Off-road capable RVs

[Dmacman]

Can anyone provide suggestions for a TT or 5er that can easily go off-road. I intend to dry camp up on a mountain ridge that requires a lengthy dirt road with some pretty sizeable rocks, and uneven terrain. Higher ground clearance is definitely a plus.
In "Trailer Life" magazine I read about the Northwood Snow River Rugged Lite,built in OR. It say's it has "...Lippert Equa-Flex suspension with off-road clearance..."

Anybody have experience with this brand? Just how much additional clearance do they mean by "off-road clearance?"
Thanks,
D

[pnichols]

RWDIII wrote:
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip

A bit off topic ... but I'm curious. Could our small (24 foot) Class C E450 motorhome make it to the Racetrack in DV??

FWIW, I've traveled offroad in/out for about 50 miles of heavy washboard with our MH in the OR outback. And I've went about a mile on a 4X4 roadbed in DV (consisting of 3" to 4" size rocks) in DV with our MH and it's rear duals and 10-ply tires all around.

Why is 4X4 needed for the trip to the Racetrack ... is it more a matter of tough tires and careful negotiating around some large rocks ... or is the additional traction from 4X4 actually needed due to sand, steep slopes, etc..? Or, is what's mostly needed is the additional ground clearance that some 4X4 RVs have?

I wonder if anyone has ever went to (and returned from!) the Racetrack with an E350 or E450 Class C motorhome?

I apologize for the questions - but just curious, since you've been there. :h

[zman-az]

I have done alot of offroading and I think people can underestimate (and overestimate) what a vehicle and trailer can do. Depending on their offroad experience a easy road for some will seem impossible for others.

I have seen 5vers and TT in some really rough area's. These campers all have the axels flipped underneath the leaf springs (stock is above the springs) for extra ground clearance. Rocks and rough terrain are not uncommon for these folks. These trailers are being pulled by 4x4 trucks with mild lifts with a slightly larger than stock tire size. Basically if the truck can make it up the road in 2wd the trailer can make it when in 4wd.

[RobertRyan]

RWDIII wrote:
if you plan on off road or bad road the TC with 4wd is the way to go

Plenty of those here as well.



Unconventional TC's

[pnichols]

You mention a TT or 5'er, so I assume that means you already have an offroad capable pickup truck?

If not, FWIW there is a completely offroad capable "Class C" RV similar to a TC but with a lower CG (because it's built right onto the main frame) than either a TC or an Earthroamer - and it's much less money than an Earthroamer. It can be ordered built on just about any pickup truck frame to start with, which of course means that the truck that the builder starts with can have just about any traction, ground clearance, and tire setup you could want.

Here's a link:

http://www.deesrv.com/pages/overlandvehicle.htm

[firemedic08]

I Agree 100% with the Votes For a TC, and im thinking a Pop Up may be your better Choice due to lower COG. depending on your Location and when you plan on using it determines wether this is a Viable option for you or not though.

[firemedic08]

I Agree 100% with the Votes For a TC, and im thinking a Pop Up may be your better Choice due to lower COG. depending on your Location and when you plan on using it determines wether this is a Viable option for you or not though.

[Mello_Mike]

You've gotten great feedback thus far. A 4x4 Truck Camper, 4x4 Tiger Class C, or 4x4 Class B Sportsmobile would be your best bets for an off-road RV.

If you're dead set on a TT/5er then I would get something very small, like around 17-22 ft, and flip the axle for extra ground clearance.

[RWDIII]

Dmacman wrote:
Can anyone provide suggestions for a TT or 5er that can easily go off-road. I intend to dry camp up on a mountain ridge that requires a lengthy dirt road with some pretty sizeable rocks, and uneven terrain. Higher ground clearance is definitely a plus.
In "Trailer Life" magazine I read about the Northwood Snow River Rugged Lite,built in OR. It say's it has "...Lippert Equa-Flex suspension with off-road clearance..."

Anybody have experience with this brand? Just how much additional clearance do they mean by "off-road clearance?"
Thanks,
D

If you plan on off road or bad road the TC with 4wd is the way to go
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip

[J_herb]

Just got back from NV,UT,and CO. and saw a lot of pop up TC on 4x4s that have been in the back country.

[garyhaupt]

This outfit imports from down under. Might be worth a look.


http://www.kakaducamping.com/bushranger150.html



Gary Haupt

[Crabbypatty]

As far as Off Road is concerned, one size does not fit all. Youll need to examine the route to see if you can even make it. I would un hitch and drive it in my truck first. I did this the first time I camped on the outer beach with soft sand. The Trailer you pick can only be so high before it is to high for over the road and becomes unmanagable. you can also have the trailer lifted just like a turck with suspension mods if the model you like is to low. I would think that the shorter the length the better.

[RobertRyan]

RoyB wrote:
It seems the only real OFF-ROAD RV trailers come from Australia. They certainly have some very rugged units.

Roy what you are showing is an Off Road Campertrailer.
Over 100 manufacturers in Australia here is a listing, does not include all.
Australian Camper Trailer Manufacturers
Out of a lot that do look the same you do get some different ones.
GT Camper


Innovan campers


Same Company that makes the kimberley Karavan


Also makes these

[Dyngbld]

Let me know when you want to get started moding your RT Roy I'll come up and turn wrenches. 🙂

To the OP, I think a TC on a 4WD truck would be the best choice if you plan on doing a lot of "offroad" camping.

[mlts22]

For off-road, there is pretty much one choice -- TC.

Of course, there is always the option of a Sportsmobile Ford van upfit with the pop-top.

[RoyB]

It seems the only real OFF-ROAD RV trailers come from Australia. They certainly have some very rugged units...
LINK


These units however are very expensive and of course being from Australia are wired for 220VAC appliances...

One in particular has really got my attention and I may start seeing what I can do with my Starcraft RT14 OFF-ROAD Trailer by adding some of these features to my trailer... My POPUP main unit is a 12-foot box with a front deck. Adding some of these features shown here would sure make up a great WAR WAGON for me getting back into the places you have described. My RT14 trailer has all the comforts of home the big trailers have just missing abit of elbow room.



Roy Ken