r/overlanding • u/1mma_Pr0bl3m • Jun 21 '26
Gear Question Is a trailer worth it?
This is a pic of my current setup. I have no issues getting anywhere. Recently I've gotten into dirtbikes and want to be able to bring 2 full size bikes with me. For those of you that utilize trailers, how has it been?? I'm thinking it would be better to put dirtbikes in the bed and then use the trailer and build it out for the RTT and some extra storage. Any thoughts, feedback, or alternatives?
**Edit: when I say trailer I'm meaning a regular trailer for hauling, not full on toy hauler. Sorry for the confusion.
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u/OneWheelBatmobile Jun 21 '26
I bought a 6x10 cargo trailer and converted it to a dirt bike/ sleeping trailer. I use it as my base camp then go off roading and exploring or riding my bike. It works great for me!
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u/Voxicles Jun 21 '26
This is the way! My 5x8 from trailers Plus is surprisingly well built. Been having a lot of fun building it out over the last year (check my post history). I def wish I’d have gone with a 6x10 to start, but I’m making it work 😆
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u/estunum Nissan OVRLNDer Jun 21 '26
You can check out Outdoorsy and rent one if there’s one that matches what you’re looking for. Sure, it’ll cost just to rent but you’ll get a feel for it on a couple trips. Thats what I did and ultimately decided against it. Too much hassle for my use, but your 2 bikes change the situation entirely and makes more sense.
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u/vincifsb Jun 21 '26
Just switched from what you have to a trailer, it’s much more convenient. Everytime I leave camp with the truck, I don’t have to pack my RTT & rest of my shit out of the way. I use the bed for 2 bikes aswell, and the bigger stuff that wont fit in the trailer like my big ass cooler. It’s just expensive now, like everything
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
Did you go with just a basic trailer or something upgraded?
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u/vincifsb Jun 21 '26
I bought a surplus M105A2 trailer. Converted it to use electronic brakes. They’re cheap and can haul anything you put in it. The rack I built is tall enough for dirt bikes as-well if I bring friends and my bed is full. I would love to get a traditional trailer but I can’t justify the price.
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u/JimDa5is Jun 21 '26
Aren't those heavy as hell though?
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
I'm not familiar with all the options/model numbers but they make similar style/looking options that aren't quite as heavy. That was one of my concerns as well when looking.
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
I've seen those military trailers and always thought it works be a good platform to build on. When I've looked in my area they've all been a little pricey and I'm not knowledgeable enough to know everything it would need for braking to work. I guess I'll look more into it
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u/vincifsb Jun 21 '26
I got two for $1400 in Florida. These trailers and the smaller M102s or something are super popular for conversions like this. I took the trailer to a semi shop & they installed an electronic to air converter for me, kept the same axle. All in I think I’m at $4000? With the trailer
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
Mannnn Im in AZ and haven't seen any military trailers for less than about 2-2500 do for you to get 2 then that's straight robbery! I may start looking more often and check the auction sites
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u/Affectionate_Fix8212 Jun 25 '26
Idk your budget but I enjoy my OVS trailer. Its really well built!
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u/Mitsch25 Jun 21 '26
Not necessarily the same situation like you, but I got a little offroad trailer with RTT not too long ago. I slept in my 4runner and was just tired of taking everything out of the back, making the bed, and when it downpoured on me, everything outside was slightly wet, even with an awning.
Was looking for a trailer a couple of years ago, but the prices, even used, were and still are ridiculous at times. Then I found one on Facebook Marketplace for an insane good price, got it, and I love it.
Now I have a base camp if I need it and most of my stuff stays in the trailer when not in use.
So far the only downside is exploring on narrow trails and there is a fallen tree or a closed gate and you need to turn around.
Happend twice to me so far but I managed to get out without any damage. It kinda makes me rethink going down a trail I am not familiar with, but I am OK with it.
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
This was one of my bigger concerns. I've gotten a trailer stuck before pulling it down a wash. Had to offload everything out of it, pull the trailer out then load everything back up. Not fun but I learned my lesson about trying to take a trailer down a wash 😂 and like you said trying to turn around if needed and tight areas can get iffy
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u/Mitsch25 Jun 21 '26
Oh man, that doesn't sound like fun at all. I see you are in AZ. Lived there for 9 years and now in Western NC. I wish I would have some more space to roam around, but here in NC, overlanding is really tricky, especially with a trailer.
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
We've thought about moving to NC but like you mentioned, the lack of ability to free roam is definitely a con.
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u/Mitsch25 Jun 21 '26
Was definitely an adjustment, but I am an hour and 45 minutes from the Georgia Traverse which makes up for the lack of trail access in NC.
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u/ttn333 Jun 21 '26
I have a smittybilt scout with an rtt. Its a necessity for a family of 5. I also ran an alucab contour canopy and rtt on the truck. Thats the only way to sleep 5 especially if you need a quicker setup and break down since we tend to arrive late into camp. Also 5 people needs lots more gear as well. With that being said, I don't like pulling the trailer. You cant use the carpool lane to get out of town fast and even worse during heavy traffic hours. Also I have to make sure the trailer can handle the trail eventhough the smittybilt is a very capable trailer with very high clearance (more than my jeep on 37s). Cant do sharp switchbacks. Also look at a jumping jack trailer. They're cool trailer design to haul bike/atv and camp.
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u/mattogeewha Jun 21 '26
I built a camper trailer to stay occupied and also cuz I’m cheap. I just got it registered in time for summer in TX, so I’m waiting a bit to deploy it completely. Been out a few times and I love it
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u/shallowAL307 Jun 21 '26
Are we about to go full circle and just start buying toy hauler campers again?
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u/Freuds-Mother Jun 21 '26
If you don’t want to trailer some alternatives are shells like Radica.
But the disadvantages of a trailer in maneuvering trails is basically offset because those are the trails for the bikes you’re taking anyway.
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u/USCAVsuperduperhooah Jun 21 '26
I’ve toyed with the idea. Every time I’ve gone out this year I’ve ended up doing a 15 or so point turn due to gates or deadfall. Those would suck or be impossible with a trailer. I could just be more selective about the roads I drive down but a large part of the fun for me is exploring roads unknown.
Also the increased maintenance, cost of tires and registration / insurance all seem like a headache. I think renting ones a great idea.
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u/Hell-Yea-Brother Jun 21 '26
Bringing bikes means you'll probably bring more gear, clothing, and equipment to support it. A trailer can carry the bikes and several bins.
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u/wilderness-geek Jun 21 '26
I built a teardrop kit back in 2021 and it’s the best thing. Queen bed inside, RTT on the roof for kids/guests, ready to go galley in the back. Hook it up and go then leave camp setup while exploring. It’s made camping as easy as pack clothes, food, drive.
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u/CodInternational8023 Jun 22 '26
Absolutely. Stow and go. I have everything I need on my rig. I hook up amd head out. Best part for me, I can leave camp at any point in time without packing anything up. I built and fabricated everything on here. So of you are handy, it is inexpensive!
Feel free of you have any questions.
I tried to attach a photo but apparently not allowed 😅🤣
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u/Photojared Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
We’ve had this for about 6 years and easily >150 nights. 100% worth it. Mostly for the convenience factor. We pack at the beginning of season and then all we have to do is hook up and go.
I’ve pulled this trailer behind 4 different vehicles halfway across the country a couple of times.
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u/ogie_oglethorpe Jun 23 '26
Trailer is 1000% worth it. We bought a square drop because we love tent camping but got tired of having to set up camp every night. Trailer opens a ton of possibilities, it's basically a bed on wheels. If you do get one make sure to get a 270 awning, worth its weight in gold. Being able to stop for a couple of hours and nap on a drive is also really helpful for long trips.
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Jun 23 '26
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 23 '26
I don't think tonneau covers really work with the rack or at least I've never seen it
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u/lowkey_stoneyboy Jun 24 '26
Ive had rooftop tents, overland trailers, traditional bumper pulls, camper shells, and of course good old tents. Ive realized that 80% of the trails i like to take I could not comfortably take any sort of trailer on. The other 20% of the time I REALLLLLY would prefer to have a trailer of some sort. For now I use a shell and decked box combo and it works great for me but eventually I would like to also have a trailer i can bring and drop, go wheel, then come back to camp and use the trailer.
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u/sn44 04 & 06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds (LJ) [PA] Jun 24 '26
I used to joke that, "once you go trailer, you never go back."
I love my trailer. It's rugged enough to go anywhere and everywhere the Jeep goes (not that is should) yet still behaves nicely on the road. Now mine is more of a "sleep in" tear-drop trailer, not a gear-only trailer, however it would work just as easily as a pack-mule.
I also have a buddy that uses an M416/C101 style trailer to haul his gear. It's also super nice on Tread Lightly projects for hauling supplies and trash. That'll be my plan for my other ex-military trailer once I'm done with the new motor in my Jeep.
The only thing that makes me leave the trailer behind is my g/f's Quigley van. My new mantra, "once you go van, you never go back." Which is the one reason I'd gut my current boxed trailer and turn it into a pack mule. I can sleep in the van and use the trailer for other gear/equipment/trash/etc when I'm working with TL on projects.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I did a podcast episode on trailers.
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u/usernameS4 Jun 26 '26
Went from a RTT to a trailer and have no regrets (other than the initial RTT purchase). Most of my trips are with my trailer when the family comes along. It's nice to not have to pack everything into the truck as the trailer is loaded and ready to go.
My trailer will go pretty much anywhere my Tacoma can but I have found myself in a couple situations where I've had to back up on washed out shelf roads that I likely could have turned around without my trailer.
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u/Senpai Jun 21 '26
thought I'd chime in, you might want to check what different trailers have to offer from the listings on this site, signup is free, and you can browse the interiors of the trailers/RVs in dealerbackstock.com (yes I'm involved in building the network, figured it would be helpful somewhat)
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Jun 21 '26
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u/1mma_Pr0bl3m Jun 21 '26
Not looking to go that big. The spot in the picture was probably 15 miles down a dirt road. I couldn't imagine that being a pleasant ride with a toy hauler. Even with a trailer would probably suck some but less than a you hauler.
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u/Jezelda Jun 21 '26
I’ve gone through all the stages, carrying a tent, mattress in the bed of my truck, RTT on the truck. Finally last fall bought an off road trailer.
I have to say the convenience now is second to none. I loaded the trailer up at the beginning of the season then when a camping weekend rolls around I just hook up and drive off.
I kept my RTT on top of the trailer for a “guest suite” so to say so when I have friends with me they have somewhere to crash.
My biggest gripe with the RTT on the truck was having to pack everything up to explore if I wanted to hike, head in to town etc in an area. Now with the trailer I just drop and go.
Storage space has also increased immensely giving my dogs their space back in the bed of the truck haha