Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS vs Highland Ridge Colt 18BH
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These ultralight bunkhouse Travel Trailers price within $594 of each other ($22,187 vs $21,593) and both sleep 6 in compact 21-22 ft envelopes. The Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS is 21'5" at 2,978 lbs dry, sleeps 6 with bunkhouse, and runs a 4,058 lb GVWR for 1,080 lbs cargo. The Highland Ridge Colt 18BH is 22'3" at 3,270 lbs dry, sleeps 6 with king bed plus bunks, includes 200W solar, 50A service, theater seating, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension, and a published 2,830 lbs cargo capacity.
The Kodiak 178BHS is the lightest bunkhouse in this comparison at 2,978 lbs dry - inside many midsize SUV ratings. The Colt 18BH adds 292 lbs but ships with 200W solar, fireplace, four-season, off-road, and the king bed the Kodiak doesn't carry.
For entry Travel Trailer buyers, the Dutchmen Kodiak vs Highland Ridge Colt 18BH choice rests on ultralight towing (Kodiak) versus content density (Colt).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS | Highland Ridge Colt 18BH | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,187 | $21,593 |
| Length | 21'5" | 22'3" |
| Dry weight | 2,978 lbs | 3,270 lbs |
| GVWR | 4,058 lbs | 4,600 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 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 Kodiak 178BHS wins
- 292 lbs lighter dry weight (2,978 vs 3,270 lbs)
- 10 inches shorter at 21'5"
- Lower 9.2 ft height for garage storage
- Inside many midsize SUV tow ratings
Where Highland Ridge Colt 18BH wins
- Lower MSRP by $594 ($21,593 vs $22,187)
- King bed standard (Kodiak unspec)
- 200W solar with fireplace and theater seating
- Four-season insulation and off-road package
- 50A shore service
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if…
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if your tow vehicle sits at the 4,000-4,500 lb tow class and you need the lightest bunkhouse trailer you can buy at sub-$23K. The 2,978 lb dry weight fits inside most midsize SUVs (Highlander, Pilot, 4Runner, Pathfinder) with margin. The 21'5" length backs into compact sites the 22'3" Colt 18BH manages tightly. Buyers willing to pay $594 more to gain ultralight tow capability and save on tow vehicle wear should pick the Kodiak 178BHS.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH if you have the half-ton tow capacity for an extra 292 lbs and want a real king bed, 200W solar, fireplace, four-season insulation, and off-road suspension. The Colt 18BH delivers content at sub-$22K the Kodiak 178BHS would need thousands in dealer adds to match. The $594 lower MSRP pays for itself in factory features. For shoulder-season campers and forest-road buyers, the Highland Ridge Colt 18BH is the value pick.
Frequently asked
Which fits a Toyota Highlander tow rating?
The Kodiak 178BHS at 2,978 lbs dry / 4,058 lb GVWR fits inside the Highlander's 5,000 lb tow rating with comfortable margin. The Colt 18BH at 3,270 lbs dry / 4,600 lb GVWR also fits but with less margin loaded.
Does the Colt 18BH's published 2,830 lb cargo cap actually apply?
Likely a catalog data error. With 3,270 lbs dry weight and 4,600 lbs GVWR, true cargo capacity is 1,330 lbs. The 2,830 lb figure may reflect a different metric like total payload including water. Confirm with Highland Ridge before planning.
What's the storage difference between these trailers?
Both run small fresh tanks (21 vs 30 gal) and similar grey/black. The Kodiak 178BHS has 28 gal grey and 28 gal black; the Colt 18BH has 19.9 gal grey and 19.9 gal black. The Kodiak holds 16 gal more wastewater capacity.