Overlanding Camping Trailers

[tobyw]

Several years back I picked up a lightly used Rockwood 12RK for the very reasons you mentioned... I've done several modifications to it over the years but it has 100% met my needs and continues to do so.

Sponsored

 

[EMBronco]

I was looking for a trailer like this a couple of years ago, and was amazed how expensive some of them were. I know you usually get what you pay for, but some of them were $60k+ for an 8 to 10 foot trailer. In the end, I built one myself. If I were to buy one, I'd probably look for something like one of these. Then spend the few thousand I saved on solar, lithium batteries, lights, etc.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2024-Braxton+Creek-Bushwhacker+10HD-5031873622#sid=110771

https://www.nealsrvcenter.com/2024-sunset-park-rv-mfg-sunray-109-sport--AaGq.html

Here's a link to the trailer I built. For comparision, it cost me $8-9k.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/off-road-trailer-diy-build-project-complete.84148/

 

[Golfsnob]

The InTech Flyer line-up is one I've been eyeing specifically the Explore. I've seen them around $15-17 but they do have a couple of smaller less expensive models. Just depends on what ones idea of "camping" is.

 

[vrtical]

https://www.nealsrvcenter.com/2024-sunset-park-rv-mfg-sunray-109-sport--AaGq.html

That seems like a real functional one with a yawning. I like it.

 

[351W-Bronco]

FWIW, I have an off-road teadrop for sale.
https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/2012-socal-teardrops-549-krawler-11k.244513/

 

[Tooold]

FWIW, I have an off-road teadrop for sale.
https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/2012-socal-teardrops-549-krawler-11k.244513/

SoCal Teardrops are legit. I spent a lot of time looking at "offroad" trailers.
This one is one of the very few that in my opinion has real body protection and suspension. Meaning the frame comes all the way to the edge of the body. It also has a real suspension using springs and shocks.

This is just my opinion but... most of these "off road" trailers don't have frames that will protect them from body damage on the trail. The other big factor is that have shit suspension. They bounce down the trail or dirt roads because of no shocks (just compression springs). A lot of these companies use timbren axle-less suspension systems. they were a prototype system designed for and rejected by the military. They use rubber pads that control compression and in my opinion fail to control rebound. Also they have very limited choices in the rubber pad's spring rates.

Keep in mind, wood construction is going to mean keeping up with maintenance and storage issues to prevent rot.

The few companies that do check the boxes of well made frames, suspension systems and composit/metal body construction are just two expensive for me to justify.

Based off of the gentleman's asking price listed above, the market on these things are starting come back down to earth.

In the end I just bought an old 1967 M416 trailer.

The good news is more and more companies are starting to use composit. So someday I will be able to find a reasonably priced teardrop that meets my needs.

My .02 into OP's dime is buy a used mainstream manufacturers composet body teardrop. They have less than desirable frames and suspension, but it sounds like that may not be needed if I'm understanding correctly.

 

[AlexInSD]

Off Grid Trailers makes a nice rig. Here's mine:

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Idk what kind of weather you'll be camping in, but there's really something to be said for having a warm place with no setup in bad weather. A bare trailer with an RTT has some of the same downsides as just an RTT on the Bronco itself. Namely, they aren't great in cold or wind. I skipped out on a few epic camps last year in favor of somewhere with shelter from the wind.

So. How much do you like tent camping in bad weather, or will you just avoid it? If you like a tent or plan to stick to fair weather, then I'd probably go for something cheap and light with an RTT for maximum mobility and simplicity. But an enclosure is so much more comfortable.

I made the switch to a trailer this year and have no regrets. A Valiant is more than you're looking to spend, but I love not worrying about the weather. Just park and fire up the heater, and like you when it's time to go offroad I just leave the trailer at camp.

I strongly considered a DoDrop Alpha. They look like a good trailer, but had no real tech. Probably a great option for the price.

 

[raqball]

So. How much do you like tent camping in bad weather, or will you just avoid it? If you like a tent or plan to stick to fair weather, then I'd probably go for something cheap and light with an RTT for maximum mobility and simplicity. But an enclosure is so much more comfortable.

I am a fair weather camper and off-roader. I don't head out in the Winter or when heavy and / or prolonged rain is in the forecast. I am retired and can adjust my camping and off-roading trip dates easily.

I also roll from Spring to Fall with my hardtop off...

A little more on what I am looking for:

• $14K - $15K max
• Storage to haul the gear that I now pack into my Bronco.
  • Camp chair
  • Camp table
  • Camp stove
  • Pots, pans, dishes, cups etc
  • Clothes
  • Fire can
  • Propane Tank
• Sleeping area

That's it. Storage and sleeping. No creature comforts just a basic plain ole' trailer that has off-road ability. Preferably something smallish and light.

This would eliminate most of the bulky items that I now cram into my topless Bronco like my tent, poles, sleeping cot, sleeping bag etc and easily allow the rest of the gear I carry to be stored inside the trailer.

I do not need a kitchen, bathroom, shower and all the other creature comforts that the more costly trailers offer. I am single and I cook very basic food when camping.

I also do not need power as I can use the power bank in my Bronco that powers my car fridge to charge things. Maybe I'd add another small power bank and charge it off solar but I don't even think that would be needed as the only time I would be in the trailer or RTT would be to sleep.

My car fridge would stay in Bronco so I can have cold drinks and maybe lunch on the trail. I can use my Trailgater on the Bronco to place a camp stove for cooking.

A small teardrop style camper or a trailer with a RTT will allow me to roll with my top off most of the year.

I strongly considered a DoDrop Alpha. They look like a good trailer, but had no real tech. Probably a great option for the price.

I am leaning towards the DoDrop Alpha.

 

[raqball]

Another viable option.. $14K with the expedition suspension upgrade

https://www.polydrops.com/p19

 

[Jamyers77]

I recently ordered a Hiker Trailer (Mid XL 5x10) I like their a la carte ordering. It was overwhelming at first, but liked not having to order/receive things I didn't need. They have several models and most add ons can be ordered across all models

https://hikertrailers.com/

This wait is significantly easier than for the Bronco. They said 3 months, but 2 weeks in I received an email the frame was complete.

 

[Rspayde]

I personally am in the market as well. I have just been waiting on one to pop up on facebook marketplace.

I am mainly looking for just an off-road capable open trailer to haul gear to sites only. No RTT needed.

I have a few sub $5k options now but nothing that is exactly what I want.

 

[Cobrafang]

Check these out. Had my eye on them for a while.

https://mammothoverland.com/models/

Oops just looked at price.

 

[Num Num]

Might want to watch popo’s video before making a decision. There is a lesson or two there. Good video by the way. Thanks for sharing.

 

[fireman297]

Check out Sherpa Trailers in Montana.

https://sherpatrailers.com/

We have the expedition trailer set up with rooftop tent. They also have the Bigfoot and Yeti trailers with interior sleeping area. These are very we built trailers and are customizable to suit your needs. They are very reasonable and won’t break the bank. Just give them a call and ask for Adam and let them know that Ride4Relief sent you their way. They will totally take care of you and are great people.

Good luck.

Here is our set up.

Sponsored