Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH vs Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH and Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS occupy the budget bunkhouse Travel Trailer slot near $35K, but the Highland Ridge brings markedly more content for the price difference. The Aspen Trail LE 25BH is 28.8 ft long and 4,920 lbs dry with a 7,600 lb GVWR and 497-lb tongue, fitting any half-ton pickup with margin. The Colt 28DBS measures 33.58 ft and 6,270 lbs dry, with 8,200 lb GVWR and 835-lb tongue weight.
For the $1,083 price gap, the Colt 28DBS delivers 200W of rooftop solar, 50-amp shore power, a king bed, theater seating, a fireplace, four-season construction, and an off-road package. The Aspen Trail LE 25BH ships without solar, lists no shore amp rating, and skips four-season insulation. Tanks favor the Colt at 52 gal fresh, 39 gal grey, and 39 gal black; Aspen Trail carries 37 gal fresh, 42 gal grey, 42 gal black.
Verdict: pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH for the lightest tow on a half-ton budget; pick the Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS for far more standard content at virtually the same price.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH | Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $34,160 | $35,243 |
| Length | 28'10" | 33'7" |
| Dry weight | 4,920 lbs | 6,270 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,200 lbs |
| Sleeps | 10 | 10 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 37 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 42 gal | 39 gal |
| Black tank | 42 gal | 39 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 25BH wins
- 1,350 lbs lighter dry weight (4,920 vs 6,270 lbs)
- 4.78 ft shorter length (28.8 vs 33.58 ft) for easier parking
- 338-lb lighter tongue (497 vs 835 lbs) for half-ton ease
- $1,083 lower MSRP ($34,160 vs $35,243)
- 3 gal more grey and 3 gal more black tank capacity
Where Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS wins
- 200W solar standard (Aspen Trail LE 25BH ships with none)
- 50-amp shore power vs unspecified Aspen Trail rating
- King bed standard vs unspecified bed config in Aspen Trail
- Fireplace, theater seating, four-season, off-road all standard
- 15 gal more fresh water capacity (52 vs 37 gal)
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH if…
Half-ton truck owners on a $35K budget who want the lightest 28-ft bunkhouse trailer they can find. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH puts a 497-lb tongue weight behind your F-150 or Silverado 1500 with no hitch math required, sleeps eight to ten in the bunkhouse layout, and frees up $1,000+ versus the Colt to buy aftermarket solar. Best for summer-only families who travel with full hookups and don't need shoulder-season insulation.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS if…
Highland Ridge Colt 28DBS buyers who want a bunkhouse trailer that arrives ready to camp shoulder season without aftermarket adds. At $35,243, you get 200W solar, 50-amp shore, fireplace, theater seating, four-season build, and a king-bed master without doing anything to the trailer. The 835-lb tongue still fits a properly equipped half-ton, and the 52 gal fresh tank supports longer dry-camping stretches than the Aspen Trail's 37 gal. Best for families who actually use four-season features.
Frequently asked
Which trailer is easier to tow?
The Dutchmen Aspen Trail LE 25BH at 4,920 lbs dry with a 497-lb tongue, vs the Colt 28DBS at 6,270 lbs dry with 835-lb tongue. The Aspen Trail's lighter weight matters most on grades and in crosswinds.
Is the Colt 28DBS really four-season-capable?
It's listed four-season, meaning heated/enclosed tanks and additional insulation. Real cold-weather performance depends on LP capacity (unspecified) and tank heater wattage, so verify before booking sub-freezing trips.
How many can sleep in each?
Both list 10 sleep capacity via bunkhouse plus dinette conversion. Comfortable adult capacity is more like 4-6 in each.