Lightweight Tent Trailers

For those who are looking for a happy medium between tent camping and towing a large RV, one of the lightweight tent trailers currently on the market can be an excellent alternative.

Lightweight Travel Trailers

Lightweight trailers are small travel trailers that are less expensive and easier to tow than traditional recreational vehicles. They are usually shorter than traditional camping trailers, and most models can be towed by mid-sized automobiles. Some of the smallest tent trailers can even be pulled by compact cars and motorcycles.

Tent trailers are often referred to as collapsible or pop-up campers. They are essentially expandable tents constructed on a trailer base. The tent component collapses inward beneath a hard roof for easy towing, and can be lifted to full height when it is time to set up camp.

Tent trailers are usually outfitted with many of the same amenities as full size RVs. Most tent trailers are usually equipped with a heater, refrigerator, fresh water tank, waste tank, sink, and other features. Some models also have toilets and showers. Depending on size and floor plan, these types of campers can have bed space for up to six people.

There are many styles of tent trailers. Some are designed to be used for off road or wilderness camping adventures, while others are more appropriate for family camping in improved campsites.

Fleetwood makes a number of different styles of tent trailers. Prior to 1989, the company’s tent trailers were branded with the Coleman name, but now are called Fleetwood Folding Trailers. Current models include Highlander, Americana, Destiny, and Element.

Palomino RV has been manufacturing “Fold-a-Wall” tent trailers since 1975. Today the company makes five tent trailer models: Banshee, Pony, Yearling, Mustang, and Elite.

Livin’ Lite’s Quicksilver line of tent trailers is the first to be built entirely from aluminum. These campers are among the lightest weight RVs, and several models can easily be towed by compact cars. For example, the Quicksilver 5.0 model comfortably sleeps four people, yet weighs only 520 pounds. Use the Livin' Lite dealer locator to find a Quicksilver dealer near you.

Lees-ure Lite makes two lightweight tent trailer models that are designed specifically to be towed by motorcycles. Weighing less than 260 pounds, these small travel trailers can be set up in just a few seconds. They have more than six feet of headroom, screened windows and doors, and an even accommodate optional air conditioning units.

These units are compact and designed for easy and convenient travel. Full campers open on top of the trailer base, which can store a surprising amount of gear in spite of its small size.

For example, Adventure Trailers Horizon model off road tent trailer is less than nine feet long and the Chaser model is less than 10 feet long. Thanks to their innovative designs, both models are fully equipped and can store a sufficient amount of gear and supplies to accommodate a multi-week family camping adventure. These units even have awnings and roof racks that can accommodate recreational equipment such as bicycles and kayaks.

Tentrax also makes stylish and functional off road models. Tentrax units are available in two models that can be customized with features that meet specific needs. They are built-to order, and can be constructed on standard or custom trailer bases. They can even be painted to coordinate with your towing vehicle.

The Fleetwood Evolution is an off road model that is part of the company’s current line of folding trailers. The longest model is 11 feet long and features a shower, full galley, and a cargo deck.

Most RV dealers carry several different brands and models of tent trailers. When in the market for a new RV, check your local telephone directory for recreational vehicle dealers. Sometimes you can find used RVs at dealerships, because people often trade in their old camper when they purchase a new one.

The classified ads in your local newspaper are also a good place to look for campers, particularly when your preference is to find one that has been previously owned.

There are also a number of resources that make it easy to shop online for new and used tent trailers. The following websites can be very beneficial when you are looking for a camper:

• National Multilist
• RV Clicks
• RV Online
• RV Trader
• RV Trader Online
• RV USA
• Wheel By Net

When you are ready to move from tent camping to RVing, getting a tent camper can be the easiest way to make the transition. Make sure to select a model that is compact enough for use with the type of towing vehicle that you have (or plan to purchase), yet roomy enough to accommodate your family.

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