BajaNomad - We rented an off-road trailer this weekend; Think it would do well in Baja

We rented an off-road trailer this weekend; Think it would do well in Baja

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 01:18 AM

Bob and Susan - 12-6-2020 at 05:15 AM

what "trailer engineer" puts the axle in the rear of a trailer?

most are in the middle aren't they?

too much tongue weight...get the AAA Card ready

John Harper - 12-6-2020 at 05:30 AM

Very interesting design. Please tell us more about it. What is the tongue weight? Overall weight?

Looks troublesome taking through dips and high spots.

John

[Edited on 12-6-2020 by John Harper]

AKgringo - 12-6-2020 at 08:36 AM

I have a 4'x6' utility trailer that I have pulled behind my old Kia Sportage soft top. I believe was originally an eight footer that was cut down, and yes, it is very tongue heavy when loaded with fire wood.

Air bags on the Kia handle the load when I am not able to distribute the weight to the rear, but I love the way it handles off road! One year I followed five hundred miles of the Baja 1k course pulling that trailer with no problems.

I run matching wheels and tires on the Kia and trailer, except the trailer tire are at 10 psi empty or lightly loaded, 15 psi loaded. That is on all roads. The low psi takes most of the bounce out of the ride, and I don't get any sway!

I am setting up a larger trailer to pull behind my Trooper, and it will be with matching wheels and tires, and the axle to the rear!

[Edited on 12-6-2020 by AKgringo]

advrider - 12-6-2020 at 08:42 AM

I've looked at that one but we are leaning toward a model with a pop top so you can stand up inside. How did it do and tow.

mtgoat666 - 12-6-2020 at 09:11 AM

You can’t stand up in those little trailers. I prefer to just sleep on the ground (with or without a tent).

pacificobob - 12-6-2020 at 09:22 AM

are they available without the pimp-style paint job? rather embarrassing to drive i would imagine.

TMW - 12-6-2020 at 10:06 AM

To answer your question, it depends on where you are going. Rough off road I don't think it would do so good. I'd stay away from the 7 sisters and certainly don't try the Mission Santa Maria road. The highway and easy to reach beaches your good.

Napping in the Wild

MrBillM - 12-6-2020 at 10:32 AM

Over the decades in Baja, having woken a few times nose-to-nose with a Coyote or (twice) a Horse, the advantage to bedding down inside a metal can seems an attractive option.

Years back (early-mid '70s) rough camping in Baja, we ran into a gringo touring in his Baja Bug who had fashioned a folding plywood platform he'd use (along with a rolled-up mat) to bed down in his Bug after he'd removed the front seats. Pretty nifty.

Mr. Bills - 12-6-2020 at 10:37 AM

The tongue weight does look to be a potential issue based on how it loads the rear suspension of the Tacoma, but on the other hand that could be a photographic illusion caused by the adjacent rake of the trailer with its lifted suspension and large tire size. Something to investigate further.

This is my offroad trailer as it looks today, a 1946 Bantam T-3C. My dad purchased it in 1965 expressly for a trip to the Sea of Cortez in 1966 - my first jeep trip to Baja at age 15. I have old photos of that trip showing the trailer on the beach at Nuevo Mazatlan, but have yet to find the right box.

[Edited on 12-6-2020 by Mr. Bills]

Don Pisto - 12-6-2020 at 10:41 AM

two things.....where do the scoots go and someones gonna lose their mind in the regular lanes! :lol:

motoged - 12-6-2020 at 11:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob

are they available without the pimp-style paint job? rather embarrassing to drive i would imagine.

Some folks like that kind of blingy look....wonder if the trailer is insured for travel outside of USA?

This "overland" equipment fad gives a lot of city-folk influencers their moment of fame.... over-priced and under-used.

Looks good in front of Starbucks.

Maderita - 12-6-2020 at 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

what "trailer engineer" puts the axle in the rear of a trailer?

most are in the middle aren't they?

too much tongue weight...get the AAA Card ready

The standard "rule of thumb" on a single axle trailer (utility/box trailer) is to place the axle at 60/40. So, a 10' bed or box has the axle positioned 6' from the front of the bed/box.
That tends to "idiot-proof" the weight distribution while loading, most often automatically adding tongue weight. Too little tongue weight results in sway and an out of control trailer.

KasloKid - 12-6-2020 at 12:16 PM

Are the two doors fore and aft access to the fridge and/or a swing out stove?

Don Pisto - 12-6-2020 at 12:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Are the two doors fore and aft access to the fridge and/or a swing out stove?

https://offgridtrailers.com/expedition-trailer/

StuckSucks - 12-6-2020 at 01:51 PM

Was the photo taken at Hungry Valley?

Whose Tacoma? I thought you said those trucks were for high school girls.

2019 Off Grid Trailer Expedition 2.0-Winter Ready!

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 04:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by StuckSucks

Was the photo taken at Hungry Valley?

Whose Tacoma? I thought you said those trucks were for high school girls.

2019 Off Grid Trailer Expedition 2.0-Winter Ready!

Ballinger Canyon. About 50 miles above Ojai. My kid's Taco.

Camp setup.

[Edited on 12-7-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 04:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

what "trailer engineer" puts the axle in the rear of a trailer?

most are in the middle aren't they?

too much tongue weight...get the AAA Card ready

It doesn't have an axle. The Taco sags too much and should be adjusted. It would be perfect behind my Silverado.

[Edited on 12-7-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 04:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

To answer your question, it depends on where you are going. Rough off road I don't think it would do so good. I'd stay away from the 7 sisters and certainly don't try the Mission Santa Maria road. The highway and easy to reach beaches your good.

21 inch groud clearance. 50 degree departure angle in the back. All aluminum except the frame.

I'm pretty sure behind the right truck it would tackle the Seven Sisters without too much trouble. Even the rough patches between Puerto Canoas and San Jose. The steep parts that are rough. Bays in the South part of the SS world be super easy.

I'm not an off-road trailer designer, but I'd guess this is why the wheels are so far back. It pulled great on the highway and the little bit of off-road we took it on. Zero sway.

[Edited on 12-7-2020 by JZ]

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 04:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob

are they available without the pimp-style paint job? rather embarrassing to drive i would imagine.

They have 15 different wraps you can choose from. Different colors and designs. Or you can do a custom one.

5 ppl in 3 days came up and said it looked badass.

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 04:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Are the two doors fore and aft access to the fridge and/or a swing out stove?

Video walk around.

https://youtu.be/joeQnefLHck

There are 2 side boxes. One holds the drop down sink and stove. The other has instant hot water heater and a furnace. Front box has a slide out Dometic fridge on one side, and two deep cycle batteries and an inverter on the other. Wired for solar. The one we had, had solar panels on the roof.

[Edited on 12-7-2020 by JZ]

Bajazly - 12-6-2020 at 04:41 PM

axle | ˈaksəl |
noun
a rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) passing through the center of a wheel or group of wheels.

So technically it has two, with no connection below the trailer between the two. In any case, they are placed too far aft creating tongue weight causing the truck to "sag".

Bigger truck, more payload capacity hence less sag with a bunch of tongue weight. :?:

John Harper - 12-6-2020 at 05:08 PM

JZ just rented it, didn't buy it. I'm sure he would consider tongue weight and overall weight if he bought one. What's wrong with renting one to try it out? That trailer seems to have everything, including the kitchen sink, so a review will be welcome.

I'm interested in this "new wave" style of car camping with the truck top tents and utility trailers. Not that I would buy one, but just finding out what makes them so appealing is interesting. I still think a cot/pad/tent combo is cheap, easy, and minimal footprint for usage and storage. Cookware/tableware has so many variations as well. Just need to figure out what works for you.

John

[Edited on 12-7-2020 by John Harper]

JZ - 12-6-2020 at 06:53 PM

Sunrise over the camp.

BajaMama - 12-7-2020 at 11:51 AM

We have an old Canadian military trailer with a pintel (sp) hitch - thing will go anywhere if your rig can pull it.

KasloKid - 12-7-2020 at 02:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Are the two doors fore and aft access to the fridge and/or a swing out stove?

Thanks for the explanation. The units are very well thought out as they've managed to fit in pretty much what one would want for a very comfortable week in the desert/wild.
I've camped in luxury (5th wheel), tent trailers, tents, and even spent a few nights in Baja with a sleeping bag and a tarp (dirt bike trips). This unit is right in the middle of them all.
I see they're built in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Next time I'm in the area I think I'll drop in for a tour (post Covid)
Thanks for sharing!!

msteve1014 - 12-9-2020 at 03:56 PM

What happens when it rains, or there is a sand storm? You stand outside to cook, or to get a drink from the refer?
Where are the dirt bikes you brought to ride? They came in the Chevy. They would have crushed the Toy truck with the trailer.
This may be ok for someone with a Kia, and no bikes. But not for you, or me.

JZ - 12-9-2020 at 07:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014

What happens when it rains, or there is a sand storm? You stand outside to cook, or to get a drink from the refer?
Where are the dirt bikes you brought to ride? They came in the Chevy. They would have crushed the Toy truck with the trailer.
This may be ok for someone with a Kia, and no bikes. But not for you, or me.

It has a huge 180 degree bat-wing awning. And you can attach side panels to enclose it. You could put 1 bike one the back on a carrier- highway only. It'd put two in my truck.

Or just have my kid pull it once the rear suspension gets adjusted.

https://youtu.be/VHRqONco8As

[Edited on 12-10-2020 by JZ]

mtgoat666 - 12-9-2020 at 09:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msteve1014

What happens when it rains, or there is a sand storm? You stand outside to cook, or to get a drink from the refer?

What happens when it rains?
You stay under cover (tarp or tent) until it lets up.
Camped in many wind, rain and snow events camping in baja, and always in a tent if rain or snow. Never felt the need for a midget trailer or a full size trailer.

It’s camping. If you take a trailer along, it’s not camping, it’s a cheesy hotel room.

KasloKid - 12-9-2020 at 09:28 PM

Cheezy hotel room? Huh?
I call it an upgraded camping style with a bit of luxury and convenience thrown in.

bajatrailrider - 12-9-2020 at 09:35 PM

Tents are for boy scouts 12 years old . After that you get smarter useless go back to caveman days.

mtgoat666 - 12-9-2020 at 09:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider

Tents are for boy scouts 12 years old . After that you get smarter useless go back to caveman days.

RVs are for old, arthritic and fat people.

mtgoat666 - 12-9-2020 at 09:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Cheezy hotel room? Huh?
I call it an upgraded camping style with a bit of luxury and convenience thrown in.

The trailer posted by shorty mcjizzy is super cheesy. The indoor space is so short that you have to stay on your hands/knees. Wtf?

BornFisher - 12-9-2020 at 10:30 PM

Try a little birria with that rig! -------
https://youtu.be/B8XAusbVkno

bajatrailrider - 12-9-2020 at 10:47 PM

mt 666 you have not been out of your chicken coop since covid. talk about old fat man sober up get real . That tent of yours after 20 years of no use . Must smell real bad not even fleas would survive .

Skipjack Joe - 12-9-2020 at 10:48 PM

All the trailer's weight is on the truck's rear axle. Which reduces the weight on its front axle. Will affect braking, steering, and cornering. No bueno. Think what happens when you go over bumps.

JZ - 12-9-2020 at 11:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

You are a huge fraud on here. You might have been to Baja a couple times 15-20 years ago. But that is it.

Doug, pls get rid of this awful human being from your board. I know he is holding back a lot of good ppl from contributing to the discussion.

[Edited on 12-10-2020 by JZ]

KasloKid - 12-10-2020 at 12:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by KasloKid

Cheezy hotel room? Huh?
I call it an upgraded camping style with a bit of luxury and convenience thrown in.

The trailer posted by shorty mcjizzy is super cheesy. The indoor space is so short that you have to stay on your hands/knees. Wtf?

What a dumb ass response.

chuckie - 12-10-2020 at 05:32 AM

Cute Way over kill...Gringo excess...

AKgringo - 12-10-2020 at 07:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

All the trailer's weight is on the truck's rear axle. Which reduces the weight on its front axle. Will affect braking, steering, and cornering. No bueno. Think what happens when you go over bumps.

According to the spec sheet in the link JZ included, the dry weight is 1700 lbs, and the tongue weight is 290 lbs. Any truck should be able to handle that!

As I said earlier in this thread, my old Kia and cut down utility trailer are both smaller that JZ's set up, but proportionally, very similar. I love the way that rig handled the bumps and whoop de do's on the stretch of the Baja 1k between Coco's Corner to Mex 1 through the Calamajue wash.

I did need air bags to level out the combination, but if anything, when the third axle hit the bumps it almost had a stabilizing effect on the bounce of the tow vehicle.

Bob and Susan - 12-10-2020 at 08:08 AM

most people think that pulling a trailer is the most impt part...

nope...its the STOPPING

a kia might be pushed into another car in traffic

JZ - 12-10-2020 at 08:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

most people think that pulling a trailer is the most impt part...

nope...its the STOPPING

a kia might be pushed into another car in traffic

It has 12 inch electric brakes. I was towing and didn't realize the lane ended and I had to merge right. Slammed on the breaks and it stoppped fast.

msteve1014 - 12-10-2020 at 08:52 AM

I still think it is a silly, little trailer. If you want a camper/trailer, get one you can stand up in. I prefer a pop up camper on the truck, no trailer. When you need/want to, pull a boat, dirt bikes or sxs, use a real trailer.

AKgringo - 12-10-2020 at 09:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

most people think that pulling a trailer is the most impt part...

nope...its the STOPPING

a kia might be pushed into another car in traffic

I completely agree with you! On my property I sometimes hauled a 300 gallon water tank, but since my trailer does not have brakes, that load would push me where it wanted to go if I had to make a sudden stop at highway speeds!

It is all about the load, and weight distribution, and I run pretty light on my Baja trips. I mean, how much stuff does one guy and a dog need?

bajatrailrider - 12-10-2020 at 09:39 AM

on trailer towing big truck always better. Dirt bikes in bed take much support. I had a new 12 Toyota prerunner it could not handle two bikes. All the gear and small trailer. Dodge Diesel can't tell you towing anything.

advrider - 12-10-2020 at 10:38 AM

The wife and I are looking at something close in size but with a pop top so we can stand up inside. For me the trailer is a place to sleep and get out of the weather, all of our living is done outside. I don't want a trailer so I can go to Baja and sit inside with the AC on and watch TV!
Many of these smaller trailers are very good offroad and will go any where the tow vehicle will go. I like to set up the trailer as a base and use our vehicle to explore without the trailer in tow but that doesn't mean I won't pull it into some remote areas...
Bunch of good info, thanks JZ.

JZ - 12-10-2020 at 11:50 AM

Yeah, these types of trailers are pretty capable off road.

[Edited on 12-10-2020 by JZ]