Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 360THC vs Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These Travel Trailers price within $673 of each other ($50,177 vs $50,850). The Dutchmen Colorado 360THC is 36'5" at 8,485 lbs dry with an 11,229 lb GVWR yielding 2,744 lbs cargo, sleeps 5, and runs 46 gal fresh, 42 gal grey, 42 gal black. The Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI is shorter at 33'2" and lighter at 6,960 lbs dry, sleeps 6 with king bed and bunkhouse, ships with 200W solar with solar prep, 1,800W inverter, 50A service, theater seating, four-season insulation, and a 71 gal grey tank.
The Colorado 360THC carries 2,419 lb GVWR more than the Range Lite (11,229 vs 8,850) for serious cargo headroom, but ships without solar, inverter, or four-season certification. The Range Lite 280MKI sleeps one more, includes 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, and gives up some payload to deliver factory content.
For mid-tier Travel Trailer buyers, the Dutchmen Colorado vs Range Lite 280MKI choice rests on payload (Colorado) versus off-grid features (Range Lite).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 360THC | Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $50,177 | $50,850 |
| Length | 36' | 33'2" |
| Dry weight | 8,485 lbs | 6,960 lbs |
| GVWR | 11,229 lbs | 8,850 lbs |
| Sleeps | 5 | 6 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 46 gal | 55 gal |
| Grey tank | 42 gal | 71 gal |
| Black tank | 42 gal | 30.5 gal |
| LP | — | — |
| Solar | — | 200W |
| Inverter | — | 1800W |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | — |
| Bed | — | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 360THC wins
- 2,379 lb higher GVWR (11,229 vs 8,850 lbs)
- 1,094 lbs more cargo capacity (2,744 vs 1,890 lbs)
- 3'3" more length for layout space
- Lower MSRP by $673 ($50,177 vs $50,850)
Where Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI wins
- Sleeps 6 with king bed and bunkhouse vs 5
- 1,525 lbs lighter dry weight (6,960 vs 8,485 lbs)
- 200W solar plus 1,800W inverter standard
- Four-season insulation certified
- 29 gal more grey tank (71 vs 42 gal)
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 360THC if…
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado 360THC if you need 2,744 lbs of cargo capacity and an 11,229 lb GVWR chassis. The Colorado is the toy-hauler-class Travel Trailer for buyers carrying bikes, kayaks, a generator, full water, and supplies without exceeding GVWR. The 36'5" length gives serious interior volume. At $50,177 it saves $673 over the Range Lite 280MKI. Buyers prioritizing payload margin and length should pick the Colorado.
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI if you camp as a family of 4-6 and want off-grid hardware factory installed. The 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, king bed, four-season insulation, and 71 gal grey tank deliver real boondock capability. The 6,960 lb dry weight is friendlier to half-ton trucks, the bunkhouse separates kids, and the four-season certification handles winter trips. At $50,850 the Range Lite 280MKI runs $673 more than the Colorado 360THC but delivers content the Dutchmen would need thousands in aftermarket adds to match.
Frequently asked
Which trailer's GVWR matters for me?
If you load heavy (full water, generator, bikes, kayak), the Colorado 360THC's 11,229 lb GVWR vs Range Lite 280MKI's 8,850 lb GVWR matters. The Colorado has 2,379 lbs more headroom. Light packers won't notice.
How much off-grid power does the Range Lite 280MKI provide?
200W solar charges roughly 60-80 Ah/day in good sun. The 1,800W inverter supports microwave, AC short bursts, and household electronics from battery. Combined with the four-season insulation and 55 gal fresh, expect 5-7 days off-grid for a couple.
Can a half-ton tow the Colorado 360THC?
Pushing it. 8,485 lbs dry, 11,229 lb GVWR, 1,204 lb tongue requires a heavy half-ton with Max Tow loaded near capacity. A 3/4-ton is recommended for long-distance towing with passengers.