Overland Trailer Pros & Cons - Sleeping setups compared [part 3]
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- Опубліковано 29 лис 2020
- I discuss the pros and cons of using a dedicated trailer (caravan) for Overland travel. I talk at length about weekend and longer trips, and then discuss why they are not commonly used for longer international overland trips
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#Overland #OverlandTrailer #CampingTrailer - Навчання та стиль
![The pros and cons of an Overland Trailer in Utah [S4E8]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WtZsEPVSXaY/mqdefault.jpg)
![The pros and cons of an Overland Trailer in Utah [S4E8]](/img/tr.png)
![Overland Sleeping setups compared - Pros and Cons! [part 2]](/img/n.gif)
Dan, the most relaxed guy: "A trailer increases my stress" (you know, the guys who is super chill with bribing attempts and world travel). If someone as stress-free as you think it's stressful, it must be too stressful for many.
Jared here. Setup/tear down times are critical, though a well thought out trailer can make them pretty minimal. We were never burdened by that with our Conqueror, though others we met were definitely not keen on the setup times with the trailers they had. That said, it was supremely comfy traveling through Southern and East Africa in our trailer.
Thanks for the real-world experience Jared - you guys have more knowledge on the topic than most people will get in a lifetime!
An experience this September opened my eyes about towing a trailer overlanding. And it wasn't when I was towing a trailer. I was headed down Swede Creek FSR, and it turned into five inches of mud while going down a hill (53.30871, -124.23618). I was starting to go sideways, just heading down. I was able to reverse back up the hill, turn around, and backtrack. But if I had been towing a trailer, turning around would have meant driving several hundred feet backwards up a muddy hill. I really enjoy towing trailers in general, but that one experience convinced me it's not what I want for overlanding.
The trailer allows my family to come along! I love the analysis you provided though! The first trailer you showed is optimal, light and cheap.
Absolutely - If I was going with 4 or more people, a trailer would be a serious consideration
Thanks for making this video! It's one that I've really been waiting for. Definitely going to check out your friends at The Pioneering Spirit.
Great summary! I use an M-416 trailer; you pretty accurately hit every pro and con
You forgot one really important point. Off exploring alone I took a side road in Mojave Preserve, went right through an easy obstacle. Off camber road washed out to one side at about 30° Wasn't a big deal until I realized I really didn't want to try the second and third obstacle. I couldn't turn around and had to back through the first obstacle. A trailer in that situation would have been really bad.
Exactly. I think a trailer is great if you know where you’re going and you know the trailer will get through, not a good idea when you don’t know what’s ahead.
My Xventure backs up very well with torque of our diesel Wrangler and my extensive experience trailering. Only thing makes me nervous is hairpins.
I appreciate your “mission” based viewpoint. I keep going back to the American Safari JXL (extended JK) set up for its nimbleness when getting to remote places. But the truth is, I don’t have the money for a dedicated trail only rig, so I’ll likely wind up in a gladiator with a trailer. That way I can use the base camp when hunting, and still have a truck to get jobs done in town. And everyone who’s enjoying this channel should definitely check out the book!!! Great stuff!!!
Thanks for making the video, I was wondering if it was a good idea since I have zero experience with trailers. As always, your experience and knowledge is very much appreciated.
If you have zero trailering experience, definitely don't get a trailer for camping. (I've seen too many ROAD caravans screw up because of inexperienced drivers)
Love the videos! Hope you’ve been well.
Good video. Fully agree.
I have tried ground tents, roof top tents and a trailer (which is my current primary option) but I don't travel the way you do. Firstly, I usually have four people to accommodate and secondly I tend to spend a week (or at least a few days) in one area, and my wife and daughters like to lie in wile I prefer to go exploring and photographing the birds and animals in the area.
As my wife and I had 4 kids. I used a Camper Trailer for years. We towed that thing over every, famous inland track in Aus. But I was glad, too be rid of it!! As it was about 1/2 hour to set up and over 1 hour to pack up. Now a days we use a 79 Landcruiser setup. Very similar to Andrew at 4xoverland new setup (Had ours for about 4 years. Think he's see seen the light). Great for wild camping, Pullup. pop the roof in 15sec. Open door grab a cold drink and the chair. Camp setup. Also using a 79 LC lets you bring along some extra people(they have to sleep in swags or tents). Or you can just fill the back seats with stuff.
When we have been travelling in groups some with trailers, even roof top tents(the bag type), they are just so long, to set up and pack down. When time is limited. Its 1 hour a day you could have been exploring or engaging in other activities.
Trailers...Sand is its nemesis. Taken mine across the Simpson and to Fraser Island. Reversing continually down sand dunes, gets frustrating. As if you get stuck going up, and you will.... again and again. Then you might have to, reverse around a switch back down the dune face, then along the scrub track for 200 meters(And this is your 3rd attempt ). So you can, get a runup for another go. The trailer digs into the sand and you have to pull its dead weight up the face of a dune. The old Nissan Patrol ate fuel in the Simpson used like 30Ltr per 100km (For US that's like 2.5 MPG). When its 650km between fuel stops you need to carry a lot of fuel. When you arrive at Mt.Dare Station and see the price on the fuel pump is $2.65 Per L. You wonder if you really need all that gear? After you ring your bank manager to see if they will increase your mortgage LOL.
Been there done that mate, I had a wife and four billy lids. Always heading up to Fraser Island for some Fishing and Relaxing. The trailer very quickly becomes a boat anchor... especially if you missed the low tide and inland tracks were so soft.
@@wesleymcgonagle3394 I share your pain.
Good viewpoints. I run a home built 4x8 teardrop trailer. I've had it all over the US, Canada, and parts of Mexico behind my 2 door Wrangler. I also have an 80lb dog, so space in the Jeep is very tight and the trailer allows me to carry some needed items plus i can pull over just about anywhere and climb into bed semi inconspicuously.
Awesome episode
I once pulled our small 19’, 1963 Airstream 6000+ miles around the US stopping in Cape Cod and back through Canada to Wyoming. Great experience, very tiring, I think that I hit every pot hole under every overpass in the country. Since then I have traveled ten times farther with a Dodge truck and Alaskan Camper. It is perfect for 1-2 people and much less tiring on a daily basis. And try to do photography while pulling a trailer, forget it, too hard to stop at a moments notice. All your points are bang on!
Security will be an issue as well: "curious fingers" I believe is what you called it
I liked your viewpoint regarding what might be great for a week or two on the road can quickly become a nightmare once you're out there dealing with it for months or years. Travelling with just the vehicle (and no trailer) forces you to be even more intentional about what you choose to bring, but that's not a bad thing IMO.
Well said Dan! I have a small expedition trailer with a RTT on it for when we take other people with us but prefer not to take it if possible.
Great content as usual. Don't forget additional wear & tear on the towing vehicle.
I count this as a trade-off, a heavy rig vs pulling a trailer. I would say that in most cases the trailer is less wear and tear. Many if not most people who outfit their Overlanding rig (especially Jeeps) max out the GVWR and exceed it in many cases. That is harder on your equipment than pulling a properly outfitted trailer.
don't forget the lighter vehicle. ;)
All great considerations regarding trailers. After weighing my Wrangler diesel I realized bringing enough gear to make my wife comfortable required a trailer. I purchased my Xventure XV3. Your friends military trailer was probably built in same factory as mine as Exventure is the civilian branch of Schutte Industries. Trailer goes anywhere the Jeep goes and our diesel motor gives us a huge advantage. We have quick setups and more extensive for longer stays but we are essentially nomadic when Overlanding. Started following you and your friends on Instagram. Cheers!
I believe that the Xventure XV3 is the most rugged trailers in the World. I saw an inexperienced driver flip one and they just wenched it back over with very little damage. They seem to be built like small tanks. Very light too with all aluminium construction.
@@jfletcher4949 Exventure Trailers made by Schutt Industries are well engineered and constructed with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. From the Dexter Axle to the Huckbolt construction with no welds, it is built to last. Right now you can get a great deal on one from what I understand. They had the show model fully outfitted that was selling at a huge discount. I love mine! @muddyruttzz
Lol I just knew you would do this video after I asked you on Patreon! Good job bud.
Hope you like it!
Another negative for trailers: In many parts of North America, there's a lower speed limit for vehicles with trailers. When crossing big distances in the American southwest, for example, 55mph makes for some long driving days. (Or bigger fines, by far, if caught exceeding the limit.)
Same in the UK, 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. In practice, because of the traffic in the UK, you're seldom 10-20 minutes longer per 150 miles of driving. Overseas, well it's a very different story, and only ex-military trailers survive Africa as a general rule, and anything military-looking is not a good idea there!
55 has never bothered me. Stick it in cruise, watch the world go by, and enjoy the ride. California might legislate 55, but it's not uncommon to see 40ft 5th wheels being towed at 75, as the accompanying dually pick-up guzzels down a six-pack every 8miles or so.
Ok, Montana, 55 all day isn't going to get you out of town.
So true - one time I was late for a field trip by about 2 hours and ended up having to drive myself in my Jeep Yj to catch up to the vehicles (which were towing). We were traveling from SD to death valley and it took me less time to catch up to them than it took us to get to death valley, and my jeep is not a fast vehicle. The speed they were going once I caught up was absolutely mind numbingly slow. The upside was that I got my best ever mpg (19!)and some of my classmates hitched a ride on the way back so they could get home faster (we got home about 3 hours before they did)
@@coddiwomplecolster7329 I am in California and tow my trailer way over 55mph. Never been stopped for it. That is not to say it won't happen though.
First of all, thanks again for this great video.
I have to pull trailers very often for my work and see myself as a very experienced trailer driver. But I think for an overlanding trip that would be the wrong travel option for me. I would be quickly annoyed by it.
In my West Africa trips, I have often been on very narrow and bad roads. Turning around with my van was often a problem.
I therefore fully agree that you are very limited with it. Especially if you would like to spend the night in the wilderness.
Finding good, quiet night spots is often not easy, especially when everything is overgrown.
In all these years I don't think I've ever seen anyone who was off-road with such a trailer. But I've seen these off-road trailers several times on the German Autobahn.
Great videos, really enjoying your channel. We've got a demountable, which I think are called slide in campers in the US. We love it and it's the perfect compromise for us. I use the Toyota pickup as my car during the week and bang on the camper for trips away. Wonder if you've seen any on your travels. (Tischer is the make). Take care and thanks again 👍
Yes, slide in campers are common around North America, and therefore they're getting more popular on the Pan-American Highway. Suprizingly they're also taking off in South America too, tons of the rental vehicles use them - ie. www.kruger-2-kalahari.com/images/AVIS-4X4-Ranger-camper-hire.jpg
I've got a light 6x4 pod trailer with a double stretcher tent on top. All up 350kgs, the tent weighs 17kgs. The car has the kitchen and batteries etc. Trailer set up is the bed only which works well on uneven ground as I can sleep in each direction because of the hammock style base. The trailer carries extra fuel and water plus emergency gear, plus extra shelter for any base camping. I can do most low range tracks with it because I hardly know it's there most of the time. Setup and pack up for the trailer is less than 5 minutes. I agree with all you have said and that's why I have the trailer tent combination that I have. I've done a tonne of the absolute worst roads in the Aussie outback with no issues. Sadly I have no plans for international overlanding so I don't have to worry about shipping. Thanks for your videos.
What a nice video, totally agree with you, for me the only reason I have a trailer that my Jeep is a daily drive car and as you said on weekends I just hook it to my jeep and within 15 minutes I am on the road the downside I found that small trailer is much difficult than a big one in reverse (maybe I need more practic😃).
As someone who has done an 87-point U-turn with a 28' bumper-tow...A small trailer is MUCH easier to turn around.
Thank You for this Video!
Best Wishes! M.H.
Good insight, thanks!
My wife and I are planning to be self employed in a few years. One of our goals is to spend a few months each year touring the USA, Canada and Alaska with our kids.
Due to space and weight concerns, I think once you hit 4 people in your vehicle this is where a trailer starts to become an asset. We also want our daily driver to be our towing and touring rig so we don’t want to spend a lot of money modifying the tow vehicle, so we are leaning towards pulling an off-road trailer like one of the Patriot Campers with a midsized truck like the Tacoma or an SUV like the 4Runner.
From the research I’ve done, a lot of the trailers seem to be more capable than the tow vehicles themselves.
As with everything u take along , I think it’s a balance of what each individual wants vs needs and is willing to compromise to have. There’s definitely a lot of valid arguments either way.
I agree 100%, and I just want to lay out all the information as clearly and simply as possible without bias so people can make the best choice for them and their needs.
Very helpfull again. Guess it all depends where you want to go. Travelling in the US, Alaska and canada a trailer might give you more comfort. Just thinking about a small overland bean trailer. Wouldn’t take it down to mexico or further south though, thats for sure.
Tks!, Dan. Never like trailers, right from the beginning, for those reasons you mentioned.
For camping = Trailer. For Overlanding, not so much. I have a camp trailer and it works great for weekends away, everything stays in it and the Jeep stays mostly stock. But if i was to do a 6 month trip I would not do it. So spot on analysis. This is in South Africa.
Thanks for solidifying my determination to NEVER entertain the expense and inconvenience of a trailer. IMHO the goal is to be nimble and flexible to the trip environment, not to see how much stuff you can pile on top, inside, or drag behind your vehicle. Good video and points of view! 👍🏼 Happy trails...
Used to tow a trailer for a Honda quad with my VW Transporter, no problem, but! I also used also tow my farther in laws caravan from mine site to mine site he was working at, that confirmed I never want to pull one again, even in Europe it’s a pain in the neck.
I love my 6 x 10 trailer. My DRZ400 motorcycle fits in with a cot for sleeping. But truth is I do not take it off road. Mostly just 2-4 day trips around Colorado and Arizona. peace out
The other down side is that there is more to go wrong or break. My own trailer is sitting on a farm in the Karoo about 300 miles from Cape Town after a “gravel road” trip got a bit rough. As off grid means no electricity I have extra expense of hiring a large generator to provide enough power to run a welding machine to complete the repairs. In future it will only be used as a base camp in the national parks (Kruger, Kgalagadi) or sold.
Interesting conversation I own a square drop(some people just call them teardrops) and if I was overlanding I can see the benefit of having 1 vehicle that has everything, but for me who really just likes to camp and go hiking having everything set up and ready to go is nice. The only thing I need to do usually is pack food. I usually just pull up to a campsite and about 10 minutes I’m done. I’m also not storing all kinds of equipment on my daily driver(Tacoma). Also a trailer that is under a thousand pounds like mine can go with pretty much whatever vehicle I decide to have I’m not stuck with a big tow rig as well.
Did you bulid it or buy it? And if you bought...who did you buy from?
@@xbpbat21x well to be honest my trailer is being built, but this will be my fourth small trailer I’ve towed.
@@vegpwrshlominator1873 Very nice...i just ordered a square drop...hopefully it will be ready for delivery in May.
@@xbpbat21x nice!
I have both a small army trailer and a 19' caravan. There are many trails where the limiting factor was overhead clearance the the caravan was too tall, trees and rock leadges.
Have enjoyed your series on overlanding options. Have you run into many 4x4 van conversions in your travels. Seems like this would be a good option as there is no "set up" involved, and you can fit in urban environments as well as wilderness. I've had my eye on the Quigley 4x4 conversions. Any insight how these would fit into international overlanding?
They were not common when I did the Pan-American Highway 10 years ago, but as I understand they are very popular now!
I also traveled with a German couple in a BIG E350 4x4 converted van that was excellent.
In southern Africa people are starting to use them more as well.
So yes, I think they certainly can work really well. I'll do a video when I can hangout with someone that has one so we can get pros and cons.
The main reason for me having a small trailer (5x8 / 1,5/2,5m) is the possibility to transport more fuel, water and food. Of course it has to be possible to drive on rugged roads without losing parts of the trailer and same wheels and wheelbase is of course a conditio sine qua non. The possibility to sleep inside and have a dry breakfast inside a rainy morning is a luxury I will not miss.
Another interesting, informative topic, Dan. I actually assumed trailers/caravans weren't part of the foreign overlanding scene, for some of the reasons you identified. OTOH wouldn't you agree some folks in Oz, the USA and Canada - all very large countries with lots of ground to cover and sights to see - do overland domestically with some kind of tack-on vehicle? The shipping, importation and regulatory headaches you mentioned don't exist and the infrastructure of those 3 countries is somewhat more accommodating. I think you actually covered some of these tag-along vehicles in one of your show videos. You never seem to run dry of interesting, even fascinating topics.
Hi Jack - oh for sure people exploring the US/Canada use trailers, though I do think it's mostly people doing weekend outings who want to keep their vehicle stock and just hitch up on Friday and head out.
I suspect they're not common for people who are on the road long term.
@@TheRoadChoseMe There is some good evidence of this in that there are a number of full-time overlanders that once used a trailer and have transitioned to a two-vehicle system instead.
Another great video with a lot of information. Thanks! I am thinking of getting this hitch mounted tent, because my garage door is not high enough for a RTT, and I don’t want to keep it on the roof all the time since it is my daily driver. What do you think about this idea for a GX460? I plan to do Alaska first and then pan American highway later.
I've never seen a hitch mounted tent.... do you have a link where I can check it out? sounds like a lot of weight behind the rear axle which is never a good idea.
@@TheRoadChoseMe thanks for the quick reply, here is the hitch mount tent link: ua-cam.com/video/qk0MP7BnIho/v-deo.html
Instead of the soft top as shown, I am thinking about mounting something like the iCamper mini.
Total weight is less than 200 pounds. Maybe I can mount the rotopak on the front of the roof rack for balance
I just can't see that being a good idea after even 1000 miles on bad dusty and muddy roads. It will be COATED from top to bottom, and all those pins and mechanisms will be jammed and won't work.
Here's my Jeep after a jaunt up the Dempster Highway and back, and it was the best condition I've seen the road - instagram.com/p/CGNxj4eFDTK/
Also the visibility you'll lose, and having it stick out the back so far just seem like a bad idea for me.
@@TheRoadChoseMe Ah, makes perfect sense, probably ok for weekend trips, not for long road trips. I like your setups a lot.
Can you do a video of car camping or camper top camping in a pickup truck
Great video ! One addition: when traveling with 2+ people (family) it's not possible to take all your stuff in a Jeep, Landrover or Landcruiser. I tried to do overlanding with a 110 with two RTT's with 3 small children. For short trips like 3 weeks during summer holidays, it worked out. When packed smart, you can take a lot in a 110. Howevre, it's just not big enough for longer trips. For this reason, a trailer is a good option.
I met this family driving the length of West Africa in a regular sized SUV with two kids. They had a great time - ua-cam.com/video/sc61AxCQQR4/v-deo.html
Once again, love your channel. I agree on all of the downsides, but then again - I assume many overlanders go as couples and few as families of four or more. I would also believe families often go a more comfortable route and less off-road. This part probably also contribute to your 1% statistics? We have been driving with our 110 for years as couple, yet less as family. We just bought a trailer to re-build lightly. The rationale is that with the needed space - we might actually go again ! Getting payload of the roof is an absolute must, and this really hard with a vehicle full of kids... anyway - just go with what you have and spend the money on the road instead of the internet
On northern Vancouver Island we are blessed with miles and miles of logging/industrial roads, some deactivated, some totally abandoned, some in use. We teardrop with our longest road trip being 3 months and thereafter at least one month-long road trip a year. And I will say this: nothing makes me grin more than heading down(or up) a deactivated, new to us logging road with all 8 tire/wheel combos being identical. 3 on the trailer, 5 on the vehicle. If you travel off the beaten path it is great insurance...I'm in the land of thousand dollar tow truck rides to start so it is good to be able to look after yourself.
Sounds like paradise! How many times have you damaged two tires badly enough that a plug kit and compressor won't get you out?
@@TheRoadChoseMe Never...lol. But I also have house insurance for 40 years that i have never used either. I'd rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it.
I know what you're saying, though when it comes to a long, long term expedition that mentality simply can't work - your vehicle will be well over it's GVWR long before you leave, and there won't be a square inch of space inside!
With overlanding it's all about striking the balance.
Dan, have just downloaded one of your books on the kindle , so look forward to reading.
However, I have a question, namely have you met other overlanders who were with their dog? I have a border collie and just wold be bale to leave her for a period of time. Can you give me some advice please?
Thanks a bunch.
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan,
Yes, absolutely people drive around the world with their pets. You need to have international vaccination certificates, and it will make the borders a little slower, and you might not be able to get into national parks, etc., but it absolutely can be done!
What model trailer is your friend Eric pulling?
Whilst I cannot comment for travel in Africa and associated countries. I can say the Black Series HQ12, goes everywhere else with ease. Set-up and tear down, takes seconds. It's small, reasonably light. It allows "more stuff" to be carried, which includes essential fuel and water. it's even got A.C. for when the heat gets too much. Alternatively, it has a furnace and got shower, for colder moments. You can spec it with wheel and tyre combos to match the two vehicle. Unlike the huge overlanding trucks, it's discrete, and could probably be wrapped in even more drab colours to enhance this.
Why in my opinion, this works so well for me, is it means I always have accommodation, shade, a safe place to leave things. The pick-up can go for a service or repair anywhere, and we're still covered. It is also a great conversation piece, that often leads to finding new people and places. Aussie designed and built, so it handles every surface well. Finally, tons of space for solar, so keeping cameras and pc's charged, isn't going to be an issue.
I've never been too fussed about being level. Level enough will do. A mid-sized pick-up will lose a negligible amount of mpg. You do have to drive differently, and give some consideration to routes, although only minor occasional changes. The slightly slower pace could potentially recoup some fuel costs.
Ultimately though, it's down to the individual to find what works for them. I'd rather people got out exploring and touching nature, than spending money of equipment and tech, that is not always necessary.
I would also like to add; I took my battered 2wd Ford Transit, to places where many claimed that only elite 4x4 over!anders could go.
Agree, just thinking about a bean trailer. What towing vehicle do you have?
@@Heimalima initially a RAM 1500, but later a RAM 2500 Power Wagon.
The only appeal of an off-road trailer to me would be not having to climb in and out of a RTT or Ursa Minor at 64 y/o.🤔
We have a trailer but it’s got a RTT. I’m over 60 and it’s not to bad.
Hello. Nice video. Greetings handsome. 💪👍👏😎♥️
Thanks Dan. Good thoughts.
Use my baggage trailer for convenience close to home, never on longer trips.One very true fact is the more space - we fill it Land Rover owners tend to like trailers for when the brake down comes they have a place to stay.
Hey mate can you please give an advice is the awning are must have for overlanding or not?
I cover that in the video I'm uploading right now, it will be live on Thursday!
@@TheRoadChoseMe My Rhino rack has 125kg capacity and my tent is 90kg with the awning i will be way over the weight. i am just so scared of going over the factory numbers
How heavy is the awning you're looking at? 35kg (70lbs) sounds heavy for an awning to me...
@@TheRoadChoseMe everything is from The Bush Company so the awning is 25kg and the tent is like 90
I feel like sometimes it may be important to be able to go from bed to steering wheel without having to go outside.
I read that a lot, and I thought so too.
I couldn't do it with my ground tent from Alaska to Argentina and it was never a problem (I got rained on a few times).
All the way around Africa I only did it once or twice to avoid the rain and to avoid a swarm of bees!
@@TheRoadChoseMe Yeah i was thinking more about lions and tigers, but bees are a good thing to avoid too.
The first reality of a trailer, whether it's being used domestically or internationally, is it WILL slow you down. They are better for destination camping, where you don't move daily.
Why go fast?
@@Buckhandle I didn't say anything about "fast". I said slow-ER. If you move camp daily, it becomes a big PITA to set up and take down daily.
I've pulled my trailer everywhere I've gone. We move camps often daily. Zero issues
I've seen trailers set up faster than RTTs.
My wife and I are currently building a little platform to sleep in our 4 runner. In the back. We tend to tent camp here in the states, but we do longer trips and have slept in the back of our old SUV (not comfortably).
This was a great video. If I did more base camp...camping I think a trailer would be ok.
You are an Exceptional minimalist UUGGHH. Be honest you have a carbon fiber toothbrush....REALLY!!!!!!
The way you reach out with calm expectations and ground them is awesome and infuriating.
I Want This I want That well actually NO not if you want fun to be included LOL
I’m working on my Patreon account if you come to North Carolina I know where you can camp for free happy holidays Greg and family/friends
Haha, thanks very much Greg, I appreciate that !
Actually My name is William my dad called me the jack of all trades I tweaked it to use as a name online thanks
How about an Unimog? Comfort vs weight?
vs. cost. For me personally it's never going to happen, and I think that is the case for many "regular" folk like myself.
my thoughts. International travel, no trailer. North American, it depends. Instead of a trailer I went with a bigger vehicle. A full sized pick up instead of a Jeep and trailer
Where are you going next?
My plans are all over the place because of COVID, so it's hard for me to lock anything in.
As soon as one plan is 100% certain, I'll let you know and bring you along for all the planning/prep, build and then the expedition.
If people can backpack around the world, or the ultimate in lightweight travel, ride 10,000's of km on their touring bikes carrying all their gear with them, just take that same philosophy and apply it to your vehicle. A popup tent like Dan has plus a nice setup inside the back, with some things that open up to outside, should be all you need for two people to go to these places in remote areas with reasonable creature comforts. If you need more, you are doing the wrong thing. But I agree that destination camping for several days in one location makes a trailer a good option.
👍👍👍👍
Even for just traveling the states, a trailer is a pain in the a**.
I purpose built my own, just 5x8 ft, some years ago and it wasn't great. The cons far outweighed the pros.
The best way to travel is lite. As lite as you can possibly get.
G day Tom, travel light ? you mean leave the missus and kits at home and go alone ?? Jes... When you come home make sure that your key still fits into the front door lock.... cheers mate... think about an X3 patriot
Also roof tents are a lot of work. Rather put 2 rims and tires on top and 5 gallons of water.. sleep in the truck.
Travel light, travel far
Rather have a 2.5 foot small metal hitch accessory to hold bulky jackets and cooking gear in a couple large plastic tubs.. and sleep inside the truck. More secure.. as well. Take less stuff and live with the size truck you have. People have gone around the world in a toyota land cruiser. Do that. A six or 8 passenger suv with 2 people has 1000 pounds of gear capacity. But take less stuff.. easier security. Easier to drive one vehicle. Less stuff to break.
I agree that to travel by myself or just with my girlfriend I would not consider a trailer. But I think your comparison on cost or even discretion is not faire because in practice every very long distance traveler using a trailer I know of are family of 4 to 7 (examples below) and if they don't go for a trailer their only options are either 2 vehicles (but I know none doing that) or a big 10-15T truck (50-50 between the trailer and the big truck I'd say). And so a trailer will cost less and be more discreet than a big truck and feel to me as a reasonable option (and the big truck a more passionate option I think).
Here are a few example of family that happily traveled long time with a trailer. Sorry they are all French but if i followed correctly your channel you perfected your French in western Africa ;)
- Family of 4 all around South America with a Land Cruiser HDJ80 + trailer : ua-cam.com/channels/s0J_3vaAGa6SoWyP26IRAw.html
- Family of 5 crossing Africa from North to South (before to ship to SA) with a Discovery + trailer : ua-cam.com/video/B6oHleYSxb0/v-deo.html (in Western Sahara) and ua-cam.com/video/78KviFDsFco/v-deo.html (in Namibia but nothing special to watch here)
- Family of 7 (!!) doing a full tour of Middle East + Africa with a Defender + trailer : ua-cam.com/video/GRgxXTM4Sak/v-deo.html (in Iran) and ua-cam.com/video/9hDnAeDlk3w/v-deo.html (in Zimbabwe) and ua-cam.com/video/TnL6Q_inUEA/v-deo.html (Namibia)
wow your an intense dude i thought you were going to swallow yourself at times.....🙂
1) George Carlin talked about "Stuff" - ua-cam.com/video/gDkA59e2_yU/v-deo.html
Materialism and marketing has convinced people that they "need more stuff". You need to keep up with Jones'
How ever do those pesky motorbikes manage to ride across Siberia and Central Asia with virtually no stuff ?
2) Driving a Grand Edifice is bad enough. Towing a house around is insanity.
3) Driving through Armenia no one is going to be impressed with your trailer and mobile coffee shop.
Those caravan teardrop style trailers are NOT real overlanding trailers