Off-road campers allow you to take your outdoor adventures to the next level. They ensure you can reach off-the-beaten-path campsites and explore deep wilderness areas when you want to completely detach from the grid. There are many camper models in the market, but which of them is the best?
The best off-road camper comes down to your needs. The Polydrop camper is an option to consider if you’re looking for the perfect mix between affordability and durability. Hardcore explorers will love the compact Airstream Basecamp X. The Earthroamer is the brand to choose for luxury camping. The rest of the article will take a look at these off-road campers in a bit more detail.
The 5 best off-road campers:
1. Airstream Basecamp X
Few off-road campers are as approachable and easy to use as the Airstream Basecamp X. It is the smallest and lightest camper made by the manufacturers. However, it is super capable of handling 48-hours of off-grid camping in all kinds of weather.
More info: airstream.com
This 16-feet-3-inch (5-meter) camper packs many nice surprises under the aluminum shell. You get a convertible bench that can transform into two twin beds, a stove with two burners, a sink, a sizable bathroom and shower combo, several storage compartments on the floor and overhead, etc.
The Airstream Basecamp X exterior is also a real beauty guaranteed to get you into conversations. The compact nature means that maneuvering in parking lots and gas stations is super easy. Night campers will love the design of doors and windows. The latter especially pops open just enough to allow airflow but not too wide to compromise safety.
The camper has a dry towing weight of around 2,635 lbs (1,072kgs), including the weight of the batteries and the propane. This makes it lightweight, so you won’t have any problems hooking it up to most trucks. You can get the Airstream Basecamp X for around $39,000.
2. The Polydrop (Best Under $20,000)
Choosing the perfect camping trailer is often difficult for many people because it’s not always easy to find a durable and capable model at a price that is convenient for the average camper and one that isn’t a nightmare to tow and store. Polydrop is a very popular option because it ticks all the boxes. It is an efficient camper that has a futuristic teardrop-shaped exterior.
More info: polydrops.com
The trailer’s main cabin contains a bed area with a 48×75-inch (122×191-cm) mattress and some storage compartments just above the foot area. You’ll find a kitchenette at the rear. It supports four-season functionality, thanks to the solar power setup and the insulated walls.
The Polydrop trailer has a maximum weight of 1,150 lbs (521 kgs). This means it is firmly within the towing range of a large number of trucks, including some four-cylinder variants. It comes in four trim levels, with the base model containing the basics, including drawers, a bed area, space for a cooler, and cabinets. It costs around $14,495.
The highest trim (KJ-20) has everything you’ll expect in an average camper, including everything in the base model topped up with a full HVAC system, a freezer, a sink, a two-burner stove, and more.
This variant is also well equipped for overlanding as the suspension is upgraded for off-road use. You can also find accessories like the Roadshower 4S, the Sunseeker awning, and a Rhino-Rack roof. This model costs $19,995.
3. Hiker Trailer’s Extreme Off-Road Deluxe
The Hiker Trailer’s Extreme Off-Road Deluxe camper trailer is another model design for easy maneuvering while out on tight trails. It also weighs less than 2,000 lbs (907 kgs) and can be towed by most vehicles.
More info: hikertrailers.com
However, the camper’s suspension is a major talking point that sets it apart from other lightweight campers. It deploys the Timbren axle-less suspension, which is usually used in off-road campers instead of the more common torsion axles.
The suspension and the springs and shocks on the Extreme Off-Road Deluxe allow it to handle bumps and treacherous terrains very nicely. The steel frame on the camper has two rear drop-down legs and two front jacks.
The fenders and rock sliders built into the frame protect the trailer and come in handy when you want to access the roof. The storage platform on the front of the trailer is excellent for hauling bulky items such as coolers and other such equipment.
On the inside, you can expect all the basics, including some basic lighting, storage cabinets, USB and 12-volt charging ports, two doors and windows, a fan for ventilation, and a comfortable five-inch (13-cm) memory foam that doubles as a couch.
However, if you need a stove, you have to get yours as Hiker Trailer doesn’t include a built-in stove and sink as we have seen with other models. You should expect to spend around $7,000-$11,000 on this camper.
Related: Hiker Trailer Review: Pros/Cons and Owner QnA
4. EarthRoamer (Ultimate 4×4 Off-Road Camper)
The EarthRoamer – Ultimate 4×4 (HD) is a luxurious 35-foot (11-meter) motorhome with lots of impressive features.
It has a 250-gallon (946-liter) freshwater tank, a 125-gallon (473-liter) black water holding tank, a 115-gallon (435-liter) diesel tank, and over 2,000 watts of solar power. You can count on it to cruise through all kinds of terrain, and it is powerful enough to sustain prolonged stays in camps or on boondocking trips.
More info: earthroamer.com
The EarthRoamer HD is not just powerful enough to keep you off the grid for as long as you want; it is also loaded with some of the most luxurious upgrades you’ll find on a camper. Some of them include radiant floor heating, marble countertops, a washer, a dryer, and a fully equipped kitchen.
With the price set at $1.7 million, this is not for everyone. Still, it is an excellent option in the camper conversation.
If the EarthRoamer HD is too costly for you, consider going with the EarthRoamer LTS. You can think of it as a toned-down model of the HD, but it will still cost hundreds of thousands. When they were first made, the models cost around $500,000.
However, since the company has phased it out, you won’t find any new ones in the market. Sign up on the company website, and you’ll be notified when a pre-owned unit is available for sale.
5. Bruder EXP-6 Off-Road Camper With Bathroom
The Bruder EXP-6 is an off-road camper trailer that will hold its own against the very best in the industry. It combines excellent looks with beastly performance, thanks to the tough-but-light chassis and its adjustable suspension and height.
More info: bruderx.com
The camper also has enough storage space for all the necessary items, solar panels, and smart connectivity. When looking at the interior, it’s easy to see why it is compared to quality mobile homes. It is designed to deliver comfortable rides on all kinds of terrains.
The EXP-6 can take up to six people. It combines a queen-sized bed and three bunk beds, making it an excellent fit for adventurous families. You can easily adjust the height of the trailer with the touch of a button. The cabin management system can also be controlled with a built-in touchscreen or remotely via an app installed on your phone.
The Bruder EXP-6 is an all-weather camper as it has an outdoor hot and cold shower feature. You can request a washer as an extra when you order yours. Other modifications you can order include the size of the water storage, increased battery storage, extra awning options, remote water filtering, and more.
A new Bruder EXP-6 will cost around $100,000 for the base model without any modifications.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best off-road campers in the market today, you can’t go wrong with the options we’ve seen above. The Polydrop is the best option if you want an affordable but perfect balance of everything. The Hiker Trailers Extreme Off-Road Deluxe is the option to go with if you want a very cheap camper that gets the job done without whistles and bells.
If luxurious outdoor adventures appeal to you, the EarthRoamer models are the highest end of the spectrum. However, the Bruder EXP-6 also provides a luxurious camper at a more affordable price point.
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Erick is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast. Growing up in Nairobi Kenya and now calling Glasgow, United Kingdom home. Sipping on homemade spiced swahili tea and enjoying a good book is his idea of bliss.
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