7 Best Off-Road Camper Trailers Under 13k
Off-road camper trailers are the ultimate solution for those who seek adventure and comfort in the great outdoors. Designed with robust features to withstand challenging terrain, these trailers offer the convenience of a home away from home.
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- Construction and Design: Robust materials, high ground clearance, off-road tires.
- Features: Comfortable sleeping area, convenient kitchen, bathroom facilities.
- Benefits: Handles challenging terrains and enables adventurous camping trips.
- Care and Maintenance: Regular tire pressure checks and hitch system maintenance.
- Buying Guide: Evaluate needs and compare models based on features.
RV parks certainly have plenty of facilities to make your vacation more pleasant. However, camping out in the wild has a unique charm that can’t be replicated at a regular RV campground.
Not every RV is suitable for off-roading and camping in a remote place. You’ll need something a bit stronger than the average recreational vehicle.
Today, we will showcase 7 of the best off-road camper trailers. We will also aim at a sub-$10,000 mark for RVers who don’t have a big budget to start their RV journey.
Let’s get started!
7 Best Off-road Camper Trailers Under $13,000
1. Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe
Starting at $5,999
Specs:
- Overall length – 156” / 168” / 180”.
- Width – 79 inches.
- Height – 70 inches.
- GVWR – 1,900 pounds.
- Empty weight – 1,100 pounds.
Key Features:
- Solid passenger side door.
- Manual roof vent.
- White aluminum exterior color
The Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe is a compact, versatile travel trailer for the adventurous. It skillfully combines durability with comfort, ensuring it can tackle various terrains while providing a cozy retreat.
This trailer stands out for its customizable features, allowing owners to personalize it from exterior colors to interior amenities like solar power systems, roof racks, and kitchenettes.
Despite its small footprint, the Highway Deluxe is ingeniously designed to maximize interior space, offering ample room for sleeping, storage, and optional cooking areas.
Its construction is robust, built to withstand the challenges of both highway travel and more rugged landscapes. The trailer’s lightweight nature enhances its towability, making it compatible with many vehicles.
Ideal for those who love to explore without being weighed down, the Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe merges the spirit of adventure with the comforts of home.
2. Manley Orv Explore
Starting at $9,395
Specs:
- Overall length – 114 inches.
- Width – 66 inches.
- Box height – 23 inches.
- Empty weight – 775 pounds.
- Weight capacity – 2,000 pounds.
Key Features:
- Extremely compact.
- Simple design.
- Military-tested torsion axle.
The Manley Orv Explore camper trailer may be a better option if you don’t need your camper to have any kitchen equipment.
This thing comes with none and doesn’t have kitchen options, making it a good choice if you have the stuff you want to bring along for the journey.
Also, the Explore camper trailer is noticeably lighter and more compact than the BushRanger 200 XT. It’s nearly 3 feet shorter and 4 inches wider.
Aside from that, this thing has a total weight of 2,775 pounds, 225 pounds lower than the BushRanger. 225 pounds may not seem like a lot of weight, but it’s a noticeable number given the size of these campers.
The tent in the Explore is also very different – much smaller than the tent of the BushRanger, it doesn’t have nearly as much interior room. On the other hand, if you don’t need a sleeping room for 4-5 people, the tent of the Explore camper should suffice.
Given that these two campers are priced very similarly, the build of this camper should be no less durable than that of the BushRanger.
The rugged tires, military-tested torsion axle, and rustic design can make the Explore camper an excellent companion in remote campgrounds.
3. Hiker Mid Range XL
Starting at $9,699
Key Features:
- Classical camper build.
- Customizability.
- Offers more protection and comfort than tent campers.
- 3 floorplan sizes.
The Hiker Mid Range XL is designed for those who seek adventure with a touch of extra comfort and space.
This larger model in the mid-range lineup offers more room to move, sleep, and store your essential gear, making it perfect for longer trips or those traveling with companions.
Depending on customization options, it often features upgraded amenities such as a larger bed area, increased storage compartments, and potentially an integrated kitchenette.
The construction is robust and designed to handle various terrains while being light enough for easy towing.
Specifications might include dimensions that balance a spacious interior with compact towing, off-road capability options, and customization features that allow buyers to tailor the trailer to their specific adventure needs.
4. SylvanSport GO
Starting at $13,995
Specs:
- equipment rack
- crank handle
- 8 frame pins
- tent pod
- 3 tent poles
- 2-bed panels
- 4 sleeping pads
- 4-bed support poles
- 2 table panels
- gear deck
- tailgate step
- tailgate bungee
- storage box
- Two storage box keys
- stabilizer jack rod
- 4 ratchet straps
SylvanSport GO is known as the “Swiss Army Knife” of camping trailers because it can do anything and go anywhere. Up to twelve boats, boards, bikes, boxes, or other equipment combinations can be transported.
Or buy a bunch of supplies at the home improvement store. When it’s time to go camping, open the roomy, cozy tent, unwind, and enjoy what National Geographic Adventure dubbed the “Coolest Camper. Ever.”
5. TAXA Woolly Bear
Starting at $9,400
Specs:
- Overall length – 10 feet 7 inches.
- Width – 5 feet 3 inches.
- Height – 4 feet 9 inches.
- Dry weight – 990 pounds.
- GVWR – 1,700 pounds.
Key Features:
- Extremely lightweight.
- Convenient rack and storage area.
- Integrated camp kitchen.
If you have $10,000 and want a camper trailer right now, then TAXA Woolly Bear would be an excellent option for shorter trips or if you have a tent.
This camper’s $9,200 base price doesn’t include a rooftop tent – you will have to pay an additional $1,149.50 to get one.
But the Woolly Bear may be a great pick if you are looking for a tent-free camper.
While this camper doesn’t have a tent by default, it features many other goodies. The most notable of those, perhaps, is the camp kitchen organizer.
By default, the Woolly Bear does not include kitchen appliances, but it does have space for you to assemble a convenient and accessible kitchen.
In addition, the Woolly Bear camper has remarkable hauling capabilities. It has organized storage space and a spacious cargo deck that can accommodate bikes, boats, boards, or other toys/equipment.
Perhaps this camper trailer’s most significant advantage is it’s extremely light. It weighs 990 pounds when empty, and its 1,700-pound GVWR means it won’t weigh over 1,700 pounds even when full.
If you have a tow vehicle with minimal towing capacity, the Woolly Bear is an excellent option.
The only problem with this camper is that a tent isn’t included in its base package, so if you liked this thing but only had $10,000, you may want to save a bit more money to get the tent add-on.
But if you already have a 2- or 3-person tent, you won’t have to spend any dollars on a tent you don’t need.
The 2024 TAXA Woolly Bear for $15,347 is a compact, versatile basecamp featuring a full-size outdoor kitchen, efficient storage, and a pull-out cooler.
Ideal for small groups, it fits most 2-3 person tents on its elevated platform, stores easily in standard garages, and is built for both serene and rugged escapes.
Compared to the 2023 model, the latest Woolly Bear has been enhanced with even more robust off-road-ready construction, ensuring it can handle rough terrains with ease.
Additionally, the inclusion of an outdoor kitchen and improved storage solutions marks a significant upgrade, providing unparalleled comfort and convenience in the wild.
6. Oregon Trailer Do-Drop
Starting at $8,500
Specs:
- Overall length – 120 inches.
- Width – 66 inches.
- Height – 60 inches.
- Weight – 550-700 pounds.
Key Features:
- Very inexpensive.
- Ample interior room.
- Extremely lightweight.
The Do-Drop by Oregon is the second rigid-body off-road camper on our list. It is another good option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up a tent and also want to feel more protected in a rigid camper.
The Do-Drop camper has a teardrop shape but isn’t quite a teardrop camper. Traditional teardrop campers have a rear galley compartment, while this one has nothing like that.
Well, if it had, it would lose much of its interior room, and it wouldn’t cost as cheap as it is – just $6,150 base, which is the most affordable on our list!
The Do-Drop’s standard package is very basic—you are essentially getting the bare trailer. However, given its price, equipping it with your needs shouldn’t be costly.
Oregon Trailer does offer a couple of add-ons for the Do-Drop, though, including a 110V AC pass-through system, 12V DC system, rear levelers, fold-down side shelves, and whatnot.
All the options available for the Do-Drop add up to just $1,630, which allows you not to exceed your $10,000 budget.
One thing to note about the Do-Drop is that it doesn’t come with off-road wheels by default—they are available as an add-on for $299. But given the price, this shouldn’t be a big problem.
By the way, we didn’t mention how lightweight this camper is. As Oregon Trailer writes, basic Do-Drops usually weigh about 550 pounds, while fully equipped variants can weigh 700 pounds or more.
700 pounds is still very light and, in fact, the lightest RV we’ve reviewed today.
Ultimately, a very basic camper, the Do-Drop, can be an ideal option if you are very tight on your budget. Plus, you’ll have some of your $10,000 left even if you buy the complete package.
7. Hiker Trailer Mid Range
Starting at $8,499
Specs:
- Length – 156” / 168” / 180”.
- Width – 79 inches.
- Height – 74 inches.
- GVWR – 2,200 pounds.
Key Features:
- Plenty of interior space.
- Rear Side Swing Door.
- Top Passthrough Cubbies.
The Hiker Trailer Mid Range is crafted for adventurers who demand a balance between basic models’ minimalism and high-end versions’ luxury.
This model is built for durability, featuring a sturdy frame and high-quality materials that can withstand various weather conditions and terrains.
It typically includes essential amenities such as a comfortable sleeping area, storage solutions, and customization options to meet specific travel needs.
Specifications likely emphasize a lightweight design that allows for easy towing by a range of vehicles while still offering ample interior space for comfort and utility.
The mid-range model might also offer optional upgrades like electrical systems, kitchenette modules, or exterior attachments for bikes and gear, allowing adventurers to tailor their trailers for the perfect balance of simplicity and functionality.
How Not To Waste Money When On A Budget
No matter what your budget is, you should be conscious about how you spend your money. But when discussing very tight budgets, you must be extra careful when choosing an off-road camper.
Above, we’ve overviewed seven very different campers. They not only had different designs or weight capacities but also varying sets of stock equipment.
For example, the TAXA Woolly Bear camper doesn’t come with any tents, while other similar campers did come with one, even though the price didn’t differ too much.
We want to say that you need to carefully consider the features and equipment of the desired RV.
Priced shy of $10,000, the TAXA Woolly Bear may seem like the perfect camper trailer. It’s durable, lightweight, and features well-organized storage and kitchen spaces. However, if you bought it, you would discover it misses some things.
While it has a stable platform for a tent and a convenient kitchen space, it doesn’t have equipment that would occupy those areas.
In addition to the $9,200 price tag, you would need to spend more money to make the Woolly Bear your perfect camper with a tent, a mattress, a portable stovetop, a cooler, and anything else that you need.
Ultimately, you might have had to spend more than your $10,000 budget. And you could consider yourself lucky if your financial capabilities allow you to add several hundred dollars.
But if $10,000 was your unpassable limit, something like the Woolly Bear would probably disappoint you since it wouldn’t have all the basics that you would need.
At the same time, if you were to go for the $6,150 Oregon Trailer Do-Drop – a seemingly worse value due to its cheapness – you would be able to buy all its essential add-ons ($1,630 in total, if you recall) and even save some money on purchasing additional things like a portable stovetop or a cooler to be able to cook and store food on the go.
We aren’t suggesting that the Do-Drop is a better camper than the Woolly Bear. This will depend only on your needs and financial capabilities.
The point of the above is that you need to pay attention to what the desired RV comes with. If you have only $10,000 to spend on a camper trailer, then make sure that the one you buy has everything you need.
Unless you are ready, do not go for an RV that will force you to spend additional money on a mattress, a tent, a kitchen cooler, or anything else you need in your camper right now.
Otherwise, you will have an RV that isn’t quite ready for the journey, and it will be just standing in your garage, occupying space and doing nothing.
Go For A Pricier Off-road Camper
Contrary to what we’ve just suggested, we’d recommend you go for a pricier off-road camper.
A pricier RV will likely be a better buy in the long run – it will have a better capacity to satisfy your growing needs, be more durable, and likely be better equipped than its cheaper counterparts.
If you can save money, then do so. Wait for a couple of months and go for a more expensive camper. For an additional $2,500-5,000, you can access another level of comfort and functionality in camper trailers.
Of course, if you are sure that your needs won’t change over time, then opting for a more expensive camper trailer may be pointless. Aside from that, if it’s not possible for you to save money, then waiting will bring no benefit to you.
On the other hand, you may also start small now and work your way up in the future. A few years later, you may sell the RV you’ve bought, add a little money, and perhaps get a much better camper than you could once afford.
It’s up to you whether to buy a pricier camper now or buy a cheap one, sell it later, and buy a better camper. Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget capabilities, whether you can save more money, and your needs.
If you don’t see any point in saving money since you don’t need an advanced camper trailer, then don’t waste any time and buy the one that appeals to you the most.
Advantages Off-Road Camper Trailers
Off-road camper trailers offer numerous advantages for outdoor enthusiasts. Firstly, their robust design and build quality allow travel in diverse terrains, thus ensuring an adventurous yet comfortable camping experience.
These trailers have heavy-duty suspension systems, high-ground clearance, and off-road tires to handle rough paths effectively.
Secondly, they provide the convenience of home-like amenities in the wilderness, with facilities like beds, kitchenettes, and sometimes even bathrooms.
Lastly, off-road camper trailers are designed to be compact and efficient, making them easy to tow and park.
This combination of adventure-ready capabilities and home-like comfort makes off-road camper trailers an excellent choice for exploration and camping.
Final Words
Off-road camper trailers are meticulously designed with robust materials to withstand challenging terrains. These trailers include high-ground clearance and off-road tires to enhance their performance in rugged environments.
These trailers’ features are carefully thought out to offer maximum comfort and convenience during camping trips. They have a comfortable sleeping area, a convenient kitchen for meals, and bathroom facilities for hygiene needs.
The benefits of owning Off-Road Camper Trailers are manifold. They can easily handle harsh terrains, enabling adventurous camping trips in various environments.
Maintaining the trailers is also critical for their longevity and optimal performance. Regular tire pressure checks help ensure the tires are in good condition and the trailer can move smoothly.
The hitch system, which connects the trailer to the towing vehicle, also needs regular maintenance to avoid potential issues. When buying Off-road camper trailers, evaluating individual needs and comparing different models based on features is essential.
This ensures that you select a trailer that aligns with your camping requirements and provides the best value for your investment. In conclusion, off-road camper trailers offer outdoor enthusiasts a unique combination of comfort, convenience, and adventure.