Expedition Trailers: Which one?

[ManleyORV]

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

Very good points. Autohome makes awesome RTT's, they are just big $$$, I drool over their carbon fiber version.

We are going to be testing a new version of a tent from a company out of Australia called Kakadu. It would be more of a permanent installation, but you only sleep 42" off the ground, over the trailer tub. And there is room on the ground for another couple, kids or dogs without having to get them up high like a traditional RTT. Only downside is the maximum trailer height cannot exceed 44", so no spring overs and no 35" tires or larger to match the tow vehicle.

Keep an eye on our Facebook as we'll be posting install pictures, thoughts, etc. once we have a demo unit in our hands.

-Josh

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Imagine a trailer where its top pops up (with side fabric and mesh) like the Maggiolina.

I know this is done in the camper trailer world but I haven't seen it in the off-road trailer world.

The off road trailer (like Manley's) already has a lightweight top which could pop up. The extra cost would seem to be the fabric and mesh sides and zippers, etc.

 

[BigJ]

Thanks for the info on the larger tent Josh. I think that would be a must have upgrade for us, for sure.

Dan, interesting comments and perspective. The number one reason for us considering a trailer is that RTT and to get off the ground. I don't know specifically when it comes to RTTs, but it would seem its easier for a guy with a bad back (me) to climb up into and down out of something, than it is to get down and up from the ground. I've really struggled with that the last few times out, and in fact I'd pretty much given up using a tent all together in favor of sleeping under the stars on a cot, or just sleeping in the passenger seat (assuming I'm alone, obviously). Thoughts on that (anyone)?

Also it seems like it would take a quarter the time to unfold the RTT than it does to set up /tear down a tent and air mattress? Maybe not though?

 

[Big Blue]

Thanks for the info on the larger tent Josh. I think that would be a must have upgrade for us, for sure.

Dan, interesting comments and perspective. The number one reason for us considering a trailer is that RTT and to get off the ground. I don't know specifically when it comes to RTTs, but it would seem its easier for a guy with a bad back (me) to climb up into and down out of something, than it is to get down and up from the ground. I've really struggled with that the last few times out, and in fact I'd pretty much given up using a tent all together in favor of sleeping under the stars on a cot, or just sleeping in the passenger seat (assuming I'm alone, obviously). Thoughts on that (anyone)?

Also it seems like it would take a quarter the time to unfold the RTT than it does to set up /tear down a tent and air mattress? Maybe not though?

I agree with you 100% J,

I would much rather climb a few feet than be on a Cold/Wet/Bumpy ground.

Furthermore, As you stated, the set-up/take down time of a RTT is 10 minutes and no stakes, rails to deal with. Not to mention, a RTT stays a lot cleaner since they never touch the ground.

Also and equally important to me, with a RTT, no worries about unwanted critters joining me!

 

[ManleyORV]

Also it seems like it would take a quarter the time to unfold the RTT than it does to set up /tear down a tent and air mattress? Maybe not though?

No your right, here is a quick vid: Setting up an ARB Simpson III Rooftop Tent (ARB3101 RTT) - YouTube

It's in double time and a little bit different style tent, but you get the general idea. 5 minutes max to setup and take down.

-Josh

 

[bstoner59]

Hey Josh is there enough room to mount 37's on your trailer? It would be nice to only have 1 size tire to worry about. Also I have been looking for pics of the hitch and can't seem to find it. Do you have a link?

---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------

I sleep in the backseat of my truck now. Making the tent sucks.

 

[ManleyORV]

Hey Josh is there enough room to mount 37's on your trailer? It would be nice to only have 1 size tire to worry about. Also I have been looking for pics of the hitch and can't seem to find it. Do you have a link?

---------- Post added at 03:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 PM ----------

I sleep in the backseat of my truck now. Making the tent sucks.

Yes, there is room for 37's. I run 35's on my trailer that match my Raptor. We'll just move the fender up a bit for the 37's. It's also a good way to carry two spares, one with the truck and one under the tent on top of the lid.

In regards to the hitch, the front of the trailer is 2" receiver tube and it can accommodate a 2" ball coupler, a pintle setup or a new style articulating hitch like the Max-Coupler made by Kilby Enterprises. With the Max-Coupler I've dropped down 4' ledges with the tent on the trailer touching my spare tire on the back of my Jeep! It's a cool product and made here in the USA.

Here's a few pics I just shot and one of the trailer running 35's.

-Josh

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Thanks for the info on the larger tent Josh. I think that would be a must have upgrade for us, for sure.

Dan, interesting comments and perspective. The number one reason for us considering a trailer is that RTT and to get off the ground. I don't know specifically when it comes to RTTs, but it would seem its easier for a guy with a bad back (me) to climb up into and down out of something, than it is to get down and up from the ground. I've really struggled with that the last few times out, and in fact I'd pretty much given up using a tent all together in favor of sleeping under the stars on a cot, or just sleeping in the passenger seat (assuming I'm alone, obviously). Thoughts on that (anyone)?

Also it seems like it would take a quarter the time to unfold the RTT than it does to set up /tear down a tent and air mattress? Maybe not though?

I get that you don't want to use a tent on the ground. (I have no idea how you or anyone can sleep in the Raptor - it's not an option for me).

We tent camp all the time and we're tired of it. We set up the tent pretty quickly but all things considered (ground cover, tent set up, air mattress, blankets, pillows), especially the tear down in the AM which is problematic on trips where we have a lot of ground to cover since we need to get up, eat and get back on the trail quickly.

I like the idea of a Roof Top Tent (RTT) but I don't like the idea of climbing up/down a ladder and sleeping what, 4+ feet off the ground in a tent, using struts and a cantilevered design (BigJ is bigger than I am) . The Maggiolina seems to me to be better idea than a RTT but it's even more money.


Coleman makes an interesting series of pop-up campers. E1 & E3 (may have been made by Fleetwood years back). They're all too spendy for me and probably too big but they're interesting to look at when considering what would be good to have in a trailer. Here's a 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine review of them with pics:

Coleman Evolution Series E3 Camping Trailer - Kitchenette - 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine

Here's the E-1 which is the smallest:
2011 Coleman Evolution Series E1 Trailer : Reviews, Prices and Specs : RV Guide

This is an interesting trailer concept. It's very small - a larger version of this is probably what I'm talking about:

Link to above site: Jeep Trailers, Off Road Trailers, and Backcountry Trailers by Tentrax

Here's a box style trailer designed for off road use and they claim to use fasteners instead of welds to ensure durability:
X-Venture Off-Road Trailer :: Expedition Overland Vehicle Builds

Here's a Pinterest page with interesting trailers and related stuff:
Prepper - Bug Out Off-Road Trailer

Moby1 Expedition Trailer (may be an Australian thing):
Moby1 expedition trailers take camping off-road

3Dog Trailer (Europe):
3DOG camping – The first OffRoad trailer tent


IH8MUD.com has an interesting thread on their forum - it includes DIY projects:
The "Un-Offical" Off Road Trailer Pic Thread



---------- Post added at 05:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------

A pic from the IH8MUD thread:


Another from the IH8MUD thread - this one's home made and can be slept in:;




Another trailer company (Bivouac Camping):
Bivouac Camping Trailers | M.O.A.B. FORT

Off Road Trailer Information

Very serious expedition trailers:
Conqueror Off-road Campers - Home Page

Bundu Gear - trailers:
Bundu Gear: Safari-tested. Safari-tough. Off-Road Trailers

Cascadia tents & trailers:
The Nomad | Cascadia Vehicle Roof Top Tents

Predator Xtreme All-Terrain Trailers (aluminum?):
Alu Predator Extreme Off-Road Trailers

Lots more information here:
Let me google that for you

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Another trailer company (Bivouac Camping):
Bivouac Camping Trailers | M.O.A.B. FORT

Check out this video



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Hr_rmlNnSGs

 

[Big Blue]

Check out this video



M.O.A.B. FORT SET-UP - YouTube

Thats a sweet set-up Magic. Impressive all the things they can fit into that trailer. However, its still has a ladder which you do not like. Additionally, I can almost buy 2 Manley ORV trailers for the price of the MOAB in the video.

As a sidenote, Those Tepui tents must be good since the MOAB and MORV use the same one, which is cool to see!

Good example of how quick the set-up time is. If you are coming to the TRR, I will have my MORV in tow, so come on by and get a closer look.