Aluminum is becoming an increasingly popular building material for RV’s. Most RVs and campers on the market are built with wood frames which adds weight to your journey. Aluminum is significantly lighter and can be beneficial when you have to haul the RV many miles.
RVs that advertise “lightweight” or “ultra-lightweight” are trying to convey a lighter trailer that saves you money in gas when you tow it. It also doesn’t require you to buy a heavy-duty vehicle to get it to your final destination. Aluminum frames are the leading building material for these types of RV’s. Here is a list of 9 RV’s with aluminum frames.
1. Airstream Flying Cloud Travel Trailer
Airstream is a powerhouse company that defines the market of lightweight and durable RV’s. They have been employing the use of aluminum building materials in their manufacturing process since their start.
The Flying Cloud is not the only Airstream travel trailer that is constructed out of aluminum. All of Airstream’s trailers are made with this lightweight material. It has been the staple of the company for decades.
The Flying Cloud trailer for Airstream has at least 18 different layouts, floor plans, and sizes. The one I will use in the general comparison is the 19 foot model with a queen bed.
This table outlines the specifications for the Flying Cloud 19CB model.
| Features | |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs) | 4, 500 |
| Hitch Weight (lbs.) | 550 |
| Unit Base Weight (lbs.) | 3, 852 |
| Height | 9′ 9″ |
| Length | 19′ 2″ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 23 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 21 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 18 |
The Flying Cloud is the Airstream trailer with the most versatility, sizes, and floor plans. This model was made to fit you! For more information on the specifications for the Flying Cloud Click Here.
People have loved Airstream for decades for its quality materials, lightweight towing, and general timeless look! The Airstream is a great choice for any family or individual traversing the country in search of adventure!
Since the building materials have been relatively the same since the company’s start, used Airstream are becoming increasingly popular for people to renovate and continue to use for years to come.
2. Aluma-Lite Travel Trailer
This travel trailer was built to last a long time. Aluminum frames make an RV more durable so it can last you for as long as you need it.
This travel trailer is a part of the Holiday Rambler family. It has beautifully crafted interiors that make you feel at home! Holiday Rambler has been a popular company among consumers for decades and reviewers still sing their praises. These trailers have durability, functionality, and a lighter weight on their side.
With 6 layout options, the Aluma-Lite gives you plenty of ways to personalize your experience.
Here are some basic stats found on the Holiday Rambler website for the 238BHS model of this trailer.
| Features | |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs.) | 6, 160 |
| Length | 9′ 9″ |
| Height | 82 3/4″ |
| Water Heater (Gallons) | 6 |
| Gray Tank (Gallons) | 30 |
| Black Tank Fresh Tank (Gallons) | 30 |
| Fresh Tank (Gallons) | 30 |
It’s important to note that the Gross Vehicle Weight is the maximum allowed weight once the trailer has all its cargo on board. This isn’t an unloaded weight measure.
The Aluma-Lite has been a popular trailer for decades! It’s reliable and lightweight, so it’s not difficult to haul.
The lighter weight trailers seem to cause anxiety for people when they worry about how the wind affects lightweight trailers. The problem has been mainly solved by the physical design and construction of trailers.
They are made to be aerodynamic so that the wind slides past them instead of hitting them straight on and whipping them around. The lightweight trailers are good because it causes less stress on you and your vehicle.
Lighter trailers also help save you gas money because it’s not taking as much juice to pull it up and down mountains and around the twists and turns of windy roads.
3. Livin’ Lite’s Camplite Travel Trailer
The 2017 Camplite travel trailer is known for its use of aluminum in a lot of its structure as well as the physical frame of the entire thing.
The Camplite offers many versatile design options! There are eight floorplans that you can choose from.
In addition, there are even six exterior color options (listed below):
- Crystal White
- Silver Frost
- Light Pewter
- Charcoal Grey
- Victory Red
- Black
There are also eight decor options. You can go wild personalizing this trailer with anything you and your family could want! Camplite wants to make your trailer experience personal and exciting. Designing your interior and exterior can give you a sense of control over the choice.
Here are a few features that the Camplite CL16DBS model has to offer a buyer.
| Features | |
| Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) | 3, 684 |
| Dry Hitch Weight (lbs.) | 390 |
| Cargo Carrying Capacity (lbs.) | 1, 706 |
| Height | 9′ 8″ |
| Length | 20′ 1″ |
| Water Heater (Gallons) | 6 |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 38 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 32 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 28 |
The unloaded vehicle weight is exactly what it sounds like. This is the weight that the trailer was when it was manufactured and delivered to you. This does not include any cargo that was added afterward. For more information Click Here.
As you can see, the Camplite travel trailer is significantly lighter than the Aluma-Lite. This can be from different interior features, carrying capacity of the tanks, and many other things.
The Camplite travel trailer is sleek and modern. It is lightweight and easy to tow. This is a great option for any family looking to save on gas mileage without sacrificing any of the quality.
4. Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite Travel Trailer
The Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite travel trailer from Forest River is described as having a “6 sided aluminum cage”.
This fine RV comes in many forms. You can get it as a Fifth Wheel or Travel Trailer. The fifth wheel options include 4 floorplans and the travel trailer options include 8 floorplans.
These trailers are constantly evolving and are the epitome of luxury and comfort. Their modern style includes comfortable living spaces and spacious rooms (at least as specious as you can get in an RV).
Here is a break down of the features in the Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite travel trailer’s 8327SS model.
| Features | |
| Unloaded Vehicle Weight (lbs.) | 8, 781 |
| Cargo Carrying Capacity | 2, 394 |
| Height | 11′ 4″ |
| Length | 35′ 5″ |
| Fresh (Gallons) | 60 |
| Gray (Gallons) | 90 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 45 |
According to forestriverinc.com, the Cargo Carrying Capacity “is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW.”
It’s important to know and understand the weights presented to you by RV companies. The weights will dictate a safe and enjoyable journey for you and your family.
This travel trailer is harder to compare with the other options because they have a larger capacity to hold things such as water.
If you’re looking for a fifth wheel then Rockwood still has your back. They have luxury fifth wheels made with quality and comfort in mind. The fifth wheels also brag an aluminum frame.
Of course, the specifications outlined in the table above are for one of their travel trailers and not the fifth wheels. Fifth wheels are slightly heaver in almost all aspects. It’s also important to know the difference between a fifth wheel and a travel trailer.
The main difference is seen in how you tow each of them. The fifth wheel is taller because its front lip needs to fit over the bed of your truck. The part that the trailer is actually hooked to is bolted into the bed of your truck.
A travel trailer, on the other hand, hooks straight to the hitch on the back of your truck. It’s not as simplistic as I’m making it sound, but that is the basic design of each.
A fifth wheel makes you feel like you’re adding on to your truck (like a fifth wheel of your car) instead of pulling something that hangs on by a thread.
All in all, the Rockwood Signature Ultra-Lite travel trailer is light and efficient for all your camping and travel needs.
5. Heartland Wilderness 2475BH
Just like all the other trailers that we’ve been talking about, the Heartland Wilderness is lightweight and aluminum framed.
The cool thing about the design of this trailer is the variety of floor plans and their allegiance to specific parts of the country. Allegiance is a strong word, but the Heartland Wilderness has floor plans and styles that are specifically for the West coast. They have other options but some are quite exclusive.
This trailer has beautiful features and practical spaces. On the outside of the trailer, there is a panel that opens up to reveal a drink or food preparation bar. This allows for more space in the interior without sacrificing quality and amenities.
Here are the features and specifications of the Heartland Wilderness so you can continue to explore the difference between each lightweight option I’ve provided.
| Features | |
| Dry Weight | 5, 470 |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6, 900 |
| Hitch Weight | 615 |
| Height | 11.33′ |
| Length | 28.75′ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 52 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 41 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 41 |
For more information Click Here.
This travel trailer is also equipped with queen-sized bunk beds to ensure ample room for your family to tuck into at night. They have a relatively large kitchen, an outdoor kitchen, and can sleep, eight people.
This travel trailer may be just what you need for a family fun-filled adventure with little towing hassle.
6. Grand Design Imagine 2150RB Travel Trailer
There is absolutely no rule that says you have to sacrifice luxury when making your trailer lighter. These trailers are proof of that. We’re adding the Imagine travel trailer by Grand Design to that list of innovative aluminum trailer structures.
The Imagine travel trailer boasts double insulation in its floor and walls to bring maximum comfort in temperature.
The 2150RB model has these features to claim for their own.
| Features | |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (lbs) | 6, 695 |
| Dry Weight (lbs) | 5, 195 |
| Hitch Weight (lbs) | 427 |
| Height | 10.92′ |
| Length | 26.75′ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 52 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 71 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 39 |
For more information Click Here.
Outside of the important dimensions and weights listed above, the Imagine travel trailer is beautiful inside. It has dark hardwood cabinets and a modern design. The deep colors add an air of sophistication with feeling pretentious.
The design helps to minimize the obvious fact that you’re in a trailer and amplifies the comforts of home.
7. River Flagstaff Micro Lite Travel Trailer
The River Flagstaff Micro Lite travel trailer may seem like an ordinary RV from the outside, but it is sleek and modern on the inside. The aluminum framing makes it among the few non-wood-based trailer frames around.
With 10 floor plans available to a customer, there are plenty of design elements to choose from. The most advertised one features lighter cabinets and floors to give it an open feel.
I emphasize the floor plans and variety of design in each of these because I think we fear that we will have to sacrifice the features and look that we want when trying to get a lighter trailer. That is just not true!
Technology has advanced and many professionals have spent months configuring the perfect setup for you with all of the bells and whistles you want and deserve!
Here are important specifications for the Flagstaff Micro Lite 21DS model that involve measuring and changing the weight of your trailer.
| Features | |
| UVW (lbs) | 4, 816 |
| CCC (lbs) | 1, 744 |
| Hitch Weight (lbs) | 560 |
| Height | 10′ 11″ |
| Length | 22′ 4″ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 58 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 30 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 30 |
For more information Click Here.
Along with aluminum framing, the MicroLite travel trailer has aluminum framed beds, kitchen furniture, and storage compartments. Forest River takes pride in their trailers and ensures their quality, durability, and longevity before giving to the customer.
They are certainly proud of their MicroLite and are proud of the experience that they can offer their customers for their lifetime of adventures.
8. Forest River Sonoma
The darker design elements of the 22RBS Sonoma by Forest River create a sophisticated feel for this travel trailer. High-end appliances and meticulously designed floor plans make this a terrific choice for your lightweight trailer buying needs.
It’s certainly not the lightest option out there, but it does come equipped with an aluminum frame.
You reap the benefits of the lighter weight range without giving up any of the quality you expect in a Forest River RV.
The 220RBS Somoma’s specifications in regards to weight factors are compiled below.
| Features | |
| GVWR (lbs) | 7, 655 |
| Hitch Weight (lbs) | 655 |
| UVW (lbs) | 5, 709 |
| CCC (lbs) | 1, 946 |
| Height | 10′ 7″ |
| Length | 26′ 11″ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 56 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 41 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 41 |
For more information Click Here.
The Sonoma has a wide range of options. Depending on what you want, you can get a basic RV with a minimalist feel that has all the essentials or a decked out beauty with the comforts of a home.
The kitchen in the 220RBS model is nice and the setup helps to let the room flow and not feel crowded. Sonoma has something to offer for everyone, so check out their website to see if they have anything that you are interested in.
There is no settling in this choice. You have all the options available to you no matter where you go to buy your RV. Make the choice that will excite you and make you want to go traveling. This doesn’t have to be a hard choice. Find the one you love and life on the road will be a breeze!
9. Dutchmen Aerolite
The Aerolite travel trailer is comfortable, modern, and ushering in the age of technology. They have developed a system called in-Command that allows you to use your smartphone to control different features of the trailer including the awning outside.
With 10 floor plans and plenty of customization, the Dutchmen Aerolite is a great choice for any traveler. The outside is a classic white but the inside is customizable to your specific specification.
Here are the number of based specifications for the 2423BH model.
| Features | |
| Dry Weight (lbs.) | 5, 665 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs.) | 935 |
| Hitch Weight (lbs.) | 747 |
| Height | 11.08′ |
| Length | 28.5′ |
| Fresh Water (Gallons) | 52 |
| Gray Water (Gallons) | 39 |
| Black Water (Gallons) | 28 |
For more information Click Here.
This model is smaller than some of the other options but can be just what you’re looking for! It offers a queen bed in a private room along with large bunks for the kids or guests!
This practical option allows comfort and efficiency. Remember to learn all you can about the weight lingo that floats around the RV world. You don’t want to confuse the unloaded vehicle weight with the maximum carrying capacity of the trailer.
It’s important to know exactly how much you can haul and how much you are hauling. No matter what trailer you choose, there are lightweight options almost everywhere.
It’s a small selection of aluminum-framed RVs but the demand for them is growing rapidly! You will be able to find one that’s perfect for you, your family, and all the needs that all you may have. Happy traveling!
