Forum Discussion

BizmarksMom's avatar
BizmarksMom
Explorer
Feb 20, 2017

Looking for a boondocking rig

I primarily camp off pavement, and I am beating the snot out of my current Keystone ultralight trailer. I'm shopping for a trailer that is set up better to boondock. That is leading me towards toy haulers.

As far as toys go, I have a 9' kayak, a bicycle, and 2 big dogs. My current tow vehicle is a 2011 F150 with air bags and a max tow package. The truck is paid for and I like it, but I can move up to a bigger truck if it's necessary.

I want to stay in the 25' length area so it's easy to get in and out of the places I like to camp. I'm out in 3 seasons, the trailer is stowed away in the winter. I do road trip as well as camp, but even those road trips end up in boondock camping sites. (I come from a backpacking background)

It is just me and the dogs. Sometimes a friend comes along and needs a place to sleep, but that's rare.

Help steer me. I won't be buying this year, so I have time to shop around. So far, I'm really liking the Desert Fox 21SW. Pros? Cons? Other trailers to look at?

Thanks!
Toy Haulers
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Feb 20, 2017
    The 3/4t trucks exist because there is 10k lb GVWR threshold when used for business which requires additional expense. The 1t and 3/4t really are the same truck with lower rated tires and and softer springs. Yes, the 3/4t may ride slightly better unloaded than the 1t, but it may be hard to tell the difference unless it is side by side.

    The enclosed trailers come in many different lengths and widths. If you go with a 7' wide one, it will only be slightly wider than the truck. Get one with tandem axles that have the springs over the axles for additional ground clearance. A 16' or 18' model with front bath will give you a surprising amount of room due to the open floor design. Adding some windows will keep it from feeling liked you are in a box.

    The pod trailers come many sizes today. Some are small enough to be towed by an economy car and have an outdoor kitchen and no bath while others have all the amenities inside and need a 1/2t truck.
  • BizmarksMom's avatar
    BizmarksMom
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2017
    The pod trailers are really cool. 10 years ago I would have been all over one of those. Now, I want a comfy warm place to hang out when it snows in August, or when 60 mph winds start up when I'm on a dry lake bed. I find a nice campsite, and then just take the truck in further, or start hiking. The kayak currently rides on a ladder rack when I'm towing.

    Are you talking about the car trailers? I'll give those a look. In fact, my brother-in-law has one he uses when he heads out to Trona.

    So far, I haven't run into major clearance issues with my current travel trailer. It's 8' wide and 11' tall. Sure, there's a lot of Get Out And Look when I'm getting into a spot, but I'm used to that.

    So, should I go ahead and bump all the way up to a 1 ton truck? I don't think a 3/4 ton is that much better of a ride.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Feb 20, 2017
    I think you should definitely stay under 25' to reduce how much hangs on either side of the axle. If you travel where it is heavily treed, width and height are also an issue. I really think the quality toy haulers are too much for 1/2t truck payloads because of their tongue weight. A 3/4t or 1t truck will not be that much bigger (although may be taller). It will give a harsher unloaded ride, but provide better trailering.

    A Desert Fox would also be one of my recommendations, but I would also look into smaller enclosed trailers with living quarters and flipped axles. Stay away from low slung long race trailers since they have clearance issues even on driveways.

    Just an alternate idea: Have you considered a bigger truck with one of the pod style off road trailers. By having a larger truck, you could stow the toys on or in the truck and still have plenty of payload for additional supplies or a supplemental water tank?
  • BizmarksMom's avatar
    BizmarksMom
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2017
    I'm learning the expensive way that light weight trailers, full tanks, and long dirt roads are a bad combination.
  • Y-Guy's avatar
    Y-Guy
    Moderator
    Feb 20, 2017
    Desert Fox line is a solid trailer, not light weight but stout. You need to pay close attention to the weight limits of your truck and the weight of the trailer. I have several friend with DF trailers that swear by them. They are built in Eastern OR so if you need a factory repair they are close by.

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