Looking for opinions on trailer selection

[TeamReader]

Can you guys give some comparisons, comments, pros/cons and advise on selecting between:

AT Chaser
AT Horizon
TenTrax
Other options??

I would be pulling it with a lifted '97 Jeep TJ w/ 4.0L and 3 spd auto. I would hope to sleep 2 or 3, (me, wife and 10 y.o. son). We camp in the southwestern deserts mostly, sometimes the mountains. We have a Ford F350 w/ a 10ft Lance camper, but, I don't always want to take the pickup & set up a base camp, sometimes we want to just go point to point with the jeep.

 

[davegonz]

Other option: Roof rack with a roof-top-tent.

 

[TeamReader]

I don't think a roof top tent would work for us. Our Jeep is lifted 5 1/2" and rolling on 35" tires. The tent would be up in the clouds. Besides, I want to be able to carry some additional gear, with 2-3 people in the Jeep that doesn't leave much room in the jeep for standard jeep gear and camping stuff.

 

[Honu]

the conqueror compacts that are for sale now are amazing for the price and would fit the bill if they have any left ?

to me the AT vs a tentrax is so dif that its hard to compare those ?

 

[TeamReader]

Conquerors

I have followed the various threads regarding Conquerors and was interested in the possibility of a Compact.

The thing that is holding me back from further interest in the Conquerors is that they are on the east coast and by the time I have one shipped or otherwise get it out here to the LA area the deal isn't that great.

The shipping/delivery cost and then the idea of buying site unseen make the Conquerors a seem little risky. I was also looking at the size and weight of the unit, they seem quite a bit larger/taller and heavier than the AT or Tentraxs trailers.

I live in Orange County so the AT factory is pretty close by, that makes them seem to be the rig of choice and I have seen nothing but praise and high marks on the AT product line, the down side is $$$. They do come in pretty expensive.

It would be interesting if someone in the SoCal area had a Conquerors Compact that I could take a look at.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Whats your budget? it seems to me if your looking at a AT trailer the purchase and shipping of a compact would still bring you in way under budget? I know when i looked at solo delivery of a compact to Northern AZ it was $800.

On a side not have you thought about building your own trailer? it seems like for basic needs a military trailer and roof top tent fits your description

 

[Faramir66103]

I was in a similar situation, and decided to go with an M-416. Many of the available trailers I found listed were in CA. Perhaps you could get a used M-416 and rehab/modify it to suit your needs for less than one of the commercially made ones would cost. I have to admit it though, I'd really like one of the ATs.

Adam

 

[WFTW]

I went with a Sherpa II RL trailer (although customized a bit). You can check them out here: www.outlandertrailers.com

 

[Martyn]

Can you guys give some comparisons, comments, pros/cons and advise on selecting between:

AT Chaser
AT Horizon
TenTrax
Other options??

I would be pulling it with a lifted '97 Jeep TJ w/ 4.0L and 3 spd auto. I would hope to sleep 2 or 3, (me, wife and 10 y.o. son). We camp in the southwestern deserts mostly, sometimes the mountains. We have a Ford F350 w/ a 10ft Lance camper, but, I don't always want to take the pickup & set up a base camp, sometimes we want to just go point to point with the jeep.

Take some time to make your selection. We consider our trailers lifetime investments, so don't be rushed.

If you e mail me at info at adventuretrailers dot com I can send you a page of web references.

Read http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html so you can evaluate the suspension that each trailer comes with. Suspension is critical to performance.

If you need detailed comparisons between the trailers mentioned in previous postings I'd be more than happy to discuss the pros and cons of all of them on the phone.

 

[mrchips]

I have the Chaser, pull it with a Rubicon Unlimited, 6 spd, 4.88 gears and 33 tires. trailer handles like a breeze, on 33 also, and have an EeziAwn 1800 RTT tent. Really love the set-up of the trailer, how it handles,dirt, rocks etc. Use it once a month, and have no complaints as of yet. Carries everything I need and more. Love the king size area of the tent,,,,,,,,

 

[fubar]

I just through the same process (NorCal) and was leaning towards the Chaser...until I was able to get a Conqueror Compact for $5K plus $925 shipping.

HALF THE PRICE.

Made the decision easy.

 

[tdesanto]

Suspension makes all the difference in the world.

Get an AT Horizon; you won't regret it. You'll keep it longer than you will your next two tow vehicles.

 

[Hilldweller]

I have a Compact and enjoy it tremendously; I also drive a Jeep. In all honesty, it can go many places and do many things but it can't follow a Jeep everywhere... ...it's quite heavy for it's size. But, of all the trailers, it's the biggest slice of "luxury" and the best for a tall guy who can't bend well; the changing room is its greatest asset.

If I were younger and healthier, I would've gone with the Sherpa II and RTT. It's much much lighter and easier to beat on.
An AT is the natural choice if I had more money and an engine with a little more torque... ....and I still plan on an AT Clamshell at some point...

 

[Aggie]

If we are talking price tags, my almost base model Sherpa II RL with upgraded tires and suspension is going to be under $4K. Now it is really hard to talk me into a trailer that is twice as expensive when I was working within a budget.

 

[ECVMatt]

I have an AT Horizon and love it..

For me the support from AT was the deal sealer. They are simply the best company I have ever delt with. They are honest, receptive to questions, and stand behind their product like no other. Having the shop close to my house is a big plus as well. Everytime I have visted the shop or called, they take the time to answer all of my questions throughly, even my stupid ones.

Cheaper isn't always better. I am taking my family to some very remote spots. I want them to have as much fun as possible and enjoy the experience so they will be excited to return. One of my sons is unable to walk, so failure is not an option. The Quality of my Horizon is far above anything that I was able to compare it with. This allows me to travel to my backwoods/desert spots without the worry of whats happening behind me. I had a friend purchase and "Off-Road" trailer that was basically pulled apart after a few trips.

Like the guys at AT said, take your time and really think about what you need. A good trailer should last you a lifetime, so a few extra weeks or months spent hashing out the details is time well spent.

Matt