping trips, minimal storage might be sufficient. A basic teardrop trailer with a small kitchenette and a few storage compartments could be adequate for essentials.
Longer Trips or Full-Time Living: Extended trips or even full-time RV living demand significantly more storage. In these cases, opt for pop-up trailers, fiberglass trailers, or small travel trailers with ample storage solutions. Look for features like under-bed storage, overhead cabinets, wardrobes, and exterior storage compartments.

Consider your gear – clothing, cooking equipment, recreational equipment, and personal items – when estimating your storage needs. If you plan to bring bikes, kayaks, or other bulky items, factor in storage for these as well, potentially requiring roof racks or specialized storage solutions. For extended off-grid camping, consider the need for generator or solar panel storage to ensure power for appliances and electronics.

The Ease of Towing and Parking Lightweight Travel Trailers

One of the major advantages of lightweight travel trailers is their ease of towing and parking.

Towing: With the right hitch and a vehicle with sufficient towing capacity, towing a lightweight travel trailer is generally straightforward. Their aerodynamic designs minimize wind resistance, contributing to smoother towing, especially at highway speeds. However, always be mindful of wind conditions and adjust your driving accordingly, especially with lighter trailers.
Parking: Compared to larger RVs, lightweight travel trailers are considerably easier to park and maneuver in campsites. Their smaller footprint allows access to a wider range of campsites, including more secluded and scenic spots. When parking, choose a level campsite and utilize stabilizing jacks to ensure the trailer is stable and level. Practice maneuvering your trailer in an open area before heading to a campsite to build confidence and familiarity.

Finding Reliable Reviews and Recommendations

Before making a purchase, researching reviews and recommendations is crucial.

Online Forums and Discussion Boards: Online communities dedicated to camping and RVing are invaluable resources. Engage with experienced campers in forums and discussion boards to gather firsthand insights on different brands, models, and features. These communities often provide real-world perspectives and tips that you won’t find in manufacturer brochures.
Consumer Review Websites: Reputable consumer review websites like Consumer Reports, RV Review, and Trailer Life offer comprehensive reviews and ratings of various travel trailers. These sites often conduct in-depth testing and provide objective assessments of pros and cons, features, and performance. You can also find specific Scamp Trailer reviews on platforms like Google Reviews to get customer perspectives.

By leveraging these resources, you can gain a well-rounded understanding of different lightweight travel trailers and make a more informed decision.

Your Perfect Lightweight Travel Trailer Awaits

The ideal small camper or lightweight travel trailer is a personal choice, shaped by your individual needs, travel style, and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of a hybrid camper, the adventure-ready nature of a toy hauler, the minimalist charm of a tiny camper, the classic appeal of a teardrop, or the all-around comfort of a small travel trailer – the market offers a diverse spectrum of options.

Brands like Scamp, Airstream, Nucamp, Forest River, Taxa Outdoors, and Little Guy each present a unique take on lightweight travel trailers, with varying features such as outdoor kitchens, roof racks for gear, convenient USB ports, efficient air conditioners, and more.

When making your final selection, carefully consider factors like sleeping space, kitchen counter space, exterior width for towing and campsite maneuverability, interior height for comfort, hitch weight for compatibility with your tow vehicle, and dry weight as a key indicator of towability.

Choosing the right lightweight travel trailer is an investment in countless memorable outdoor experiences. With the perfect camper as your basecamp, you’re well-equipped to embrace the freedom of the open road and create lasting memories on your RV travels.

Ready to Explore Towable Small Camping Trailers and Scamp Lightweight Travel Trailers?

Selecting the right small camping trailer involves a thoughtful approach, considering several key factors. Begin by defining your needs in terms of size, desired features, and essential amenities. Explore the available options and weigh them against your budget. Before finalizing your purchase, it’s highly recommended to have a qualified RV expert inspect the trailer to ensure its condition and identify any potential issues.

Finally, familiarize yourself with basic RV maintenance procedures. Understanding routine maintenance will empower you to address minor repairs promptly and keep your trailer in top condition for years of adventures.

With these guidelines in mind, you’re well-prepared to discover the perfect lightweight travel trailer for your next outdoor escapades. We invite you to explore the Scamp Trailers website to discover our range of small campers and lightweight travel trailer options. Let your journey to freedom and adventure begin!