"Off Road" Camper

Mine is actually being built to spec and will be a 2021. Just don't pay retail, whatever you do.

 

Never! I was a GSM at a Ford and Chrysler dealership for almost a decade...I know the game.

 

You can find them on RVtrader with 1-2 years of light use for a lot less. More standard trailers seem to drop in value as fast as every other RV. The real off-roady ones, not so much.

 

Check out Oregon trailers they start at 6k they are awesome

 

Not as "cool" as the RV's pictured or referenced in previous posts, but, a "pop-up" trailer might fit your needs. I have pulled my pop-up off road in Colorado, Canada, Alaska etc. I put a 4' lift under the torsion axle. They are comparatively light weight and have good overhead clearance. I have pulled RV's for 30+ years and can attest; the lighter weight your RV is, the better tow experience you will have, especially behind your Tacoma.

 

I have definitely hit it the roof on some trees, it is tall. It doesn’t feel to top heavy though. Check out those pop up hard sided “A frame” campers. That’s probably what I’d buy if I was to do it again. Just hard to find one with a bathroom for the old lady.

 

A

A stock TM is, I believe, 12’ in total length and can be parked in a garage

 

Now I am really torn between the 2020 FOREST RIVER NO BOUNDARIES 10.5 and the E12SRK. I like the No Boundaries spare location, metal fenders, ability to add a RTT...not to mention the outdoor shower. If it had a propane fridge it would be a no brainer for me. However, the departure angle on the E12SRK seems better for the trails.

 

Prices for these small trailers is crazy! You can buy a pretty damn nice 28’ bumper pull, with waaaay more options/upgrades, for the price of the 10 footers.

 

I like that one, I'd just prefer all my kitchen stuff and fridge to be on the inside

 

Keep in mind the bigger RVs are usually wood built, whereas a lot of the more rugged ones are going to be aluminum built.

 

How’s the 3.5 pull it?

 

No issues. Trans loves to gear hunt while pulling. I just hit the "ECT" and select S4 and stay around 60 MPH. Ive pulled this all around Cali

 

Same I keep it in 4 and stay around 60-65. Gets around 12mpg if it’s not windy.

 

This is a viable option depending on the level of trails you plan on hitting...We got a 1998 Coleman Fleetwood, haven't really hit trails with it or anything but it is possible to turn them more into a trail-ready solution.

They aren't as rugged looking as the ones you are looking at, but they're generally a dime a dozen, can be had for cheap and also come with a lot of nice amenities. They make some that are more rugged out of the box, but your run of the mill ones will need some reinforcement and a SOA conversion on the axle along with some meatier/bigger tires.

You can get them with awnings, add-a-rooms, toilets, showers, dinettes, semi-full kitchens, side pop outs, front storage etc. along with whatever customizations you want to create.

Another option is a hybrid pop up. They generally have a 3/4 hardwall with a pop top that adds another 1-3' to the overall height.

 

I picked up an offroad camper last fall with plans to hit the west coast for some 'real' off-grid/offroad trips. Had been keeping an eye out for a couple of years and it seems like a lot more options have become available recently with quite a few small niche companies getting into the game.

I ended up pulling the trigger on an offroad capable trailer made by a company called 'Trailcampers' out of Oklahoma. Around 7k-10k depending on options, but no kitchen unit.

The roof racks allow easy mounting for a roof-top pop-up tent that I have in case I need to room for another family member to sleep.

You can also get articulating hitches if you are going to get in the real rough stuff...

 

Spaking of popups- if you want the most space and still have it fit in the garage, popup is the way to go. Everything is a compromise, though. And the downsides to the popup are similar to the downsides of a tent - you spend time at camp setting up/tearing down and you shouldn't store the canvas wet. Also, I really hate not having access to the fridge when it's folded up.

But it goes where I want to go. (It just goes slowly.) And no other trailer has that full airy breeze when I open all the screens at night. Even if i could store it somewhere besides the garage I'd probably still go with a popup.

I got to thinking about this thread since I'm hitched up and headed out after work.

 

Opened up my search and to get what I'd like for features the Geo Pro is what I'm after https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2020-Forest-River-Rockwood-Geo-Pro-12SRK-5011558203#loanCalVdp over the E Pro. The pricing is all over the map and a lower advertised price is typically brought back up with prep and freight fees. What a pain in the A$$. First world problems for sure but man it sure looks like you could overpay in a hurry if you're not careful.

 

My 8' Palomino pop-up was a few years old when I got it for 2,500.00. AC, propane heat, 3 way reefer, inverter, dinette, inside/outside stove, awning...... 4" lift, power tongue jack, oversized tires and aluminum wheels, memory foam mattresses, used 1000 watt Honda generator another 1,500.00. Tow weight, loaded, 1500 lbs. Towed this rig trouble free, off road (overland) for years - (CO., ID., WY., AK., Canada) Overhead clearances and towed weights are critical if you REALLY want to get off the beaten path. Otherwise, you're restricted by the first low tree branch that will scrape or take the top off your new 10 grand rig.