I've got an M1102 trailer that I was about to start converting to a offroad camping trailer. To me it seems like the perfect base upon which to start a project like this. To me the best aspect of the trailer is the ability to disconnect it from your trail rig and leave it at a "basecamp" - whereas with the RTT setup, if you go mobile, you have to take down and setup again. Also, if you want to "daily" your rig - a trailer makes that proposition a lot more practical.
@@nothingtoseaheardammit once you hit 60,and want to get back to tent camping, you Definitely enjoy the little creature comforts of these types of trailers! As I need a hard sided "Tent" on wheels for camping in Bear Country with my little Chiuhwa dog,tent camping with a small Yappy dog just makes you a "Gift Wrapped " Meat Snack! Hence, the hard sided trailer! 🤣🤣🤣🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@DirtLifestyle Hey Nate, ever think about using the back half of a Disco? I wanted to build a pop up out of the bottom rear of a 2 dr XJ to pull behind my 4dr XJ. Paint body lines and wheel tires all matching.
Thanks for being honest about the biggest con. $20k is a lot of money. That money could buy a TON of amazing camping gear with enough money left over a nice lift and winch for your rig. Oh, and a 500 mag if you’re that concerned about bears lol.
Thanks for the video! A few thoughts: I have run both trailers and RTT’s off road. One of the best aspects of the trailer is the ability to leave it at camp and have a lighter rig for a day trip use. However it’s totally a pain in the butt to drag trailers through technical terrain. It also takes up a lot more ground space to find for camping. Also pretty challenging to turn around if you encounter a fallen tree that is too big to deal with. Solution: for me I use a trailer on known locations and for exploration I choose to use a rooftop tent rig.
I built a cargo conversion out of a 6x8 cargo trailer. 3500 bux to buy in. Most important factor is my wife loves it! We actually use it alot as a bedroom when we go on trips and visit family. It's nice to have your own space for a week at the in-laws house...
Cargo trailer conversion is the way to go if you have the time and skills. You can build a palace on wheels for less than $10k. 6x8 or 6x10 are good sizes.
i bought a 1967 m416 trailer and had a lid made for it, put a roof top tent on it... it's awesome! just a empty trailer for my gear so no cool stuff like kitchen or running water, but getting all that "crap" out of my jeep was a game changer.
As a TJ owner with a wife and kids I was basically forced in to buying a trailer. We pull a 1945 Batam T3 behind our Jeep and I couldn’t be happier. Allows us to bring the stuff we need and keeps the weight off the Jeep itself.
@@DirtLifestyle my personal experience, is depending on the people you take and your setup. So for me I take totes and bins and unload it. It's a bit of a chore but the cost difference, I can do some moving. As far as four wheeling, yes you'll have to take it down. So there's pros and cons.. then again, it's less then 5% of the cost of a trailer like that
I’ve got a bed tent for my ‘83 GMC K2500. When the tent is rolled up it actually fits behind my seat. And if I decide I want to go wheeling I don’t actually have to take down the tent, I just unhook the straps from the bed and lift the tent out and set it on the ground at my campsite 👍
@@stevej6824 I could probably do that too.. it's a bathtub floor so it could double as a ground tent.. good thinkin..I think I'm at $500 for everything so far.. big buddy heater, bed tent, air mattress that's contoured to the bed, a lantern, and fan👍
I have a gladiator with a rooftop tent and a decked system in the box. Then I bought a 99 Ranger pickup that I converted to a trailer . I put a bicycle rack on top. Hauls the generator, cooking gear, cooking table and other stuff to keep weight off my gladiator. I also put 35 inch tires to match the Gladiator. I don't regret making the trailer and it looks nice with the gladiator.
I've been camping most of my life. With a TJ, I use just a ground tent. I can't see spending $2k on a tent plus another $1.5k for a strong enough roof rack to support it.
I agree with you (jk&tent), i thought of contacting these manufacturers to see about getting just a shell on frame and finnising it myself, - alot of add ons.
The weight is the main reason I'm looking at the trailer. My 2019 Ranger is my daily driver. I just need to find a trailer that I can make into what I want. Batteries, water, cooking, and all the needs and wants, and then disconnect it when I'm not using it. And I don't want something that will come to equal the cost of my truck. Hmmm.
“If it’s just you and a dog you can definitely get away with way less gear than the rest of us, but I’ve got two kids I want to keep comfortable. I’ve got a wife I want to keep comfortable.” It’s really good to see a UA-camr say this. Overlanding/camping with a spouse and kids is completely different than doing it alone. When we go on trips I often joke that we look like we’re staging a reenactment of the D-Day invasion. Purchasing a trailer really improved the comfort for my wife and kids……and me too. However, I never bring the trailer if I’m going on a solo trip.
I got ripped off, I spent way more than 30 dollars on my tent. I could see the trailer thing but definetly more maintenance. The what kind of trails are you riding and how many people do you have to keep entertained part comes to mind. Good show though! and i'm just a camper😊
My 2018 Jeep JLU Rubicon manual has been a 4-year build, which is pretty simple. I don't use an RTT or a trailer. I just throw my 6-inch foldable mattress, on top of my Goose Gear platform in the back, and pull the front passenger seat up. Now, I did install a Frontrunner rack and have 2 Roam Adventures cases for my gear.
Another option with a roof-top tent is mounting it on a truck bed if you have a truck (Tacoma or whatever). Bed rack height choices will help in deciding if you want to mount it at the height of the cab or above the cab (changing vehicle weight distribution). Another great viseo Nate!
I love an RTT on my jeep so I can have full freedom to get to those awesome but difficult to access camp spots. However, it’s not as nimble as it is without it and the gear. Two things I’ve done is buy back-packing type gear to keep the weight down and I also removed the massively heavy mattress in favor of top quality ThermaRest mattresses. I added a full sheet of BedRug foam padding for the base. I saved 20lbs of top heavy weight in doing so.
Good overview video and you covered some great points of both the trailer and RTT. Very even handed video of pros and cons. Another big pro for the trailer is that once you get to your campsite and disconnect the trailer you still have your vehicle to run around in. You don't have that option with the RTT without packing it back up.
I think the way to go with trailers is the base station concept. No sleeping space inside, everything is water tanks, kitchen, gas portage and storage space. Go in on something like that with a bunch of mates, use it as a base to camp around and have your vehicles lighter and more capable for day trips out from base camp.
Great video as always Nate. I don't think I've ever seen a poor quality video released by you. I've done up to month long trips using a tent on the ground and I can tell you, that gets beyond exhausting. If it's just me I don't really care what my sleeping accommodations are but when taking the fam... One of these trailers would be a godsend.
Thanks! I completely agree. On long trips, set up and take down are super important and when you add a family in the mix you want desperately to keep everyone comfortable 👍
The wife and I have been looking at trailer options for a couple years. Caught you dragging the Mammoth around in the Trail Recon vids. Long story short, tracked the folks at Mammoth down, had a nice visit with Bill and put our reservation in and now the wait begins. Sure glad they let you take it out and looking forward to when you get to show off a production unit!
Great Summary and Objective comparison. Each methodology has it's place and you did a good analysis and commentary on Pros & Cons. If you have a pet that travels with you, then depending upon size and weight, rooftop or trailer is a serious consideration. Thank you for filming and sharing.
I have pretty much the same Taco you do. 2017 TRD OR. I'm also on stock tires, rims, suspension, and have sliders. No winch for now. In 2019 I did three weeks solo in Utah, Idaho, & Montana, camping on the ground with a large tent and a queen cot. It worked good, and I did the 90 miles of the White Rim trail during this trip with no problem. The trip had me wanting more comfort. My big considerations were #1 my taco is my daily driver. I live in Memphis TN and I only have one vehicle. #2 I whitewater kayak, which is a gravity sport and requires the ability to shuttle. I really wanted a roof top tent, but the necessity of constantly mounting and un-mounting it on my daily driver was a negative. Having the tent on the truck would also limit the number of boats I could haul for shuttling, and finally having to break down the tent every time I used the truck on a paddling trip was a huge negative. I ended up with a Hiker Trailer Extreme Off Road. They make off road models that start at $8800 and go up depending on what you want. Mine was 18K and is pretty well set up. With daily driving and a large amount of annual highway miles, my setup is a really good compromise when it comes to off road ability. I have yet to get it out on a big trip, and most of my off road with it has been forest service roads. My TV setup is really weather limited when it comes to off road travel, especially with a trailer, but for now it is the best setup for me.
Wife and I slept in the back of our $3,500 3rd Gen 4Runner for 30 days over 6,500 miles through 12 States, 12 National parks, and 16 State line crossing all for the price of gas haha. Sleeping pad in the back, stove in the front seat when you sleep, stove in the back when we drive. There’s always a cheap way! :) free camping on BLM land matters :D
haha, bring your Fata.. down the ladder. Seriously big Pro for the Trailer is you can leave it places and then do your off roading, exploring, meet ups without the knockdown and set up 2 or 3 times a day.
Ive been trying to figure out how I can wheel with all 4 kids and the mrs, then a light bulb went off that I watch a guy build a really cool disco that comes with 7 seats...I might be following in your footsteps haha
Brother I'm with you...have 4 kids, a wife, and a 7-seater disco...Nate's spot on when he says the more comfortable everyone is, the longer the trip...up till now we've only tent camped and about half our trips on east coast have been cut short due to the rain soaking everything we own, to include pillows! haha Now wife refuses to go out unless we get a trailer, and I'm finally on board with that!
@@adventureodyssey8959 I have a m101 trailer that Im planning on building a rack for a tent. I dont really like anything newer than the LR2, dont like the way they look really. I heard the 2 came with a 5 cyl diesel but I have yet to see one
The 7 seats in the disco is a HUGE selling point for this platform. Add a trailer and you have the best of both worlds 🙌. With 4 kiddos it's about as good as it gets 👍
A good balanced assessment. I am a trailer overlander, because after a glass of wine or two and toilet during the night, definitely the trailer is a good choice. I would say that off-roading / rough tracks can be easier in a roof tent setup. Maybe a video to consider for the future.
Nate. Nice first attempt by 'Mammoth' ! Can understand the direction Stateside for a camper trailer with a solid body, as it needs to accommodate the vicarious weather conditions like heat to snow ? V.
I’ve got a 12 ft weeroll wrangler, I love being able to disconnect from my car and keep all my camping stuff ready to go on my trailer. Plus I’m not into overlanding just camping.
Also if you are with a group and your staying in on spot for a few days. With a rooftop tent you have to pack up everyday if you go somewhere. With a trailer you can leave it set up and not worry about it. Its all in the ease of camping.
Okay Nate,,, perspective is in the eye of the beholder.🤷♂️ Both are not in my financial wheelhouse. Plus,, climbing in and out of the top tent is a drag. Plus the excess weight up high! Can you hear the controversy! Yikes! Yes there are cheaper and more convenient options. These are just another expensive Overlanding Fad IMHO. Great subject anyway. Cheers 🍻 G.
Just got back from my first trip with my fiberglass M416, took the tent off my LJ and put it on the trailer. Great option for base camping, will still use the tent on the jeep when through wheeling.
Nate, I'd love to see you build a teardrop one day. I built my own off-road teardrop trailer to pull behind my 2 door Wrangler. Since cargo space is definitely an issue it's the perfect setup for me, and I'm only in it about $3000. Mine has lasted over 20,000 miles without issue and it's mostly wood. With your fabrication skill you could have one bulletproof trailer for a couple grand in supplies.
22k holy cow I have 15k wrapped up in my used dodge 2500 4x4 and a used arctic fox 990 been a great set up not the best for off road but it gets us out there.
Good video Nate. I have different set ups. An off road camper for full family set ups, roof top tent for 2 people, and a swag for when I'm solo. All useful, but the trailer and the rooftop tent have been idle for a couple of years now.👎
Thanks for covering this... while I don't think I've learned anything new (for me), I DID learn that Overland Expo Mtn West is just "up the street" from me so I can finally make it to one of these even if my family doesn't wish to attend. (c: (Trailer-wise, I have an old 1940s "Ben Hur" trailer I'm working on kitting as an overland trailer, your fab videos are inspiring.) Thanks Nate!
You should do a video series and try to build your own off-road trailer from scratch or from an existing trailer. Maybe an old boat trailer or something similar.
I've got a harbor freight utility trailer that I want to convert to an overland trailer. I have most of what I need to start, I just need to wrap up a couple other projects 👍
Toilet facilities? This may be a high priority for many. Where practical, it's often a good idea to use the same wheels on the trailer as the tow vehicle - it's an additional spare and, if worst comes to worst and you've run out of spares,, you can fit the trailer with the flats and the tow vehicle with the remaining good tyres and drag the trailer out on the rims - much harder when it's the tow vehicle that's run out of good tyres.
a pro for the trailer or Con for Rooftop I didn't hear was the set up and leave .. you can set your camp up .. then drive to the store or trailing .. the rooftop needs to be broken down and set up every time you need to use your vehicle - Do both if you have Kids or get into a dispute with the spouse .. haha
I used to go on 2 week trips on my motorcycle. Now I'm getting older I'm looking at an alu cab canopy camper for my Tacoma and pulling my motorcycle to where I want to go
@@DirtLifestyle Use a small cargo trailer as a starting point. Under $4k for initial investment (for a new trailer). It gives you an aluminum skinned box that you can do anything with.
great video explaining the pros and cons I personally built my own overland trailer and am just getting into this awesome world of overlanding. I really like the swing out kitchen idea in that trailer. In a future video fabrication of good sealing doors on a trailer like this would be helpful. the doors is where I struggled to most in my build
That's the question of the day with dovetail of the video with Brad: What rig and what setup? Used or new vehicle? by the time you outfit your rig on an older vehicle it may become quite older in the end, a new one you don't want to beat up but by the time you get outfitted you're just at break in mileage. Good stuff Nate!
So I just learned about you probably 2 weeks ago and I really like how you set your episodes up and the type of content you talk about. It's kinda crazy to think you only have 216k subs. Your episodes are well thought out and planned out nicely, so it seems like you've been doing this for a while. Plus I feel like I could kick it with this guy, he's cool as shit.
Always a good discussion, thanks for the video. I run a TJ with a TC Teardrop that I take everywhere and the cost was no where near the Mammoth, but it is also a different trailer. Great to have the extra space and able to detach when staying in one spot for a few days.
Nice trailer. But the hinge kitchen seems weird since the space you get while open is useless. should be just a tailgate that open and act as a roof while cooking. Much simple, cheaper. Also air circulation seems limited, in hot summer it must be very hot. Solar panels should also be on top 24/7 so it charge a lipo battery inside so you get power at night and fan ventilation.
I’ve been looking at this camper for a few months now. Price jumped up $5,000. They may be coming out with a clamshell top so can be inside w/ headroom. If so, & can get awnings w/ sides I may get it.
I currently have a ground tent and want a bare hard shell trailer and finish it out with what i need. My only reason to upgrade what i got is spring/fall camping is cold up here (alberta CA)
Currently i sleep in the back of my wj…not very well. Im waiting for expo east to check out RTT’s. I look at a RTT as a stop gap to a “teardrop”. My biggest issue is that my Jeep is my daily and I really don’t want all the weight in there semi permanently. It would be very nice to have all my gear ready to go at any time and all i have to do is not forget food.
Oh man, I wish there was a budget version of the trailer so I could buy this as a teen, because I want to go on a road trip with my buddy trough the mountains, once we both get our driver’s license
One other option is to use a trailer to "camp" at a trail start, then do day trail runs from the trailer (campsite). This obviously does not work on one way trails (like the Rubicon), so it depends on what kind of trails and routes one travels on.
Very informative video. That is what I love about this channel. Explains all 3 options for over landing. I do see the benefits of each. The trailer seems like to me the best option or option I would prefer to keep my over landing rigs weight down. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Another benefit of a trailer vs a RTT: If you want to run tougher trails you can drop the trailer at the trailhead, have your fun, and come back for it later. You can't easily do that with a RTT.
I just use a truck camper on a 4wd dually pickup, towing my toys on a trailer behind it... I can get pretty far into the back country as long as there are no overly low tree branches.
you should also mention prices for roof top and everything else on your truck.. because it's not 24K vs 0 its 24k vs 4-8K minimum But really well articulated conversation. Thanks
Simple advantage of the trailer vs RTT; when you get to the campsite, just park the trailer and if you want to go wheeling, just go. RTT, you get to the campsite, put the tent up. You want to go wheeling, you have to put the tent down.
I’m converting my old dump trailer to a flat deck so I can throw a pop up tent trailer on that and have room for the side by side and dirt bikes, then with the tent trailer frame I’m putting a deck on that so I can haul stuff for day trips
Personally I grab my bakcpacking gear and chuck it in the truck. I just like seeing others opinions for these fancier setups. Can't do a rooftop tent since the wife doesn't do heights. The trailer is kinda appealing as something to use as a basecamp, venture out and then come back. But I doubt my little 90 horsepower Toyota will pull anything long distance well.
I do like an off road trailer camper because it is a lot more useful in actual use when out in the wild. A roof top tent is cool when bunkering down and not going anywhere else the rest of the time you’re at camp, but in actual use in the wild, it’s kind of a pita when you set it all up at camp, then if you want to go explore and you now have to pack up just to be able to go explore, then have to set up again when you come back to camp from exploring. With a trailer, when you get to camp, unhook it from your vehicle, and you can take your vehicle exploring without worrying about your camp set up. The trailer allows a camp set up to remain stationary while you go explore.This is the biggest downfall of a roof top tent or any all on one unit that’s all attached to your main vehicle.
Nate... Love the content brother but jesus 22,500 ? Whats a base can am maverick x3 go for ? Cause as a fab guy i feel like the trailer is not worth the cost. But to each their own and keep up the great work brother.
I was about to say this. Off-road trailers cost more a lot more than they cost to build haha. Also a pick up bed can make your trailer cost little to nothing
It's all in the context of what your budget is and what you are doing. I think the sxs crowd and overlanding crowd are two very different groups of people lol. So a cost comparison isn't exactly applicable between the two groups BUT interms of material cost have you seen the prices on aluminum lately? I'm looking at this trailer and I'm seeing 10+k material/axles/paint, hinges, window's, doors, rivets ect. Plus a fridge, sink, water pump, wiring, deep cycle battery, solar panel, wheel and tires. But the biggest cost if I was putting this together for a customer would be labor. To measure design and build this would take a TON of hours. And you need to get it inspected/licensed and slap a warranty on it. 22k is a ton of money for a camping trailer but when you look at the cost to build this and compare it to what else is out there I think it's actually pretty competitive. And I'm not sitting here defending Mammoth lol this is my opinion based on the fact that I build a lot of stuff from scratch. The aluminum is honestly the biggest difference. I bought a brand new truck bed camper for 20k a few years back. But it was all made from super cheap plywood and vinyl. That brings the cost down considerably on stuff like this👍
Great video, but for me it's the trailer, my trail rig is also my daily driver so saving weight also means saving gas during the week. But even this sweet little rig to expensive, probably whys there's diy videos instead of owner reviews.
man i wish i could even get a rooftop tent lol. i am lucky enough to be past the 30 dollar tent and sleeping bag but dang am i ready to get off the cold rocky ground
I have the best of both worlds - home made off road capable trailer with a roof top tent on top of it 🤪
I got a trailer frame I am doing this with in the near future. Sourcing axles to match up my truck wheels at the moment then off to the build process.
Even if you don't go home made, you can get a RTT trailer that can hold all your gear, have a power system, hot water, etc for $10-15k.
Exactly, I've got an old Aerotow with a Tepui on a homemade rack. 35" tires and articulating hitch. I'm $2600 into it!
I've got an M1102 trailer that I was about to start converting to a offroad camping trailer. To me it seems like the perfect base upon which to start a project like this. To me the best aspect of the trailer is the ability to disconnect it from your trail rig and leave it at a "basecamp" - whereas with the RTT setup, if you go mobile, you have to take down and setup again. Also, if you want to "daily" your rig - a trailer makes that proposition a lot more practical.
@YJ Overlander Canada Facts 👍
That's why we use a ground tent, once camp is set up you can move your car around as you like. But it's starting to get uncomfortable sometimes.
@@mazevx2451 Once you hit 40 years old, you start to appreciate the benefits of small comforts :)
@@nothingtoseaheardammit once you hit 60,and want to get back to tent camping, you Definitely enjoy the little creature comforts of these types of trailers! As I need a hard sided "Tent" on wheels for camping in Bear Country with my little Chiuhwa dog,tent camping with a small Yappy dog just makes you a "Gift Wrapped " Meat Snack!
Hence, the hard sided trailer! 🤣🤣🤣🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@CJLane-62 I don’t think it is a huge problem for a griz or even an average black bear to “open” a trailer
I think being able to drop the trailer and setup camp and have the vehicle to run around in is a lot easier.
Personally, I’d LOVE to see you build your own trailer.
I will! I just need to wrap up a few other projects 👍
That would be a very "followed" project. Welded aluminum. Off road axles. Off grid.
@@DirtLifestyle Hey Nate, ever think about using the back half of a Disco? I wanted to build a pop up out of the bottom rear of a 2 dr XJ to pull behind my 4dr XJ. Paint body lines and wheel tires all matching.
@@DirtLifestyle Oh Boy - I'm looking forward to this build!
Thanks for being honest about the biggest con. $20k is a lot of money. That money could buy a TON of amazing camping gear with enough money left over a nice lift and winch for your rig. Oh, and a 500 mag if you’re that concerned about bears lol.
*you're.
Thanks for the video! A few thoughts: I have run both trailers and RTT’s off road. One of the best aspects of the trailer is the ability to leave it at camp and have a lighter rig for a day trip use. However it’s totally a pain in the butt to drag trailers through technical terrain. It also takes up a lot more ground space to find for camping. Also pretty challenging to turn around if you encounter a fallen tree that is too big to deal with. Solution: for me I use a trailer on known locations and for exploration I choose to use a rooftop tent rig.
I built a cargo conversion out of a 6x8 cargo trailer. 3500 bux to buy in. Most important factor is my wife loves it! We actually use it alot as a bedroom when we go on trips and visit family. It's nice to have your own space for a week at the in-laws house...
Cargo trailer conversion is the way to go if you have the time and skills. You can build a palace on wheels for less than $10k. 6x8 or 6x10 are good sizes.
There’s a time in everyone’s life for sleeping outdoors under the stars. For all other times, there are rooftop tents, camper trailers and hotels :)
i bought a 1967 m416 trailer and had a lid made for it, put a roof top tent on it... it's awesome! just a empty trailer for my gear so no cool stuff like kitchen or running water, but getting all that "crap" out of my jeep was a game changer.
As a TJ owner with a wife and kids I was basically forced in to buying a trailer. We pull a 1945 Batam T3 behind our Jeep and I couldn’t be happier. Allows us to bring the stuff we need and keeps the weight off the Jeep itself.
I know the TJ struggle well lol
Don't forget bed tents..good affordable option
I've always liked the idea of bed tents! But where do you keep your gear? Do you just pull everything out to setup the tent?
@@DirtLifestyle my personal experience, is depending on the people you take and your setup. So for me I take totes and bins and unload it. It's a bit of a chore but the cost difference, I can do some moving. As far as four wheeling, yes you'll have to take it down. So there's pros and cons.. then again, it's less then 5% of the cost of a trailer like that
@@gregleblond6039 the bed tent is WAY lighter then a RTT or a trailer as well. Definitely a good option for the right person 👍
I’ve got a bed tent for my ‘83 GMC K2500.
When the tent is rolled up it actually fits behind my seat.
And if I decide I want to go wheeling I don’t actually have to take down the tent, I just unhook the straps from the bed and lift the tent out and set it on the ground at my campsite 👍
@@stevej6824 I could probably do that too.. it's a bathtub floor so it could double as a ground tent.. good thinkin..I think I'm at $500 for everything so far.. big buddy heater, bed tent, air mattress that's contoured to the bed, a lantern, and fan👍
Good video bud, also the awnings normally have the option of adding walls for that earth level sleeping in a couple of cots.
I have a gladiator with a rooftop tent and a decked system in the box. Then I bought a 99 Ranger pickup that I converted to a trailer . I put a bicycle rack on top. Hauls the generator, cooking gear, cooking table and other stuff to keep weight off my gladiator. I also put 35 inch tires to match the Gladiator. I don't regret making the trailer and it looks nice with the gladiator.
I've been camping most of my life. With a TJ, I use just a ground tent. I can't see spending $2k on a tent plus another $1.5k for a strong enough roof rack to support it.
It's definitely not for everyone but on a long trip it makes a huge difference 👍
I agree with you (jk&tent), i thought of contacting these manufacturers to see about getting just a shell on frame and finnising it myself, - alot of add ons.
I would of thought you would build your own .camper trailer. Iam ordering the diy plans for a camper.
@@jasonh4167 im getting ready to build one out of an army trailer
I bought a rooftop tent for $1600 and made my own rack for $100. It's my profile pic by the way.
The weight is the main reason I'm looking at the trailer. My 2019 Ranger is my daily driver. I just need to find a trailer that I can make into what I want. Batteries, water, cooking, and all the needs and wants, and then disconnect it when I'm not using it. And I don't want something that will come to equal the cost of my truck. Hmmm.
There is a lot of room between a $30 tent and a $22k trailer.
Good timing on this video. I’m exactly in this spot as I’m buying a new rig and trying to balance weight, capability and comfort for longer trips.
What a straight comparison - I really appreciate this video. Thank you!
“If it’s just you and a dog you can definitely get away with way less gear than the rest of us, but I’ve got two kids I want to keep comfortable. I’ve got a wife I want to keep comfortable.”
It’s really good to see a UA-camr say this. Overlanding/camping with a spouse and kids is completely different than doing it alone. When we go on trips I often joke that we look like we’re staging a reenactment of the D-Day invasion. Purchasing a trailer really improved the comfort for my wife and kids……and me too. However, I never bring the trailer if I’m going on a solo trip.
I got ripped off, I spent way more than 30 dollars on my tent.
I could see the trailer thing but definetly more maintenance. The what kind of trails are you riding and how many people do you have to keep entertained part comes to mind.
Good show though! and i'm just a camper😊
I think its worth mentioning as the aussies do, if you are in an area for a few days, you can unhook all that weight, and come back to it later
You have answered so many questions. Thank you.👍
Thanks for watching 👍
My 2018 Jeep JLU Rubicon manual has been a 4-year build, which is pretty simple. I don't use an RTT or a trailer. I just throw my 6-inch foldable mattress, on top of my Goose Gear platform in the back, and pull the front passenger seat up.
Now, I did install a Frontrunner rack and have 2 Roam Adventures cases for my gear.
Another option with a roof-top tent is mounting it on a truck bed if you have a truck (Tacoma or whatever). Bed rack height choices will help in deciding if you want to mount it at the height of the cab or above the cab (changing vehicle weight distribution). Another great viseo Nate!
I love an RTT on my jeep so I can have full freedom to get to those awesome but difficult to access camp spots. However, it’s not as nimble as it is without it and the gear. Two things I’ve done is buy back-packing type gear to keep the weight down and I also removed the massively heavy mattress in favor of top quality ThermaRest mattresses. I added a full sheet of BedRug foam padding for the base. I saved 20lbs of top heavy weight in doing so.
Nice! We try to use light weight gear as well. I'm lucky to have been into backpacking before overlanding because alot of the gear translated well 👍
I would say either a gazelle ground tent or check out Hiker Trailers
I've got a Hiker EOR. I love it!
We really like our gazelle 👍
Good overview video and you covered some great points of both the trailer and RTT. Very even handed video of pros and cons. Another big pro for the trailer is that once you get to your campsite and disconnect the trailer you still have your vehicle to run around in. You don't have that option with the RTT without packing it back up.
I think the way to go with trailers is the base station concept. No sleeping space inside, everything is water tanks, kitchen, gas portage and storage space. Go in on something like that with a bunch of mates, use it as a base to camp around and have your vehicles lighter and more capable for day trips out from base camp.
Great video as always Nate. I don't think I've ever seen a poor quality video released by you. I've done up to month long trips using a tent on the ground and I can tell you, that gets beyond exhausting. If it's just me I don't really care what my sleeping accommodations are but when taking the fam... One of these trailers would be a godsend.
Thanks!
I completely agree. On long trips, set up and take down are super important and when you add a family in the mix you want desperately to keep everyone comfortable 👍
the real kicker is how many times you have to setup and teardown. if you are stationary for awhile then a ground tent aint so bad.
The wife and I have been looking at trailer options for a couple years. Caught you dragging the Mammoth around in the Trail Recon vids. Long story short, tracked the folks at Mammoth down, had a nice visit with Bill and put our reservation in and now the wait begins. Sure glad they let you take it out and looking forward to when you get to show off a production unit!
Great Summary and Objective comparison. Each methodology has it's place and you did a good analysis and commentary on Pros & Cons. If you have a pet that travels with you, then depending upon size and weight, rooftop or trailer is a serious consideration. Thank you for filming and sharing.
I have been tent camping every spring. If I would choose, it would be the camping trailer. Perfect size, and way wormer than a tent.
I have pretty much the same Taco you do. 2017 TRD OR. I'm also on stock tires, rims, suspension, and have sliders. No winch for now. In 2019 I did three weeks solo in Utah, Idaho, & Montana, camping on the ground with a large tent and a queen cot. It worked good, and I did the 90 miles of the White Rim trail during this trip with no problem. The trip had me wanting more comfort. My big considerations were #1 my taco is my daily driver. I live in Memphis TN and I only have one vehicle. #2 I whitewater kayak, which is a gravity sport and requires the ability to shuttle. I really wanted a roof top tent, but the necessity of constantly mounting and un-mounting it on my daily driver was a negative. Having the tent on the truck would also limit the number of boats I could haul for shuttling, and finally having to break down the tent every time I used the truck on a paddling trip was a huge negative. I ended up with a Hiker Trailer Extreme Off Road. They make off road models that start at $8800 and go up depending on what you want. Mine was 18K and is pretty well set up. With daily driving and a large amount of annual highway miles, my setup is a really good compromise when it comes to off road ability. I have yet to get it out on a big trip, and most of my off road with it has been forest service roads. My TV setup is really weather limited when it comes to off road travel, especially with a trailer, but for now it is the best setup for me.
Thank you, man. This was honest, straightforward, helpful. You're real. I appreciate that.
It's definitely cool but 22.5 in to my wheeling rig would be my personal choice 🇺🇸
Wife and I slept in the back of our $3,500 3rd Gen 4Runner for 30 days over 6,500 miles through 12 States, 12 National parks, and 16 State line crossing all for the price of gas haha. Sleeping pad in the back, stove in the front seat when you sleep, stove in the back when we drive. There’s always a cheap way! :) free camping on BLM land matters :D
We definitely need a follow up to the Mammoth trailer!
haha, bring your Fata.. down the ladder. Seriously big Pro for the Trailer is you can leave it places and then do your off roading, exploring, meet ups without the knockdown and set up 2 or 3 times a day.
Ive been trying to figure out how I can wheel with all 4 kids and the mrs, then a light bulb went off that I watch a guy build a really cool disco that comes with 7 seats...I might be following in your footsteps haha
Brother I'm with you...have 4 kids, a wife, and a 7-seater disco...Nate's spot on when he says the more comfortable everyone is, the longer the trip...up till now we've only tent camped and about half our trips on east coast have been cut short due to the rain soaking everything we own, to include pillows! haha Now wife refuses to go out unless we get a trailer, and I'm finally on board with that!
@@adventureodyssey8959 I have a m101 trailer that Im planning on building a rack for a tent. I dont really like anything newer than the LR2, dont like the way they look really. I heard the 2 came with a 5 cyl diesel but I have yet to see one
The 7 seats in the disco is a HUGE selling point for this platform. Add a trailer and you have the best of both worlds 🙌. With 4 kiddos it's about as good as it gets 👍
@@DirtLifestyle IDK if I can make mine half as cool or outfitted as yours though!
A good balanced assessment. I am a trailer overlander, because after a glass of wine or two and toilet during the night, definitely the trailer is a good choice. I would say that off-roading / rough tracks can be easier in a roof tent setup. Maybe a video to consider for the future.
Nate. Nice first attempt by 'Mammoth' ! Can understand the direction Stateside for a camper trailer with a solid body, as it needs to accommodate the vicarious weather conditions like heat to snow ? V.
I’ve got a 12 ft weeroll wrangler, I love being able to disconnect from my car and keep all my camping stuff ready to go on my trailer. Plus I’m not into overlanding just camping.
Also if you are with a group and your staying in on spot for a few days. With a rooftop tent you have to pack up everyday if you go somewhere. With a trailer you can leave it set up and not worry about it. Its all in the ease of camping.
Maybe cover the most hairy situations with a trailer you've encountered: getting stuck, trailer breaking down.
Okay Nate,,,
perspective is in the eye of the beholder.🤷♂️
Both are not in my financial wheelhouse. Plus,, climbing in and out of the top tent is a drag. Plus the excess weight up high!
Can you hear the controversy! Yikes!
Yes there are cheaper and more convenient options. These are just another expensive Overlanding Fad IMHO.
Great subject anyway.
Cheers 🍻 G.
Just got back from my first trip with my fiberglass M416, took the tent off my LJ and put it on the trailer. Great option for base camping, will still use the tent on the jeep when through wheeling.
Nate, I'd love to see you build a teardrop one day. I built my own off-road teardrop trailer to pull behind my 2 door Wrangler. Since cargo space is definitely an issue it's the perfect setup for me, and I'm only in it about $3000. Mine has lasted over 20,000 miles without issue and it's mostly wood. With your fabrication skill you could have one bulletproof trailer for a couple grand in supplies.
A friend of mine has a military trailer that he modified to hold a rooftop tent and has a ton of storage under it. It works well for him.
22k holy cow I have 15k wrapped up in my used dodge 2500 4x4 and a used arctic fox 990 been a great set up not the best for off road but it gets us out there.
Just started building my square drop camper it’s coming together very well so excited for adventures
Good video Nate.
I have different set ups.
An off road camper for full family set ups, roof top tent for 2 people, and a swag for when I'm solo. All useful, but the trailer and the rooftop tent have been idle for a couple of years now.👎
Thanks for covering this... while I don't think I've learned anything new (for me), I DID learn that Overland Expo Mtn West is just "up the street" from me so I can finally make it to one of these even if my family doesn't wish to attend. (c: (Trailer-wise, I have an old 1940s "Ben Hur" trailer I'm working on kitting as an overland trailer, your fab videos are inspiring.) Thanks Nate!
You should do a video series and try to build your own off-road trailer from scratch or from an existing trailer. Maybe an old boat trailer or something similar.
I've got a harbor freight utility trailer that I want to convert to an overland trailer. I have most of what I need to start, I just need to wrap up a couple other projects 👍
Toilet facilities? This may be a high priority for many.
Where practical, it's often a good idea to use the same wheels on the trailer as the tow vehicle - it's an additional spare and, if worst comes to worst and you've run out of spares,, you can fit the trailer with the flats and the tow vehicle with the remaining good tyres and drag the trailer out on the rims - much harder when it's the tow vehicle that's run out of good tyres.
a pro for the trailer or Con for Rooftop I didn't hear was the set up and leave .. you can set your camp up .. then drive to the store or trailing .. the rooftop needs to be broken down and set up every time you need to use your vehicle - Do both if you have Kids or get into a dispute with the spouse .. haha
I used to go on 2 week trips on my motorcycle. Now I'm getting older I'm looking at an alu cab canopy camper for my Tacoma and pulling my motorcycle to where I want to go
Nice lead in Nate....soo, how do we build it for a quarter of that price? Come on, I know your thinking about it.
Lol I wish. Material costs right now make this out of my budget to build. Have you seen the price on a sheet of aluminum? It's insane
Yeah, it is. My old man owns puget sound recycling, scrap prices are through the roof.
@@DirtLifestyle Use a small cargo trailer as a starting point. Under $4k for initial investment (for a new trailer). It gives you an aluminum skinned box that you can do anything with.
great video explaining the pros and cons I personally built my own overland trailer and am just getting into this awesome world of overlanding. I really like the swing out kitchen idea in that trailer. In a future video fabrication of good sealing doors on a trailer like this would be helpful. the doors is where I struggled to most in my build
That's the question of the day with dovetail of the video with Brad: What rig and what setup? Used or new vehicle? by the time you outfit your rig on an older vehicle it may become quite older in the end, a new one you don't want to beat up but by the time you get outfitted you're just at break in mileage. Good stuff Nate!
Video timing couldn’t be more perfect! This is a question I’ve been struggling with as I’m going to start a build soon
So I just learned about you probably 2 weeks ago and I really like how you set your episodes up and the type of content you talk about. It's kinda crazy to think you only have 216k subs. Your episodes are well thought out and planned out nicely, so it seems like you've been doing this for a while. Plus I feel like I could kick it with this guy, he's cool as shit.
Always a good discussion, thanks for the video. I run a TJ with a TC Teardrop that I take everywhere and the cost was no where near the Mammoth, but it is also a different trailer. Great to have the extra space and able to detach when staying in one spot for a few days.
Nice trailer. But the hinge kitchen seems weird since the space you get while open is useless. should be just a tailgate that open and act as a roof while cooking. Much simple, cheaper. Also air circulation seems limited, in hot summer it must be very hot. Solar panels should also be on top 24/7 so it charge a lipo battery inside so you get power at night and fan ventilation.
I’ve been looking at this camper for a few months now. Price jumped up $5,000. They may be coming out with a clamshell top so can be inside w/ headroom. If so, & can get awnings w/ sides I may get it.
I currently have a ground tent and want a bare hard shell trailer and finish it out with what i need. My only reason to upgrade what i got is spring/fall camping is cold up here (alberta CA)
don't forget those aluminum ladders when you hit the dew point at 3am and you're trying to get down in pitch black while barefoot...
Man you’re Tacoma looks sweet can’t wait to see it lifted with wheels & tires I have a feeling it will look awesome!! Good work 👍🏻
You should do a video on fab’ing up a cheap off road trailer to carry gear and a rooftop tent. Another option
I plan on it! I have most of the material I just need the time 👍
I figured at the end of video. You was going to say .you was going to build your own trailer.
I will eventually. I have been collecting parts to build one and am almost there 👍
Currently i sleep in the back of my wj…not very well. Im waiting for expo east to check out RTT’s. I look at a RTT as a stop gap to a “teardrop”. My biggest issue is that my Jeep is my daily and I really don’t want all the weight in there semi permanently. It would be very nice to have all my gear ready to go at any time and all i have to do is not forget food.
Oh man, I wish there was a budget version of the trailer so I could buy this as a teen, because I want to go on a road trip with my buddy trough the mountains, once we both get our driver’s license
Planning on building one of my own, but with a rooftop tent on the trailer. Based off of the Turtleback platform.
each certainly have their pros and cons
Your videos are very helpful
One other option is to use a trailer to "camp" at a trail start, then do day trail runs from the trailer (campsite). This obviously does not work on one way trails (like the Rubicon), so it depends on what kind of trails and routes one travels on.
Keeping the wife comfortable is key in anything you do
🤣 yeah,, good luck with that! Comfortable and Wife,, 💯%oxymoron. 🤦♂️
Sell Trailer boxes like this one as kit would be a dream!
Ate breakfast, caught up on UA-cam. Now to the garage
Thanks for watching brother 👊 have fun out there
Very informative video. That is what I love about this channel. Explains all 3 options for over landing. I do see the benefits of each. The trailer seems like to me the best option or option I would prefer to keep my over landing rigs weight down. Can’t wait to see what’s next!!
The way you inform and review👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Another benefit of a trailer vs a RTT: If you want to run tougher trails you can drop the trailer at the trailhead, have your fun, and come back for it later. You can't easily do that with a RTT.
Great content. Looking forward to seeing the full walk around of that particular trailer. I am planning on buying one in the next few years.
I just use a truck camper on a 4wd dually pickup, towing my toys on a trailer behind it... I can get pretty far into the back country as long as there are no overly low tree branches.
quote ' a little bit over weight' Son I am way past that, good point about the ladder that never really seams to be mentioned.
Lol thanks for watching 👊
you should also mention prices for roof top and everything else on your truck.. because it's not 24K vs 0 its 24k vs 4-8K minimum But really well articulated conversation. Thanks
Simple advantage of the trailer vs RTT; when you get to the campsite, just park the trailer and if you want to go wheeling, just go. RTT, you get to the campsite, put the tent up. You want to go wheeling, you have to put the tent down.
Great video Nate. Thanks for sharing your experience and options. Love your channel and your style! Keep it up Amigo!
2022 maverick XLT fx4 and the tow package with a sub 10k tent trailer. That's gonna be my national park BLM rig. Well hopefully haha love the channel!
I’m thinking a rooftop tent on the trailer, a heavier duty axle so you can put welder, air compressor, tools and gear in the front.
I’m converting my old dump trailer to a flat deck so I can throw a pop up tent trailer on that and have room for the side by side and dirt bikes, then with the tent trailer frame I’m putting a deck on that so I can haul stuff for day trips
Would love for you to do the hiker trailer
You absolutely have to make a DIY trailer!
Personally I grab my bakcpacking gear and chuck it in the truck. I just like seeing others opinions for these fancier setups. Can't do a rooftop tent since the wife doesn't do heights. The trailer is kinda appealing as something to use as a basecamp, venture out and then come back. But I doubt my little 90 horsepower Toyota will pull anything long distance well.
I do like an off road trailer camper because it is a lot more useful in actual use when out in the wild. A roof top tent is cool when bunkering down and not going anywhere else the rest of the time you’re at camp, but in actual use in the wild, it’s kind of a pita when you set it all up at camp, then if you want to go explore and you now have to pack up just to be able to go explore, then have to set up again when you come back to camp from exploring. With a trailer, when you get to camp, unhook it from your vehicle, and you can take your vehicle exploring without worrying about your camp set up. The trailer allows a camp set up to remain stationary while you go explore.This is the biggest downfall of a roof top tent or any all on one unit that’s all attached to your main vehicle.
Great video! I've been weighing those options for my 2003 disco. I'm gonna check the small trailer now. But no toilet! I have girls 😕
Nate... Love the content brother but jesus 22,500 ? Whats a base can am maverick x3 go for ? Cause as a fab guy i feel like the trailer is not worth the cost. But to each their own and keep up the great work brother.
I was about to say this. Off-road trailers cost more a lot more than they cost to build haha. Also a pick up bed can make your trailer cost little to nothing
They seem to be the diamond crest on the look at how much money I have ring of overlanding
Maybe this is his segway into considering a build like this?
It's all in the context of what your budget is and what you are doing.
I think the sxs crowd and overlanding crowd are two very different groups of people lol. So a cost comparison isn't exactly applicable between the two groups BUT interms of material cost have you seen the prices on aluminum lately? I'm looking at this trailer and I'm seeing 10+k material/axles/paint, hinges, window's, doors, rivets ect. Plus a fridge, sink, water pump, wiring, deep cycle battery, solar panel, wheel and tires. But the biggest cost if I was putting this together for a customer would be labor. To measure design and build this would take a TON of hours. And you need to get it inspected/licensed and slap a warranty on it. 22k is a ton of money for a camping trailer but when you look at the cost to build this and compare it to what else is out there I think it's actually pretty competitive.
And I'm not sitting here defending Mammoth lol this is my opinion based on the fact that I build a lot of stuff from scratch.
The aluminum is honestly the biggest difference. I bought a brand new truck bed camper for 20k a few years back. But it was all made from super cheap plywood and vinyl. That brings the cost down considerably on stuff like this👍
@@DirtLifestyle agreed which is why in both contexts I can afford neither🤣🤣
Great video, but for me it's the trailer, my trail rig is also my daily driver so saving weight also means saving gas during the week. But even this sweet little rig to expensive, probably whys there's diy videos instead of owner reviews.
Good stuff awesome trailer I’m old school a cot sleeping bag cook stove etc an paper maps yes paper maps 😂😂 as always be safe 👍👍
Yup.
man i wish i could even get a rooftop tent lol. i am lucky enough to be past the 30 dollar tent and sleeping bag but dang am i ready to get off the cold rocky ground