Arkto Campers-Shakedown, Update

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

I am not an owner and only have seen an Arkto in a video tour with the owner. Everything I have seen and read on this forum shows an excellent built trailer that is light, off road capable, garageable at 8 feet, has every certification known to mankind and is IMHO very reasonably priced.

 

[EPO]

Virtually nothing, it's a great camper. Seriously, it's that good.

 

[K9LTW]

Evening, new to Expedition; going from cabin to overland, and leaning Arkto G12; many comments/reviews all great, but what’s wrong?

We've had zero build issues with ours. Only negative I can think of is I'm not a huge fan of the flooring material as it has a bit of a softish texture, but is rough and collects a lot of dirt. You have to scrub it pretty well to get it clean. We put a rug down inside and are really picky about taking shoes off right away which minimizes anything. It would be nice if there was separate lighting over the bed/living area, or if the lights had a red option, but that's all easily solved with inexpensive solutions on your own.

For the price...I don't think you can find a better constructed hybrid. The craftsmanship is just superb. Would I like better suspension with shocks for rebound control vs Timbren's rubber spring control? Absolutely. Would it raise the cost to put quality stuff on there (not talking nameless knock-off stuff you find on <insert cookie-cutter trailer here>)? Also absolutely. Suspension is also a fairly personal choice. If you're primarily sticking to well-groomed gravel/forest roads and pavement? You won't even blink an eye and will appreciate the cost savings (but not at the expense of quality). If you're taking it off the beaten path over roots and rocks...just slow down so it doesn't jounce too much. It's still a million times better than something with a Dexter torsion axle.

If the layout/size doesn't work for you...then...I guess that's a con? But that's going to vary by person.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

One additional comment about the Timbrens they are half the weight of or more of other trailing arm higher travel set ups. Cruise Masters are awesome but be aware of some of the small shop or Chinese designed systems. The chassis design and welding are so important.

 

[Winterpeg]

<snip>
If you're taking it off the beaten path over roots and rocks...just slow down so it doesn't jounce too much. It's still a million times better than something with a Dexter torsion axle.
<snip>

What do you air down the trailer tires to when offroad?

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

What do you air down the trailer tires to when offroad?

I don't deflate the trailer tores to much unless it's sand. Tow vehicle just depends on terrain type

 

[K9LTW]

What do you air down the trailer tires to when offroad?

Depends on how rough it gets but I've taken the trailer tires down to 25 and my truck down to 30 when it gets really rocky, but I'm rolling slow so as to not overheat the tires. I'm running 37s on a heavy Power Wagon with a built out pop-up camper shell. Could I go lower? Probably. But I've not had a need to and it's not worth the risk of damage to me. With the trailer loaded and a full water tank I'm running 45 psi on the highway and get good treadwear and performance.

 

[Winterpeg]

Depends on how rough it gets but I've taken the trailer tires down to 25 and my truck down to 30 when it gets really rocky, but I'm rolling slow so as to not overheat the tires. I'm running 37s on a heavy Power Wagon with a built out pop-up camper shell. Could I go lower? Probably. But I've not had a need to and it's not worth the risk of damage to me. With the trailer loaded and a full water tank I'm running 45 psi on the highway and get good treadwear and performance.

Sounds like a reasonable psi for the trailer... due to the weight. I always play it by ear and see how much the tires are squatting (how much weight is on them).

The 37's can likely handle going a bit lower if needed... I'm usually around 18 on the FJ, but it's not carrying a camper on it, but it is towing a 5000 lb trailer and has a few rotopax of fuel and items on the roof rack.

Good call on not going fast... highway speeds with aired down tires can damage them, as you know. The above scenario I'm in 4Lo going through a trail.