Ozz Caravans in US?

RobertRyan wrote:

Naio wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

Yes, I know Off Road is a pretty foreign concept to all North Americans, but very much a great part of RVIng here

Are you actually talking about no road or track at all? Or dirt/gravel tracks?

No Road or Track. Dirt/ Gravel are still roads

Agreed.

My understanding is that this is illegal on public lands in the US, and finding private/corporate lands that would allow it would be unusual, unless you knew someone.

Of course, there are plenty of people who use ATVs illegally on public lands, but I think they usually return to their regular cars/trucks to camp at night (or go back to their S&B houses).

I don't really know a reason for that other than culture.

Naio wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

Yes, I know Off Road is a pretty foreign concept to all North Americans, but very much a great part of RVIng here

Are you actually talking about no road or track at all? Or dirt/gravel tracks?

No Road or Track. Dirt/ Gravel are still roads

Gdetrailer,

A 4x4 Roadtrek Sprinter will set you back $160k and this tidy truck camper is $100k without the truck. You pay for all season, go anywhere capability. I've found a 2004 Dodge 3500 and a 2005 Northern Lite TC that will fit it. Trading in my 4Runner I'll have about $20k invested. No, the rig won't be Jeep trail capable but it will be gravel road capable.

I think I'll move in that direction. Thanks for allowing me to think aloud with you for a bit.

Bill

RobertRyan wrote:

Yes, I know Off Road is a pretty foreign concept to all North Americans, but very much a great part of RVIng here

Are you actually talking about no road or track at all? Or dirt/gravel tracks?

Gdetrailer wrote:

RobertRyan wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

Naio wrote:
I think in the US people usually use TC's or vans for off road campers.

It's gotta be a habit thing, rather than a market thing, because TC manufacturers have plenty of customers.

^^^THIS^^^

Most folk who off road will most likely use a pickup truck with a TC in the back..

This allows them to take advantage of the vehicles 4x4, has no drag from trailer wheels or trailer frame has lots of ground clearance and no worries about trying to turn a massive 20+ trailer around on narrow trails..

TCs also allow folks to tow a boat or ATV trailer so they can get to their favorite fishing hole or ATV trail and have at it..

You don't see much of manufacturers in the off road trailer business in the US because we do it a bit differently than other places..

I don't off road myself, but I can assure you if I did, it would not be with a camping trailer.. A 4x4 truck with TC would be my first choice..

They use TC's in Australia as well as Off Road Hybrid Caravans, Hybrids are more popular, but Off Road Caravans are used a lot

:R

In case you have not noticed, I am NOT in "Australia"..

Nothing wrong with Australia so don't take offense.. Looks like a nice place, but I am happy where I live and have no cares about how the rest of the world "camps".

We folks in the "northern" hemisphere do things a lot differently.

Off road camping in the north is not all that "popular" and hence no money in it for the manufacturers to be willing to startup a production line just for a very small niche market..

There have been a couple of small manufacturers who took a 4x4 van chassis and built off road vans.. But they don't build in volume and they have been extremely expensive (RoadTrek?? I think was one), if I remember correctly one of those would easily set you back a cool $60K -$100K US.. Way too rich for me and most causal off roaders..

Folks who DO off road camp tend to ultra modify existing trailers or use a 4x4 truck with TC because they can save money for their off road toys..

Used 4x4 trucks from 1990s and up are extremely popular, extremely easy to find for sale and if you want one you simply look for something at least 15 yrs old or older and you can get them pretty inexpensive..

I personally have been on a few 4x4 trails with a buddy, let me tell you, on those trails there is no way I would want to ever tow a trailer.. Sharp turns, steep hills and narrow roads.. Make a mistake with a trailer and you WILL find yourself WALKING for miles to get help. And turning around is often not an option even in a pickup truck by it's self, let alone having a trailer tagging behind.

Yes, I know Off Road is a pretty foreign concept to all North Americans, but very much a great part of RVIng here

RobertRyan wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:

Naio wrote:
I think in the US people usually use TC's or vans for off road campers.

It's gotta be a habit thing, rather than a market thing, because TC manufacturers have plenty of customers.

^^^THIS^^^

Most folk who off road will most likely use a pickup truck with a TC in the back..

This allows them to take advantage of the vehicles 4x4, has no drag from trailer wheels or trailer frame has lots of ground clearance and no worries about trying to turn a massive 20+ trailer around on narrow trails..

TCs also allow folks to tow a boat or ATV trailer so they can get to their favorite fishing hole or ATV trail and have at it..

You don't see much of manufacturers in the off road trailer business in the US because we do it a bit differently than other places..

I don't off road myself, but I can assure you if I did, it would not be with a camping trailer.. A 4x4 truck with TC would be my first choice..

They use TC's in Australia as well as Off Road Hybrid Caravans, Hybrids are more popular, but Off Road Caravans are used a lot

:R

In case you have not noticed, I am NOT in "Australia"..

Nothing wrong with Australia so don't take offense.. Looks like a nice place, but I am happy where I live and have no cares about how the rest of the world "camps".

We folks in the "northern" hemisphere do things a lot differently.

Off road camping in the north is not all that "popular" and hence no money in it for the manufacturers to be willing to startup a production line just for a very small niche market..

There have been a couple of small manufacturers who took a 4x4 van chassis and built off road vans.. But they don't build in volume and they have been extremely expensive (RoadTrek?? I think was one), if I remember correctly one of those would easily set you back a cool $60K -$100K US.. Way too rich for me and most causal off roaders..

Folks who DO off road camp tend to ultra modify existing trailers or use a 4x4 truck with TC because they can save money for their off road toys..

Used 4x4 trucks from 1990s and up are extremely popular, extremely easy to find for sale and if you want one you simply look for something at least 15 yrs old or older and you can get them pretty inexpensive..

I personally have been on a few 4x4 trails with a buddy, let me tell you, on those trails there is no way I would want to ever tow a trailer.. Sharp turns, steep hills and narrow roads.. Make a mistake with a trailer and you WILL find yourself WALKING for miles to get help. And turning around is often not an option even in a pickup truck by it's self, let alone having a trailer tagging behind.

Gdetrailer wrote:

Naio wrote:
I think in the US people usually use TC's or vans for off road campers.

It's gotta be a habit thing, rather than a market thing, because TC manufacturers have plenty of customers.

^^^THIS^^^

Most folk who off road will most likely use a pickup truck with a TC in the back..

This allows them to take advantage of the vehicles 4x4, has no drag from trailer wheels or trailer frame has lots of ground clearance and no worries about trying to turn a massive 20+ trailer around on narrow trails..

TCs also allow folks to tow a boat or ATV trailer so they can get to their favorite fishing hole or ATV trail and have at it..

You don't see much of manufacturers in the off road trailer business in the US because we do it a bit differently than other places..

I don't off road myself, but I can assure you if I did, it would not be with a camping trailer.. A 4x4 truck with TC would be my first choice..

They use TC's in Australia as well as Off Road Hybrid Caravans, Hybrids are more popular, but Off Road Caravans are used a lot for extended stays

A Hybrid Caravan in the desert areas of the US

In Colorado, extended

Off Road Caravan

Gdetrailer wrote:

Naio wrote:
I think in the US people usually use TC's or vans for off road campers.

It's gotta be a habit thing, rather than a market thing, because TC manufacturers have plenty of customers.

^^^THIS^^^

Most folk who off road will most likely use a pickup truck with a TC in the back..

This allows them to take advantage of the vehicles 4x4, has no drag from trailer wheels or trailer frame has lots of ground clearance and no worries about trying to turn a massive 20+ trailer around on narrow trails..

TCs also allow folks to tow a boat or ATV trailer so they can get to their favorite fishing hole or ATV trail and have at it..

You don't see much of manufacturers in the off road trailer business in the US because we do it a bit differently than other places..

I don't off road myself, but I can assure you if I did, it would not be with a camping trailer.. A 4x4 truck with TC would be my first choice..

They use TC's in Australia as well as Off Road Hybrid Caravans, Hybrids are more popular, but Off Road Caravans are used a lot

Gdetrailer,

Good points! I'm using my Labor Day poking around the I'net for used equipment.

Have a great Labor Day!

Bill

Eugarps wrote:
Naio,

I'm sure you're right. I'm a widower and really can't justify a dedicated camper hauler and 90% of the vans are too large, not 4x4, or too expensive to be a daily driver. Thus, I drive a 2013 4Runner and am hunting a trailer that I won't destroy by taking it on gravel roads. I may consider upgrading to an older Land Cruiser with a 4.7L.

As you know, Toyota Diesels are extremely rare in the States. If I can't find a TT, which I view as more practical for my use, I'll just buy a Diesel truck and TC. Or move to Australia..... :w

Thanks,

Bill

Buy a used 15yr old or so 4x4 pickup, should not have much problem finding one of those dirt cheap ($4K-$6K).. Use your current newer vehicle for daily driving.

Most states, adding a second vehicle does not cost much in a one driver household.. In some states, a second vehicle can be designated as a "recreational" part time vehicle, insurance companies will often give a break on the insurance on that vehicle.

Then buy a used TC.. See plenty of those cheap on Craigslist and even just driving around town here..

Most states, TC does not require a license plate or registration..

As far as know, no state requires inspections on the TC so you save there also.

Most states for trailers they will require an annual registration fee and depending on how heavy the trailer is an annual inspection also.

Over all, it would be much cheaper than buying a new $30K+ specifically designed for off road trailer..

I just can't see dragging a newer daily driver vehicle (something you must depend on getting you back and forth to work) on back road trails..