Quality level of Vintage Trailer Works XTR Off-Road?

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Bosss429

New member
So I graduated college a few years ago and have been paying off different things and doing all the boring adult stuff for a while now, but Ive always wanted a teardrop trailer. Ive been looking at different lower budget models because I dont really want to deal with things breaking or winterizing water tanks. I started off looking at Hiker Trailers Extreme Off-Road Edition and just kinda built a base package out and the price came to around 18,000. That is within my budget, but then I found an ad for the Vintage Trailer Works XTR Off-Road and took a look. Really like the way they design the trailer and I was able to add more of the extras (like a base power package and maxx fan) for around 15,000. Ill also include a few pictures from their website if some of you havent seen or heard of them. Ive been searching everywhere on the internet but I cant find out a ton about VTW as a company and just wanted to know if any of you guys had purchased a trailer from them and what the quality of the build is like. Id like to not have to buy another trailer for a long time so I want this first one to last. I could also wait another year or so and order something like an Escapod but I worry about prices shooting up more than they already have (when I started saving for a trailer 2 years ago my Hiker build was around 14,000). Anyone out there who owns or has owned anything from Vintage Trailer works? Id love to hear your opinions! Thanks!

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Louisd75

Louisd75

Adventurer
I haven't looked too closely at these but here are a couple of first impressions:

- They don't have federally mandated lighting or markings; if they can't be bothered to even check what the law is then what other corners are being cut? Specifically, they list the width of their trailers as 7' (84"). Trailers more than 80" are required to have clearance lights on the fenders.

- No backup lights. They make a point of mentioning using a 7 pin connection, it's not that much work to add backup lights. It's not a deal breaker, but I've found that they are helpful.

- Built in sinks are overrated for the amount of space that they take up; I'd opt out.

- Uninsulated side walls are common in the world of TD trailers; so are condensation issues when the weather gets cold. They've insulated the roof and front which does help, but it's kind of like insulating your attic and one wall of our house but not the rest of them. I think that most companies don't build with winter use in mind. You'll need to decide if that's important to you.

- The pricing on some of their options is a bit steep. An ARB awning is a $750 upgrade... $150 for a Wavian fuel can and Smittybilt can holder.

- I do like that they have an option for a storage bin under the door. I think that's something that more companies should offer. It's a handy place to store your shoes.

I think it might not be a bad base to begin with. If you're at all handy, I'd look at buying the bare bones base model and then adding what you want as you use the trailer. I know that my trailer has evolved a bit from when we started building it and things that I thought looked good on paper weren't actually all that good once we started using the trailer and camping with it.
 
Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
I am trying not to be to critical these days as I hate to hurt anybodys livelihood. Go to the Vintage Trailer Facebook group and search RicSue Kimery. I believe they have improved but this guy has had some issues. Don't know to much about Hiker. I would also consider Trail Marker Bushwacker model or Vailiant Trailers.
 
B

Bosss429

New member
Louisd75 said:
I haven't looked too closely at these but here are a couple of first impressions:

- They don't have federally mandated lighting or markings; if they can't be bothered to even check what the law is then what other corners are being cut? Specifically, they list the width of their trailers as 7' (84"). Trailers more than 80" are required to have clearance lights on the fenders.

- No backup lights. They make a point of mentioning using a 7 pin connection, it's not that much work to add backup lights. It's not a deal breaker, but I've found that they are helpful.

- Built in sinks are overrated for the amount of space that they take up; I'd opt out.

- Uninsulated side walls are common in the world of TD trailers; so are condensation issues when the weather gets cold. They've insulated the roof and front which does help, but it's kind of like insulating your attic and one wall of our house but not the rest of them. I think that most companies don't build with winter use in mind. You'll need to decide if that's important to you.

- The pricing on some of their options is a bit steep. An ARB awning is a $750 upgrade... $150 for a Wavian fuel can and Smittybilt can holder.

- I do like that they have an option for a storage bin under the door. I think that's something that more companies should offer. It's a handy place to store your shoes.

I think it might not be a bad base to begin with. If you're at all handy, I'd look at buying the bare bones base model and then adding what you want as you use the trailer. I know that my trailer has evolved a bit from when we started building it and things that I thought looked good on paper weren't actually all that good once we started using the trailer and camping with it.
Click to expand...
Haha see this is why I ask you guys! I never wouldve thought about the width and lighting being an issue. I agree that some of the upgrades were definitely pricey, but from what I have seen they are pretty similar across most trailer brands. I am relatively handy and was planning on potentially raptor lining the outside of this one as well as insulating the floor along with diamond plate. I still have a few months before Ill be putting a deposit down on something so I will be doing a lot more research, I just wanted to get some opinions.
 
S

stevo_pct

Well-known member
I know these are a big step up in price compared to the trailers you have been looking at, but these are really nice (Boreas XT - link below). Also check out Off Grid Trailers.

The Boreas Campers XT Adventure Trailer

The Boreas Campers XT is a turnkey, offroad camper ready for any adventure. With name brand components and everything you need to get off the grid, this camper is made to make memories!
boreascampers.com boreascampers.com
 
B

Bosss429

New member
stevo_pct said:
I know these are a big step up in price compared to the trailers you have been looking at, but these are really nice (Boreas XT - link below). Also check out Off Grid Trailers.

The Boreas Campers XT Adventure Trailer

The Boreas Campers XT is a turnkey, offroad camper ready for any adventure. With name brand components and everything you need to get off the grid, this camper is made to make memories!
boreascampers.com boreascampers.com
Click to expand...
I do appreciate the reply, but yeah its a bit steep for me. Id like to keep my price tag under 20k if possible. I do value quality but I really dont need a bunch of the amenities offered with some of the higher priced offerings. At this point I still have the hiker in the mix because Ive heard really good things, and also potentially looking for a lightly used one.
 
Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
Bosss429 said:
I do appreciate the reply, but yeah its a bit steep for me. Id like to keep my price tag under 20k if possible. I do value quality but I really dont need a bunch of the amenities offered with some of the higher priced offerings. At this point I still have the hiker in the mix because Ive heard really good things, and also potentially looking for a lightly used one.
Click to expand...

Did you get a chance to check out Trail Marker Bushwacker model?
 
Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
Bosss429 said:
Holy cow thats really cool and really affordable. Offers a ton of customization options too. Its not a type of trailer Ive been looking at because I was looking for something with a rear galley (I love to cook) but at that price point I definitely love the design. Thanks for showing me! I had never heard of them.
Click to expand...

They do have a slide out option that you could build a cool kitchen on. They can mount a 5 lb propane tank behind fender. Love the Aluminum chassis. You might even be able to include timbren suspension in your budget. If this does not work check out Valiant
 
B

Bosss429

New member
Ive been looking at this bushwhacker for a bit now and will definitely have to give them a call and see about pricing. Their current pricing sheet on the website seems to be outdated. I really appreciate you showing me them though. I really like the flexibility of the trailer. Do you have personal experience with any of their models as far as build quality is concerned? Its crazy to me how many different brands Ive looked at and there are still other small companies that Ive completely missed.
 
Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Obsessed2findARuggedHybid

Well-known member
Oh my I have been so obsessed hence my handle name. I have on of thier Trail Marker Up and Outs with bathroom on order. I visited thier Rollingstar MFG in NY while out on a business trip. Family op very down to hearth. Check out Rollingstar MFG commercial units they build. Quality is top notch. The weld aluminum like no one else.

The 2022 cost will go up like everyone else but I still think it could be in your budget. They are trying to predict raw material cost so they can start taking orders. Call and leave a message with Sarah Jo that you want to be on the order list and you have build questions.

The Bushwacker has tons more head room then another tear drops.

If you have any questions feel free to ask me
 
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