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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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Camping trailer recommendations?
Suggestions needed!
Background: 7 years ago, I searched this group and asked about camper shells to get for my truck. Based on that, I bought a Callen. It's worked great
since then, so this year, I thought I'd try this strategy for a trailer.
Now I'm looking for a small camping trailer to take into Baja.
Not heavy Offroad, but sturdy for the rough roads in some places.
It needs to be small (under 20') to fit in parking space at home in San Diego.
Those of you with trailers: what did you buy, how do you like it, what would you recommend or avoid if you did it again?
Thanks for helpful suggestions/recommendations.
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
Member Is Offline
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I love the Burro or Casita or Scamp style trailers.
I can't afford one, though.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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Thanks- I've seen a few of the Casitas for sale. They hold their value, and are a good design with all fiberglass- and usually sell quickly.
Not sure if I've seen ads for the Burro or Scamp.
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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advrider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1864
Registered: 10-2-2015
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We are looking at a 12 foot from a company in Colorado, see link. We are looking at the new pop up that has a bathroom. They have heat, air, awnings
and a slid out kitchen. These will take some serious offroad and would have no problem holding up to Baja.
They aren't cheep, about 50k! We plan to live in ours most of the year so we can justify the price. Also I want something that will hold up so
I think it's money well spent.
I have an Australian tent trailer that I love, but they suck in the wind and aren't allowed in US parks with grizzly bears. Plus I want the hard
sides for a little more security.
Another we are looking at is mission overland, about the same price point. Another good resource is expedition portal, they have a trailer form,
see link below as well.
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/
https://www.facebook.com/missionoverland.ca/
https://boreascampers.com/campers/boreas-mxt/
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 18407
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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The airstream basecamp x looks nice...
[Edited on 9-20-2020 by mtgoat666]
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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BajaNomad
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Thread Moved
9-19-2020 at 06:55 PM |
SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
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RV Trader
https://www.rvtrader.com/
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4x4abc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4290
Registered: 4-24-2009
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: happy - always
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they all flip over - at least once per Baja trip.
Harald Pietschmann
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 670
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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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.
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JZ
Select Nomad
Posts: 10605
Registered: 10-3-2003
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Boreas XT
[Edited on 9-20-2020 by JZ]
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JZ
Select Nomad
Posts: 10605
Registered: 10-3-2003
Member Is Offline
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Off Grid Trailers
[Edited on 9-20-2020 by JZ]
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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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]
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advrider
Super Nomad
Posts: 1864
Registered: 10-2-2015
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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.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline
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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.
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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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:
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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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]
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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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]
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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The specs for this model list "Under-slung spring axles."
I didn't crawl underneath to check- that sounds like leaf springs...
Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  |
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.
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\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6032
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
Member Is Offline
Mood: Retireded
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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!
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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Whale-ista
Super Nomad
Posts: 2009
Registered: 2-18-2013
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sunny with chance of whales
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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
\"Probably the airplanes will bring week-enders from Los Angeles before long, and the beautiful poor bedraggled old town will bloom with a
Floridian ugliness.\" (John Steinbeck, 1940, discussing the future of La Paz, BCS, Mexico)
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 670
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by Whale-ista | The specs for this model list "Under-slung spring axles."
I didn't crawl underneath to check- that sounds like leaf springs...
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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 
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