"Off Road" Camper

I have been kicking around getting a camping trailer for light to moderate off-road use, nothing too wild. I thought about a rugged trailer with an RTT, but after nearly 35 years in tents I think I am ready for some creature comforts...at least while "camping" out of the truck.
I came across this https://www.gillettesinterstaterv.com/inv/2020-Forest-River-Flagstaff-E-Pro-E12SRK-13474/#mainpic awhile back. I like the panel material, aluminum interior construction and steel frame. Torsion Axels are a nice touch over a straight axel and the ground clearance isn't too shabby, however, I'd add some extra protection to a couple of items that would almost certainly get knocked off, on trail. I could do without the TV but hey why not. Other than that it seems decent for what I'd be using it for at least.

Anyone out there have any experience with these or have a suggestion on something similar for the money? I prefer to find something used...I don't have 30k to drop on an Overkill Camper lol.

Thanks!

 

A friend of ours has one that's similar but a little bigger that she pulls with her 4Runner. It's a really nice setup and the 4Runner pulls it really well. It has the aluminum construction like that on. I wouldn't be afraid to get a trailer like that.

 

How big of a camper are you looking for? Look at the Tiger Moth or Cricket by Taxa Outdoors. we have the Tiger Moth and love it. I understand it isn't for everybody but they are constructued well and it has held up to everything we have put it through so far

 

I'm a fan of the Flagstaff series, I've owned their "high clearance" popup for almost three years now, and I've taken it east coast to West coast. Can't speak for that exact model, but rather on Forest River's build quality and how much off roading they can actually do.

Not a lot, truth be told. I've taken mine down many washboard dirt roads, and short drags across a field to get that prime lakefront spot, and it does fine for that. The key is to go painfully slow though. If I took even an easy trail at speed the vibrations would probably shake it apart.

The cabinetworks and wall panels are paper thin. Part of my set up routine at every campsite is spending ten minutes discovering a random screw, figuring out where it belongs, and fastening it back in place. Every year during annual maintenance I decide which little part of the trailer can be built better, and I fab up something a little more stout.

That said, I love the trailer, I'm happy with the purchase, and probably would still choose it over the more expensive "luxoverlander" trailers that carry a bank note every bit as large as the truck. I'm also kind of weird and enjoy the constant maintenance.

 

Not too bad. That one seems more bang for your buck than the Tiger Moth. The Tiger Moth seems like just a shell for $17K.

 

Need to find a new place for the spare too.

 

Pretty much except the kitchen pull out. It’s about like a hard sided tent. $17k is on the high side from what I have seen and a good used one can usually be found around $10k. We got lucky in 2017 and found a leftover ‘16 new for $10k it suits our needs especially after some modifying but I understand it’s not for everyone

 

Check out the Nucamp T@G boondock. We dont have one yet but are thinking hard about it. It is a little on the softer side for off roading, for sure. I would also recommend joining expeditionportal and keeping an eye on their trailers for sale section. Lots of 2-3 year old trailers there.

 

That’s a much better deal!

 

Are you really going to off-road your trailer or just take it down fire roads and dry camp in the woods? You can get a lot more trailer for less $$$ then most of the little off-road trailers because they are the cool thing to buy nowadays. We’ve got the Baja edition jayco so it’s lifted up a bit. We’ve taken it into some crazy places to get to those hunting spots in the middle of nowhere and it’s done great.

 

You were correct though it is very basic. It only provides you with an interior sitting space that converts and the whole interior becomes a full size bed. This was what we wanted though. Everything else is done outside cooking, showers, whatever you want pretty much lke regular tent camping. I've done a lot of modifying adding dual solar and batteries and fabricating a large compartment to house the fridge along with extending the tongue. We are self sufficient finally hopefully get to enjoy it more this year.

 

Those are nice campers

 

Thanks! Yours also. I’d love to have gotten something like yours (homemade probably) but my wife had to have a bathroom and shower.

 

I agree with @buckmaster243 having the larger trailer is way better. I have a Weekend Warrior superlite and it’s awesome. Truck tows it just fine and having all the extra amenities makes it very comfortable.

 

I wouldn’t call that an “off road” trailer by any stretch of the imagination. Just like I wouldn’t call my 35’ 5th wheel an “off road” trailer.

 

Mostly dry camp like in the photos you shared. That said, those kind of roads in Michigan have low tree branch clearance so I liked the lower profile of the E12SRK, and the fact the lower fits in my garage is a huge + since I can't park it outside in the driveway. Nice trailer you have there! Does it feel top-heavy on an uneven 2 track?
I was also considering an articulating hitch https://www.etrailer.com/Straight-T...MI3sPerZuD6AIVDyCtBh2PGAzzEAQYASABEgKfGvD_BwE but maybe thats not necessary.

 

I have lurked on Expeditionportal for a long time, good call on keeping on eye out on there. That Boondock Edge looks nice https://nucamprv.com/tab-s-u-camper/ I hadn't heard of that brand before...there's a dealer to the south of me, I'll get down there and have a look for sure! Looks like a bit more than I wanted to spend but what's new? lol

 

No more than 14'

 

I'm currently about to pull the trigger on a No Boundaries 10.5. Much like the Tigermoth it's a tent on wheels, although it's slightly more equipped to begin with.

MSRP is probably around 18k for the one I'm looking at, but if you find the right dealer discounts are deep.

 

That is sweeeet! I like the idea of the slide-out better than the rear kitchen. And yes, find a dealer with an aged lot unit and let the negotiating begin!