Our Lightweight Travel Trailer Comparison Guide (Updated 2020) rates the best manufacturers that build Lightweight Travel Trailers -of all shapes and sizes. For several years now there has been a renewed interest in smaller, lighter and simpler trailers. Historically known as a category for first timers looking to dip a toe in the RV lifestyle, today’s lightweight offerings are not the stripped down and cheap campers of previous years. They are modern, well-built, attractive and loaded with clever gadgets and features. For the first time ever, Lightweights are the the cool kids on the block.

Today’s Lightweight is a brand new animal 

When most people picture a lightweight or ultra-lite camper, they envision the “Canned Hams” of the past, a big beer can on wheels, cheaply built and prone to leaks, broken cabinet hinges and foam mattresses loved by mice and no one else. While there is a renewed interest in retro campers or “Glamping” (restoring vintage lightweights to like-new condition for some fun classic camping), the new Lightweights are an obvious departure from the past. Built with space-age materials that are stronger, lighter and more durable, today’s small campers take full advantage of new technology, be it USB ports, solar panels, or HDTVs. Eschewing the traditional footprint, the new small camper looks completely different, outside and in.

What caused the sudden interest in Lightweights?

The economic calamity of 2007-2010 was the biggest catalyst for a renewed interest in smaller, simpler campers. Suddenly, bigger wasn’t better, and Corian countertops and chandaliers seemed a bit over the top. $500,000 motorhomes with diesel engines languished on dealer lots, but smaller campers started flying off the shelves. Manufacturers took note and now, ten or so years later, the lightweight travel trailer is the hottest game in town.

No other segment in the RV world has reinvented itself as successfully as the lightweight class. Still popular with families and first time buyers, customers now include RVers downsizing from full-sized fifth-wheels or motorhomes -as well as younger buyers looking for a way to get their kayaks, bikes, and surfboards to their destination, while having a home base to sleep, eat and lounge. Being able to tow their camper with almost any car or small SUV meant a new tow vehicle wasn’t necessary.

Where does RVReviews.net come in?

Never before have we seen such an explosion of new models and innovations in the RV industry -and we’ve been doing this for a long time. At RVReviews.net we do one thing and we do it better than anyone in the industry: research and review Recreational Vehicles specifically for the RV buying public. We accept no kickbacks, monies or financial consideration from any manufacturer or dealer. Nowhere else will you receive such a wealth of unbiased and informed opinions from a company trusted by thousands of past buyers. To put it in its simplest form: if we like a company and its products, we’ll tell you. And if we determine that a company should be avoided or there is questionable quality, we’ll also tell you.

As an independent, consumer-based entity our only incentive is to provide honest, trustworthy information that today’s RV buyer can use to make an informed decision.

The New Lightweight Travel Trailer Comparison Guide

The Lightweight Travel Trailer Comparison Guide includes an easy-to-read article for each manufacturer, as well as lots of tips and tricks to find the best camper for your needs -at the best price. Each article is based on actual owner feedback and data collected from hundreds of hours of research. Each article contains information in some or all of these key areas:

• Company background and history
• Principle target customer
• List of best-selling models
• Average MSRP of best-selling models
• Financial stability of company
• Useful rating charts help you compare apples-to-apples in the areas of Comfort, Build Quality, Road Manners (or Towing Experience) and Re-Sale Value.
• Objective comments from our experienced research staff

RVReviews.net: Trusted for 20 Years

One of the most common complaints we hear is that RV salespeople aren’t very well-versed on their products -or, even worse, misleading. Keep in mind, their job is to sell the product. Period. Anything beyond glowing reviews and assurances of quality will only lessen the likelihood of a sale. They have no incentive to provide an honest assessment if it’s going to work against them. We can’t really fault them for this. They’re just doing their job.

So where does a consumer turn when considering a large purchase like an RV? This is where we come in. For twenty years now, RVReviews.net has been providing the sort of unbiased information that RV buyers need to know to make an informed decision -or avoid a lemon. Our best-selling and easy-to-read Comparison Guides have become the industry standard for buyers all over North America.

We receive comments every week from satisfied customers thanking us for our services and telling us we helped them save thousands on their purchase. Often many thousands. Or that we saved them from purchasing a sub par unit from a troubled manufacturer.