Very valid points if you’re into serious off roading. However, if you enjoy the great outdoors, you don’t have to go into extreme terrain to enjoy yourself. Therefore, a trailer is actually a good choice..
Great video. Yes, trailers have their cons. But for us, it has been a game changer. We did the whole fully loaded vehicle thing with roof top tent and once we set everything up, we were stuck there until it was time to leave. Having the option to disconnect and go explore with a lighter / more agile vehicle has enabled us to see things we never would have normally. Also ensured we didn't lose our epic spot while exploring. Being able to carry lots of water, fuel, and propane allows us to travel further without worry... and as a huge bonus, my highway gas mileage improved greatly after moving the RTT to the trailer due to less wind drag. I don't think one scenario is better than the other... it just allows for different scenarios. Just my take. =)
Exactly why I’m lookin for a trailer. I have a RTT and it sucks to set it all up but then want to make a impromptu run up the mountain or down the road to check out a fishing spot or shuttle for a bike ride. And personally I hate setting it all up in the dark even though it’s not the end of the world. After 6 years of ownership I’m ready to move on to a camper trailer to make a base camp out of. I think it will keep the ole lady and I out in the woods more and add more comfort. Don’t worry I rough it enough during hunting season and some backpacking trips.
I am planning to build a trailer myself, but I'm searching for enough info to see if it really worths it. My question here is, when you leave your trailer behind, how do you know it or your things will still be there when you return?. Greetings!
Worth bearing in mind that if your vehicle is involved in a road traffic accident, it is safer for the occupants of the vehicle to have the equipment in a trailer-i.e. not flying around the inside of the car
I built my own adventure trailer, and it’s now in its third version. I’ve towed it after a 4Runner on tight gnarly trails in the Sierras, on Corkscrew Gulch on the alpine loop in Colorado, rutted trails in Moab, Death Valley, Baja, and many other places. I absolutely LOVE my trailer setup. It’s a perfect base camp, it allows me convenience when I adventure, but I can still take it to any place I want to go. I have a hot shower on the trailer, as well as a fridge, lighting, roof top tent, etc. It allows me to go on longer trips where I’m able to bring both kayaks, mountain bikes, inflatable boats, etc. Flushable toilet? Why would I need that? I have a shovel, a portable toilet that folds down to nothing, and a privacy tent. Good enough for me and my family. I’d rather have a nimble truck like my 4Runner and tow a trailer, than a bigger truck with a camper shell that I can’t take on narrow trails, and where I’m stuck with the camper on the vehicle. I guess everyone has different needs, but I’ll never go camping without my trailer again.
Lean into the discomfort says the guy who has a wet bath in his camper. What strange logic. I agree that trailers are a pain in advance trails, but for overlanding on semi-tame forest service roads, a trailer is so much better. Having everything on the truck is a true pain if you want a base camp for several days where you want to head out and explore. If you want to do crazy wheeling hillbilly style, then just leave the trailer at camp. And why not bring bike and kayaks and stuff if the whole point is to get out and do fun stuff. Some of us find sitting around camp boring, so we need our toys. Not everyone is into overlanding on advanced obstacle trails where a trailer would hold you back.
You totally got me on the contradiction between the wet bath and leaning into discomfort. We usually use the camper in the winter and just tent camp in the summer. If you do bring a trailer, why not a proper trailer you can sleep, bath, and cook in?
@@HarrySituations Lots of reasons. Too big to fit in the garage, worse mileage, can’t fit in tighter areas, too heavy, would rather spend my time outdoors while camping. Last thing I want to do when camping is sit in a living room watching tv.
@@HarrySituations Well, I just gave some reasons for not getting a big trailer with a bathroom. Lots of good reasons for still going with a small off road trailer. I can fit ours in the garage, it’s easy to tow, goes anywhere I want to go, and beats the pants off a ground tent in so many ways.
Excellent point Joey! I wouldn’t go so far as to say I HAVE to have running water, just that it is a nice thing to have that you don’t get with most off road trailers.
@@HarrySituations agree. There’s compromise no matter what the set up. We are looking at different options now and you really have to think about priorities and capabilities.
I want the trailer so I can take the "stuff" out of the jeep. That way the jeep is light for wheeling. (if it's not an out-and-back, I'll leave the trailer at home and take a gazelle tent) But most of the club events are out and back so the trailer stays at base camp. Trailer has hot water for shower, and the tent is up off the ground. This setup really works well. I also have a Thetford port-a-poti. ( so running water and poti are covered ..😅)
We camped an did some wheeling with my family of 4 with our XJ in CO drove from Pa. It wasn't to bad, the Jeep was packed full thou! Had a roof bag and a hitch cargo rack. Being organized and not taking extra things you wont need, is key!
Check out the XVenture trailer. Made by Schutt Industries. It shares the same frame as the Light Tactical trailer made for the military. They have never had a frame brake and it has more clearance than my lifter gladiator. We have never been restricted by pulling a trailer.
Long time watcher of your channel and love these videos to get your insight on topics like this. Currently thinking about building an enclosed off road trailer (boxy teardrop style), because I think it will suit my needs well. Not a rock crawler, and really just want a hard sided place to sleep and store food away from bears. The biggest thing for me that makes me want a trailer other than that, is organisation. Being able to have cabinets to store cooking supplies is way easier than the bins I currently use. The biggest thing I dislike about camping is the awful organisation from those bins and trying to find stuff. Makes cooking and doing basic tasks a chore. For me, thats enough to outweigh the pain of towing something.
What bins are you using? Would smaller boxes or ones with dividers help? Or maybe drawers in the back of your vehicle or bed of your truck to organize gear?
@@HarrySituations currently just use those plastic storage bins like youd find at walmart or Canadian Tire, thats what ive used my whole life tent camping. Im not going to say its unbearable, but I really think having drawers and cabinets are going to make cooking and other camp chores much easier. I daily my vehicle so it isnt built as an overlander, I dont go often enough to justify things like a decked system or anything. Plus with a trailer I get to keep my gear inside it for storage at my house so its quicker to get ready to leave, and similarly I get to leave my gear in it at camp and drive off
@@WeekendWarriors87 I think if you build one yourself it makes sense because you won’t have a bunch of money tied up. I like Front Runner Wolf Boxes and Step 22 Stingray boxes to organize my gear. Check them out.
@@HarrySituations Thanks! Ill give them a look. I could certainly build a decked system myself, but I would have to take it in and out each trip because I need my truck bed day to day. Organised storage boxes may help me get by for a while before my camper build though!
I built our little trailer a couple years ago, well I guess I'm still under construction with it, and I gotta say that I really like it. I can camp out of my YJ for a weekend, not a lot of room but I can make it work but taking the wife, dogs and now the kiddo, we needed something a little better suited to meet the needs. I'm definitely on camp off-road trailer over roof top tent but man, I can't believe how expensive things have gotten over the last 10 years.
Good points but gotta consider geographic area as well. We wheel around northwest Arkansas mainly. It can be tight for my 4Runner. No way would you get a nice looking Excursion in there and have it remain nice looking. My wife and I don't really need the trailer. Add our 2 kids and it's a must! Fits down the trails great too. Going to an expo such as Rendezvous in the Ozarks and not having to take camp down every day to run trails is great! Way more pros than cons for our situation.
@@HarrySituations if it's an unfamiliar trail I scout it out just as I would without a trailer. It can be a pain but I have had to unhitch (trailer is light and very maneuverable) or even winch it around. Like any type of wheeling you adapt and overcome.
I'm with you Harry. Coming from somone who drives a SWB Jeep, you learn what you can take and with you can't. You don't have to be a weight weenie but you also don't need everything either. WIth a trailer it's easy to bring too much stuff. I can't see getting a trailer unless I can sleep in it. Those offroad teardrops sure look nice. Still no bathroom or shower though. Now about those Nitto tires... Get them to make a 33x10.5R15 Mud Grappler and I'll run them.
When I started with my trailer I would pack heavy with what I thought was needed after a few trips I would take out what was not used after four five years I think I'm travelling light so much so that I can move the trailer around by myself to get it into position to set up
Different strokes for different folks I guess. I tow a 2000 lbs offroad trailer easily with my 2008 B 4000. Granted, I've built it a little 🙂, but Don't go anywhere too crazy that my lockers or winch won't take me. I can go a lot of places that a giant suburban can't and love that I can leave camp and come "home" when I get done fishing and take a shower. It's a full pop-up too. No rooftop nonsense.
Plot twist. Harry doesn’t actually hate roof top tents or off-road trailers. He’s just trying to bring down the market. This way, when he launches his own tent trailer company (The Harry Hamper) there won’t be any competition left. This is one Harry Situation that I’ve figured out!
I love your point about a larger vehicle. I don’t understand why the 4 door truck with the short little bed is so popular, I got a 4 door long bed Colorado and it works great for my family of 4 to take camping and I can sleep in the bed on solo trips. A long wheelbase makes way more sense to me than a short wheelbase with a trailer.
I think it all comes down to personal preference and what works for each person. Where I live on the east coast there really aren’t many trails and the ones that are here you aren’t getting turned around on them once you start. My truck works for my needs for more than just camping.
One evening I walked around Overland Expo in the area where all the campers stay... and asked every RRT owner about their experience. Nearly ALL said they were hoping to ditch the RTT once they got their valued use out of it. (They are pricy). The informal concensis is RTT's are overrated...and will likely go the ways of the mounted high lift jack....aka Mall Crawlers...
That is a fair criticism. I do a lot of backpacking and tent camping too, but not for weeks at a time like we do in the camper. I should have done a better job of making my point, which was that most off road trailers DON'T have a toilet or hot shower.
Harry - I'd love to see you drive the 1 ton Ram with the Northstar through those spots in Death Valley you showed the Taco pulling the trailer through. Nope, Nah, Negative. This is from a loyal 4th Gen Ram CTD owner.
I pull a Mallard m260. It's 30' long LoL, not exactly subtle or "off road" ready. But I've gotten into and out of some pretty hairy situations with my Ram 2500.
To his/her own. I can agree with your points and if it was just my wife and I, rtt or canopy camper would be the way to go. Your point is valid about kids, I could not do it with our overland trailer. I also built mine from scratch and to my needs. It makes trips comfortable and enjoyable
Fair question! When rockcrawling I bring less stuff. When exploring I take the truck and camper, which I still think goes more places than a trailer would.
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I’m currently building a Smitty built trailer and putting a roof top tent on it just so I can try it out for a while on more of the dirt road type stuff behind my wrangler to go see a little ghost towns and other things. Like you I like having a shower and the toilet. So this trailer will have both of those mounted to it. If it all works out good I’ll probably sell it down the road and get something a little bigger like an R pod you mentioned or even some of those new trailers that are coming out these days that are a little more off-road rugged but you still sleep inside. I’ll probably have a tongue extension that I can use on the rear to tow it in case I had somewhere I couldn’t turn around so I could easily go back with it until there’s a better area. I definitely wouldn’t want to tow it down harder trails, I would see it as more of a base camp where you could set it up and then go explore the area around.
I didn't see a very good offset to Harry's trailer complaints. Mostly a lot of this and that, but no solid details of what Harry currently uses to compare with. He shows the trailer while downing it, and talks up about what he'd use, but doesn't show any of it. Where is the comparison of Harry's trail camping rig on those same trails that Mike's Tacoma pulling the trailer went through? I have a 1 ton truck with at slide in glamper that can go on basic off road adventures. The truck is long, heavy and with the camper it is even heavier and really too tall for tight trails. I also have a 3rd gen Tacoma that I pull a small off road trailer with that I built 11 years ago. It has a hard top RTT on it, an awning with a screen room and lots of storage for my stuff to camp very comfortably while off road in pretty much any condition, shy of the artic. We did the glamping thing when the kids were growing up, and now that it's just myself and the wife, we enjoy the trailer a lot more than the big truck and camper combo. We are both very simple people and handle our showers from a bucket, and shit in the woods. Getting around the city, or tight parking lots has never been an issue in either of my rigs as we plan ahead, or can adjust accordingly as needed. It's not that hard.
Like you I have a one ton truck with a slide in pop up camper I use for easy off roading. I did a whole video about it for Driving Line. For more challenging terrain I just take my Tundra or my Jeep (depending on how hard) and sleep in a ground tent. If I had kids (like Mike, whose trailer is shown in the video) a trailer might be more valuable, but at that point I think I could be looking for a larger trailer with beds and a kitchen and bath.
Where is electric motor assist? This way you stuck you can disconnect and move trailer with plug in controller assisted drive could help with fuel economy also. Imagine a trailer that pushes you up a Hill.
I’ve done it all. I have a Turtleback trailer. I love that I don’t have to drive around town looking like a douche all week with camping gear strapped to the outside of my Jeep. I can reverse into the garage Friday morning and leave for the weekend with little to no packing. I would still advise owning a tent like a Gazelle for the technical trips or if friends wants go camping with you. And yes, Turtlebacks have hard plumbed propane and hot water. Expensive? Sure! But that’s why you learn to make money and not stay broke your whole life whining on TH-cam.
Agree, but I totally do not understand the point of a turtleback when a small off road square back is not much bigger but gives you a secure, comfortable and heatable place to sleep. Last thing I want to do is haul around a trailer and still have to set up a tent. Doesn’t make sense to me. Looked at them, but so glad I got a square back instead.
Great subject and video, I can see the purpose of your trail has the room I am on the east coast and do not see many places I would want to pull a trailer through. Some trails here your squeezing both tires on a stock Jeep axles
Great vid. I am really curious of what your thought is about that TAXA rig that you used. How's the build and design? Seems ok but I am worried about the steel frame and strength
While a trailer isn’t the right choice for many of my trips I think that the Taxa Wooly Bear is really well constructed. I have a friend with a Tiger Moth also and it has a bunch of off road miles on it and has been durable and reliable.
Though many consider it a strength, I feel like the rubber suspension is a weakness for off road. It's not as forgiving as steel springs and shocks. Rubber is always going to bounce your trailer off the ground. Other than that, I love the Wooly Bear!
Have a look at the Australian T van style and Daryl Sheather done a homemade one on a military trailer chassis with a good video build step by step with updates
Nobody that I've seen sells a simple box on wheels. Our little steel framed box on 35s and leafs has been pulled behind Steve's 85 4Runner through Deer Valley and the 'con numerous times, and most recently, behind the JLU through Fordcye and behind our Gladiator for a Baja trip. Right now, it's serving as the chuck wagon and holds all of our cooking implements and a 15 gallon weed sprayer from Tractor Supply for water. I like to pack a backpack's worth of gear but the old man is getting too used to having creature comforts on the trail. lol The keys are, keep it simple, keep it lightweight, and DO NOT forget the shocks.
@@HarrySituations Oh, Steve's up there. And he doesn't check youtube comments. 👴 But I agree. I think for him, the easiness of packing and the fact that the trailer hasn't ever given us a problem the past 20 years (and actually saved us on one trail) means that it's his go to, where I want to pack as light as possible, even going so far as leaving the spare at home, confident that we can repair any tire damage we encounter on the trail.
Hit it right on the money. I feel the off road trailer fraud started with a certain other Jeep TH-cam channel clown. Some guy saying you need this and that to be cool like me.
Awesome video. “Kiss” keep it simple stupid! If you need a toilet get a bucket and put a seat on it. If you can’t pack it in a Jeep or truck you don’t need it.
![ILLSLICK - WINTER IS COMING [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwTMeM1zIhQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Very valid points if you’re into serious off roading. However, if you enjoy the great outdoors, you don’t have to go into extreme terrain to enjoy yourself. Therefore, a trailer is actually a good choice..
Great video. Yes, trailers have their cons. But for us, it has been a game changer. We did the whole fully loaded vehicle thing with roof top tent and once we set everything up, we were stuck there until it was time to leave. Having the option to disconnect and go explore with a lighter / more agile vehicle has enabled us to see things we never would have normally. Also ensured we didn't lose our epic spot while exploring. Being able to carry lots of water, fuel, and propane allows us to travel further without worry... and as a huge bonus, my highway gas mileage improved greatly after moving the RTT to the trailer due to less wind drag. I don't think one scenario is better than the other... it just allows for different scenarios. Just my take. =)
Exactly why I’m lookin for a trailer. I have a RTT and it sucks to set it all up but then want to make a impromptu run up the mountain or down the road to check out a fishing spot or shuttle for a bike ride. And personally I hate setting it all up in the dark even though it’s not the end of the world. After 6 years of ownership I’m ready to move on to a camper trailer to make a base camp out of. I think it will keep the ole lady and I out in the woods more and add more comfort. Don’t worry I rough it enough during hunting season and some backpacking trips.
I am planning to build a trailer myself, but I'm searching for enough info to see if it really worths it. My question here is, when you leave your trailer behind, how do you know it or your things will still be there when you return?. Greetings!
Worth bearing in mind that if your vehicle is involved in a road traffic accident, it is safer for the occupants of the vehicle to have the equipment in a trailer-i.e. not flying around the inside of the car
I built my own adventure trailer, and it’s now in its third version. I’ve towed it after a 4Runner on tight gnarly trails in the Sierras, on Corkscrew Gulch on the alpine loop in Colorado, rutted trails in Moab, Death Valley, Baja, and many other places. I absolutely LOVE my trailer setup. It’s a perfect base camp, it allows me convenience when I adventure, but I can still take it to any place I want to go. I have a hot shower on the trailer, as well as a fridge, lighting, roof top tent, etc. It allows me to go on longer trips where I’m able to bring both kayaks, mountain bikes, inflatable boats, etc. Flushable toilet? Why would I need that? I have a shovel, a portable toilet that folds down to nothing, and a privacy tent. Good enough for me and my family. I’d rather have a nimble truck like my 4Runner and tow a trailer, than a bigger truck with a camper shell that I can’t take on narrow trails, and where I’m stuck with the camper on the vehicle. I guess everyone has different needs, but I’ll never go camping without my trailer again.
Is there a photo or specs . Sounds great
@@craigbarnard8721 I don’t think TH-cam will let me upload a photo to the comment section 😢
Lean into the discomfort says the guy who has a wet bath in his camper. What strange logic. I agree that trailers are a pain in advance trails, but for overlanding on semi-tame forest service roads, a trailer is so much better. Having everything on the truck is a true pain if you want a base camp for several days where you want to head out and explore. If you want to do crazy wheeling hillbilly style, then just leave the trailer at camp. And why not bring bike and kayaks and stuff if the whole point is to get out and do fun stuff. Some of us find sitting around camp boring, so we need our toys. Not everyone is into overlanding on advanced obstacle trails where a trailer would hold you back.
Exactly my position on the matter.
You totally got me on the contradiction between the wet bath and leaning into discomfort. We usually use the camper in the winter and just tent camp in the summer. If you do bring a trailer, why not a proper trailer you can sleep, bath, and cook in?
@@HarrySituations Lots of reasons. Too big to fit in the garage, worse mileage, can’t fit in tighter areas, too heavy, would rather spend my time outdoors while camping. Last thing I want to do when camping is sit in a living room watching tv.
@@arkos55 it sounds like you are making my argument for not bringing a trailer at all.
@@HarrySituations Well, I just gave some reasons for not getting a big trailer with a bathroom. Lots of good reasons for still going with a small off road trailer. I can fit ours in the garage, it’s easy to tow, goes anywhere I want to go, and beats the pants off a ground tent in so many ways.
“Lean into discomfort”. “I have to have running water”
Excellent point Joey! I wouldn’t go so far as to say I HAVE to have running water, just that it is a nice thing to have that you don’t get with most off road trailers.
@@HarrySituations agree. There’s compromise no matter what the set up. We are looking at different options now and you really have to think about priorities and capabilities.
I want the trailer so I can take the "stuff" out of the jeep. That way the jeep is light for wheeling. (if it's not an out-and-back, I'll leave the trailer at home and take a gazelle tent) But most of the club events are out and back so the trailer stays at base camp. Trailer has hot water for shower, and the tent is up off the ground. This setup really works well. I also have a Thetford port-a-poti. ( so running water and poti are covered ..😅)
We camped an did some wheeling with my family of 4 with our XJ in CO drove from Pa. It wasn't to bad, the Jeep was packed full thou! Had a roof bag and a hitch cargo rack. Being organized and not taking extra things you wont need, is key!
Thanks for the comment Kevin. Knowing what to pack comes from experience, and sometimes you gain that experience the hard way.
Check out the XVenture trailer. Made by Schutt Industries. It shares the same frame as the Light Tactical trailer made for the military. They have never had a frame brake and it has more clearance than my lifter gladiator. We have never been restricted by pulling a trailer.
"Take less stuff.....Lean into the discomfort".... "I need a mobile bathroom"
That is a fair criticism Joe. I would have been better off saying take the things that are important. To me that is running water.
Long time watcher of your channel and love these videos to get your insight on topics like this. Currently thinking about building an enclosed off road trailer (boxy teardrop style), because I think it will suit my needs well. Not a rock crawler, and really just want a hard sided place to sleep and store food away from bears. The biggest thing for me that makes me want a trailer other than that, is organisation. Being able to have cabinets to store cooking supplies is way easier than the bins I currently use. The biggest thing I dislike about camping is the awful organisation from those bins and trying to find stuff. Makes cooking and doing basic tasks a chore. For me, thats enough to outweigh the pain of towing something.
What bins are you using? Would smaller boxes or ones with dividers help? Or maybe drawers in the back of your vehicle or bed of your truck to organize gear?
@@HarrySituations currently just use those plastic storage bins like youd find at walmart or Canadian Tire, thats what ive used my whole life tent camping. Im not going to say its unbearable, but I really think having drawers and cabinets are going to make cooking and other camp chores much easier. I daily my vehicle so it isnt built as an overlander, I dont go often enough to justify things like a decked system or anything. Plus with a trailer I get to keep my gear inside it for storage at my house so its quicker to get ready to leave, and similarly I get to leave my gear in it at camp and drive off
@@WeekendWarriors87 I think if you build one yourself it makes sense because you won’t have a bunch of money tied up. I like Front Runner Wolf Boxes and Step 22 Stingray boxes to organize my gear. Check them out.
@@HarrySituations Thanks! Ill give them a look. I could certainly build a decked system myself, but I would have to take it in and out each trip because I need my truck bed day to day. Organised storage boxes may help me get by for a while before my camper build though!
I built our little trailer a couple years ago, well I guess I'm still under construction with it, and I gotta say that I really like it. I can camp out of my YJ for a weekend, not a lot of room but I can make it work but taking the wife, dogs and now the kiddo, we needed something a little better suited to meet the needs. I'm definitely on camp off-road trailer over roof top tent but man, I can't believe how expensive things have gotten over the last 10 years.
Yeah a YJ doesn’t leave much room for an entire family! What type/difficulty of trail are you running?
@@HarrySituations we tow it with an Xterra so not even as crazy as the Tacoma in the video, yet.
Good points but gotta consider geographic area as well. We wheel around northwest Arkansas mainly. It can be tight for my 4Runner. No way would you get a nice looking Excursion in there and have it remain nice looking. My wife and I don't really need the trailer. Add our 2 kids and it's a must! Fits down the trails great too. Going to an expo such as Rendezvous in the Ozarks and not having to take camp down every day to run trails is great! Way more pros than cons for our situation.
Towing a trailer though right trails doesnt sound that awesome to be honest. What happens if you have to back up?
@@HarrySituations if it's an unfamiliar trail I scout it out just as I would without a trailer. It can be a pain but I have had to unhitch (trailer is light and very maneuverable) or even winch it around. Like any type of wheeling you adapt and overcome.
I'm with you Harry. Coming from somone who drives a SWB Jeep, you learn what you can take and with you can't. You don't have to be a weight weenie but you also don't need everything either. WIth a trailer it's easy to bring too much stuff. I can't see getting a trailer unless I can sleep in it. Those offroad teardrops sure look nice. Still no bathroom or shower though. Now about those Nitto tires... Get them to make a 33x10.5R15 Mud Grappler and I'll run them.
It’s crazy to think that when I was a kid we would go on trips to the Rubicon with my parents and our dog and fit everything in an FJ40!
When I started with my trailer I would pack heavy with what I thought was needed after a few trips I would take out what was not used after four five years I think I'm travelling light so much so that I can move the trailer around by myself to get it into position to set up
Different strokes for different folks I guess. I tow a 2000 lbs offroad trailer easily with my 2008 B 4000. Granted, I've built it a little 🙂, but Don't go anywhere too crazy that my lockers or winch won't take me. I can go a lot of places that a giant suburban can't and love that I can leave camp and come "home" when I get done fishing and take a shower. It's a full pop-up too. No rooftop nonsense.
Plot twist. Harry doesn’t actually hate roof top tents or off-road trailers. He’s just trying to bring down the market. This way, when he launches his own tent trailer company (The Harry Hamper) there won’t be any competition left. This is one Harry Situation that I’ve figured out!
Ha ha!
Harry's Hideouts: Get out there and take it all with you!
The Harry Hamper is just a trailer to carry your dirty clothes! 🤣
If that was my plan I would be making videos about how you don’t need an LJ or Tundra! 😬
@@HarrySituations 😂
I love your point about a larger vehicle. I don’t understand why the 4 door truck with the short little bed is so popular, I got a 4 door long bed Colorado and it works great for my family of 4 to take camping and I can sleep in the bed on solo trips. A long wheelbase makes way more sense to me than a short wheelbase with a trailer.
I think it is because most people are using these trucks as a daily driver where they would be better served with a car.
Smaller trucks can get through tighter trails, even with the trailer. We take advantage of that a lot.
I think it all comes down to personal preference and what works for each person. Where I live on the east coast there really aren’t many trails and the ones that are here you aren’t getting turned around on them once you start. My truck works for my needs for more than just camping.
One evening I walked around Overland Expo in the area where all the campers stay... and asked every RRT owner about their experience. Nearly ALL said they were hoping to ditch the RTT once they got their valued use out of it. (They are pricy). The informal concensis is RTT's are overrated...and will likely go the ways of the mounted high lift jack....aka Mall Crawlers...
Irony, Harry says lean into the discomfort and bring less stuff then says he needs a toilet and hot shower inside his rig. 🤣😂
That is a fair criticism. I do a lot of backpacking and tent camping too, but not for weeks at a time like we do in the camper. I should have done a better job of making my point, which was that most off road trailers DON'T have a toilet or hot shower.
You right man
I’m starting to add more and more things to my truck 😕
Harry - I'd love to see you drive the 1 ton Ram with the Northstar through those spots in Death Valley you showed the Taco pulling the trailer through. Nope, Nah, Negative. This is from a loyal 4th Gen Ram CTD owner.
Harry nails it again.
I pull a Mallard m260. It's 30' long LoL, not exactly subtle or "off road" ready. But I've gotten into and out of some pretty hairy situations with my Ram 2500.
To his/her own. I can agree with your points and if it was just my wife and I, rtt or canopy camper would be the way to go. Your point is valid about kids, I could not do it with our overland trailer. I also built mine from scratch and to my needs. It makes trips comfortable and enjoyable
Building one yourself is definitely more cost effective than buying a trailer. What is your tow vehicle?
@@HarrySituations 21’ Jeep Gladiator ecodiesel. I had a 20’ 3.6 gas and I’m happy I made the switch. Better towing power and considerably better mpg.
Did you go from "I want a toilet and running water" to "bring less stuff "?
Fair question! When rockcrawling I bring less stuff. When exploring I take the truck and camper, which I still think goes more places than a trailer would.
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I’m currently building a Smitty built trailer and putting a roof top tent on it just so I can try it out for a while on more of the dirt road type stuff behind my wrangler to go see a little ghost towns and other things. Like you I like having a shower and the toilet. So this trailer will have both of those mounted to it. If it all works out good I’ll probably sell it down the road and get something a little bigger like an R pod you mentioned or even some of those new trailers that are coming out these days that are a little more off-road rugged but you still sleep inside. I’ll probably have a tongue extension that I can use on the rear to tow it in case I had somewhere I couldn’t turn around so I could easily go back with it until there’s a better area. I definitely wouldn’t want to tow it down harder trails, I would see it as more of a base camp where you could set it up and then go explore the area around.
I didn't see a very good offset to Harry's trailer complaints. Mostly a lot of this and that, but no solid details of what Harry currently uses to compare with. He shows the trailer while downing it, and talks up about what he'd use, but doesn't show any of it. Where is the comparison of Harry's trail camping rig on those same trails that Mike's Tacoma pulling the trailer went through?
I have a 1 ton truck with at slide in glamper that can go on basic off road adventures. The truck is long, heavy and with the camper it is even heavier and really too tall for tight trails.
I also have a 3rd gen Tacoma that I pull a small off road trailer with that I built 11 years ago. It has a hard top RTT on it, an awning with a screen room and lots of storage for my stuff to camp very comfortably while off road in pretty much any condition, shy of the artic. We did the glamping thing when the kids were growing up, and now that it's just myself and the wife, we enjoy the trailer a lot more than the big truck and camper combo. We are both very simple people and handle our showers from a bucket, and shit in the woods.
Getting around the city, or tight parking lots has never been an issue in either of my rigs as we plan ahead, or can adjust accordingly as needed. It's not that hard.
Like you I have a one ton truck with a slide in pop up camper I use for easy off roading. I did a whole video about it for Driving Line. For more challenging terrain I just take my Tundra or my Jeep (depending on how hard) and sleep in a ground tent. If I had kids (like Mike, whose trailer is shown in the video) a trailer might be more valuable, but at that point I think I could be looking for a larger trailer with beds and a kitchen and bath.
Where is electric motor assist? This way you stuck you can disconnect and move trailer with plug in controller assisted drive could help with fuel economy also. Imagine a trailer that pushes you up a Hill.
I’ve done it all. I have a Turtleback trailer. I love that I don’t have to drive around town looking like a douche all week with camping gear strapped to the outside of my Jeep. I can reverse into the garage Friday morning and leave for the weekend with little to no packing. I would still advise owning a tent like a Gazelle for the technical trips or if friends wants go camping with you. And yes, Turtlebacks have hard plumbed propane and hot water. Expensive? Sure! But that’s why you learn to make money and not stay broke your whole life whining on TH-cam.
I’m with you on not having stuff strapped all over the outside of your Jeep!
Agree, but I totally do not understand the point of a turtleback when a small off road square back is not much bigger but gives you a secure, comfortable and heatable place to sleep. Last thing I want to do is haul around a trailer and still have to set up a tent. Doesn’t make sense to me. Looked at them, but so glad I got a square back instead.
Great subject and video, I can see the purpose of your trail has the room I am on the east coast and do not see many places I would want to pull a trailer through. Some trails here your squeezing both tires on a stock Jeep axles
Hey I'm just Daydreaming and was looking for an offroad trailer I could stuff a 1965 Corvette in. Overland Camp with amazing grocery getting car. 😍 💘
Great vid. I am really curious of what your thought is about that TAXA rig that you used. How's the build and design? Seems ok but I am worried about the steel frame and strength
While a trailer isn’t the right choice for many of my trips I think that the Taxa Wooly Bear is really well constructed. I have a friend with a Tiger Moth also and it has a bunch of off road miles on it and has been durable and reliable.
Though many consider it a strength, I feel like the rubber suspension is a weakness for off road. It's not as forgiving as steel springs and shocks. Rubber is always going to bounce your trailer off the ground. Other than that, I love the Wooly Bear!
Why is RTT so high above trailer. = poor COG and clearance issues. Use collapsible or telescoping supports.
The Aerotow has a lid that swings up so the tent must clear the open door.
Perhaps and this explains for that model however it is common for others to park it sky high. Looks out of place.
The last thing I want when wheeling is a heavy trailer lugging me down on my climbs. I agree with Harry.
I have a Patriot X3. The best trailer you can tow.
How much does those retail for?
@@HarrySituations They start at USD $57,790.
"I need more, like a shower and toilet. Also, I want to have less."
You are right. These two statements are at odds.
Another awesome vid. I feel like the best of both is a wedge top style topper like a GFC or similar. Tell me that I’m wrong 🤷🏼♂️
You are not wrong.
Have a look at the Australian T van style and Daryl Sheather done a homemade one on a military trailer chassis with a good video build step by step with updates
Nobody that I've seen sells a simple box on wheels. Our little steel framed box on 35s and leafs has been pulled behind Steve's 85 4Runner through Deer Valley and the 'con numerous times, and most recently, behind the JLU through Fordcye and behind our Gladiator for a Baja trip. Right now, it's serving as the chuck wagon and holds all of our cooking implements and a 15 gallon weed sprayer from Tractor Supply for water. I like to pack a backpack's worth of gear but the old man is getting too used to having creature comforts on the trail. lol
The keys are, keep it simple, keep it lightweight, and DO NOT forget the shocks.
You aren’t any older than me, I’m not buying that excuse!!!
@@HarrySituations Oh, Steve's up there. And he doesn't check youtube comments. 👴
But I agree. I think for him, the easiness of packing and the fact that the trailer hasn't ever given us a problem the past 20 years (and actually saved us on one trail) means that it's his go to, where I want to pack as light as possible, even going so far as leaving the spare at home, confident that we can repair any tire damage we encounter on the trail.
100% on the shocks. It makes a huge difference. Trailers without shocks are always going airborne if you go too fast.
dude you just sound but hurt... What did the trailer do to you... unreal
They get stuck in front of me on the trail as the owner flounders to back up or get through obstacles. That’s what they did to me.
I love the simplicity of sleeping in the back of my Pathfinder
Hit it right on the money. I feel the off road trailer fraud started with a certain other Jeep TH-cam channel clown. Some guy saying you need this and that to be cool like me.
Talking crap about products but then running NITTOS lol. Next video please.
Awesome video. “Kiss” keep it simple stupid! If you need a toilet get a bucket and put a seat on it. If you can’t pack it in a Jeep or truck you don’t need it.