I am just back from the big Open House in Elkhart, Indiana where the RV manufacturers were displaying their new products and updated older ones. There are some new RV’s out there for the lightweight set and some older ones that deserve a second look. My criteria for this list was that they unit weigh less than 3K pounds and that the user be able to stand up in it. I am often asked, "What can I tow with my (insert midsize SUV or Crossover with a tow package around 5K pounds here)? The Chevy Traverse, Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander are a few that come to mind. Here are a few travel trailers that make the cut for those tow vehicles.

 

The Evasion by Prolite. This is the classic floorplan used in canned hams throughout the 50's and 60's. I have often wondered why they stopped using this floor plan. It's perfect for a small family. This 1,900pound trailer can sleep five people, two in the rear convertible sofa, two on the front dinette once it is put down and one small child (weight limit 125 pounds) in the upper storage cabinet that can covert to a bunk. They even managed to get a bathroom in it. The unit is perfect for a Girl Camper who doesn't want a vintage trailer, and the accompanying headaches, and for a family with small children. Prolite is a Canadian company moving into the US market. I think they will be successful because there is a growing need for the lightweight models that offer a lot. What this trailer lacks in interior material choices, it  makes up for with the practical layout. I'd love to see what a Girl Camper could do styling this trailer!!  US pricing around $20K.

Perks 

Old school flexible floor plan

Sleeps five

Dry weight of only 1900#'s

Many nice standard features

Lots of windows and light

Negatives 

AC is an option and not standard

Small tanks (grey, black and fresh are each just 15 gallons)

Bland interior

 

Great Ascape by Aliner. This unit  is made by Aliner, the folks that brought us the cute A frame pop up. The Great Ascape Plus weighs in at just 1850#'s. It has a rear entry and a big U-shaped dinette that can be made up as a two twin beds, one large bed or a single twin with the use of the table on the side of it. That's a lot of options for such a small trailer. It's got a wet bath,  kitchen with two burner stove, three way refrigerator, a standard rear awning, and nice windows. The interior finishes are also nice and it would not take much to make this a rolling She Shed. An added bonus in my mind is that the rear entry would allow you to store a bicycle in it and not have to do a bike rack. It's a mini toy hauler!

Perks

has everything the larger models have

ability to arrange sleeping quarters to fit taste

has a wet bath

could store a bicycle in it while traveling.

light enough for midsize SUV

Negatives 

small inside

limited interior storage

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMY-MweKMjk

 

In Tech RV's Sol Dawn  is a new addition to the lightweight towable world. Last year In Tech RV made a big splash with their Luna model. These folks know how to design and choose finishes. The Dawn looks like a sleek European rail car. The windows are huge and like the Ascape, the front bed has options for how you want to use the space. You can create two twin beds or one large bed across the front while maintaining the option of keeping the table in place. I normally don't like a floor plan where the booth becomes the bed and the table needs to be removed or lowered at night in order to make up the bed but, I would make an exception in this case. The area designated for the booth and sleeping area is very deep but there is still the feeling of plenty of floor space. The windows are just one of  the show stoppers in this RV. They are large and come with nice shades. The kitchen is in the rear and offers a two burner propane stove with steel grates and a glass cover for added counter space. It also has a beautiful, deep,