BajaNomad - Camping trailer recommendations?

...Not heavy Offroad, but sturdy for the rough roads in some places...

My advice is limited to suspensions, having built and worked on a few trailers. Many trailers are now built with torsion axles. Rubber cords inside the axle tube provide the suspension. I've heard cases in which torsion axles wore out and failed. Don't expect an easy fix while in Baja.

Go with leaf springs. Leaf springs are widely available, and if not, a trail fix can be rigged. Stiffen or soften the leaf spring pack to your preference by simply adding or subtracting a leaf.
https://mechanicalelements.com/trailer-axle-springs-torsion-...

Most trailers are built with little ground clearance, which keeps the center of gravity low. It doesn't take much of a dip or rise to make the front or rear of the trailer contact the ground. For better off-highway capability, "flip" the axles. The "normal" configuration is with the leaf springs below the axle. By putting the springs on top of the axle tube, the frame is raised by several inches. Roughly 5", depending on the diameter of the axle tube and thickness of the spring pack. New perches may have to be welded to the axle tubes. Another way to gain frame height is to replace the spring hangers with taller hangers. Perches and hangers are dirt cheap. Anyone with a welder can do the work. If you weld or have a good buddy with a MIG, you can do what I did to a tandem axle horse trailer. It sports 4 KYB monotube shocks.

Trailer tires are notoriously poorly made and failures are common. AFAIK, all are made offshore, with the exception of the Goodyear "Endurance" https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/endurance
If buying a used trailer, check the manufacture date on the tires. Chances are the tread looks good, but the tires are past their age limit (about 5-6 years). Spend your money on the best tires you can get.
You will want 16" wheels. 16" trailer tires are available in wider sizes (for flotation in sand) and higher load range capacity. Step up to a higher load range than is "needed" for the weight of the trailer.

If you plan to keep the tow vehicle for some years, consider matching the trailer axle hubs to the tow vehicle's lug pattern. Hubs are not that expensive. Spare tires can then be swapped around.

If you are purchasing new, the manufacturer/dealer should work with you on providing it with flipped axles. Upgraded tires if you pay the difference in price. Perhaps also the hubs and wheels in your choice of lug pattern.

JZ - 9-20-2020 at 12:20 AM

Boreas XT

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 9-20-2020 at 12:37 AM

Off Grid Trailers

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by JZ]

John Harper - 9-20-2020 at 09:55 AM

Maybe list your most important needs first, then you can narrow down your choices?

How many people you plan to accomodate? What amenities do you need? Do you need a built in stove, fridge, etc. Or, can you do without? Pop up or conventional? What rig are you using to tow it? What conditions do you expect to use it? 4 seasons? Tongue weight?

I agree that ground clearance (and tall tires) is a probably critical need if you plan any off road towing, and a sturdy frame, with low tongue weight if you have to move it around. Maybe some good external LED lighting for camping?

The more you know what you need, the easier it is to find what you want. Kind of the opposite of what Mick Jagger sings about.

Good luck.

John

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by John Harper]

advrider - 9-20-2020 at 10:35 AM

Boreas XT, is one of the links I put above. Right now they are 1st on our list. All of the trailers I listed have independent suspension, no leaf springs or torsion rubbers to fail and much better offroad.

SFandH - 9-20-2020 at 10:52 AM

I had an early 90s 20 foot or thereabouts "Prowler" trailer. Once you start looking, you'll see a lot of them. Two wheels on each side and a front and rear door on one side. Stove, fridge, shower, etc. Everything worked great. I bought it for $4000 and sold it for $3000 5 years later.

Two doors are handy to have.

I stay on paved roads, except for short, slow stretches to the beach, so off road capabilities weren't/aren't a concern for me.

Watch the RV section on Craigslist.

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 12:41 PM

Thanks everyone- I appreciate the suggestions and advice.

I've decided on a small trailer that's similar in design to my Callen camper: all metal frame construction, but with a fiberglass shell.

It's a good solid platform as a "starter trailer" for one person. Limited parking space at my house (the city doesn't allow trailers to be stored on the street), also influenced my choices.

This one is a "Fun Finder 139."
Body Material: Aluminum
Sidewall Construction:Fiberglass
Weight: 2200 lbs (dry)
So should be easy to tow w/my B4000 (V6/4L, rated to 6000 lbs tow capacity)

If I decide it's a keeper- I may upgrade to 16" wheels/flip the axle etc.
I will do some "test drives" and local camping before heading south, to see how it rides/camps with a stock set-up.

If it's too small- I think I can sell it without too much loss of value.
They don't make this size anymore, and are in demand, esp w/COVID. Lots of people choosing to camp vs. travel

I found another one on CL that was a few years older, and tried to look at it- but it was sold to the first person who showed up, within 24 hours of posting.

This one was the same- I saw it listed a month ago, but the seller was holding it based on a deposit from the first buyer. Then, they couldn't come up with the cash, and I was next in line.

Once I do head south, for the first part of year the plan is not ambitious off-roading. I will be used more as a basecamp near the whale lagoons.

If all goes well: I'll make it more off-road ready.
Has anyone had work done on their trailer in Baja? E.g.: lifting the frame?
Maybe fabricating/attaching an additional rack to carry outside gear?

Here's a stock photo of what appears to be a lifted 139:

And here's the one I'm buying:

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 12:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by vandy

I love the Burro or Casita or Scamp style trailers.
I can't afford one, though.

Re- Casita, I found an incredible Casita build project (lifted, redesigned inside, added external capacity etc.). Here's the link: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/off-road-heavy-du...

But I also found this comment re:a stock model:

"I wouldn't recommend Casita unless it is the 13' model without the bathroom. We hauled our 17' Casita to Baja 3 times and had to get the tongue straightened. They only use C channel on their frame which is fine for highway use but not offroad. We now have a Ruger Trailer and sleep in the FWC Grandby."

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by Whale-ista]

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 12:50 PM

Since this has been moved to "Q & A"- I'll continue adding some info.

For those who have a higher budget range and want to do more serious offroad:

https://www.blackseriescamper.com

If you like the Alpine design:
http://www.vmioffroad.com/products/xtender-adventure-offroad...

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by Whale-ista]

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 01:06 PM

The specs for this model list "Under-slung spring axles."

I didn't crawl underneath to check- that sounds like leaf springs...

...Not heavy Offroad, but sturdy for the rough roads in some places...

AKgringo - 9-20-2020 at 01:40 PM

Pulling a trailer is one thing, stopping it is another! Loaded up, it will be pushing a ton and a half, and braking is much more of a challenge than pulling that much weight.

I like the trailer, and have been considering something like that myself. I would love your feed back on how your set up handles slick, or loose surfaces.

I have hauled fresh cut oak firewood, or a 300 gallon water tank with a brakeless utility trailer behind a small SUV, and it can be dicey in some situations!

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 01:44 PM

More custom-built off-road trailers that might suit some needs (I like to cook indoors, standing upright)

These are teardrop style: outdoor kitchen, indoor sleeping areas.

https://www.hikertrailers.com/hikers

Maderita - 9-20-2020 at 02:29 PM

The specs for this model list "Under-slung spring axles."
I didn't crawl underneath to check- that sounds like leaf springs...

Yes, leaf springs. "Under-slung" is the normal/typical configuration. "Over-slung" is another way of saying "flipped", in which the leaf springs sit on top of the axle.

That looks like a very nice trailer for your needs. Congratulations. Sounds like you have a good plan by trying it out and then see about any suspension mods.

With that size and weight trailer, you can get by with 15" wheels. Check the age and condition of the tires. When you decide the tires need replacing, that's a good time to replace wheels with 16". Trailer (steel) wheels are inexpensive.

If you have offshore manufactured tires, then do some online research. It will probably convince you to throw them out and purchase the best quality tires. Your trailer is riding on a single axle, so there is no margin of safety with a blowout.

Please post photos from your first trip with the new trailer

SFandH - 9-20-2020 at 02:39 PM

And here's the one I'm buying:

Looks great. Carry some boards to place under a wheel to level it off and to support the front jack stand.

Are you going to hook-up a solar panel? Another battery might be good.

[Edited on 9-20-2020 by SFandH]

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 02:43 PM

Agreed: stopping/controlling the forward momentum is pretty important.

This one has electric brakes, but I'll need to upgrade my current towing system to use them. (I have an old 4-pin system, need to have a 7-pin installed.)

Fortunately, the owner is willing to deliver it. He's already bought a larger trailer and is anxious to make space closer to his house.

I'll do some practice runs around here before heading south- and I'm looking forward to using the 5 and not having to deal with the stop and go traffic on the Pacific side from TJ to SQ.

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Pulling a trailer is one thing, stopping it is another! Loaded up, it will be pushing a ton and a half, and braking is much more of a challenge than pulling that much weight.

I like the trailer, and have been considering something like that myself. I would love your feed back on how your set up handles slick, or loose surfaces.

I have hauled fresh cut oak firewood, or a 300 gallon water tank with a brakeless utility trailer behind a small SUV, and it can be dicey in some situations!

Maderita - 9-20-2020 at 02:45 PM

A few suggestions before your first trip: Check the condition and functioning of the electric brakes. Inspect and grease the wheel bearings. Note the size and purchase a spare inner and outer bearing. Inspect the spring shackles (the holes should be round, not oval), and the bolts. Replace the nylon bushings (about $2 each).

Maderita - 9-20-2020 at 02:57 PM

This one has electric brakes, but I'll need to upgrade my current towing system to use them. (I have an old 4-pin system, need to have a 7-pin installed.)

Yes, you will want a 7-way RV socket and a brake controller installed on the tow vehicle.

John Harper - 9-20-2020 at 05:51 PM

A few suggestions before your first trip: Check the condition and functioning of the electric brakes. Inspect and grease the wheel bearings. Note the size and purchase a spare inner and outer bearing. Inspect the spring shackles (the holes should be round, not oval), and the bolts. Replace the nylon bushings (about $2 each).

+1 Wheel bearings need close attention.

John

Whale-ista - 9-20-2020 at 09:31 PM

Good question. I have a GoalZero solar panel array (60 watts) that I set out on my camper shell roof, to charge a portable battery (about the size of a car battery) that holds 400 WH of charge. (see https://www.goalzero.com/product-features/portable-power-sta...)

This has been small, but enough to charge up digital electronics, run computers, lights and a fan... but obviously the trailer has more items.

So... not sure if I will add more panels/larger battery. Will have to take a few short trips and see what's needed for dry camping off the grid.

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

And here's the one I'm buying:

JZ - 9-20-2020 at 09:42 PM

Man, there are some really cool offroad campers out there now.

JZ - 9-21-2020 at 12:27 AM

Another set of them.

AdvRider, you should look at the one from Zone RV. It starts at 8:10 min of the video. Think this is exactly what you are looking for.

advrider - 9-21-2020 at 06:27 PM

I was in talks with Zone RV and ready to buy a demo model at overland expo before covid hit! Now they are sold out so far in advance that they aren't even looking at selling in the US! Bummer...
The opus has mixed reviews and is made in China, I'm looking for a Us made brand now unless the Aussies come around.

JZ - 9-21-2020 at 09:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

I was in talks with Zone RV and ready to buy a demo model at overland expo before covid hit! Now they are sold out so far in advance that they aren't even looking at selling in the US! Bummer...
The opus has mixed reviews and is made in China, I'm looking for a Us made brand now unless the Aussies come around.

Good info on Zone.

I've become convinced that Off Grid Trailers is the best one in North America. They are in Edmonton. I'm not sold on Boreas yet. They seem 2-3 years behind OGT.

[Edited on 9-22-2020 by JZ]

Whale-ista - 9-25-2020 at 01:54 PM

Those Offgrid trailers look well-built with smart designs for off-road adventures. Would work well for a family when the rooftop tent is added.

As with most quality items in the outdoor retail world: you pay more to get less- in terms of weight- when it comes to durable gear.

chuckie - 9-25-2020 at 06:15 PM

Ibought an 18 foot Prowler for 200 bucks today...No Leaks appliances all work. Someone had ripped out the bathroom (first thing I would have done) and turned it into storage...and I found it 4 blocks from my house. super clean it, flop the springs, 2 new tires....off to Montana. Before and after pics when I am done...

John Harper - 9-25-2020 at 07:39 PM

Ibought an 18 foot Prowler for 200 bucks today...No Leaks appliances all work. Someone had ripped out the bathroom (first thing I would have done) and turned it into storage...and I found it 4 blocks from my house. super clean it, flop the springs, 2 new tires....off to Montana. Before and after pics when I am done...

That's the way it's done.

John

mtgoat666 - 9-25-2020 at 09:42 PM

I bought an 18 foot Prowler for 200 bucks today...

Before and after pics when I am done...

Post the “before” pics now. I would like to see what a $200 trailer in Kansas looks like.

chuckie - 9-26-2020 at 03:21 AM

I shall do that Goatley! It may have had some cleaning by then. The destitute crippled old lady who is being evicted from the trailer park, that I bought it from said she would clean it.

John Harper - 9-26-2020 at 06:33 AM

I shall do that Goatley! It may have had some cleaning by then. The destitute crippled old lady who is being evicted from the trailer park, that I bought it from said she would clean it.

She using her team of oxen to tow it to your place as well?

John

chuckie - 9-26-2020 at 07:59 AM

Nah...My pickup...My son is coming up wed to give me a hand....My right leg is gehonkus again....

John Harper - 9-26-2020 at 11:36 AM

Nah...My pickup...My son is coming up wed to give me a hand....My right leg is gehonkus again....

Good luck, and I hope the leg gets better!

John

JZ - 9-26-2020 at 12:10 PM

I shall do that Goatley! It may have had some cleaning by then. The destitute crippled old lady who is being evicted from the trailer park, that I bought it from said she would clean it.

So you took someone's house away from them and made her homeless and now you feel good about your bargin?

I would have just given her $200.

John Harper - 9-26-2020 at 02:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

I shall do that Goatley! It may have had some cleaning by then. The destitute crippled old lady who is being evicted from the trailer park, that I bought it from said she would clean it.

So you took someone's house away from them and made her homeless and now you feel good about your bargain?

I would have just given her $200.

OMG. Get a clue. He's obviously joking.

John

pacificobob - 9-28-2020 at 06:52 AM

good council. i would add a couple bearing seals...fairly tough to change the bearings without damaging the old seal. also a couple caps and a can of grease.
all very cheap and easily stowed...hopefully never needed.

mtgoat666 - 9-28-2020 at 07:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob