So, you’re ready to head for the road less travelled in your new off road camper trailer that can help you explore brand new terrain. It’s exciting, but only if you’re well prepared for the adventure to come. This means finding an off road camper trailer that’s well equipped for the task, and not all are up to snuff. Keep reading for a guide to finding the right off road camper trailer for you, including what to look for, what to avoid, and what you’ll need.
- Choose New or Used
When searching for a trailer, you’ll have a huge selection to choose from. In fact, it will be pretty overwhelming. A quick way to cut the choices in half is to focus on new or used camper trailers. A new trailer can definitely be an investment, but at least you know exactly what you’re getting, and you have the customer support, knowledge, and possible warranty of a dealership. A used trailer is a great way to try out camping if you haven’t been before, but if you’re planning on camping long-term, you’ll probably wear it out pretty quickly. Plus, there could be issues with it that you don’t notice at first, which could end up costing you more in maintenance. Unless you’re used to camping off road, it would be a good idea to invest in a new off road camper trailer to feel safe and secure.
- Choose Hard or Soft Flooring
There are a myriad of types of trailers, but you’ll also have to figure out if you want a trailer with a hard or soft floor. This basic differentiator is actually pretty important; it affects the cost, the camping experience, and the upkeep. A soft-floor trailer is essentially a big tent that folds into your trailer. It’s harder to set up and harder to keep clean, and it generally comes with fewer appliances. A hard-floor trailer is raised off the ground and is easier to clean and set up, but it can cost more and is heavier, so you have to figure out the pros and cons for you. Keep in mind, if you’re heading mostly off road, the dust and dirt might start to drive you crazy pretty quickly in a soft-floor trailer.
With an off road camper trailer, you need something that’s going to withstand the bumps and dirt that’s inevitable when you’re heading off road. Take some time to inspect the trailer to make sure it seems well outfitted for heading off the beaten path; you’ll want underbody protection from all the rocks that will fly up, independent suspension, well-made appliances that can withstand the harsh terrain, and strong dust seals to keep you comfortable.
- Figure Out Amenities
Camper trailers can be pretty tricked out these days, and you can go full on luxury camping if that’s what you’re after. You’re going to want to look at the features and appliances of the camper trailer to ensure they line up with what you want. With everything from fridges, interior lighting, stoves, off road camper trailer kits, and more, you can get basically as much or as little as you want, depending on your style of camping.
- Decide Your Budget
Cost is a big one when it comes to choosing an off road camper trailer. You have to look at it like an investment, or you could get sticker shock. After all, you’re setting yourself up for years of affordable, fun but laid back vacations for you and your family in the heart of nature, so it’s a smart way to spend your hard-earned money. You can definitely cut out some of the frills if it’s starting to add up, but keep in mind you want a camper trailer you can grow into, so choosing the bare minimum might start to bore you and your family after a few years.
- Determine Towing Capability
You need to really focus your search down to camper trailers your vehicle is rated to tow. You want to figure this out from the get-go so that you don’t end up disappointed by falling in love with a trailer that’s much too heavy for you to pull safely. Your owner’s manual can tell you exactly how much you should tow, but keep a safe buffer especially with an off road camper trailer or if you plan on packing for the long-haul.
