Small Travel Trailers with Bathroom Picks

Embarking on a journey with a travel trailer offers unparalleled freedom, but for many, the thought of sacrificing essential comforts like a private bathroom can be a major deterrent. The good news? You don't need a behemoth RV to enjoy the convenience of a dedicated lavatory on the road. The market for small travel trailers with bathroom picks has expanded significantly, offering compact, towable options that don't compromise on this crucial amenity.

This comprehensive guide is designed for adventurers, couples, and solo travelers seeking the perfect blend of mobility and comfort. We'll explore why a small travel trailer with a bathroom might be your ideal travel companion, what key features to prioritize, and highlight some of the top models that truly deliver on their promise of compact convenience.

Why Choose a Small Travel Trailer with a Bathroom?

The allure of a small travel trailer is undeniable: easier towing, better fuel efficiency, and access to more remote campsites where larger rigs simply can't go. Adding a bathroom to this compact package elevates the experience, transforming a simple camper into a self-contained oasis.

• Unmatched Convenience: Imagine waking up in the middle of the night without having to trek to a communal campground restroom. Or enjoying a hot shower after a long day of hiking, all within the privacy of your own space. This level of convenience is a game-changer for many travelers.
• Enhanced Self-Sufficiency: A built-in bathroom reduces your reliance on external facilities, making boondocking (camping without hookups) or staying at less developed sites far more comfortable. You gain greater independence and flexibility in where you can go.
• Privacy and Hygiene: For many, shared campground bathrooms are a source of discomfort. A private bathroom offers a clean, personal space for your daily routines, ensuring better hygiene and peace of mind on your travels.
• Compact Yet Capable: Modern engineering allows manufacturers to integrate functional bathrooms into surprisingly small footprints. These designs prioritize efficiency, ensuring you have what you need without adding excessive length or weight to the trailer.

Key Features to Look for in Small Travel Trailers with Bathrooms

When evaluating small travel trailers with bathroom picks, it's crucial to understand the different types of bathrooms and other features that impact your comfort and convenience.

Bathroom Type: Wet Bath vs. Dry Bath

The primary distinction you'll encounter is between wet baths and dry baths.

• Wet Bath: This is the most common type in small travel trailers. In a wet bath, the toilet, sink (if present), and shower are all in the same waterproof space. The entire area gets wet when you shower. While compact and space-saving, they require a bit more effort to dry out after use. Many modern wet baths are designed with clever features like retractable clotheslines and toilet paper covers to keep things dry.
• Dry Bath: Less common in truly small trailers, a dry bath separates the shower from the toilet and sink, much like a traditional home bathroom. This offers more comfort and keeps the toilet area dry, but it requires significantly more space, often leading to a larger overall trailer footprint.

Tank Capacities

The size of your fresh, grey (wastewater from sinks/showers), and black (wastewater from toilet) water tanks directly impacts how long you can camp off-grid. Larger tanks mean more showers and flushes before needing to find a dump station.

Sleeping Capacity & Layout

Consider how many people will be traveling. Small trailers typically sleep 1-3 people comfortably. Some models offer convertible dinettes that transform into beds, or fixed beds with separate dinette areas.

Kitchenette Features

Even with a bathroom, a functional kitchenette is key. Look for a stove, sink, and refrigerator. Some models offer outdoor kitchens to maximize interior living space.

Storage Solutions

Small spaces demand smart storage. Look for overhead cabinets, under-bed storage, and creative nooks that maximize every inch.

Towing Weight & Vehicle Compatibility

Always check the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and compare it to your tow vehicle's towing capacity. Many small travel trailers with bathrooms are designed to be towed by SUVs or smaller trucks, making them accessible to a wider range of vehicles.

Top Picks: Small Travel Trailers with Bathrooms

Here are some of the most popular and well-regarded small travel trailers with bathroom picks, each offering a unique blend of features and design:

Airstream Basecamp

The Airstream Basecamp is a rugged yet refined option, known for its iconic design and thoughtful amenities. It features a "brilliant wet bath design" that is compact but highly functional. The aluminum-walled bathroom is designed to get completely wet and is easy to clean, often including a retractable clothesline and a clever cover to protect the toilet paper during a shower. Some models even offer an outdoor shower pass-through. The Basecamp is typically 16 feet in length and is lightweight enough to be towed by many SUVs.

• Key Features: Wet bath with integrated shower and toilet, retractable clothesline, outdoor shower pass-through, large rear hatch for gear, convertible rear seating/bed.
• Pros: Iconic design, durable construction, excellent use of compact space, good for off-grid adventures.
• Cons: Premium price point, wet bath design may not appeal to everyone.
• Target Traveler: Adventurous couples or solo travelers who appreciate quality, design, and versatility.

nuCamp TAB 320

The nuCamp TAB 320 is an instantly recognizable teardrop camper that perfectly blends retro charm with modern functionality. This tiny camper offers a comfortable living space with a full-featured kitchenette and a wet bath. The bathroom typically includes a cassette toilet and a molded sink with a faucet that doubles as a showerhead, making efficient use of space. At around 15 feet in length, the TAB 320 is exceptionally lightweight and easy to tow with a variety of vehicles.

• Key Features: Wet bath with cassette toilet and convertible showerhead, unique teardrop shape, Alde central heating/hot water system, well-equipped kitchenette.
• Pros: Extremely easy to tow, unique aesthetic, surprisingly well-appointed for its size, good for all-season camping with Alde system.
• Cons: Wet bath only, limited interior standing height for taller individuals, smaller black tank capacity due to cassette toilet.
• Target Traveler: Solo adventurers or couples seeking a stylish, lightweight, and easy-to-manage camper for weekend getaways or extended trips.

Casita Spirit Deluxe 17'

Casita travel trailers are renowned for their durable fiberglass shells and lightweight construction, making them a favorite among experienced RVers. The 17-foot Casita Spirit Deluxe model features a "spacious bath & shower" which is typically a wet bath. These trailers are known for maximizing interior space, often offering a full-time bed and a separate dinette, a rare luxury in small campers.

• Key Features: Fiberglass shell (known for durability and leak resistance), wet bath with shower and toilet, multiple floor plans (including options with permanent beds and dinettes), lightweight.
• Pros: Extremely durable, excellent resale value, easy to tow, good interior height for its class.
• Cons: Interior design can feel a bit dated to some, can be hard to find new due to high demand.
• Target Traveler: Campers looking for a long-lasting, reliable, and highly functional small travel trailer that holds its value.

Scamp 16' Deluxe

Another fiberglass champion, the Scamp 16' Deluxe offers a practical and customizable option for those seeking a small travel trailer with a bathroom. Available in different layouts, the 16-foot model can include a wet bath with a shower and toilet, and features a black tank. Scamps are celebrated for their lightweight design and aerodynamic shape, contributing to fuel efficiency.

• Key Features: Fiberglass construction, wet bath with shower and toilet, various layouts including front or side bathrooms, optional bunk beds, lightweight.
• Pros: Very lightweight and easy to tow, durable fiberglass construction, customizable options, strong community support.
• Cons: Basic interior finishes, wet bath is standard, can have long wait times for new models.
• Target Traveler: Budget-conscious travelers or small families who value a durable, no-frills camper that's easy to maintain and tow.

Prolite Classic

The Prolite Classic stands out in the small travel trailer category by offering a feature rarely found in its size class: a dry bath. This Canadian-made trailer manages to pack a separate shower and toilet area, along with a walk-around Murphy bed, all while maintaining a remarkably low dry weight of under 2,500 pounds. This makes it towable by a wide range of vehicles, including many SUVs.

• Key Features: Dry bath (separate shower and toilet), walk-around Murphy bed, ultra-lightweight construction, good tank sizes for its class.
• Pros: Rare dry bath in a small trailer, very lightweight, efficient use of space with Murphy bed.
• Cons: May be harder to find in some regions, specific layout might not suit all travelers.
• Target Traveler: Couples prioritizing a dry bath and easy towing without needing a large truck.

Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Small Travel Trailer

Even with a bathroom, space is at a premium in small travel trailers. Here are some actionable tips to make the most of your compact living area:

• Go Vertical: Utilize wall-mounted organizers, command hooks, and vertical shelving units. Over-the-door caddies are excellent for bathroom essentials.
• Multi-Functional Items: Choose furniture and accessories that serve more than one purpose. A stool that doubles as storage, or a cutting board that fits over the sink, can be invaluable.
• Declutter Ruthlessly: Before every trip, ask yourself if you truly need each item. Less clutter makes a small space feel much larger and more manageable.
• Roll, Don't Fold: When packing clothes and linens, rolling them saves significant space compared to traditional folding.
• Outdoor Living: Extend your living space outdoors with an awning, outdoor rugs, and portable camping furniture. This effectively doubles your usable area.

Towing & Maintenance Considerations

Choosing a small travel trailer with a bathroom is just the first step. Understanding towing and basic maintenance is crucial for a smooth journey.

• Tow Vehicle Match: Always verify your vehicle's towing capacity, including tongue weight limits, before purchasing a trailer. Don't forget to factor in the weight of water, gear, and passengers.
• Hitch Setup: A weight-distribution hitch can significantly improve stability and handling, especially for longer trailers or lighter tow vehicles.
• Bathroom Maintenance: Familiarize yourself with your trailer's specific toilet and tank systems. Regular cleaning, proper use of RV-safe toilet paper, and timely dumping of black and grey tanks are essential to prevent odors and clogs. For cassette toilets, understanding the dumping process is key.
• Winterization: If you live in a cold climate, proper winterization of your water and plumbing system is critical to prevent costly damage from freezing pipes.

Conclusion

The dream of hitting the open road with all the comforts of home, including a private bathroom, is entirely achievable with the right small travel trailer with bathroom picks. From the iconic fiberglass designs of Casita and Scamp to the innovative wet baths of Airstream Basecamp and nuCamp TAB, and even the rare dry bath in the Prolite Classic, there's a compact camper out there perfectly suited for your adventures.

These nimble trailers offer the freedom to explore diverse landscapes, access hidden gems, and enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing personal hygiene or convenience. By prioritizing essential features, understanding your towing capabilities, and embracing smart space-saving strategies, you'll be well on your way to countless memorable journeys.

Which small travel trailer with a bathroom has caught your eye? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, or check out our other articles on compact RV living for more tips and inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Are small travel trailer bathrooms really functional?

A1: Yes, absolutely! While compact, modern small travel trailer bathrooms are designed for functionality. Wet baths, common in smaller units, combine the toilet and shower in a single waterproof space, making efficient use of every inch. Many feature clever designs like retractable showerheads that double as sink faucets, and covers to keep toilet paper dry.

Q2: What's the main difference between a wet bath and a dry bath in a travel trailer?

A2: The key difference is separation. In a wet bath, the entire bathroom area (toilet, sink, shower) gets wet when you shower, as it's one integrated, waterproof space. In a dry bath, the shower is separated from the toilet and sink, often by a curtain or solid wall, similar to a traditional home bathroom. Dry baths offer more comfort but require more space, making them less common in truly small travel trailers.

Q3: Can my SUV or smaller truck tow a small travel trailer with a bathroom?

A3: Many small travel trailers with bathrooms are specifically designed to be lightweight and towable by a wide range of vehicles, including many SUVs and smaller trucks. However, it is crucial to always check your specific vehicle's towing capacity (found in your owner's manual) and compare it to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer you are considering. This ensures safe and legal towing.

Q4: How do I manage waste in a small travel trailer with a bathroom?

A4: Small travel trailers with bathrooms typically use either a black tank system (for toilet waste) or a cassette toilet. Black tanks require dumping at designated RV dump stations, usually by connecting a sewer hose. Cassette toilets, often found in very small campers, have a removable tank that can be easily carried and emptied into any standard toilet or dump station. Both systems require regular maintenance, including using RV-safe chemicals and toilet paper, to prevent odors and clogs.