Resourceful Traveler: Off-Road and Overlanding Trailers

September 23, 2022February 28, 2024 JM Logan 0 Comments Off-Roading, Overlanding, Overlanding Gear, Resourceful Traveler, Trailers

The world of tow-along off-road and overlanding trailers is a vast expanse of shapes, sizes, features, and price points. We love the idea of building your own—which many people have—but chances are you might not be great with a MIG welder, nor have the time and space to utilize it. If you’re kicking the tires (big knobby ones, we hope) on purchasing a capable trailer, there is no better time in human history to do so.

Overlanding is exploding, off-road vehicles are at peak popularity, and the pandemic has people rethinking going to highly-populated tourist areas. So, while prices are bit higher than they may have been a few years ago (like everything else) the market is ripe with new brands, models, and choices to capitalize on popularity. The Engine Block has run down a few things you should keep an eye out for when shopping off-road and overlanding trailers.

Build Quality

Think of your favorite bumpy off-road trail or path. Now imagine a lighter-weight vehicle with a less advanced suspension and stabilization system tackling that same thing. That’s essentially what your trailer is facing.

With all the jarring going on, having a trailer with poor construction and/or sub-par materials isn’t going to last you very long. Usually, the more aluminum the better, with strategic steel sections for reinforcement. Check the welds and panel gaps. If water looks like it might get in, it probably will – and this goes doubly if you’re buying used or building your own.

The reputation of the manufacturer, customer service availability and response time, and warranty all play a big role. If you plan you use your trailer hard, and for a long time, you’ll want a company that stands behind it. And if you plan on off-roading with it, as opposed to the occasional laid back camping trip, make sure it’s made and branded specifically for off roading.

When it comes to quality accessories, you can always rely on tried-and-true brands like Rhino-Rack, REDARC, and Dometic.

Tires

There are quite a few different schools of thought when it comes to off-road trailer tires. Some will tell you that having aggressive trailer tires is useless and a waste of money. Others will say there are a slew of benefits from running all/mud-terrains. We tend to lean toward the latter.

Off-road tires on a trailer will provide better grip and stopping power in slick terrain or poor weather. If you have the cash, matching your trailer tires to your vehicle tires is a great option. Not only will this give you similar clearance and geometry, but since you’re only running one tire on everything you won’t need to lug two different spare configurations. If it’s not in your budget or your trailer can’t accommodate this, at the very least make sure it has a trusted brand of tire—preferably U.S.-made.

Features/Price

Some people may want the kitchen sink (literally) and others just want a comfortable place to lay their head at night. Do you need an awning? Climate control? Kitchen space? Power for devices? Do you require these, or are they just nice to haves? All things you’ll need to consider when shopping off-road and overlanding trailers.

When researching or shopping around, make a list of all the things you absolutely need in a trailer and go from there. Having a trailer costing as much as your vehicle is certainly a nice flex, but if you go out once every two years, or struggle to pay for gas when you do—it’s probably not a great option.

Types of Trailers

Caravan

When mentioning ‘trailer’ or ‘camper’ this is the style that most people think of. It’s more rectangular, generally has a larger footprint, and is probably the most popular in the entire pull-along segment.

But unlike that off-white unit with the strange Cleveland Browns-inspired stripes that your grandfather used to take you to Disney World in, modern off-road and overlanding trailers look like they came right out of Rambo. Dark colors, sharp angles, and rigid construction.

Caravans often have the most spacious interiors, but being larger, they’re a bit hard to maneuver and visibility is hampered. They are, however, a great option for multiple people or families.

Pop-Up

The smallest and most manageable, pop-ups are just as they sound. They sit low to the ground with smaller units barely reaching the fender height of your towing vehicle. When it’s time to rest, the top pops up or folds out, revealing an expandable canvas portion section. It’s like a hardtop tent that you pull behind your vehicle.

Their compact shape means that they’re the easiest of the three to tow and off-road or overland with. Visibility is often minimally obstructed and they look damn cool, with some of them looking like extensions of the vehicle that’s towing them. However, the reduced space comes with reduced amenities. And the expandable canvas construction, while competent on most models, does leave itself the most vulnerable to harsh weather and moisture.

Tear Drop

Between the Caravan and the Pop-Up lies the tear drop. They’re named for having one curved end and one pointed end, resembling a raindrop. The design has been around since the ‘30s and its curved exterior is the most aerodynamic of the bunch.

Having less mass, tear drops are easier to pull and park than caravans, as well as being less expensive. But the curved roof cuts in on interior space; and if they do have kitchens, it’s usually on the outside. Like caravans, modern iterations look tactical and military-inspired, with dark matte colors.

A Quick Note

Before slapping one of these on the back of your overlanding rig, there are some things to consider. While a trailer can be much more convenient and comfortable than setting up shop on a ground or rooftop tent, there’s a bit of a learning curve when driving, maneuvering, and parking.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Balance, Balance, Balance! Make sure to not only keep the equipment you’re hauling in your trailer evenly weighted, but your vehicle as well. If you have heavier items, it’s better to keep them sitting over the axles of your trailer and vehicle. While it might be second nature to load up the cargo area of your vehicle, be cognizant of your trailer’s tongue weight and shift items toward the center of your vehicle.

Just like your vehicle, tire pressure in your trailer matters for performance on rough terrain as well. Try to match your trailer’s PSI to whatever you’re setting in your vehicle.

Having equipment like a winch and Hi-Lift jack is even more important with a trailer! You don’t have just one body to navigate, but two. While your vehicle might be able to handle a certain feature, since you have less control over your trailer, it may not. Learn and practice different winching and jacking techniques—you’ll need them

Most important of all—practice! Don’t make your maiden trailer voyage be out on the trail. Practice standard driving, turning, braking, and backing up in a safe environment until you get a good feel for the difference in driving dynamic.

Recommended Off-Road and Overlanding Trailers

Here are a few of our favorite off-road and overlanding trailers on the market today.

Budget Pick

Meet the Smittybilt Scout Trailer – a great budget pick that we’ve talked about before. It’s got the shape of a pop-up, but instead of having an integrated sleeping area, the Scout allows for your own tent to be mounted on top. For the price it’s hard to beat.

Kitchenette cabinet with locking drawer
Generator/fridge cabinet with Mesh floor
Electric brakes with integrated break away brake system
BF Goodrich LT265/70R17 All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires mounted on Pro Comp Series 51 Steel Wheels
Starts at $8,199.99

Favorite Teardrop

It may not be the most macho word to describe it, but the Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper is a cute little guy. Opposing the vast sea of stealthy matte black trailers, the Boony is available in a wide variety of fun colors and has personality. At only 600lbs. it can be towed by UTVs as well!

Completely finished interior
Custom fabricated long-travel suspension
A boatload of available add-on right from Sunnyside Offroad
Starts at a reasonable $10,250

Toy-Lovers

The cleverly-named Antishanty RR-1 combines the small footprint of a teardrop with the versatility of a toy hauler. Purpose built from the ground up, these little trailers have adventuring in their DNA. All models come standard with rugged features like a Timbren axle-less suspension system and aluminum exo-endo skeleton, as well as conveniences like separate wet storage, 4 aluminum jacks, and a built-in pantry. We like the RR-1 Base model for its simplicity – and easy customization ability. Oh, and did we mention the 6’3″ interior height?!

Easy to tow at 2,000 pounds or less
Integrated ramp storage for easy loading of ATVs, dirt bikes, etc.
“T” slot rails on top to add a roof-top tent or haul even more gear
Keyed entry, no electrical systems
Starts at $37,900

Top-Of-The-Line Pick

The Campworks NS-1 is camping—electrified. Made from top-of-the-line components, the NS-1 boasts solar panels, a standard 5,500-watt battery bank, and 5,000-watt/240-volt output for powering anything you may need. It’s packed with everything you’d want in a trailer—built by a small innovative team in Colorado.