Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 17BHC vs Highland Ridge Colt 18BH
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These ultra-compact bunkhouse Travel Trailers price within $953 of each other ($20,640 vs $21,593) at the entry SUV-tow tier. The Dutchmen Colorado 17BHC is 21'7" at 3,037 lbs dry, sleeps 4 with bunkhouse, and runs a 3,990 lb GVWR for 953 lbs cargo. The Highland Ridge Colt 18BH is 22'3" at 3,270 lbs dry, sleeps 6 with king bed and bunkhouse, ships with 200W solar, 50A service, theater seating, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension.
The Colorado 17BHC is the lightest sub-$22K bunkhouse Travel Trailer at 3,037 lbs dry. The Colt 18BH adds 233 lbs to deliver 200W solar, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension, theater seating, and a king bed that the Colorado 17BHC doesn't carry, while sleeping two more.
For entry Travel Trailer buyers, the Dutchmen Colorado 17BHC vs Highland Ridge Colt 18BH choice is ultralight basics (Colorado) versus content-loaded compact (Colt).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 17BHC | Highland Ridge Colt 18BH | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $20,640 | $21,593 |
| Length | 21'7" | 22'3" |
| Dry weight | 3,037 lbs | 3,270 lbs |
| GVWR | 3,990 lbs | 4,600 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 6 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 21 gal | 30 gal |
| Grey tank | 28 gal | 19.9 gal |
| Black tank | 28 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 Colorado Travel Trailer 17BHC wins
- Lower MSRP by $953 ($20,640 vs $21,593)
- 233 lbs lighter dry weight (3,037 vs 3,270 lbs)
- 8 inches shorter at 21'7" for tight sites
- Inside many midsize SUV tow ratings
Where Highland Ridge Colt 18BH wins
- Sleeps 6 with king bed and bunkhouse vs 4
- King bed standard (Colorado unspec)
- 200W solar, fireplace, four-season, off-road package
- 50A shore service vs unspecified on Colorado
- 1,877 lbs more cargo capacity (2,830 vs 953 lbs)
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 17BHC if…
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado 17BHC if you tow with a midsize SUV at the 4,000 lb class and want the lightest bunkhouse at sub-$21K. The 3,037 lb dry weight is the lightest in this comparison, the 21'7" length backs into the tightest sites, and the bunkhouse layout sleeps 4. At $20,640 it saves $953 over the Colt 18BH for buyers who don't need factory solar or four-season insulation. Light packers with one or two kids should pick the Colorado 17BHC.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if you want a content-loaded sub-$22K trailer that sleeps 6 with a king bed for parents. The 200W solar, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension, theater seating, and 50A service collectively represent $3,000+ in aftermarket value on the Colorado 17BHC. The 8-inch longer length is marginal. At $21,593 the Colt 18BH costs $953 more than the Colorado 17BHC but delivers significant content and two extra sleeping spots. Small families wanting maximum capability per dollar should pick the Colt 18BH.
Frequently asked
Can a Toyota 4Runner tow either?
Yes, both. The Colorado 17BHC at 3,037 lbs dry / 3,990 lb GVWR / 399 lb tongue fits comfortably inside the 4Runner's 5,000 lb tow rating. The Colt 18BH at 3,270 lbs dry / 4,600 lb GVWR / 290 lb tongue also fits with more margin remaining.
Does the Colt 18BH really sleep 6 in 22 feet?
King bed (2) plus bunks (typically 2-3) plus convertible dinette reaches 6 spots. Practical sleeping for long trips is 4-5 with two parents and 2-3 kids. The Colorado 17BHC's stated sleep-4 capacity is more honest for the floorplan.
Why is the Colt 18BH's cargo cap so much higher?
Highland Ridge's published 2,830 lbs cargo cap on a 3,270 lb dry trailer with 4,600 lb GVWR doesn't math correctly (real cargo cap should be ~1,330 lbs). The catalog data likely contains an error - verify with the dealer before relying on it for trip planning.