Looking for First Ready Made Expo Trailer for Under $10k?

[SnyperX]

Originally posted this in the wrong forum. Going to try it here. I am starting my first step in researching expo campers for under $10k. Ideally would like to have something that can sleep 3. My budget is under $10k. What are some recommended brands to look at? I am sure I could save money with a DIY, but realistically I don't have the time or patience for such a project. I am hoping this thread will morph into more wants/needs from me as more folks reply. Thanks!!

 

[alia176]

You can still purchase a brand new Kamparoo from Canada for sub $10k. Parents sleep on the bed, toddler grew up in the pack n play and now she has her own cot.

https://www.kamparoo.com/compare-pricing-for-kamparoo-campers

 

[Grassland]

Maybe a Kakadu Camping unit would work, especially if you can stock it with all your tent camping gear you possibly already have.
https://www.kakaducamping.com/products/bushranger-xt-off-road-camper-trailer
Click the options enough though and you are over 10 k, but the USD is worth 30% more than the CAD

 

[alia176]

Maybe a Kakadu Camping unit would work, especially if you can stock it with all your tent camping gear you possibly already have.
https://www.kakaducamping.com/products/bushranger-xt-off-road-camper-trailer
Click the options enough though and you are over 10 k, but the USD is worth 30% more than the CAD

I like this the OzTrail tent on this trailer. The trailer is just a box, nothing to write home about but the tent is elaborate and roomy. If you're base camping, this tent would work well. But if you're moving daily then I think you would get tired of setting this tent up. Still if the tent itself can be purchased for a decent price I don't see why you couldn't simply put it on a properly sized trailer and hit the trails!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[jays0n]

To really help we need more information. What are you planning to do with this trailer? What will you be towing it with and is that vehicle lifted? As no trailer can do EVERYTHING well it's important to know what your expectations of it will be. If you're just looking to do some camping on dirt roads in the summer then your best shot is finding a used pop up tent trailer, new even those are north of $10k. If spending weeks in the backcountry on questionable roads is your plan then you need a fully outfitted off-road capable expedition trailer with matching wheels/tires to the tow vehicle (to only carry a single spare) and all the things you need to live out of it like water, propane, power, sleeping quarters, lighting, etc. You will need to increase that budget number or buy a very basic, bare trailer from Schutt (cheapest new is over $10k) or Smittybuilt (about $7k but requires complete assembly) and outfit it yourself. The issues with with outfitting yourself is you're back to the DIY thing as these bare trailers (there are many others out there available for around the $10k mark) come with almost nothing. The other issue with a bare trailer is the sleeping arrangements, you will need to add a large roof top tent with an annex, which will set you back another $2k - 3K. With Chinese built models at around $15k - $20k, US built going for $30k - $55k, and imports from South Africa and Australia often costing even more, you're probably going to find that you need to increase your budget or do some level of DIY. Just my $0.02 worth, hope it helps.

 

[Mccool]

To really help we need more information. What are you planning to do with this trailer? What will you be towing it with and is that vehicle lifted? As no trailer can do EVERYTHING well it's important to know what your expectations of it will be. If you're just looking to do some camping on dirt roads in the summer then your best shot is finding a used pop up tent trailer, new even those are north of $10k. If spending weeks in the backcountry on questionable roads is your plan then you need a fully outfitted off-road capable expedition trailer with matching wheels/tires to the tow vehicle (to only carry a single spare) and all the things you need to live out of it like water, propane, power, sleeping quarters, lighting, etc. You will need to increase that budget number or buy a very basic, bare trailer from Schutt (cheapest new is over $10k) or Smittybuilt (about $7k but requires complete assembly) and outfit it yourself. The issues with with outfitting yourself is you're back to the DIY thing as these bare trailers (there are many others out there available for around the $10k mark) come with almost nothing. The other issue with a bare trailer is the sleeping arrangements, you will need to add a large roof top tent with an annex, which will set you back another $2k - 3K. With Chinese built models at around $15k - $20k, US built going for $30k - $55k, and imports from South Africa and Australia often costing even more, you're probably going to find that you need to increase your budget or do some level of DIY. Just my $0.02 worth, hope it helps.

I agree with most all of this. You'll need to at least double your budget to buy a new ready made trailer unless you plan to outfit it yourself.

I'd be looking at used trailers. you may get lucky and find a good production unit or a nice homemade unit someone is getting rid of fully outfitted for your money.

 

[alia176]

Agreed with what's been said; used popups are coming up on CL all day long for good prices. This might be a good, inexpensive way (less than $6k) to get into this style of camping and figure out how to proceed moving forward. I know a buddy who got rid of all cabinets and plumbing on his popup and then modified it for more aggressive trails. Unfortunately, he went overboard and turned it into something that required a step stool for ingress and lost some of its appeal.

Speaking for my family, never did we entertain the idea of sleeping with our toddler on the same bed. So, this ruled out RTTs. Heck, she didn't sleep with us in our house on a king size bed! The Kamparoo fit our bill nicely and it still does but it's not for everybody. Pros and cons!

Good luck with the hunt!

 

[bshinn]

I agree with most all of this. You'll need to at least double your budget to buy a new ready made trailer unless you plan to outfit it yourself.

I'd be looking at used trailers. you may get lucky and find a good production unit or a nice homemade unit someone is getting rid of fully outfitted for your money.

Not quite double, but you need to plan on an additional $3-5K to meet your expectations if you want new. The Smittybilt Scout is $8k alone, by the time you add tent and awning your're knocking on $10K and still need to figure out the rest (fridge, solar, genset, etc). I was able to score a Crux 1610 with a Dometic CF50 for $13k, it was a demo, but the street price is $15Kish.

 

[jays0n]

Not quite double, but you need to plan on an additional $3-5K to meet your expectations if you want new. The Smittybilt Scout is $8k alone, by the time you add tent and awning your're knocking on $10K and still need to figure out the rest (fridge, solar, genset, etc). I was able to score a Crux 1610 with a Dometic CF50 for $13k, it was a demo, but the street price is $15Kish.

Genset? Everywhere we go now everyone is running a generator and forgetting one of the main reasons we go overlanding, peace and quiet!

 

[bshinn]

Not me, solar only here I don't want to listen to the damn things either.

 

[bluejeep]

Bias warning for next statement since I own a Tentrax!!

Tentrax has new ownership, I've heard they have some plans for nice new things. Maybe you saw them at Moab EJS 2019. Easily sleeps 2, maybe 3 if a little one. Else a small ground tent just outside can be added. Within your pricing.

 

[SnyperX]

So for a bit more information. I would be towing this with a 2015 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. A hard side trailer, soft side, or hybrid version is all on the table. Used or new is fine with me.

 

[jays0n]

You mentioned DIY in your other posts but I'm not sure how much DIY you really meant, building the entire trailer or just outfitting. If you meant building the trailer then you might be interested in the route I took, a "kit" from Dinoot trailers. I've had a great experience designing, ordering and building my trailer. One of the best things about building your own trailer (other than looking at it and thinking, "damn, I built that thing") is that you know how it goes together so repairs or future modifications will be easier than trying to reverse engineer something.

They have a few models available and are 100% un-outfitted, it's all up to you. I chose the Compact J-Series kit, told them what wheel/tire combo I planned to run (same as tow vehicle) so they could correctly size the axle and choose the right lug pattern hubs and any options I required. A few weeks later i received a pallet that contained a frame, axle, springs, the fiberglass tub in pieces, fender flares, lights, safety chains, etc. (They also can provide instructions to modify the trailer available Harbor Freight if you plans are for mostly on road or dirt road use.) Following their clear instructions I built the floor out of marine plywood, put the tub together, mounted it on the frame that I had already attached the axle to and I was rolling. With everything in hand it's an easy weekend project for 1 person, 2 for an extra set of hands. Once you have a roller then you can attach your roof top tent, awning and do any other outfitting like water tanks, solar, batteries, etc. You can see my complete build thread on the forum that Dinoot runs to help folks with questions about their products. Good luck with your search.

 

[SnyperX]

You mentioned DIY in your other posts but I'm not sure how much DIY you really meant, building the entire trailer or just outfitting. If you meant building the trailer then you might be interested in the route I took, a "kit" from Dinoot trailers. I've had a great experience designing, ordering and building my trailer. One of the best things about building your own trailer (other than looking at it and thinking, "damn, I built that thing") is that you know how it goes together so repairs or future modifications will be easier than trying to reverse engineer something.

They have a few models available and are 100% un-outfitted, it's all up to you. I chose the Compact J-Series kit, told them what wheel/tire combo I planned to run (same as tow vehicle) so they could correctly size the axle and choose the right lug pattern hubs and any options I required. A few weeks later i received a pallet that contained a frame, axle, springs, the fiberglass tub in pieces, fender flares, lights, safety chains, etc. (They also can provide instructions to modify the trailer available Harbor Freight if you plans are for mostly on road or dirt road use.) Following their clear instructions I built the floor out of marine plywood, put the tub together, mounted it on the frame that I had already attached the axle to and I was rolling. With everything in hand it's an easy weekend project for 1 person, 2 for an extra set of hands. Once you have a roller then you can attach your roof top tent, awning and do any other outfitting like water tanks, solar, batteries, etc. You can see my complete build thread on the forum that Dinoot runs to help folks with questions about their products. Good luck with your search.

I am starting to lean toward doing a DIY setup. I have been looking at the Harbor Freight 4x8 trailer as an option. I am unsure what tire options I would have with the HF option. I run 265/75R16 AT's on my truck and would ideally like the same on the trailer. Ready to roll trailer would be ideal as I have zero welding experience.

 

[billiebob]

Harbor Freight 4x8 trailer as an option.

I'd not recommend a bolt together trailer. Start with a manufactured, welded unit like....

Utility Trailers - The Trailtech Leisure Series

See our lineup of small utility trailers for hauling and transport of yard materials to quad or ATV. The fold down endgate makes for easy loading / unloading.

trailtech.com

or

http://www.jdjtrailers.com/PDF/JDJ__Flyers__GDLS.pdf

there are dozens of manufacturers. I'd bet at least 1 in every state.