Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS vs Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These compact Travel Trailers price within $906 of each other ($22,187 vs $23,093) and both target the SUV-towable entry buyer. 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 18QB West is 22'1" at 3,250 lbs dry, sleeps 4 with king bed, ships with 200W solar, 50A service, theater seating, fireplace, four-season insulation, and off-road suspension.
The Kodiak 178BHS sleeps two more (6 vs 4) thanks to bunkhouse, is 272 lbs lighter dry, and runs 10 inches shorter. The Colt 18QB West gives up bunks for a king bed and packs content: 200W solar, fireplace, four-season, and off-road. The Colt also documents a 96" interior height the Kodiak doesn't list.
For sub-$23K Travel Trailer buyers, the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS vs Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West choice splits between bunks (Kodiak) and content (Colt).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS | Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,187 | $23,093 |
| Length | 21'5" | 22'1" |
| Dry weight | 2,978 lbs | 3,250 lbs |
| GVWR | 4,058 lbs | 4,500 lbs |
| Sleeps | 6 | 4 |
| 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
- Lower MSRP by $906 ($22,187 vs $23,093)
- Sleeps 6 with bunkhouse vs 4 couples-king
- 272 lbs lighter dry weight (2,978 vs 3,250 lbs)
- 8 inches shorter at 21'5"
- Lower 415 lb hitch weight
Where Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West wins
- King bed standard (Kodiak unspec)
- 200W solar, fireplace, four-season, off-road package
- 50A shore service vs unspecified on Kodiak
- 96" documented interior ceiling height
- 170 lbs more cargo capacity (1,250 vs 1,080 lbs)
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if…
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 178BHS if you have one or two kids and want the lightest bunkhouse trailer at sub-$23K. The 2,978 lb dry weight fits inside most midsize SUV ratings, the 21'5" length and 9.2 ft height make it garage-storable, and the bunkhouse sleeps 6. At $22,187 it's $906 cheaper than the Colt 18QB West and trades content for sleeping capacity. Families with small kids should pick the Kodiak.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 18QB West if you camp as a couple, want a real king bed, and value content density. The 200W solar, fireplace, four-season insulation, off-road suspension, 96" interior ceiling, and 50A service make it a couples adventure rig. At $23,093 the Colt 18QB West costs $906 more than the Kodiak 178BHS but delivers boondock-ready content the Dutchmen Kodiak skips. Couples wanting shoulder-season king-bed adventure should pick the Colt 18QB West.
Frequently asked
Why does the Colt 18QB West have a 96" interior ceiling?
Highland Ridge uses a raised roof on the Colt 18QB West to create 96" interior height vs the Kodiak 178BHS's standard ceiling. The taller interior makes the compact trailer feel less cramped, though it raises external height to 9.5 ft.
Can a Toyota 4Runner tow the Colt 18QB West?
Yes. The Colt 18QB West at 3,250 lbs dry, 4,500 lb GVWR, and 335 lb tongue fits inside the 4Runner's 5,000 lb tow rating. The Kodiak 178BHS at 2,978 lbs dry runs slightly easier.
Does the Colt 18QB West really sleep 4 with a king?
Yes - king bed (2) plus convertible dinette (2). No bunks. If you have kids who need their own sleeping zone, the Kodiak 178BHS's bunkhouse is the better pick.