Expedition Trailers: Which one?

[MagicMtnDan]

I say read up in this forum.
Expedition Trailers - Expedition Portal

Great resource - lots of time-killing, interesting threads and links to review (fun stuff).


Also this seems to have some decent info on it.
CamperTrailerAustralia.com.au | Camper Trailer Australia

Given any thought on building one?

Here's an interesting link found via the Expedition Portal link (above):
M416 Offroad Jeep Trailer Project

 

[bstoner59]

I think I'm calling Manley today!!! I like those and the price is right!. I like those because the bed is open and I can put all my camping gear there and have the motorcycle/gear in the truck.

 

[BigJ]

I'm kinda digging the Manley too!

Anyone know what size the RTT is? I'm trying to find spec's but coming up empty. I'm wondering how big the sleeping area is. Big enough for a 6'9" dude + his lady and dog?

 

[Big Blue]

I'm kinda digging the Manley too!

Anyone know what size the RTT is? I'm trying to find spec's but coming up empty. I'm wondering how big the sleeping area is. Big enough for a 6'9" dude + his lady and dog?

Plenty of room for you and the crew Big J.

Manley now uses the Tepui Kukenam Roof tent out of CA. They have a better ladder and cover system than the ARB. Plenty of pics and video on their site.

Tepui Roof Top Tents - - Kukenam

They claim it will sleep 3 adults with room for bags in the tent when open.

As you can see the price of the tent system alone is $1,000, so the Manley ORV is very competively priced when you consider all you are getting. The Explorer trailer also has a solid aluminum locking lid as well as 33" BFG KM2 tires.

 

[BigJ]

Thanks for the info BB. Very interesting!

Kais, I have given it some thought but after all things are considered I'm not sure how much further ahead of the game (time or money wise) I'd end up over something like the Manley. Seems like spending the effort building out one of them makes the most sense (for me).

 

[A.I.I.Raciing]

I can't find any pics of them opened up, whats inside that makes the Manley so expensive?

I've got a guy that wants my Sport Trac bed so that he can build a trailer just like this to tow behind his built Sport Trac, maybe I need to rethink giving it to him and building my own

 

[ManleyORV]

Afternoon all,

Big Blue turned me onto this thread. As you all know I'm a Raptor owner and yes I also built trailers! We built our first trailer 2.5 years ago just for me to use personally. One thing led to another and now we have a 6000 sq. ft. shop/warehouse with parts for 40 trailer in-stock and about (7) assembled on the floor ready for delivery. We actually just launched in October having spent a little over 2 years in R&D, finding suppliers, as well as filing our patents. The tailgate, aluminum lid and trailer rack are all patent pending.

Also we are an actual trailer manufacturer, so we issue Manufacturer Certificate's of Origin as well as VIN tags. This allows you to easily register it or finance it; same as if you bought from a local trailer retailer. Furthermore we can ship all over the country pretty reasonably.

Anyway if you guys have any questions don't hesitate to give me a call or send us an email, our contact info can be found on our website Manley ORV Company - Rugged. Reliable. Ready. and you can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ManleyORV

In regards to the Rooftop Tent, our standard model on the Explore is the Tepui Kukenam as someone mentioned; it's about the size of a full size bed. But Evan @ Tepui also makes larger and smaller versions and we can get other brands as well to fit whatever your needs are.

Hope to see you guys at some Raptor events this year with the trailer in tow!

-Josh

 

[ManleyORV]

I can't find any pics of them opened up, whats inside that makes the Manley so expensive?

I've got a guy that wants my Sport Trac bed so that he can build a trailer just like this to tow behind his built Sport Trac, maybe I need to rethink giving it to him and building my own

Here's some pics of the tent opened up as well as the aluminum lid in action. Inside the tent is just a 4" foam mattress.

As for the cost. These things are not cheap to build. And honestly at this point it is 100% a business of passion than one of profits! Not that someone couldn't build one at a lower cost, but once you factor in the metal, the metalwork, the powder coating, the aluminum lid, the trailer rack, the axle, wheels, tires, wiring, stainless steel hardware, the tent, 20 hours assembly time, warehouse space, office space, insurance, patents, R&D, marketing materials, website, employees, etc, etc, etc, it all adds up!

All that being said, my guys and I have put our hearts and souls into these trailers and I can honestly say they are the best built and best design out there for a modular trailer... one that can be used for utility and camping.

If anyone lives around or is traveling through Northeast Ohio, I'd be happy to show you around the shop!

-Josh

 

[ManleyORV]

I'm kinda digging the Manley too!

Anyone know what size the RTT is? I'm trying to find spec's but coming up empty. I'm wondering how big the sleeping area is. Big enough for a 6'9" dude + his lady and dog?

Missed this question! The standard Kukenam that we stock is 56" wide by 96" long. At 8' it is plenty long for you. Here's a link to the dimensions: Tepui Roof Top Tents - - Kukenam

Tepui also sells a larger version called the Gran Sabana; it's sleeping area is 72" wide by 96" in length. It's more expensive by $750 but it also comes with an annex or changing room, check it out: Tepui Roof Top Tents - - Gran Sabana Not sure the size of your pup, but that extra room might be ideal for him/her to sleep.

With the Gran Sabana, we would also suggest adding another rack upright and crossbar to our Trailer Rack which we can easily do.

Hope that helps,
Josh

 

[MagicMtnDan]

This is a fascinating topic and great thread. I've considered a trailer over the years and I'd love to get one. The only issues with a trailer (for me) are: (1) it can involve setting up a base camp, (2) it can possibly limit the routes/trips and (3) it involves driving on road differently (trailers in CA must stay in the right two lanes and a lower speed limit which will reduce my typical 80MPH cruising speed).

Thinking out loud here, these are some thoughts I have about trailer design (for me):

* For trailering behind a Raptor I might as well have a trailer as wide as the Raptor (or close) so I can carry more. Some of the trailers I've seen are pretty small.

* I personally don't want to spend all the money for a trailer and then add a tent up high on top of the trailer (or a Maggiolina * which would be more interesting and more expensive).

* I'd rather sleep in the trailer. I think it'd be cool to see a Manley-type trailer with a cover that pops straight up with fabric & mesh sides where you could sleep in the trailer (probably above a lower storage area).

My main objective with a trailer is to have a way to quickly set up (and take down) sleeping quarters.

I get the quick set up tent but I don't like it being up so high (a ladder, really?!). It's not appealing at all for me, my wife or my dog. The idea of sleeping in a tent up that high and having to climb out and back in during the night (***** break, etc.) is not appealing to us at all.

If companies made small off-road capable trailers that had camper trailer qualities I would be very interested. And maybe some do but I have yet to see them other than the tent toppers.

* If you're not familiar with a Maggiolina check this out:

AutoHome Maggiolina—the World's most refined vehicle roof top tents