Fifth wheels make great campers for weekends away or even full-time living.
There are several fantastic small 5th wheel trailers on the market. We thought we’d list five of our favorites:
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7 of the Best Lightweight and Mini 5th Wheels For Sale in 2020:
1. Winnebago 25RKS Minnie Plus
The 25RKS is a revised version of Voyage Lite.
It has expanded in color packages, interiors, and exteriors. It is a very successful small RV fifth wheel.
Winnebago is a leader of small RV fifth wheels, and the Minnie Plus is even better!
You can get this one if you love small fifth wheels with all the luxuries that they offer.
Exterior
The exterior has a T60 diesel pusher, which protects it from bumps and scratches. Other models also have this feature, but Winnebago’s diesel pusher skin is at least two grades higher.
The cap is partially painted on the front. The underbelly has full pass-through storage, and it is larger than most of the other brands. At the nose of the cap, there are gorgeous accent LED lights.
The Chassis is an aircraft chassis made of high-strength alloy. It is lighter and very strong.
They have upgraded to magnetic slam latches, so the doors stay out of the way when you’re working here.
Winnebago is the only manufacturer that uses a Norco Class towing hitch. The chassis has significant structural reinforcements with a 3,000 lb towing limit.
Generally, small fifth wheels don’t have more than a 6-gallon water heater, but the Minnie Plus has a 10-gallon gas and electric water heater.
The wheel also has a flex suspension system that soaks up jerks and vibrations.
One of the best parts about this camper is that many systems, such as stabilizers, hookups, satellite cables, etc., operate on a single push button.
Interior
Most of the RVs, even the largest ones, have one interior color, but Winnebago has at least six!
The design is cobblestone décor. The sofa is full of tri-fold memory foam, and despite being big, it leaves plenty of space to walk around.
The dinette has a free-standing table which also goes down to create an extra sleeping pad for kids and guests. The cabinets run up to the ceiling, and they are all pocket-screwed and glued together.
There are double breeze windows in the corners, and above them are three beautiful LED lights. You find a solid surface countertop and a recessed stainless sink in the kitchen.
There’s also an 8 cubic foot fridge, much larger than other small fifth wheels.
For safety, the control panels are high up, so small children can’t reach there. The kitchen side also has a large breeze window.
The bathroom has a porcelain foot flush toilet, stainless sink, and a nice decorated shower.
The bed is an 80-inch queen-sized, and there are lots and lots of storage around it.
2. Forest-river Impression RV fifth Wheel
The Forest River Impression offers affordable luxury at the lowest towing weights compared to the competitors.
With its unique shape and sturdy construction, it proves to be the symbol of the form-follow feature.
Exterior
There’s a 20-pound propane tank with room for one or two large batteries. The storage compartment has a diamond plate metal to prevent objects from sliding.
You can also get an optional kitchen, a two-burner stove, a spray port for cold water, and a dump sink. All can slide back into the storage. If you don’t want the kitchen, you get a lot of storage for other things.
At the bottom is a standard hookup that can be either hooked to the stove or the outside kitchen. There are four scissor jacks on each corner and a dump hose holder at the bottom.
There is an optional power awning with two outdoor speakers. You need to push the button, and the awning will come out. The awning has feet that can attach to the side or stack on the ground. These feet are very stable and can stand even in the mild winds.
The back, front, and top of the camper are made with one-piece fiberglass. Since the R-pod uses Azdel composite panels, there’s very little chance of delaminating in case of water leaking.
The walls are not wood, so they shouldn’t rot. Azdel also makes the walls lighter than the luan board, but it is very strong and enhances the coach’s longevity.
The camper has a low-profile 13,500 BTU AC. On the top, there’s an antenna, which, unlike other smaller fifth wheels, doesn’t crank up or down.
There’s a six-gallon gas and electric water heater on the front side. While in normal use, you can keep it on electric. When the shower is being used for a long time, you can also switch on the gas.
Interior
You will find the electric box and the battery switch inside the camper. On the above is a 24-inch LED TV, and to the right, you have all the switches to control the lights and exhausts.
The sink is undermounted and round instead of a rectangle. It is stainless and therefore can be easily cleaned.
Below the microwave in the kitchen is a three-way refrigerator that can work on electric, gas, and 12V battery power. To make the fridge a little bigger, you can remove the freezer.
The bathroom is quite large for a small fifth wheel and equipped with everything you need. There’s also a big exhaust fan in the ceiling to eliminate any moisture or smell.
On entering the bedroom, you again find lots and lots of shelves for clothes. The bed size is 60*70 queen size. There are windows on either side of the bed that you can open for a cross breeze.
You’ll never run out of in this camper is the storage space. If you take so many things on your camp and love access to natural air, get this camper without a second thought.
3. Rockwood Ultra Lite 5th Wheel
While weighing just 2,800 lbs, Rockwood Ultra Lite 5th Wheel is also environment-friendly as it uses less fuel.
It can be seen as a combination of modern amnesties and traditional design, which bring you the best camping performance.
Interior
Ultra-Lite has modern residential décor, which looks fabulous.
The ceiling has a 5-inch strutted aluminum vault, not found on many other laminated roofs. It has 2.5-inch aluminum arc sections in the middle to give a 5-inch vault.
The greatest feature of the Ultra-Lite is its one-piece locking Murphy bed. The advantage of the Murphy bed is that you don’t have to make the bed every time.
Overboard cabinetry is right above the dinette. Thanks to the 5-inch vaulted ceiling, the camper can hold extra cabinets.
There are many TV options. Install a 12-volt TV, and it can work on both inverter and battery power.
Another magnificent feature of the Ultra-Lite is the Wi-Fi ranger. It has an inbuilt router and a signal receptor point, giving an excellent mobile-internet experience.
The kitchen is quite small but has everything you need. There are plenty of overhead cabinets which are strutted, so you don’t have to juggle to reach them.
You get a double-door fridge with a freezer inside it. If you want, you can get a bigger fridge, but you’ll have to remove the microwave above it.
Small campers don’t have big bathrooms, but Ultra Lite has the toilet mounted at an angle to get decent legroom.
The bathtub has an aqua view water meter that you’ll never find on any other common-class camper. This is very helpful when you are dry camping, and every drop of water is precious.
Another benefit of having a laminated roof is allowing a skylight for natural light. There’s a medicine cabinet above the sink and an additional cabinet beside the toilet.
Exterior
The walls have Azdel composite panels, which deal with water leaks. It also provides excellent insulation and improved noise reduction.
At the top, there’s an optional integrated solar panel. It is also prepared for a bumper-mount solar panel. It means that you can have twin solar chargers.
Geo Pro is pre-staged to be able to accommodate more batteries, and it has powerful 13,500 BTU AC.
We get an anti-slam entry door with a keyless pad, so you don’t worry about losing your keys.
The steps are stable and adjustable to the extent that is only found in high-end luxury fifth wheels.
The nose cap wraps over the roof instead of sticking to the top. This helps prevent the termination where the roof ends and the front wall begins.
If we have to select the best features of Ultra-Lite, then it will be the locking Murphy bed, Wi-Fi ranger, and dual solar systems. Another striking feature is its water-saving technology. If you find these features appealing, you should get this camper for your next adventure.
4. Coachmen Chaparral Lite 25MKS
Coachmen have been putting well-respected RVs on the road since their inception in 1964, giving them a legacy that few can beat.
Despite now being part of the larger Forest River family, they can still produce RVs true to the Coachmen brand.
The 25MKS is one of the few lightweight 5th wheels that can keep its GVWR under 10,000 lbs.
- GVWR: 9,800 lbs
- Empty Weight (UVW): 7,549 lbs
- Cargo Capacity: 2,251 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 1,307 lbs
- Exterior Length: 29′ 3″
- Exterior Height: 11′ 10″
- Freshwater capacity: 40 gal
- Gray water capacity: 33 gal
- Blackwater capacity: 33 gal
The smallholding tanks might be offputting to some, but given that users must make sacrifices to reduce the size of a wheel, this might be expected.
It’s unlikely to be much of an inconvenience to most users unless you’re an avid boondocker or tend to keep away from larger resorts with full hookups.
If the floor plan of the 25MKS is not for you, then there are a full 8 unique floorplans you can pick from within the Lite lineup. All of which keep the GVWR well under 12,000 lbs.
I’m a big fan of the Coachmen and the Lite 5th wheels, and I’m confident that you’ll be able to find something to meet your specific needs.
5. Escape 5.0TA
Quite possibly the smallest 5th wheel camper for sale on the market, the Escape 5.0TA 5th wheel is a lightweight option that might tick all your boxes.
The Escape 5.0TA small 5th wheel is unlike every other 5th wheel.
While most 5th wheels are lumbering giants that exceed 30 feet in length, this little 5th wheel comes in at under 21 feet in length and just a bit over 5,000 lbs GVWR.
- GVWR: 5,500 lbs
- Dry Weight: 3,810 lbs
- Hitch Weight (Dry): 630 lbs
- Exterior Length: 21′ 2″
- Exterior Height: 9′ 7″
- Freshwater capacity: 28 gal
- Gray Water Capacity: 28 gal
- Black Water Capacity: 30 gal
It’s probably not a great fit for boondockers or those that travel for months, and it’s likely to be a great choice for those looking to get away at the weekend.
You’ll probably want to see this one in person before deciding one way or another.
If you’re looking for the smallest 5th wheel camper, this is an obvious choice.
6. KZ Sportsmen 231RK
Looking down the specs of this small 5th wheel, I see a lot to like.
It’s a contender for one of the best lightweight / mini 5th wheels available to buy in 2020.
- GVWR: 7,000 lbs
- Dry Weight: 6,100 lbs
- Cargo Capacity: 900 lbs
- Hitch Weight (Dry): 840 lbs
- Exterior Length: 25′ 3″
- Exterior Height: 11′ 11″
- Freshwater capacity: 38 gal
- Gray Water Capacity: 93 gal
- Black Water Capacity: 53 gal
Everything about this 5th wheel is great, from its small GVWR to its tank holding capacity and even its small dry weight. However, there’s one catch, the cargo capacity is rather low, in my opinion.
Topping out at 900 lbs is simply not enough for most people who want to travel for any length of time.
Overall there’s a lot to like about this 5th wheel, and if this floor plan doesn’t do it for you, then there are a few to pick from in the lineup. Chances are you’ll find something you’ll like.
Lightweight 5th Wheel Alternatives
Palomino Backpack Luxury Truck Campers
This camper is just nine feet long and is designed to fit in a six-and-a-half box.
This has all the exciting features at a very affordable price.
Exterior
The unit allows two awnings. One is standard, or you can order the other one separately. The standard awning has LED lights on it, and so does the optional awning.
The camper has a Torklift bumper on the back and has large in-built storage. It also has built-in-flip-up steps which can fold while moving.
The camper has remote-controlled power jacks. You can control them both individually or all at once.
You also get one thirty-pound propane tank and a utility shower.
The camper is pre-wired for portable solar panels. They are optional, but you’ll be assured about your battery being charged if you get one.
You get a satellite cable and exterior outlets on the left wall from the back. On the bottom, there are city-water hookups and freshwater tank fill.
You also get a charging point with positive and negative terminals outside. There’s enough space for two batteries in the storage, so you can easily take multiple batteries if you want to.
The fiberglass front cap comes with an automotive windshield and nice LED strip lights. This is optional, and the good thing is that it is a one-piece strutted cap.
On the right wall from the back, you have the fridge and the furnace vent. There’s a porch light, and Palomino is already prewired for a back-up camera.
Interior
You’ll find all the control switches and a battery disconnect near the steps. The steps in this camper are bigger as there’s a heated basement.
This is also why holding tanks in this camper are bigger than normal campers.
This Palomino is Maxx series, so it has extra insulations. You’ll get an insulated window as well as insulated basements. This way, it remains warm throughout the year.
Because of the slide-out, there’s a lot of extra space inside. The dinette table and seats are free-stand and have storage underneath them.
You can drop the table down to create space for an additional bed. Besides the dinette is a nice big window with a pleated shade.
There’s a north-south queen bed with dual steps up to the bed. Right beside it is a nice storage cabinet.
You’ll never run out of space for clothes and anything. There are windows on each side of the bed.
At the headboard is a large windshield that can be covered for privacy. Above is a roof vent with an inbuilt 12V fan.
7 Fantastic Small Camper Trailers with Bathrooms Included:
There are speakers at the head of the bed, and you can maintain a nice reading light. You get access to so many USBs and 110 outlets.
The TV is mounted on the wall, and since it pulls out at any angle, you can see it from anywhere inside the camper.
In the kitchen, you find a big double stainless sink. They come with covers, so you get extra countertop space. There are plenty of cupboards above the kitchen and an inbuilt microwave.
The 3-burner stove has a cover above it to provide even more countertop space, and you also get an oven below it.
The Bathroom is fully enclosed on the side and comes with a foot flush toilet, a big sink, a medicine cabinet, and a cool shower.
You can describe this camper as compact and enough in the most simple words. It is small but has everything you need for an amazing camping experience.
Northern Lite FX RR Truck Camper
It’s a ten-foot-long luxury camper made by Northern Lights. It’s a very hard non-slide camper with northern lights and dry baths. It’s designed for a box size of eight-foot.
Exterior
There are two pieces of modern fiberglass construction. The molded top is one piece, and so is the case with the bottom molded cap.
There are no seams in the camper except for the one in the middle, which runs to the back.
It has a power awning in the back with an in-built LED light to brighten up the patio area near the door.
You also get a roof ladder and a large entry assist handle beside the door.
You’ll also find LED porch and tail lights at the back.
The bumper at the back can be folded up, and a pin to lock it in place. There’s also a hitch back in the rear to put a generator there.
When you flip the step down, you get access to another large storage compartment under the door.
Corner jacks are remote-controlled, and you can operate them individually and all at once.
The dumping at the bottom holds all the black and gray water tanks with pumps and valves. The good thing is that everything is centrally located, which makes it easy to winterize.
On the wall to the left of the back, you’ll find the water hookup and satellite cable.
There’s also a freshwater tank to take water with you.
It has a big battery box that can accommodate at least two batteries.
The windows are acrylic thermal panes and not glass. Acrylic has a good insulating value as they come with an air pocket in the middle. The acrylic makes this camper a full-time camper throughout the year.
On the right side from the back, you have an emergency exit. There’s a side awning with LED lights. It’s not electrical but can be cranked in and out manually.
There’s a slide-out tray with two twenty-pound propane tanks.
Below these tanks is another big storage that can keep a generator. If you’re not taking a generator, you get a very large extra storage.
Interior
The door has a glass shock arm, which means they’ll stay in whatever position you leave them. There’s also a screen door to help you close the camper without losing the light.
The control for your power awning and a battery disconnect switch is right by the door.
Inside the door is the dinette. You can drop the table down to create an extra bed. There’s a big window beside the dinette, and there are overhead cabinets as well.
Right across the dinette is the bathroom. It is a dry bath with a flush toilet, a sink, medicine cabinet. The bathing area is a tub-shower combo.
There’s a kitchen on one side with a big stainless sink towards the front. The sink has a matching cover to provide more countertop space when not in use.
Below the sinks are all cupboards and drawers.
You get a three-burner stove and an electric oven. On the kitchen’s opposite, you have a refrigerator and a microwave oven.
In the bedroom, there’s a north-south queen size bed. You can rotate the TV so you can enjoy it anywhere.
In this Camper, the Northern lights have made no compromise regarding facilities. Most similarly-sized campers sacrifice the microwave, oven, fridge, and AC.
What is the Smallest 5th Wheel Camper?
If there were a prize for the smallest 5th wheel camper, we’d put our money on the Escape 5.0TA taking the winnings.
It comes in at a measly 5,500 lbs GVWR, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a lightweight 5th wheel camper for their next rig.
OTHER 5TH WHEEL ARTICLES TO CONSIDER:
11 Sublime Luxury 5th Wheels: Big & Small
Five Biggest 5th Wheels on the Market
9 5th Wheels That Offer Great Value For Money
