Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD vs Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD and Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West sit within $715 of each other (Aspen Trail $35,128, Colt $35,843) but make very different tradeoffs in the Travel Trailer segment. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD is the lighter rig at 4,693 lbs dry with a 7,600 lb GVWR yielding 2,907 lbs of cargo, versus the Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West's 5,010 lbs dry and slimmer 1,890 lbs cargo capacity behind a 6,900 lb GVWR.
Where the Colt 22MDS West pulls ahead is content: 200W factory solar, 50A shore service, 76 gal fresh water (more than 2x the Aspen Trail's 37 gal), king bed, theater seating, fireplace, four-season certification, and off-road package. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD ships with none of those, leaving spec gaps the Highland Ridge Colt fills at near-identical price. The Aspen Trail's 601 lb hitch weight beats the Colt's 510 lbs only marginally.
This Travel Trailer matchup tilts toward the Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West for buyers who value resident features over payload margin.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD | Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $35,128 | $35,843 |
| Length | 26'1" | 27'1" |
| Dry weight | 4,693 lbs | 5,010 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 6,900 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 6 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 37 gal | 76 gal |
| Grey tank | 42 gal | 40 gal |
| Black tank | 42 gal | 40 gal |
| LP | — | — |
| Solar | — | 200W |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | — |
| Bed | — | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | Yes |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD wins
- 1,017 lbs more cargo capacity (2,907 vs 1,890 lbs)
- Lighter dry weight by 317 lbs (4,693 vs 5,010 lbs)
- Lower MSRP by $715 ($35,128 vs $35,843)
- 700 lb higher GVWR (7,600 vs 6,900 lbs)
Where Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West wins
- 39 gal more fresh water (76 vs 37 gal)
- 200W factory solar (Aspen Trail has none)
- 50A shore service vs unspecified on Aspen Trail
- Four-season, off-road, fireplace and theater seating standard
- King bed standard
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD if…
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 21RD if your tow vehicle is rated near 7,000 lbs and you need the 2,907 lb cargo headroom for gear, water, and passengers. The 4,693 lb dry weight pairs cleanly with a half-ton truck or large SUV, and the 7,600 lb GVWR gives you 700 lbs more upward room than the Colt. Buyers planning hookup-only campground stays who don't need solar, fireplace, or four-season insulation will find the Aspen Trail's lower $35,128 MSRP delivers the same six-person sleeping capacity without paying for features they won't use.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 22MDS West if you boondock, camp in shoulder seasons, or want a king bed in a sub-$36K trailer. The 76 gal fresh tank is more than double the Aspen Trail's, the 200W roof solar plus 50A service support extended off-grid stays, and the four-season build with fireplace handles cold-weather trips the Dutchmen Aspen Trail isn't rated for. Off-road package adds clearance for state-park gravel approaches. At $35,843, the Colt 22MDS West packages content the Aspen Trail LE 21RD would need thousands in dealer adds to match.
Frequently asked
Which trailer can a half-ton truck tow more comfortably?
The Aspen Trail LE 21RD's 4,693 lb dry weight and 601 lb hitch weight sit slightly heavier on the tongue than the Colt 22MDS West's 5,010 lb / 510 lb tongue. Both are within half-ton range, but the Colt's lower tongue weight is friendlier to F-150-class trucks at the receiver.
How much longer can I dry camp in the Colt 22MDS West?
The Colt 22MDS West's 76 gal fresh tank is 39 gal larger than the Aspen Trail LE 21RD's 37 gal, roughly doubling unhooked water capacity. Paired with 200W solar and 50A service, expect 4-6 days off-grid for two people vs 2-3 in the Aspen Trail.
Does the Aspen Trail LE 21RD sleep as many as the Colt 22MDS West?
Yes, both are rated to sleep 6. The Colt 22MDS West advertises a king bed and bunkhouse configuration; the Aspen Trail LE 21RD sleeps 6 across the listed floorplan without a bunkhouse callout.