Best Expandable Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs

Expandable travel trailers are the perfect hybrid between a traditional travel trailer and a pop-up trailer. The expandable trailer offers the right balance between needing a travel trailer but still wanting the feel of outdoor camping. Most expandable sides convert to a bed that is open to the rest of the trailer and the walls are made out of a canvas tent-like material. This allows you to have the tent windows open, revealing mesh material, that allows the outside air to flow in. However, you still have the option of running your travel trailer’s A/C and closing the windows, if that is what you prefer. There are many options for expandable travel trailers under 3,500 lbs. Enjoy finding the perfect one for you!

16RBD Explore Clipper Ultra-Lite by Coachmen

The 16RBD Explore Clipper Ultra-Lite by Coachmen has all of the luxuries of a full-sized travel trailer but it is smaller and more compact. The Explore Clipper has a beautiful interior with its rich dark wood finish and faux wood flooring that is easy to keep clean. One of the interior walls has many cabinets expanding the length of the trailer, perfect for storage. On that same interior wall, there is a compact kitchen consisting of a sink, a two-burner stove, and a microwave. Across from the kitchen is a floor to ceiling refrigerator/freezer. Beside the refrigerator is a large floor to ceiling pantry or it could be used as a closet for hanging clothes.

There are two sleeping options in this trailer. Both sleeping options expand out from the trailer. One option is a full-sized bed that can easily sleep two adults. The other bed is a bit smaller in width but it is the same length as the other bed. This bed is perfect for two children or one adult. Both sleep areas expand out of the trailer and are enclosed by breathable tent material. There are two windows on each side of the bed. You can cut the A/C off in the trailer and have the breeze of the night cool you off as if you were sleeping in a tent. When the beds are not in use, they easily fold up and disappear for a tidy looking trailer.

There are also additional features to this trailer that are important to note. The interior of the trailer is large enough to have a sofa, a dining area with two bench seats, and a full-sized bathroom. The bathroom has a privacy door concealing the standup shower, separate toilet, and vanity with a sink. The sofa appears to be long enough for a child to sleep on but it doesn’t fold out to a regular bed. There is also a Bluetooth speaker that can play music either inside or outside of the trailer. Don’t forget about the retractable awning that extends out over the entry of the trailer. It is large enough to sit under to shade yourself from the hot sun.

This trailer is beautifully designed and offers many sleeping options for a family. Please see additional specs about the trailer below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	2,958 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	875 lbs.
Hitch Weight	333 lbs.
Length	18’ 4’’
Height	9’ 10’’
Width	88’’
Base Price	$15,650

Escape E160RBT by KZ Recreational Vehicles

The Escape E160RBT by KZ is a travel trailer with two expandable sides. Each bed can easily sleep two people allowing for more people to sleep in this trailer. There is also a privacy curtain for each expandable bed, creating a more private feel.

There is a full-sized bathroom in this trailer, consisting of a stand-up shower, separate toilet and a vanity with a sink and storage. The remaining interior consists of a kitchen, dinette, and sofa. The kitchen is spacious with plenty of overhead storage, a sink, a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a large refrigerator/freezer. There is additional storage below and beside the refrigerator. The dinette is on the smaller side but the sofa is spacious enough for three people to sit comfortably. Although, there is a cool feature to the sofa. If only two people are sitting on the sofa, the middle seat folds down into an armrest with cupholders. This is a nice feature like a sofa from home.

The exterior also has features including additional storage under the trailer and a 10’ awning. This trailer is perfect for a family or group of friends and can be pulled behind any large SUV or pick-up truck with enough towing compacity. Please see additional specs about the trailer below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	2,690 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	810 lbs.
Hitch Weight	350 lbs.
Length	18’ 10’’
Height	107’’
Width	90’’
Base Price	$16,499

Classic 12 by Black Series

The Classic 12 by Black Series looks like something created for the military. This trailer is perfect for the off-road enthusiast. The Black Series prides itself on its suspension. They have built a sturdy suspension that is meant to be ridden on rough terrain. This trailer also comes equipped with off-road tires. The exterior has a square design that has an extendable tent roof. This trailer is not a pop-up trailer but is an expandable trailer. However, unlike the traditional expandable sides, the roof expands up but just by two feet. This allows fresh air to come into the trailer through the mesh windows. Although, if you do not want the outside air in, the windows can be closed and you can use the A/C to cool or furnace to heat the trailer. There is also one expandable side in the rear of the trailer.

The interior of the trailer can sleep up to three people. There is a double-sized bed, which is the expandable side, perfect for two. There is also one bunk that can only sleep one person. This trailer has a mini bathroom consisting of a stand-up shower with a toilet. There is a sink with plenty of countertop space located outside of the bathroom.

The exterior houses the kitchen. The sink and stovetop slide out from a compartment on the left, rear side of the trailer. On the same side of the trailer, but towards the front of the trailer, is another compartment for storage and a fold-out dining table.

If you like to camp off the grid, then this is the trailer for you. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,307 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	2,693 lbs.
Hitch Weight	Not Listed
Length	19’ 6’’
Height	8’ 2’’
Width	7’ 8’’
Base Price	$38,800

CampLite CL11FK by Livin’ Lite

CampLite by Livin’ Lite is the lightest and most compact expandable travel trailer on this list. Even though it is the smallest, it can sleep four people comfortably. The interior is cozy and has warm wood tones throughout the cabin making it feel like home.

As you walk inside, you will see the dinette with U-shaped bench seating. This area can be turned into a double-sized bed. The wall behind the dinette expands out creating a second sleeping area. This sleeping area is also large enough to sleep two people. The expandable side is made from tent material with mesh windows that allow in the fresh air. However, there is an A/C unit that can be used inside the trailer if you do not want the outside air in.

The interior also consists of a compact kitchen including a sink, a two-burner stove, and a 6 cubic foot refrigerator. There is an additional storage closet and overhead cabinets for all camping necessitates. The private bathroom is just large big enough for a shower/toilet combination.

CampLite can be towed by any SUV or truck, with enough towing compacity and is a great trailer for a family of four. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	2,430 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	1,070 lbs.
Hitch Weight	350 lbs.
Length	15’ 7’’
Height	10’
Width	7’
Base Price	$15,800

Vast by Sylvansport

The Vast by Sylvansport is made for the adventurous camper or camping family. This expandable travel trailer is currently taking pre-orders, as it is the newest member of the Sylvansport family. This trailer is a cross between a toy hauler and an expandable trailer. This unique trailer has so many features that make it stand out compared to its competitors.

The Vast is the only travel trailer that I have seen that has a hard-side expandable kitchen. This indoor/outdoor kitchen is what makes this trailer unique. If you would like to cook inside the trailer, you can do just that. There is a full-sized functioning kitchen equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove, and a mini-refrigerator/freezer. However, let’s say it’s a nice night and you would like to cook outside. All you have to do is press a button and the entire kitchen slides down and out of the trailer. You can use the same kitchen outside. There is also a retractable awning that covers the length of the outdoor kitchen for shade.

The rear of the trailer opens like a toy hauler. While towing the travel trailer, bicycles can be stored in the back behind the sofa/dinette. When the trailer is parked, the bicycles can be removed and the seating area slides back to the rear door for extra interior space. This seating area can then be converted to a queen-sized bed. Above the queen-sized bed is another bed that lowers turning the sleeping area into bunk beds. This is plenty of space for four people to sleep comfortably.

The remaining interior of the cabin consists of the bathroom. The bathroom is unique. The toilet is concealed in a separate room with a privacy door. However, to use the shower, the kitchen must be in its outdoor location. Once the kitchen is outside, this area converts to a standup shower.

On the exterior of the trailer, there are additional features including 18 cubic feet of storage located on the front of the trailer. There is also a large window, on the same side as the expandable kitchen, that opens completely. There are no windows on the other side of the trailer. It is a blank wall with a side-mount that is meant to be used to store your kayaks, canoes or other outdoor gear.

This trailer is great for an outdoor camper and has plenty of space for all of your camping gear. You definitely need to check this one out. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	2,500 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	500 lbs.
Hitch Weight	Not Listed
Length	21’ 5’’
Height	9’ 5’’
Width	7’ 9’’
Base Price	$46,000

X17Z Jay Feather by Jayco

The Jayco Company has a large variety of travel trailers, toy haulers, pop-up trailers and motor homes. Their brand is widely known for their upgrades and quality materials and these features carried over to their expandable trailers.

The interior of the X17Z Jay Feather has that feel of home with the beautiful wood features, marble looking kitchen countertops, and stunning grey faux-leather fabric on the couch and dinette benches. The kitchen comes fully equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, two-compartment deep sink, microwave, and a refrigerator/freezer. Above and below the kitchen are plenty of cabinets for storage. There is also a hood above the stove for ventilation. The two-compartment sink comes with a tall, curved residential-sized faucet. Across from the kitchen is the dinette with bench seating. There is also a plush sofa large enough for three people to sit comfortably.

On both ends of the trailer are the expandable sides. Both sides expand out to queen-sized beds. The expandable sides are made from canvas tent material. There are windows on each expandable side that can be opened or closed depending on if you want to use the A/C or just the cool night air for air conditioning. Both sleeping areas do come with privacy curtains.

The last feature in the interior of the cabin is the bathroom. The bathroom is full-sized with a privacy door. The bathroom includes a stand-up shower with a curtain, a separate toilet, and a separate vanity with a sink. Above the vanity is a large mirrored medicine cabinet for additional storage.

The exterior of the trailer has a large 10′ retractable awning. There is additional pass-through storage under the trailer spanning the width of the trailer. There is also an outdoor shower option for hosing off before entering the trailer. This trailer also comes standard with Goodyear tires. Having a set of good brand name tires on a new trailer will keep you from replacing them after 1-2 years after the cheap ones fail.

You can’t go wrong with a Jayco. They are a nationally known brand, offer an industry leading 2 year warranty, and live up to their expectations. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,280 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	665 lbs.
Hitch Weight	375 lbs.
Length	18’ 4’’
Height	78’’
Width	96’’
Base Price	$17,995

G17PR Explore Rockwood Geo Pro by Forest River

The G17PR Explore Rockwood Geo Pro by Forest River has one expandable side in the rear allowing for the remaining interior to have all the features of a standard travel trailer. However even though there is only one expandable side, this trailer can sleep four people comfortably.

As you walk into the cabin, you will see the full-sized sofa to the right. The sofa converts to a murphy bed that can sleep two people. There is also storage on either side of the sofa/murphy bed.

Across from the sofa is a wall-mounted TV that can be angled in any direction. Just below the TV is the kitchen. This kitchen is long with plenty of countertop space. The kitchen includes a stainless-steel sink, three-burner stove, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. There is also plenty of cabinets above and below the countertop.

This trailer does come with plenty of storage. There are several floor to ceiling cabinets and wardrobes for camping essentials.

The rear of the trailer houses the expandable tent side. This area is large enough for a queen-sized mattress. The expandable sides are made from tent material allowing the feel of outdoor camping. However, like many other expandable trailers, there are zip-up windows on either side of the bed allowing for the night breeze to come into the trailer or they can be closed allowing you to use the A/C.

Finally, there is a full-sized bathroom inside the trailer. This bathroom is a bit larger than most. Also, in my opinion, it is configured better than other bathrooms. As you walk into the bathroom you will notice the long vanity that is large enough for two sinks. However, there is just one sink in this model but there is plenty of countertop space if you wanted a second sink.

There is storage below the sink with a mirrored medicine cabinet above. They have also added in a few extras like a built-in toothbrush holder, a bar soap holder, and a hand towel holder. There is also a storage shelf near the ceiling with a roped wall keeping all items in place.

The stand-up shower is very large and has built-in shelves for shampoo/conditioner bottles. Lastly, there is a separate toilet.

This trailer is beautifully designed and has all of the upgrades and features of a traditional travel trailer.

Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,161 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	791 lbs.
Hitch Weight	452 lbs.
Length	20’
Height	9’ 7’’
Width	88’’
Base Price	$18,280

Coleman Light LX 1601EXP by Dutchmen

The Coleman Light XL 1601EXP by Dutchmen is perfect for a large family. This travel trailer has four different sleeping options, ideal for a family or group of seven to eight people. The spacious interior has two separate expandable tent sides, one in the front and one in the rear. Both expandable sides covert to queen-sized beds. There is a privacy curtain for each expandable side. There is also a long, plush sofa can seat three people comfortably. The sofa can fold out to a mattress large enough for two people. Across from the sofa is the dinette. The dining table is surrounded by two bench seats. The dinette transitions into another sleeping area, perfect for two children or one adult.

The Coleman Light has plenty of storage. There are cabinets surrounding the inside cabin along the ceiling. There are also storage units under the bench seats in the dining area and in the kitchen. The kitchen is compact and includes a two-burner stove, a microwave, a refrigerator/freezer, and a wide, deep sink. The sink is extremely wide for a travel trailer and includes a very tall, industrial-sized faucet. This travel trailer also includes a private bathroom. The bathroom consists of a stand-up shower, separate toilet, and a vanity with sink.

If you have a large family or like to camp with many of your friends, this is the trailer for you. There are so many different sleeping areas. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,283 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	1,557 lbs
Hitch Weight	395 lbs.
Length	18’ 10’’
Height	10’
Width	8’
Base Price	$23,936

1650EX Crossfire by Keystone RV

The Crossfire by Keystone RV is another great expandable travel trailer for a large family or group of friends. This travel trailer has two expandable sides and additional sleeping areas inside the cabin allowing for seven or eight people to sleep comfortably. Both expandable sides create queen-sized beds, great for a total of four people. The dinette with bench seating and the sofa both convert to mattresses allowing for an additional three or four people to sleep comfortably.

The interior of this cabin is beautifully designed with its beach feel. The light grey cabinets complement the marble looking kitchen countertops. The sink, microwave, and refrigerator are all stainless steel. The kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner stove. The floors have a natural-looking wood finish. The marble looking countertops continue into the bathroom. The bathroom counter is extremely long with a sink on the end. Below the counter is quite a bit of storage for a small travel trailer bathroom. There is a separate toilet and shower. The shower is a stand-up shower with a tub. However, the tub is small but could be used to bathe a toddler.

This travel trailer has all of the amenities and space for a fun family camping trip. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,459 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	1,241 lbs.
Hitch Weight	470 lbs.
Length	19’ 6’’
Height	10’ 5’’
Width	8’
Base Price	$21,337

Explore Solaire Expandable 147x by Palomino

The Explore Solaire by Palomino is another great option of an expandable travel trailer for a large family.

This trailer has two expandable sides that both convert to queen-sized beds. Both sleeping areas can be concealed by privacy curtains. There are two additional sleeping areas, which are the sofa and dinette. Both of these areas convert into mattresses.

Some unique features make this trailer stand out. One unique feature is the front door. The front door has an option of a screen door. The hard door will stay open while a separate screen door can be used. Another unique feature is the expandable side mattresses. Both mattresses come standard with a heated blanket built into the mattress, great for those cold nights.

This trailer also has a spacious kitchen including a wide, deep stainless-steel sink, a three-burner stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer. Across from the kitchen is the compact bathroom. The bathroom is just large enough for a stand-up shower, a toilet, and a vanity with a sink. There is a privacy door separating the bathroom from the rest of the trailer.

This is an excellent trailer for a family on the go. Please see additional specs below.

Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)	3,073 lbs.
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)	742 lbs.
Hitch Weight	315 lbs.
Length	18’ 6’’
Height	10’ 1’’
Width	96’’
Base Price	$19,998