Is there something between a teardrop and a regular caravan?

[normal_dave]

Maybe..., just released from IntechRV, it's called Sol. All aluminum welded tube framing. Do the lift kit, bigger tires, good to go.
IntechRV Sol

Or maybe one of their smaller toy haulers like the Flyer Explore:
Flyer Explore

 

[Grassland]

A lot of people want a larger trailer and say "off road" typically because if it is ACTUALLY built to go offroad, it probably wont be built like a complete bag of ******** like all the mainstream stuff.

My idea of a trailer "off road" is off paved roads. Gravel roads, dirt roads. A field.
Its still toy haulers or tear drops for the most part.

 

[mep1811]

https://taxaoutdoors.com

These guys have a couple offerings that might be what you are after.

Not for off road use. I had a Tiger Moth and I loved the design it broke apart on my 13,000 mile Alaska trip.

 

[mep1811]

That overkill camper looks nice for what the description is. Not really any good pictures of it though. Has anyone ever seen one or are they just some prototype? How would that composite shell would compare to aluminum skin and aluminum frame?

I saw one at Overland Expo West last year and it was just what I was looking for. Supposedly they are moving into a larger facility .

 

[Clutch]

There is VMI.

Only thing would probably change are the leaf springs to a trailing arm coil or Timbren.

http://www.vmioffroad.com

 

[PCO6]

Dozer Dan - I was kind of looking for something to address that "gap" too. As I'm just finishing my expedition trailer build ( https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/pco6s-trailer-build.148123/ ) I figured I'd start a teardrop build. I made all kinds of notes and scribblings and even bought some materials and parts.

I decided instead to convert a small fibreglass trailer for off road use. I picked up a 1986 Cadet. It has an overall length of 13' and the cabin is 6' wide by 9' long. I'll be removing the frame and converting it to a utility trailer that I'll sell to recoup about half of the cost. I'm building a new "off road" frame for it (stronger, independent suspension, larger wheels & tires, etc.). Unlike most teardrops, I can stand up inside this one. It also has a roof panel that pops up that provides an additional 4" of height plus great air circulation. The front and rear windows also lift and open.

The original dry weight of a Cadet with a basic kitchen is 900 lbs. I've scrapped the kitchen and will be cooking outdoors. The interior is gutted and I'll be starting from scratch with a different and more practical design.

There are lots of fibreglass trailers out there but I haven't seen many off road conversions. I hope it's not because they know something I don't! lol

 

[Timbren]

Some pretty sweet looking trailers in this thread. If anyone is looking to upgrade their suspensions to something more heavy duty, let us know!

 

[The Artisan]

Some pretty sweet looking trailers in this thread. If anyone is looking to upgrade their suspensions to something more heavy duty, let us know!

I will be building a hard side pop top teardrop with slideout prototype in the spring. I will be contacting you guys.
Kevin

 

[Jafrench]

Taxa may not be made for off road from the factory but they can be modified...

https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/my-taxa-cricket-mod-build.189809/

I probably would have gone with the VMI Canyon or Alpine if not for the price and lead time wait for the build.

 

[spressomon]

Have been in shopping mode again since I don't have a facility to fab what I want...the TetonX Hybrid checks many boxes.

 

[fireball]

We love our FWC on a flatbed trailer. I’m surprised more aren’t doing it. It ticks a lot of boxes for us:
Highly off road capable (this will vary by whatever trailer you place it on, ours is on a used AT flatbed)
Super quick and easy setup and tear down
At sub 3k lbs it’s not light but about the same weight as the Larger teardrops
Nice interior for when it’s cold or rainy or mom wants to nurse, etc.
reasonably priced....based on type of trailer and age of FWC one can spend as little or as much as they want.

 

[Gunnslinger]

I really like the FWC on an AT Flatbed. It would be nice to have the multi-role capability of a camper or utility trailer.

The Black Series caravans look promising: https://www.blackseriescamper.com/travel-trailers/hq12.html

 

[john61ct]

Yes actually great potential concept there.

Get the right slide-on unit that works well on the truck get a self-contained unit that can go bush bashing off road.

Then buy/customise or build a trailer that is also well suited to the camper "pod", give you either option.

The lower portion for rough storage and infrastructure like battery bank, LPG and water tanks, tools etc, then under the front section a big basement for maybe slideout chuckboxes, fridge / freezer, generator, maybe pump / watermaker, of course more tools / storage.

With the pod unloaded, the trailer could be used to carry utility loads, construction materials, gravel whatever.

For fantasy level, can also carry a decent sized boat, head off to Sea of Cortez beaches. . .

 

[TGK]

We love our FWC on a flatbed trailer. I’m surprised more aren’t doing it. It ticks a lot of boxes for us:
Highly off road capable (this will vary by whatever trailer you place it on, ours is on a used AT flatbed)
Super quick and easy setup and tear down
At sub 3k lbs it’s not light but about the same weight as the Larger teardrops
Nice interior for when it’s cold or rainy or mom wants to nurse, etc.
reasonably priced....based on type of trailer and age of FWC one can spend as little or as much as they want.

Can you clarify what type of trailer you have your FWC mounted on? I've also been looking for an "in-between" trailer that can handle the "backroads", mainly BLM & Forest Service washboard gravel and moderate dirt. I'm familiar with the VMI offering, nice trailers, but the cost and lead times are also an issue for me. I own a 1999 F250 with a FWC Grandby Shell that I modified in the bed. I also have a vintage Airstream that I tow with a 2017 F150. (I've had the Airstream off the pavement over the years but no longer want to drag it down washboard for any distance. Beats the hell out of it. Will save it for use in easily accessible spots.) I've been considering selling the '99 F250 FWC combo and replacing it with a smaller trailer I could drag down the backroads, unhook and set up as a basecamp. The idea of keeping the FWC that I already own and mounting it on a trailer is an intriguing idea. Do you have additional tie downs for the FWC beyond the 4 standard turnbuckles that normally are used to hold it in a truck bed?

Tom

 

[fireball]

It's on an AT flatbed. I probably wouldn't have gone that route, mainly because of cost, but I was able to find a used unit. It is AWESOME and I am very happy with it. The airbag suspension is especially nice for leveling out quickly and easily at camp. I've drug it through some pretty tough trails out west and am happy with the performance.

The FWC is attached to the trailer using the same 4 mounting points and hooks that you'd use to secure it to your truck bed. I check them fairly regularly and haven't had any problems.