Based on our sampling of 20 popular models we estimate the typical travel trailer weight to be 4,384 pounds dry weight and 6,109 pound GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Dry weight means how much the travel trailer weighs without cargo, and all tanks (water, propane, etc.) completely empty. GVWR is the weight you should not exceed once you fill your tanks and add anything else you want to transport inside your camper.
Below is our travel trailer weight comparison table showing 20 of the most popular campers.
| Brand | Model | Floor Plan | Dry Weight (lbs.) | GVWR (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airstream | Flying Cloud | 19CB | 3,852 | 4,500 |
| Jayco | Jay Flight SLX8 | 224BH | 4,500 | 5,500 |
| Jayco | Eagle HT | 264BHOK | 7,410 | 9,995 |
| Grand Design | Imagine | 2400BH | 5,995 | 7,495 |
| Prime Time RV | Avenger | 26BH | 4,832 | 7,580 |
| Forest River | Alpha Wolf Cherokee | 23RD-L | 5,392 | 7,600 |
| Forest River | Flagstaff E-Pro | E19BH | 3,088 | 3,866 |
| Oliver | Legacy Elite II | Standard | 4,600 | 7,000 |
| Winnebago | Minnie | 2401RG | 5,200 | 7,000 |
| Winnebago | Minnie Drop | 190BH | 3,160 | 4,000 |
| Lance | 1685 | Standard | 3,980 | 5,500 |
| Highland Ridge | Open Range Ultra Lite | UT2102RB | 5,495 | 7,400 |
| Crossroads | Volante | 22RB | 5,642 | 8,300 |
| Heartland | Prowler | 180RB | 4,066 | 6,900 |
| Cruiser | Radiance Ultra Lite | 22RB | 5,420 | 7,640 |
| Palomino | Real-Lite Mini | RL-177 | 3,162 | 4,421 |
| Coachmen | Apex Nano | 187RB | 3,034 | 3,800 |
| Starcraft | Mossy Oak | 20MB | 4,240 | 5,250 |
| Forest River | Shasta | 18FQ | 3,236 | 5,000 |
| Keystone | Outback Ultra Lite | 210URS | 4,590 | 6,500 |
Keep in mind that many factors will influence the weight specifications. The longer the camper the heavier it will be. The type of construction will have a significant effect on weight as well as the type of features and appliances inside. Whether or not you have slide outs will affect weight as well.
As stated by Jim over at Camper Report, you can expect on average a camper to weight 250 lbs per foot with tanks filled and your gear. The length does not include hitch length.
Match Your Vehicle Towing Capacity To Your RV Weight
To tow your camper you need to have a vehicle with the right towing capacity. For example, a Toyota Tacoma with a V6 engine and towing package can easily tow a maximum of 6,400 pounds, A Ford F150 can tow up to 8,000 pounds with a towing package.
Most large SUVs can also tow a small travel trailer. The Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Jeep Grand Cherokee are just three of the ones that can tow a camper pretty well.
In some instances, even a car can tow a travel trailer. However, the travel trailer has to be pretty light. The Happier Camper is one such camper that can be towed by a car.
Travel Trailer Weight Definitions
When comparing travel trailer weigh you are going to come across several terms that I have defined below.
Dry Weight aka UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) – This weight refers to the weight of the camper as it is shipped from the factory. The UVW does not include any dealer-installed options, cargo, fresh water or LP gas.
Cargo Carrying Capacity aka CCC – To arrive at the Cargo Carrying Capacity you need to subtract UVW, the weight of potable water, including any in the hot water heater, full LP tank weight, and sleep capacity weight rating (154 lbs x number of sleeping positions) from the GVWR. Don’t forget to also subtract any dealer-added options.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the maximum weight you should not exceed with cargo, full tanks, UVW, and sleeping capacity weight rating combined. Exceeding this weight limit can potentially void your warranty.
Tongue Weight aka Vertical Load Rating – This is the maximum vertical load that your hitch can carry. Before you start to tow make sure you measure your tongue weight. If it exceeds the weight limit consider moving content toward the rear of the trailer. The opposite is also true. If the tongue load is less than the limit move content forward.
Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating (SCWR) – This one is new to me as I have never seen it before. To calculate SCWR multiply the number of manufacturers designated sleep positions times 143 pounds.
How Much Do Travel Trailers Weigh? – Related Questions
How much does a pop up camper weigh?
Pop up campers can vary significantly in weight depending on features. For example, a pop-up camper with a kitchen and fridge can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds, whereas a pop up with minimal features can weight around 500-600 pounds empty. Overall you can expect anywhere from 700 pounds to 3,800 pounds depending on box length and features.
How much does a Jayco Pop up camper weigh?
Jayco has one model of pop up campers called the Jay Sport. It weighs from 1,570 pounds dry to 1,895 pounds dry depending on the floor plan. The GVWR for the Jay Sport ranges from 2,250 pounds to 2,750 pounds.
How much do vintage travel trailers weigh?
An example of a vintage travel trailer weight is the 19645 Safeway. IT weights partially loaded 2,320 pounds. This is a 13-foot cabin travel trailer. You can expect a range of 150-200 pounds per foot length of the cabin only.
How much does a 16 foot travel trailer weight?
On average a 16-foot camper may weight 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Why such a huge range? The weight of the camper is going to vary widely by brand, floor plan, type of construction, slide outs, interior appliances, and construction and dealer-added options.
Conclusion
As you can see by the examples above the weight of a camper can vary significantly. There isn’t one answer that fits all. The same length travel trailer will have different weights depending on how each manufacturer constructs their unit. Materials used (aluminum, fiberglass) will have a huge impact on weight. Interior furniture, appliances, and interior layout will also affect weight.
The most accurate way to determine the Gross Vehicle Weight of your camper is to fill all tanks, add your gear and supplies and take it to a truck scale. There you will quickly learn how much your travel trailer weighs.
Here is a list of 10 campers that we consider some of the best travel trailers that weigh less than 4,000 pounds. If you’re looking for camper trailers under $10,000 check out the 13 Cheapest Camper Trailer.
