Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS vs Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Both compact bunkhouse Travel Trailer floorplans target SUV and mid-size truck towers, but they take opposite approaches to feature loadout. The Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS is 21.4 ft long, weighs 2,978 lb dry on a 4,058 lb GVWR with a 415 lb tongue, and ships with 21 gal fresh, 28/28 gal grey/black, no solar, and no published shore-power amperage. It's the lighter, more stripped-down rig at $22,187 MSRP.
The Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS comes in at 23.58 ft, 3,695 lb dry on a 4,800 lb GVWR with a 485 lb tongue, and stacks on 30 gal fresh, 200W solar, 50-amp shore service, theater seating, a fireplace, four-season insulation, and an off-road package for $22,493, just $306 more. The Highland Ridge is 717 lb heavier dry and 2.2 ft longer, but it brings a king bed and 8-sleep layout vs the Kodiak's 6-sleep.
Directionally, the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS is the no-frills lightweight that tows behind almost anything, while the Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS is the loaded entry trailer for buyers who want solar, four-season, and a king bed at a near-identical sticker.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS | Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,187 | $22,493 |
| Length | 21'5" | 23'7" |
| Dry weight | 2,978 lbs | 3,695 lbs |
| GVWR | 4,058 lbs | 4,800 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 8 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 21 gal | 30 gal |
| Grey tank | 28 gal | 39 gal |
| Black tank | 28 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 Kodiak 178BHS wins
- 2,978 lb dry weight tows behind small SUVs many 17-foot trailers can't
- 415 lb tongue weight is 70 lb under the Colt 17DBS for a lighter hitch load
- 21.4 ft length parks easier on narrow tent-style campsites
- 1,080 lb cargo capacity at a 4,058 lb GVWR keeps the tow rating low
- $22,187 MSRP undercuts the Colt by $306
Where Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS wins
- King bed standard vs unspecified bed on the Kodiak
- 200W solar plus 50-amp shore service included for off-grid power
- Four-season insulation and an off-road package wired in
- 30 gal fresh tank vs 21 gal extends dry-camping time by 43%
- Theater seating and a fireplace add living-room amenities at this price
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if…
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if you tow with a smaller SUV or mid-size truck and weight matters more than amenities. At 2,978 lb dry and 4,058 lb GVWR, it works behind tow vehicles where the Colt's 4,800 lb GVWR is borderline. The simpler equipment list means lower complexity to maintain and lower upfront cost, and the 21.4 ft length plus 6-sleep bunkhouse covers a young family weekending close to home. Trade-off: you'll add solar and inverter aftermarket if you ever leave full hookups.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 17DBS if you want the off-grid kit and four-season insulation already installed at essentially the same price as the bare-bones Kodiak. The 200W solar, 50-amp service, king bed, fireplace, theater seating, and off-road package together would cost thousands to add aftermarket, and the 30 gal fresh tank and four-season construction open up shoulder-season trips the Kodiak can't easily handle. Best if your tow vehicle handles the extra 717 lb and 70 lb of tongue weight.
Frequently asked
Which is more SUV-towable?
The Kodiak 178BHS at 2,978 lb dry and 415 lb tongue fits SUVs in the 5,000-lb tow rating. The Colt 17DBS at 3,695 lb dry and 485 lb tongue is closer to the 6,000-7,000 lb tow class, depending on cargo load.
How many can sleep in each?
The Kodiak 178BHS sleeps 6 with a bunkhouse layout. The Colt 17DBS sleeps 8 with a king bed plus bunkhouse, giving it the higher capacity for families.
Does either work for cold-weather camping?
The Colt 17DBS is rated four-season with the documented insulation package. The Kodiak 178BHS is not, so plan for warm-weather use or budget for tank heaters and skirting.