While most camper trailers are sturdy enough to handle standard journeys, if you’re planning on doing any serious off-roading, then you’re simply going to need the strength, durability and toughness of an off-road camper. Off-road campers are designed to withstand the rigours of off-road driving and provide you with a comfortable place to sleep and relax when you’re not out exploring. This guide will go over exactly what to look for when purchasing an off-road camper so you can make the best decision for your needs.
Why You Need an Off Road Camper
Off-road campers are essential for anyone who wants to do any serious off-roading. While standard on-road campers can withstand long journeys, they’re simply not designed to endure the impacts and rough terrains associated with off-roading. An off-road camper is generally built with much sturdier materials and high-quality metals that make them bulkier and heavier by comparison, meaning they can handle a surprising amount of punishment due to being manufactured with more rugged materials.
What to Consider When Buying an Off-Road Camper
When purchasing an off-road camper, there are a few important things you will need to take into consideration to ensure you purchase the best one for your needs. These include things such as your budget, tow capacity, size and storage, after-market upgrades, the type of trips you’ll be taking, and high-quality materials.
Budget
The first thing that you need to consider when purchasing an off-road camper is your budget. Off-road campers typically cost more than their on-road counterparts due to the sturdier materials used and the reinforced suspension required for these campers to cope with the demands and strain of off-roading. It’s important to calibrate your budget before beginning your search, as not only will this help you narrow down your options quickly, but it will also prevent you from overspending. Once you have a budget in mind, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a reputable camper trailer and caravan supplier who can help you find the right off-road camper for your needs and budget.
Towing Capacity
Another important consideration when purchasing an off-road camper is your vehicle’s towing capacity. You need to make sure that your vehicle can safely tow the camper, as well as any other equipment that you might be bringing with you on your trip. If you’re not sure what your vehicle’s towing capacity is, there are a number of free online calculators available to help you determine your towing capacity. It should be noted that this is not a straightforward process, as every towing vehicle is different and there are multiple factors that must be considered. If calculating your towing vehicle towing capacity proves too complicated, it’s best to speak with a salesperson at a camper trailer or caravan dealership who can help you accurately determine what you can safely tow.
Size & Storage
When choosing an off-road camper, you also need to consider the size and amount of storage that you’ll need. Off-road campers come in a variety of sizes, from small trailers that can be towed behind a car to larger campers that require bigger vehicles for safe transportation. Think about how much space you’ll need for your belongings as well as any other emergency equipment you may need on your travels, and then choose a camper that will be able to accommodate your storage needs accordingly.
After-Market Upgrades
Another thing to consider when purchasing an off-road camper is whether you want one that can be upgraded with after-market parts. Some off-road campers come with factory-installed upgrades, such as larger tyres or beefier suspension, while others don’t. If you’re planning on doing any serious off-roading, or you just love to be able to tinker with your vehicles yourself, then you might want to consider only looking at off-road campers that enable you to make modifications and upgrades with after-market parts.
The Type of Trips You’ll Be Taking
When choosing an off-road camper, you also need to think about the type of trips that you’ll be taking. Are you planning on spending most of your time driving on dirt roads? Or are you planning on doing some serious rock crawling that will test your tyres and suspension? The type of trips that you’ll be taking will dictate which off-road campers are appropriate for you.
