Perfect for Two: Palomino’s Real-Lite Mini RV

The Real-Lite Mini from Palomino is what I call a couple’s trailer – that’s just my label. However, it can also be viewed as an escape vehicle for folks new to RVing who want to get into something smaller that they can tow with the vehicle they already own. Frankly, that definition springs from all the new models that have come to dealer lots these past two years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the jump in sales we’ve seen as a result. At 21-feet long and just around 4,000 lb it fits that bill to a T.

Photo Credit: Palomino

This single slide-out trailer also employs a space-saving trick – its 60”x 80” bed folds when not in use to reveal a cushioned love-seat. A nice sized dinette is housed in the slide-out; one which also folds down for another sleep space at 30”x 70”.  This layout, including a large bathroom, will scratch that get-out-of-town itch.

Photo Credit: Palomino

Palomino has a long history, one built on responding to customer needs with units they want to buy.  It started in 1968 when Mr. Vern Landey, a tent trailer distributor, felt he could design and produce better quality units for his customers. He designed units which were lightweight and offered convenient floorplans. The first Palomino pop-up tent trailers were built in a small building in Savage, Minnesota.   The company expanded in the following years, in part because of its attention to RVing trends. Then in 1998 it expanded to a new 75,000 sq. ft. production facility. This allowed for Palomino to begin production of their new ultra light weight line of travel trailers. In 2002, they were purchased by Forest River, Inc. This allowed for rapid growth and the introduction of two new towable lines of travel trailers and fifth wheels, Puma by Palomino and Sabre by Palomino. Two new 100,000 square foot facilities were built in Goshen, Indiana to house the production lines for these two new products.

Photo Credit: Palomino

The Real-Lite Mini’s stand-out feature is the large front automotive style window. It lights up the interior which, along with the slide-out, makes the unit feel larger overall. Among the many standard features found in the Real-Lite Mini are maple hand glazed cabinets, LED interior lighting, ball bearing drawer guides, a porcelain toilet, power awning with LED light and 13.5K BTU air conditioner.

Photo Credit: Palomino

This unit from Palomino is on the higher end of the price scale for a unit of this size – so it’s important to see what you are getting standard. I’ve included the list here:

Standard features on the Real-Lite Mini

• Aluminum wheels
• Dexter torsion axle
• Hi-gloss white exterior
• 4 stabilizer jacks
• Spare tire
• 1-20 lb. LP tank
• AM/FM Bluetooth stereo
• Ball bearing drawer guides
• 2-burner cook top
• Microwave
• Maxx air vent
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Solar prep
• LED interior lighting
• Laminated roof
• Front cap with windshield and Line X Protectant
• 10 cubic foot 12-volt refrigerator
• Azdel construction
• Hot water – 6 gal.

One of the newest and hottest trends in RVing is wilderness camping. While this has always been an interest to a minority of campers, it seems to be growing. In response to this trend, companies like Palomino are offering optional upgrades to its units that will make travel into remote locations much more possible. The off-road package can be added right at the factory to any of the four Real-Lite Mini models. With the added height and off-road tires, you’ll get the trailer into the rougher country.

Real-Lite Mini OFF-ROAD Package – Optional

• Adds 4″ to exterior height
• 15” Aluminum wheels
• 28” mudder tires
• Lift kit
• Flared fenders
• Assist rail

The other side of the custom order equation is getting the comfort and convenience features you want – even in a small trailer. The Options list shown below speaks to that want.

Real-Lite Mini Optional Features

• 24” TV
• 8 cubic foot gas/electric refrigerator
• 11,000 BTU low profile air conditioner
• Fireplace
• Solid surface countertops
• Electric tongue jack
• Frameless windows
• RVQ grill with bumper mount
• Roof ladder
• Solar panel
• Thule roof rack

Specifications for the Palomino Real-Lite Mini 186

Photo Credit: Palomino

Hitch Weight:                    505 lb.

GVWR:                                 4,905 lb.

Dry Weight:                        3,974 lb.

Exterior Length:                21′ 9″

Exterior Height:                 10′ 3″

Exterior Width:                  90″

Fresh Water:                      44 gal.

Grey Water:                       30 gal.

Black Water:                      38. gal.

This unit was provided for testing by Gimmie Shelter RV, Mono, ON.  For a full walkthrough of the unit, watch Truck King Media’s video.