Off Road Camping Trailers

raqball
Sep 10, 2024

Wherever you go, there you are!

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/

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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/

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

https://www.tentrax.com/ascend

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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/

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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
Bronco*girl66, BuckYeah

Wherever you go, there you are!

Sep 24, 2024

#100
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.

I've been camping in tents for years and the older I get, the less I want to do it.. The camper will be nice and like @Sven says, it's basically a hard sided tent with a few features and comforts..

I am sure I'll over pack on the 1st trip and I am sure I'll find things I need, and don't need. After this trip I'll have plenty of time to figure it out as it will more than likely sit for the Winter, taunting me..

Both of those movies were great...
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Sven, Jakob1972

Wherever you go, there you are!

Tue at 10:40 pm

#101

@Sven,

I ordered the linked kit and mine came with 4 vertical holes for adjustments. This 4th hole (yours has 3) prevents me from opening the tailgate..

Did you modify yours? I called lock-n-roll and they said they don't mak a vs519 with the 3 holes like shown in your image.

I am picking up my TigerMoth on Thursday so it'll have to do for now then when I get back I can have it trimmed / cut down so I can open my tailgate..

note: I have not put the VS503 on there yet as I was waiting until I got the the dealer to pick it up and see which adjustment holes I needed before bolting it down..

Here is what mine looks like. As you can see, if I cut / hack the top set of holes off I would have enough clearance for the tailgate to open.

tempImageE3NwFb.png
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Deano Bronc

GOT SNOW

Tue at 10:45 pm

#102
@Sven,

I ordered the linked kit and mine came with 4 vertical holes for adjustments. This 4th hole (yours has 3) prevents me from opening the tailgate..

Did you modify yours? I called lock-n-roll and they said they don't mak a vs519 with the 3 holes like shown in your image.

I am picking up my TigerMoth on Thursday so it'll have to do for now then when I get back I can have it trimmed / cut down so I can open my tailgate..

note: I have not put the VS503 on there yet as I was waiting until I got the the dealer to pick it up and see which adjustment holes I needed before bolting it down..

Here is what mine looks like. As you can see, if I cut / hack the top set of holes off I would have enough clearance for the tailgate to open.

tempImageE3NwFb.png

I did modify it. I mounted it in the middle holes and then the sawzall and I went to work.

From post #69
I went with the longer stinger to allow more room to open the rear door. Also I cut off about an 1 1/4 (removed 1 hole) from the stinger to get the tire to clear. Hope this makes sense.
Cyberspace stole my info!
Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

GOT SNOW

Tue at 10:50 pm

#103
Awesome, than you! A hacking it down I shall go..

I think I am as excited for you as you are!
Cyberspace stole my info!
raqball

Wherever you go, there you are!

Tue at 10:54 pm

#104
I think I am as excited for you as you are!

I'll plan on hacking it here:

IMG_0866.jpeg

Yeah, I am looking forward to picking it up Thursday..

Ever since I took those photos for you at OE PNW I just could not get it out of my head. Luckily I got a killer price on it or I would not have bought it as the retail price was way above my budget..

Also, you already answered the 'did you modify it' Q. I guess I need to re-learn how to read..

Also I cut off about an 1 1/4 (removed 1 hole) from the stinger to get the tire to clear

Sorry for making you answer the same question twice..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member

GOT SNOW

Tue at 11:03 pm

#105
I'll plan on hacking it here:

IMG_0866.jpeg

Yeah, I am looking forward to picking it up Thursday..

Ever since I took those photos for you at OE PNW I just could not get it out of my head. Luckily I got a killer price on it or I would not have bought it as the retail price was way above my budget..

Also, you already answered the 'did you modify it' Q. I guess I need to re-learn how to read..


Sorry for making you answer the same question twice..

No worries at all.....
Cyberspace stole my info!
raqball

GOT SNOW

Wed at 3:53 pm

#106
I'll plan on hacking it here:

IMG_0866.jpeg

Yeah, I am looking forward to picking it up Thursday..

Ever since I took those photos for you at OE PNW I just could not get it out of my head. Luckily I got a killer price on it or I would not have bought it as the retail price was way above my budget..

Also, you already answered the 'did you modify it' Q. I guess I need to re-learn how to read..


Sorry for making you answer the same question twice..

How goes the hacking? Inquiring minds want to know! Hee hee๐Ÿ˜
Cyberspace stole my info!
raqball

Wherever you go, there you are!

Wed at 4:00 pm

#107
How goes the hacking? Inquiring minds want to know! Hee hee๐Ÿ˜

It's getting hacked up later today.. My son is going to bring it to work and hack it down like yours.

I'm outbound early tomorrow morning to pick the TigerMoth up in Wisconsin. I plan on leaving about 6AM and driving all day. Google says it's 550 miles and 8 hours of driving but I assume it'll take a little longer..

I'm going to pick it up then head back home in the evening. I'll stop in a rest area and crash inside the TigerMoth for the night.. ๐Ÿ˜ I am very anti hotel...

Shakedown trip is next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Nebraska National 'Forest'. Use that 'forest' word lightly as I think I saw a tree or two in the satellite and trail views.. LOL

I am going to take the RTT and awning off before I head out on the trip as I don't need the RTT and I doubt I'd ever use the awning..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Sven, Deano Bronc

Wherever you go, there you are!

Wed at 9:47 pm

#108
How goes the hacking? Inquiring minds want to know! Hee hee๐Ÿ˜

Looks like it's done. My son got it cut down at his work and sent me this image of it..

95530980-682f-499e-8a1a-26ab4bd21f11.jpg
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

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