Best Travel Trailers Under 5,000 lbs for Half-Ton Trucks
You don’t need a diesel truck to tow a comfortable camper. Plenty of well-built travel trailers stay under 5,000 lbs and fit behind any half-ton pickup or even some midsize trucks.
The trick is knowing which ones are actually under 5,000 lbs when loaded — not just on the brochure.
What “Under 5,000 lbs” Really Means
Manufacturers list dry weight. That’s the trailer with nothing in it. Add water, propane, battery, gear and food and you’re 1,000-1,500 lbs heavier.
A trailer with a 3,800 lb dry weight becomes 5,000-5,200 lbs loaded. So if your truck maxes out at 5,000 lbs towing capacity, you actually need a trailer closer to 3,500 lbs dry.
Rule of thumb: Subtract 1,500 lbs from your truck’s tow rating to find your target dry weight.
Top Picks
Rockwood Mini Lite 2509S
- Dry weight: 4,429 lbs
- GVWR: 6,297 lbs
- Length: 29 ft
- Sleeps: 4-5
Murphy bed in the front, slide-out dinette, full bathroom. One of the best lightweight floorplans for couples who want space. Aluminum frame resists Texas heat expansion and humidity.
Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE
- Dry weight: 3,560 lbs
- GVWR: 4,995 lbs
- Length: 21 ft
- Sleeps: 2-3
East-west queen bed, full kitchen, no slides. Grand Design’s build quality leads the industry at this price point. Perfect for couples who want a compact rig with no setup hassle.
Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS
- Dry weight: 3,230 lbs
- GVWR: 4,750 lbs
- Length: 20 ft
- Sleeps: 2-3
Front bed, rear bathroom, Jayco’s JK bone frame (integrated A-frame reduces weight). Solid entry-level trailer with good dealer support.
Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH
- Dry weight: 3,540 lbs
- GVWR: 4,600 lbs
- Length: 21 ft
- Sleeps: 4
Bunk beds in the rear, front queen. Great for small families. Winnebago’s fit and finish are a step above most budget competitors.
Coachmen Apex Nano 185BH
- Dry weight: 3,449 lbs
- GVWR: 4,600 lbs
- Length: 22 ft
- Sleeps: 4-6
Bunks, outdoor kitchen option, power awning. The Apex Nano punches above its price with features usually found in heavier trailers.
What to Check Before Buying
1. GVWR Over Dry Weight
Always compare GVWR to your truck’s tow rating. GVWR represents the maximum loaded weight — that’s what your truck actually pulls.
2. Payload Capacity
Subtract dry weight from GVWR. That’s how much stuff you can bring. Under 1,000 lbs of payload means watching every pound you load.
3. Frame Material
Aluminum frames weigh less and don’t rust. Steel frames are cheaper but heavier and prone to corrosion, especially in humid Texas summers.
4. Roof Construction
One-piece rubber roofs leak less than multi-piece constructions. Fiberglass roofs are premium — durable and easy to clean.
5. Holding Tank Sizes
Lightweight trailers often have tiny holding tanks (20-30 gallons). That limits time off-grid. Check fresh, gray and black tank capacities if you boondock.
Dealership Tips for DFW Buyers
North Texas has dozens of RV dealers. Test the trailer’s systems before signing — run the water pump, check AC operation, test all lights and slides.
Get the actual weight on a scale if the dealer has one. Compare to the sticker and the brochure. Discrepancies of 200-500 lbs between published and actual weight are common.
Negotiate during fall and winter. Spring RV show season marks up prices 10-15%. The best deals happen October through February when dealers clear inventory.
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