Finding the best travel trailers under $10000 can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re looking for that perfect blend of comfort, durability, and affordability.

As an avid RV enthusiast and someone who has rigorously tested over 17 budget-friendly travel trailers, I understand the nuances that make a travel trailer truly stand out.

Among the myriad options, the Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer emerged as the best overall.

Its exceptional balance of spaciousness, amenities, and cost-efficiency sets it apart in a crowded market, delivering an unparalleled camping experience for families and solo adventurers alike.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country tour, choosing the right travel trailer is paramount for both safety and enjoyment.

Here’s a curated list of the top contenders that promise reliability and comfort without breaking the bank.

Based on my experience, the top travel trailers are:

  • Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer: Best overall for family-friendly space and amenities.
  • Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC Travel Trailer: Great choice for lightweight towing and fuel efficiency.
  • Sunray 129 Travel Trailer: Excellent for off-road adventures with compact design.
  • Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS Travel Trailer: Top pick for layout and storage in a compact package.
  • Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 145 RB Travel Trailer: Good for those seeking a comfortable interior with essential amenities.
  • Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH Travel Trailer: Ideal for its spacious sleeping quarters and budget-friendly price.
  • Rockwood Geo Pro 19FBS Travel Trailer: Recommended for couples with its cozy layout and modern features.
  • Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD Pop-Up Camper: Best pop-up option for easy storage and setup.
  • The Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH Travel Trailer: A solid choice for families needing a lightweight trailer with a bathroom.
  • Shasta Shasta 18FQ Travel Trailer: Optimal for extended travel with its comfortable amenities and sturdy build.

1. 2020 Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer

2020 Keystone - Springdale 1800BH
  • Price: $9,999
  • Length 21-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,394 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 1,006 lbs.
  • GVWR of 4,400 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 485 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 27-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 30-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 30-gallons
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 6 people
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner
  • 20,000 BTU heater

Keystone is one of the more well-established RV manufacturers with a reputation for infusing value with the high build quality.

With a hitch weight of only 485 pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,400-pounds, the 2020 Keystone Springdale 1800BH is in range to be towed by a half-ton pickup truck, a light-duty pickup truck or even a full-size SUV.

You also have to like the 1,006-pound payload capacity, which means you can bring a lot of your essential gear in the travel trailer, without having to pack your tow vehicle like a sardine can!

The convenient pass-thru storage compartment at the front lets you haul gear to your destination, then gives you an easy place to store dirty boots and other soiled outdoor gear.

Though I must admit the $9,999 price tag is kissing the upper limits of the price range.

Unless there’s a promotion, a clearance sale, or you are a savvy negotiator, the tax and licensing costs might push the overall cost a little over $10,000.

2020 Keystone - Springdale 1800BH Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

The 27-gallon freshwater storage tank and the pair of 30-gallon gray water and black water storage tanks are a really nice touch.

It also means the 2020 Keystone Springdale 1800BH can support a full bathroom, which is somewhat rare in a camper trailer that costs less than $10,000. It includes a sink, a small shower stall, and a flushing toilet.

The freshwater and wastewater tanks also help support the compact kitchen’s sink. It includes a small RV refrigerator as well as a two-burner propane stovetop.

There’s a large dinette table that can also be turned into an additional sleeping space.

The front of the 2020 Keystone Springdale 1800BH houses a queen size bed, which is also somewhat rare in a travel trailer under $10,000.

The aft area has a pair of bunk beds. On paper Keystone claims this travel trailer will sleep up to 6 people, but five if more realistic.

2. Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC Travel Trailer

The 2020 Gulf Stream - Ameri-Lite 16BHC
  • Price: $9,500
  • Length 19-feet
  • Dry Weight of 2,590 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 460 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 330 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 30-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 36-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 36-gallons
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 4 people
  • 8,000 BTU air conditioner
  • 16,000 BTU heater

Gulf Stream is one of the more beloved RV institutions that attracts its own loyal following year after year.

Largely based on an aluminum and wood construction platform the 19-foot 2020 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC only has a hitch weight rating of 330-pounds.

This puts it in range for even a mid-size SUV with a robust tow package installed.

Here again, this travel trailer rides the top end of the price range with a price tag around $9,500.

So, it might just reach over the $10,000 mark after licensing fees and taxes.

Though Gulf Stream does have a habit of overproducing beyond market demand, so if you wait under the late summer or early fall, you might just be able to scoop up a 2020 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC as part of a season-ending clearance sale.

The 2020 Gulf Stream - Ameri-Lite 16BHC Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

On paper Gulf Stream claims this travel trailer can sleep up to four people, but that might be stretching it.

The “Master Bed” is actually a convertible dinette table, that isn’t necessarily comfortable for two adults to stretch out on.

Though there are two comfortable bunks in the back. This makes the 2020 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC a good option for a single parent with two kids, who wants to introduce them to camping in the great outdoors.

There’s a full bathroom in the 2020 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC. It includes a shower stall, a sink, and a flushing toilet.

Both the bathroom and the kitchen sink are supported by the 30-gallon freshwater tank as well as the 36-gallon black water and 36-gallon gray water storage tanks.

This disparity in volume means you can bring additional freshwater supplies with you in an Aquatainer or similar freshwater storage tank for doing things like washing hands and dishes when you boondock or camp off the grid.

The kitchen also has a small RV absorption refrigerator. It was designed to be durable enough to handle the bumpy rigors of driving on gravel roads and staying in primitive campsites.

It can run off electricity from an RV park’s shore power, a generator, or even propane. There’s also a two-burner stove to let you cook small meals inside.

3. 2021 Sunray 129 Travel Trailer

The 2021 Sunray 129 Travel Trailer
  • Price: $9,000
  • Length 19-feet
  • Dry Weight of 1,840 lbs.
  • GVWR of 3,500 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 140 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 21-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 24-gallons
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner

The 2021 Sunray 129 Travel Trailer is a lightweight travel trailer camper and measures in just a hair under 19-feet long.

With a hitch weight of 140-pounds and a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,500-pounds, it’s in range for a full-size SUV or a mid-size SUV with a towing package to move it from Point A to Point B.

The 21-gallon freshwater tank and the 24-gallon black water storage tank are just the right sizes to support a small family for a little off the grid boondocking.

Yet if they aren’t so large that they drive up the gross vehicle weight. For a camper this compact, there’s even a 13,500 BTU air conditioner. 

This rating is more than sufficient to keep the interior cool, even when the temperature outside is hot and humidity soaks the air.

The 2021 Sunray 129 Travel Trailer Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

The interior of the Sunray 129 is the definition of cozy, yet it doesn’t feel cramped.

This is thanks in part to a very thoughtful layout and engineering in the placement of the beds and bathroom features. The toilet is even conveniently tucked into a bench area.

The dinette in the 2021 Sunray 129 quickly converts into a relatively spacious bed.

There’s also additional bunk space for kids. Two average-size adults could fit in the converted dinette.

Though the different seams of the cushions can be a little awkward and overly firm.

If you did want to sleep two people on it, you might want to add an air mattress for a smooth sleeping surface and added comfort.

The kitchen area includes a two-burner propane stove, as well as a modest RV refrigerator.

It’s an absorption refrigerator that can run on propane or electricity, which is nice for times when you want to do a little boondocking.

There’s even a microwave, which isn’t always found in a travel trailer for under $10,000.

4. 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS Travel Trailer

Forest River - Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS
  • Price: $9,500
  • Length 21-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,097 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 708 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 377 lbs.
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 23-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 23-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 5 people
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner
  • 20,000 BTU heater

Forest River has long been a leader in the RV industry. Today they are part of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, which gives them access to high-quality materials, and components as well as cost-efficient manufacturing technology.

This ultimately translates into a friendly price point on a high-quality camper like the 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS.

It has a lot in common with the bigger brothers in the Cherokee Wolf line, which further emphasizes the value of this travel trailer camper.

Yet at just a little over 3,000 pounds in dry weight and a hitch weight of only 377-pounds, it’s light and nimble enough to be towed by a full-size SUV or a light-duty pickup truck.

The 32-gallon fresh water tank is more than sufficient to support the bathroom shower, sink, and toilet, as well as the kitchen sink.

It also has a 23-gallon gray water storage tank and a 23-gallon black water storage tank.

For a small family, this means you can boondock off the grid and without the supplies of an RV park for several days at a time.

Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

The interior of the 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS is very comfortable, yet still compact.

There’s a queen-size bed in the front that serves as the master suite. It also has two bunk beds and a convertible sofa bed in the form of the dinette.

On paper, Forest River claims this travel trailer can sleep up to 5 people, and it’s a claim that holds true in the real world.

The kitchen includes a two-burner stove and a fair amount of storage space. There’s also a modest RV refrigerator that runs on electricity or propane.

Though you might want to also keep a separate cooler for beverages on ice and cold snacks. This will let you maximize the food storage potential inside the RV refrigerator.

The 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS has a full bathroom, which is somewhat rare in travel trailers under $10,000.

The shower stall is arguable large, and there is even a 6-gallon hot water heater, which can let one person take a long shower, or two separate quick showers.  

The 13,500 BTU air conditioner is more than powerful enough to keep things cool inside the Cherokee Wolf Pup.

Though a small battery-powered tent fan will help keep the air circulating so anyone sleeping on the top bunk will get the cool air that tends to pool at the floor.

The 20,000 BTU heater is also plenty warm when the weather turns cold. You could very easily use the 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS travel trailer as a fall to early winter base camp for hunting trips.

Just keep in mind that the freshwater and wastewater storage tanks and the primary water line are not insulated.

So, if you do use it in temperatures under 32-degrees, you’ll want to take measures to keep the on-board water system from freezing up.

5. 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 145 RB Travel Trailer

2020 Jayco - Jay Flight SLX 145RB
  • Price: $9,999
  • Length 16.5-feet
  • Dry Weight of 2,405 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 735 lbs.
  • GVWR 3,140 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 220 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 10-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 19.9-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 19.9-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 3 people
  • 8,000 BTU air conditioner
  • 18,000 BTU heater

Jayco is another RV industry leader that resides under the umbrella of the much larger Thor Industries.

Here again, access to superior materials and cost-efficient manufacturing helps keep the price tag down on the 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB.

Though, there are some trim levels and optional extras available that can drive up the price on this 16.5-foot long $9,999 travel trailer.

So, if you really need to pinch a penny or two, you might want to wait until the inevitable clearance sales in the fall that you see at many RV dealerships.

Especially RV dealerships in the northern United States and Canada, who need to reduce inventory before the snow flies.

With a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,140-pounds and a hitch weight of only 220-pounds, the 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB is easily towable by a light-duty pickup truck, half-ton pickup truck or a full-size SUV.

Even some mid-size SUV’s with a robust towing package should be able to tow this travel trailer safely at highway speeds.

The trade-off in all this lightweight construction and nimbleness is that it comes with relatively small freshwater storage tanks and wastewater storage tanks.

The freshwater storage tank only has a capacity of 10-gallons, which means it can’t even fill the 6-gallon hot water heater’s tank twice!

If you really want to enjoy a hot shower each day, you’ll either need to stay at an RV park that offers a direct connection to its water resources, or you will need to bring extra freshwater tanks with you for washing hands.

2020 Jayco - Jay Flight SLX 145RB Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

The 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB has a convertible dinette bed and a convertible sofa that let two to three people sleep in an L-configuration.

It’s a great combination for a single parent and an only child or a small family with one child.

The kitchen in the 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB includes a 2-burner propane stovetop as well as a microwave, and a refrigerator.

The absorption refrigerator can run on electricity or propane and be designed to be very durable for times when you need to tow this travel trailer over rough bumpy, gravel roads.

There’s an impressive amount of storage throughout the 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB.

Two overhead storage bins in the kitchen let you keep non-perishable foods close at hand, as well as your necessary kitchen equipment.

There’s also a wardrobe closet at the main access door, which is great for keeping dirty boots and coats out of the main living area.

The 8,000 BTU air conditioner and the 18,000 BTU per hour heater in this travel trailer is more than sufficient to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the fall.

With a little underbelly insulation and skirting, the 2020 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 145RB could support a pair of hunters deep into a northern tier October hunting trip.

6. 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH Travel Trailer

2018 Dutchmen - Aspen Trail 1700BH
  • Price: $9,800
  • Length 21.4-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,200 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 651 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 452 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 27-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 28-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 28-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 7 people
  • 8,000 BTU air conditioner
  • 18,000 BTU heater

In 2018 Dutchmen’s production of travel trailers tended to exceed consumer demand.

This means in certain regions of the US, you can find the 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH on a clearance sale at a dealership, or a gently pre-owned model for under $10,000.

With a 452-pound hitch weight and a dry weight of 3,200-pounds, you will need a half-ton pickup truck to tow it down the highway or up elevation. 

The tradeoff here is that the 27-gallon freshwater storage tank and the dual 28-gallon wastewater storage tanks are more than enough to support a modest-size family for several days of off the grid camping.

2018 Dutchmen - Aspen Trail 1700BH Floorplan

About The Travel Trailers Interior

The 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH was engineered to sleep a family or a group of friends.

There’s a convertible queen-size bed in the front of the travel trailer, as well as a pair of bunks in the rear.

The midship dinette also converts into a comfortable bed. On paper, Dutchmen claims you can sleep up to 7 people in this iteration of the Aspen Trail, but I think 5 is more realistic in the real-world.

There’s a full bathroom in the rear of the 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH, which is somewhat rare in a travel trailer under $10,000.

It includes a flushing toilet, a decent size sink, and a shower stall. There’s even enough depth in the tub basin of the shower stall to bath a young child.

The kitchen in the 2018 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH resides along the passenger sidewall of the travel trailer.

It includes a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a large pantry closet. There’s also a modest-sized RV absorption refrigerator that can run on electricity or propane.

7. 2020 Rockwood Geo Pro 19FBS Travel Trailer

Forest River - Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS
  • Price: $9,950
  • Length 20-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,075 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 1,338 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 413 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 37-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 30-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 30-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • 1 power-retractable slide out
  • A mid-size RV kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 4 people
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner
  • 20,000 BTU heater

Here again, we see Forest River throwing its considerable weight around in the travel trailer industry.

The 2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS, is another camper that pushes right up on the $10,000 budget limit, but it has the features and builds quality to truly justify the price tag.

The 413-pound hitch weight and 3,075-pound dry weight of the 2020 Forest River – Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS translates into the need for a robust tow vehicle.

A full-size SUV, a half-ton pickup truck, or a light-duty pickup truck with a robust tow package will be needed to tow this travel trailer at highway speed or up a steep grade.

Part of this sizeable girth is related to the high capacity of the 37-gallon freshwater storage tank and the two 30-gallon wastewater storage tanks.

They play an essential role in supporting the complete bathroom as well as the kitchen sink.

It also makes the 2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS a great option for boondocking trips away from the resources of an RV park.

The front of the 2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS also features a pass-through exterior storage compartment.

Not only can it help you haul gear in the travel trailer rather than in the tow vehicle, but it also gives you a large compartment to keep dirty outdoor gear once you set up camp.

Forest River - Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

A lot of thought was put into the floorplan of the 2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS. Careful placement means that there is a true queen size bed in the front. 

There’s also a comfortable sofa that serves as a bed. This is a great layout for a small family who likes to go RVing.

The kitchen is impressively large for a travel trailer under $10,000. It features a three-burner gas stove, a microwave, and an independent stove.

There’s even an RV absorption refrigerator that can run on propane or electricity.

There’s also an outdoor grill station that can be handy for times when you don’t want the heat of cooking lunch or dinner to compete with the 13,500 BTU rooftop air conditioner.

Another area where the 2020 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G19FBS sets itself apart from most of the competitors in this field is that it comes with a modest entertainment center.

It’s nicely positioned to be easy to watch from both the sofa/dinette couch as well as the queen size bed. That way the whole family can settle in enjoy a movie on a rainy day.

8. 2020 Forest River Flagstaff 176LTD Pop-Up Camper

2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD
  • Price: $7,500
  • Length 17-feet
  • Dry Weight of 1,456 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 793 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 162 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 10-gallons
  • 1 Awning
  • Compact RV kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 6 people

While technically considered to be a popup or expandable camper, the 2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD is one of the most popular, lightweight campers on the market today. 

It’s even light enough to be towed by a midsize SUV, or a robust sedan with a towing package.

There’s even an exterior awning to help keep the sun off you while relaxing outside, complete with a screening area to keep the bugs at bay.

This particular model has a modest 10-gallon freshwater storage tank. It’s meant to support the small kitchen sink for things like washing hands and dishes.

While there isn’t a hot water heater included, there is the plumbing to accommodate one.

It’s a great option for installing an aftermarket tankless water heater. There’s even a 20,000 BTU heater for keeping you warm on a cool summer’s evening.

The 2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD is a great entry level camper for small families that want to explore the great outdoors, without breaking the bank.

Then because it’s so popular, you can potentially resell it again in a few years when your kids are older and you want to upgrade.

2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD Floorplan

About The Camper’s Interior

Despite it’s relatively small size the 2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD has a compact RV kitchen.

It’s conveniently located at midship and includes a 2-burner propane stovetop as well as a durable RV absorption refrigerator.

Depending on where you are staying the refrigerator is designed to run on electricity or propane.

The heavy-duty interior construction and the fact that there are very few moving parts, means the RV refrigerator is tough enough to handle a long life traveling over bumping roads.

On paper the 2020 Forest River – Flagstaff 176LTD can sleep up to 6 people.

It includes a pair of full-size beds, one on each expandable section as well as a convertible sofa bed.

Though in real life it sleeps around 4 adults comfortably, though young children could share a full-size bed.

9. The 2020 Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH Travel Trailer

2020 Coachmen - Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH
  • Price: $8,950
  • Length 21-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,014 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 826 lbs.
  • GVWR of 3,840 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 340 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 33-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 25-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 25-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • A mid-size RV kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 6 people
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner
  • 20,000 BTU heater

Coachmen is one of the more established names in the travel trailer niche of the RV industry.

They have a long-standing reputation for infusing long-term value and thoughtful features into most of their models. You see this in the 2020 Coachmen – Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH.

With a gross vehicle weight rating of only 3,840 pounds, a hitch weight of 340-pounds and a payload capacity of 826-pounds it’s easy to tow.

If you have a full-size SUV, a light duty pickup, or even a mid-size SUV with a solid towing package in its trim level, you should be able to tow this hard side travel trailer with confidence.

The impressive 826-pound payload capacity is thanks in large part to a large pass-thru storage area in the front.

There’s also a lot of overhead storage space inside the camper. If you are going to be loading a lot of gear with you for a trip, you’ll want to make sure to evenly distribute it, so as to help prevent trailer sway problems when traveling at highway speeds.

The 13,500 BTU air conditioner is just strong enough to keep the interior properly cool on hot, humid summer days.

The awning also helps shield half of the 2020 Coachmen – Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH from the sun, which further helps the air conditioner’s performance.

There’s also a 20,000 BTU propane heater, that will keep you cozy for fall hunting and leaf color tours.

2020 Coachmen - Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior         

One look at the floorplan in the 2020 Coachmen – Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH, and you’ll see that it was laid out to appeal to families with multiple children.

The master bed in the front of the camper measures in at a tidy 54-inches by 74-inches, and will accommodate full-size bed sheets.

In the rear there are a pair of bunks that gives each child their own space. If you happen to not be traveling with your children the bunks can easily convert into spacious storage shelves.

The dinette area also turns into a bed that’s big enough for a teenager or a snoring spouse.

The kitchen in the 2020 Coachmen – Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH includes a two-burner stove as well as a sink.

There’s also a mid-size RV absorption refrigerator which is big enough to hold perishable items.

Though if you do have two or three hungry mouths to feed, you might want to also invest in a large cooler for things like cold drinks and sliced cheese.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a large pantry cupboard, and an impressive amount of overhead storage throughout the camper.

It’s enough to let everyone have their own little storage space for personal items without having things intermingling on the shelf.

The rear of the 2020 Coachmen – Clipper Ultra-Lite 17BH also houses the bathroom.

There’s a flushing toilet, a sink for hand washing, and even a modest shower with a shallow tub basin. It’s just deep enough that you could give a toddler a bath.

10. 2019 Shasta Shasta 18FQ Travel Trailer

2019 Shasta - Shasta 18FQ
  • Price: $8,550
  • Length 21-feet
  • Dry Weight of 3,235 lbs.
  • Payload Capacity of up to 1,796 lbs.
  • Hitch Weight of 325 lbs.
  • Fresh Water Tank Capacity of 42-gallons
  • Total Gray Water Tank Capacity of 36-gallons
  • Total Black Water Tank Capacity of 36-gallons
  • 6-gallon hot water heater tank
  • 1 Awning
  • A mid-size RV kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 4 people
  • 13,500 BTU air conditioner
  • 18,000 BTU heater

Shasta is an older RV manufacturer that is making a comeback in the travel trailer niche.

Their 2019 Shasta 18FQ has a floor plan that is designed to cater to young families with one or perhaps two children.

On paper, and in the real world, it’s a great entry level camper that you might be able to get for very cheap at an overstock clearance sale from an RV dealer, or second hand through a private party that is looking to upgrade with their growing family.

Right off the bat the impressive 1,796-pound payload capacity really jumps off the page. This is rare for a travel trailer that’s priced under $10,000.

It’s thanks in large part to an exterior pass through storage compartment in the front.

Just be wise about how you load the 2019 Shasta 18FQ with gear. You don’t want to make it too nose heavy.

There’s a complete bathroom in the 2019 Shasta 18FQ, which is supported by a large 42-gallon freshwater storage tank as well as a 36-gallon gray water storage tank and another 36-gallon black water storage tank.

Here again, these are impressive numbers for a travel trailer that costs less than $10,000.

It really helps if you are the type of RV adventurer who likes to get off the grid for a little boondocking in the great outdoors.

2019 Shasta - Shasta 18FQ Floorplan

About The Travel Trailer’s Interior

The sleeping space inside the 2019 Shasta 18FQ includes a 60-inch by 74-inch mattress in the front.

It’s surrounded on each side by wardrobe closets for his and hers storage. There’s also a large overhead storage shelf for communal items.

The large midship dinette converts into a modest-size bed. It’s certainly large enough to sleep a teenager, another adult, or perhaps two small children.

The kitchen in the 2019 Shasta 18FQ includes a 3-burner stove, as well as a microwave.

This is large and well-appointed for a travel trailer under $10,000. There’s also a heavy-duty, compact RV absorption refrigerator and a lot of pantry space for non-perishable food items.

There is a large, and complete bathroom in the rear of the travel trailer. It includes a flushing toilet as well as a sink and a full size shower stall.

Here again, we find a lot of storage potential in the large linen closet and the medicine cabinet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Better To Buy A New Or Used Travel Trailer?

The truth is that the current crop of new travel trailers on the market today is a little crowded with options.

Yet consumer demand for specific features like a complete bathroom, and the storage tanks to support it, as well as creature comforts like an entertainment center, powerful air conditioning or a complete kitchen all serve to drive up the prices of new model travel trailers. 

In many cases, the final price tag with all the creature comforts added ends up being over $10,000.

At the same time, travel trailers tend to be a common entry-level RV for first-time buyers. Especially for small families.

Within a few years of enjoying the RV lifestyle, many families will upgrade to a larger dual-axle travel trailer, fifth-wheel camper, or motorhome. Then they RV amenities simply grow with their children. 

In many of these situations, the family is happy to part with their travel trailer that might be two or three years old, for a discounted price.

Is Tax And License Fees Included In The Price?

RV dealerships and most private sellers will not include things like taxes and license fees in the initial price they offer.

So, even if the ad or the sticker says that the travel trailer is under $10,000, you might end up paying a few hundred dollars more once all the ink on the fine print dries.

Should I Rent A Travel Trailer Before Buying?

Many RV dealerships and even a few rental agencies offer travel trailers and toy haulers that you can rent for a week or more.

This is a great way to get a feel for whether or not you truly like it. You might not even have to take it on a long trip.

Perhaps a nearby campground, or letting it live in your driveway while you take the time to truly explore its features will help you determine if it’s the right travel trailer for you.

Can I Tow A Travel Trailer With A Mid-Size SUV?

A lot of the newer mid-size SUVs on the market today come with towing packages and hitches on the standard model.

However, they don’t necessarily have the towing capacity to handle something larger than a teardrop or a popup camper.

With most travel trailers you need a full-size SUV, a light-duty pickup truck, or a half-ton pickup truck to safely tow it at highway speeds.

As always, make sure to double-check the ratings, which are stamped to a metal plate in your driver’s side door well.

Do Travel Trailer’s Hold Their Value In The Long Term?

Just like a car or an SUV the minute you take it off the dealership’s lot it starts to depreciate. This can be both good and bad, depending on if you’re a buyer or a seller.

If you are interested in a travel trailer for under $10,000, a gently used model that’s only a few years old could be a great value. Especially if the seller is upgrading with their growing family.

Just double check to make sure it’s passed all the necessary inspections and keep an eye out for the telltale signs of someone who shows pride of ownership.

If you are going to invest in a pre-owned travel trailer under $10,000, you don’t want to purchase a model that someone else beat up and is just trying to unload on you.

In general a travel trailer, like a lot of RVs will depreciate around 30% in three years time. From there you can expect it to be around half of the original sticker price at about ten years of age.

Conclusion

Today’s travel trailer market is rife with models that are well over the $10,000 price range.

A lot of these units come with a ton of creature comforts and special features included in the standard package.

Finding the best travel trailers for under $10,000 takes a little bit of a discerning eye.

If you are looking for a great value with a full bathroom, then the 2020 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 16BHS certainly deserves a good hard look.

If you have multiple children, or you like to camp with a group of your friends then you might want to move the Dutchmen Aspen Trail 1700BH up your list as it can comfortably sleep 6 to 7 people at a time.

On the other end of the spectrum, a single parent who wants to take their child on adventures in the great outdoors might prioritize the lightweight 2020 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 16BHC.

Whatever the size of your family, and what your specific priorities happen to be, chances are good that the best travel trailer for under $10,000 for you, is somewhere on this list.