Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 23BH vs Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These bunkhouse Travel Trailers price within $651 of each other ($37,592 vs $38,243). The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 23BH is 28'1" at 5,869 lbs dry, sleeps 8 with bunkhouse, and runs an 8,700 lb GVWR for 2,831 lbs cargo. The Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West is 30'4" at 5,730 lbs dry, sleeps 10 with king bed and bunkhouse, ships with 200W solar, 50A service, theater seating, fireplace, four-season insulation, and off-road suspension.
The Aspen Trail LE 23BH has 961 lbs more cargo capacity (2,831 vs 1,870 lbs) and 1,100 lb higher GVWR. The Colt 28DBS West is 139 lbs lighter dry, sleeps two more, and ships with 200W solar, fireplace, four-season, off-road - content the Aspen Trail doesn't include.
For Travel Trailer family buyers, the Dutchmen Aspen Trail vs Colt 28DBS West choice splits between payload (Aspen Trail) and content density (Colt).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 23BH | Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,592 | $38,243 |
| Length | 28'1" | 30'4" |
| Dry weight | 5,869 lbs | 5,730 lbs |
| GVWR | 8,700 lbs | 7,600 lbs |
| Sleeps | 8 | 10 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 45 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 23BH wins
- Lower MSRP by $651 ($37,592 vs $38,243)
- 961 lbs more cargo capacity (2,831 vs 1,870 lbs)
- 1,100 lb higher GVWR (8,700 vs 7,600 lbs)
- Higher 782 lb hitch capacity for stable loaded tow
- 2'3" shorter at 28'1"
Where Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West wins
- Sleeps 10 vs 8 (king bed plus extra)
- 139 lbs lighter dry weight (5,730 vs 5,869 lbs)
- 200W solar plus 50A service standard
- Fireplace, four-season, off-road package included
- King bed standard (Aspen Trail unspec)
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 23BH if…
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 23BH if you load heavy with a family of 6-8. The 2,831 lbs cargo capacity and 8,700 lb GVWR support full water tanks, bikes, generator, and supplies without exceeding chassis spec. At $37,592 it's $651 cheaper than the Colt 28DBS West. Buyers who plug in at campgrounds and don't need solar, fireplace, or four-season insulation save by sticking with the Aspen Trail's basic build.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS West if you have three or four kids and want a king bed for parents plus content-loaded build. The 200W solar, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension, and 50A service collectively represent $3,500+ in aftermarket adds on the Aspen Trail LE 23BH. The 30'4" length fits most state-park sites. At $38,243 the Colt 28DBS West costs $651 more but delivers 10 sleeping spots vs 8 and shoulder-season capability the Aspen Trail skips.
Frequently asked
Which trailer tows more comfortably on a half-ton?
Both are within half-ton range. The Aspen Trail LE 23BH at 5,869 lbs dry / 8,700 lb GVWR / 782 lb tongue runs slightly heavier. The Colt 28DBS West at 5,730 lbs dry / 7,600 lb GVWR / 690 lb tongue is more forgiving on the receiver.
Can the Colt 28DBS West really sleep 10?
King bed (2) plus bunks (typically 2-4) plus convertible dinette and sofa reaches 10. Practical sleeping is 7-8 for long trips with two parents and 5-6 kids. Adults on convertibles will find the 30 ft layout tight.
How much off-road capability does the Colt 28DBS West provide?
Highland Ridge's off-road designation includes heavier-duty axles, increased clearance, and skid plating for graded gravel and dirt forest roads. Sufficient for state-park access and BLM dispersed sites; not technical 4WD trails.