Off Road Camping Trailers

raqball

Sep 10, 2024

I am currently researching off-road campers and trailers. The older I get, the less I want to setup my tent and other gear every time I head out. I am considering enclosed trailers and trailers with Roof Top Tents.

What I want is the ability to store all my gear inside the trailer when heading to a site, then setup base camp after arrival, and have a comfortable sleeping area.

I do not need a living area as most of my time spent will be wheeling the trails in the area for the day. Return to base camp at the end of the day, eat, chill by fire then sleep. Lather, rinse, repeat for the entire trip.

My budget is about $14K and while I can go over this, I'd prefer to stay at or under that price.

I want the trailer to be off-road capable but it won't really be heading down any serious trails. My plans would be to wheel to an area, set up base camp, wheel that area for the day then return to base camp for the night. Any serious off-roading would be done away from the base camp and the base camp would be setup in an easily accessible area.

I'd love to see and hear what others have. Photos and write up for it would be very helpful.

Here are a few options I am considering and their estimated prices.

Oregon Trailer DoDrop Alpha: $13,250 for the Base version (I would probably go over my $14K limit adding items and things it's missing)

https://oregontrailer.net/model/dodrop-alpha/

-----------------

Runaway Venturist XS: $8400 (as I have one configured) without RTT
Inspired Overland RTT: $1300
Total: $9,700

Trailer: https://www.runawaycampers.com/product/venturist-xs/5?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false
RTT: https://inspiredoverland.com/products/io-lightweight-rooftop-tent/

----------------

TentRax Ascend: About $14,000 (as I have one configured) Limited storage - would need to do more research

https://www.tentrax.com/ascend

-------------------

Smittybilt Scout Trailer: $8800
Inspired Overland RTT: $1300
Total: $10,100

Trailer: https://www.smittybilt.com/product-skus/smittybilt-scout-trailer-87400/
RTT: https://inspiredoverland.com/products/io-lightweight-rooftop-tent/

-------------------

Some have an Off-road Articulation Hitch and some don't. I would definitely add one to the trailers that don't have one standard.

I am leaning towards the DoDrop Alpha since it does not require a RTT but I am also seriously considering the Venturist XS or the Smittybilt Scout with an Inspired Overland RTT due to their total price.. The TentRax Ascend looks good but it's a little pricey considering it's a soft RTT style on top and I think it's a propriety tent so I'd worry about getting another if it ever needed to be replaced.

Please share your camping trailers here and if you don't mind sharing, the price paid. I will probably be purchasing something over the winter so I am ready to roll come next spring.

Thanks!

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Bronco*girl66, BuckYeah

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Sep 15, 2024

#80

Sven
Maybe a bike cable lock you can run through the gas can handles and through the spare tire? Just a thought. Now you got me thinking of stuff.

Great idea.. 👍

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Chief Ron

Sep 15, 2024

#81

raqball
Great idea.. 👍

Could make your own as well. Probably cheaper. Just ho to a hardware store and buy the length of cable u think u might need and loop and clamp the ends yourself using a standard master lock to secure. If its a little long, thats a good thing because you can double wrap plus there will probably be a situation you think , “ dang, if this cable was only a little longer “. Or make two short ones and use as needed. Plenty to of ways to skin the kitty…. Especially if in Ohio🤣🐎

2023 Wildtrak, sas, mid, soft top. Not crazy offroader…. Just a normal trail junkie

Deano Bronc, Sven

Sep 16, 2024

#82

And........ It's all mine, the deal is done.. 💛

Anyone wanna buy a Thule Tepui RTT on the cheap?

A shoutout, and huge thanks, to @Sven for all the help and for answering my questions.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

Mal, UserError

Sep 16, 2024

#83

raqball
And it's all mine, the deal is done.. Anyone wanna buy a Thule Tepui RTT on the cheap?

Congrats and welcome to the new family member!

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

UserError, Jakob1972

Sep 16, 2024

#84

Sven
Congrats and welcome to the new family member!

I went over my budget but it is what it is. I've had the TigerMoth stuck in my head ever since I snapped those photos of it for you at Overland Expo PNW...

At $17,900, this was just too good of a deal to not go over budget and snag it. Well, it was like $20K after tax, registration, title etc.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Jakob1972

Sep 16, 2024

#85

raqball
I went over my budget but it is what it is. I've had the TigerMoth stuck in my head ever since I snapped those photos of it for you at Overland Expo PNW...

At $17,900, this was just too good of a deal to not go over budget and snag it. Well, it was like $20K after tax, registration, title etc.

I feel good about you seeing one first hand...so you can't put all the blame on me. LMAO I really think for what you do it will become an ole' friend in no time. When friends see it for the first time they always say "It;s so tiny" and my response is it's perfect for sleeping in in bear country and not sleeping on the ground!
I see the toolbox is inside in the last photo. Woohoo!

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

UserError, Lots O Fords

Sep 16, 2024

#86

Sven
I feel good about you seeing one first hand...so you can't put all the blame on me. LMAO I really think for what you do it will become an ole' friend in no time. When friends see it for the first time they always say "It;s so tiny" and my response is it's perfect for sleeping in in bear country and not sleeping on the ground!
I see the toolbox is inside in the last photo. Woohoo!

The older I get, the less and less I want to setup a tent so this will eliminate that problem.

I also want to continue to wheel with the top off for most of the year so that ruled out a RTT.

I am also interested in doing more overloading type trips where I might move from spot to spot. With a tent setup, I'd be pitching and taking down the tent constantly on a trip like that. With this I can basically hook up and roll!

I need to order the new lock n roll for it before I forget.

Also looking into a lock and came across these. I'll probably snag one of them as well so it's more secure when using as a basecamp and out wheelin' for the day..

https://www.provenlocks.com/product...lating-trailer-coupler?variant=43944932409585

Or this one

https://lock-n-stop.com/products/kr...NacHh7DSNq0Uj7ulYHJb5qFHm08E53q8aAgpdEALw_wcB

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Jakob1972

Sep 17, 2024

#87

Hope it’s ok to share this here. This little trailer is over 20 years old but still in good shape. I put 275/70 truck tires on it for more ground clearance and stability.

A while back I built a 4’x 7’ box tube frame w/ HDPE top that bolts to the racks on my old dodge truck to hold my roof top tent.

I decided to modify it slightly so it could be used either on the old truck rack, or on top of the rails of this trailer so I can pull it w/ the bronco to use w/ my RTT.

I need to build a back for it so I can use the cavity underneath for hauling gear and locking it up. I think I’ll make some “doors” in front of the tires for easy access to items in the front of the trailer.

I’ll get some better pics when it’s all done.

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'24 Badlands Sasquatch

UserError, Lots O Fords

Sep 17, 2024

#88

Question for the couple of you with a lock-n-roll hitches, we rented a trailer with one and the hitch was pretty noisy, and not just when on the trail. Anytime we pulled on and off the road or around parking lots you'd hear it. I figured this was just poor maintenance on the part of the owner for the trailer, but curious if you find the same thing, that the hitch is a bit 'clunky'.

~~2023 2 Door Badlands, 7MT, Eruption Green, High, Tow~~

Sep 17, 2024

#89

RoboticsRob
Question for the couple of you with a lock-n-roll hitches, we rented a trailer with one and the hitch was pretty noisy, and not just when on the trail. Anytime we pulled on and off the road or around parking lots you'd hear it. I figured this was just poor maintenance on the part of the owner for the trailer, but curious if you find the same thing, that the hitch is a bit 'clunky'.

Mine is the total opposite. I never hear it or feel it being jerky like a standard ball hitch. Mine has a couple grease zerks...so maintenance is most likely the cause.

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

UserError, Lots O Fords

Sep 17, 2024

#90

Polaris425
Hope it’s ok to share this here.

Absolutely! I'd be interested in following your build and changes.. 👍

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Lots O Fords

Sep 17, 2024

#91

@raqball welcome to the family of tiny travel trailer owners. You will love it so much more than a tent.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

UserError, Sven

Sep 17, 2024

#92

Jakob1972
@raqball welcome to the family of tiny travel trailer owners. You will love it so much more than a tent.

I am looking forward to it.. I'll probably pick it up the 1st week in October as they are going to hold it on their lot until I can come snag it.

I am going to try and get at least one shakedown run in before Winter. If the weather co-operates, then maybe I can get 2 trips in before it sits for the Winter - taunting me..

Yesterday, I ordered the lock n roll for the Bronco side and the LiFePO4 battery that @Sven has, and that he linked to:

https://locknroll.com/shop-now/vehicle-side/VS503_VS519_Combination_Package/
https://www.litime.com/products/12v-100ah-group-24-lithium-battery

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Jakob1972

Sep 17, 2024

#93

raqball
I am looking forward to it.. I'll probably pick it up the 1st week in October as they are going to hold it on their lot until I can come snag it.

I am going to try and get at least one shakedown run in before Winter. If the weather co-operates, then maybe I can get 2 trips in before it sits for the Winter - taunting me..

Yesterday, I ordered the lock n roll for the Bronco side and the LiFePO4 battery that @Sven has, and that he linked to:

https://locknroll.com/shop-now/vehicle-side/VS503_VS519_Combination_Package/
https://www.litime.com/products/12v-100ah-group-24-lithium-battery

Those batteries are a game changer that is what I am running in my square drop and about to get one for the big travel trailer.

UserError, Sven

Sep 24, 2024

#94

raqball
Lets just say that the next time you have possession of it, it were to get 'lost' and in it's place you were to find a brown paper bag containing $15K.. I can leave the cash, all kidnapping ransom drop style, if wanted. 👅

Is that the same one that was at OE PNW? That trailer was super sweet!

HAHA it seems you have already thought this one out. It was the same one that was at OE PNW! It will also make an appearance soon at OEE.

UserError, raqball

Sep 24, 2024

#95

cam.hunter
HAHA it seems you have already thought this one out. It was the same one that was at OE PNW! It will also make an appearance soon at OEE.

So, even though I already bought a camper, I assume the answer to it getting 'lost' in exchange for a brown paper sack full of cash is a ----> no???? 😂

I am picking up the TigerMoth on October 3rd.

Gonna be a lot of driving the next few weeks.

Vancouver, WA to Lincoln, NE (1600 miles - Sept 28-30th)
Lincoln, NE to Sturtevant, WI (600 miles - to pick up TigerMoth) (Oct 3rd)
Sturtevant, WI to Lincoln, NE (600 miles - Oct 4th)
Lincoln, NE to Halsey, NE (240 miles - camp trip October 8, 9 and 10)
Halsey, NE to Lincoln, NE (240 miles)

Drive Forrest, drive! 3,300 miles, give or take a few..

I considered scheduling my 1st trip with it later in October but I am allergic to the cold and rain when camping.. The extended forecast looks good on those dates..

I figured for the 1st shakedown trip, I'd stay in a regular campground, so I booked a campsite in the Nebraska National Forest at the Bessey Recreation Complex for October 8th, 9th, and 10th. This will be my 1st trip, and a shakedown, with the TigerMoth.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Deano Bronc

Sep 24, 2024

#96

raqball
So, even though I already bought a camper, I assume the answer to it getting 'lost' in exchange for a brown paper sack full of cash is a ----> no???? 😂

I am picking up the TigerMoth on October 3rd.

Gonna be a lot of driving the next few weeks.

Vancouver, WA to Lincoln, NE (1600 miles - Sept 28-30th)

Lincoln, NE to Sturtevant, WI (600 miles - to pick up TigerMoth) (Oct 3rd)

Sturtevant, WI to Lincoln, NE (600 miles - Oct 4th)

Lincoln, NE to Halsey, NE (240 miles - camp trip October 8, 9 and 10)

Halsey, NE to Lincoln, NE (240 miles)

Drive Forrest, drive! 3,300 miles, give or take a few..

I considered scheduling my 1st trip with it later in October but I am allergic to the cold and rain.. The extended forecast looks good on those dates..

I figured for the 1st shakedown trip, I'd stay in a regular campground, so I booked a campsite in the Nebraska National Forest at the Bessey Recreation Complex for October 8th, 9th, and 10th. This will be my 1st trip, and a shakedown, with the TigerMoth.

always good to get a shakedown trip, make sure you have everything. We always go someplace close for the first trip, usually head to the State Park that is a mile from the house, this way if I forget anything I can just run home and get it. 😉

UserError, Deano Bronc

Sep 24, 2024

#97

Jakob1972
always good to get a shakedown trip, make sure you have everything. We always go someplace close for the first trip, usually head to the State Park that is a mile from the house, this way if I forget anything I can just run home and get it. 😉

While this trip is not close to home, it's close to a city and it's an established site that has a Ranger Station in it and a host..

For the most part, I should be fine as I have a TON of camping gear already. Just a matter now of adapting to the camper...

After it, I should be good for some dispersed camping.

onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
2023 Badlands 2 door in Hot Pepper Red 🌶️ 🌶️

UserError, Chief Ron

Sep 24, 2024

#98

RV = Ruins Vacation
Just kidding. For the shake down, have pen and paper to make the list of all the stuff you want to add/bring. Then on the second trip, make a list of all the stuff, you didn't need to add/bring.

I know its a smaller trailer, but the fun and learning is basically the same. There was a Movie with Robin Williams called RV. It wasn't a comedy, it was a documentary.

Its gonna be cool and cant wait to see it.

UserError, Deano Bronc

Sep 24, 2024

#99

Lots O Fords
RV = Ruins Vacation
Just kidding. For the shake down, have pen and paper to make the list of all the stuff you want to add/bring. Then on the second trip, make a list of all the stuff, you didn't need to add/bring.

I know its a smaller trailer, but the fun and learning is basically the same. There was a Movie with Robin Williams called RV. It wasn't a comedy, it was a documentary.

Its gonna be cool and cant wait to see it.

We're the Millers is another movie that hits the RV life pretty close. LOL

UserError, Lots O Fords

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