Bigger isn’t always better; that’s why micro campers have become so popular. These very small campers get you out camping and adventuring without the stress of maneuvering a big vehicle or taking on a big financial investment. They’re even able to get places some of the bigger rigs aren’t even able to get to.
Let’s learn more about these tiny campers and how they enable big adventures, despite their size.
What Is A Micro Camper?
The term “micro camper” can be used as a catch-all term for very small campers. This includes small, lightweight trailers (often of the teardrop variety) that are easily hitched up to smaller tow vehicles. It also includes small SUVs and cars converted into campers. Some even consider camper vans and minivan conversions as micro campers.
These small campers are a step up in convenience and comfort from tent camping. They also make great entry-level vehicles into RVing since they generally don’t require an upgrade of your current commuter vehicle.
If you’re not familiar with micro campers, you should know that they’re typically not the answer for the whole family, and are often used in conjunction with tents. A micro camper is typically suitable for two people, but some can shelter up to five.
→ SUV Tents combine car camping and tent camping, and work with micro campers, too.
Micro campers aren’t known for their luxurious amenities. You won’t find a kitchen or even a bathroom. They’re a basic solution to traveling on a budget. Micro campers are a convenient and affordable alternative to motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers. You simply attach your micro camper to the tow hitch of your vehicle, and off you go.
How Much Do Micro Campers Weigh?
If you’re going to tow a micro camper behind your vehicle, you need to make sure your transmission can handle the weight. Do the necessary research to determine your vehicle’s towing capacity and GVWR if you don’t already know it.
Micro camper trailers can weigh anywhere from a few hundred pounds all the way up to the 2,000-4,000 pound range. The weight of any particular micro camper depends on the size of the camper and the luxuries included.
However, some are so small, you’ll be able to move them around in your yard or garage by hand!
How Much Do Micro Campers Cost?
If you’re trying to figure out how much it will cost to get yourself a micro camper, you must first decide what you need. Micro campers can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $40,000, depending on the specs. If you’re doing your own conversion, your budget range is really up to you.
In general, a smaller micro camper, brand new, will cost you in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. A midsized micro camper will carry a price tag of $10,000 to $15,000, and a large micro camper starts around $15,000.
Pro Tip: Want to stay small, but interested in a truck camper? Check out Lance’s Smallest Truck Camper: The Lance 650.
6 Micro Campers Meant for Big Adventures
Micro campers can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also popular DIY builds. However, RV manufacturers realized the desire to have an easy-to-use, easy-to-move camper, and several pre-built campers have become available to get you on the road quickly and affordably.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a few of the best micro campers on the market. Check it out!
Timberleaf Pika Camper
The Timberleaf Pika Camper only weighs 1,025 pounds and has a 54 by 96-inch frame. The Pika also comes with a great suspension and lift package so that you can take it almost anywhere.
In addition, you’ll find a galley on the back end. It has a large countertop, four USB ports, an accessory port, a 110-volt outlet, lights on the hatch, and a handy switch to control power to it all.
The sleeping cabin of the trailer is cozy but basic. You can sleep two people comfortably in the cabin. Two windows, two doors, a fan, USB ports, storage spaces, and a cool skylight make the cabin super inviting and easy to enjoy.
TAXA Cricket
The Cricket micro camper from TAXA is another great choice in the smaller range of campers on the market. Cricket is lightweight at about 1,800 pounds. You can fit this 15-foot camper nicely in your garage at home.
The galley is in the cabin of the Cricket, but there’s still plenty of room for two adults and two kids to sleep in this camper. You’ll get heat, air, and two burners on which to cook, so this little camper is more than sufficient for a camping trip with the family.
NuCamp TAG
If you’re looking for a really nice mid-sized micro camper, the NuCamp TAG is a great place to start. This camper is homier than some of the other smaller campers. Even with all the nice additions, the cabin is pretty spacious.
You can choose to get the XL version of the NuCamp camper, and you’ll have a little more room to sleep. Both sizes weigh fewer than 1,400 pounds and are 13 feet 7 inches long with battery power and heating and air capabilities.
MeerKat Trailer
The MeerKat micro camper has lots of seating and sleeping space, storage, a galley area, and even a porta-potty inside. It’s a bigger micro camper, so expect to pay a little more for this model.
Pay attention to the add-ons, though, as they can up the overall price pretty quickly. You can opt for a refrigerator, added bed space, an extra side room, and even an awning. It’s 13 feet long but weighs only 900 pounds.
Go Little Guy MyPod
The Go Little Guy MyPod is the smallest micro camper on the list, weighing in at only 760 pounds. You won’t need a V8 to tow this guy, but don’t let its small stature dissuade you.
There’s plenty of room for two adults to have a great camping experience. The Go Little Guy MyPod comes with 12-volt/110-volt power, air conditioning, and a one-year (base) warranty. It’s 11 feet 6 inches long.
Happier Camper
When you get a Happier Camper micro camper, you get the chance to customize it. The floorplan is fully customizable, and the lightweight design makes it easy to tow. Choose between the 13- or 17-foot models, which weigh 1,100 or 1,800 pounds, respectively.
Happier Camper comes with a set of ADAPTIV cubes that can serve multiple functions for you as you camp. The size and adaptability of this micro camper mean you can travel with the whole family.
What Kind of Tow Vehicle Do You Need for a Micro Camper?
Before you pick out the perfect camper, you need to find out the towing capacity of your vehicle. If you own a truck or an SUV, you can pretty safely assume that you can tow any micro camper you like.
Vehicles like the Honda Accord or Chevy Malibu can only tow about 1,000 pounds safely. If you have a vehicle similar to the Jeep Cherokee or Kia Sorento, you can tow about 4,500 pounds safely.
Pro Tip: Finding the towing capacity of your vehicle can be difficult. If you have a Toyota Tacoma read more to find out What Is the Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity?
DIY Micro Campers
Because of their small size and simplicity, micro campers are a popular option for people who want to build their own camper. You often skill complex installations of plumbing and appliances. If you want to learn more about building your own micro camper, we suggest reading Can You Really Build Your Own DIY Teardrop Camper?
Are Micro Campers Worth It?
Micro campers are a solid alternative to purchasing something bigger. When you’re spending most of your time enjoying the outdoors, how much space do you really need? The cost and versatility of today’s micro campers make them more than worth it for avid nature lovers, so start planning your next big outdoor adventure today.
Have you ever tried out a micro camper? Drop a comment below!
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