Been watching a lot of Hiker a trailer videos. We ordered our EOR about 3 weeks ago. Hopefully will be picking it up in May. We just live north of Columbus IN about 30 minutes away. Main reason we bought HT is the cost for what we get and the fact we are so close to their plant.
I bought my Hiker HD for the low weight, and ability to store in my garage vs storage. For a solo female camper it is perfect for me and my adventure pug!
I recently bought a used Hiker from a big box rv dealer and they knew nothing about the trailer and its accessories. I decided to call Hiker and see if they could give me the original specs if I gave them the VIN. They said they should be able to and would get back with me. Less than two hours later, the owner contacted me and spent over an hour of his time to tell me about the trailer and its upgrades. That to me is way above and beyond for something he is not making a dime on the second time around. Btw, I’m commenting on this as I lay in the trailer on my first trip. Couldn’t be happier with my setup (5x9 2020 MR that would now be an XL). Got 17.5 mpg from North Alabama to the Florida Gulf Coast in my Jeep Wrangler.
I have a similar story. I was at the MOORE Expo which is an overlanding expo in the midwest. Hiker rents out a bar for their owners to camp in and show off their rigs. I was in the hiker barn and I hear a bunch of metal work going on in the corner. The guy I was talking to said "Hiker is changing out their fridge box because it had a leak". I asked "Hiker brought a fridge box to this expo?". He said, "Hiker performed some type of maintenance or upgrade or warranty claim on a lot of the Hikers in this barn, it's just what they do". That sold me right there.
I second your reasons, and add to it the fit & finish of the Hiker. Their builds are quality custom builds, not some typical mass produced rv/camper off of an assembly line. I checked into a few “off-road” campers, and didn’t see the quality I found in Hiker. Can’t wait to see everything you’ve done to it at MOORE! Love the videos!
The Hiker was on my short list when I was researching trailers. Saw one last year at the campout Micheal KB9VBR orginized. Very nice trailers. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours, Kyle.
If you went to pick your rig up at the Hiker factory in Columbus, OH, you had to be too far east by a couple hundred miles since the factory is located in Columbus, IN…. Maybe you had it delivered to OH?
Bought MR Deluxe. Main reading was that could pick and choose from options. Felt I could deck it out myself, which I have done. Light enough to pull be my Toyota Highlander.
I've been looking for a camping trailer to go along with my new Toyota 4Runner ham radio adventure rig. There are so many brands! The square drop looks like a much more efficient use of space. I am looking at the InTech Flyer Pursue. Did you look at those? The Hikers look cool, too, but I live in Washington state. Lots of boutique builders here in the PNW, too.
Yeah, there seems to be a lot of camping RV's in the PNW as it's part of the culture up there. The InTech looks awesome. Only think I don't like is the pull out kitchen. I've always navigated away from those types of setup as I want my kitchen to be where I want it to be. Also I bring a Blackstone with me to cook on, so sometimes the pull out stove is wasted space. Thanks for the comment!
I looked at Hiker and the inTech line very closely. I opted for the inTech Explore because I want to be able stand up in it and use it as a mobile office. I think the Hiker has better support and probably better off road. I decided to get the pull-out kitchen simply for its convenience. No thinking about packing or unpacking.
I went with the Hiker (picked up my 5x10 MRXL in December) for cost and capability. I wanted an EOR but the wife wanted the 10’ (EOR only goes to 9’) so we compromised meaning she got her way. I enjoy doing the BDR routes out West and the Hiker is a great platform for the price. The MRXL may not be rated for some parts of these but I’ll be doing them anyway.
LOL, let me know how the BDR routes go. I wanted an EOR too but like your wife, wanted the extra room in the galley for storage. I decided not to spend the extra 3 or 4K on the EOR. I'm happy with the 5x10 as it give me plenty of room to spread out. Thanks for the comment.
Hikers are great campers. I went with the InTech Flyer Persue. Same size as the Hiker with a comparable price. Good luck! Might want to check on the tow capacity of your Taco. 8K is a bit much.
Welcome to Hiker ownership 👍. Picked up our Mid Range XL 5x9, in Columbus back in Sept. 2022. My reasons were size and cost, and the ability to add things as I want. I prefer the wood over the sheetmetal choices out there, mainly due to I spent a career in the Navy, served aboard 5 ships, and have no desire to ever sleep in a metal enclosure again, lol. I've kept the interior of the trailer very basic. Just a trifold Twin-sized mattress (just me and my pup). Nothing fancy at all, I'm just sleeping in it. I did add curtains :) .I haven't weighed our rig, and I take a lot of stuff, even though my normal "campout" is never more than 3 nights, and all at established campgrounds. Pull it with a 2018 F150 SuperCrew, 5.0 engine, and get roughly 14-15 mpg, not only because of the gear hauled, plus the hills here in western/central Kentucky don't help. Having a rtt on top of the Hiker doesn't help with aerodynamics either. Customer service is always quick to return a phone call or email when I have a question. Oh. I did order the cover, as mine is outside 24/7. Won't fit in the garage due to the rtt.
Thanks for the comment. Yep, your reasons are about the same. I took mine out for the first time last weekend and learned quite a bit of stuff, as I'll learn more with time. I'll probably do weekends until I take some bigger trips later this year. I think my longest will be for 2 weeks in July out to Yellowstone.
I bought a Hiker because of low weight, close proximity to the company, and ability to customize. I was never going to buy a big expensive camper. It was going to be a tear/square drop for me. I had it narrowed down to 3 last summer, which was no easy task, there are so many options, but It ended up being a choice if Hiker, Runaway, or Camp Inn's Road Toad. After I ordered my Hiker (HWD) last Winter, Bean put out a scaled down, lighter version that I really liked. Anyway, I believe I will be very happy in my Hiker this season 😊
@@squaredropadventures I will pick mine up next month, I can't wait! I have slept on a platform I built in my SUV. I'm not comfortable sleeping in a tent, I camp solo.
Curious if you considered/compared TCTEARDROPS trailers before purchasing your Hiker? If so, what was your deciding factor(s) to sway you to the hiker - I find myself in that situation currently is why I ask. They both seem to have advantages.
I did look at the TC Teardrops. I didn't like the back galley and the way it was built out. I'm sure I could of customized it but I wanted to start with a blank canvas and figure out what worked for me. Also, I didn't like the shape of the teardrop. I like the squared off back, as I feel like you get a bit more room. Thanks for the comment!
I looked at TC Teardrops before I bought my Hiker. I am pretty sure I looked at everything! It was the galley that was a problem for me. I didn't want to lift my cooler up to drop ot down in that big rear open area. I think TCT offers a bunch of colors at no extra charge, which is awesome. I also saw the owner of TCT interviewed by Cosmo Weems and I was impressed by his knowledge and all that he put into his design.
I’ve got the 5x9 midrange in that midnight blue with the AC on top and the fridge box . My trailer is fairly heavy , I’m guessing it’s 2200 lbs loaded . My Jeep gets 14mpg pulling it at 65 mph top speed (because it’s a Jeep) I also have a 3500 ram truck with the Cummins that you can’t tell any difference when pulling the Hiker, maybe drops back to 18-20 mpg . I really love my trailer , we have had so much fun with it. We’ve been all over the place with it , logged aprox. 3000 miles since we picked it up in August of 23. I was camping in FL the other day next to a guy with a Boreas off-road square drop pulling with a newer Toyota 4Runner , he said his trailer was 2100lbs and he was getting 14mpg . I am very curious how your Toyota Tacoma pulls your trailer in the mountains and how you like it after a few long trips. I am entertaining getting a new Tacoma but the guy with the Boreas said the 4Runner was underpowered and not a good pulling vehicle. He also had been EVERYWHERE and logged many miles . Thanks for the video and I will subscribe.
Thanks for the sub and the comment. Next video is one you'll want to watch. I pick up the hiker and tow it for the first time. Very interesting on your comments about mpg. It's basically the same thing I was seeing on my tacoma.
I agree,that's the reason I keep researching this trailer,the cost and the general quality is good.just regular inspection with some good sealer might be good for awhile,hey like your videos,great info.
The one option I went with was the third roof bar in the front. Adding an ARB 8’ awning the third (or in your case a 4th) gives solid mounting. The 2 main reasons were price and weight (towing with a Subaru Crosstrek) The community was a pleasant post purchase surprise.
No. Not now. Not ever. Camping is supposed to be “roughing” it. Not like pulling a VRBO along with you. Plus on a really difficult trail there is a good chance it’s going to roll. I’ll stick to a cap on my Gladiator.
Take a look at my first video where I put a down payment on a Hiker Trailer and Jordan gives me a factory tour!
It’s on my list of trailers to look at!
Glad you went with a Hiker Trailer !! See ya down the road!!
Thanks for comment and all your videos! I watched a ton before I made the decision.
Been watching a lot of Hiker a trailer videos. We ordered our EOR about 3 weeks ago. Hopefully will be picking it up in May. We just live north of Columbus IN about 30 minutes away. Main reason we bought HT is the cost for what we get and the fact we are so close to their plant.
Those are good reasons. Cost was my main driver.
I bought my Hiker HD for the low weight, and ability to store in my garage vs storage. For a solo female camper it is perfect for me and my adventure pug!
Awesome! Totally agree. It's just me and my Jack Russell! It too fits into my garage with an inch to spare!!!
You're gonna LOVE this thing. Such outstanding build quality...and very light.
Yes!
I recently bought a used Hiker from a big box rv dealer and they knew nothing about the trailer and its accessories. I decided to call Hiker and see if they could give me the original specs if I gave them the VIN. They said they should be able to and would get back with me. Less than two hours later, the owner contacted me and spent over an hour of his time to tell me about the trailer and its upgrades. That to me is way above and beyond for something he is not making a dime on the second time around. Btw, I’m commenting on this as I lay in the trailer on my first trip. Couldn’t be happier with my setup (5x9 2020 MR that would now be an XL). Got 17.5 mpg from North Alabama to the Florida Gulf Coast in my Jeep Wrangler.
I have a similar story. I was at the MOORE Expo which is an overlanding expo in the midwest. Hiker rents out a bar for their owners to camp in and show off their rigs. I was in the hiker barn and I hear a bunch of metal work going on in the corner. The guy I was talking to said "Hiker is changing out their fridge box because it had a leak". I asked "Hiker brought a fridge box to this expo?". He said, "Hiker performed some type of maintenance or upgrade or warranty claim on a lot of the Hikers in this barn, it's just what they do". That sold me right there.
I second your reasons, and add to it the fit & finish of the Hiker. Their builds are quality custom builds, not some typical mass produced rv/camper off of an assembly line. I checked into a few “off-road” campers, and didn’t see the quality I found in Hiker.
Can’t wait to see everything you’ve done to it at MOORE! Love the videos!
Thanks sir! Totally agree with all your comments.
The Hiker was on my short list when I was researching trailers. Saw one last year at the campout Micheal KB9VBR orginized. Very nice trailers. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours, Kyle.
I think all those small teardrop and squaredrop trailers are just awesome. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them out there.
Great video! The cost and that buffet menu of add-ons that you can build as you go, it’s really hard to beat that business model
Thanks for the view! Totally agree. Love your channel and all the videos you do! Keep em' coming!
If you went to pick your rig up at the Hiker factory in Columbus, OH, you had to be too far east by a couple hundred miles since the factory is located in Columbus, IN…. Maybe you had it delivered to OH?
Columbus IN, not OH.
Bought MR Deluxe. Main reading was that could pick and choose from options. Felt I could deck it out myself, which I have done. Light enough to pull be my Toyota Highlander.
Totally agree. Starting with a base model and then working up from there is what sold me.
I've been looking for a camping trailer to go along with my new Toyota 4Runner ham radio adventure rig. There are so many brands! The square drop looks like a much more efficient use of space. I am looking at the InTech Flyer Pursue. Did you look at those? The Hikers look cool, too, but I live in Washington state. Lots of boutique builders here in the PNW, too.
Yeah, there seems to be a lot of camping RV's in the PNW as it's part of the culture up there. The InTech looks awesome. Only think I don't like is the pull out kitchen. I've always navigated away from those types of setup as I want my kitchen to be where I want it to be. Also I bring a Blackstone with me to cook on, so sometimes the pull out stove is wasted space. Thanks for the comment!
I looked at Hiker and the inTech line very closely. I opted for the inTech Explore because I want to be able stand up in it and use it as a mobile office. I think the Hiker has better support and probably better off road.
I decided to get the pull-out kitchen simply for its convenience. No thinking about packing or unpacking.
I went with the Hiker (picked up my 5x10 MRXL in December) for cost and capability. I wanted an EOR but the wife wanted the 10’ (EOR only goes to 9’) so we compromised meaning she got her way.
I enjoy doing the BDR routes out West and the Hiker is a great platform for the price. The MRXL may not be rated for some parts of these but I’ll be doing them anyway.
LOL, let me know how the BDR routes go. I wanted an EOR too but like your wife, wanted the extra room in the galley for storage. I decided not to spend the extra 3 or 4K on the EOR. I'm happy with the 5x10 as it give me plenty of room to spread out. Thanks for the comment.
@@squaredropadventures I’m doing the NMBDR with 2 other Hiker owners in May. Of course they both have EORs so we’ll see how it stacks up.
Hikers are great campers. I went with the InTech Flyer Persue. Same size as the Hiker with a comparable price. Good luck! Might want to check on the tow capacity of your Taco. 8K is a bit much.
Yeah, meant to say 6K. I'm well under that with the Hiker. Thanks for checking out the video.
I also got a 5x10 XL. Hoping to take delivery of it in the next week or two. My reasons basically mirror yours.
Awesome. I'm sure there are more, but these were my 5 major reasons!!!!
Welcome to Hiker ownership 👍. Picked up our Mid Range XL 5x9, in Columbus back in Sept. 2022. My reasons were size and cost, and the ability to add things as I want. I prefer the wood over the sheetmetal choices out there, mainly due to I spent a career in the Navy, served aboard 5 ships, and have no desire to ever sleep in a metal enclosure again, lol. I've kept the interior of the trailer very basic. Just a trifold Twin-sized mattress (just me and my pup). Nothing fancy at all, I'm just sleeping in it. I did add curtains :) .I haven't weighed our rig, and I take a lot of stuff, even though my normal "campout" is never more than 3 nights, and all at established campgrounds. Pull it with a 2018 F150 SuperCrew, 5.0 engine, and get roughly 14-15 mpg, not only because of the gear hauled, plus the hills here in western/central Kentucky don't help. Having a rtt on top of the Hiker doesn't help with aerodynamics either. Customer service is always quick to return a phone call or email when I have a question. Oh. I did order the cover, as mine is outside 24/7. Won't fit in the garage due to the rtt.
Thanks for the comment. Yep, your reasons are about the same. I took mine out for the first time last weekend and learned quite a bit of stuff, as I'll learn more with time. I'll probably do weekends until I take some bigger trips later this year. I think my longest will be for 2 weeks in July out to Yellowstone.
I bought a Hiker because of low weight, close proximity to the company, and ability to customize. I was never going to buy a big expensive camper. It was going to be a tear/square drop for me.
I had it narrowed down to 3 last summer, which was no easy task, there are so many options, but It ended up being a choice if Hiker, Runaway, or Camp Inn's Road Toad. After I ordered my Hiker (HWD) last Winter, Bean put out a scaled down, lighter version that I really liked. Anyway, I believe I will be very happy in my Hiker this season 😊
Awesome! I took mine out for the initial run this weekend and it was great! Having somewhere to sleep with hard walls was great!
@@squaredropadventures I will pick mine up next month, I can't wait! I have slept on a platform I built in my SUV. I'm not comfortable sleeping in a tent, I camp solo.
Curious if you considered/compared TCTEARDROPS trailers before purchasing your Hiker? If so, what was your deciding factor(s) to sway you to the hiker - I find myself in that situation currently is why I ask. They both seem to have advantages.
I did look at the TC Teardrops. I didn't like the back galley and the way it was built out. I'm sure I could of customized it but I wanted to start with a blank canvas and figure out what worked for me. Also, I didn't like the shape of the teardrop. I like the squared off back, as I feel like you get a bit more room. Thanks for the comment!
I looked at TC Teardrops before I bought my Hiker. I am pretty sure I looked at everything!
It was the galley that was a problem for me. I didn't want to lift my cooler up to drop ot down in that big rear open area. I think TCT offers a bunch of colors at no extra charge, which is awesome. I also saw the owner of TCT interviewed by Cosmo Weems and I was impressed by his knowledge and all that he put into his design.
I’ve got the 5x9 midrange in that midnight blue with the AC on top and the fridge box . My trailer is fairly heavy , I’m guessing it’s 2200 lbs loaded . My Jeep gets 14mpg pulling it at 65 mph top speed (because it’s a Jeep) I also have a 3500 ram truck with the Cummins that you can’t tell any difference when pulling the Hiker, maybe drops back to 18-20 mpg . I really love my trailer , we have had so much fun with it. We’ve been all over the place with it , logged aprox. 3000 miles since we picked it up in August of 23. I was camping in FL the other day next to a guy with a Boreas off-road square drop pulling with a newer Toyota 4Runner , he said his trailer was 2100lbs and he was getting 14mpg . I am very curious how your Toyota Tacoma pulls your trailer in the mountains and how you like it after a few long trips. I am entertaining getting a new Tacoma but the guy with the Boreas said the 4Runner was underpowered and not a good pulling vehicle. He also had been EVERYWHERE and logged many miles . Thanks for the video and I will subscribe.
Thanks for the sub and the comment. Next video is one you'll want to watch. I pick up the hiker and tow it for the first time. Very interesting on your comments about mpg. It's basically the same thing I was seeing on my tacoma.
Good info.,like so much about the trailer and community.still undecided with all the wood tho.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I decided the wood was worth the lower cost than some of the aluminum rigs that start at 35 or 40K.
I agree,that's the reason I keep researching this trailer,the cost and the general quality is good.just regular inspection with some good sealer might be good for awhile,hey like your videos,great info.
First great decision: Not buying an RV.
Totally agree!
Email right away? I've waited 2 weeks and nothing from Hiker. They don't answer right away.
You have the wrong address. I've never waited more than 48 hours for a response.
@@squaredropadventures Ok I just send another email. Will see how long it takes
“Next video Columbus OH”? I know you probably reviewed 100 times.
The one option I went with was the third roof bar in the front. Adding an ARB 8’ awning the third (or in your case a 4th) gives solid mounting.
The 2 main reasons were price and weight (towing with a Subaru Crosstrek)
The community was a pleasant post purchase surprise.
Columbus OH, or IN, it's all the same. :)
Weight and price were big on my list too!
No. Not now. Not ever. Camping is supposed to be “roughing” it. Not like pulling a VRBO along with you. Plus on a really difficult trail there is a good chance it’s going to roll.
I’ll stick to a cap on my Gladiator.
That's your definition of camping. Camping is how you want to define it. Everybody is different with different needs.