Off-Road Camper Trailers | A Complete Guide


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Australia is well known for its gorgeous beaches, and camping is part of the Australian Culture. One of the best destinations are in the National Parks that’s a popular destination for nature-enthusiast tourists or even for locals. Indeed, the underrated best stops are frequently situated in the off-road areas and can only be accessible through heavy-duty trailers. So, what are the things that make off-road campers efficient?

An off-road camper trailer is an excellent and versatile camping gear that you can join with your vehicle. It is the best companion in your day to day trips, and suitable even for unsealed roads of Australia. Camper trailers will be your best friend if you’re a camper and like to explore remote areas with a great view that will surely satisfy you. 

Are you interested in going on a camp with a camper trailer? Read on and find out more!

What Should I Know About Off-Road Camper Trailers?

Camper trailers are a standard vehicle for recreational activities such as outback camping because they differentiate themselves because of their ability to go off-road. A camper trailer can easily be towed behind your road vehicle, and its great features such as kitchen, bed, and room for appliances make it a liveable mobile, so some people do not hesitate to do so. It is mainly used in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and Australia for adventure or even leisure purposes. 

Travelling around the great wonders of Australia is even made possible because of the existence of these revolutionary inventions. It offers you a great idea of living in mobility without relying upon any motel or hotels and their irritating bookings. Being able to drive and cherish the natural beauty of Australia is a privilege, so we must not take it for granted. Also, even when you’re bound to remote places where hotel accommodations do not exist, always remember the rule of the thumb: take your rubbish with you.

There are four different types of off-road camper trailers like Caravan, Pop-Up, Tear Drop and Military or Utility. It gives you a better definition of outback camping because it has a lot of advantages such as less fuel intake and it increases your road capability. Whatever camper you may choose, you can surely take what suits you better and what meets your necessities. 

What Are The Benefits of Having An Off-Road Camper Trailer?

An off-road camper is your asset, especially if you’re a camping enthusiast and enjoy pitching camps in remote areas. If you’re planning to buy this kind of off-road vehicle, here are the great reasons why you should get one:

Ultimate Accommodation

The versatility and comfort that camper trailers can give you a good base camp wherever you go and experience the excellent outback camping. You can cook fresh food and drink cold beverages because you will have handy amenities along with you. Camper trailers will provide you with more cosy space to sleep in your trailer than your usual tent. If you’re worried about heavy rain that may come inside your camper, you don’t have to because trailers are raised, so it has a lesser possibility for a flood to reach your vehicle. 

Perfect For Newbies

If you’re an inexperienced driver, camping with your off-road campers will be comfortable because you only have to tow the camper and detach it in your chosen site. It is lightweight and durable, so expect it to handle tough terrain gracefully as possible. One driver’s licence and a permit to camp (if necessary) is all you need to go camping.

Easy To Maintain

Unlike motorhomes and RV, you can expect a bare minimum cost of maintenance on your off-road camper trailer, and it is portable enough to fit in a minimum sized garage. The compact nature of camper trailers means that it won’t take too much space in your garage, especially if it’s not in use. 

You’re Always Ready To Hit The Road

If you wake one day and want to jump right off to adventure, you would not have to worry because the off-road camper is always ready wherever you want to go. You don’t have to load and unload your stuff for every trip regularly, so it is prepared at any moment. 

No Need For Bookings Or Reservations

Instead of going online for hotel bookings, reservations and breaking your budget, having an off-road camper will be your budget-friendly accommodation. You can put amenities and necessities into your camper to avoid splurging money for something you can easily install to your camper.

It Can Take You to Pristine Destinations

If you’re going to a remote destination with harsh terrain, you don’t have to worry anymore because off-road campers are designed to take even the toughest ones. Through off roads or hills, you can explore them with the help of your heavy-duty camper trailer. 

What Are Some Disadvantages of A Camper Trailer?

Although having an off-road camper trailer has huge help and benefits, there are also some disadvantages you should think about before buying one. The main problem of camper trailers is you don’t get to ride it while on the road, so all of your travelling companions will have to join you in towing your vehicle until you arrive at your chosen site. 

Towing (Attach and Detach)

Camper trailers are designed to be pulled by a vehicle to move from places. When you reach your destination, you would have to detach your vehicle from the trailer and attach again when leaving. The good thing is, while your wife or other companion is setting up camp, you and the kids can explore the whole place at the same time. 

Reduced Space

Unlike RV and Motorhomes, which have a lot of extra storage spaces for amenities or miscellaneous, camper trailers have less. Narrow spaces mean more minor features compared to larger ones but there is a specific type of camper trailer which has all the amenities but for a higher cost. The organisation is the key to maximise the space you have, and it does not always have too much extra storage.

Not All Versions Are All The Same

Unfortunately, camper trailers do not come with one standard design, sizes and feature. It may come with many different modifications or alterations based on what you want. What you see in your neighbours’ trailer may not be precisely what you get, so look and try as hard as possible to find what is best for you.

Constantly Setting Up

Some camper trailers are not enclosed, so you still have to build a tent on the side or top. But on the good side, if you love setting up tents your way, open trailers are suitable for you.

Not Quite Handy In Certain Weather Conditions

A particular model of camper trailers are open and have tent/awning annexes. Sometimes, it will not be suitable for bad weather conditions such as heavy rain and harsh winds because it may blow up your tent. But always keep mind that no matter how facilitated your camper is if you do not take care of it well, it will only end up in the junk. 

How To Choose The Best Off-Road Camper Trailer For You?

Deciding on where and how to spend a considerable amount of money is crucial, so you must be wise in your choices and be vigilant on your expenses. Choosing the right off-road camper is a must so that you can make the most out of your budget.  

Soft Floor Or Hard Floor Types

Camper trailers have two types: soft floor and hard floor. The soft floor is typically lightweight, cheaper, and most suitable for the smaller family. It has a more extensive internal storage but takes a longer time to set up, pack up, and is more challenging to clean than the hard floor. It has various types of soft floor in the market that will suit your budget, which has extra space and has better flexibility of storage. 

Hard floor types are more suitable for all kinds of terrains, more durable, and commonly chosen by 4WD campers because its base is solid. It is more comfortable to set up, pack up, and convenient to clean. Hard floor base is lifted so that you can ensure the tidiness, and water does not come easily.

Must Be Easy To Tow

Compared to caravans, know that trailers are easier to tow because of its lightweight design. Always remember that you must not overload your trailer so you can pull your trailer finely. If you’re going to the dunes, you can also bring your camper trailer and camp nearby where you can find lovely shade.

Side With Comfort

What is durability if comfort is non-existent? The first thing that you should remember when choosing the best trailer for you must be the comfort. You want to come home to your trailer from an excellent adventure to soothe yourself, so cosy bed and functional kitchen are essential.

Can Go Off-Road

Off-road destinations in Australia offer extraordinary scenic views, adventures and outdoor activities. You want to make sure that your camper can survive in tough grounds because unspoiled destinations are usually the best. 

Try Before You Buy

Choosing the suitable camper trailer for you takes so much effort to find the right one. Ask a friend and try looking inside a trailer so you will know what exactly you can get. Also, consider the number of people that may stay in the trailer, so you can see what size is right. Primary amenities must be regarded as, so if nothing suits your needs, you should look more and do not settle for less. 

Be Wise

If something seems wrong while observing a particular trailer, maybe something is wrong. Sometimes, you have to listen to your guts on choosing the right one for you, especially if you’re buying a used one. What you see isn’t always what you get, so as many as possible, ask questions. Don’t let your money go to waste.

What Are The Must-Haves In Your Off-Road Camper Trailer When Camping?

Before hitting the road and spending a week or two in the wilderness, you must take time to list and check the essentials for your camping and avoid hassle during trips. Make sure that your vehicle is well maintained and it is working well.  

The amenities. Amenities will be your most significant advantage while camping because you can prepare and cook fresh food. You can also unwind in a small common area which can be converted into a bed, storage area for your miscellaneous, and toilets. Moreover, these kinds of amenities are the essential must-haves in a camper trailer:

  • kitchen
  • common area
  • sleeping area
  • storage area
  • toilet

The essentials. Getting the right clothing and other necessities along with you during camping because it will give you comfort and the essence of home. So, during camping, these are the essentials that you must have in your camper and add in your checklist:

  • Outdoor clothing
  • Wet weather gear
  • Socks & underwear
  • Warms clothes
  • Thongs & Shoes
  • Comfortable sleepwear
  • Towels
  • Clean clothes for the trip home
  • Toiletries
  • Camera

Camping gears must always be present in your trailer because the essence of camping is neglected if you refuse to own camping gear. It is suggested that you must have storage that is dedicated only for your camping gears to make sure that it will always be available in your trailer. So, here is the camping gears you must have:

  • Towing gear
  • Spare tyre
  • First aid kit
  • Tarps
  • Cord or rope
  • Awning tents 
  • Camp chairs
  • Table
  • GPS
  • Torchlight
  • Garbage bins/bags

Recovery kit. During camping, especially if you’re going to remote areas where terrains are not 2WD friendly, you should always remember that something might happen. So, do not take your recovery kit away from your trailer because it plays significant rules during camping. So, here is the list of items that you can add in your recovery kit:

  • Entrenching tool
  • Machete
  • Spare batteries
  • Car tool kit
  • Jumper leads
  • Fuel jerry (with fuel)
  • Engine oil
  • Tyre pressure gauge
  • Air compressor
  • Spare tyres
  • Jack & tyre wrench
  • Shovel 

What Are The Best Off-Road Camper Trailer In The Market?

Here are some of the best models of off-road camper trailer:

  • Patriot X1 is a heavy-duty off-road trailer that can accommodate up to large groups and costs around $45,990. It is a convenient vehicle for any types of terrain and has a compact design that can easily be stored in your garage. It is comfortable to tow, easy to set up and to pack up. It has standard inclusions that will sustain and comfort you while on camp, and other modifications and accessories for a better off-road experience. 
  • Trackabout Explorer is an excellent and compact trailer that costs around $30,500. It is a small but mighty walk-up camper that is made by the longest standing Australian manufacturers in off-road camper trailers, so it certainly an Australian standard approved. This camper trailer is perfect for beginners, so this excellent vehicle is helpful for your outback trips. 
  • Cub Brumby is a light and easy to tow camper that costs around $29,490. It has standard inclusions and an off-road pack that are excellent specifications for an off-road trailer. You can also choose and add up some upgrades for your benefits to make your vehicle more comfortable. It is light to tow, hard-floor, and an excellent functional kitchen, so it is guaranteed that you can cook fresh food. 
  • Track Tvan Canning is a versatile camper trailer that costs around $67,490. It has a queen-sized bed, slide-out stainless kitchen and various features that has all the things you need in terms of outback camping. This camper trailer is a good investment, but it can only fit two people maximum. So, if you’re a couple and travelling cross-country, this is the trailer for you. 
  • Jayco Eagle Outback is a camper trailer that is famous for its high-quality standard and costs around $28,990. Even for its popularity, it is affordable and has a good layout that emphases a good value camper trailer. It has excellent features such as a four-burner cooktop, tent section, and so much more. So, if you have a large family, this is the trailer that will satisfy your camping needs.
  • Cub Campers Frontier is a certified Australian standard approved camper trailer that costs around $35,990. It is a fold forward camper that is perfect for an off-road journey and will give you great comfort while camping. This camper trailer is a durable and high performance, so you don’t have to worry about tough terrains. 
  • Walkabout Campers is a decent quality Australian standard approved camper trailer that costs around $6000. It’s an impressive yet straightforward camper trailer that has a built-in awning tent. For a camper trailer, this one belongs to the cheapest ones because it does not have a fridge nor a kitchen, but this is not the worse one. 

Related Questions

Are Camper Trailers Worth It?

Yes. An excellent off-road camper trailer can take you to isolated places though it also has disadvantages compared to other types of caravans. Overall, it is a good investment, and you can explore the beautiful coastlines and national parks of Australia through this.

What Is The Best Month To Buy A Travel Trailer?

The best time to buy a travel trailer is during winter months because prices for trailers usually drop this time. October and November are the particular best months to buy a trailer.

James Mitchell

Hi, I’m Jimmy Mitchell and I love exploring this great country with my wife and two boys. I have a 2015 Sterling LX that is the Mitchell Family camping machine. Lets Getaway is the website where I share things about my trailer as I learn them, and help other camper owners to enjoy their RV even more.

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