Toy hauler travel trailers have grown exponentially in popularity over the last few years. These trailers combine a living compartment with a bay for hauling “toys” like dune buggies, motorcycles, ATVs, kayaks, hunting gear and whatever else you need for your favorite sports and activities. Usually the living space is in the front of the trailer and the garage space is in the back, with a ramp for easy loading and unloading.A toy hauler is kind of like having a garage built right into your camper. However, not all toy haulers are created alike. We’ve done the research and found the best lightweight toy hauler trailers on the market today.
What are the best lightweight toy hauler travel trailers?
For this article, we are defining “lightweight” as a toy hauler trailer weighing less than 7,500 pounds. This weight helps you keep within most passenger vehicle’s safe towing limit so you can tow your toy hauler with confidence, even when it’s loaded with your gear and “toys”. All of these toy haulers can be towed safely with all but the smallest SUV. After all, most people don’t want to have to buy a truck as well as the trailer, just so they can have a vehicle that can tow the trailer. In addition to their weight, our top choices for lightweight toy haulers, listed below, are selected for their combination of comfort, amenities and carrying capacity.
1. VRV XTR 614
The VRV XTR 614 is our overall choice for the best small and light toy hauler on the market today. The well-designed, rugged toy hauler can carry up to 4,900 pounds of gear and toys, which is more than it’s unloaded weight. Its 76″ x 11″ cargo bay has plenty of room for most anything you want to bring with you and is big enough to hold two adult four-wheelers.
This toy hauler focuses more on hauling than comfort. However, that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its share of creature comforts. The VRV XTR 614 includes a decent-sized bathroom, complete with a 36″ x 28″ shower, a stainless steel sink and a residential-grade, ceramic toilet.
The mechanicals on the VRV XTR 614 include a 19,000 BTU furnace and a 9,200 BTU air conditioning system.
The downside on this trailer, for us, is that there isn’t any kitchen equipment included in the standard package. However, if you want to sacrifice the garage space, the 614’s 50-amp electrical system will handle most appliances. If you only plan to cook occasionally in the trailer, a microwave might be a better solution.
The 2020 VRV XTR 614 sleeps up to four people, measures 14.6″ L x 112″ H x 78″ W and weighs 2,800 pounds empty.
2. 2020 Jayco Octane Super Lite 161 Travel Trailer
©Jayco
With the Octane Super Lite 161 travel trailer, Jayco decided to go for height rather than length. This travel trailer, while still relatively light, is just 20′ 8″ long, but at 10′ 8″ high is taller than most similar travel trailers. We also like its comfortable living space and amenities. The Octane Super Lite 161 features a 8′ long garage that will carry up to 2,800 pounds.
The living quarters are small, but comfortable, with a bathroom that features a tub/shower and a ceramic toilet (no sink) and an “L”-shaped kitchen area with a large, eight-cubic-foot refrigerator, large countertops and a two-burner cooktop. In addition to the permanent, double bed, the table in the garage area folds down into a two-person bed. You can also add a hydraulic queen bed that lowers from the ceiling. Mechanicals on the 2020 Jayco Octane Super Lite 161 include a 13,500 BTU, roof-mounted air conditioning unit and an auto-ignition furnace to keep you comfortable, even on long trips. Other options include an 11″ awning, a ramp patio and a 40-gallon fuel station.
©Jayco
We like the little, unexpected extras on the Octane Super Lite 161, like the Goodyear, best-in-class tires and wheels; the large, double-door refrigerator and the standard warranty, which is double the industry aveage.
To us, the only downsides of the Octane Super Lite that you’ll need an extra high garage to store it and its 30-amp electrical system, which is less than the 50-amp system that’s included on several trailers on our list.
You can take a virtual tour of the Jayco Octane Super Lite 161, filmed at the National RV Show, on YouTube.
The 2020 Jayco Octane 161 Super Lite sleeps up to four people, measures 20′ 8″ L x 128″ H x 102″ W, weighs 4,724 pounds empty and has an MSRP of $31,538.
3. 2020 InTech Flyer XLT + Explorer Lightweight Toy Hauler
©InTech RV
We think the tiny, lightweight In Tech Flyer XLT + Explorer is adorable. However, we have to concede that it probably appeals to a very select market. For one thing, there’s no water. That means no fresh water storage tank, no sink and no bathroom. However, this trailer, made with an aluminum frame, is surprisingly spacious and can sleep up to six people, depending on the options you choose. It can carry up to 1,590 pounds of gear and equipment.
For comfort, there are a number of standard and optional features, including the optional exterior kitchenette with a two-burner propane stove, 120-volt cooler/refrigerator and small storage compartment. The “kitchen” slides out from the main trailer. There is a rooftop tent option, an option for a pull-down sofa bed inside and, our favorite, the “add-a-room” tent option. This tent, which attaches to the rear of the trailer effectively doubles the living space. The best part, not only don’t you have to climb up on the roof to sleep, but the air conditioning system cools the tent as well as the trailer. You can really configure this trailer however is best suited to your toys and your travel needs. All configurations have ample built-in storage.
The InTech Flyer XLT + Explorer has two windows, one on each side, with screens plus a roof vent. There’s also an optional screen for the door, for additional ventilation.
We particularly like the high-tech features, like the built-in tool recharger that uses Zamp Solar technology and the built-in Bluetooth stereo with speakers.
While not for everyone, we think the InTech Flyer XLT+ Explorer is a nifty little trailer. You can take a virtual peek at this trailer on YouTube.
The 2020 InTech Flyer XLT + Explorer lightweight toy hauler sleeps up to four people, measures 13.9′ L x 7.8′ H x 7.11′ W, weighs 1,400 pounds empty and has an average MSRP of $17,787.
4. Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.6
With a dry weight of just 1,606, the Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.6 is the lightest toy hauler on our list. Don’t be deceived, however; this trailer can carry up to 1,992 pounds. The NB 10.6 trailer is really more about storage than anything else. The storage area here is 5′ x 6′ 10″, which will accommodate most kayaks, ATVs and motorcycles.
This trailer lacks inside sleeping space and a bathroom, and there are few amenities included. It does include a three-person tent that attaches to the roof rack system, with a maximum capacity of 500 pounds total. The NB 10.6 is a nice step up from primitive camping, but RV enthusiasts will probably find this trailer a little lacking.
One concession to comfort in the No Boundaries NB 10.6 is the outdoor kitchen, with a two-burner, fold-down stove, a 30-gallon fresh water tank and a built-in cooler/refrigerator. There’s also an optional 280-degree batwing awning that pulls out to cover the kitchen and will keep your outdoor eating area out of the rain. For a quick nap, there are optional foam cubes for the storage area that can be configured as a couch. There also an option for a flat-screen, wall-mounted television set to help entertain you on the road.
No heating or cooling system is included in the standard package for the NB 10.6, but both can be added as options.
The Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.6 is also a 2000 best lightweight toy hauler pick by Camping Guide.org. You can take a virtual tour of the NB 10.6 in this YouTube video from the manufacturer.
The Forest River No Boundaries NB 10.6 has no inside sleeping compartment, measures 13′ 9″ L x 7′ 5″ H x 88″ W, weighs 1,606 pounds empty and has an MSRP of $17,844.
5. KZ RV Escape E180th
©kz-rv.com
We like the KZ RV Escape E180th edition for its affordable price, its versatility and its hauling capacity. This trailer features a aluminum and fiberglass construction as well as a carrying capacity of 1,710 pounds, a 9′ long garage and a small, but efficient living space, not to mention AC and a bathroom. Creature comforts here include a permanent set of bunk beds at the front of the trailer and a flip out sofa bed that sleeps an additional two persons. There’s also a full bathroom, albeit a rather small one, and a small refrigerator and two-burner cook-top.
Other features of the KZ RV Escape E 180th edition include a 8,000 BTU cooling system, a 20,000 BTU furnace and a 38-gallon fresh water tank. You can also opt for a 13′ awning that pulls out over the door area and creates a nice, shaded space to dining or relaxing with friends.
While this trailer doesn’t have a massive hauling capacity, it can stow most of your smaller toys and give you a nice home base when traveling.
You can take a virtual tour of the KZ RV Escape E180th, filmed at the National RV Show.
The 2020 KZ RV Escape E180th sleeps up to four people, measures 2.17′ L x 8.92′ H x 7.5′ W, weighs 3,290 pounds empty and has an MSRP of $15,995.
6. ATC aluminum toy hauler 8.5′ x 30′
© ATC ALuminum Toy Hauler
While this ATC toy hauler is a little more pricey than some of the others on our list, the aluminum construction is not only lightweight, but virtually waterproof. It’s also not subject to rust like other types of construction. One important note: while ATC aluminum trailers are more expensive than many other similarly-sized trailers, they tend to hold their value better and generally have a higher resale value.
This ATC trailer has a nice bathroom, with cabinets, a full-length mirror, a tall shower and a toilet. The kitchen boasts a two-burner cooktop, a cooler and extra cabinets. There’s a 100 gallon fresh water tank to support the bath and kitchen. It’s important to note that this trailer doesn’t have a bedroom. That’s how they find the room for the bath and kitchen.
We particularly like this trailer’s ample storage and its track system that allows you to rearrange the furniture to best suit your needs.
The 30′ trailer is designed to haul up to 6,400 pounds of gear and equipment. If the 30′ trailer is too big or too expensive for your needs, ATC also makes a 20′ model that is 500 pounds lighter and about $3,000 less expensive.
You can take a virtual tour of the ATC aluminum toy hauler 8.5′ x 30′ by watching this YouTube video.
The 2020 ATC aluminum toy hauler measures 30′ H x 11′ H x 8.5′ W, weighs 5,000 pounds empty and has an average MSRP of $41,530.
7. 2020 Forest Run River Rockwood GEO Pro G16th
The 2020 Forest Run River Rockwood GEO Pro G16th is the only lightweight toy hauler in Forest Run’s GEO Pro line. It’s actually as much a tiny house as it is a toy hauler. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t accommodate a good number of your toys. The GEO Pro G160th can carry up to 1,688 pounds of cargo, making it ideal for motorbikes and four-wheelers. Empty, it’s just 2,842 pounds, quite a bit lighter than many of our other picks. The garage is 104″ X 60″, which takes up the majority of the space, but you can reconfigure the space into more of a living area when you reach your destination.
Inside, the GEO Pro G16th is equipped with a 20,000 BTU furnace, 37-gallon fresh water tank, two fold-down beds/couches, an entertainment center and a bath with a shower and toilet. It also has a three-way refrigerator (the type that will run on various, different power sources) and an outdoor gas grill that pulls out from the side of the trailer. An optional awning pulls out to 11″ on the door/grill side.
We particularly like the 100W roof-mounted solar panel and the 1,000W inverter, which can help you live off of the grid while on the road.
The primary downside to the GEO Pro G16th, in our opinion, is its lack of built-in air conditioning. You’d have to add a portable unit for warm weather comfort, which can be a hassle and somewhat noisy. Still, for the money, we like the spacious garage and the amenities on this trailer.
You can take a video tour of the Forest Run River Rockwood GEO Pro G16th in this YouTube video.
The 2020 Forest Run River Rockwood GEO Pro G16th sleeps up to four people, measures 18′ 4″ L x 9′ 9″ H x 88″ W, weighs 2,842 pounds empty and has a starting MSRP of $28,284.
8. VRV XTR 720
The VRV XTR 720 is the larger, heavier version of the VRV XTR 614, but it’s still, at 4,400 pounds empty, much lighter than many other toy haulers. We like this model for the way it combines carrying space and comfort. The 88″ x 120″ garage space is big enough to carry at least most of your toys and the trailer has a carrying capacity of 3,300 pounds.
The cabin area is all about comfort, with a full bathroom that includes a residential-grade ceramic toilet, a shower and a stainless steel sink. The inside kitchen has a 6.2-cubic-foot refrigerator, another stainless steel sink, a two-burner cooktop and plenty of storage. The mechanicals include a 19,000 BTU furnace, a 15,000 BTU cooling system and a 50-amp electrical system.
The only downside we can see with this trailer is its size, relative to most residential garages. Most will need some extra height and width to be able to park it inside when you’re not using it.
The VRV XTR 720 sleeps up to five people, measures 20.6′ L x 112″ H x 90″ W and weighs 4,400 pounds empty.
9. Livin Lite Quicksilver 7×18 FK
The sleek Livin Lite Quicksilver 7×18 FK is very similar to the VRV XTR 720 with two notable differences. This trailer has a smaller garage space (at 6′ 7″ x 8′) and a larger carrying weight (at 3,680 pounds). The interior is comfortable, with a fully-equipped kitchen, with a six cubic foot refrigerator and a two-burner cooktop, and a bathroom. with a shower, ceramic toilet and sink. There’s no bedroom, but the trailer has foam “furniture components” that can be put together to make two couches or beds.
The aluminum construction means little maintenance and insures that it will stay looking like new for years to come without any rust. The mechanicals on the Livin Lite Quicksilver 7×18 FK include a 50-amp electrical system and a 50-gallon fresh water tank.
We like this trailer because it’s two feet longer than the VRV XTR 720, so you have more room to relax and spread out. We also like the special storage units and hooks for fishing equipment and water sports equipment.
The few downsides we see to this trailer is that the standard package doesn’t come with a furnace or cooling system. You have to add these on as (pricey) options. In addition, like the VRV XTR 720, this trailer’s height will prevent it from fitting into most residential garages.
You can take a brief tour of this toy hauler trailer with this YouTube video, posted by “RV Living” magazine.
The 2020 Livin Lite Quicksilver 7x18FK sleeps up to four people, measures 22.3′ L x 9′ 11″ H (with optional AC) x 80.5″ W and weighs 3,320 pounds empty.
10. Lance Camper Lance 2612
Lance Camper’s Lance 2612 does a good job of combining hauling capactiy and comfort. This cute, rounded-end trailer weights just 1,700 empty (due to its aluminum construction), but can haul up to 2,900 pounds of gear and equipment safely. The 12′ long cargo space can easily accommodate one or two four-wheelers or all of your surfing or hunting gear. For creature comforts, this trailer has a built-in wardrobe, a microwave oven, a three-burner propane cooktop/oven and a refrigerator. For sleeping, there’s a queen bed in a separate bedroom compartment, an upper queen bunk that lowers hydraulically from the ceiling and a fold-down single bed/sofa. The standard package includes electric side and rear awnings.
The mechanicals on the 2612 include a 25,000 BTU furnace, a cooling system, a 100-gallon fresh water tank and an optional solar panel on the roof to help you harvest your own electrical power. There’s even a 4K built-in generator and a central vacuum system.
The 2020 Lance Camper Lance 2612 sleeps up to five people, measures 26.6′ L x 8.5′ H x 8′ W and weighs 1,700 pounds empty.
You can take a virtual tour of the 2020 Lane Camper 2612 by watching this YouTube video.
The bottom line
Deciding to invest in a toy hauler doesn’t have to mean purchasing two vehicles–one to do the towing and one to be towed. All ten of our toy hauler picks are light enough to be towed by most SUVs. This will free up more of your money to buy the toys you need to store in the back deck of your hauler and let you get out and enjoy the open road. However, you can see that you have a wide range of options when it comes to picking your specific trailer. Whether you lean towards comfort or more towards storage capacity, there’s a toy hauler trailer that’s right for you.
