Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL vs Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
These bunkhouse Travel Trailers price within $2,230 of each other ($53,080 vs $50,850). The Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL is 34'1" at 6,070 lbs dry, sleeps 8 with bunkhouse, and runs a 7,600 lb GVWR with 44 gal fresh and 72 gal grey. The Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI is 33'2" at 6,960 lbs dry, sleeps 6 with king bed and bunkhouse, ships with 200W solar with solar prep, 1,800W inverter, 50A service, theater seating, four-season insulation, and 71 gal grey tank.
The Kodiak 296BHSL is 890 lbs lighter dry and sleeps two more thanks to its bunkhouse-only layout. The Range Lite 280MKI counters with 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, four-season insulation, and king bed - significant content the Kodiak doesn't carry, at $2,230 lower MSRP.
For Travel Trailer family buyers, the Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL vs Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI choice splits between sleeping capacity (Kodiak) and content density (Range Lite).
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL | Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $53,080 | $50,850 |
| Length | 34'1" | 33'2" |
| Dry weight | 6,070 lbs | 6,960 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,850 lbs |
| Sleeps | 8 | 6 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | 55 gal |
| Grey tank | 72 gal | 71 gal |
| Black tank | 28 gal | 30.5 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 296BHSL wins
- Sleeps 8 vs 6 (more bunks)
- 890 lbs lighter dry weight (6,070 vs 6,960 lbs)
- 11 inches longer for layout space
- 1 gal more grey tank (72 vs 71 gal)
Where Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI wins
- Lower MSRP by $2,230 ($50,850 vs $53,080)
- 1,800W inverter standard (Kodiak has none)
- 200W solar with solar prep flag
- Four-season insulation certified
- King bed standard plus 360 lbs more cargo capacity
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL if…
Pick the Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL if you sleep 8 and tow with a half-ton truck. The 6,070 lb dry weight is 890 lbs lighter than the Range Lite 280MKI, fitting comfortably inside half-ton ratings. The bunkhouse layout accommodates larger families with more bunks. At $53,080 you pay $2,230 more than the Range Lite 280MKI but gain two sleeping spots. Half-ton families needing maximum sleeping capacity should pick the Kodiak 296BHSL.
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI if…
Pick the Highland Ridge Range Lite 280MKI if you camp as a family of 4-6 and want off-grid hardware factory-installed. The 1,800W inverter, 200W solar, four-season insulation, king bed, and 50A service collectively represent $4,500+ in aftermarket value on the Kodiak 296BHSL. At $50,850 the Range Lite 280MKI saves $2,230 over the Kodiak while delivering shoulder-season capability and boondock-ready electronics. Families wanting capability over sleeping capacity should pick the Range Lite 280MKI.
Frequently asked
Why does the Range Lite weigh more despite less length?
The Range Lite 280MKI's 6,960 lbs dry vs Kodiak 296BHSL's 6,070 lbs reflects added factory content - inverter, solar, four-season insulation package, heavier furnishings. Content adds weight.
Can the Range Lite 280MKI sleep an occasional 7th guest?
Possibly via a convertible dinette as a single child bed. The Range Lite isn't designed for 8 like the Kodiak 296BHSL. If you regularly host extra guests, the Kodiak's extra bunks matter.
How much winter LP does each carry?
Neither publishes LP capacity in catalog data. Both likely carry dual 30-lb bottles for ~14 gal LP each. The Range Lite 280MKI's four-season insulation reduces LP burn rate vs the Kodiak's three-season build.