Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB vs Highland Ridge Colt 18BH
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB and Highland Ridge Colt 18BH are both 21-22 ft, sub-3,300 lb single-axle travel trailers that sleep 6, but they take opposite approaches to the budget compact-trailer segment. The Aspen Trail Mini 17QB is 21.4 ft at 3,250 lbs dry and lists $19,900 MSRP. The Colt 18BH is 22.25 ft long, 20 lbs heavier dry at 3,270 lbs, and lists $1,693 more at $21,593 with a much fuller feature stack.
The Colt 18BH packs 200W of factory solar prep, 50-amp shore service, theater seating, fireplace, off-road build, four-season insulation, and king bed plus rear bunks. The Aspen Trail Mini 17QB counters with $1,693 lower MSRP, 1,150 lbs cargo cap, 320 lbs hitch weight (vs 290 on the Colt), and 21 gal fresh, 34 gal grey, 34 gal black, but no factory solar, no inverter, and no published shore amperage.
For the cheapest 6-sleep compact trailer, the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB wins. For year-round capability plus a stocked feature list, the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH is the smarter buy.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB | Highland Ridge Colt 18BH | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,900 | $21,593 |
| Length | 21'5" | 22'3" |
| Dry weight | 3,250 lbs | 3,270 lbs |
| GVWR | 4,400 lbs | 4,600 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 6 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 21 gal | 30 gal |
| Grey tank | 34 gal | 19.9 gal |
| Black tank | 34 gal | 19.9 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 Mini 17QB wins
- $1,693 lower MSRP ($19,900 vs $21,593)
- 20 lbs lighter dry (3,250 vs 3,270 lbs)
- 1,150 lbs cargo capacity
- 21 gal fresh, 34 gal grey/black published
Where Highland Ridge Colt 18BH wins
- 200W solar plus off-road build standard
- Four-season insulation included
- 50-amp shore service plus fireplace
- King bed plus rear bunks layout
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB if…
Pick the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB if you want the cheapest 6-sleep compact trailer for occasional weekend camping. The $19,900 MSRP is the floor at this size, the 3,250 lb dry weight tows behind compact SUVs, and the 21/34/34 gal tank specs are realistic for short trips. The 1,150 lbs of cargo cap absorbs typical weekend gear. Best for first-time RV buyers shopping under $20K.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if you camp shoulder seasons or in cold weather and want a stocked compact trailer. The four-season insulation supports trips into freezing temps, the off-road build opens forest-service road access, 200W of factory solar prep plus 50-amp service set up off-grid use, and the king bed plus rear bunks give true family-layout. Best for active families chasing year-round camping.
Frequently asked
Why is the Colt $1,693 more?
The Highland Ridge Colt 18BH adds factory solar prep, 50-amp service, four-season insulation, fireplace, and off-road build, easily $2,500-3,500 in equipment value vs aftermarket. The $1,693 premium prices well below the equivalent upgrade cost on the Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB.
Is the Colt truly off-road capable?
Yes. The Highland Ridge Colt 18BH is designated off-road, typically meaning reinforced suspension, undercarriage protection, and ground clearance for forest-service roads. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB has no off-road designation.
Which has more sleeping space?
Both sleep 6, but layouts differ. The Highland Ridge Colt 18BH ships with king bed plus rear bunks for true family sleeping. The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Mini 17QB does not list specific bed configurations, suggesting dinette and sofa beds plus a mid-cabin sleep area.