A popular option for families to get away is an RV. But, there are so many models out there that it is hard to tell which ones are the outstanding ones. That is why the RV industry has awards every year to call out those that rise to the top.

We have already covered the awards given out for the Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes of 2021. We’ve also covered the entry-level, mid-priced, and luxury Travel Trailers of the Year. Today, we will go over the award winners for the Lightweight Travel Trailer and Fifth-Wheel of the Year. 

The trailers may be lightweight, but the awards are not

Those that consider towing an RV will often be concerned with the weight of the trailer they are pulling. Of course, the lighter the weight of the trailer, the less strain there is on the towing vehicle. This also leads to better miles per gallon during a trip. So, the awards for the RV News lightweight travel trailer and lightweight fifth-wheel for 2021 are bound to catch the attention of those that put greater weight on their pulling concerns. To that end, the competition judges called out three travel trailers and one fifth wheel model to be recipients of the award. 

2021 Coachmen RV Freedom Express Ultra Lite 252RBS

The Freedom Express Ultra Lite from Coachmen is a travel trailer that has a fireplace, a glass-enclosed shower, and a bathroom sink that is sizeable enough to be equivalent to a residential sink. The RV also has a three-burner stove in the kitchen area paired with a full dinette. The bedroom has a queen bed. According to the manufacturer’s website, the GVWR is 7,600 lbs. 

2021 Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS

The competition judges said that the manufacturer managed to “put big features in a small package” of the Jay Feather Micro 166FBS by Jayco. This travel trailer RV has an outdoor kitchen and is solar prepped. A call out the judges made was the 55-gallon freshwater tank, which is larger than found in many competitors. Also helping with this model’s appeal is the optional roof rack and a GVWR under 5,000 lbs.

2021 Winnebago Micro Minni 2108DS

The Micro Minnie 2108DS by Winnebago hides a split mattress Murphy bed that folds into the front wall. This helps maximize space within the travel trailer. The RV also boasts of extra cabinets and drawers to take advantage of every little space. Yet, there is still room enough for a 71-inch residential style sofa that doubles as a sleeper. This unit has a GVWR of 5,500 lbs as reported on the manufacturer’s website. 

2021 KZ RV Durango Half-Ton 275BHS

The Durango Half-Ton 275BHS by Durango is the only fifth-wheel RV to take home the title of 2021 Lightweight Fifth-Wheel of the Year. RV News said their team of judges like the open space feeling. This fifth-wheel comes in with a GVWR of 10,500 pounds but has plenty included within its walls. There is also a bunkhouse for additional sleep guests. But, it does not end there. The unit provides a theater seating dinette area, a bigger microwave, a fireplace, and is lithium battery ready. These are typically upgrades in many competitors. Overall, it is a well-executed floor plan and worthy of the 2021 award. 

That is it. These are the winners for the 2021 Leightweight category. Three are travel trailers, while the last one is a fifth-wheel model. The listing above should help those that are concerned about placing any undue strain on their tow rig. Or, it can at least provide a starting point through the myriad of lightweight units out there in the marketplace. Happy shopping!