Only Overlanding Trailer Talk

[Vermonster]

I am beginning down a slippery slope. I have decided the next chapter in my life will need to focus on outdoors more and more. Hunting season (October - December) is not enough, and I would like to travel around to some national parks sooner than later.

I have looked at bed racks that would keep my folding bed cover intact for supplies, as well as roof top tents (which I dig in concept), but as a kid I am very used to sleeping on the ground in a tent.

With all that said, and if it's just my wife and youngest daughter most of the time to start with, I began looking at off road travel trailers - thinking I could also use it hunting in the backcountry a bit. I will not consider a typical travel trailer - just not my thing. If I need more space I can add the roof top tent to the trailer or even to the truck using a bed rack - but nothing over the cab because I don't want to change my HAM set-up (antenna placement).

So speaking to ONLY overlanding trailers - I looked at this article:

https://www.motortrend.com/features/off-road-camper-trailers/

Anyone running any of these or something like it?

 

[TRAMPER]

I am beginning down a slippery slope. I have decided the next chapter in my life will need to focus on outdoors more and more. Hunting season (October - December) is not enough, and I would like to travel around to some national parks sooner than later.

I have looked at bed racks that would keep my folding bed cover intact for supplies, as well as roof top tents (which I dig in concept), but as a kid I am very used to sleeping on the ground in a tent.

With all that said, and if it's just my wife and youngest daughter most of the time to start with, I began looking at off road travel trailers - thinking I could also use it hunting in the backcountry a bit. I will not consider a typical travel trailer - just not my thing. If I need more space I can add the roof top tent to the trailer or even to the truck using a bed rack - but nothing over the cab because I don't want to change my HAM set-up (antenna placement).

So speaking to ONLY overlanding trailers - I looked at this article:

https://www.motortrend.com/features/off-road-camper-trailers/

Anyone running any of these or something like it?

While not mine one of my best friends briefly ran a Mission trailer. His wife LOVED it, it was super comfortable, big fridge, heat, all sorts of creature comforts and with the GFC on his truck he had a place for his wife and him to sleep and a separate place for his son to sleep, giving a little more privacy.

That said he sold it not even 6 months after buying it because off-roading with a trailer sucks. No way around it. If it’s right for you than they can be really nice but he ended up moving to a Ram 2500 with a Project M on it. This lets him sleep “upstairs” and still has a 6.5’ bed downstairs for his son.

FWIW I also really liked the trailer and discouraged him from selling but one long trip with it (we did the Mid-Atlantic backroad discovery route) and he didn’t want to pull it anymore.

I think a lot of it depends on your definition of Offroad and what trailer you choose. Obviously the Aussies wheel pretty hard with some trailers.

 

[Vermonster]

Thank you for sharing that, @TRAMPER . I agree it would suck to drag a trailer over some of the country around here - if possible at all. Less real challenging off road (basically my style) would be ok, I think. I don't see me taking my truck through anything too technical. More or less if I was headed down fire roads, back country roads with fields to park in, or even some of the desert or wide open lands I can see being a blast. Basic exploring.

I will look more into that model!

 

[dmoralizer_]

I have an OBI Dweller 15. Overall I liked the idea of it for my wife and I. Now we have a baby on the way will probably move to something a little bigger. Which may defeat the purpose of the off road trailer with trail size and size of these trucks starting to be an issue the bigger you get. I will say not owning any type of trailer before I was not prepared with just how much goes into making everything work, setting up, towing into remote areas where turning around may be an issue, etc. I have moved from ground camping with a tent, to roof top tent, and now this trailer. I used it for hunting and work great for just me. However, having wife and new baby will probably be a little tight depending how much time you spend indoors. I will say compared to friends who have regular travel trailers that are equivalent size or pop ups they are head and shoulders above but you pay for it.

 

[TRAMPER]

Thank you for sharing that, @TRAMPER . I agree it would suck to drag a trailer over some of the country around here - if possible at all. Less real challenging off road (basically my style) would be ok, I think. I don't see me taking my truck through anything too technical. More or less if I was headed down fire roads, back country roads with fields to park in, or even some of the desert or wide open lands I can see being a blast. Basic exploring.

I will look more into that model!

Home - Mission Overland

mission overland North America’s premier overland trailer See Our Models Build a trailer We understand that every adventurer has a unique vision. With our Build Sheet, you can enhance your dream Mission Overland trailer by tailoring a variety of additional options. Start building your ideal...

missionoverland.com

They have a pretty big Facebook page if you’re into that kind of thing. It was very nice and very well made. If I recall it was in the low to Mid 40’s though.

 

[Vermonster]

View attachment 148371View attachment 148372


I have an OBI Dweller 15. Overall I liked the idea of it for my wife and I. Now we have a baby on the way will probably move to something a little bigger. Which may defeat the purpose of the off road trailer with trail size and size of these trucks starting to be an issue the bigger you get. I will say not owning any type of trailer before I was not prepared with just how much goes into making everything work, setting up, towing into remote areas where turning around may be an issue, etc. I have moved from ground camping with a tent, to roof top tent, and now this trailer. I used it for hunting and work great for just me. However, having wife and new baby will probably be a little tight depending how much time you spend indoors. I will say compared to friends who have regular travel trailers that are equivalent size or pop ups they are head and shoulders above but you pay for it.

That makes total sense. I have lived in a tow behind camper as my parents built a camp, and it was small - but it was a pretty big camper. I still have nightmares of the toiler/shower combo. I would opt for the local boat landing port-o-john, even. I am not sure I want a toilet in mine - granted I have experience in using and dumping them from my years of travel - good times! lol.


I can completely see the issue of turning around on a trail - that's a nightmare I would rather not deal with. I have many years of trailer experience, and I cannot imagine a single lane drive with trees on each side only to find a washout.

 

[Modman]

I am beginning down a slippery slope. I have decided the next chapter in my life will need to focus on outdoors more and more. Hunting season (October - December) is not enough, and I would like to travel around to some national parks sooner than later.

I have looked at bed racks that would keep my folding bed cover intact for supplies, as well as roof top tents (which I dig in concept), but as a kid I am very used to sleeping on the ground in a tent.

With all that said, and if it's just my wife and youngest daughter most of the time to start with, I began looking at off road travel trailers - thinking I could also use it hunting in the backcountry a bit. I will not consider a typical travel trailer - just not my thing. If I need more space I can add the roof top tent to the trailer or even to the truck using a bed rack - but nothing over the cab because I don't want to change my HAM set-up (antenna placement).

So speaking to ONLY overlanding trailers - I looked at this article:

https://www.motortrend.com/features/off-road-camper-trailers/

Anyone running any of these or something like it?

I don't see OutdoorsRV mentioned but believe those are very capable as well. Many on here who own one can speak directly on the subject...

I think anyone looking at this style of camper should be honest with where the camper will actually go vs. unhooking and exploring with the truck. Not saying this is you, but lots of people want the image but don't really need the function.

That being said, I tend to think of @Raspy whenever over-landing is mentioned. I have this image of him pulling his camper up an off-road grade burned into my mind.

 

[AZsurveyor]

Excellent thread and love the concept of the overlanding or off-road trailer (in comparison to the rolling houses).

Having come from an extensive background of 5th wheels and travel trailers, I will say for what I want to consider in terms of camping/hunting in the future, this no longer is a desire.

Don't get me wrong, they are excellent for RV parks with full hooks-up or long stays, perhaps beach camping but for a few nights out in the woods, dragging or hauling a 20K+ lbs house with amenities is no longer in my book of wants.

I now want to explore and move about with my rig as I please and as previously mentioned, for what it was built for. Having said that, I'm not necessarily fond of the idea of having to tow, even this out to the wilderness but it is a great plan B if I see the necessity. I towed trailers of all sorts for many years and while I absolutely enjoy it and can possibility do it with my eyes closed, it is now a drag, literally.

I will certainly be watching this thread.

 

[super_fro_daddy]

Is this what you're trying to accomplish??

 

[Modman]

That being said, I tend to think of @Raspy whenever over-landing is mentioned. I have this image of him pulling his camper up an off-road grade burned into my mind.

Check out his image gallery:

Raspy

www.fordtremor.com

 

[toximus]

I think anyone looking at this style of camper should be honest with where the camper will actually go vs. unhooking and exploring with the truck.

This. And at that point is there a difference between a minimalist 14ft teardrop compared to an 18ft with all of the comforts? That said there is a point somewhere around 24ft where you can't fit in many rustic campgrounds anymore and route planning is vital.

 

[Vermonster]

I think anyone looking at this style of camper should be honest with where the camper will actually go vs. unhooking and exploring with the truck. Not saying this is you, but lots of people want the image but don't really need the function.

Boom. That's where I am at. I would like to leave it at the campsite if I am headed into the tickly weeds. I have a mindset to go Utah, Montana, Wyoming, etc. Some mountain passes but nothing technical - just off road. No pavement is a plus - maybe some secret fishing spots.

 

[toximus]

I would look into something like this for quality built with all of the comforts to use as a base camp: https://www.sundownertrailers.com/2...trail-blazer-1669-travel-trailer-rv-2oJl.html

16ft long and 6-1/2ft wide.

It'll get you into just about every established campsite (even off-grid backcountry sites). Obviously doesn't scream overlander with a bunch of stuff bolted on the side with padlocks but if you're realistically going to be base camping even going to a new campsite each day I think you're going to sleep, live, and drive much more comfortable.

 

[dmoralizer_]

Boom. That's where I am at. I would like to leave it at the campsite if I am headed into the tickly weeds. I have a mindset to go Utah, Montana, Wyoming, etc. Some mountain passes but nothing technical - just off road. No pavement is a plus - maybe some secret fishing spots.

This is about what I do. Here is a great little spot here in New Mexico.

 

[Optimus]

Boom. That's where I am at. I would like to leave it at the campsite if I am headed into the tickly weeds. I have a mindset to go Utah, Montana, Wyoming, etc. Some mountain passes but nothing technical - just off road. No pavement is a plus - maybe some secret fishing spots.

And why not Nevada!?

 

[Vermonster]

Excellent thread and love the concept of the overlanding or off-road trailer (in comparison to the rolling houses).

Having come from an extensive background of 5th wheels and travel trailers, I will say for what I want to consider in terms of camping/hunting in the future, this no longer is a desire.

Don't get me wrong, they are excellent for RV parks with full hooks-up or long stays, perhaps beach camping but for a few nights out in the woods, dragging or hauling a 20K+ lbs house with amenities is no longer in my book of wants.

I now want to explore and move about with my rig as I please and as previously mentioned, for what it was built for. Having said that, I'm not necessarily fond of the idea of having to tow, even this out to the wilderness but it is a great plan B if I see the necessity. I towed trailers of all sorts for many years and while I absolutely enjoy it and can possibility do it with my eyes closed, it is now a drag, literally.

I will certainly be watching this thread.

If it were my wife and I only - or just me - we could sleep under the bed cover. Before we were married my wife told me she loves camping, but when she ends up washing her socks in the sink after weeks on end - it's too much. So I have that to work with.

 

[Vermonster]

And why not Nevada!?

I can add that to the list!

 

[Vermonster]

Is this what you're trying to accomplish??

Just a wee touch less than that! LMAO!

 

[HeavyAssault]

Okay, here's $.02 and worth it. DO NOT fall in love till you see any trailer in person.
Start here : https://www.overlandexpo.com/ Find a location that might be close by or worth the trip. It's WORTH it.

I'm glad I went to the Overland East Expo. OMG....talk about 31 flavors of ice cream out there. I liked the same sort of trailer that's pictured above. I found a few different brands, all about the same sort of layout, features, etc etc etc.
I went into Goldilocks mode, not quite the fit, too little, too much, just want this to be just right. A little bit of analysis paralysis set in. I want a trailer that ends up being a bit more with options that make it easy to stay in cold/hot weather.
In the end I liked the following "overland" trailers the most : Xpedition Voyager, Kingdom Camping, Imperial Outdoors.
Xpedition and Kingdom have smaller overland trailers. Really nice builds/layout/features.
Kingdom and Imperial have a larger RV style "overland" trailers. Really nice builds/layout/features.

Only you can find "that trailer". Keep researching.

 

[Optimus]

How about the Earth Roamer