In this article, we included a review of the best RV manufacturers and selected some of the best floorplans for lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs that we have for 2022 and 2023. We review the specifications of some of the best 10 brands of travel trailers on the market today, with very different floorplans. We discuss trailer models for all tastes: ultra lite travel trailers under 5,000 lbs for couples, floorplans with bunk beds, single side-out or no slide-out, full dry baths, outdoor kitchens, starting prices, etc. And all options of lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs. We will also differentiate between GVWR and dry weight (UVW) options. Let’s move on!
In alphabetical order, we will see the following brands of travel trailers with recommended floorplans for couples, families, and friends. Some of our favorite manufacturers for their excellent quality RVs, such as Grand Design RV, were excluded only because we focus on the weight of travel trailers under 5000 lbs.
- Airstream
- Forest River
- Highland Ridge
- Jayco
- Keystone
- KZ RV
- Palomino
- Prime Time
- Riverside RV
- Venture
We reviewed floorplans of campers perfect for couples and travel trailers with bunk beds, including affordable, spacious, and lightweight campers under 5000 lbs.
Let’s see the Review with the Best Ultra Lite Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs for 2023 (GVWR and UVW). Specifications. Walkthrough Videos and Floorplans.
Table of Contents
Airstream Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs – Bambi & Caravel
Particularly, I am not a fan of Airstream because I prefer travel trailers with slide-outs and more space inside, and I am not a fan of the stainless-steel interior. The more space, the better. But I must admit that the attractive shiny, silver, metal exterior with those classic retro camper rounded lines is very appealing.
Many of our RVer readers definitely prefer to pay more for the distinctive design that Airstream travel trailers offer. So, we have included some floorplans of the Bambi and Caravel travel trailer models of 5000 lbs GVWR or less.
Below you will find the differences in the specifications of the 2023 Airstream Bambi and Caravel models with the lightweight travel trailer options.
- Airstream 2023 Bambi 19CB
- Airstream 2023 Bambi 20FB
- Airstream 2023 Bambi 22FB
- Airstream 2023 Caravel 19CB
- Airstream 2023 Caravel 20FB
- Airstream 2023 Caravel 22FB
The Airstream Caravel and Bambi units appear quite similar in weight and length. Both weight and length are key when deciding to purchase a travel trailer. We must be sure if it is possible to tow the travel trailer, and this relates to the GVWR, which is the equivalent of the weight of the travel trailer when the manufacturer ships it, plus the interior weight added when we use it (also known as cargo or maximum load capacity).
Regarding the length of the travel trailer, this directly impacts the maneuverability we will give to our towing vehicle along with the attached travel trailer.
In general, for travel trailers under 5000 lbs GVWR, we do not have to worry much about the length since, usually, ultra lite travel trailers are under 25 feet, generally about 20 feet (small travel trailers and ultra lite, with some exceptions on the market).
While the external appearance of the units, floorplans, and specifications of the Airstream Caravel and Bambi are quite similar, the starting price is significantly different between the lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs 19CB, 20FB, 22FB Caravel, and Bambi, with prices of $74,000 and $59,300, respectively.
Below you can see the floorplans of the 2023 Caravel 19CB, 20FB, and 22FB models, all lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs GVWR, with better construction details and finishes than those found on the 2023 Bambi 19CB, 20FB, and 22FB models.
Source of photos and specs: https://www.airstream.com/
Source of photos and specs: https://www.airstream.com/
The following chart summarizes details we want to highlight about the weight specification and exterior length of the selected Airstream floorplans for Ultra Lite Travel Trailers under 5,000 lbs.
| Make | Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| Airstream | 2023 Bambi | 19CB | 5000 | 3650 | 525 | 1350 | 19′ 1″ |
| Airstream | 2023 Bambi | 20FB | 5000 | 4000 | 540 | 1000 | 20′ 7″ |
| Airstream | 2023 Bambi | 22FB | 5000 | 3900 | 500 | 1100 | 21′ 11″ |
| Airstream | 2023 Caravel | 19CB | 5000 | 4000 | 550 | 1000 | 19′ 5″ |
| Airstream | 2023 Caravel | 20FB | 5000 | 4300 | 565 | 700 | 21′ |
| Airstream | 2023 Caravel | 22FB | 5000 | 4200 | 525 | 800 | 22′ 2″ |
In terms of the weight specifications of the Airstream floorplans selected for this review, there are no major differences, and they are all lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs (and precisely 5000 lbs GVWR) with only a few inches difference in length.
Although capable of sleeping up to 4 people, due to their limited interior space, the 19CB, 20FB, and 22FB Airstream Caravel and Airstream Bambi floorplans are a great choice for couples looking for maneuverable and lightweight travel trailers.
Walkthrough Video 2023 Airstream Caravel 22FB
If you are into the retro camper style that offers Airstream, the 2023 Caravel 22FB is one of the Best Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs for 2023.
Here is a Walkthrough Video 2023 Airstream Caravel 22FB.
Let’s move on to our next selection. Forest River’s brands.
Forest River Options: Best Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs with Bunk Beds or Just for Couples for 2023
Let’s see Forest River Trailers Under 5,000 Lbs. In this search for the best lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs, we selected several floorplans. Forest River’s Rockwood Geo Pro and Flagstaff E-Pro brands offer several reasonably short, lightweight, and versatile travel trailer floorplans under 5000 lbs with and without bunk beds under 22 feet.
- Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS: Ultra lite Travel Trailer for Couples
- Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS: Travel Trailer Under 5000 lbs with Bunk Beds
- Flagstaff E-Pro E19FDS: Lightweight Travel Trailer for Couples
- Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH: Travel Trailer Under 5000 lbs with Bunk Beds
The following chart summarizes the weight specification and exterior length of the selected Forest River Trailers Under 5,000 Lbs.
| Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| 2023 Rockwood Geo Pro | G20FBS | 4400 | 3442 | 400 | 958 | 21′ 2″ |
| 2023 Rockwood Geo Pro | G20BHS | 4495 | 3547 | 495 | 948 | 21′ 2″ |
| 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro | E19FDS | 4452 | 3360 | 452 | 1092 | 20′ 2″ |
| 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro | E16BH | 4486 | 3280 | 486 | 1206 | 18′ 6″ |
The 2023 Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS and Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS models have very similar specification weights and dimensions. Also, the floorplans are similar, with the main difference being the sleeping capacity.
The 2023 Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS is one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs for couples on the current market. As you can see in the floor plan below, at the right of the entry door is a full-size bed (54” x 74”) with enough space to walk around. Across is a kitchen fully equipped to the right and a large sofa in the single side-out with a comfortable TV view. The rear full dry bath has a foot flushable toilet, a walk-in shower with fabric curtains, a skylight, a vent system, and a hand basin with over-the-head cabinets around. Also, a griddle kitchen is outside a 14-ft long awning, and three exterior storage compartments. The 2023 Geo Pro G20FBS offers a great floor plan for couples.
Source of photos and specs: https://forestriverinc.com/
The main difference between the Geo Pro G20FBS and G20BHS is the Geo Pro G20FBS travel trailer has double bunk beds. That allows for increasing the sleeping capacity at the cost of a considerable reduction in the interior space of the bathroom, which lacks a hand basin in the camper. The full-size bed loses the walk-around space we mentioned in the Geo Pro G20FBS model. And the slide-out is larger, resulting in a slide-out booth dinette.
Source of photos and specs: https://forestriverinc.com/
Next, let’s review the 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro E19FDS and Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH which are excellent travel trailer options under 5000 lbs.
Again, in this review, we include one of the best under 5000 lbs campers for couples we currently have on the market, the 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro E19FDS travel trailer. Unlike the Rockwood Geo Pro G20FBS, the Flagstaff E-Pro E19FDS is a travel trailer with a Murphy bed (full size 54′ x 74″) that allows for comfortable sleeping at night and easily exposes a 72″ long couch during the day. The kitchen is extended in the single slide-out. The opposite is a booth dinette with a 32” TV. The entire rear of the trailer is occupied by the large dry bathroom that is fully equipped. Outside, the E-Pro E19FDS is equipped with a griddle outdoors, four exterior compartments, and a 14-foot-long awning.
Source of photos and specs: https://forestriverinc.com/
The Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH offers a floorplan completely different and one of the best travel trailers under 5000 lbs that sleep up to 4. This camper is great for camping with your family. The Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH starting price is $36,943 (MSRP), and the sale price is about $29,980, depending on many factors.
Source of photos and specs: https://forestriverinc.com/
When you’re done eating, playing games, or watching TV, the Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH travel trailer provides sleeping room for four between the 30″x74″ bunk beds in the back and the 54″x82″ bed made from the U-shaped dinette up front. The single slide-out with the stove, microwave, and 12V refrigerator will also provide the chef with a bit extra floor room.
Everyone will feel refreshed after using the big bathroom, and storage space is throughout the room for your possessions. Don’t forget to use the external storage compartments while loading the outdoor gear, the outdoor griddle for cooking, and the 12′ power awning when seeking shade from the sun. Also, the E-Pro E16BH is a great choice for those looking for a bunkhouse travel trailer under 20 feet.
Walkthrough Video 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH Travel Trailer with Bunk Beds
Enjoy this Walkthrough Video 2023 Flagstaff E-Pro E16BH Travel Trailer with Bunk Beds.
2023 Highland Ridge Range Lite Air Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs GVWR
Range Lite Air Travel Trailers made by Highland Ridge offers two recommended floorplans for 2023: 2023 Range Lite Air 16FBS travel trailer for couples (starting price $37,929 MSRP) and Range Lite Air 17BH travel trailer with bunk beds (starting price $35,829 MSRP). Both options reviewed are travel trailers under 5000 lbs GVWR and only 20 feet of exterior length.
Source of photos and specs: https://www.highlandridgerv.com/
| Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| 2023 Range Lite Air | 16FBS | 4995 | 3830 | 440 | 1165 | 20′ 0″ |
| 2023 Range Lite Air | 17BH | 4995 | 3840 | 420 | 1360 | 20′ 7″ |
Jayco Options for the Best Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs GVWR
Now, we have four floorplans by Jayco as great options for couples and families to decide between these amazing lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs GVWR.
Jay Flight SLX and Jay Feather Micro travel trailers are Jayco’s models offering ultra lite and small trailers under 20-25 feet travel trailer options.
If you are looking for a lightweight travel trailer under 30 feet, the 2023 Jay Feather Micro 166FBS is our recommendation. It is a fully equipped versatile travel trailer under 5000 lbs GVWR with a good maneuverable length of under 30 feet.
If you want a bunkhouse, check out the 360-Tour of the 2023 Jay Feather Micro 171BH travel trailer with a bunk bed under 5000 lbs.
| Make | Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| Jayco | 2023 Jay Flight SLX | 184BS | 4500 | 3420 | 375 | 1080 | 21′ 7″ |
| Jayco | 2023 Jay Feather Micro | 171BH | 4995 | 3775 | 380 | 1220 | 20′ 2″ |
| Jayco | 2023 Jay Feather Micro | 173MRB | 4995 | 3945 | 380 | 1050 | 20′ 10″ |
| Jayco | 2023 Jay Feather Micro | 166FBS | 4995 | 4025 | 420 | 970 | 27′ 2″ |
Keystone RV: New Best Travel Trailer Floorplans for 2023
We took two floorplans of Keystone’s 2023 Hideout Travel trailers to recommend as lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs.
Our recommendations include the 2023 Hideout 176BH with a bunkhouse (sleeping capacity: up to 6) and the 2023 Hideout 179RB for couples and visitors (sleeping capacity: up to 4).
Both floorplans are very similar, with a booth dinette-slide-out and a queen size bed in the front of the camper. Mostly, the arrangement differs to accommodate the rear double bunk beds. Also, both campers are under 22 feet, which is great for maneuvering. The starting price of these floorplans is about $ 27,390.
2023 Hideout 179RB Travel Trailer: check out the 360-Tour
Source of photos and specs: https://www.keystonerv.com/
2023 Hideout 176BH Travel Trailer: check out the 360-Tour by clicking this link.
Source of photos and specs: https://www.keystonerv.com/
Keystone surprises us with an explosive increase in floorplans for all types of towing RVs. If you visit the Keystone RV site, I am sure you will find a floorplan with just what you want! Keystone’s quality is great, so we included them in this review. Plus, we give them extra credit for building a great website that works perfectly with many filters that allow you to easily navigate and find what you want before contacting a dealer. Well done, Keystone!
Here are a few more floorplans we recommend checking out if you are looking for the best ultra lite travel trailers under 5,000 lbs (both dry weight and GVWR).
| Make | Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| Keystone | 2023 Springdale | 202RD | 6500 | 4725 | 565 | 1775 | 25′ 0″ |
| Keystone | Bullet Crossfire | 1800RB | 4400 | 3657 | 480 | 743 | 21′ 4″ |
| Keystone | 2023 Hideout | 176BH | 4443 | 3753 | 520 | 690 | 21′ 5″ |
| Keystone | 2023 Hideout | 179RB | 4537 | 3810 | 480 | 727 | 21′ 5″ |
| Keystone | Bullet Crossfire | 1700BH | 4700 | 3694 | 375 | 1006 | 21′ 4″ |
KZ RV Floorplans Under 5000 lbs GVWR
The 2023 Escape E211RB and E231BH campers manufactured by KZ RV offer two great floorplans for couples (Escape E211RB) and families (Escape E231BH) of lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs (GVWR).
Both floorplans are similar, with a front queen size bed, a rear full dry bathroom, and a kitchen and sofa placed in the single slide-out.
The KZ RV 2023Escape E231BH is also a great option for couples looking for their first RV for full-time living.
| Make | Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| KZ RV | 2023 Escape | E211RB | 5000 | 4000 | 440 | 1000 | 25′ 2″ |
| KZ RV | 2023 Escape | E231BH | 5000 | 4170 | 505 | 830 | 25′ 2″ |
Source of photos and specs: https://www.kz-rv.com/
More Travel Trailers Under 5000 lbs to Consider (and to NOT Consider!)
Let’s see a few more campers under 5000 lbs. All these below are travel trailers with very different floorplans. Let’s review Solaire Ultra Lite 208SS, 2023 Sonic Lite SL169VUD, and Winnebago Mini Minnie travel trailers and see which ones are recommended and which one is definitely not recommended.
| Make | Model | Floorplan | GVWR | Dry Weight (UVW) | Hitch Weight | Max CCC | Exterior Length |
| Palomino | 2022 Solaire Ultra Lite | 208SS | 6315 | 4823 | 615 | 1492 | 24′ 2″ |
| Prime Time | Avenger | 17FQS | 3855 | 3014 | 355 | 841 | 20′ 7″ |
| Riverside RV | 2023 Retro | 190BH | 4440 | 3500 | 440 | 940 | 21’10” |
| Venture | 2023 Sonic Lite | SL169VUD | 4400 | 3520 | 460 | 880 | 21′ 10″ |
| Winnebago | Mini Minnie | 1700BH | 4200 | 3354 | 414 | 846 | 20′ 9″ |
Palomino has the 2022 Solaire Ultra Lite 208SS, a great option for those not looking for bunk beds. Let’s be honest; bunk beds are no longer comfortable when kids grow up. Plus, they may not be with you on every trip. So, it wastes the space you need to be comfortable.
I do believe Solaire Ultra Lite 208SS is a great floorplan for couples looking for an RV for full-time living and a great balance between a moderate exterior length and weight. For all that, we highly recommend the Solaire Ultra Lite 208SS as one of the best lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs (UVW dry weight) and less than 25 feet long. We expect to see specifications and floor plans updated for 2023 from Palomino.
Venture 2023 Sonic Lite SL169VUD travel trailer (starting price: $28,000) is another great option, with a sleeping capacity of up to 4 people and an exterior structure under 22 feet. As you can see below in the floorplan, the 2023 Sonic Lite SL169VUD travel trailer is equipped with an outdoor griddle kitchen outside, a pass-thru storage compartment, and a 13 feet electrical awning.
This SL169VUD travel trailer under 5000 lbs has a front 60” x 75” bed, a booth dinette slide-out, and a rear full dry bath next to the double bunk beds. The interior space is incredibly well utilized. It is a great option at an attractive price if you are looking for a travel trailer with bunk beds and an outdoor kitchen, ultra lite, and easy to maneuver.
Source of photos and specs: https://www.venture-rv.com/
Finally, one of the options we reviewed by request of our readers, but we definitely don’t recommend it. Let’s review the Mini Minnie 1700BH.
Winnebago has a lot of fans. For Winnebago’s fans, the Mini Minnie 1700BH is a good option for those looking for a camper under 5000 lbs with bunk beds. A divider curtain may offer some privacy to the front bed. Although this camper includes a dry bath, it is not a full bath (no hand basin). The bunk beds are shorter than usual.
Many readers keep asking us to review the Winnebago, especially the Mini Minnie floorplans. As for comfort, consider that this is a camper without slide-outs. So expect something accordingly. The interior spaces are quite cramped and are not compensated with a longer trailer length. This is a 21 feet long travel trailer. The finish of the furniture and materials seems a bit cheap. Actually, we don’t think that this floorplan presents any advantage over the campers reviewed in this article. Also, if we compare the starting price of about $37,000, you will definitely pay more for less comfort. That’s our humble opinion.
We try to review floorplans currently on the market, including the 2023 models already on sale with dealers. We hope our selection of the 30 best lightweight travel trailers under 5000 lbs (GVWR and dry weight) will help you find your RV.
If you are about to buy, we recommend you review our article What to Know Before Buying an RV PDI Checklist.
