Are you looking for a new small travel trailer or want to know your current camper’s weight? It’s important to know the weight of a small travel trailer for safe towing. This guide will give you the key info on small travel trailer weights.
It covers everything from the main factors that affect trailer weight to the average weights of popular models. You’ll learn how to pick the right lightweight camper for your trips. Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with confidence, knowing all about small travel trailer weights.
Understanding the Weight of a Small Travel Trailer
Small travel trailers come in different weights. Knowing what affects their weight is key. This helps you pick the right one and make sure your tow vehicle can handle it.
Factors Affecting Travel Trailer Weight
Several things influence a small travel trailer’s weight:
- Size of the travel trailer: Bigger trailers weigh more.
- Design of the travel trailer: The materials and build affect its weight.
- Features and amenities: Things like water tanks and generators add weight.
- Water and liquids: The weight of water and other liquids matters too.
- Gear and accessories: Your personal items and camping gear also add to the weight.
Knowing these factors helps you understand a trailer’s weight. This way, you can pick the right one for your tow vehicle.
| Trailer Type | Average Dry Weight | Average GVWR |
|---|---|---|
| Small Utility Trailer | 1,100 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Pop-up/Teardrop/Small Camper | 1,800 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Travel Trailer | 6,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs |
Understanding what affects a small travel trailer’s weight helps you make a smart choice. It’s important to stay within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for safety and best performance.
Weight Terminology and Definitions
It’s important to know the terms used for travel trailer weights when picking the right one for you. Let’s look at some key terms you should get to know:
Key Terms to Know
- Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): This is the trailer’s weight right from the factory, without any extra stuff, fluids, or people.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the most your trailer can carry safely, found by subtracting the UVW from the GVWR.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the top weight your trailer can be when fully loaded, including the trailer, cargo, fluids, and people.
- Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The highest weight each axle of the trailer can safely carry.
- Tongue Weight: The force the trailer’s coupler puts on the tow vehicle’s hitch.
- Payload Capacity: The heaviest weight the trailer can carry safely, including people, cargo, and fluids.
- Axle Ratio: The ratio of teeth on the ring gear to the pinion gear in the trailer’s axle.
- Hitch Weight Rating: The heaviest weight the tow vehicle’s hitch can safely hold.
- Net Carrying Capacity (NCC): The heaviest weight the trailer can carry safely, found by subtracting the UVW from the GVWR.
- Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating (SCWR): The heaviest weight the trailer’s sleeping area can safely hold.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): The heaviest weight the tow vehicle and trailer can be when fully loaded with people, cargo, and fluids.
Knowing these terms will help you pick a travel trailer that fits your needs and ensures a safe trip.
Average Weights of Small Travel Trailers
Small travel trailers can weigh from 1,000 to 8,500 pounds. The size and length of the trailer affect its weight. For example, teardrops and pop-ups weigh between 1,200 and 4,000 pounds. Larger travel trailers can be as heavy as 2,200 to 8,500 pounds.
Here’s a look at the average weights of different small travel trailers:
- Pop-up campers usually weigh 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. Smaller ones are about 1,000 pounds, while bigger ones are over 2,000 pounds.
- Teardrop trailers typically weigh one to two tons (2,000 to 4,000 pounds). They range from 880 pounds to 3,010 pounds.
- General small travel trailers have an average dry weight of about 5,200 pounds. Loaded with gear and water, they add another 1,500 pounds.
Knowing the typical weights of small travel trailers helps you pick the right one for your car. This ensures a smooth and fun camping trip.
| Trailer Model | Dry Weight | Gross Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Vistabule Teardrop Trailer | 1,330 lbs | 2,200 lbs |
| Meerkat Teardrop Trailer | 880 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Taxa Outdoors TigerMoth Teardrop | 1,800 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
| Happier Camper Teardrop | 1,100 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Timberleaf Teardrop | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Little Guy Max Teardrop | 3,010 lbs | 4,200 lbs |
How much does a small travel trailer weigh?
A small travel trailer’s weight can vary a lot. It usually weighs between 1,100 to 3,500 pounds when empty. But, it can be much heavier when it’s full of water, gear, and supplies.
Many things can change how heavy a small travel trailer is. Its size, design, what it’s made of, and its features all play a part. Smaller trailers are usually lighter, while bigger ones with more features can be much heavier.
It’s important to know how much your small travel trailer weighs and how to load it right. This ensures a safe and fun trip. By understanding the weight and what affects it, you can pick the right vehicle for towing. And you’ll make sure your trailer stays within safe limits.
| Trailer Type | Dry Weight Range | GVWR Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Utility Trailers | 1,100 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Pop-up/Teardrop/Small Campers | 1,800 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Travel Trailers | 6,000 lbs | 8,500 lbs |
Knowing about the weight range and what affects it helps you make smart choices. You can pick the right vehicle for towing. And you’ll keep your small travel trailer safe within its limits.
Popular Small Travel Trailer Models and Weights
There are many small travel trailers out there, each with its own weight. Knowing these weights helps you pick the right trailer for your car and your needs.
Teardrop trailers weigh between 1,200 and 3,000 pounds. They are light and easy to move around. Pop-up campers weigh from 1,400 to 4,000 pounds. They offer more space and comforts but are still not too heavy.
Here are some popular small travel trailer models and their weights:
- Jayco Hummingbird: 2,200 lbs
- Coachmen Clipper: 1,500 lbs
- Aliner Classic: 2,500 lbs
| Model | Dry Weight (lbs) | GVWR (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Little Guy Off-Road Max | 3,450 | 4,500 |
| Scamp Trailer | 1,200 – 1,500 | 2,500 |
By looking at these popular small travel trailer models, you can pick one that fits your car well. This makes sure your camping trips are safe and fun.
Conclusion
The weight of a small travel trailer can vary a lot, usually between 1,100 to 3,500 pounds without anything inside. It’s important to know what affects the weight and the terms used for it. This knowledge helps make sure you have a safe and fun trip.
Looking into the weight of different small travel trailers is a good first step for your outdoor adventures. Knowing your trailer’s weight is key for your vehicle’s towing ability, fuel use, and safety. Picking the right weight for your needs lets you enjoy camping more and explore with confidence.
When picking a small travel trailer, think about what your vehicle can handle. Consider the trailer’s weight plus your gear, supplies, and any extra people or pets. By thinking about the trailer’s weight, you can have a smooth trip. This lets you enjoy making memories on the road.
