Howdy all. I'm about to make the switch back from a TT to a pop up. For several reasons, not the least of which is my TT was destroyed by water damage over the winter. Plus, since we tent camped all summer, we realized how much we missed a pop up for more of a camping feel. My question is about off road, or ruggedized pop ups. Back when I had one, it seemed there were more options than today. Still want a traditional style pop up, with the ability to travel over really rough roads. Suspension and clearance are the main issues. My requirements of the trailer are fairly simple. Don't need huge. Would love one king sized bed, but queens are my minimum. Prefer to have a couch/bench as well instead of cabinets. Small fridge. Front storage "trunk" would be nice, but don't need the deck up front as I don't utilize ATVs and such, but if it had one, I wouldn't mind. Awning that I can at least add a screen room to if it didn't come with one. Don't need a bathroom or shower. I noticed Jaco can add the off road package, but don't make the Baja anymore. I also know I can buy any pop up and add better suspension and tires, but then I worry about the rest of the trailer being not up to handling the rough handling it wasn't designed for. Shouldn't be hard right? Well, I also would like to keep it between $10,000 and $12,000.Does such a creature exist? I've searched the interwebs, but most of the results are discontinued models or truck/utility trailer top tents (which are cool, but not what I want for now). I appreciate any help.

Have you seen this article on Expedition Portal?Is an off-road trailer really for you?There's a possibly helpful list of related article links at the end.

Yup. Those are the type of roof top tent trailers (that although I'd love), are not what I'm looking for. But thanks for replying. I'm looking for your more traditional PUP. Only difference is I'd like it to be ruggedized for back country use. Kind of in between developed campgrounds and overlanding. Even some traditional Forest Service and PGE campgrounds are difficult to get to. No way a hard side long wheel base TT could get to them. But once you're there, there's nice camp spots and sometimes even pavement inside the campground. Also would use it for boondocking in the forest.It's just getting there. The rough roads and ruts could easily kill a nice trailer. No matter how slow you go, those roads take their toll. And some places have corners only a smaller trailer could get around. Long winded. Sorry. I just want a nice PUP, basic amenities, that will stand up to rocky and rutty forest roads. Anyone know if the Jayco suspension upgrade is worth it? It adds the clearance and shocks, but can the trailer itself stand up to bouncing around and twisting and turning? Or are there better options?

I don't think the standard pop up type trailers like the Jayco that are lifted and have offroad tires are modified aside from those differences. The frames and interior bits are certainly all the same as far as I know. You could save some bucks by finding a nice used unit and then do the mods yourself. Keep the length short because the limiting factor on that type of rig on rough roads is likely your approach and departure angles. On that note you might also think about picking up some free standing stabilizer jacks and removing the crankdown jacks on the trailer to prevent them from being torn off. Trust me, I've done it...

IdaD, that's a good idea for the Jacks. Torn one off myself. I've thought about the used, then conversion, idea. Might ho that route. This will be our third trailer of some sort. All used previously. The wife is wanting new for once. But if we don't find what we want, used is still very much an option. In my research, Forest River Rockwood pop ups come in an off road configuration. Anyone know if they're quality? Seems Forest River has been all over the map in the last several years

IdaD wrote:I don't think the standard pop up type trailers like the Jayco that are lifted and have offroad tires are modified aside from those differences. The frames and interior bits are certainly all the same as far as I know. You could save some bucks by finding a nice used unit and then do the mods yourself. Keep the length short because the limiting factor on that type of rig on rough roads is likely your approach and departure angles. On that note you might also think about picking up some free standing stabilizer jacks and removing the crankdown jacks on the trailer to prevent them from being torn off. Trust me, I've done it...Jayco in Australia, does make a specific Off Road Popup Camper, but these are not available in the US

Off road(ish) pop up | Good Sam Community

RobertRyan
Explorer
Aug 12, 2016
IdaD wrote:
I don't think the standard pop up type trailers like the Jayco that are lifted and have offroad tires are modified aside from those differences. The frames and interior bits are certainly all the same as far as I know. You could save some bucks by finding a nice used unit and then do the mods yourself. Keep the length short because the limiting factor on that type of rig on rough roads is likely your approach and departure angles. On that note you might also think about picking up some free standing stabilizer jacks and removing the crankdown jacks on the trailer to prevent them from being torn off. Trust me, I've done it...

Jayco in Australia, does make a specific Off Road Popup Camper, but these are not available in the US
pira114
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2016
IdaD, that's a good idea for the Jacks. Torn one off myself.

I've thought about the used, then conversion, idea. Might ho that route. This will be our third trailer of some sort. All used previously. The wife is wanting new for once. But if we don't find what we want, used is still very much an option.

In my research, Forest River Rockwood pop ups come in an off road configuration. Anyone know if they're quality? Seems Forest River has been all over the map in the last several years
IdaD
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
I don't think the standard pop up type trailers like the Jayco that are lifted and have offroad tires are modified aside from those differences. The frames and interior bits are certainly all the same as far as I know. You could save some bucks by finding a nice used unit and then do the mods yourself. Keep the length short because the limiting factor on that type of rig on rough roads is likely your approach and departure angles. On that note you might also think about picking up some free standing stabilizer jacks and removing the crankdown jacks on the trailer to prevent them from being torn off. Trust me, I've done it...
pira114
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2016
Yup. Those are the type of roof top tent trailers (that although I'd love), are not what I'm looking for. But thanks for replying.

I'm looking for your more traditional PUP. Only difference is I'd like it to be ruggedized for back country use. Kind of in between developed campgrounds and overlanding. Even some traditional Forest Service and PGE campgrounds are difficult to get to. No way a hard side long wheel base TT could get to them. But once you're there, there's nice camp spots and sometimes even pavement inside the campground. Also would use it for boondocking in the forest.

It's just getting there. The rough roads and ruts could easily kill a nice trailer. No matter how slow you go, those roads take their toll. And some places have corners only a smaller trailer could get around.

Long winded. Sorry. I just want a nice PUP, basic amenities, that will stand up to rocky and rutty forest roads.

Anyone know if the Jayco suspension upgrade is worth it? It adds the clearance and shocks, but can the trailer itself stand up to bouncing around and twisting and turning? Or are there better options?
Tiger4x4RV
Nomad
Aug 10, 2016
Have you seen this article on Expedition Portal?
Is an off-road trailer really for you?

There's a possibly helpful list of related article links at the end.

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