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Best RV for Boondocking in 2024 for Off-Grid Travel Trailer Adventures

• Last Updated: May 28, 2024
• 18 minutes read

Finding the best travel trailers for boondocking can turn a simple getaway into an extraordinary adventure into the wild.

With my years of experience camping off-grid, I’ve had the privilege of testing and thoroughly enjoying a variety of RVs designed for the unique demands of dry camping.

From self-contained units that offer the freedom to camp anywhere to trailers specifically engineered for rugged terrain, the right choice can significantly enhance your outdoor experience.

Among all models I’ve tested, the Rockwood Geo Pro stands out as the best overall for its balance between comfort and off-grid capability.

It’s a game-changer for those looking to merge the serenity of remote locations with the comforts of home.

Let me guide you through the top contenders that have proven their worth in the wild, facilitating your quest for the ultimate boondocking experience.

Based on my experience, the top travel trailers are:

• Rockwood Geo Pro: Best overall for blending comfort with off-grid capability.
• Winnebago Hike: Great for adventurers seeking a versatile off-grid camper.
• Airstream Basecamp: Excellent choice for stylish, comfortable dry camping.
• Taxa Mantis Trailer: Top pick for families or larger groups needing space in a boondock trailer.
• Timberleaf Teardrop Camper: Ideal for those prioritizing a lightweight and easy-to-tow camper.
• Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer: Superb for extreme off-road conditions and long-term boondocking.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Can you Boondock in a Travel Trailer?

Before we get to the goods, we should probably address one of the most important questions of this article: Can you boondock in a travel trailer?

It is actually a fantastic question, as many full-timers and avid boondockers love larger rigs like Class As and fifth wheels; simply because they have so much living space and water storage.

Nevertheless, travel trailers are equally as popular because they are generally lighter and easier to tow, allowing you to explore a variety of landscapes.

So, YES. You can absolutely boondock in a travel trailer.

Of course, there will pros and cons to any setup; travel trailers are typically smaller, therefore they usually don’t hold as much water storage. With this comes less living and storage space as well.

Nevertheless, if you’re a minimalist at heart, a travel trailer may be the perfect rig to travel off-grid with.

Depending on the type and size of the travel trailer, they can be towed by all different types of tow vehicles (for example, SUVs, Jeeps, and trucks); and you’ll find a variety of travel trailers outfitted for rough terrain (i.e., high clearance, all-terrain tires, robust framing, etc). 

Now that we’ve addressed the most pressing question, lets talk about size. 

What Size Travel Trailer is best for Boondocking?

Yes, size matters – for boondocking, that is; and there are several factors to consider when deciding which is the best travel trailer for off-grid living.

When it comes to manueaverability through tight spaces, soft sand, or washed-out roads, smaller is always better.

That being said, you don’t want to go too small. Chances are, if you want to get away from it all, you’ll need to bring enough gear and provisions to actually enjoy your time off-grid; not to mention fresh water, grey water, and black water storage. 

Think of it this way: there is a constant give and take between size and stuff when it comes to boondocking.

You can zip around easily with a tiny rig, but it just won’t hold the water, gear, food, and comforts that you might like (or frankly, need). 

This is why we believe that a small to medium sized travel trailer is the best for off grid-living.

Specifically, somewhere between 13 and 25 feet long. Any smaller than 13 feet, and you just won’t have the water storage to stay out for any length of time; any longer than 25 feet and you may not be able to fit in some of the amazing, secluded spots that many boondockers enjoy. 

But, of course, people make it work in a variety of different rigs. Hell, I made it work in a 35’ Class A (and learned it would have been so much easier in a small travel trailer)!

Sometimes you simply don’t know what works until you get out there and live it!

Why Boondock?

If you clicked on this article, you probably already know – boondocking is amazing. Whether you’ve already experienced the rush of finding that PERFECT free campsite, or you’re obsessively dreaming and watching videos on YouTube – I know you feel that itch, too.

That itch to explore land untouched by humans; to wake up to awe-inspiring views without paying a DIME. I’ve been there, and I can tell you – it’s just as incredible as you’re imagining. 

But before I dive into WHY you should boondock, let me explain what boondocking means: 

In short, boondocking is dry, dispersed camping. Boondockers typically camp on free, public lands without direct access to water, electricity, or sewage hookups.

It is a pack-in/pack-out situation, in which you’re in a self-contained RV, van, skoolie, or some other type of home on wheels.

As soon as I decided that I didn’t want an ordinary nine-to-five job with a mortgage to pay, off-grid living became appealing to me – specifically, boondocking.

When I discovered this way of life, I knew it was perfect for my lifestyle. You mean, I don’t HAVE to rely on the grid? I can camp in stunning locations for FREE? I can hit the road whenever I please and head to another amazing destination?

My freewheeling heart was in love with the idea, and after living and traveling in my RV for a year (and boondocking for most of it), I want to tell you why you’ll love boondocking too: 

• You’ll be able to enjoy longer trips because it costs less
• It’s peaceful (most of the time)
• You’ll witness rare, stunning views
• You’ll learn just how happy you can be with less
• You’ll become more eco-friendly by using fewer resources
• You’ll become amazingly resourceful, and as a result gain confidence in yourself 
• You’ll meet like-minded people that also love nature and solitude 

Yes, boondocking is a way to save money and experience nature, but it is so much more than that.

It’s a way to connect with your true self and others with the same passions. It’s a daily grind of both conserving and seeking out resources that keep you alive.

It’s a gratifying struggle that leaves you feeling fulfilled in the deepest sense. 

Yeah, living off-grid (especially for months on end) is one of the best things I’ve ever done. 

And believe it or not, it’s relatively easy to do – as long as you have the right rig.

So, what features are essential for boondocking?

I’m glad you asked. 

Features Your Camper or RV Needs For Living Off-Grid

The best boondocking travel trailer is going to be slightly different for everyone. If you have an adventurous spirit and are happier with less, you may want to go with a small, minimalistic camper.

If you’re a family that loves to explore but also craves certain comforts from home, you may want a larger camper equipped with a full solar setup and huge water storage tanks. 

The good news is: there is a rig out there for everyone. But in general, the best off-grid travel trailers have certain features that make it easier to go off the beaten path AND live there, too.

1. Your rig should be lightweight

I’ll never forget the time my husband and I had to navigate our massive Class A motorhome over a washed-out road in an attempt to find a free place to camp – I was convinced we were going to end up on our side.

It was then that I realized a lighter, rugged camper is essential for off-grid camping. 

To put it plainly, lighter travel trailers can handle rough terrain much better than heavy ones; there is less risk of tipping over or getting stuck, and they will put less strain on your tow vehicle as you maneuver rocky or mountainous landscapes. 

Take it from me; if you plan on boondocking regularly, you will want a sturdy, lightweight camper. You simply never know what the “roads” will be like driving to your next spot.

2. You’ll want a lot of water storage

While some of the more minimalistic rigs hold less water, I felt this was important to talk about. Why? Because the more water you can store, the longer you can boondock! 

Unfortunately, with any setup there are going to be some trade-offs; smaller lightweight travel trailers will generally have smaller tanks than larger rigs.

Nevertheless, it is important to consider how much water you can take with you during your off-grid excursions (not to mention how much black and grey water you can hold!).

Even if your rig only holds a small amount of fresh, black, and grey water, there are several ways to extend your camping stay.

Consider bringing a couple 5-gallon water jugs with you; you can always bring these to your closest gas station and ask to use the spigot.

You may also want to consider a composting toilet like the Nature’s Head, as it will help you conserve your water and eliminate the black tank altogether. 

3. Solar with a high-powered inverter 

It might seem difficult to bite the bullet and invest in a solar setup, but I guarantee you will be happy that you did.

There is no better feeling than having a rig that is outfitted to power itself off such an abundant and effortless resource.

Besides, a good solar setup will practically eliminate the need for a backup generator – which is a whole other expense! 

Most of the travel trailers we discuss below are either equipped with solar or have the option to be equipped with solar.

Even if you decide to wait on a setup, you’ll at least want the option to change your mind in the future! 

4. 12-volt and propane appliances 

If you want to be free from shore power, you’ll definitely want your systems and appliances to run off either 12-volts or propane.

This includes your refrigerator, hot water heater, furnace, water pump, and anything else that requires power to function. 

My favorite RVs are the ones that run appliances off of multiple different power sources.

For instance, a water heater that runs off both propane and electric; or a fridge that runs off propane, 12-volts, and shore power. These will give you several different options for power in any situation.

5. High ground clearance and all-terrain tires 

This one speaks for itself; if you’re going to trek off-road, you’ll want to feel confident that your trailer won’t bottom out on washed-out roads, or get stuck altogether.

The all-terrain tires coupled with the lightness of the trailer will allow your rig to navigate rocky surfaces with ease.

In addition, the high clearance will allow you to boondock in some of the most secluded places.

These features are definitely a must for traveling off-grid, as most of the dirt roads you will encounter are not maintained!

6. Sturdy framing

Three words: metal, metal, metal. You definitely want your rig to be constructed of solid materials such as steel and aluminum; and steer clear of wood construction at all costs.

Not only can wood break or fall apart when traversing harsh terrain, but it’s also susceptible to water damage.

And as we all know, nothing puts a damper on camping like mold and rot in your home on wheels. 

6 most capable boondocking Camper Trailers for Off-grid Living 

Now for the best part, and the reason you clicked on this article in the first place: badass travel trailers! 

We picked these rigs because they have all the features we discussed above; they’re outfitted with solar (or have the option for solar), made of solid construction, and have appliances that can run without shore power. 

So, without further delay, here are 6 amazing travel trailers for off-grid living: 

1. Rockwood Geo Pro 

• MSRP: $23,499
• UVW: 3,375 lbs 
• GVWR: 4,313 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 479 lbs 
• CCC: 1,104 lbs 
• Fresh Water Tank: 31 gallons 
• Black Tank: 30 gallons
• Gray Tank: 30 gallons 
• Propane: 40 lbs 
• Exterior Length: 20’ 8”
• Exterior Width: 92”

The Rockwood Geo Pro lineup is unbelievable when it comes to off-grid living. It truly seems like they thought of everything when designing this series – especially the new travel trailers.

The once optional off-road package is now standard in all models; this includes 15-inch Mud Rover radial tires along with a lift kit. They also upgraded the solar from 100-watts to 190-watts, which comes with a 1000-watt inverter. 

My other favorite features include the heated holding tanks, the 12-volt fridge (instead of gas/electric), the antenna/wifi booster, and the gas/electric water heater.

( Side note: our motorhome had a gas/electric water heater and we loved having the two different options).

You will also find a variety of different floor plans – they have everything from an 11-foot travel trailer to a 20-foot toy hauler. Pretty awesome, right? 

2. Winnebago Hike 

• MSRP: $37,299
• UVW: 3,505 lbs 
• GVWR: 4,200 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 423 lbs
• Black Tank: 25 gallons 
• Gray Tank: 25 gallons 
• Propane: 20 lbs 
• Exterior Length: 20’ 7.5”
• Exterior Width: 7’9”

Like the Geo Pro, the Winnebago Hike comes in a variety of models and floor plans. It ranges from 20’ to 25’ long and sleeps between 3 and 4 people, making this a great off-grid RV for small families. 

The Hike comes with off-road tires, off-set wheels, and robust fenders; allowing you to venture off the beaten path with ease. It also has an external exoskeleton that allows you to securely attach kayaks, bikes, and other adventure apparatuses. 

This boondocking beast also comes with a gas/electric refrigerator, roof-mounted solar prep, and 31 gallons of freshwater capacity – all features that will make your off-grid adventure a little easier. 

3. Airstream Basecamp  

• MSRP: $48,900
• UVW: 3,500 lbs 
• GVWR: 4,300 lbs 
• Hitch Weight: 535 lbs
• CCC: 800 lbs
• Fresh Water Tank: 27 gallons
• Black Tank: 21 gallons
• Grey Tank: 28 gallons
• Exterior Length: 20 ft 
• Exterior Width: 7’ 9”

You didn’t think we could do a travel trailer roundup without including an Airstream, did you? Airstream came out with its Base Camp model in 2017 and has been improving it ever since. It offers the classic aluminum body and durability that we love about Airstreams – just in a smaller package. 

The 20-foot Airstream Basecamp costs $45,900 without any upgrades, but if you plan on camping away from people and pavement, I highly suggest getting the X upgrade. It will cost you an extra $3,000, but you’ll get extra window protection, robust rims and tires, an axel lift, and rock shields on the front of the body. 

Not only that, but for an extra $2,400, you can completely outfit your Basecamp with solar. This upgrade includes two 90-watt solar panels, a solar charge display and controller, and two group 24 series 80-hour batteries. 

Even if you choose not to go with the upgrades, you’ll still be sitting pretty without hookups. The furnace and the water heater both run off propane, while the refrigerator runs off 12-volts.

Likewise, the insulated water tanks are heated with 12-volt heating pads! These hold 27 gallons of freshwater, 28 gallons of greywater, and 21 gallons of black water. 

Feeling excited yet? If I could afford it, I would be, too! 

4. Taxa Mantis Trailer  

• MSRP: $41,950
• UVW: 2,882 lbs
• GVWR: 3,970 lbs 
• CCC: 1,088 lbs 
• Hitch Weight: 435 lbs 
• Fresh Water Tank: 20 gallons 
• Grey Tank: 22 gallons
• Black Tank: Optional cassette toilet 
• Exterior length: 19’
• Exterior Width: 7’6”

Let’s switch it up a bit, shall we? The Taxa Mantis trailer is an extremely well-thought-out adventure-abode. It’s smaller than the travel trailers we’ve discussed so far, but don’t let that confuse you; this little thing is a beast. It truly has just about everything you could want in a small, durable package.

The Mantis is a light and easy-to-tow pop-up travel trailer; however, it opens up dramatically to sleep up to 7 adults (if you include the rooftop tent and hammock option).

The body is made with high-quality materials such as aluminum and EPS foam and includes gravel guards in front for extra protection. 

Another upgrade includes a cassette toilet with a removable black tank. It comes along with a wet bath that is stored away so ingeniously, you won’t even know it’s there. And I have to say – having a removable black tank is EVERYTHING when it comes to boondocking.

All you have to do is take it to your closest bathroom and dump it (in other words, you won’t have to break camp and potentially lose your amazing free spot!). 

The Mantis is also pre-wired for solar panels, has a 12-volt outlet for the fridge, and holds 20 gallons of fresh water and 22 gallons of greywater. Honestly, I could write an entire article in itself about all the small innovative features in this rig, but I encourage you to check it out yourself! 

5. The Timberleaf Teardrop Camper 

• MSRP: $23,400
• UVW: 1,500 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 150 lbs
• Fresh Water Tank: 11 gallons 
• Propane: Varies 
• Exterior Length: 15 ft
• Exterior Width: 78″

Are you looking for a well-built teardrop camper? Maybe one that can traverse nearly any terrain? If your answer is yes, the Timberleaf Teardrop just may be your perfect travel trailer. It is made of aluminum with R-7 insulated walls and a zero-VOC polyurethane wood interior.

It comes with a queen-sized bed, a functional outdoor kitchen, 2 doors, 2 windows, and a huge skylight.

Even though it is such a tiny setup, it will go anywhere a rugged 4×4 can go; dessert boondocking, mountain boondocking – you name it. 

It also comes with 11 gallons of freshwater, 100-amp hour deep cell marine batteries, a power center that manages all the 110-volt power, inverter, and 12-volt power, 4 USB outlets, and two 110-volt outlets – impressive for such a minimal setup! 

6. Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer 

• MSRP: $45,625
• UVW: 2,755 lbs
• CCC: 1,215 lbs
• Fresh Water Tank: 42 gallons
• Exterior Length: 15’ 6”
• Exterior Width: 6’ 2”

Ok, guys. I saved this one for last because it’s my absolute favorite. The Conqueror truly lives up to its name – it will conquer any off-road adventure you decide to take it on.

These indestructible little trailers have been tested and retested through the harshest terrains of Africa for decades; and honestly, they’re probably the most rugged campers in our line-up. 

First and foremost, it has an epic suspension system that can glide over the rockiest terrain with ease. It’s also built without any degradable materials such as wood or fiberglass. To put it plainly, it’s made to last and will probably outlive my children’s children. 

Even though it is an extremely lightweight trailer, it has just about everything you could want for your off-grid excursion.

The UEV-440 model has 42 gallons of fresh water storage, an on-demand propane water heater, an outdoor shower and kitchen that have amazing amounts of storage space and functionality, and room for 4 adults to sleep comfortably – all within a compact 93 square feet of space! 

Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself!

In Closing  

All of these travel trailers have one thing in common: they’re built to take a beating. They’re made for RVers who crave adventure and want to explore the road-less-traveled.

And while these rigs have many features in common, they also provide a wide range of options for any traveler (or family of travelers!). Looking for a larger rig? You may want to check out the Rockwood Geo Pro or Winnebago Hike.

Looking for a rugged travel trailer that you can tow with an SUV or Jeep? The Timberleaf Teardrop just may be perfect for you! One thing is for sure; there is a camper for everyone in any situation. 

Now tell us: What are your priorities when traveling off-grid? Is there anything we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

Best RV Tire Covers To Protect your stored motorhome or trailer tires from UV Damage

Linda Humphries

Hi. I’ve been researching the right travel trailer for boondocking for only a couple months. I have looked at every one of the 6 you mentioned here. Personally, I want a trailer that offers more and that I would feel safe in. The hybrids that have rooms that open up as tents would leave me unable to sleep. The kitchens and showers outside would mean being wet and cold in the winter months. Some are nothing more than sleeping quarters. And what happens if a slide out stops working in the out position, can you drive somewhere for repairs with it out? These are all things that I have thought of as I’ve done my research.

My research…or searching, has brough me to the MDC XT16HR. So far it is the only one that I have found that meets my needs. And it is beautiful. I will continue looking, as there is plenty of time for me. Let me know your thoughts on this travel trailer please.

Thanks for your information. Linda

Anna Highsmith

Hi Linda, this off road camper/trailer looks beautiful. What a wonderful find. I just started my search for a camper to start traveling on my own and be able to go to mountainous and/or off road locations without worries of the frame being too low, safety is a big priority for me too, and have the amenities all inside is best for me.

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Rig Roundup: 7 Best RVs for Going Off the Grid

It's worth researching a variety of trailers before choosing your next rig. Here are some of the best off-grid travel trailers on the market right now.

By Roadtrippers

Thanks to their mobility and self-contained nature, RVs are ideal for creating unforgettable adventures, even far from traditional campgrounds. Luckily there are many lightweight travel trailers specifically designed for off-grid RV excursions. And good news for your wallet—many of them can be towed with an SUV, so no truck purchase is required to tow your new trailer. 

Important Features to Look for in Off-Grid RVs

If you want to leave the campground in your rearview mirror and head off the grid, it’s important to purchase an RV that’s designed for rugged terrain and boondocking conditions. Here are some features that will keep you safe and comfortable even while camping far from shore power and bathhouses. 

12-Volt and Propane Appliances

When you can’t hook up to shore power, you’ll want your refrigerator, cooktop, oven, and TV to work on 12-volt batteries or propane gas. Avoid residential appliances as they will require a more robust energy draw. 

Solar Prewiring or Manufacturer Solar Packages

If there is even a small possibility that you will add an aftermarket solar package, make sure you look for an RV that is prewired for solar. Better yet, find one that is prewired for an inverter as well, which will allow you to use 110-volt power even while boondocking. Many of the RV models featured in this roundup offer roof-mounted solar kits as optional upgrades. We highly recommend choosing the manufacturer packages when available.

Large Fresh Water Tanks

The size of your fresh water tank is an important consideration when camping off the grid. These tanks vary greatly in size from trailer to trailer, so make note of this feature when shopping. You’ll see that within this article’s featured RVs, the fresh water tanks are anywhere from eight gallons to 55 gallons, which is a large variance within the same class of travel trailer. 

Large Gray Water and Black Water Tanks

The bigger your gray and black water tanks are, the longer you can use your sink, shower, and toilet without needing to dump them. Note that some travel trailers within this category won’t have any gray or black water tanks, some have combo tanks, and others have separate tanks that are up to 30 gallons each. Pick a model that suits your needs. 

Robust Frames and Raised Axles

If you want to take your travel trailer down unpaved roads and over rugged terrain, make sure you look for solid framing and raised axles that provide plenty of ground clearance. Many trailers in this class also offer all-terrain tires as either standard or an optional upgrade. 

Off-Grid Travel Trailers We Love

Does an off-grid trailer fit your lifestyle? These travel trailers are some of the best on the market and will make your next boondocking or off-roading adventure more comfortable.  

inTech O-V-R Expedition Off-Grid Travel Trailer

The latest off-roading lineup from inTech makes off-grid adventures comfortable and spacious for the whole family. The O-V-R lineup offers three models, ranging from a toy hauler to the smaller, 5,200-pound Expedition travel trailer. When purchased with inTech’s off-grid package, this rig comes with 400 watts of solar power, a 200-amp hour lithium battery, and a 2,000-watt inverter charger.

The interior features a spacious U-shaped dinette, a full-size kitchen with a farmhouse sink, two twin-sized beds, an optional drop-down bunk bed, and a large wet bath. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space throughout, and the dinette can also be used for sleeping space.

Features and options we love for off-grid adventures:

Although this rig is equipped to take you to remote destinations, the interior provides all of the comforts that you’d expect from a travel trailer. Plus, with the optional drop-down bunk, you’ll have plenty of room to bring the kids along for your adventures.

More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here .

Lance Truck Camper

The 650 Truck Camper was designed by Lance for short-bed, half-ton trucks. The standard package offers ducted heat, a marine toilet, and pre-wiring for a solar panel. The three-way refrigerator and selection of 12-volt, USB, and 110-volt outlets will allow you to keep everything powered whether you’re hooked up at a campground or dry camping. If you’re just beginning your hunt for a truck camper, Lance has a helpful and detailed compatibility guide . 

Think about adding the 100-watt solar panel and lithium battery if you plan to boondock, and the 19-inch, 12-volt TV if you still want to enjoy the creature comforts of home. 

More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here . 

Airstream Basecamp

The Basecamp trailer is designed to pair well with midsize SUVs that many off-road adventurers already own. Large wheels, side skirts, and wheel flares protect the camper from the gravel and debris on unpaved roads. There are four different floor plans available, ranging from 16 to 20 feet in length, and all versions include an onboard restroom with a toilet and shower. Goodyear tires and 12-volt tank heaters also come standard. 

Buyers can upgrade to a 200-watt solar package. Get extra ground clearance with the Basecamp X-Package, which features a 3-inch lift, Goodyear Wrangler tires, and a raised hitch jack pad.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro

Introduced in 2021, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro lineup features four different floor plans designed to take you off the beaten path, while still providing a high level of comfort. The 166FBS has 16-inch diameter Goodyear tires with reinforced wheel wells and is prepped for roof-mounted solar power and prewired for an inverter. It also contains a 55-gallon fresh water tank. The JayPort external propane connection makes it easy to hook up the included 17-inch grill.

Features and options we love for off-grid adventures :

One optional solar power package includes a 200-watt solar panel and a 30-amp controller, and another adds the 1,800-watt inverter. Add a Thule roof rack system or bike storage rack if you like to travel with your toys.

Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX 

The Winnebago Micro Minnie FLX trailer lineup consists of four different floor plans that range from 22 to 22.5 feet in length. The H172BH is particularly attractive to adventurous couples or small families, offering bunk beds and a large dinette with bed conversion.

At less than 22 feet long and less than 4,200 pounds in dry weight, the Micro Minnie FLX is easy to tow for most SUVs and Trucks.

Rockwood Geo Pro 

The Rockwood Geo Pro offers a wide range of floor plans, from a 15-foot travel trailer to a 20-foot toy hauler. The entire series comes equipped with 200-watt, roof-mounted solar panels and a 1,000-watt inverter. Most models offer a 12-volt TV, Teton All In One Wi-Fi Booster with LTE Prep and Antenna, and Showermiser water conservation system. The G15TB floor plan has rear twin-sized beds that can convert into a king-sized bed depending on what layout you need.

Buyers can add on Pro Rac mounting bars, a removable ladder, a second 200-watt solar panel, and a tongue-mount bike rack.

Palomino Pause Travel Trailer 20.3

While some details are yet to be released, this off-roading rig is already causing a stir. The Pause is perfect for solo travelers or couples looking to go off the beaten path. Ruggedly constructed with an aluminum frame; composite walls, flooring, and roofing; and independent suspension, this towable is built to handle all of the bumps and turns of an off-road adventure. The cozy, stylish interior comes with a spacious dry bath, a full-sized kitchen with bar seating, and a foldable queen-sized bed that’s perfectly placed under a large dual-pane window for stargazing. An integrated Garmin navigation system comes standard on all models, as does 200 watts of solar power, a 400-amp hour Lithium battery, and a 3,000-watt inverter charger.

The dry weight of this rig is expected to be nearly 7,000 pounds, and the anticipated MSRP is projected to be more than $100,000. 

FEATURES AND OPTIONS WE LOVE FOR OFF-GRID ADVENTURES:

The Pause comes with an offboard air compressor for easy tire inflation and deflation, and the outdoor kitchen comes fully equipped with cooking space, storage, a sink, and a fridge. You can also upgrade your solar package to 1,000 watts.

A Note on Rig Specs

It’s important to pay close attention to specs when shopping for a travel trailer. Use the VIN (vehicle identification number) to find the towing capacity and payload capacity for your specific tow vehicle.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

The maximum loaded weight of your trailer as determined by the manufacturer. You should never exceed this weight rating when your RV is stocked with all of your gear, propane, and fresh water. 

UVR (Unloaded Vehicle Rating)

The weight of your trailer as manufactured with no cargo, propane, or water.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)

This is the difference between your UVR and your GVWR, telling you how much weight you can safely add to your trailer. Pay close attention to the cargo carrying capacity if you intend to travel with a lot of gear. 

Tongue Weight

This is the amount of weight pressing down on the hitch ball that is attached to your tow vehicle. It is extremely important to make sure that the tongue weight of a travel trailer does not exceed your tow vehicle’s payload capacity. 

Disclaimer: Roadtrippers is part of a joint venture, partially owned by Thor Industries, Inc., of which Airstream and Jayco are subsidiaries.

Meet the Author

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Explore Apex Nano

Home > Apex > Apex Nano

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Apex Nano Travel Trailers

Designed for towing with today’s half-ton trucks, minivans and SUVs, with weights all under 4,500 lb.

• Love the small length to park anywhere, love the big capacities of the tanks, love that the bed can fold and the rear door. - Veronique P.
• 2021 Apex Nano 185BH has been a great all around camper. 7,000 plus miles of adventures in it so far! - Jason N.
• Our Apex Nano 194BHS was the perfect size camper for our 6500 mile adventure. It’s small enough to make it super versatile but when you let the slide out, it provide plenty of room for our family of 4. - Jason L.

2024 Apex Nano Floorplans

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Specifications Definitions

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) – is the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)* - is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories. *Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)** - is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity. **Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

Each Forest River RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Forest River RV prior to leaving our facilities.

The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.

May Show Optional Features. Features and Options Subject to Change Without Notice.

2024 Apex Nano Features & Options

Nano package (mandatory).

• Vacuum-bonded Laminated Dual Azdel/Fiberglass Walls
• Vacuum-bonded Laminated Crowned Roof
• Laminated Aluminum Framed Floor
• Fiberglass Front Cap w/LED Lighting and Window
• Aluma-cage Construction
• Two-Tone White and Grey Fiberglass Exterior Sidewalls
• Dark Grey Exterior Rear Wall
• Front Stone Guard
• Schwintek Slide System (N/A 185BH, 186 BH, 187RB)
• Enclosed Underbelly w/Forced Air Heat (Dual-axle models)
• Mounted Bluetooth Wireless Speakers
• Stabilizer Jacks (4)
• Regulated LP Port
• DSI Gas/Electric Water Heater
• Hot/Cold Outside Shower
• Black Tank Flush
• Swing Away Assist Handle
• Friction Hinge Entrance Door
• Magnetic Baggage Door Catches
• Hard Valances w/Night Shades Throughout
• LED Interior Lighting Throughout
• Flush-mount 2-Burner Cooktop
• 8 Cu. Ft. 12V Refrigerator
• Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink w/Flush-mount Cover
• Access Doors Under Dinette
• Digital TV Antenna w/Cable Hook-ups and WiFi Capability
• Tub Surround
• Skylight in Bath

INTERIOR AND DÉCOR

• Casino Bisque Cabinetry
• Shaker Cabinet Door Frames
• One-Piece Seamless Edge Countertops
• Shaw Residential Flooring
• Overhead Bedroom Cabinets w/Side Wardrobes
• Pedestal Dinette Table
• Booth Dinette
• LP Leak Alarm
• Fire Extinguisher
• Smoke Alarm
• Carbon Monoxide Detector

ELECTRICAL/HEATING/AC

• Direct Vent Furnace
• 13.5K BTU A/C
• 55 Amp Power Center
• Outside Receptacle GFI
• Detachable Marine Style Power Cord
• USB Chargers
• Flush-mount 2- Burner Cooktop
• Matte Black Hardware

BATH AND WATER

• 6 Gal. Gas/Electric DSI Hot Water Heater
• Power Bath Vent
• Water Heater Bypass Valve
• On-demand Water Pump
• Below Floor Low Point Drains
• Foot Flush Toilet
• Hand-crafted Wood Medicine Cabinet

EXTERIOR/CONSTRUCTION

• Aluma-Cage Construction
• Vacuum-bonded, Aluminum Trussed Roof w/Dicor Crossflex Roof Membrane
• Vacuum-bonded Dual Azdel Fiberglass Sidewalls
• Vacuum-bonded Dual Azdel Fiberglass Rear Wall
• Corrosion Resistant Powder Coated Frame
• I-beam Chassis Construction
• Heated and Enclosed Underbelly w/Forced Air (Double Axle Only)
• Gutter Rail
• (2) 20 Lb. LP Tanks
• Dual Battery Tray
• Tinted Safety Glass Radius Windows
• Radius Entrance Door w/Window
• Deadbolt Lock
• Radius Thumb Latch Baggage Doors
• Break Away Switch
• Easy Lube Axles
• Back-Up Camera Prep
• Battery Disconnect
• Frame Receiver Prep (Select Models)
• Cast Iron Griddles w/ Sidewall Prep Bar
• Schwintek Slide Room System

COMFORT PACKAGE (MANDATORY)

• Power Awning w/LED Lighting
• 13.5k BTU A/C
• Spare Tire and Carrier

OFF-GRID PACKAGE (MANDATORY)

• (2) 20 Lb. LP Tanks w/Cover
• High Velocity 10" Power Roof Vent
• 200-Watt Solar Panel w/30 Amp Control Charger
• 12V Outlets (Pass-thru and Outside Kitchen)
• Murphy Bed (203RBK, 208BHS, 186BH Only)
• 12V Tank Heater Pads
• 15K BTU A/C Upgrade
• 15" All-Terrain Tires w/Aluminum Rims

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• Specifications

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Off-Grid Camper

Couldn't load pickup availability

Off-Grid Solar Trailer that is ultralight and easy to tow. The ultimate solar powered off-grid camper for adventurers seeking the roads less traveled. GoSun Camp365 is fully equipped with essential solar appliances for cooking, refrigerating, showering, climate control (optional) and sleeping at remote locations or campsites. USA Manufactured.

Custom Edition Production Models. Estimated Available approximately 90 days after full payment is received.   No coupons apply.

After $500 order fee is paid,  contact  [email protected]   for questions, delivery updates, optional accessories, shipping options, and balance payment schedule.

Weight & Dimensions

Cabin interior max length: 8' 5" Cabin interior max width: 11' 8" Cabin Interior max height: 7' 6" Cabin Interior living space: 700 cubic ft. Exterior max width: 71.5" Exterior max height: 10' Exterior road and trail height 6' 8" Ground clearance: 11.25" Road mode length: 15' 6" Unloaded base trailer weight: 1,495 pounds Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 pounds

Towing Capabilities: Independent torsion axle suspension 12" wheels with high speed tires for highway travel Powder coated aluminum chassis, steel axle and tongue 11.25" standard ground clearance Swing away trailer jack with 12 height adjustment Electric: Tow vehicle connection recharges battery while hauling 8,000 BTU air conditioner 580W fast heating ceramic electric heater with thermostat 30Amp city or campground electric hook up GoSun Power1100 powerbank - lithium ion Solar ready up to 30Amps Main cabin interior LED and storage lighting(x2) SolarPanel 100Watt Solar Table 120Watt 12VDC - 5 outlets; 110VAC 2 outlets; USB-C PD, and USB - 6 connections Insulation, Ventilation, & Shade: Hard wall composite insulation on end side walls and doors (Approximate R value of 7) Puncture resistant, translucent, waterproof marine grade roof Dual layer insulation system for hot or cold weather Five tinted glass and screened windows Dual 38" x 26" mesh windows with sun shades Two 58 x 95 extendable side awnings Setup, Cleanup, & Takedown: Seven Point Leveling System on dirt, mud, snow, and sand Connects to a standard 2" ball hitch Marine grade composite flooring Gas shock assisted exterior side wall lift system Rear hatch transforms into interior & exterior table Folding Beds: queen bed 60" x 80" or two twins 30" x 60"

What's included

GoSun Chill GoSun Power 1100 GoSun Solar Panel 100 (x2) GoSun SolarTable 120 GoSun Fusion GoSun Brew (x2) GoSun Heated Blanket (x2) GoSun Breeze (x2) GoSun Flow & Flow Pro Cassette Toilet Air Conditioner Inflatable Bed Frame (x2) Inflatable Sleeping Pads (x2) Air Pump 12V Propane Water Heater Shower Curtain Large Storage Duffel Bags (x2) Ceramic Space Heater - 1500W

Quick & Easy Setup

One person can pop-up or down in less than 10 minutes

Off Grid Ready

Complete solar setup brings comfort and reliability anywhere

Aerodynamic & Lightweight

Sleek, sealed outer shell allows for easy towing and stowing

Built to Last

Made without wood, or canvas, so there is no rust, mold, or rot

Wake up with nature

A one of a kind off-grid cabin on wheels, completely integrated with GoSun's breakthrough solar products. Innovative design and super efficient appliances allow you to go much further than traditional campers and RV’s.

Compact, Lightweight, and Easy to Tow

The all aluminum frame provides durability while weighing less than 1,800 lbs. Superb aerodynamics mean less drag and much better gas mileage.

Built to Last, and Last

Lifetime cost of ownership is much lower when you are saving costs on maintenance, fuel, storage, and campground fees. High tech materials remove decay from the equation while the closed camper is sealed from the elements.

Camp off-grid. Anywhere. Everywhere.

Complete with all the appliances you need to adventure further and more often. It’s time to consider traveling lighter, easier, and with more freedom - all powered by the Sun.

How we compare

There's only one GoSun

GoSun designs for maximun fun and resilience. Camp365 helps elevate your camp experience and provides the freedom of going off-grid. With the best portability possible in an RV, it's a great fit for your daily driver.

Top Down View

The Camp 365 features 30 cubic feet for storing all of the necessities.

Up to 6 adults can fit in the Camp 365.

Camp365 camper has been engineered with a low center of gravity, aerodynamic design for slipstreaming and remarkable fuel economy and electric battery range with all towing vehicles. Even if you’ve never towed a vehicle before you will find this simple and easy.

Most people can easily do it in less than 10 minutes! It’s “lift-assisted.” If you can push a vacuum cleaner, you can level out your GoSun Camp365 cabin. If you’re a sole traveler you’ll be surprised and delighted to learn that one person can open/close the trailer.

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2025 Mantis

Starting at $45,750

Designed to open up and let the outside in, Mantis connects you with nature like never before. From its spacious interiors to its eye-catching exterior, be prepared to turn heads wherever you roam.

Build your Mantis, get custom pricing, and reserve today for $250.

Click below to build your Mantis, get custom pricing, and reserve today for $250.

• Description

Meet Mantis.

Built for the journey and the destination, Mantis is crafted for a life outdoors with room for four (or more). Discover the freedom of off-grid living and immerse yourself in the natural elements beneath the pop-up roof.  Plus, enjoy the added convenience of storing your habitat in a standard garage. 

• 19’ length: Storable in standard garage
• Dry Weight: 3,115 lbs
• Sleeps 4+ adults
• Secure, pop-up roof for optimized ventilation

View all specs

Reserve Your Mantis

With a $250 refundable deposit

1. Customize and place deposit

Build your vehicle by selecting preferred options and features. Add your $250 reservation deposit to the cart and finish checking out on our website.

2. Get matched with a dealer

After we received your deposit, a TAXA Adventure Specialist will reach out to confirm your reservation, set up priority placement with a nearby TAXA Dealer to fulfill your order.

3. Financing and fulfillment

Once you have been matched with a dealer, we’ll match you with financing options (if applicable) and oversee the final delivery of your adventure vehicle.

What’s New this Year

Experience the reimagined Mantis, where every detail is crafted to elevate your adventures.

• Double the cushion thickness — from 2” to 3.5” cushions for increased comfort
• Go from bed to table to lounge mode — a new third layout with flexible backrests
• Victron Smart Voltmeter, with Bluetooth ability to monitor all your power use visually or via app
• Better optimized under-bed storage with increased capacity and easier access from both the rear and inside
• Redesigned storage towers for more flexible, options like SidioCrates (not included)
• Bluetooth-controlled RGB LEDs, for customized interior and exterior lighting via the Casambi app
• Upgraded kitchen core design with better accessibility to the Truma heater, more common blade fuses, and an integrated small compartment for kitchen tools
• Quick disconnect awning brackets for seamless transitions and garageability

Build & Price

Upgrade to Overland Edition

Take the road less traveled with Mantis Overland. Explore uncharted territories, detour off the beaten path, and savor moments in places inaccessible to traditional RVs.

What People Are Saying About Mantis

Minimalist design for maximal adventure .

"We LOVE our Mantis habitat and it checks all the boxes. Great service, great team and incredible design. If you are looking for the perfect combo of essentials and beautiful design, get a TAXA habitat! Can not recommend them highly enough."

Family Adventures

“The Mantis is exactly what our family was looking for. Huge upgrade from tent camping. Fits me, my husband, and our two large (6 foot) teen sons comfortably. Plus it still fits in our standard garage. Well made and smart design. Thanks TAXA!!"

Functionality At Its Finest

"Our Mantis is GREAT! Very functional, practical for our activities, and enhances our camping experience!"

Quality & Support

"Our Mantis is the bomb. Quality is next level and so is the customer service when I reached out about a question on the shower drain. We've had this at a number of campgrounds and state parks and it has made our family outings MUCH more enjoyable! Get out there folks! Out is In."

Mantis Features

Lightweight & Garageable

Ready to hit the road whenever adventure calls, TAXA habitats offer unmatched towing ease. With hassle-free storage, the Mantis effortlessly fits into standard garages. Mantis is spacious, yet remarkably lightweight.

Sleeping Space for 4+ Adults

Embark on family-sized adventures with Mantis, where memories are best shared together. This camper comfortably sleeps four adults. Convert the full-sized bed into cafe or lounge mode and drop the bunk bed system into a couch.

Full Galley Kitchen, AC & Heater

Smart storage pairs with durable baltic birch-wood cabinetry and high pressure laminate countertop. The galley kitchen includes a sink, two burner stove, an open shelving system, storage tower, a cooler platform, and a 16 gallon trash can. For increased comfort, Mantis comes standard with an 8,000 BTU AC, furnace and hot water system.

Customize with Flexible Space

No matter your camping style, Mantis is the ultimate basecamp that customizes to your preference. The new front Flex Space features space for work, play, shower, restroom and extra storage.

Enhanced Shower

Clean up with ease in our enhanced shower designed for adventurers up to 6'6" tall. The flexible hose reaches the entrance, allowing you to leave the mud, snow, or sand from the day's excursions at the door. When you’re finished, click the shower base back up to travel position and free up the Flex Space for something else.

Intuitive Storage Systems

Multi-use thinking led to the design of our storage system with pack-and-go milk crates (or Sidio crates) that stash in the storage tower, kitchen or under-bed space. Smart backsplash storage completes the kitchen and anchor points all through the Mantis provide opportunity to hang or bungee goods in place.

Download Specs

*Product specifications are subject to change without notice to improve reliability, function, availability or design.

Yes! The Mantis Flex Space includes a wet bath with a shower and a cassette toilet. A stylish modular ottoman can either nest or be used as storage, including holding the portable toilet if desired. The shower accommodates adventurers up to 6’6” tall. Additionally, there’s an exterior shower too.

Like all TAXA habitats, Mantis was designed to be lightweight and towable by many vehicles. Dry weight is just 3,115 pounds and the Overland Edition is 3,486. We love making it easy for anyone to adventure in a TAXA habitat and the lightweight design also translates to better gas mileage.

We recommend the Overland Package for anyone looking to go to remote locations and venture off-road. The Overland Package provides higher clearance and axle-less suspension, which comes in clutch for the uneven terrain that comes with this type of adventure.

Mantis sleeps 4 adults comfortably on the inside (full bed and bunks). Plus, add a rooftop tent for an additional 2-3 adventurers. 

Is Mantis Right for Me?

Not sure which vehicle is right for your adventuring? Enter some basic info to see which of our camping trailers best fits your needs.

Take the Quiz

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SWITCHBACK 
OVERLAND TRAILER

Designed, built & tested in north america., switchback overland trailer, manufactured in canada..

Specifications

Base Price:  $24,280.00 US \ $30,500.00 CAD

Construction:  All-metal (aluminum body on steel frame)

Kitchen:  Dual burner cooktop, sink basin w/ hot & cold water faucet & 35L fridge.

Interior:  40 cubic feet of storage (front storage box)

Exterior Storage:  Roof rack & front storage tray (optional)

40 Cubic Feet

70" (Without RTT or Awning)

31 Gal. (Optional)

The Ultimate Adventure Gear Trailer


This small, lightweight, agile trailer is the perfect companion when navigating tight trails to your next big adventure.

Switchback S Floorplan

Interior Storage

Hot/Cold Water Sink

Domestic Dual Burner Stove

Fire Extinguisher

Lockable Doors

Propane Tank

• Digital Voltmeter

Electrical Box w/inverter & Batteries

Shore Power Charging Port & ZAmp Solar Ready Port

Fridge/Freezer

Max Coupler

Shower Enclosure

Bluetooth Stereo System

Hot Water On Demand

Switchback R Floorplan

Dometic Dual Burner Stove

Unique Features

The all-metal off road capable camping trailer with an industry leading basecamp set-up time, perfect for your next overland adventure.

• Switchback S (SIDE Galley)
• Switchback R (REAR Galley)
• On Board Charger
• Single AGM Battery
• 2 Inch Ball Hitch
• 35L Dometic Fridge
• 50 Amp Main Service Breaker
• LED Lighting Package
• 20 LBS. Propane Tank
• Dometic Stainless Steel Dual Burner Stove
• Timbren 3500 HD Axle-less Suspension with 4 Inch Lift
• 2x Dual USP Ports
• 265/70/17 AT Tires
• 2LB. Strike First Fire Extinguisher
• Fridge Upgrade
• Bluetooth Stereo System with Dual Marine Speakers
• 360 Degree Max Coupler Hitch
• Storage Package
• Spare Tire Package
• Electrical Package (Upgrade to 2000W Pure Sine Inverter w/ Dual AGM Batteries)
• Water Package
• Slide out for BBQ Option
• Pot & Pan Compartment
• Front Storage Tray
• AGM Battery
• 1000W Inverter 
• 10V Gang Outlet
• 31Gal. Water Tank
• Stainless Steel Sink
• Hot Water on Demand
• Outdoor Shower

Purpose Built

Built with exceptional craftsmanship, the Switchback features an all-metal construction on a robust 4-inch c-channel frame. Its body consists of aluminum sheeting with an R10 insulated foam core, ensuring durability, longevity, and insulation. Designed as an adventure gear hauler with a rack for a roof-top tent, this trailer is your gateway to thrilling outdoor escapades.

Compact yet mighty, the Switchback measures 130″ in length from bumper to hitch and 75″ in width from fender to fender. With a dry weight of 1300 lbs, it strikes the perfect balance between agility and sturdiness. The remarkable 21 inches of ground clearance and an impressive 50-degree departure angle empower you to conquer any challenging terrain that comes your way.

Connect with the Outdoors

Connect with the outdoors in its purest form with the Switchback’s open design. The trailer forgoes an interior cabin, inviting you to experience nature to its fullest. You’ll sleep in a rooftop tent, immersing yourself in the serene surroundings. Additionally, all kitchen amenities are thoughtfully mounted on the exterior, ensuring you can relish the fresh air as you cook and enjoy your meals.

Unleash your culinary creativity with the Switchback’s versatile kitchen options. Choose between two configurations: a side gallery that drops down or a rear galley that slides out. Both options feature a high-output dual burner stove and a bespoke stainless steel sink basin with a folding faucet. With a standard 35L fridge in the rear compartment, you can keep your food and beverages cool and fresh throughout your adventures. The trailer also includes a generous 31-gallon water capacity, a hot water on-demand system, and an outdoor shower for your convenience and comfort.

Lightweight

Crafted from lightweight aluminum, the Switchback offers the perfect combination of strength and weight-saving design. Its all-metal construction ensures exceptional durability, promising a reliable companion throughout your adventurous journeys. Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration, this trailer is ready to tackle any path you choose.

Ample storage space is a priority in the Switchback. The front storage cabinet offers an impressive 40 cubic feet of storage capacity, providing ample room for all your adventure gear. Optional tie-down points mounted to the floor allow you to secure your belongings during your travels. The integrated roof rack with cross bars is rated to carry up to 1000 lbs, enabling you to bring along larger equipment or gear for your outdoor pursuits.

Unleash your adventure

With its rugged and captivating exterior, the Switchback becomes your ultimate tool for connecting with the outdoors. It embraces the spirit of adventure, offering the freedom to explore wherever your heart desires. From thrilling off-road journeys to peaceful and remote hideaways, this trailer is designed to traverse any landscape, enabling you to create unforgettable memories and embrace the wonders of nature.

Get ready to embark on extraordinary adventures with the Switchback. Its robust construction, innovative design, and unwavering capability will be your gateway to unparalleled exploration and unforgettable moments in the great outdoors. Unleash your adventurous spirit and let the Switchback guide you to new horizons!

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9 Best Rugged Camper Trailers for Off-Road Adventures

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With the ever-growing movement toward deeper backcountry adventures, the market for truly rugged camping trailers is stronger than ever. There are plenty of trailers that have been somewhat adapted for off-grid use. And, there are some that are designed specifically for rugged-duty in places and paths that don’t come close to resembling civilization or roads.

We’ve scoured the planet to bring you a collection of some of the toughest among rugged off-road and off-grid camping trailers. Each has its own character and design, but all feature equipment (often standard) that pushes them from the “adapted” category to a higher realm of serious terrain and severe climate management.

In addition to key ingredients such as upgraded off-road suspension systems, extra-sturdy frames, and bodies built from high-strength modern composite materials and metal (often aluminum) skeletons, these rugged trailers offer modern creature comforts. Comfortable bedding, roomy dining space, fully featured kitchens (some inside and out), and sophisticated electronic systems and climate control apparatus make them easy to live in.

Now, let’s dive right into the best off-road capable camper trailers out there.

9 Best Off-Road-Capable Camper Trailers

Arkto campers g12 : $49,350+.

• Base weight: 3,500 lbs.
• Hitch weight: 397 lbs.
• GVWR: 4,600 lbs.
• Overall length (w/spare tire): 19 ft., 4 in.
• Exterior width: 7 ft., 2 in.
• Exterior height (roof closed): 7 ft., 10 in.
• Interior height: 6 ft., 8 in.
• Sleeping capacity: Up to 4
• LPG capacity: 20- or 30-lb. tank
• Freshwater tank: 37 gals.
• Base MSRP: $49,350 

The 2024 Arkto G12 camping trailer is a perfect example of the kind of rugged rig that can provide all of the equipment and conveniences necessary for extended backcountry exploration. Based on a sturdy off-road-capable galvanized steel chassis that includes a Timbren axle-less heavy-duty suspension, room for 33-inch-tall tires, protective underbelly pan, electric brakes, and tri-axis off-road hitch coupler, the Arkto G12 can easily handle the dirt road less taken.

Composite body construction is topped with a pop-up roof to give the Arkto G12 a low profile for easy travel and full-height headroom once you’ve arrived. The Arkto G12 camping trailer features a large slide-out kitchen with a 12,400-BTU dual-burner gas stove and stainless-steel sink with a hot- and cold-water faucet. A slide-out 75L dual-zone fridge/freezer , large (12 cubic feet) pantry, and fold-down table/food prep deck are also part of the Arkto G12 kitchen gear.

With the top popped up, the Arkto G12 offers standing room and can sleep four persons on its residential-size queen bed, large bench, and single seat/bench connection that creates additional sleeping surfaces. Powder-coated aluminum cabinetry totals 25 cubic feet of interior storage space.

Additional interior features include LED lighting, a 10-speed roof fan with rain cover and remote control, and a portable toilet that can be accessed from the inside or outside of the Arkto G12 camping trailer.

The extensive roster of standard equipment for the Arkto G12 includes a 270-degree awning, outdoor shower with enclosure, Truma Combi furnace/hot water heater, 37-gallon freshwater tank, and a full-size spare tire and carrier.

Dual 100A batteries, a battery management system with touchscreen control panel and Bluetooth connectivity, and a 15A shore power plug are also standard. Options for the Arkto G12 run the gamut from battery and inverter upgrades to solar power systems and an electric toilet.

Bruder EXP-7 GT : $160,250+

• Base weight: 5,291 lbs.
• GVWR: 7,716 lbs.
• Overall length: 22 ft., 11.5 in.
• Exterior width: 6 ft., 3.4 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 5.6 in.
• Sleeping capacity: Up to 6
• Freshwater tank: 52.8 gals.
• Gray water tank: 19.8 gals.
• Base MSRP: $160,250

The newest model in the Bruder lineup of camping trailers meant for rugged duty is the EXP-7. Borrowing the best ideas from the Bruder EXP-6 and EXP-8 travel trailers, the Bruder XP-7 can be ordered in two different coach designs, the EXP-7 PT (pop top) and the EXP-7 GT (hard top). Aside from some minor design and size distinctions, the two Bruder EXP-7 models are basically the same.

The new Bruder EXP-7 is designed with a solid roof and offers a higher level of insulation that helps control temperatures inside during extreme weather. The hard top EXP-7 GT also offers more storage space than the pop top EXP-7 PT. Both can handle any terrain with Bruder’s patented heavy-duty air suspension system.

The suspension setup includes incorporates eight mono-tube remote-reservoir shock absorbers designed to offer safety and performance when being towed on the highway or off-road. Bruder boasts that its suspension system has nearly three times more usable wheel travel than other dual-axle off-road trailers.

Both EXP-7 models offer the critical components needed for a comfortable and convenient living space. A large couch, fold-up seat, lounge, and master bed can sleep up to six people. Charging outlets and wireless connectivity can be found aside the master bed. The interior bathroom is easily accessed and features a toilet, wash basin, shower, and storage space.

The two-way kitchen can be accessed from the inside or outside, and it comes with a portable induction cooktop and room for a larger portable gas BBQ. A 57L outdoor and 136L inside fridge make extended adventures easy to manage.

Both models of the Bruder EXP-7 are built like tanks. The trailer’s body is made from 60mm thick marine-grade, closed-cell, quad-weave, epoxy-bonded composite that is sturdy and well-insulated thermally and acoustically. The freshwater tank is inside the body instead of underneath, safe from heat or cold temperatures.

Options for the Bruder EXP-7 are numerous, and include items such as large off-road tires , provision for Starlink, and a 240V generator and external power outlet.

Crawler Caravans BATU 535 : $81,814+

• Base weight: 3,814 lbs.
• GVWR: 5,952 lbs.
• Overall length: 24 ft., 6 in.
• Exterior width: 6 ft., 8 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 6 in.
• Freshwater tank: 36 gals.
• Gray water tank: 12 gals.
• Black water tank: 4.5 gals.
• Base MSRP: $81,814

Crawler Caravans offers a wide variety of rugged off-road recreational vehicle products that range from the Crawler ANKA rooftop tent to the huge Crawler OTAG 830 MAN camper truck. In between those is our favorite Crawler camping trailer, the Crawler BATU 535.

The BATU 535 features a riveted aluminum body and a standard double-axle independent suspension system. A suspension upgrade for severe terrain duty comes in the form of the Crawler Dynamic Suspension (CDS). It is a level-adjustable air suspension system that offers three different settings — camping, road, and off-road mode.

When it comes to interior comfort amenities, the Crawler BATU 535 trailer hits a homerun. A combination furnace supplies hot water and space heating, the master bedroom is spacious, a large 65L refrigerator can hold a shopping cartload of food, and a powerful air conditioning system keeps occupants cool. The master bedroom includes a sliding door with a flyscreen and curtain.

The Crawler BATU 535 camping trailer also sports a seating area that can accommodate six people and a movable folding table that transforms the area into two bunk beds. Generous storage space can hold everything you need for long trips, with storage areas designed to carry equipment for recreational pursuits like cycling, fishing, and hunting.

Standard kitchen equipment starts with a chrome countertop, chrome sink, hot- and cold-water faucets, a three-burner stove, numerous storage cabinets and drawers, and a 152L refrigerator. The bathroom has an aluminum privacy door, a steam evacuation fan, a cassette toilet, a folding sink, and a hot and cold adjustable shower head.

Some available options that we would definitely include are a 325W solar system, awning side panels, air conditioning system, upgraded extra battery, and the water tank anti-freeze system. We would also go for the optional 12,000-pound capacity winch for the Crawler BATU 535’s tail.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 : $142,500+

• Base weight: 5,500 lbs.
• GVWR: 9,920 lbs.
• Overall length: 26 ft., 1 in.
• Exterior width (including fenders): 7 ft., 6 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 9 in.
• LPG capacity: Two 20-lb. tanks
• Freshwater tank: 60 gals.
• Gray water tank: 60 gals.
• Base MSRP: $142,500

Imperial Outdoors is a recreational vehicle builder created by Nelson Industries, an experienced custom ice-fishing house manufacturer. The company’s decades of acquired know-how creating well-insulated severe cold-weather habitats makes the four-season capability (down to -40 degrees F) of its newest ruggedized off-grid camping trailer no surprise to us.

Additional feature highlights of the new XploreRV X195 are a fully boxed and powder-coated steel perimeter frame, a 240W roof-mounted solar system with a 360A lithium battery, and 60 gallons of fresh and gray water capacity.

The exterior composite walls and one-piece composite floor are fully insulated. The well-equipped XploreRV X195 kitchen offers a cooktop, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of storage. A full bathroom offers a shower and dry flush toilet.

Creature comforts inside the Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 camping trailer make the living space a relaxed place for up to four people, day or night. A cold-weather furnace quickly brings the inside of the XploreRV X195 up to a cozy temperature when needed.

And, during warm summer days, the low-profile high-efficiency 12V roof-mounted air conditioner can cool off occupants in no time at all. A full-size walkaround bed and convertible dinette provide sleeping space for up to four persons. That same dinette can be reconfigured into conversational and mealtime roominess when the sun comes up.

The Xtreme Package of standard upgrades for the Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 includes the Cruisemaster ATX independent suspension system with airbags, disc brakes, and a parking brake. Large off-road tires, an articulating hitch, an onboard air compressor, a front-mounted utility box with LPG and generator storage, heated and insulated water tanks, and an upgraded lithium battery and 240W roof-mounted solar system with an inverter and monitor panel are part of the package.

Kimberley Kampers Kruiser T-Class T3 : $176,544

• Base weight: 5,600 lbs.
• GVWR: 7,705 lbs.
• Overall length: 24 ft., 4.8 in.
• Exterior width: 7 ft., 10.8 in.
• Exterior height: 9 ft., 8.4 in.
• Freshwater Tanks: 53 gals. main; 32 gals. rear
• Gray Water Tanks: 16 gals. under shower; 32 gals. for sink
• Base MSRP: $176,544

Kimberley Kampers has been building rugged off-road camping trailers for 30 years, and the company continues to knock out superbly designed and built small camping trailers, midweight hybrids, and large luxury T-Class caravans. The Kruiser T-Class T3 caravan is the largest and our favorite among the Kimberley Kampers family of off-road-capable rugged camping trailers.

The Kimberley Kruiser T-Class T3 features an airbag suspension system with monotube shocks. The suspension is adjustable for the best possible ride quality over any type of terrain. The suspension can be raised or lowered for ideal towing stability, or to level the trailer at the campsite.

An electric-over-hydraulic vented disc brake system offers superior braking performance over the typical drum brakes usually found on camping trailers, and the system includes a one-touch parking brake.

The Kimberley Kruiser T-3 camping trailer’s sturdy body is made from a combination of high-grade alloys, thermoplastic materials, marine-grade stainless steel, and hot-dipped galvanized steel. Inside the Kimberley T3, you’ll find a full-size shower (with a curved-glass enclosure) and en suite with dual overhead fans, composting toilet, vanity, sink, and lights. A full-size queen island bed, elevated junior bunk beds over the queen, and a convertible couch/bed provide sleeping arrangements for up to six people.

Kitchen facilities in the Kruiser T-3 can be found inside and out. Standard inside is a large benchtop with a generously sized sink, hot/cold water faucet, 190L fridge/freezer, dual-plate induction cooktop, and microwave. The outside kitchen offers a large sink, hot/cold water faucet, two-burner stove/grill, and 20-pound LPG tank in standard kit.

The standard power system for the Kruiser T3 includes an AC charger, AC inverter, DC charger, DC output, two solar regulators, and a smart monitor.

Among the many options for the Kimberley Kruiser T-3, the one we like most is the mobile repeater station and signal booster for reception in remote areas.

MDC XT17 HRT : $74,990+

• Base weight: 6,446 lbs.
• Overall length: 25 ft., 2 in.
• Exterior width: 7 ft., 10 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft.
• Sleeping capacity: 3 to 4 people
• Freshwater tank: 42 gals.
• Gray water tanks: 21 gals.
• Base MSRP: $74,990

The MDC XT17 HRT is the flagship of the company’s full line of rugged camping trailers. It was designed and built to handle rough roads (or no roads at all) and keep its occupants comfortable and well cared for during extended off-grid adventures.

Features such as a powerful conditioner, an internal shower and en suite, inside and outside kitchen facilities, and roomy living space make the MDC XT17 HRT camping trailer a worthy option for those with an active outdoor lifestyle looking for a comfortable backcountry basecamp.

Underneath the XT17 HRT trailer’s sturdy aluminum alloy body structure is an off-road capable chassis that begins with a fully welded frame made of a 6×2-inch galvanized steel hot rolled rectangular tube. Supporting that is an X-Track independent suspension system with coil springs and twin shock absorbers on each side.

Combined with aluminum alloy wheels, large off-road tires, and 12-inch electric brakes, the undercarriage of the XT17 HRT offers adventurous explorers the confidence to travel far from the highway and go places few others can reach.

The external stainless-steel slide-out kitchen provides a campout atmosphere to the XT17 HRT. It includes a propane-fired cooktop, a washboard sink with a hot/cold water supply, and a separate slide-out refrigerator. The standard issue 13.8-foot manual fold-out awning creates cover from sun or rain for the outdoor kitchen.

Inside the MDC XT17 HRT camping trailer, a queen-size pillow-top innerspring mattress (in the rear slide-out) and a convertible dinette can sleep up to four people. The bathroom offers a Thetford cassette toilet and a wet-bath shower.

Other interior features include internal laminated benchtops with a glass-lid propane stove/convection oven combination, a microwave, and a fully plumbed sink with a glass lid. A Dometic air conditioner , Truma hot water system, and Dometic heater make for easy living in the XT17 HRT.

OPUS 15 Hybrid : $53,495+

• Base weight: 5,159 lbs.
• GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
• Overall (closed) length: 23 ft.
• Exterior width: 7 ft.
• Exterior height: 8 ft., 10 in. (roof closed)
• Interior height: 6 ft., 5 in. (open); 5 ft., 5 in. (closed)
• Freshwater tank: 63 gals.
• Gray water tank: 17 gals. 
• Black water tank: 10 gals.
• Base MSRP: $53,495

OPUS Camper currently produces four rugged off-road-ready camping trailers. Three of the four are lightweight low-profile trailers that blossom into standing-room tent structures. The fourth (our favorite in the OPUS line) is the Opus 15, the company’s largest and only hard-sided camping trailer.

The sturdy OPUS 15 body is made using Dibond aluminum composite panels with an aluminum frame sub-structure. A fully hot-dip-galvanized and welded-steel frame mates the OPUS 15 body to an independent trailing arm suspension system that features dual shock absorbers and large springs positioned for optimum performance off-road or on the highway.

The Opus Camper OP15 trailer is a live-in hard-sided camping trailer with a pop-top that offers full standing room inside and a rear slide-out carrying the king-size bed. All buttoned up, the Opus Camper OP15 offers a low profile for easy towing. Once parked and all opened up, it presents a spacious feel with large windows and a well-thought-out interior layout.

In addition to the master king bed are large bunk beds, and a full bathroom with shower, sink, and flush toilet. The dining area offers plush seating and an adjustable table.

Interior equipment includes a Truma Combi Eco furnace (hot-water system), Dometic 13,500-BTU roof-top air conditioner, TV with indoor and outdoor mounts, stereo system with four speakers, and numerous 110V and USB ports.

Cooking is done outdoors using a nicely executed slide-out kitchen featuring a stainless-steel sink, four-burner stainless steel stove, and a food-prep deck. A 12V fridge/freezer combo is on a second outdoor slide-out.

Off-grid adventure in the OPUS Camper OP15 is made easily accessible with standards such as three 100A AGM batteries, a 300W solar panel setup, and utility storage for two 6-gallon fuel cans as standard. You can boost that capability with options such as a DC charger, or lithium batteries and an upgraded charger.

Palomino Pause 20.3 : $124,995+

• Base weight: 7,859 lbs.
• GVWR: 9,459 lbs.
• Exterior width: 6 ft., 10 in.
• Exterior height: 10 ft., 9 in.
• LPG capacity: Two 30-lb. tanks
• Freshwater tank: 76 gals.
• Gray water tank: 30 gals. 
• Black water tank: 30 gals.
• Base MSRP: $124,995

At first glance, the Palomino Pause 20.3 may not look like a camping trailer that can handle rugged duty. But don’t judge the Pause 20.3 by its cover. Underneath the skin there lies a sturdy structure supported by a lightweight but strong aluminum huck-bolted frame and off-road suspension from MorRyde.

The MorRyde independent air ride suspension system comes with Bilstein off-road shocks, delivering 25 inches of ground clearance and a comfortable and secure ride over any road surface. An articulating hitch is standard equipment.

The Garmin O.N.E Control system standard on the Pause 20.3 camping trailer can perform one-touch trailer leveling, off-road navigation, entertainment, and smart control over some electronic functions.

A roof-top 600W solar system, two 540A lithium batteries, a 3,000W inverter, and two 50A solar chargers are also standard issue. Solar upgrades available for the Palomino Pause 20.3 camping trailer include two more 540A lithium batteries and two 300W portable solar panels.

The Pause 20.3 body features a composite floor, walls, and roof. No wood is used in this trailer’s construction. Heated and insulated water tanks are standard, as is a puncture-proof underbelly, full body wrap, automotive-style off-road rear bumper, and polyurethane-coated front wall and extrusions.

Inside the shell of the Pause 20.3 camping trailer is a folding queen bed, convertible seating, a foldable table/bed, a large and fully equipped bathroom, rear pantry storage, and all-aluminum cabinetry.

An indoor and outdoor kitchen are standard on the Pause 20.3 camping trailer. A 15.6 cubic-foot refrigerator, 12V dual-zone cooler, 21-inch oven, three-burner cooktop, microwave oven, and 16-inch round stainless sink provide everything a camp chef needs to prepare meals.

An extended slide-out exterior kitchen makes outdoor cooking a breeze with a 12V dual-zone cooler, combination grill/griddle, collapsible sink, pull-out prep table, and outdoor pantry.

Tribe Trailers Expedition 500 : $55,000+

• Base weight: 3,660 lbs.
• GVWR: 4,100 lbs.
• Overall length: 16 ft., 8 in.
• Exterior height (closed/open): 6 ft., 11 in.; 9 ft., 6 in.
• Sleeping capacity: 3 to 4 persons
• Gray water tank: 18 gals.
• Black water tank: 18 gals.
• Base MSRP: $55,000

The Tribe Trailers Expedition 500 is a rugged and compact hard-side pop-up camping trailer with a long list of amenities and creature comforts. It also offers heavy-duty construction and an off-road capable suspension system to make off-grid camping adventure possible. The Tribe Expedition 500 deserves serious consideration when looking for a rugged off-road towable.

One of the things that makes the Tribe Expedition 500 camping trailer a natural choice for off-grid exploration is the ease of towing created by the design of the trailer’s lightweight all-aluminum collapsible body. The Expedition 500 is designed like a box within a box.

The top box can be lowered onto the lower box to go from a tall and roomy 9 feet, 6 inches high (measured from the ground) in full campsite setup to a low-profile, easy-to-tow 6 feet, 11 inches. Add the beefy independent A-arm suspension system with dual air shocks and coil springs, and you have a rugged camping trailer with serious off-road travel abilities.

In a relatively small space (approximately 11 feet long, 7 feet high, 7 feet wide when open) the Tribe Expedition 500 packs in a 51×78-inch master bed up front, a convertible dinette that can sleep another adult or two children, a kitchen with a gas stove and sink, and an enclosed combination bathroom/shower with a sink and toilet.

Large windows help make the interior feel larger than it is, and the overhead storage cabinets can hold all the gear you want to keep warm and dry inside the cabin of the Tribe Expedition 500 camping trailer.

An outdoor slide-out kitchen offers a portable stove, a food prep area, and a separate slide-out for a refrigerator. The Tribe Expedition 500 features an electrical system that includes interior and exterior LED lighting, a 200A lithium battery, water tank level sensors, a voltage monitor for AC and DC power, a 1,000W inverter, and a solar power system control unit.

Buyer’s Guide: Off-Road Camper Trailer Basics

What makes a camping trailer rugged.

If you’re wondering what to look for when searching for the rugged off-road-capable camping trailer best suited for your brand of outdoor adventure, we have some recommendations.

Sturdy Construction

Much of the recreational vehicle industry builds camping and trailer bodies using a method referred to as “stick and tin.” This construction is similar to the wood framing of a home covered by aluminum. It’s fine for general use, but not the best choice for extreme terrain or weather conditions.

The better choices are those trailers with metal (usually aluminum) skeletons draped with modern composite sheeting. They can offer weight savings and better structural integrity.   

Upgraded Suspension

Axle-less suspension systems like those made by Timbren are a first step up from the average trailer with beam axles beneath its coach. For the next step up, made to handle rough or dirt roads and remain smooth on the highway, independent suspension air-ride systems such as MORRryde produce are your entry ticket into the rugged trailer category.

Articulating Hitch

When browsing for a rugged camping trailer, you will often see the term “articulating hitch.” It’s a key piece of equipment. If it’s standard, great. If it’s an option, get it. An articulating hitch provides a revolving joint between the tow vehicle and the trailer that helps the trailer and its suspension system more easily navigate rough terrain.

Need-to-Know Trailer Talk

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum safe permissible weight for a trailer, including all cargo, fluids, LPG, and optional equipment.

Base, Dry, Tare, Unladen: You may see it expressed differently depending upon the manufacturer, but they mean the same thing — the total weight of a base-model trailer in standard equipment trim, with no cargo, fluids (freshwater), or LPG.

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): Sometimes referred to as Rated Cargo Load, is the maximum amount of cargo weight the trailer can safely hold. This includes everything you load (all gear food, bikes, etc.) into the trailer, full water tanks, filled propane tanks, and batteries.    

Tongue or Hitch Weight: The manufacturer’s published tongue weights are established using base-model trailer weights. It should be between 10% and 15% of your trailer’s weight when fully loaded. More than 500 pounds of tongue weight can place stress on the rear suspension and adversely affect the steering and overall handling of anything less than a ¾ -ton or larger pickup truck.

A weight-distributing hitch can mitigate these problems by leveraging some weight off the hitch and back onto the axles. An easy way to accurately measure your trailer’s tongue weight is to use a drive-on public scale. See this Blue Ox guide to measuring tongue weight.

The 16 Best SUVs for Towing in 2023

Read this article first before shopping for a tow vehicle. We outline the best SUVs for towing to help you with your research. Read more…

10 Perfect Travel Trailers to Tow With Your Half-Ton Truck

These 10 travel trailers designed for outdoor enthusiasts are easily towable with a half-ton pickup like the Ford F-150. Read more…

A passion for anything automotive (especially off-road vehicles), camping, and photography led Stuart to a life exploring the mountains and deserts of the Southwest and Baja, and a career in automotive, outdoor, and RV journalism. He has held editorial staff positions at publications such as Four Wheeler, 4Wheel & Off-Road, Jp (all-Jeep), Trailer Boats, and Camping Life. When not behind a camera or in front of a computer, Stuart can often be found behind the wheel.

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10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers Of 2022

• RV Trailers and Motorhomes

These lightweight travel trailers are lightweight and easy to tow. Photo courtesy of Little Guy.

Tread Lightly With These 10 Best Small Camper Trailers

The demand for small RVs is at an all-time high, and several RV manufacturers are responding to the demand for lightweight trailers that any car can pull. This list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022 spotlights the top-rated RVs for families, solo RVers, and adventure travelers.

• Each small RV trailer weighs less than 5,000 pounds.
• The ultralight trailers often cost less than a passenger car. 
• Each trailer has one of the lightest gross vehicle weight ratings ( GVWR ) around. Just about any size truck or even some larger SUVs can pull them. 

(If you’re looking for 2023 model-year lightweight travel trailers, check out our post 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023 .)

Top 10 Picks For Lightweight Travel Trailers (Under 5,000 Pounds GVWR)

Each small RV is listed in order by weight, from lightest to heaviest.

2022 nuCamp TAG XL: The Stargazer

The TAG XL weighs less than 1,500 lbs – even with all of the bells and whistles.

At the top of our super light travel trailers list is the TAG. This small RV is lightweight and easy to tow. Built with custom Ohio-Amish cabinetry, under-bed storage, and an exterior shower, this teardrop trailer is the perfect way to bring some of the comforts of home when you hit the road.

Cook in nature while using the well-equipped rear galley. At night, you’ll climb into a warm and cozy interior. Watch the stars through a large stargazing window.  There’s air conditioning, LED lighting, alloy wheels, electric brakes, and an optional solar roof package. No matter where you go, the TAG teardrop trailer is ready for adventure.

Climb into a warm, cozy interior – complete with a large window for stargazing.

• Hitch weight: 119 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,369 lbs.
• Exterior length: 13′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 3″
• Exterior width: 7′ 8″
• Interior height: 43″
• Freshwater capacity: 8 gallons
• Optional A/C and heater
• Base MSRP: $24,674

2022 TAXA TigerMoth Overland: The Ultimate Overlanding Vehicle

This rugged overland travel trailer is the ideal adventure home. The TigerMoth Overland Edition is a small RV with big features, including increased ground clearance thanks to the Timbren axle-less suspension with a 4″ lift.

You also get a number of premium accessories including a generous kitchen, roof cargo deck, and an optional tongue-mounted toolbox.

Enjoy 7+ off-grid days or longer

The TigerMoth can take you on a 7-day adventure or longer. The aerodynamic shape is fuel-efficient on the highway, and a generous interior space lets you do more with less. As a bonus, it’s also small enough to fit in a normal garage.

• Hitch weight: 195 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,458 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 942 lbs.
• Exterior length: 12′ 0″
• Full exterior height: 7′
• Exterior width: 6′ 7″
• Freshwater capacity: 5 gallons
• 5 lbs propane tank & mount
• Pre-wired solar input
• Four acrylic, insulated windows with screens & shades
• 16″ alloy wheel with all-terrain tires 
• Base MSRP: $29,350

Go off-grid in comfort.

2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite: Lightweight And Easy To Tow

Travel Lite’s new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable travel trailers on the market (under $20K). It’s light enough to pull behind even the smallest of vehicles. You only need a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. 

The new Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer is one of the most affordable RV trailers on the market. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

Enjoy the sleek Euro-style design made with state-of-the-art composite materials. There’s an aluminum chassis and a seamless poured-resin fiberglass roof. Interior features include a convertible bed and a bath with a shower. This small RV offers space-saving functionality at its best.

The 2022 Travel Lite RV Rove Lite ultra-lightweight travel trailer has a stylish and roomy interior. Photo courtesy of Travel Lite.

• Hitch weight: 160 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,707 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 793 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 4″
• Full exterior height: 8′ 1″
• Exterior width: 7′ 11″
• Freshwater capacity: 10 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 5 gallons
• On-demand tankless water heater
• 20,000-BTU furnace
• Base MSRP: $19,424  

Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500: New And Improved

Here’s a unique addition to our list of the best lightweight travel trailers of 2022: the ultralight, 15-foot, all fiberglass Trillium Heritage Bunk 4500 camper from L’air Camper Company in Ontario, Canada.

The L’air Trillium Heritage is an ultra-lightweight travel trailer that can be easily towed by many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

This small RV received a complete facelift for 2022. It features dual-pane acrylic windows, a bigger solar panel, a 4.6-cubic-foot fridge with a freezer, and a galley makeover.

With a GVWR of just 2,700 pounds, the Trillium is an easy tow for many smaller SUVs and crossovers. Options abound for personalizing.

The living area of the Trillium Heritage has been updated with an all-new galley and 4.2-cubic-foot fridge. Photo courtesy of L’air Camper Co.

• Hitch weight: 180 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 2,700 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,650 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,050 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 2″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 2″
• Exterior width: 78″
• Freshwater capacity: 13 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 5 gallons
• Single 130W solar panel with charge controller
• Base MSRP: $31,997

Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB: Surprisingly Spacious

The Venture Sonic Lite SL150VRB has floorplans starting out at a fuel-saving 3,000 pounds! Both Sonic Lite and Sonic are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system. By arching the roof front to back, this system provides a more durable roof. When it rains, the water runs fore and aft.

Sonic Lite trailers are engineered with a one-piece seamless fiberglass roof system.

• Hitch weight: 460 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,735 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,160 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 575 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 11″
• Full exterior height (with A/C): 9′ 11″
• Exterior width: 90″
• Freshwater capacity: 38 gallons
• Water heater capacity: 6 gallons
• Refrigerator: 8 cu ft
• LP gas capacity: 20 lbs
• Base MSRP: $34,059

2022 Little Guy Micro Max: Fits In Standard Garages

Finding a small travel trailer that can be parked inside a two-car garage isn’t easy unless you check out the new Little Guy Micro Max . This ultra-lightweight, four-season RV camper is a brand-new offering from Little Guy that will be coming out in early 2022.

The Micro Max ultra-lightweight trailer fits inside a standard garage! Photo courtesy Little Guy Trailers.

Some of the features included in this fully equipped micro trailer are an air conditioner, a queen bed in the rear and twin bed up front, two dining areas, an interior galley, and an outdoor shower.

Headroom is a respectable 5′ 8″, which keeps the overall travel trailer height lower than the typical garage-door opening.

The interior of these lightweight travel trailers feels roomy with large windows. Photo courtesy of Little Guy Trailers.

• Hitch weight: 260 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,500 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 1,780 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,720 lbs.
• Exterior length: 15′ 11″
• Full exterior height: 6′ 10.5″
• Exterior width: 80″
• Freshwater capacity: 12 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 8 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,000  

Apex Nano 16R: Backcountry comfort

Be off-grid-camping ready with the Apex Nano 16R . This lightweight trailer comes with off-road tires and high-clearance suspension.

With a 3,800-pound GVWR, the Apex Nano 16R is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

With heated freshwater and holding tanks, a 13.5K-BTU A/C, front bike rack, direct vent furnace, and sleeping accommodations for a family of four, the Apex Nano 16R travel trailer from the Coachmen line is a great choice for outdoor adventure-bound RVers. Its 3,800-pound GVWR is compatible with most midsize pickups, SUVs, and some crossovers.  

Coachmen’s Apex Nano 16R offers a 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge, two-burner cooktop, and microwave. Photo courtesy of Coachmen.

• Hitch weight: 330 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 3,800 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,860 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 940 lbs.
• Exterior length: 19′ 7″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 10″
• Exterior width: 7′
• Freshwater capacity: 50 gallons
• Gray-water capacity: 35 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 35 gallons
• 6-cubic-foot gas/electric fridge
• Two-burner cooktop and microwave
• Base MSRP: $27,731

OPUS OP4: Adventure ready

There’s no other travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. After all, this innovative push-button, air-inflated tent camper inflates in less than two minutes and sleeps six.

There’s no other lightweight travel trailer setup like the Opus Camper’s OP4. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

The OP4 has a spacious interior lounge area, high ceiling, and a ton of windows and skylights to make you feel like you’re outdoors. The external kitchen makes cooking for the family easy, and OPUS offers a long list of options, including heating, A/C, solar power, bike racks, and extension rooms to make any RV outing enjoyable.

The external kitchen of the Opus OP4 makes cooking for the family easy. Photo courtesy of Opus Camper.

 Features:

• Hitch weight: 400 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,200 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,100 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 500 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ (closed)/ 21′ 4″ (open)
• Full exterior height: 5′ 4″ (closed)/ 7′ 10″ (open)
• Exterior width: 7′ 2″ (closed)/ 11′ 6″ (open)
• Freshwater capacity 40 gallons
• Cassette toilet
• Base MSRP: $27,999  

Forest River Rpod RP153: Ultra lightweight

The 17-foot floorplan RPOD from Forest River is an ideal size for singles and couples. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The RPOD is one of the best-selling ultra-lightweight travel trailers on the market. Forest River has expanded the line to seven models by adding a smaller version called the Rpod 153 . The 17-foot model has all the basic features of its bigger brethren, and its slightly smaller floorplan is ideal for singles and couples.

The rear bath is spacious, the galley very functional, and the Murphy bed in the front maximizes interior space. This is an RV camper that’s very well designed, appointed, and engineered. It’s a good match for half-ton pickups, midsize pickups, and SUVs.

The 17-foot RPOD from Forest River is well-designed, appointed, and engineered. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Hitch weight: 300 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,280 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 2,880 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 1,400 lbs.
• Exterior length: 17′ 3″
• Full exterior height: 9′ 8″
• Exterior width: 8′
• Freshwater capacity: 30 gallons
• Black-water capacity: 30 gallons
• Base MSRP: $25,500

2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS: Roomy and comfortable

Forest River’s spacious Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS caught our attention. A walk-around bed is a real rarity in a single-axle travel trailer and a testament to the designers taking to heart what customers have been asking for in years past.

Forest River’s 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS comes with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

The large bathroom across the rear of the RV has an oversized shower, and the 72-inch sofa in the slide-out can rotate into a comfortable hide-a-bed. The Geo Pros also come with a high-clearance axle setup and 15-inch Mud Rover Radial tires well suited for backcountry RV camping.

The 2022 Rockwood Geo Pro 20FBS has a walk-around bed, which is a rarity for a single-axle travel trailer. Photo courtesy of Forest River.

• Gross vehicle weight rating: 4,400 lbs.
• Unloaded vehicle weight: 3,442 lbs.
• Cargo capacity: 958 lbs.
• Exterior length: 21′ 8″
• Exterior width: 92″
• Freshwater capacity: 31 gallons
• 54″x74″ Full-size bed
• 14-foot awning
• Outside shower
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Base MSRP: $32,675

That’s our list of the most innovative new lightweight travel trailers of 2022. These small RV models are big on affordability, convenience, and amenities.

As a bonus, the features are packaged in a small camper footprint. In most cases, you won’t need to purchase a tow vehicle for these trailers. To find out how much weight your car can pull, open your vehicle’s manual. Look for the maximum trailer towing capacity and you’ll find the answer.

Why lightweight travel trailers are in demand

If you’re thinking about buying one of these lightweight travel trailers, you’re in good company. Demand for big and small RV models is soaring.

For example, according to the latest issue of RV RoadSigns , the quarterly sales forecast published by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV manufacturers are still scrambling to meet consumer demand that started in 2020. This year, more than 600,000 new RVs will be sold. These figures are all-time high that will exceed the record-breaking RV sales of 2021.

“The remarkable production from the RV manufacturers and suppliers is nothing like we have ever seen before, and our new forecast shows the record-breaking streak will continue,” said RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby.

Editor’s note: RV manufacturer materials costs are constantly increasing. The current base costs for the small, light travel trailers on our list may have changed since the time of this writing (Q4 2021).

Connect with other RVers

One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and much more.

Related articles:

• 10 Best Lightweight Travel Trailers For 2023
• 8 Best Small Pull Behind Campers For 2022
• A Look At The New 2022 Keystone Campers

12 Best Off-Road Travel Trailers for 2024

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Off-road travel trailers offer the best of both worlds—all of the camping amenities of a typical RV with heavy-duty materials, higher suspensions, all-terrain tires, and a rugged disposition fused with metal, rubber, and fiberglass.

The aesthetic is fantastic as well. There’s just something about an off-road RV that exudes the raw power of a tank on tires. The Black Series exemplifies that aesthetic appeal well but it isn’t the only one.

From the panoramic silver of the Airstream Basecamp to the stealth-like, boxy bulldog exterior of the Bruder EXP-7, we have some serious outdoor bruisers lined up for the rugged adventurer in all of us.

What Is An Off-Road Travel Trailer?

An off-road travel trailer is essentially a battle-hardened travel trailer. From within, it looks like any other RV, with beds, kitchens, bathrooms, dinettes, TVs, control boards, and everything else you expect in an RV.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t rugged features within, however, just that they’re more subtle. The outside is where the real outdoor magic separates these angular, craggy, rough terrain vehicles from the soft, temperate travel trailers that spend most of their lifecycles hooked to shore power.

Off-road travel trailers also feature beefier tires, tow hooks, heavy-duty construction materials, and higher suspensions with tougher chassis construction and shocks. They’re made to power through the wilderness in ways that traditional travel trailers just can’t handle.

12 Best Off-Road Travel Trailers

All 12 of the off-road travel trailers on this list stand out in a massive crowd of travel trailers. Their exterior aesthetics represent power. They almost market themselves, especially for those of us who enjoy detouring onto the untrod path, rather than taking the easy route.

1. Black Series HQ21

Our Pros and Cons

✅ There’s almost nowhere this thing won’t go

⛔ You have to hand-crank the awning – otherwise, it’s a technological masterpiece

• UVW: 7,187 lbs lbs
• GVWR: 8,200 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 718 lbs
• CCC: 1,013 lbs
• Length: 27′

Black Series is relatively new in America, previously being a company exclusive to Australia. We’re glad they arrived on our shoreline because these beasts are incredible Overlanding RVs, capable of going just about anywhere your vehicle can tow it.

The hot-dipped galvanized frame is married to coil springs and the off-road tires make the most monstrous ATVs jealous. The polyblock hitch allows for a 360° range of movement, a rarity for towables but a welcome addition for an off-road travel trailer.

The Black Series HQ21 is built to last, well away from the grid, with quadruple, 100A-hour batteries, a 2,000-watt sine-wave inverter, and two solar panels to continuously feed the beast. Raw power is juxtaposed against interior finesse, with large windows and a comfortable interior.

2. Conqueror UEV-25

✅ Exterior, fold-down hatch work surface

⛔ CCC is a little low for this compact monster

• UVW: 4,122 lbs
• GVWR: 4,850 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 412 lbs
• CCC: 485 lbs
• Length: 23.9′
• Sleep: 2 to 5

The Conqueror UEV-25 is otherwise known as an “Urban Escape Vehicle” and boy does it ever. If you’re looking for a tank on wheels, you found it. This bad boy features a D-Arm with coil and double shock absorbers, along with a boxed A-frame manufactured in hot-dipped, galvanized steel.

Even the cabin pressure fan is designed for the wilderness, with dust-limiting capabilities. The smart charger is integrated into the control box for simple and efficient charging from the solar panels and the entire trailer is also equipped with a varying concentration of LED lights.

The interior is comfy, with a wet bath, three foldout beds, low-current interior fans, and an entertainment center (optional). Like the Black Series HQ series, this puppy will go anywhere and do anything.

3. Airstream Basecamp 16X

✅ Massive panoramic window

⛔ Pricey for its size

• UVW: 3,500 lbs
• GVWR: 4,350 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 410 lbs
• CCC: 850 lbs
• Length: 16.2′

Sure, it’s a little on the pricey side for a welterweight that’s only a shade over 16′ and weighs under 3,500 lbs. However, this is an Airstream that’s not your prototypical Airstream. Apparently, Airstream decided that their silver stallion needed an off-road brute and thus, the Basecamp was born.

The interior aesthetic is just as stunning as the exterior if you like the feel of some alien spacecraft sitting in a wilderness setting. It’s one of those rare RVs where everything seems to be in the perfect place at nothing more than a glance.

Dual-9.4-gallon propane tanks, dual-deep cycle batteries, solar panels, a three-inch lift kit, and all-terrain Goodyear tires, will keep you off the grid for a long time. And, you’ll look good doing it, even if only the birds and a curious deer or two can see you.

4. Taxa Cricket Overland

✅ Flip-up windows for a bizarre but very handy pass-through storage option

⛔ No real bathroom, just the handy-dandy portable toilet

• UVW: 1,978 lbs
• GVWR: 3,000 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 264 lbs
• CCC: 1,022 lbs
• Length: 15′

When something like the Taxa Cricket Overland comes tooling down the road, you can’t help but smile. It’s a cute little thing. But hidden beneath the compact veneer is a veritable animal that’s ready to climb Mount Everest. All it needs is the rope.

It’s unusual-looking, with a pop-up tent on the roof and a small, angular body. But it boasts a load of off-roading favorites, including a tiny aerodynamic profile, a powder-coated steel chassis, Kynar aluminum composite walls, and tons of exterior and interior attachment brackets.

What are all those brackets for? Anything you can imagine in the great outdoors. This camper was built to hang onto a cliff beneath a massive waterfall. Don’t really try that, but hopefully, the point is well-received.

5. Opus Offroad OP15

✅ Diamond plate shielding on the underside (protects the tanks)

⛔ Some RVers might prefer the cartridge toilet over the black tank

• UVW: 5,159 lbs
• GVWR: 6,393 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 515 lbs
• CCC: 1,234 lbs
• Length: 21.4′

Opus enjoys a little more spotlight and recognition than some of the previous entries (and some that come after as well) on this list. It’s similar to the Taxa with its pop-up roof, except the Opus Offroad OP15’s pop-up encompasses the entire roof.

Opus travel trailers are manufactured in the United States and they are absolutely loaded with every off-road amenity you can imagine. The company’s semi-motto is “tough luxury” and the OP15 does not disappoint.

It features massive, oversized tires, a large solar and battery configuration, over half a ton of cargo-carrying capacity, a magnetic crank handle, and diamond plating on the underbelly. You’ll have to put serious effort into damaging this thing, to say the least.

6. Bruder EXP-7

✅ Includes a dedicated mud room

⛔ One of the priciest options on the list

• UVW: 5,291 lbs
• GVWR: 7,716 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 529 lbs
• CCC: 2,425 lbs
• Length: 23′

The Bruder EXP-7 is synonymous with survivalist. Not because you need one to survive but because, if the apocalypse begins tomorrow, Bruder Exp owners will be just fine. Its the all-in-one prepper machine of the 21st century.

Three, large roof panels channel 1,245 watts of power to a 10.8kWh lithium battery with a 3,000-watt inverter playing go-between. Despite its small frame, the Bruder packs a 139-L, internal fridge and a 280-liter external fridge.

The massive CCC just shy of 1.5 tons allows you to pack just about any additional equipment you can imagine. The interior features enough sleeping room for 6, with a pop-up second story and plenty of lounging/bed conversion options as well.

7. BRS Pursuit

✅ Aluminum stone guard and Raptor coating on the underside

⛔ Awning requires manual attachment every setup

• UVW: 3,395 lbs
• GVWR: 5,511 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 308 lbs
• CCC: 2,116 lbs
• Length: 13′

The BRS Pursuit is technically our second hybrid offering, including the Taxa, and both share several things in common. The BRS is a tight, compact behemoth that packs a punch.

You can tell that its design concept is based on an “everything you need in a slide-out drawer” approach. The grill, fridge, fold-over shelves, shower, and sink all slide out, which helps keep the interior large and spacious, despite the compact design.

This is also a powerful lightweight camper option, with Aluminum Stone front guards and a Raptor undercoating.

The off-grid capabilities are far too numerous to fully list but include a Truma Saphir cellular signal booster, a 200aH lithium battery, an Enerdrive 12V system, an inverter/charger, and a 40A DC-DC charger for transport.

8. Hive EX-X

✅ A 2,200-lb rated, long-travel suspension system

⛔ A/C, rooftop tent, and cabin heater are all options that have to be added

• UVW: 1,680 lbs
• GVWR: 3,200 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 160 lbs
• CCC: 1,520 lbs
• Length: 14.7′

Hive took the idea of a cargo trailer with a pop-up tent and expanded on it exponentially. Like some of the other off-road travel trailers on this list, most of the things you need are equipped with slide-outs.

The cabin itself is essentially a sleeping area, with a large bed, interior lighting, some cabinetry, and also a place to mount a small TV. But the idea behind the Hive EX-X is all outdoors.

The exterior is highly durable and includes a CRS2 independent arm suspension and Fifteen52 wheels.

A 270° electric awning will keep the sun off all day and two, 11-lb propane tanks, 200Ah lithium batteries, a 200W folding solar panel, and a 2,000-Watt inverter will keep you powered up.

9. Winnebago Hike 1316SB

✅ The cargo functionality is exceptional

⛔ No propane cooking option

• UVW: 3,284 lbs
• GVWR: 4,200 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 462 lbs
• CCC: 916 lbs
• Length: 15.9′

Winnebago is dipping its fingers into the off-road travel trailer industry as well and the Winnebago Hike 1316SB is part of a series of RVs with a focus purely on the great outdoors.

The exterior features a “roll-cage-like” outline that’s fantastic for immobile storage. The underbelly is enclosed and the tanks feature 12V heating pads. The walls are super thick and well-insulated for foul weather.

Inside is traditional Winnebago, with a dash of luxury and refinement along with a lot of customizable, shifting furniture for sleeping, lounging, or dining. The bathroom is a wet bath with a cartridge toilet that rotates 90° for alternative storage options.

10. Forest River No Boundaries 16.6

✅ More storage options than any other off-road travel trailer on the list

⛔ Sleeping for 4 but only dining for 2

• UVW: 3,439 lbs
• GVWR: 4,760 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 360 lbs
• CCC: 1,321 lbs
• Length: 21.8′

The Forest River No Boundaries 16.6 is cut from the same cloth as the Winnebago Hike. In fact, without the brand label on the outside, we struggle to tell the difference. That’s not a negative either, as both have a lot to offer.

If you like storage, you’ll love this RV. There are storage options everywhere, including holding racks for kayaks, SUPs, and bikes. Everywhere you look on this RV, there’s a storage compartment.

The exterior bush kitchen is nice and the batteries stay topped off thanks to the interchangeable solar/roof system. If you opt for the cold weather package, you could also travel to Alaska in the middle of February and keep everything fully functional and warm.

11. Imperial Outdoors Xplore 195

✅ Provides incredible insulation with thick, composite fiberglass walls

⛔ All of the best essentials for outdoor camping are add-on options at a higher price

• UVW: 5,500 lbs
• GVWR: 9,920 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 560 lbs
• CCC: 4,420 lbs
• Length: 26.1′

This little bulldog is a go-anywhere, do-anything rig , so long as you outfit it right prior to purchase. Eleven glass solar panels generate 1240-watts if you upgrade the base, 240W system.

It also comes with a 360Ah lithium battery with the option of adding two more. Imperial managed to cram two 60-gallon tanks in there as well (Fresh and Grey).

The interior looks like a traditional camper and, standing in the kitchen area, it’s hard to imagine you’re surrounded by a battle-worthy, rugged shell of outdoors excellence. That’s because the reinforced, coated steel frame is engineered for additional rigidity and staying power.

12. MDCUSA XT17HRT

✅ Features a rear slide-out with a fold-down spare tire

⛔ Every lock requires a different key

• UVW: 6,446 lbs
• Tongue/Hitch Weight: 507 lbs
• CCC: 1,270 lbs
• Length: 23.5′

Last but not least is the MDC USA XT17HRT , one of the rare off-road travel trailers of this size class with a slide-out . It helps enormously, especially if you want a hardened, off-road-worthy camper with more space.

If you appreciate luxury in an off-road travel trailer, the XT17HRT features leather foam cushions, which look and feel as good as it sounds. You also get a rare, upright fridge with a freezer.

The exterior features a full kitchen, a second fridge, and a sink with hot and cold water. It also comes with 2 x 150W solar panels and dual lithium batteries.

The X-TRACK independent suspension system, coil springs, and Tough Trax shocks will take this puppy anywhere you want to go.

Can I Take My Regular Travel Trailer Off Road?

You can take your regular travel trailer off-road, but you have to be very careful about how you do it. Plus, there’s the question of what “off-road” means to you.

For some, off-roading is nothing more than traveling across orange dirt, compacted by rollers and well into rural territory.

For others, it’s plowing through the underbrush and crawling over rocky hills in the shadows of mountains. If you want to follow the latter group, a traditional travel trailer may not come back from such a journey.

Remember, regular travel trailers lack clearance, feature a softer chassis, and have tires that are meant for cruising down the interstate, not churning through mudholes and powering through shallow creek beds and mountainous terrain.

It also pays to remember the underside of a traditional RV is not prepared for the grief you’re about to give it. It’s better to play it safe and remain on the hot-top or, at the very most, compacted dirt side roads.

How Much Do Off-Road Travel Trailers Cost?

Off-road trailers cost anywhere between $7k and $50k, depending on what you want. Yes, that’s a huge disparity. However, as you can see in the above list of 12, there’s a huge variety in terms of sizes, amenities, fully or partly customizable builds, and brands.

The latter goes a long way in terms of cost but it certainly isn’t everything. Some of the brands on here are relatively unheard of in the mainstream RV lifestyle, such as MDCUSA, Bruder, Hive, BRS, and Opus. Regardless, these lesser-known brand RVs go for a pretty penny.

As per usual, what you want in an off-road travel trailer dictates price more than anything else.

Do Off-Road Travel Trailers Have Bathrooms?

Many off-road travel trailers have bathrooms and many do not. When it comes to the more rugged, outdoor RVs, whether or not it has a bathroom has little to do with the RV’s use and more to do with the RV’s space.

For instance, you’re just as likely to find no bathroom on a tiny Opus as you are on a small, traditional teardrop. One can off-road and the other shouldn’t, yet the bathroom result is the same.

Of course, if you’re planning on going off-grid with one of these off-road RVs, your bathroom options are a little more, shall we say, “open.” Boondocking in a Walmart parking lot is very different from boondocking on the side of a mountain, 50 miles from the first sign of civilization.

Fortunately, most of the off-road travel trailers on our list come with bathrooms. However, if not having a bathroom is a deal breaker, avoid the smallest variations and opt for something bigger. Some of the brands above offer other off-road RVs in their lineups as well.

Can You Get An Extended Warranty On Off-Road Travel Trailers?

Yes, you can get an extended warranty on off-road travel trailers. Warranties aren’t like insurance, where gambling for and against the situational use of an RV is prevalent. These are just extended warranties and the only adjective they are concerned with is the type of travel trailer.

In other words, fifth-wheel, teardrop, etc are perfectly fine, whether it’s an off-road variation or not. Wholesale Warranties is one of the standout extended warranty services available. They offer everything you expect in a traditional extended warranty, including tire and wheel protection and roadside assistance.

Final Thoughts About Off-Road Travel Trailers

While the RV life is a fantastic adventure on its own, the addition of off-roading, riding off into the sunset over some barren desert, or into the long-forgotten backroads surrounding a snow-capped mountain is so much more invigorating.

At least that’s true for the outdoor enthusiast and those who seek out new sights and sounds that you just can’t find in traditional campground settings.

These off-road travel trailers offer a unique experience in the RV lifestyle that’s hard to fathom in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

If you’ve never seen a new moon sky, miles away from synthetic light, listened to the waves crash in on some faraway shoreline, or fallen asleep to the steady drone of cicadas deep in an Alaskan wilderness, you just don’t know what you’re missing. These travel trailers will take you there.

Related Reading:

1. 10 best teardrop campers with bathrooms, 2. 8 best pop-up campers with slide-outs, 3. 11 best small toy hauler travel trailers, 4. 10 best diy teardrop camper build kits, about the author:.

Thomas Godwin is a full-time freelance writer with a BFA in Creative Writing, a U.S. Marine, and an avid outdoorsman.

When he’s not writing, he’s raising chickens and Appleyard ducks. Thomas also constructs teardrop campers (attempting to anyway) and kayaks the Blackwater River with his wife, two daughters, and his Dobermans.

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10 Best Small Travel Trailers For Your Next Off Grid Trip Away

We love our small travel trailers here at Van Clan, but sometimes it’s healthy to take a step back and think about all of choices that we so fortunately have.

We love the freedom, the space, the noise of nature, and cooking outdoors underneath the stars with some of our top cooking accessories (everyone loves a good utensil, but they’re not technically gadgets so we don’t feel bad mentioning them) so having the right small travel trailer means a lot to us.

Most of the campervan conversions that we cover cost the earth and are big behemoths or vintage weekend beauties, but thanks to the surge of affordable small travel trailers on the market we can bring you some cheaper alternatives that will allow you to live like an off grid god.

These go in no specific order.

1. Cargo Camper

Finally theres a breed of small travel trailers on the market that will get you off grid without draining your bank account of all of that precious gold.

If you’re looking for an all out adventure off road teardrop camper  then this won’t be for you, but if material things don’t sway your decision in where and how you camp then this could be the solution that you’ve been looking for.

Meet the Cargo Camper, a small off grid home  created and built by Texas-based company Cargo Camp.

It’s clean, fresh and functional, and the perfect home from home if you’re solely focused on experiencing the world around you. With LED lighting and USB sockets as standard it has the bare minimum that you need to keep yourself going whilst on the trail – minimalistic living is the future!

Once you step inside the shiny aluminum trailer you’re greeted with everything that you need for comfy off grid living .

There’s a wooden table with two bench seats that’s big enough for you to eat your dinner at or play some board games in the evening, and when you’re done eating you can take the table down and fix up your bed for the night.

Light comes in from the large entrance door and the two extra windows, so you don’t need to use your batteries until night time.

Speaking of batteries, you can also purchase a solar package to add on and an external generator, and if you want to hook up to the mains then all of the necessary cables and connectors come as standard.

There’s enough space for you cook in the main living area if the bed is down (if you have something like the iKamper EatOut to hand for example), but once the back hatch lifts up theres enough space for outdoor cooking plus storage for your burner and coolbox.

You can add a fridge freezer package if you have some extra money to hand, but this article is about owning a budget trailer camper so you’re going to be cooking fresh food and not frozen goods  – get creative!

Not many trailers or campers come with an awning, but this budget trailer camper comes with one as standard! It turns out that you actually get a lot for your money, and speaking of money lets get down to how much everything costs.

You better believe it is! The smaller 5′ x 8′ model pictured above weighs in at $6,750, and the larger 5′ x 10′ unit is priced at $7,000.

We DEFINITELY think that you should consider buying this budget trailer camper, because when it boils down to facts and figures the word ‘budget’ only applies to the price.

This trailer has lots of the features, fixtures and fittings of campers that cost twice as much as the Cargo Camper, and it’s built well and made to last. It’s a rugged camper that can withstand harsh conditions and is more than capable of reaching those gnarly off grid hot spots.

2. The Timberleaf Pika

Whilst the Cargo Camper is one of the small travel trailers in our list with no frills, bells or whistles, the Timberleaf Pika is a small travel trailer that comes with some off grid comforts that you really can’t afford to live without.

For a small increase in price you can get a lightweight, two person adventure trailer that is as much at home on mountain roads as it is trundling down the motorway.The Timberleaf Pika provides us with more proof that good things come in small packages. It weights in at 1025lbs, meaning that if you’re eco conscious and use one of our   top eco campers rather than the gas guzzling EarthRoamer then you’re still going to get a lot of miles for your money.

It turns out that Timberleaf haven’t named their custom small travel trailers after an electric mouse; it’s named after a small breed of mountain rabbit called the American Pika, a daring and speedy little species that spend their time traversing rocky terrain and living off the grid . Now it all makes perfect sense!

The Pika off grid trailer might not look soft and fluffy on the outside, but it’s comfortable and cosy in all of the right places and will keep you warm and dry on those dismal days. There’s a 4″ thick double mattress on the inside for those cosy nights in watching the sun go down, and large netting pockets provide you with lots of space to store your gadgets, maps, books and torches.

There’s an insulated roof with a a cabin fan if it gets too hot, and seven bright 12v LED’s provide enough light for you to comfortably see at night time. The large tinted polycarbonate skylight lets you look up at the stars whilst you drift off to sleep, and theres also a slide back cover if you want to  turn off your alarm and sleep in – even adventurers like a lie in every now and again!

They sure do! The Timberleaf Pika comes with a Power Centre that would make the Death Star look like a wind up toy, and you can use it to manage all of the 110V power, converter and 12V battery power. This small travel trailer comes with a 100 amp-hour deep cell marine battery, which in turn powers six USB power outlets, two 110v GFCI outlets and one general 12v charger. If you’re a digital nomad on the road then theres no need to worry about your devices running out of juice – the Pika lets you work, rest and play all in one day!

Solar panels, lockable storage boxes, roof racks and outdoor top cooking accessories can all be added as optional extras if you have a little bit more money to burn, though it will all depend on how much time you want to spend in your off grid trailer and how often you plan to use your teardrop camper . Gas props lift up a rear hatch if you want to cook out in the open, and the 35L fridge will make sure that your perishables stay ‘un-perished’ until you decide to chow down on them.

These small travel trailers costs $11’750 (£9111.89) which isn’t a great deal more than the Cargo Camper. It’s a steal and a major lightweight alternative to some of the other bulkier trailers on the market, plus it’s a very viable option if you don’t like the faff of putting up  pop up campers . We would definitely recommend spending the extra money on solar panels so that you can stay off grid for a lot longer, but if you’re just after a little weekend getaway camper then the base model should be perfect – weekend warriors and small travel trailers are a great combination!

Like what you see? Check out the Timberleaf Trailers  website for more information on the Pika!

3. Dinky Dub Camper

There’s a whole range of colours to chose from, and if you’re like me and sit near the top of the tall-o-meter then you can even get the pop top version for that extra head height! And it gets better;  you can also upgrade the interior to your exact specification too, adding in a super retro looking kitchenette, a four-berth bed (that’s including the pop top) or a full dining room with a built in kitchen including a fridge and cooker! If you’re a VW lover then we’re guessing you’re bursting with happiness right now…(we know this because we totally are too!)

These small travel trailers is designed to be as smooth and as lightweight as possible, so you won’t have a hard time towing it down those rough country lanes. The range of choice in flooring, blinds, upholstery, cupboards and even worktops ensures each Dub Box is as individual as their owners, so you can make your own Dinky Dub Camper as weird and as wonderful as you!

4. Taxa Mantis Trailer

From Dinky Dubs to a Praying Mantis, we’re really proving that small travel trailers come in all shapes, styles and sizes. This is the first of our trailer campers to have more of an edgy and less lightweight look, but don’t be fooled by appearances. We guarantee that the Taxa Mantis Trailer by Taxa Outdoors will fit all of the criteria for an off grid range of small travel trailers whilst not being a nightmare to set up!

Here it is, the Mantis Adventure Camper from TAXA Outdoors. With its cool steel exterior, Praying Mantis logo and distinctive orange pop top it certainly looks like the adventure camper that we’ve been dreaming of. These small travel trailers are super lightweight, coming in at under 2,300 pounds and measuring at a whopping 18-feet-long! You’re going to get a lot more room in this than in some of the the other trailer campers, but you’re probably going to have to have a practice towing this before you set out on the road. TAXA say that there’s enough room to comfortably sleep four adults (or three and one dog if the picture above is anything to go by!), and enough room to do athletics and yoga too – 18 feet is huge!

First impressions are that theres definitely plenty of room to live comfortably in it without feeling cramped. It might not be as homely as the Pika on the inside, but it more than makes up with it with its space saving ideas.

The wet room is a pretty cool addition, and it all stores neatly away in this waist height box so it’s out of view during the day. You’ve got your toilet and shower area all in one small space that’s totally wide enough for you to go about your business but doesn’t take up too much space – it’s as wide as the kitchen unit to give you a general idea. Plus the flip down lid probably turns into a space rocket or a triple decker bunk bed –  the Mantis Trailer really does make the most of every inch of space.

It’s clean, it’s as rugged as Tom Sellick’s moustache, and its as light as a trailer sized feather. All in all it’s an awesome bit of kit. We managed to track down one of these small travel trailers online for £24k, which considering how much space you have and the amenities include inside is pretty good value.

The price might be starting to creep up as we get through this article, but we’re starting to see more and more additions and off grid extras that make alternative living a lot easier. Without further ado, let’s check out a teardrop trailer that was purpose built to conquer any terrain.

5. Bear Teardrop Trailers

All of the Bear Teardrop Trailer models come with roof fans to keep you cool and to ventilate the living areas. They are also fitted with porch lights, a 4″ memory foam mattress and are ready for whatever upgrades you might want to throw their way. Choose from sun showers, heaters, rear hitches and awnings to turn your small travel trailers into luxury forest castles. The nice thing about the trailers is that they are ready to camp immediately; there’s not setting up or constructing to do once you arrive at your destination.  

6 . The TerraDrop

7. Sherpa Trailer

If you’ve been a long time reader, you’ll know that we love a good off road camper, and the Sherpa Trailer here is just that, but with more pow! This series of small travel trailers were designed in Australia by a company called  BRS Offload , a group of legends that specialise in creating off road behemoths that can tackle the toughest of terrains. Take it to the beach for a calm day or throw it around a mountain circuit – the Sherpa can handle any situation and still make it look effortless.

8. Bruder Expedition Trailer

Speaking of Star Wars, this next trailer looks equally at home in space as it does on the road. Imagine if a tie-fighter and the Death Star had babies…and then cloned them with an escape pod. Yeah, that pretty much sums this range of small travel trailers up. This is the Bruder  Expedition Trailer, an off-road intergalactic monster for the off grid hero who likes a bit of luxury in his or her life.

These small travel trailers boast tonnes of storage, a shower so that you can keep clean on the go, four beds for you and your friends (or just you if you like a change of scenery), an outside and inside kitchen so you can cook under the stars or stay inside out of the rain, hydraulics and a heck of a lot more! Bruner have basically made a small mobile apartment that can handle the apocalypse.

9. Airstream Basecamp

We’re huge fans of the ultra iconic Airstream Trailer here at Van Clan; it doesn’t matter whether it’s a millionaires mansion or the humble 70s airstream conversion, we’ve spent many an hour looking at pictures of these awesome machines and planning how we’d convert our own. The leaders in towable metal houses have thrown a spanner in the works and brought out a brand new pimped-up upgrade to their Airstream Basecamp Trailer – now we’re totally unsure which small travel trailers we want in our lives! 

Feast your eyes upon the upgraded Airstream Basecamp Trailer, which is now super charged with even more exciting and surprising add-ons that you wouldn’t think could fit inside such top eco campers . Airstream are on a mission to prove that good things come in small packages, and their message is certainly getting through!

Some of the features that you’ll find in the standard Airstream Basecamp Trailer are a pre-wired solar kit so that you can save on those energy bills, a plethora (we love that word) of cleverly made storage solutions to hide all of your adventure gear out of sight, easy to reach USB charging points and a clickable technology dock, hot running water and cabin heating for cleansing showers and those cosy nights in, plus some seriously strong stabilising stacks to make sure that you don’t roll down a hill or flop over in a strong wind.

When someone says the word ‘Airstream’ you know that you’re going to be in for a comfortable ride. There’s tonnes of seating room in this towable tiny house , which means that you can really relax and spread out after you’ve got back off the trail, and theres ample air conditioning for those hot summer days and an eco heating system for those chilly winter nights.

The Airstream Basecamp Trailer is one of the only small travel trailers that has a bathroom with a toilet and shower, plus it also has a clothes line so that you can dry your washing on the go (you might need the scrubba wash bag too!). The Basecamp comes with some ultra useful blackout curtains in the bedroom and galley too, and it also has a 2 burner hob in the kitchen so that you can whip up some tasty treats using your top cooking accessories.

The Basecamp Trailer can also be equipped with an an awning and extra roof top tents and accessories, plus with 126″ of useful storage space available inside the main cargo depth of these tiny travel trailers you’ll have no troubles getting to things that you’ve hidden out of site for a rainy day or items that are too bulky to stay in your living area 24/7.

This smaller and slighter sister to the iconic Airstream Trailer will cost you $39’600, and that includes all of the standard accessories that we’ve mentioned above. If you still feel like it’s missing something then you can add additional extras to the interior and exterior of these small travel trailers, but if you’re happy with the look and have your heart set on a mighty camper that can hold it’s own with the Volkswagen California XXL ‘s and EarthRoamer ‘s of this world then the Airstream Basecamp Trailer is definitely one of the small travel trailers that should be on your list. The price might be low and the camper might be light, but this trailer packs a serious punch!

1 0. Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer

You know those tiny houses that seem to just have hidden rooms everywhere and seem to go on for ever? Well the Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer series of small travel trailers are all just like that, only you can take them anywhere you go and they’re built to be on the front line of the most epic van life stories

This trailer has everything including the kitchen sink. Are you the kind of thrill seeker that needs an outdoor kitchen and a wine holder? You’ve got it! The Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer series has everything that you could need to have a luxurious and action packed off grid adventure.

These small travel trailers have been tested in the outback and on safari for over 25 years, subjected to the harsh and unforgiving African and Australian wilderness. To cut a long story short they’re rugged, built to last and made to get a beating.

Unlike some of the budget and smaller trailers that we’ve covered there’s no sign of any wood in this camper at all. Conqueror specifically avoid putting wood into their builds because they don’t want their small travel trailers to get damp and then rot. The main construction of the chassis is made out of bent steel instead, with other critical pieces made from thicker sheets that have been laser cut for extra precision.

You can park the Conqueror Overland Adventure Trailer anywhere and everything is ready to roll. It’s easy to operate and set up, but it would be a little but inconvenient in wet and windy weather. It’s ok saying it’s been tried and tested in Africa and Australia, i.e two hot countries, but I’d like to see this do a stint in the Yorkshire Dales in the middle of the harsh UK winter to see how it holds up.

The whole build is outdoors orientated and it makes you want to be out in the open a lot more. If you’re in a hot environment then everything that you could possibly need is there for you to live the nomadic lifestyle. If you like sitting by a toasty coal fire then this might not be for you, but if you’re already in the market for gnarly small travel trailers then you can’t go wrong with the Megatron of all off road trailers.

More Content From The Van Clan Team!

• Want to learn more about Alternative Living ? Check out this tiny house!
• Love the land and the sea? Check out the Caravanboat , you’ll be… impressed?
• If you’re filming on the road, you’ll need the Lumapod Tripod , it’s revolutionary.

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12 Best Travel Trailer For Off-Grid Living

Travel trailers are the best solution for living outdoors if you have an existing vehicle. Your personal travel trailer will give you freedom, convenient spaces, and other features for off-grid living. 

If you love outdoor exploration it will enable you to take everything for your family. This mobile home will be your reliable residence in any place where you can park it.

But, you have to compare the features and costs of buying or making a travel trailer. It will allow you to include the most significant features compared to your budget.

Finding the best travel trailer for off-grid living is not easy but tricky. Considering this issue, we include the best travel trailers and their reviews in this article. Let’s get started. 

The Benefits Of Travel Trailer For Off-Grid Living

Travel trailer tires, decide on size, make sure enough storage, compatibility with you car, check water systems, furniture in the trailer, safety features on the trailer, intech rv flyer , airstream basecamp, jayco jay feather micro, winnebago hike, rockwood geo pro, taxa mantis trailer, bowlus terra firma, bruder exp-6, living vehicle, airstream flying cloud 30fb office, retreat cabin and ozxcorp’s erv, land ark drake, the difference between a travel trailer and camper.

Having a travel trailer for off-grid living provides you with all the modern amenities in a remote place. You can live conveniently for a short or long time.

When you have a separate travel trailer and car, you can take the benefit of the car and the trailer. It will help you to place the travel trailer in the right place. You can also use the car to move to another place.

You can explore more places and live without the tension of sleep and food.

Besides, you can power all your smartphones, TVs, and other devices from the built-in power system. 

Camping in a remote place is a little bit risky in bad weather and wild animals can attack you at night. In this sense, a travel trailer is more secure for off-grid living. 

But, travel trailers are not the solution for permanent off-grid living. You have to build a house and live within the community when shifting permanently. 

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Travel Trailer

A buyer’s guide will help you to select the right product with good features. You can identify the significant key features that are most important for you.

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Besides, you will be able to compare the built quality and usability among different manufacturers. We include some significant features of a travel trailer for off-grid living.

Tires will hold your travel trailer and survive on different types of roads. A good trailer should have durable and multi-purpose tires that are suitable for highway and off-road conditions. 

Don’t go for the wrong size. A trailer with the perfect size will meet your demand and serve you as you want. So, always consider the size before selecting any trailer. 

You will leave your physical home and stay in a mobile house while living off-grid. Make sure that the off-grid living trailer has enough storage and space for your daily commodities. 

If you already have a car or truck, make sure that your travel trailer is compatible with that. It will reduce the cost and help you to use the same car for regular and off-grid living.

A good travel trailer always comes with a balanced weight. You have to ask for the features and weight while selecting a pre-built or customized trailer. 

Length and Height

Length and height will ensure how much space you will have in the interior and exterior parts. Make a perfect measurement and select a trailer with the right exterior and interior dimensions.

Don’t compromise for some features that work as a life-saving force. A good off-grid travel trailer should have a perfect water system for fresh, gray, and black water. 

Furniture in the trailer will ensure comfort and luxury while you are away from home. You should include the furniture that is necessary and suitable for extreme comfort. 

Electrical Systems

Whether you will use fossil fuel or renewable energy for electricity for the travel trailer, you should have a reliable electric system inside. You can ask the manufacturer about the electrical function and options.

Bathroom and Toilet

It is one of the significant parts of your travel trailer. A hot or cold shower in a decent bathroom will enhance your off-grid living experience. Make sure that your trailer contains a convenient bathroom and toilet.

Awning of the Trailer

You can compare the awning of the trailer and select the best one for you. It will enable you to use large spaces while living off the grid. 

Kitchen Appliances

Arranging food and favorite dishes is a challenge without necessary kitchen appliances. So, you need a trip that is loaded with all the kitchen appliances.

In general, a travel trailer has a compact design due to different features and options. Don’t compromise the safety features while selecting a trailer.

You will live off-grid in a remote place. It is important to manage safety guidelines. 

Travel Trailer Reviews

In this article, we include the best twelve travel trailers for off-grid life. We compare several features and options to find out the most efficient trailer with the value of the money. 

Our goal is to provide you with high-quality products that will be your reliable companion for off-grid life. We consider the expert opinion, real user reviews, and technical specifications too. 

First, we have the inTech RV flyer that comes with a fully welded cage and frame construction . It makes the trailer lightweight but stronger for extreme performance.

• UVW: 1,115 – 1,595 lbs
• GVWR: 2,200 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 325 lbs
• Exterior Length: 13 Feet
• Exterior Height: 5 Feet 10 Inches 
• Fresh Water Tank: 8.5 Gallons
• Black Tank: 28 Gallons 
• Gray Tank: 39 Gallons
• Cost:$14,990

This rugged design travel trailer will enable you to explore the corners of the world. You will get a premium off-grid living experience with this trailer that a traditional RV can not. 

The simple and versatile design is perfect for installing your second home in any place. You can enlarge the shade with the adjustable awning . It is suitable for a straight and 270-degree awning setup.

It includes an innovative kitchen that has all the modern appliances for easy and convenient cooking.

With a multi-purpose interior design idea, you can utilize it for better performance when living outdoors. Besides, the fresh and gray water tank holds enough water for long tours. 

You will get ample storage capacity with a front tongue box for storing your gadgets and gears.

The trailer has two receivers to carry your bikes for next-level adventure. Its Bluetooth music player allows you to feel the music with stereo sounds. 

inTech RV Flyer Pros and Cons

Next, we include the Airstream Basecamp Travel Trailer that is designed for adventurous people. It comes with a lightweight and small shape to travel and live off the grid conveniently. 

• UVW: 2,650 lbs
• GVWR: 3500 lbs
• Hitch Weight:410 lbs
• Exterior Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
• Exterior Height: 8 Feet 8 Inches
• Fresh Water Tank: 21 Gallons 
• Combined Black and Gray Water Tank: 29 Gallons
• Cost: $36,900

This versatile, efficient, and adventurous travel trailer will enable you to enjoy the serenity of off-grid life without sacrificing the comforts.  

It is made with aluminum superstructures with a unique shape and dynamic style. 

You will live comfortably in any place and feel like your home. It is suitable for all-weather conditions, and you can even enjoy the hot summer days with world-class efficiency. 

The attachable and convenient tent will allow you to expand your base camp to get more space.

It has ample living storage and an inflatable tube frame attachment option. You can shift from the trailer to the tent with two entry points. 

The interior contains all the modern facilities from a u-shaped dining table to the air conditioner.

Besides, all cooking essentials are arranged in a smart space to give you a premium experience. You can keep things clean and store dishes, groceries, and spices for a long tour.

You can utilize this small living space according to your needs. The removable tables, outdoor shower, and easy access design make it a flexible living space.

It has a pre-wired solar kit that provides a stable electricity solution.

Airstream Basecamp Pros and Cons

The Jayco Jay Feather Micro is a luxurious travel trailer that comes with a standard interior and exterior design. It is the lightest travel trailer with all the equipment.

• UVW: 4660 lbs
• GVWR: 5750 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 660 lbs
• Exterior Length:23 Feet 2 Inches
• Exterior Height: 8 Feet 4 Inches
• Fresh Water Tank: 55 Gallons
• Black Tank: 30.5 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 30.5 Gallons 
• Cost: $37,275

This travel trailer comes with 23 feet height and the best interior design. You will feel secure while exploring or living outdoors.

The interior has American standard furniture and devices for a smooth user experience. It is designed with modern retro graphics and two-color sidewalls. 

You will have double seals slide-outs for easy access and safety.

The exterior is rounded with a stainless steel diamond plate. The single-axle design keeps the trailer on the right track. 

For power production, it has a built-in generator that will run all the appliances.

The kitchen and bathroom are equipped with modern facilities. You will get the ease of compact design in a single place. Besides, a large 55-gallon fresh water tank will surprise you and allow you to live outside for a long time. 

It has a residential vinyl package for a cool floor design idea. You can choose any interior package between modern farmhouse or vintage.

Jayco Jay Feather Micro Pros and Cons

The Winnebago Hike comes with offset wheels and off-road travel tires for the best travel experience on tough roads. It has a multi-gear storage system that gives you the flexibility of adventure during off-grid living.

• UVW: 3,260 lbs
• GVWR: 4200 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 400 lbs
• Exterior Length: 20 Feet 7.5 Inches
• Exterior Height: 10 Feet 2 Inches
• Fresh Water Tank: 31 Gallons
• Black Tank: 25 Gallons 
• Gray Tank: 25 Gallons
• Cost: $29,000

This is a modern travel trailer that will prepare you for exciting traveling. You will enjoy the flexibility when meeting new places and people in a different part of the country. 

You will get more comfort during the outdoor adventure with the modern interior of this trailer. It has a contemporary style, durable design, and has all modern furniture . 

After a long outing session, this mobile home will invite you with its innovative functions.

The flexible floor plans will fit your lifestyle when living outdoors. Besides, you can customize the interior according to your needs. 

This trailer has a perfect exterior design for carrying bikes, kayaks, and other tools . No matter where you are, get everything for a smooth travel experience. 

Winnebago Hike Pros and Cons

If you are searching for a small travel trailer with easy accommodation and a customized floor plan , the Rockwood Geo Pro will be your best companion for adventure.

• UVW: 3433 lbs
• GVWR: 4931 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 581 lbs
• Exterior Length: 20 Feet 2 Inches
• Exterior Height: 10 Feet
• Black Tank: 30 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 16 Gallons
• Cost: $27,940

The Rockwood Geo Pro is a spacious travel trailer for a family or couple of friends. It comes with value for the money and has all the facilities for off-grid life. 

The exterior part of this trailer has some unique features, including a magnetic baggage door, outside shower, folding entry steps, and more.

This trailer has solar power preparation, and a power awning will give you more space for the perfect camping. It has frameless windows and gives you a nice view even from the interior.

The interior part has Bluetooth, USB, roller shades , and a roof air conditioning system for more comfort.

This trailer will give you more freedom aluminum cage dining and beds. The bathroom has a nice ventilation system with a quick water heating system.  

Making food in this trailer will never become tough because of its pro kitchen area.  

Rockwood Geo Pro Pros and Cons

Meet the mantis trailer that is suitable for adventure with your friends, family, pet, and gears . It will fit your style anywhere in the world. 

• UVW: 2,972 lbs
• GVWR: 4,200 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 435 lbs
• Exterior Length: 19 Feet
• Exterior Height: 7 Feet 6 Inches
• Fresh Water Tank: 20 Gallons 
• Black Tank: 22 Gallons
• Cost: $46,000

If you are looking for a standard travel trailer for your off-grid living habitat, Mantis will invite you with premium accessories and a spacious interior. 

It has a 19-foot long space that is suitable for four adults and you can store it in a 7-foot garage. 

The trailer is designed with a perfect construction process and durable material. You will get a collection of premium accessories that makes your long tour comfortable. 

It contains an integrated 12-volt electrical system to run all the appliances and devices.

You will enjoy outdoor travel time with the highly accommodated toilet, showers, and water system.

The trailer is ready for all weather conditions, and it has sliding base air conditioning to keep the interior cool. Its inside part has enough sitting space for the whole family.

Let’s enjoy off-grid life even in a distant place. 

Texa Mantis Trailer Pros and Cons

The Terra Firma is an incredible travel trailer with a world-class feature. It is the most sophisticated travel trailer to enjoy the solitude of the off-grid.

• UVW: 3,200 lbs
• GVWR: 4000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 300 lbs
• Exterior Length: 25 Feet 9 Inches
• Exterior Height: 8 Feet 6 Inches
• Fresh Water Tank: 19 Gallons
• Black Tank: 4.5 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 21 Gallons 
• Cost: $265,000

This luxurious travel trailer has an excellent floor plan for off-grid living. It will make you prepare for the next step when planning to live outdoors. 

The Terra Firma contains an aesthetic color scheme to enjoy the vibe of nature.

You will get a Zen Master Bedroom with a headboard mirror. It is designed for cozier and perfect relaxation. 

Besides, the inside has flexible spaces for pets to keep your dearest one wherever you are going.

It has the best water filtration system that filters water through two different stages . You will get odor-free, better-tasting water without chemicals and bacteria. 

To ensure safety, the trailer contains a smart brake controller and a Find My Bowlus GPS tracking system.

The bathroom is spacious and luxurious like a hotel suite. Each detail comes with perfection and luxury. 

Thanks to its industry leader Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that keep you fully operational while living off the grid.

Bowlus Terra Firma Pros and Cons

If you are searching for a premium travel trailer with comfort and capability , the Bruder EXP-6 will provide the best off-road experience .

• GVWR: 4850 Pounds 
• Exterior Length:16 Feet 5 Inches
• Exterior Height: 7 Feet 8 Inches 
• Fresh Water Tank: 44 Gallons
• Black Tank: 20 Gallons 
• Gray Tank: 11 Gallons 
• Cost: $68,000

This stylish trailer will make your adventure simple. You will get ease of use for its convenient design and compact accommodation.

The versatile exterior of Bruder EXP-6 is designed for multi-purpose uses and a dedicated storage system. You can extend the living area with an electric awning.

It has an easy, quick, and flexible kitchen that contains everything in a single place.

The supreme comfort of the interior bed will invite you for better sleep. 

It has a TV and an open window to choose what you like more to do before sleeping.

The suspension, chassis, body, and tires are perfect for off-roading without sacrificing comfort.

Bruder EXP-6 Pros and Cons

The Living Vehicle is made with marine-grade materials for the highest capacity and comfort. It will make your next adventure unique, easy, and luxurious.

• UVW: 12,000 lbs
• GVWR: 16,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 1200 lbs
• Exterior Length: 12 Feet
• Exterior Height: 8 Feet 6 Inches 
• Fresh Water Tank: 100 Gallons
• Black Tank: 45 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 62 Gallons 
• Cost: $250,000 

This travel trailer is perfect for people who love extreme adventure without leaving their homes. Yes, you will always get your home when living off-grid.

The top-rated material and ease of use make it unique in versatile purposes . It has endless possibilities to discover your favorite places with friends and family.

The living and dining area included everything for a family trip. It will surprise you with the luxury interior for the unplugged experience.

It has a sliding awning and solar power system for powering your devices and appliances. Experience the new way of living and enjoy off-grid life. 

Living Vehicle Pros and Cons

The Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office is a versatile family-friendly travel trailer . It allows you to bring your comfort zone with you while traveling or living off the grid.

• UVW: 5000 lbs
• GVWR: 6000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 654 lbs
• Exterior Length: 23 Feet
• Exterior Height: 9 Feet 9 Inches 
• Fresh Water Tank: 35 Gallons
• Black Tank: 19 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 31 Gallons
• Cost: 110,300

This travel trailer has abundant features and storage facilities inside and outside. It will help you to store everything for your comfortable lifestyle. 

The roomy interior and smart appliances help you to manage everything quickly.

With modern cooking appliances, you can enjoy your favorite foods when away from home. The multimedia system of this trailer has Bluetooth, an LED HD TV, USB charging outlets, climate control, and a pre-wired solar kit.

Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office Pros and Cons

The Retreat Cabin and OzXcorp’s ERV is made with two different off-road independent suspensions . The semi and full off-road suspensions will provide an incredible off-roading experience while traveling. 

• GVWR: 6200 pounds
• Exterior Length: 20 Feet
• Exterior Height: 9.84 Feet
• Fresh Water Tank: 58 Gallons
• Black Tank: 25 Gallons
• Gray Tank: 29 Gallons
• Cost: $113,000

This premium quality off-road caravan uses green electric technology instead of gas. The trailer is powered by rooftop solar panels and a large lithium-ion battery.  

As an off-road van, it is most suitable for off-grid living. You can extend your living period with all the modern facilities. 

The forward bedroom and well-appointed kitchen give you the same living experience like your home.

The full-size bathroom and separate toilet offer a healthy sanitary option for outdoor living . Besides, the entertainment unit is so enriched that you will never be bored when spending time indoors. 

Retreat Cabin and OzXcorp’s ERV Pros and Cons

Finally, we have a tiny mobile house for you. If you are searching for an efficient high-design house with an RV shape, this is the best choice for you. 

• UVW: 16,700 lbs
• GVWR: 21,000 lbs
• Hitch Weight: 2,200 lbs
• Exterior Length: 30 Feet
• Exterior Height: 13 Feet 4 Inches 
• Cost: $159,900

The Land Ark travel trailer is designed for off-grid living that has sleeping space for six people. It is like a cool tiny home on wheels. 

The manufacturer made it with a unique design instead of the traditional look. With an all-black metal exterior design, it will quickly attract your neighbors. 

Like the exterior, it has a modern interior design. The luxurious vinyl flooring and smooth wall cover present it as your home. 

A decent modern bathroom will help you to get a hot or cold shower instantly, even in a remote place.

Land Ark Drake Pros and Cons 

A travel trailer contains all the facilities like your home. You can sleep, bathe, and use the kitchen inside.

It is furnished with home appliances and devices. You will get ample storage and carriers for complete off-grid life. 

On the contrary, a camper van takes less space, and it is designed for short camping. It has more space, and the design is open than a travel trailer. 

Travel trailers are a modern and convenient solution for off-grid living. You will make the camping place a superior living area if you have the right travel trailer. 

But, you have to compare all the features, compatibility, and value of the money while selecting a travel trailer. 

You can follow our suggestion when you don’t have any particular choice. 

The Bowlus Terra Firma is the best travel trailer for off-grid life if you don’t have a problem with the budget. 

On the contrary, the Winnebago Hike is suitable for luxury living without too many expenses. 

The Best Lightweight Travel Trailers for 2024

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on January 27, 2024

A lightweight travel trailer might be just what you need for your 2024 adventures.

While many believe that bigger is better, that’s not the case for these units. We’ve found several incredible campers proving that big things can come in smaller packages.

We’ve searched high and low to compile a list of lightweight trailers suitable for solo or family road trips.

Let’s take a look!

Lightweight Travel Trailer Choices for 2024

Lightweight travel trailers have always been popular and will likely continue to be in 2024. One of their most distinguishing characteristics is a decreased mass. Typically, these are any camper with a gross weight of less than 6,000 pounds.

By design, any recreational vehicles fitting into this category have increased flexibility for towing. You won’t need a big, beefy truck to haul these rigs to and from a campsite. Some are also compatible with smaller SUVs, trucks, and vans.

When shopping, it’s essential to consider the amenities, construction materials, and floor plan options. Think about the number of bathrooms and sleeping areas you’ll want for your adventures. Or if an outdoor kitchen is an important feature for you. 

Just because they’re smaller doesn’t always mean you have to make sacrifices. Many manufacturers find creative ways to maximize space and comfort. 

You’ll find plenty of options if you’re in the market for a lightweight travel trailer in 2024. However, we’ve found a few brands with a reputation for exceptional quality you might want to check out first.

2024 Winnebago Micro Minnie Lightweight Travel Trailers

The 2024 Winnebago Micro Minnie is a line of lightweight travel trailers only seven feet wide. However, don’t let its size fool you. Winnebago has done an incredible job designing these units with many features and a variety of layouts to choose from.

Construction

Winnebago constructs the Micro Minnie using 1.5″ thick fiberglass sidewalls from Azdel composite panels. It’s a stronger, quieter, and more weather-resistant material. They’ve also increased the capabilities of these campers by enclosing the underbelly and tanks with radiant foil insulation. 

These methods save weight and provide increased insulation to help control the climate inside your rig. As a result, you can extend the camping season a little longer while staying cozy.

Best Features

You’ll feel right at home inside the Winnebago Micro Minnie. It has a three-burner cooktop, a convection microwave oven, and a large refrigerator. In addition, the large windows make it easy to create a cross-flow to maximize ventilation.

Despite its smaller stature, these models come with some pretty high-tech enhancements. A wireless phone charger, WiFi prep, and JBL speakers are just a few of the enhanced items you’ll love.

However, our favorite attributes are the 200-watt solar panel and the side-mount solar prep to keep your battery bank charged. These can come in handy if you’re looking to spend time off-grid.

The 2024 Winnebago Micro Minnie Lightweight Travel Trailers have 12 different floor plans. They range from 19’6″ to 25’5″ and can sleep anywhere from three to five people. 

Eight models have a slideout, and prices range from around $37,000 to $51,000. You’ll make some priceless memories no matter which one you choose.

You’ve gotta get these key rings! Travel Trailer Keychain

2024 Casita Lightweight Travel Trailers

Since 1983, Casita has been cranking out high-quality fiberglass campers. Their 2024 lineup of lightweight travel trailers are some of their best yet. One of these may be your next rig.

Casita uses a two-piece fiberglass shell construction. With no roof seams, you shouldn’t have to worry about leaks, water damage, or rust. Combine this with a heavy-duty 3″ steel frame and suspension mounts, and these campers can take a beating.

One of the biggest complaints from RV owners is the condensation that occurs inside during winter. Luckily, the insulated interior of Casita trailers eliminates this situation and keeps you comfortable any time of year.

Casita campers may be small, but they have plenty to offer. A significant advantage of choosing a travel trailer from this company is that you have a bit of flexibility regarding the features. A few options include a sliding battery tray, electric tongue jack, and AGM deep-cycle battery upgrade.

All of the models in the Casita lineup come in standard and deluxe versions. One of the most significant benefits of upgrading to a deluxe is getting a wet bath inside the trailer. Depending on your camping style, this might be an essential addition to your rig.

No matter which Casita you choose, it’ll be 17’ long. However, while the lengths, weights, and other dimensions remain the same, minor adjustments in the layout and sleeping capacities vary. The Liberty, Freedom, and Independence can sleep two to four campers, while the Spirit and Heritage can house three to six.

All of these units use the rear of the trailer as the sleeping space. The front contains either the wet bath, bunks, or seating spaces. 

In addition, Casita recognizes that owners need places to store gear and travel accessories. As a result, they look for creative ways to include storage wherever possible.

Dive deeper into Casitas: What Is a Casita Camper?

2024 Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Lightweight Travel Trailers

The Forest River Rockwood is another lightweight travel trailer to consider in 2024. They’re ideal for couples and families looking to explore the great outdoors.

Rockwood Geo Pro trailers sit on top of a Dexter Torflex torsion axle with independent wheel suspension and self-damping action. The result is a smoother and safer ride.

An aluminum cage construction and vacuum laminated walls and roof provide a remarkably sturdy structure. Because it uses metal, the unit can last years longer than most wood models.

Speaking of the laminated materials, they do all this on-site at their 100,000-square-foot laminating facility. Other manufacturers might opt to contract this part of the job. However, Rockwood oversees every step of the process, allowing them to control the quality and ensure it gets done right.

You’ll find a long list of exterior and interior features in the Geo Pro lineup. Some of the most loved standard amenities include the Shower Miser water saver, 200W solar panel, and 1800W inverter. These can allow you to top off your batteries wherever you park your camper.

You’ll have access to a 12V refrigerator and microwave in the kitchen. Some models include a gas oven, recessed cooktop, or convection microwave. However, it’s possible to enjoy some delicious food to fuel your travels no matter which unit you choose.

The Rockwood Geo Pro comes in 13 different floor plans. These range from 12’3″ to 21’2″ and weigh between 1,903 to 3,971 pounds. Half the units come with a slideout, while the rest don’t.

As we mentioned earlier, these are fantastic options for couples and families. However, some of their smaller models do not come with bathrooms or indoor kitchen space. However, these are great if you typically camp near restroom facilities and don’t mind cooking outside.

If you want seating and living space, the units over 20′ in length will be your best bet. Those smaller than this have very little room inside, which can be challenging, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate and you’re stuck inside. 

Dig into the Geo Pro: What Is a Geo Pro Camper?

Set Your Sights on a Lightweight Travel Trailer for 2024

Fortunately, you have plenty of options if you’re in the market for a lightweight travel trailer in 2024. We’ve shared a few of the best that can suit your travel needs and look good, too. By going this route, you may reduce the chances of also needing to upgrade your tow vehicle.

Purchasing a camper is a significant investment and a critical decision. Take your time when shopping to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. We can’t wait to see you out there!

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you,  we hate paying for camping . There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours.  Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state).  Access the list by submitting your email below:

11 Best Small Off-Road Campers that Can Go Just About Anywhere

Overlanding, off-roading and boondocking in remote areas are skyrocketing in popularity. And I mean…what’s not to love? 

Escaping the hustle and bustle of urban life?

Exploring new areas? 

Seeing the sky full of stars at night? 

Pretty sweet, right?! 

But try and take a normal camper trailer off-road and you’re gonna quickly wish you hadn’t. You need a travel trailer that’s a little more rugged, something that can take a few bumps and ruts and not complain. 

You need a mini off-road travel trailer. 

Don’t worry, I gotcha covered. Here are 11 of the coolest small off-road campers that can go pretty much anywhere your vehicle can. 

Table of Contents

11 Super Awesome Small Off-Road Campers and Travel Trailers. 

These mini off road campers are kinda like John Wayne — they’re rough, they’re rugged and they’re ready to hit the trail. 

On this list of the best mini off-road campers you’re gonna find some…

• Teardrop style trailers
• Off-road pop-ups
• And other unique designs that are in a class of their own

Just keep in mind that these small off-road campers aren’t organized from best to worst or prettiest to ugliest. Think about your towing vehicle, where you’re gonna go with it, and your budget. Then choose the one that fits your needs and go have fun!

Let’s start with a small off-road teardrop!

Oregon Trailer Do Drop Alpha

What it’s a great mini off-road camper: Don’t let the candy-like “DoDrop” name fool you. This is definitely the Alpha of small teardrop campers. 

The base model is extremely capable and starts at less than $15,000. Get a deluxe version fully outfitted and you’re gonna have to put down more than $20,000. 

It’s similar to some of the other Do Drop trailers, but it’s been reinforced, beefed up and made more rugged in every way possible. I mean this little guy’s got long-travel suspension, 15” off-road wheels and tires, industrial powder coating, reinforced chassis, and jeep style fenders.

Plus there are tons of cool extras you can get:

• A roof rack so you’ve got a place for a roof top tent .
• 7-gallon Road Shower
• 55-inch awning
• Rocket stove
• Off-road shovel

Check out the Do Drop Alpha .

What other small campers does this brand offer?

Oregon Trailers currently offers several different trailer options — some off-road, some not. In my article — best off road trailers under $10,000 — I feature the regular Do Drop since it starts at under $9,000. 

Now let’s move on to the Cadillac of small off-road campers.

Campworks NS-1

Why this is an awesome mini off-road camper trailer:  Take one look at the NS-1 and you can easily see that it’s not your average small off-road trailer. 

It’s got a unique, seamless composite body. That means there are no seams, zero leaks, and long-lasting durability. The insulated wall panels also provide extra insulation for four-season camping. 

And while most small off-grid campers rely on propane stoves and water heaters, this baby’s all-electric. Yup…electric water heater, electric induction cooktop, and electric A/C unit! So how does it power all that?

There’s a built-in solar panel on the back of the camper and you’ve got the option to hook up extra solar panels. It’s got a 5,500-watt hour battery and space to add another!

Some other cool features:

• Solid wood cabinetry
• Comes with a WeBoost cell booster so you can stay connected
• 17” TRD Off-road wheels
• Timbren 3500 HD Axle-less suspension
• Slide-out kitchen with butcher block cutting boards

So, yeah…this thing’s pretty awesome. However, it’s gonna cost you. It starts at about $40,000. Fully loaded, you’re looking at over $60,000. And there’s a waiting list so if you want one you’ll need to put $1,000 down to get on the list.

Check out Campworks.

Watch a video tour of the awesome NS-1.

Now let’s come back down to earth with a small off-roading camper that’s a little most realistic for most of us. 😋

TenTrax Ascend

Why this is a great off-road mini camper trailer: If you are an extreme off-roader who needs a small camper that can keep up, I 100% recommend you go with the TenTrax Ascend. Other small campers limit where you can go. The Ascend doesn’t. 

When it’s all folded up, the TenTrax Ascend is only a few feet long and has a dry weight of just 600 lbs, so yeah…it’s tiny! But that means it won’t weigh your tow vehicle down when drudging through deep mud or navigating rocky hill climbs. 

So how does the Ascend work?

When it’s all folded up, it’s a small trailer that’s barely bigger than its 38-inch all-terrain tires (optional). But the top has a built-in roof top tent that folds out when it’s time to hunker down for the night. 

Inside, it’s got storage for all your gear. Plus, it’s available with optional accessories like:

• LED Lighting
• 4-Gallon Road Shower
• Dometic Cooler
• 12V Electrical Package
• Lock N’ Roll Articulating Hitch

And one of the best things about this mini camper is its starting price of just under 10 grand !

Check out this video with the TenTrax on the Rubicon trail.

If you love taking off-grid camping trips, be sure to check out my overlanding articles!

• Your Overland Camping Kitchen – The Guide to What You Need and What You Don’t
• 12 Super Cool Overlanding Tables for Your Off-Grid Adventures | 2022
• 12 Best Overlanding Shower Systems for On-The-Go Bathing | 2022

Now let’s get back to a more traditional teardrop style mini off-road camper.

TearDrops NW (All Off-Road Models)

Why these are great small off-road campers: Teardrops NW offers 4 different off-road models. All share similar features but are slightly different sizes. 

The smallest, the Scout, has a 5’ x 8’ footprint and a dry weight of 1,550 lbs. The largest, the Commander, is 5’ x 10’ with a 1,900-lb dry weight and a slightly more boxy shape. 

All of the models come standard with some pretty impressive features, like:

• 3,500-lb TImbren Axle-Less Suspension System
• 12” Trailer Brakes
• Deep Cycle Battery and Charger
• Max Coupler Receiver

Plus, you can add a host of cool optional features like a roof rack, awning room, roof top tent, and a hot water system.

Each of the 4 trailers offers an impressive galley for off-the-grid cooking. There are dual slide-outs with a place for a 53-Quart Dometic fridge/freezer and a cook stove. They make great use of space so you’ve got plenty of usable countertop space for meal prep.

Check out more of what TearDrops NW has to offer.

And check out this review of the TearDrops NW Ranger.

BRS Offroad Pursuit

Why the Pursuit is a great small off-road camper: It’s got a toilet and shower! What!? Yeah, you read that right. This little camper manages to pack a unique toilet/shower slideout into its small size. 

Keep in mind the BRS Offroad Pursuit is one of the largest campers on this list of small off-road campers, but by no means is it a huge camper. I mean…it’s just a hair over 13 feet long and weighs about 3,500 lbs. 

But despite its small size, this trailer packs a surprising amount of luxurious features. 

• Queen mattress
• 80L Fridge/Freezer
• 4-Burner Cooktop, Sink, and Microwave INSIDE the Camper
• Exterior slide-out galley
• Ducted AC/Heat
• Fully Enclosed Hot Shower

Something that really sets this one apart is the shower. It’s got a unique slideout with a cloth curtain that becomes a place for your portable toilet and shower. 

No more pooping in the woods! ( If you do have a small off-grid camper without a bathroom, then you’ll need to check out my article How to Poop in the Woods – An Illustrated Guide to the Lost Art . You DON’T want to miss it 😜)

See where you can get one at the BRS Offroad website .

Watch the BRS Offroad Pursuit video walkthrough.

BRS Offroad also makes a smaller off-road camper, the Sherpa . It’s got some impressive features as well and kinda looks like a teardrop trailer and a spaceship had a baby. Check it out!

Ok, let’s get back to a more traditional style teardrop with some off-road chops. 

Timberleaf Pika Off-Road

Why the Pika is a great small off-road camper: Why mess with the classics? The Pika is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple and classic teardrop design that can follow you almost anywhere off-road. 

The Timberleaf Pika comes in three different trims:

• Standard – for regular road use.
• All-Road – With beefed-up suspension and bigger tires, this is good for rough back roads and mild dirt roads. Basically, it’s meant to be paired with a crossover SUV.
• Off-Road – With extra rugged features, the off-road version can be paired with pretty much any off-road or overland vehicle.

The Pika off-road has got some impressive off-roading features:

• 4” Lift 
• Electric Brakes
• Max-Coupler Articulating Hitch
• Rock Sliders
• Custom Fenders

Plus, it’s got all the standard Pika features. One of the cool features that I love is the skylight. Lay in bed and look up at the stars or close the shade to keep things dark for lazy mornings. 

The galley in the back is simple, yet functional. There are two different countertop levels so you’ve got plenty of space to work, even once you add a 2-burner stove. You’ve also got the option to choose from a slide-out for a Dometic cooler or a set of drawers and two cabinets. 

Check out Timberleaf Trailers .

Watch a Timberleaf Pika walkaround tour.

Bean Trailers Mean Bean Off-Road

Why the Mean Bean is a nice small off-road trailer: Other than the cool name, the Mean Bean is a fantastic combination of luxurious features that make off-grid camping a little easier, while still being rugged enough for most 4×4 trails.

In my article 9 of the Coolest Off-Road Teardrop Camper Trailers I feature the Mean Bean’s larger brother, the Black Bean. But since we’re focusing on small off-road travel trailers, here we’ll talk about the Mean Bean. 

It’s got a dry weight of 1850 pounds so it won’t weigh your vehicle down, but is still packed with a lot of nice features. You can really tell that Bean Trailers really wants you to feel at home while using their trailers and not to feel like you’re just in a wooden box on wheels. 

You’ll love thoughtful features like:

• LED accent lighting
• Stainless steel sink and faucet
• Paper towel holder on the rear hatch
• Large front window makes the interior feel less cramped
• Outdoor porch lights

Plus, there are TONs of extra options you can add on to customize your Mean Bean.

• Pop-Up Table
• Road Shower
• Thule Roof Rack
• Children’s Bunk
• Awning Annex
• Lithium Battery
• Instant Hot Water
• And lots more!

Personally, I love the pop-up table option. It’s hard to find a small camper like this with the option of interior seating. That’ll really come in handy on windy, rainy days when a small outdoor awning just won’t cut it. 

Check out Bean Trailers here .

Watch this quick walkaround of the Mean Bean off-road.

Keep going to see one of the most unique options on our list.

Sylvansport Go

What makes it a great small off-road trailer: The Sylvansport Go definitely isn’t the most off-road-ready camper on this list. It is more rugged than your average camper and can go pretty much anywhere a crossover SUV can (like a Rav4 or Outback). 

However, what it lacks in extreme off-road ability, it makes up for in practicality. This thing is engineered to support all your outdoor adventures. 

It’s got a unique design that allows you to haul extra outdoor gear — anything from a small ATV to a couple of kayaks. 

There’s a gear deck where you can stash extra camping gear, pancake syrup, and bacon. Above that is a tent pod that’s kind of like a hybrid between a pop-up camper and a roof-top tent. Open it up and you’ve got sleeping space for up to four people. 

While you’re traveling, you can adjust the height of the folded-up tent pod so you can fit larger items on the gear deck — like an ATV or dirtbikes. 

Or you can use the equipment rack on top of the tent pod for carrying bikes, skis, or kayaks. 

Check out the Sylvansport site .

And watch how it sets up in this video. 

Taxa Tigermoth

Why the Tigermoth is a great small camper for off-roading: All of the Taxa campers are super unique, and once you learn about Taxa’s roots, it’s easy to see why. The founder and designer, Garret Finney, used to work for a NASA design center figuring out ways to make astronauts more comfortable in space. 

As you look at all of Taxa’s options, including the Tigermoth, you can definitely see that influence. The campers have funky looking designs that are extremely well thought out and practical. Everything has a purpose and is designed to stand up to the rigors of off-grid travel. 

* A lot of Taxa’s campers have made it on my other lists like…

• 11 Cool Travel Trailers Under 2000 lbs
• 13 Best Off Road Travel Trailers and Campers with Bathrooms | 2022
• 10 Best Off Road Camper Trailers Under $10,000

More about the Tigermoth…

WIth the built-in electrical system, solar-ready hookups, and external water system, the Tigermoth is ready for 7+ days off-grid so feel free to explore. 

Access the interior from the rear or side hatch. Inside you’ll find a truly multi-purpose space. You can set it up to be a large bed, a wrap around bench and table, or just a bench. And if you need more sleeping space, just throw a roof-top tent on top.

Around back there’s a pull-out kitchen with a portable sink, lots of storage and plenty of counterspace. 

See more from Taxa here .

Watch the Tigermoth tour and see just how practical the Tigermoth is.

Head on to our next option to see a cute but capable little off-road camper.

Sunnyside Boony Stomper

What makes the Boony Stomper a nice little off-road camper trailer: This little thing truly is for stompin’ the boonies, or boony stompin’…or however you want to say that. It’s got a dry weight of just 600 lbs, a tongue weight of just 89 lbs, and is only 111” from trailer tongue to the rear bumper. 

Yeah…it’s tiny. 

There’s no galley. No hot water system. No A/C. It’s just a simple, no frills, ultra-rugged and lightweight off-road teardrop. 

But you know what…sometimes simple is better, right?!

The Boony Stomper’s simplicity is also what makes it ready to go just about anywhere your vehicle can. In fact, it’s so lightweight that you can even pull it with some UTVs.

Learn more at the Sunnyside Offroad website .

Watch this Boony Stomper video to see it in action!

Check out the last camper option on the list. This one’s fully loaded for long off-grid expeditions.

Off Grid Trailers Expedition

Why the Expedition 2.0 is a great small off-road camper: Off Grid Trailers make some of the best small off-roading campers around. They are all intelligently built and feature filled to give you everything you need and more for staying comfortable on extended off-road camping expeditions. 

The Expedition 2.0 is a rugged, all-metal trailer with a starting weight of just 1700 lbs. In addition to all the normal off-roading features like Timbren 3500 HD axle-less suspension, electric brakes, and all terrain tires, it also is available with tons of other really nice standard features, like:

• Outside shower room attachment
• Stainless steel countertop
• Stainless steel sink
• 55L fridge/freezer
• LED lighting

Plus, it’s got some cool optional features.

• Exterior bluetooth stereo
• 24” Smart TV
• 6500 BTU furnace
• OGT Evolution Series Suspension 
• And lots more

Learn more about Off Grid Trailers here .

Watch the Expedition walkaround tour.

Small Off-Grid Camper Features to Look For

Here are a few things to consider when looking for the perfect mini off-grid camper for your adventures.

How Far Off-Road are You Planning On Going?

“Off-road” means different things to different people. 

To some it means “off-pavement”. So maybe some relativel smooth dirt roads — basically anywhere a crossover SUV could go. 

To others it means hitting some proper off-roading trails (established dirt roads with a few technical sections). 

To others off-road means exactly what it says…off roads. That means they might be going where no vehicle has gone before and no matter what they encounter — rivers, rocks, ditches — they either have to go over or around it in their vehicles with camper in tow. 

A good rule of thumb is to get a small camper that matches your vehicle. 

• If you’ve got an unmodified crossover SUV (Rav4, Tucson, Outback, etc) then you could go with a small camper like the Sylvansport Go or the Mean Bean. Just double check the towing capacity on your vehicle first. 
• If you’ve got a normal unmodified truck or 4×4 SUV, you could opt for something a little more capable, like the Tigermoth or DoDrop Alpha.
• But if you’ve got a modified off-roader that can handle deep water crossings, steep hill climbs and some rock crawling, you’ll need something that can keep up like the Boony Stomper or the TenTrax Ascend.

Off-Road Capabilities

Look for these off-road features if you need a small camper that can handle proper off-road trails with technical sections.

• Rugged design: Heavy-duty frame and axle. All-terrain tires. Long-travel suspension. Rock sliders.
• Independent Suspension: Look for independent, axle-less suspension. This will help increase ground clearance and provide a smoother ride. 
• Articulating hitch: A normal ball and coupler hitch struggles on technical trail sections. That’s where an articulating hitch comes in handy. It has a larger range of motion so your vehicle and trailer can twist in different directions.  

How Long are You Planning On Staying Off-Grid

Are you planning on just 1-2 nights between access to water and electric? Or are you planning on staying off-grid for a couple of days or more? 

If you want the ability to easily stay away from water and electric hookups for days on end, look for these features:

• Solar Ready Hookups: Check the camper specifications and see if it is solar ready. That makes it way easier to hook up your own solar panels and extend your time off-grid. Fortunately all of the ones on this list have solar options. 
• Batteries: Most people with small campers can get by with one or two normal 12V or 6V deep cycle batteries to power things like LED lights, fans, small electronics, etc. Make sure your camper comes with them or has a space for you to add them and easily hook them up to the camper’s electrical system.
• Water Storage: Make sure there’s an onboard water tank and/or space for storing extra jerry cans with additional water. Figure at least 2 gallons per day per person (not counting any you might use for showering).

What Is the Cheapest Small Off-Road Camper?

The cheapest small off-road camper is a close tie between the TenTrax Ascend, the Sylvansport Go, and the Boony Stomper. All cost right around $10,000.

What Is the Smallest Off-Road Camper? 

The smallest off-road camping is a tie between the Sunnyside Boony Stomper and the TenTrax Ascend. Both have starting weights of around 600 lbs.  

The Fun Starts Where the Road Ends 

Ready to head off-road with your mini camper? Choose the right one and it’ll be ready to go anywhere you and your vehicle can. 

-Maybe you’ll spring for the luxurious Campworks NS-1. 

-Or if small and simple if for you, maybe you’ll stick with the Boony Stomper or the DoDrop Alpha.

-Of if you want the ultimate in cargo carrying capacity, you might choose the Sylvansport Go. 

Whichever you choose (or even if you just stick with a tent), just be sure to get outside and enjoy the outdoors!

Wanna have even more fun on your outdoor adventures? Check out my other camping, overlanding, and RVing articles!

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• 14 Best Portable Camping Showers to Stay Squeaky Clean in the Woods | 2022
• 13 Best Portable Camping Toilets to Go On the Go!
• 55+ Ultimate RV Gadgets & Accessories You Can’t Camp Without
• 9 Best Portable Camping Kitchens for Easier Camp Cooking | 2022
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The Best Trailers and Campers for Off-Grid Adventures

Live like royalty miles from pavement with this year’s best new rigs

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There was a time when you had to choose between comfort and off-roading chops when it came to pulling your adventure home along with you. You could spend a week in a luxury trailer as far as the pavement would take you, or sleep off-kilter in a Jeep pop-up camper deep in the wild. Now, whether you chase your motor-powered thrills at a gravel campground or 500 miles from the nearest interstate, your options are better than ever.

Our favorite slide-in, pop-up, and tow-behind equipment of the year keeps your storage space usable, maximizes sprawl—yes, there’s a short-bed camper that fits a king-sized mattress—and promises as much off-road prowess as you can dream of.

At a Glance

• Best Minimalist Camper: Tune Outdoor Tune M1 (From $12,999)
• Most Versatile: Adventure Wagon Modular Interior System (From $16,000)
• Best Off-Road Trailer: Boreas Campers EOS-12 (From $84,990)
• Best Luxury Rig: Airstream Trade Wind (From $129,400)
• How to Choose a Trailer or Camper

How We Test

Meet our lead testers.

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.  Learn more .

Best Minimalist Camper

Tune outdoor tune m1.

From $12,999 at Tune Outdoor

Type: Canopy-style popup truck camper Weight: From 387 lbs (short-bed Tacoma) Material: Aluminum/Composite

Pros and Cons ⊕ Incredible space-to-weight ratio ⊕ Sleek ⊕ Retains bed utility ⊗ Heavier than some wedge campers ⊗ Expensive

True innovation has been tough to come by in the lightweight, shell-style truck camper market lately, but that changed when Denver-based Tune Outdoors launched its Tune M1 in 2023.

Instead of releasing just another wedge camper or traditional slide-in, Tune combined some of the best existing features on the market, like building with aluminum extrusions and honeycomb composite panels, and added its own twist: The Tune M1 rests on a truck’s bed rails, but the side walls flare out at the bottom to provide far more interior living space than anything else out there. That extra width also provides more standard sleeping space—in fact, an optional bed extension platform accommodates a nearly king-sized mattress on a short-bed Tacoma.

The Tune M1’s starting price includes features that cost extra at many other brands, like built-in lighting, a 4-inch memory foam mattress, and 440-plus feet of T-Track. All that T-Track means you can bolt nearly anything to the camper, and easily build out the interior if you wish.

Bonus: Side awning panels fully open for gear access. Our favorite option is the tempered glass side panels, which not only look fantastic, but also let more light inside and allow for panoramic views. “The packed-down silhouette is so tight that we never held back on even the burliest roads,” says Aaron Gulley, a longtime Outside contributor and gear tester. “But it has so much popup space that the truck bed felt roomy for two people even with coolers, a generator, and requisite camping gear.”

The perfect cross between a fully featured slide-in and a wedge camper, the Tune M1 is ideal for families who need more space, or anyone who wants a truck camper but also wants to continue using their truck bed for truck things.

Most Versatile

Adventure wagon modular interior system.

From $16,000 at Adventure Wagon

Type: Van conversion kit

Pros and Cons ⊕ Modularity offers versatility ⊕ Great value ⊗ Fewer amenities than with permanent builds ⊗ Dim ceiling lights

Let’s get this out of the way upfront: camper vans are expensive. Fancy, extensive build-outs also render them fairly useless anytime they aren’t being camped in, which, for most folks, is the majority of the time. Enter Adventure Wagon and its modular interior system.

The company offers van conversions for Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits that start at just $16,000 and are completely modular, allowing you to switch your camper back to a cargo van in just a few minutes. You can convert the van yourself with the brand’s kit in 4-6 days, or have one of the company’s many installers do it for you.

The modular system also allowed our testers to easily add and take out rear seats, depending on who was using the van. “We love the Adventure Wagon setup so much because of how easy it is to reconfigure to suit the needs of a particular day, trip or activity,” said Corey Leavitt, a Santa Fe-based filmmaker and adventure rig enthusiast who’s rehabbed his truck camper. “I love that I can pull out the seats and bed platform, but leave in the battery and fridge for when I need to haul gear to a shoot, but also want to keep food and drinks on-hand for the crew.”

Best Off-Road Trailer

Boreas campers eos-12.

From $84,000 at Boreas Campers

Type: 4-Season off-road travel trailer Material: Composite and metal construction Weight: 3,750 lbs (dry weight)

Pros and Cons ⊕ Incredibly capable off road ⊕ No-wood construction (no mold, rot, etc.) ⊕ 50-gallon fresh water capacity ⊗ Expensive ⊗ No indoor sink/cooking option

We’ve followed Pueblo, Colorado-based Boreas Campers closely since it debuted its AT and XT models, both class-leading off-road teardrops, a few years ago. The EOS-12 builds on the solid foundation of those campers and takes everything to a new level—literally.

The EOS-12 is a 20-foot, overland-style pop-up travel trailer built to go anywhere and keep you comfortable off-grid for extended periods of time in any weather conditions. Composite panel construction keeps the rig well insulated and light on its feet with a dry weight of 3,750 pounds.

The trailer features a slim canvas pop top that keeps it aerodynamic, a well-appointed outdoor kitchen, and a full indoor wet bath. With one queen-sized main bed and a dinette that folds out to about a twin sized bed, we found it could sleep three adults comfortably, and appreciated the copious amounts of storage inside.

The EOS-12 really shines when it comes to its mechanical and electrical features. It rides on a Cruisemaster XT—an independent trailing arm suspension with airbags and auto-level, capable of handling much rougher terrain than you’re likely to experience—540 amp hours of Battleborn lithium batteries, Victron electrical components, and 400 watts of solar panels.

Everything on this camper, from the exterior rock lights to the air compressor and the furnace, are operated by a portable Garmin O.N.E. tablet, which, despite our initial hesitation, performed flawlessly.

“We loved using the EOS-12 on a 5-day mule deer hunt,” says Eric Ladd, a mountain biker, hunter, skier, and all-around adventure seeking ER doc based in Santa Fe, NM. “We never worried about where we were towing it, it didn’t come close to running out of power or water, and we ate like kings thanks to the amazing outdoor kitchen—despite being off grid the entire time.”

Best Luxury Rig

Airstream trade wind.

From $129,400 at Airstream

Type: Travel Trailer Material: Aluminum Weight: 6200 lbs (dry weight) Length: 25’ 2”

Pros and Cons ⊕ Fully off-grid power system ⊕ Gorgeous interior design ⊕ Roomy floor plan ⊗ Expensive ⊗ Not as off-road-capable as others

The reintroduction of the Trade Wind model shows that Airstream is listening to consumers. While the Basecamp models have been marketed towards younger generations looking to get a little further off the beaten path, the Trade Wind is the first of the company’s iconic, silver bullet-shaped travel trailers to come off the factory floor with everything a boondocker needs—and, as it turns out, everything our testers have added to their personal Airstreams.

It comes with a robust solar system, Battleborn lithium batteries, a 3-inch lift kit and all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler Workforce Tires. When you combine the system upgrades with a stellar floor plan that sleeps up to five, gorgeous interior design, and other smart features like a recirculating water heater, optional composting toilet, and an optional rear hatch that lets you easily load bulky gear, it all adds up to an incredible, luxurious, off-grid basecamp.

“We have owned an Airstream for nearly a decade and modified it for heavy, backcountry, boondocking use. The new Trade Wind is everything we always wanted ours to be—and much more,” said Gulley. “This is a rig built to go anywhere and do everything, and to do it in classic Airstream style. We definitely see an upgrade in our near future.”

How to Choose a Camper or Trailer

Buying a camper of any kind is a big investment, so it’s best if you can try one out or at least see one in-person before pulling the trigger. Visiting a dealer is great, but a lot of today’s best rigs are sold direct-to-consumer, which means that events like Overland Expo are a great way to see a camper up close.

Even better, try renting the type of rig that interests you on Outdoorsy to get a real feel for it. Even if they don’t have the specific model you’re looking for, you’ll get an idea of whether you’re a van, trailer, or truck camper person.

What Kind of Camper Should I Buy?

The short answer is, it depends. In general, we think most folks are better served by buying a tow-behind they can pull with their current vehicle. Trailers have more space than a van or truck camper could ever provide, and they don’t have engines, transmissions, and other expensive parts to maintain.

How Much Should I Expect to Spend?

For a new rig, you should budget anywhere from $100-250K for a van, $10-30K for a truck camper (sans truck), and $30-130K for a trailer, depending on your tastes and needs.

How Much Solar Do I Need?

It all depends on how much luxury you want off grid. For most weekenders, around 200-300 watts of solar and 100-200 amp hours of lithium batteries will be more than enough.

• Number of testers: 6
• Nights Spent Camping: Over 20
• Number of campers/trailers tested: 6
• Longest Stint Spent Off-Grid: 7 days
• Most Challenging Test Drive: 23 miles of rugged, New Mexico washboard

Between attending overland expo shows to tour the latest rigs and testing demo trailers on extended trips, category manager Bryan Rogala spends over 30 nights camping in everything from rooftop tents to Airstreams every year.

Because evaluating adventure rigs isn’t as simple as testing a pair of running shoes, our testing criteria looks a bit different. We look at build quality, standard features and components, pricing, and availability, as well as details like trailer suspension and camper wall construction methods, in an effort to find a broad array of what we think are the most well-made and value-driven rigs on the market.

Bryan Rogala is a longtime contributor to Outside and has been reviewing trailers and campers since 2018. He covers overlanding gear and rigs in his regular column, and his 101 video series for Outside Online . As a hunter, mountain biker and skier, he’s in a constant search for the perfect adventure rig.

Aaron Gulley and Jen Judge, both former Outside contributors and gear testers, spent 3.5 years living full-time in their 2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB. Their travels as cyclists, hikers and hunters have taken them and their Airstream all around the U.S., and provided serious insight into the world of travel trailers.

Corey Leavitt is a filmmaker, truck nerd, and adventure rig enthusiast. He’s filmed and helped produce all of Rogala’s 101 videos, rehabbed a truck camper, and spends more time on Craigslist seeking the next rig than anyone should.

Eric Ladd is a mountain biker, hunter, skier, and all-around adventure seeking ER Doc. He’s modified his own travel trailer for off road and off grid use, and takes his young family of four camping all over the Western U.S.

• 2024 Gear Reviews
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• Car Camping

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

Overlanding in the dead of winter, surrounded by snow and rarely seeing the thermometer climb into double digits , probably seems counterintuitive to the majority of RVers who tend to seek out much warmer climes. But, if you're one of those adventuresome types who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and embraces four-season off-grid outings, winter camping is both exciting and invigorating - if you have the right RV.

That's where an Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 travel trailer comes into play. This 26-foot RV is one of the best couples' overlanding-type trailers built for off-grid use and extreme weather conditions, winter and summer. 

In short: The 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 has a hefty price tag and requires a big vehicle to tow it. It’s also a premium all-weather camper trailer that offers up impressive comfort. It excels at extended off-road and off-grid travel because of its state-of-the-art suspension and robust solar and battery systems.

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195

• Length  26'1"
• Weight (Empty)  5,500 lbs.
• GVWR (Loaded)  9,920 lbs.
• Suspension  Independent w/air
• Fresh water  60 gals.
• Gray water  60 gals.
• Sleeps  3
• MSRP  $143,000
• Highest R-values in RVs (R18.75 walls/roof, R15 floor)
• 21" of ground clearance to skid plates
• Air-adjustable independent suspension (±5")
• Heated enclosed underbelly
• Dry flush toilet
• Heavy-duty chassis w/articulating hitch
• Composite side, roof, and floor
• 60-gallon fresh/gray water tanks
• Big price tag puts it in the Premium category
• GVWR requires full-size pickup/SUV for towing

Bruce Smith

2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review

The tandem-axle X195 is the product of Imperial Outdoors, owned by Nelson Industries . This Wisconsin-based company has built up a stellar reputation over decades of building custom ice-fishing houses. That expertise transferred nicely into the design and manufacturing of this rugged camp trailer - and its smaller single-axle, 21-foot twin, the XploreRV X145.

See my review of the XploreRV X145 .

XploreRV X195: Extreme Temps Rated

The X195 trailer’s body utilizes a one-piece composite roof, sides, and a floor that are nearly 3 inches thick, and that encase block foam built to withstand the rigors of extreme weather (120 to -40 degrees F). The walls and roof have an R18.75 value, while the floor is rated at R15. This design is the best insulation and heating system I've ever seen in a camp trailer of this size, a testament to its icehouse DNA. 

"We spent a lot of time designing this camper from what we learned in building high-end fish houses," says Steve Geary, Marketing Manager for Imperial Outdoors/Nelson Industries. "The block-insulated walls of our coach are almost three inches thick, so they really add to the ability to retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

My wife and I were amazed at how well this design kept the subfreezing temps at bay during one of our midwinter outings where the outside temps never got above 20 degrees.

The 14,300-BTU Truma Combi Eco Plus , which is both a furnace and tankless water heater, never struggled to keep the interior a cozy 72 degrees. It also made the shower water instantly hot, even when the outdoor temps hovered in the lower teens. It's an amazing piece of equipment, and so quiet you forget it's even turned on.

Windows Matter

"The one-piece composite floor and roof construction with lightweight acrylic thermopane windows (with nitrogen gas charge and built-in shades) also contribute to insulating against extreme weather conditions by reducing the opportunity for both heat and cold transfer," says Geary.

The thick window shades on the living area windows act as another level of insulation from the heat/cold of the outside, and the separate window screens let fresh air flow during warm weather without letting in pesky bugs. 

Another nice touch are the window locks in the living area that can be opened in varying degrees to cut down on the heater and A/C use. Each window has four locking latches that can be set to just crack the window open for a breath of air seeping by the seals to prevent condensation you'd get in the winter. Or, the latches can be rotated to allow the windows to open from one-third to full.

Bigger Is Better, in This Case

The 26-foot X195 is roomy and a much more comfortable setup for a couple or a family with one or two youngsters than its single-axle near-twin. The interior measures just over 19 feet long; it’s 6.5 feet wide with a ceiling height of 6 feet, 3 inches. The interior is built of composite materials and the upper cabinets have high-end latches, hinges, and support struts for the lid.

That extra 5 feet more of interior floor length than the X145 allows the use of a larger dinette/sofa to sleep a third person, and placing the full-size RV bed in front in a north-to-south orientation makes for easier access.

Across from the dinette is the galley. While the smaller X145 had a little fridge and single-burner cooktop, the X195 is much better equipped for multiday stays with a stacked 6.9-cubic-foot freezer/fridge and a dual-burner cooktop. It also has a slightly larger counter for improved prep space. 

Camper Trailer Bathroom Done Right

The bathroom in the XploreRV X195 is identical to that found in the smaller X145. It's bright and roomy for a trailer of this size. The shower easily accommodates 6-footers and has a sliding glass door to separate it from the rest of the bathroom. The sink is deep and the vanity is spacious.

When you check the specs, there's no black-water tank. That's because the XploreRV campers use the Laveo Dry Flush waterless toilet system, which is popular in the marine industry. It's a really sweet setup. We spent nearly 5 days camping off-grid and came to love the Laveo toilet for its simplicity and efficiency.

After a half-dozen or so uses of the toilet, sprinkling a little gelling agent after each deposit, the "flush" button is hit. The inside of the toilet spins around, sucks, and seals the waste that's been deposited in the shiny mylar bag, and then pulls the sealed waste downward leaving another clean, new silver bag from the replaceable cartridge in its place ready for use. Check out the process in this video .

Simple. No muss. No smell. And, no need for a black tank or an RV dump station. It's a really neat and sanitary setup for off-grid camping that negates the need for a black water tank.

Xplore X195 Trailer Offers Abundant Storage

One aspect that makes one expedition/overlanding trailer a step or two better than another is storage space - or lack thereof. The XploreRV X195 has a lot of storage in upper storage cabinets, big drawers beneath the counter, and a pull-out storage area for cookware beneath the induction cooktop. 

More interior storage is located underneath the seats at the dinette. They are large enough to keep extra bedding, backpacks , clothing, or other bulky items out of sight but within easy access. 

Outside there's an abundance of cargo brackets, grid panels, utility boxes, and accessories to bring along everything from a Hi-Lift jack and Jerry cans to mountain bikes and kayaks.

Abundant Off-Grid Electrical Power

One of the many features of the XploreRV X195 that I liked was the camper's healthy 12V GoPower solar and Expion360 LifeP04 lithium-ion battery system.

The demo model reviewed was outfitted with the optional Stage 3 three-battery (1,080aH) package and Stage 3 (1,240W) solar roof panel kit. It also had the 2,000W inverter with a monitoring panel. Upgrading the XploreRV's standard solar panel/lithium batteries to higher levels is recommended for anyone planning extended off-grid camping trips and who doesn’t want to power up a gas-powered generator. 

My wife and I spent 5 days camping off-the-grid relying only on the solar battery system under several days of overcast skies. We used the cooktop multiple times each day, kept the interior and exterior LED lights on late into the night, ran the furnace and water pump, and were still left with more than 40% power when we headed back into civilization.

Independent-Axle With Air Suspension

When it comes to towing, the XploreRV X195 (and little brother X145) sits atop a powder-coated, heavy-duty boxed-steel frame.

The trailer is also fitted with a Cruisemaster ATX Off-Road Independent Air Suspension imported from Australia. The adjustable air suspension allows up to ±5 inches of adjustment per side. At full lift, it provides 21 inches of clearance between the ground and the steel skid plates.

The skids protect the 60-gallon fresh water and gray water tanks mounted in the enclosed and heated underbelly. The plumbing and wiring of the X195 is routed well above the frame, as well. This gives those critical parts excellent protection from damage that can be caused by encounters with rocks and other large obstructions.

Also of interest to those camping way off the grid, the X195 rides on 33-inch mud-terrain tires with heavy-duty disc brakes.

XploreRV X195: A Smooth Tow

In addition to everything else under the X195 body, the frame is fitted with a Cruisemaster DO45 Plus articulating hitch that allows the trailer to swivel, pivot, and rotate separately from the tow vehicle. Most newcomers to off-road/expedition-style camping rarely consider the importance of the hitch. A standard ball-mount receiver hitch transmits a lot of jerking motion into the cab. 

The DO45 Plus hitch design greatly reduces trailer movement into the tow vehicle because it swivels and rotates with the trailer's movement, softening the tow. A DO45 Plus hitch also provides a stronger, more secure hitching system than the traditional ball-mount. 

We towed the 5,500-pound (unloaded weight) X195 behind a 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4×4 over more than 50 miles of rutted, single-track, sometimes rocky snow-covered backroads in Oregon's high desert. Never once did the trailer have an adverse affect on our ride quality or comfort.

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review: Final Thoughts

Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 is a stoutly built, top-tier towable. It should hold up well through decades of challenging, overlanding/expedition-style four-season use, delivering a comfortable camping experience regardless of the season or location. 

The downside for the average outdoor enthusiast is the XploreRV X195 is also in the rarified air in cost of top-tier expedition-style towables, with a starting price of $143,000. Its price is surpassed only by the line of Australian-made tandem-axle Bruder expedition trailers. But even those don't compare when it comes to keeping the occupants comfy when temps go to the extremes of summer and winter.

Find your local Imperial Outdoors dealer and dive into the specs of the XploreRV X195 camper trailer even further.

Self-Propelled and Remote-Controlled Luxury Travel Trailer: Meet the 2025 Bowlus Rivet

With an unmistakable design the Rivet camper trailer carries the Bowlus name into new territory. While still full of luxury, this trailer drops the price of entry, enables off-road excursions, and even has a self-propulsion system on offer. Read more…

The 10 Best Camper Trailers of 2023

From solo travelers to couples, families, and groups, here are the most reliable, enjoyable camper trailers for road trips and overland adventures. Read more…

The post 4-Season, Off-Road, Off-Grid Camper Trailer: 2024 Imperial Outdoors XploreRV X195 Review appeared first on GearJunkie .

The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year

You have reached a page with older survey data. please see our 2024 survey results here ..

The latest annual McKinsey Global Survey  on the current state of AI confirms the explosive growth of generative AI (gen AI) tools . Less than a year after many of these tools debuted, one-third of our survey respondents say their organizations are using gen AI regularly in at least one business function. Amid recent advances, AI has risen from a topic relegated to tech employees to a focus of company leaders: nearly one-quarter of surveyed C-suite executives say they are personally using gen AI tools for work, and more than one-quarter of respondents from companies using AI say gen AI is already on their boards’ agendas. What’s more, 40 percent of respondents say their organizations will increase their investment in AI overall because of advances in gen AI. The findings show that these are still early days for managing gen AI–related risks, with less than half of respondents saying their organizations are mitigating even the risk they consider most relevant: inaccuracy.

The organizations that have already embedded AI capabilities have been the first to explore gen AI’s potential, and those seeing the most value from more traditional AI capabilities—a group we call AI high performers—are already outpacing others in their adoption of gen AI tools. 1 We define AI high performers as organizations that, according to respondents, attribute at least 20 percent of their EBIT to AI adoption.

The expected business disruption from gen AI is significant, and respondents predict meaningful changes to their workforces. They anticipate workforce cuts in certain areas and large reskilling efforts to address shifting talent needs. Yet while the use of gen AI might spur the adoption of other AI tools, we see few meaningful increases in organizations’ adoption of these technologies. The percent of organizations adopting any AI tools has held steady since 2022, and adoption remains concentrated within a small number of business functions.

Table of Contents

• It’s early days still, but use of gen AI is already widespread
• Leading companies are already ahead with gen AI
• AI-related talent needs shift, and AI’s workforce effects are expected to be substantial
• With all eyes on gen AI, AI adoption and impact remain steady

About the research

1. it’s early days still, but use of gen ai is already widespread.

The findings from the survey—which was in the field in mid-April 2023—show that, despite gen AI’s nascent public availability, experimentation with the tools  is already relatively common, and respondents expect the new capabilities to transform their industries. Gen AI has captured interest across the business population: individuals across regions, industries, and seniority levels are using gen AI for work and outside of work. Seventy-nine percent of all respondents say they’ve had at least some exposure to gen AI, either for work or outside of work, and 22 percent say they are regularly using it in their own work. While reported use is quite similar across seniority levels, it is highest among respondents working in the technology sector and those in North America.

Organizations, too, are now commonly using gen AI. One-third of all respondents say their organizations are already regularly using generative AI in at least one function—meaning that 60 percent of organizations with reported AI adoption are using gen AI. What’s more, 40 percent of those reporting AI adoption at their organizations say their companies expect to invest more in AI overall thanks to generative AI, and 28 percent say generative AI use is already on their board’s agenda. The most commonly reported business functions using these newer tools are the same as those in which AI use is most common overall: marketing and sales, product and service development, and service operations, such as customer care and back-office support. This suggests that organizations are pursuing these new tools where the most value is. In our previous research , these three areas, along with software engineering, showed the potential to deliver about 75 percent of the total annual value from generative AI use cases.

In these early days, expectations for gen AI’s impact are high : three-quarters of all respondents expect gen AI to cause significant or disruptive change in the nature of their industry’s competition in the next three years. Survey respondents working in the technology and financial-services industries are the most likely to expect disruptive change from gen AI. Our previous research shows  that, while all industries are indeed likely to see some degree of disruption, the level of impact is likely to vary. 2 “ The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier ,” McKinsey, June 14, 2023. Industries relying most heavily on knowledge work are likely to see more disruption—and potentially reap more value. While our estimates suggest that tech companies, unsurprisingly, are poised to see the highest impact from gen AI—adding value equivalent to as much as 9 percent of global industry revenue—knowledge-based industries such as banking (up to 5 percent), pharmaceuticals and medical products (also up to 5 percent), and education (up to 4 percent) could experience significant effects as well. By contrast, manufacturing-based industries, such as aerospace, automotives, and advanced electronics, could experience less disruptive effects. This stands in contrast to the impact of previous technology waves that affected manufacturing the most and is due to gen AI’s strengths in language-based activities, as opposed to those requiring physical labor.

Responses show many organizations not yet addressing potential risks from gen AI

According to the survey, few companies seem fully prepared for the widespread use of gen AI—or the business risks these tools may bring. Just 21 percent of respondents reporting AI adoption say their organizations have established policies governing employees’ use of gen AI technologies in their work. And when we asked specifically about the risks of adopting gen AI, few respondents say their companies are mitigating the most commonly cited risk with gen AI: inaccuracy. Respondents cite inaccuracy more frequently than both cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, which were the most common risks from AI overall in previous surveys. Just 32 percent say they’re mitigating inaccuracy, a smaller percentage than the 38 percent who say they mitigate cybersecurity risks. Interestingly, this figure is significantly lower than the percentage of respondents who reported mitigating AI-related cybersecurity last year (51 percent). Overall, much as we’ve seen in previous years, most respondents say their organizations are not addressing AI-related risks.

2. Leading companies are already ahead with gen AI

The survey results show that AI high performers—that is, organizations where respondents say at least 20 percent of EBIT in 2022 was attributable to AI use—are going all in on artificial intelligence, both with gen AI and more traditional AI capabilities. These organizations that achieve significant value from AI are already using gen AI in more business functions than other organizations do, especially in product and service development and risk and supply chain management. When looking at all AI capabilities—including more traditional machine learning capabilities, robotic process automation, and chatbots—AI high performers also are much more likely than others to use AI in product and service development, for uses such as product-development-cycle optimization, adding new features to existing products, and creating new AI-based products. These organizations also are using AI more often than other organizations in risk modeling and for uses within HR such as performance management and organization design and workforce deployment optimization.

AI high performers are much more likely than others to use AI in product and service development.

Another difference from their peers: high performers’ gen AI efforts are less oriented toward cost reduction, which is a top priority at other organizations. Respondents from AI high performers are twice as likely as others to say their organizations’ top objective for gen AI is to create entirely new businesses or sources of revenue—and they’re most likely to cite the increase in the value of existing offerings through new AI-based features.

As we’ve seen in previous years , these high-performing organizations invest much more than others in AI: respondents from AI high performers are more than five times more likely than others to say they spend more than 20 percent of their digital budgets on AI. They also use AI capabilities more broadly throughout the organization. Respondents from high performers are much more likely than others to say that their organizations have adopted AI in four or more business functions and that they have embedded a higher number of AI capabilities. For example, respondents from high performers more often report embedding knowledge graphs in at least one product or business function process, in addition to gen AI and related natural-language capabilities.

While AI high performers are not immune to the challenges of capturing value from AI, the results suggest that the difficulties they face reflect their relative AI maturity, while others struggle with the more foundational, strategic elements of AI adoption. Respondents at AI high performers most often point to models and tools, such as monitoring model performance in production and retraining models as needed over time, as their top challenge. By comparison, other respondents cite strategy issues, such as setting a clearly defined AI vision that is linked with business value or finding sufficient resources.

The findings offer further evidence that even high performers haven’t mastered best practices regarding AI adoption, such as machine-learning-operations (MLOps) approaches, though they are much more likely than others to do so. For example, just 35 percent of respondents at AI high performers report that where possible, their organizations assemble existing components, rather than reinvent them, but that’s a much larger share than the 19 percent of respondents from other organizations who report that practice.

Many specialized MLOps technologies and practices  may be needed to adopt some of the more transformative uses cases that gen AI applications can deliver—and do so as safely as possible. Live-model operations is one such area, where monitoring systems and setting up instant alerts to enable rapid issue resolution can keep gen AI systems in check. High performers stand out in this respect but have room to grow: one-quarter of respondents from these organizations say their entire system is monitored and equipped with instant alerts, compared with just 12 percent of other respondents.

3. AI-related talent needs shift, and AI’s workforce effects are expected to be substantial

Our latest survey results show changes in the roles that organizations are filling to support their AI ambitions. In the past year, organizations using AI most often hired data engineers, machine learning engineers, and Al data scientists—all roles that respondents commonly reported hiring in the previous survey. But a much smaller share of respondents report hiring AI-related-software engineers—the most-hired role last year—than in the previous survey (28 percent in the latest survey, down from 39 percent). Roles in prompt engineering have recently emerged, as the need for that skill set rises alongside gen AI adoption, with 7 percent of respondents whose organizations have adopted AI reporting those hires in the past year.

The findings suggest that hiring for AI-related roles remains a challenge but has become somewhat easier over the past year, which could reflect the spate of layoffs at technology companies from late 2022 through the first half of 2023. Smaller shares of respondents than in the previous survey report difficulty hiring for roles such as AI data scientists, data engineers, and data-visualization specialists, though responses suggest that hiring machine learning engineers and AI product owners remains as much of a challenge as in the previous year.

Looking ahead to the next three years, respondents predict that the adoption of AI will reshape many roles in the workforce. Generally, they expect more employees to be reskilled than to be separated. Nearly four in ten respondents reporting AI adoption expect more than 20 percent of their companies’ workforces will be reskilled, whereas 8 percent of respondents say the size of their workforces will decrease by more than 20 percent.

Looking specifically at gen AI’s predicted impact, service operations is the only function in which most respondents expect to see a decrease in workforce size at their organizations. This finding generally aligns with what our recent research  suggests: while the emergence of gen AI increased our estimate of the percentage of worker activities that could be automated (60 to 70 percent, up from 50 percent), this doesn’t necessarily translate into the automation of an entire role.

AI high performers are expected to conduct much higher levels of reskilling than other companies are. Respondents at these organizations are over three times more likely than others to say their organizations will reskill more than 30 percent of their workforces over the next three years as a result of AI adoption.

4. With all eyes on gen AI, AI adoption and impact remain steady

While the use of gen AI tools is spreading rapidly, the survey data doesn’t show that these newer tools are propelling organizations’ overall AI adoption. The share of organizations that have adopted AI overall remains steady, at least for the moment, with 55 percent of respondents reporting that their organizations have adopted AI. Less than a third of respondents continue to say that their organizations have adopted AI in more than one business function, suggesting that AI use remains limited in scope. Product and service development and service operations continue to be the two business functions in which respondents most often report AI adoption, as was true in the previous four surveys. And overall, just 23 percent of respondents say at least 5 percent of their organizations’ EBIT last year was attributable to their use of AI—essentially flat with the previous survey—suggesting there is much more room to capture value.

Organizations continue to see returns in the business areas in which they are using AI, and they plan to increase investment in the years ahead. We see a majority of respondents reporting AI-related revenue increases within each business function using AI. And looking ahead, more than two-thirds expect their organizations to increase their AI investment over the next three years.

The online survey was in the field April 11 to 21, 2023, and garnered responses from 1,684 participants representing the full range of regions, industries, company sizes, functional specialties, and tenures. Of those respondents, 913 said their organizations had adopted AI in at least one function and were asked questions about their organizations’ AI use. To adjust for differences in response rates, the data are weighted by the contribution of each respondent’s nation to global GDP.

The survey content and analysis were developed by Michael Chui , a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute and a partner in McKinsey’s Bay Area office, where Lareina Yee is a senior partner; Bryce Hall , an associate partner in the Washington, DC, office; and senior partners Alex Singla and Alexander Sukharevsky , global leaders of QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey, based in the Chicago and London offices, respectively.

They wish to thank Shivani Gupta, Abhisek Jena, Begum Ortaoglu, Barr Seitz, and Li Zhang for their contributions to this work.

This article was edited by Heather Hanselman, an editor in the Atlanta office.

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