In the RV world, 5th wheel trailers have a reputation for being big—which has its pros and cons. On the plus side, 5th wheels usually have roomy interiors, comfortable sleeping space, and a lot of storage and amenities. On the downside, because of their size, you typically need a three-quarter-ton truck in order to tow one (plus the trailer’s length and height can make it intimidating to tow).
But if the latter has stopped you from considering a 5th wheel trailer, we’ve got some good news. There are smaller, lighter 5th wheels on the market. Read on for the top 10 small 5th wheel trailers for your next adventure!
What’s a 5th Wheel Trailer?
Before we go any further, it will help to define what a 5th wheel is. A 5th wheel is a camper that connects to a towing vehicle via a u-shaped hitch inside a truck bed rather than using a standard hitch. The weight of the trailer is put on the drive wheels rather than the tail. This results in less sway on the road and greater maneuverability when it comes time to park the trailer.
There are a few key measurements to consider when purchasing a 5th wheel: exterior length, exterior height, dry weight, and hitch weight. We’ve included each measurement for the 5th wheels on our list. No matter what, do your research to make sure that the trailer you purchase is compatible with your vehicle.
Our Top 10 Small 5th Wheel Trailers
Scamp Lite
Photo credit: Scamp
Scamp is known for their small, aerodynamic camping trailers, so it’s no surprise that the company’s Scamp Lite is the shortest 5th wheel on our list. At just 19 feet long, it’s a maneuverable size yet still comes equipped with a queen size bed and can sleep up to 6 people. It’s also worth noting that the Scamp Lite has the lowest hitch weight of the options on our list: just 400 pounds!
Exterior Length: 19′
Exterior Height: 8′ 10”
Dry Weight: 2200–2800 lbs
Hitch Weight: 400
Sleeps: 6
Winnebago Micro Minnie
Photo credit: Winnebago
Although Winnebago is known for their outsized rigs, the company also offers some smaller RVs. The Micro Minnie 5th wheel has three floorplans, but no matter which one you choose, they’re all the same exterior length: 26 feet, 9 inches. Inside you’ll find a spacious galley with a stainless steel sink, double-door fridge, and a 3-burner cooktop.
Exterior Length: 26′ 9″
Exterior Height: 11′ 5″
Dry Weight: 5640–5780 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1060–1140 lbs
Sleeps: 4–5
Escape 5.0
Photo credit: Escape
The Escape 5.0 has some of the retro streamlined styling you see in Scamp’s 5th wheel. It’s also the second smallest 5th wheel on our list and one of the easiest to tow and park. Its features include a compact galley with a flush-mount two-burner stove, fridge, stainless steel sink, and enclosed bathroom with shower.
Exterior Length: 21′ 2″
Exterior Height: 10′ (including TV antenna)
Dry Weight: 3910 lbs
Hitch Weight: 646 lbs
Sleeps: 4
KZ Sportsmen 231RK
Photo credit: KZ
KZ has a few models in their Sportsmen line from 24′ 5″ to 35′ 4″ in length. The 231RK is the shortest 5th wheel in the line-up. It has a rugged exterior and luxurious interior complete with a queen size bed, sofa, and bathroom. Potential upgrades include a fireplace and theater-style seating.
Exterior Length: 24′ 5″
Exterior Height: 11′ 11″ (including AC unit)
Dry Weight: 5360 lbs
Hitch Weight: 790 lbs
Sleeps: 5
Northwood Fox Mountain 235RLS
If you’re looking for a small 5th wheel that will fit a larger family, the Fox Mountain 235RLS is a good bet. At just under 28 feet long, it’s still smaller than the average 5th wheel trailer, but it can sleep up to 6. Standard features include a queen size mattress, USB charging ports, bathroom with glass shower door and garden tub, and stainless steel appliances.
Exterior Length: 27′ 10″
Exterior Height: 12′ 9″
Dry Weight: 6831 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1930 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Grand Design Reflection 150 240RL
Photo credit: Grand Designs
The sleek finishes and comfortable interior of Grand Design’s 240RL might make you forget you’re camping. The roomy galley includes a stainless steel sink, glass cooktop, and extended counterspace to give you extra room to cook. Also includes a queen size bed, enclosed shower with skylight, u-shaped dinette, and a sofa with theater-style seating.
Exterior Length: 29′ 11″
Exterior Height: 12′
Dry Weight: 7691 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1222 lbs
Sleeps: 4
Palomino Puma 255RKS
Photo credit: Cheyenne Camping Center
If you’re looking for one of the newest 5th wheels with modern features, consider Palomino’s 2021 model of the Puma 255RKS. It’s a great, smaller 5th option for families or larger groups because it sleeps up to 6 and has two kitchens: an interior and outdoor kitchen. It also has a Bluetooth soundbar stereo, LED interior lighting, 39″ LED TV, and an electric fireplace.
Exterior Length: 28′ 5″
Exterior Height: 12′ 2″
Dry Weight: 6754 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1102 lbs
Sleeps: 6
CrossRoads Cruiser Aire CR-24RL
Photo credit: CrossRoads
This model of CrossRoads Cruiser Aire makes the most of its smaller size. Despite being one of the shorter 5th wheels on our list, it can sleep up to 6 people. It’s also the only camper on the list that has a king size bed! Also inside, you’ll find a well-equipped galley with a fridge, microwave, stainless steel farmhouse sink, and gas oven.
Exterior Length: 28′ 1″
Exterior Height: 12′ 5″ (including AC unit)
Dry Weight: 6948 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1250 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Keystone Laredo Super Lite 255SRL
Photo credit: Keystone
Keystone’s Laredo Super Lite 5th wheels offer plenty of luxury in a small space. It includes a queen size bed plus two additional beds to accommodate up to 6 people. The L-shaped kitchen is both compact and convenient, and you can relax in the rear living room with optional theater-style seating.
Exterior Length: 27′ 6″
Exterior Height: 12′ 8″
Dry Weight: 7113 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1375 lbs
Sleeps: 6
Forest River Rockwood Ultra Lite 2442 BS
Photo credit: LazyDays RV
In Rockwood’s Ultra Lite 2021 model, the interior was designed to maximize the size of the bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom has a king size bed option, while the bathroom includes a spacious 48 x 30″ shower. The compact living space includes a galley, bar-top seating for two, and a small sofa.
Exterior Length: 28′ 11″
Exterior Height: 13′ 1″
Dry Weight: 7950 lbs
Hitch Weight: 1252 lbs
Sleeps: 4
Looking for a camper that’s even smaller? Check out our post on 7 awesome micro campers!
