Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL vs Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These large bunkhouse Travel Trailers price within $2,269 of each other ($45,976 vs $48,245). The Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL is 33'0" at 5,740 lbs dry, sleeps 10 with bunkhouse, and runs a 7,600 lb GVWR for 1,860 lbs cargo. The Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL is 32'3" at 6,550 lbs dry, sleeps 10 with king bed and bunkhouse, ships with 200W solar, 1,800W inverter, 50A service, theater seating, four-season insulation, and 76 gal grey tank.
The Kodiak 280BHSL matches the Colorado 280BHC at $45,976 (identical price) with similar specs at 5,740 lbs dry. The Range Lite 270DBL counters with content the Kodiak doesn't carry: 200W solar, 1,800W inverter, four-season insulation, king bed, theater seating.
For large bunkhouse Travel Trailer buyers, the Dutchmen Kodiak vs Range Lite 270DBL choice tilts on payload vs content density - the same trade-off as the Colorado 280BHC comparison.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL | Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,976 | $48,245 |
| Length | 33' | 32'3" |
| Dry weight | 5,740 lbs | 6,550 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,200 lbs |
| Sleeps | 10 | 10 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | 55 gal |
| Grey tank | 39 gal | 76 gal |
| Black tank | 28 gal | 38 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 Kodiak 280BHSL wins
- Lower MSRP by $2,269 ($45,976 vs $48,245)
- 810 lbs lighter dry weight (5,740 vs 6,550 lbs)
- Lower 825 lb hitch weight (vs 845 lbs)
- 9 inches longer for layout space
Where Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL wins
- 1,800W inverter standard (Kodiak has none)
- 200W solar with solar prep flag
- King bed standard (Kodiak unspec)
- Four-season insulation certified
- 37 gal more grey tank (76 vs 39 gal)
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL if…
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 280BHSL if you sleep 10 and tow with a half-ton truck. The 5,740 lb dry weight is 810 lbs lighter than the Range Lite 270DBL, fitting comfortably inside half-ton ratings. The bunkhouse plus convertibles handle large families. At $45,976 the Kodiak 280BHSL saves $2,269 over the Range Lite 270DBL while delivering 10 sleeping spots. Buyers who plug in at campgrounds and don't need solar or inverter should pick the Kodiak.
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 270DBL if you want content-loaded large-family build. The 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, king bed plus bunkhouse, four-season insulation, theater seating, and 50A service collectively represent $5,000+ in aftermarket value on the Kodiak 280BHSL. The 76 gal grey tank supports a week of family showers between dumps. At $48,245 the Range Lite 270DBL costs $2,269 more than the Kodiak but delivers shoulder-season capability and off-grid hardware. Families wanting capability over price should pick the Range Lite 270DBL.
Frequently asked
How does the Kodiak 280BHSL differ from Colorado 280BHC at the same price?
Both are Dutchmen brand at 33 ft sleeping 10 at $45,976 MSRP. Kodiak typically has slightly different exterior finish, cabinetry options, and feature trim. Mechanical specs are nearly identical. Compare floorplans at the dealer.
Can the Range Lite 270DBL's 76 gal grey tank really hold a week of family wastewater?
For 4 people with conservative showers, yes - 76 gal handles roughly 6-7 days. For 8-10 people, expect 3-4 days before needing a dump. The Kodiak 280BHSL's 39 gal grey limits any group to 2-3 days.
Which trailer needs less tow vehicle?
The Kodiak 280BHSL at 5,740 lbs dry / 7,600 lb GVWR / 825 lb tongue sits comfortably in half-ton territory. The Range Lite 270DBL at 6,550 lbs dry / 8,200 lb GVWR / 845 lb tongue pushes harder; a heavy half-ton or 3/4-ton is recommended.