Off Road Camping Trailers

ChetC

If you're even remotely handy, you can build your own for much less than it costs to purchase a camper and you have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

I started with a 4'x8' Carson flat/ATV hauler trailer (no sides and sturdier frame), flipped the axle and then basically built a box on top of it. I used boat hardware for everything, covered the plywood with .040 aluminum and use a small 12v rechargeable battery out of a mobility scooter for power when I'm not plugged into a generator or shore, which is when it gets recharged. The 110 electrical in the camper is basically an extension cord with a five way on the end. AC is housed in the toolbox on the tongue. All said and done, less than $6,000 invested not counting my time. It would be more now because prices have gone up a bit in the past four years. Pocket holes and wood glue holds it all together and it's just screwed to the trailer before putting LVT flooring down (leftover from a neighbors remodel).

I purchased the doors from an RV surplus place in Indiana (Ickes). I planned it out for quite some time, taking ideas from campers I liked (big fan of the Bean campers) and tackled it during COVID.

The cot can easily be replaced by anair mattress but I like having storage under the cot as well.I traveled and lived in this just about full time for two years. No regrets.

RagnarKon

I am also trying to figure this out, so I'm going to shamelessly steal ideas.

But some others for your consideration:

Turtleback Trailers - https://turtlebacktrailers.com/​

Specifically, their barebones series trailers, which they call "Shell". The more built-out trailers have a ton of features will be WELL above your (and my) budget. This is the option I'm personally leaning towards.

Bean Trailers - https://beantrailer.com/​

Again, most of their trailers will be beyond the budget, but their lower cost models are worth considering in my opinion.

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I have a few more that would have worked, but unfortunately many of them are now out of business or have had to dramatically raise prices.

My personal favorite is the Escapod, but they discontinued the original TOPO Escapod a year ago, and now only sell the much more expensive Escapod TOPO2. But if you wanted to stretch the budget a bit (and by "a bit", I mean triple it), I think Bronco Nation has (or had) a company Escapod that I'm sure @Laura, @cam.hunter, and the rest of the BN crew have battled and played numerous rounds of rock-paper-scissors for in the past.

ChetC

If you're even remotely handy

cam.hunter

Many rock-paper-scissor rounds have been played for the use of the Escapod! We have access to a TOPO 2. I had the chance to tow it from Moab to Detroit which was a 3 day trip. I stayed in it overnight for 2 nights and absolutely loved it. I was worried about space but was pleasantly surprised at how much room you have to move inside. I will say it is quite pricey but after my experience with it, the price made more sense. Happy to answer any questions!

Chief Ron

Have you had a chance to weigh it?

🐎

raqball

I am not.. If I were to build one it would fall apart the 1st speed bump I hit...

Sweet looking trailer BTW!

MIGeezer

Well, after all of these good reviews I've decided on one to get. It's call the VRBO 19 sleep & go, with A/C option. Can take the grand kids and wife without any issues. Good luck with your selections.

Jakob1972

I second the build your own I have about $3500 in mine. But I built my frame. But if you don’t want to build ( I get that) these guys build a good teardrop. https://roadtoadcampers.com/ and their upper end teardrops https://www.tinycamper.com/

RagnarKon

I am also trying to figure this out, so I'm going to shamelessly steal ideas.

But some others for your consideration:

Turtleback Trailers - https://turtlebacktrailers.com/​

Specifically, their barebones series trailers, which they call "Shell". The more built-out trailers have a ton of features will be WELL above your (and my) budget. This is the option I'm personally leaning towards.

Bean Trailers - https://beantrailer.com/​

Again, most of their trailers will be beyond the budget, but their lower cost models are worth considering in my opinion.

---

I have a few more that would have worked, but unfortunately many of them are now out of business or have had to dramatically raise prices.

My personal favorite is the Escapod, but they discontinued the original TOPO Escapod a year ago, and now only sell the much more expensive Escapod TOPO2. But if you wanted to stretch the budget a bit (and by "a bit", I mean triple it), I think Bronco Nation has (or had) a company Escapod that I'm sure @Laura, @cam.hunter, and the rest of the BN crew have battled and played numerous rounds of rock-paper-scissors for in the past.

Mandogus

I'm trying to think of offroad trailers for under 15k but kinda drawing a blank. My parents and I own a campinawe camper. It was about 35,000.