Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL vs Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two bunkhouse Travel Trailer options at similar price but starkly different tow weights. The Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL spans 33 ft and 5,740 lbs dry with a 7,600 lb GVWR and 825-lb tongue weight, sleeping ten in bunkhouse plus convertible layout at $45,976. The Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT measures 37.83 ft and 8,705 lbs dry with a 10,600 lb GVWR, 1,130-lb tongue, also bunkhouse, sleeping eight, but loads on 200W solar, 50-amp shore, king bed, fireplace, theater seating, four-season build, and off-road package at $48,293.
The Kodiak 280BHSL is 4.83 ft shorter and 2,965 lbs lighter, fitting half-ton tow ratings the Colt 33RLT exceeds. The Colt 33RLT's content load justifies the modest $2,317 premium: solar, four-season insulation, king bed, fireplace, and off-road package are all absent from the Kodiak's spec sheet.
Verdict: pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL for half-ton-friendly 33-ft bunkhouse touring; pick the Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT for substantially more content and shoulder-season capability in a heavier 37+ ft trailer.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL | Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,976 | $48,293 |
| Length | 33' | 37'10" |
| Dry weight | 5,740 lbs | 8,705 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 10,600 lbs |
| Sleeps | 10 | 8 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 39 gal | 71.5 gal |
| Black tank | 28 gal | 39 gal |
| LP | — | 9.4 gal |
| 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 280BHSL wins
- 2,965 lbs lighter dry weight (5,740 vs 8,705 lbs)
- 4.83 ft shorter overall (33 vs 37.83 ft)
- $2,317 lower MSRP ($45,976 vs $48,293)
- 305-lb lighter tongue (825 vs 1,130 lbs)
- Sleeps 10 vs Colt 33RLT's 8 capacity
Where Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT wins
- 200W solar + 1,800W inverter (Kodiak: none listed)
- King bed, fireplace, theater seating standard
- Four-season build + off-road package
- 50-amp shore vs unspecified Kodiak amperage
- 13.5 gal more fresh + 32.5 gal more grey water
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL if…
Half-ton truck families with three or more kids who want the lightest 33-ft bunkhouse. The Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL's 5,740 lb dry weight and 825-lb tongue fit modern F-150 SuperCrew, Ram 1500, and Silverado 1500 ratings with appropriate hitching. Sleeps ten via bunkhouse plus dinette conversion at $45,976. Best for summer-only families who travel to hookup campgrounds with three to four kids and prioritize tow-vehicle compatibility.
Pick the Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT if…
3/4-ton truck families who want a longer, fully-equipped bunkhouse with four-season capability. The Highland Ridge Colt 33RLT's 200W solar, fireplace, theater seating, king bed, and four-season insulation extend usable months. The 1,130-lb tongue and 10,600 lb GVWR demand a 3/4-ton tow vehicle. At $48,293 the $2,317 premium over the Kodiak buys substantial content. Best for families who actually camp in shoulder seasons and value standard solar/inverter content.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between the Kodiak 280BHSL and Colorado 280BHC?
Sister Dutchmen models on similar frames with slightly different floorplans and content. Same $45,976 MSRP, comparable tow specs; differ on bunk arrangement and trim details.
Can a 2023 F-150 SuperCrew tow the Colt 33RLT?
Marginal. The 1,130 lb tongue and 10,600 lb GVWR push half-ton ratings. A 2024+ F-250 or Ram 2500 is the safer tow.
Is four-season build in the Colt 33RLT verified?
Highland Ridge lists four-season with insulated/heated tanks. Confirm LP capacity (9.4 gal in Colt 33RLT) supports your expected furnace runtime before booking sub-freezing trips.