"Campers" that you can't sleep in

[jchasse]

I've been wondering about this for a long time, so I thouhgt I'd seek the wisdom of the portal forums

I'm not going to name any brands, but what is the deal with all of the $30k, $40k or higher single axle trailers that just have a bunch of camping gear and a roof top tent bolted onto them?

I've read dozens (hundreds?) of threads, looked at models from a bunch on manufacturers, and this is the area of "overlanding" gear that I can't wrap my head around. Why does anyone spend $40k on a "camper" that you can't sleep IN?

I'm open to the possibility that I'm just missing something. I just want to understand.

 

[CRYA]

I’ve got a $9k Smittybuilt Scout and can’t imagine spending those amounts!
You can purchase 24’ Winnebago FLX with A/C and bunk beds for that money. And it’s still off-grid capable.

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

[clip]
I'm open to the possibility that I'm just missing something. I just want to understand.

I believe the old adage about fools and their money is in play.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Interesting question. So your talking about "sleep in off road trailers". (SIOT)

Overland folks like these small light SIOT''s because they are use to tent camping and off roading and want to step up to get off the ground or mostly have more gear, water and power. They can tow theses rigs with jeep wrangler s or Lexus GX 's. All this gear, electronics and rooftop tent and off road suspension are Fricking expensive. So that's why they cost 30 to 40K. Just fantasize about getting to mountain summit and setting up camp for a week.

You know I would rather go this route then haul everything but the kitchen sink out the the wilderness in a 5 ton Hampton Inn on wheels (unless your a full-timer). I compromised and landed in the middle with my light weight stand up sleep in.

 

[jchasse]

Interesting question. So your talking about "sleep in off road trailers". (SIOT)

Overland folks like these small light SIOT''s because they are use to tent camping and off roading and want to step up to get off the ground or mostly have more gear, water and power. They can tow theses rigs with jeep wrangler s or Lexus GX 's. All this gear, electronics and rooftop tent and off road suspension are Fricking expensive. So that's why they cost 30 to 40K. Just fantasize about getting to mountain summit and setting up camp for a week.

You know I would rather go this route then haul everything but the kitchen sink out the the wilderness in a 5 ton Hampton Inn on wheels (unless your a full-timer). I compromised and landed in the middle with my light weight stand up sleep in.

I read that a few times. And I'm not sure I get it.

You mention "SIOT" but also "rooftop tent".

My question is why anyone would spend $40k+ for essentially a cargo trailer with overpriced suspension, a $700 fridge, a Camp Partner stove, and a rooftop tent stuck on it -- vs a tiny "camper" with all of the same stuff, but with no tent and an actuall hard sided sleeping space with heat, a mattress, doors and windows, storage, a vent fan etc?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

I don't recall seeing any of these siots in the San Juan mountains , I do see many posers in and around Southern Colorado towed by Lexus and Cadillacs etc, fitting tow rigs and they are cool looking.

 

[jchasse]

I don't recall seeing any of these siots in the San Juan mountains , I do see many posers in and around Southern Colorado towed by Lexus and Cadillacs etc, fitting tow rigs and they are cool looking.

Interesting. I live in the San Juans and see more than a few of them being put to great use. Boreas, and hell, Sasquatch trailers made just over the hill from us in Silverton would probably disagree with your "poser" assessment.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

So SIOT is a made up acynom for " sleep on it trailer" meaning you sleep on it. Like mount a rooftop tent on it or on top of it as apposed to what you like a sleep in trailer. Meaning sleep inside it.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Looks like I went dyslexia on my made up acynom SOIT

 

[jchasse]

So SIOT is a made up acynom for " sleep on it trailer" meaning you sleep on it. Like mount a rooftop tent on it or on top of it as apposed to what you like a sleep in trailer. Meaning sleep inside it.

We're just using the acronym you came up with - SIOT (Sleep in off-road trailer) in post #4. Don't blame us !

I actually kinda like it. Sounds better and makes a lot more sense to me than SOOT (Sleep on off-road trailer)

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

What brand trailer do you own jchasse

 

[jchasse]

What brand trailer do you own jchasse

I don't. Or at least nothing relevant to this discussion. I have the the Alto that we chatted about here... https://forum.expeditionportal.com/...cs-of-your-rig-and-trailer.31599/post-3173406

But I'm always lobbying to ditch it for something more offroad capable. Wife and daughter aren't going for it yet - they love the windows. So in the interim I have the Silverado that's well set up with a 270 awning, water tank, roof top tent etc, or I can sleep in the back of my 4Runner for overnight fishing trips.

But an "SIOT" is what would scratch my itch. I could tow it basically anywhere with either the truck or the 4Runner, leave it set up to keep my boondocking spot from being poached, sleep in complete comfort and not have to think about shoveling the muddy/dusty dog into a rooftop tent. Sounds like bliss.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Right thanks for the reminder. I am sleep deprived after a big trip.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

It's simple: marketing has people convinced that they will travel the world and "need" that compact, yet ultra capable trailer for the "expedition" that will happen "any year now."

People that actually travel the world go out there and do it in the least suitable vehicles/arrangements imaginable (R1 superbike, 50 year old Volvo wagon, etc.). The rest of us sit in various online forums, dream about what those people are actually doing, and waste money on unnecessary crap.

 

[RKRUGER]

1. Flat floor tent with what can be a great mattress
2. No need to burden the tow vehicle with so much weight on the roof or otherwise packed into the vehicle, especially if the tow vehicle is also a daily driver
3. Can pack during the week to just hook up and go.
4. Ability to claim a spot and drop the trailer while you go explore.
5. I didn’t pay 40k for my 17 yr old Chaser.