Ground Clearance, capability, and the trailer that can go anywhere you can. Let’s take a look at the 7 Best off-road trailers under $10,000.
2021 Update: The XTR Weekender from Extreme Tears seems to be no longer available and the website is shut down. We have replaced this with the XTR Teardrop From Big Franks Outdoors that can be seen in the article below.
Mind not made up? Rent one! With the season busier than ever, lead times are pushed way out and this year it may be a better idea to just rent an off-road trailer to test them out. Check out Outdoorsy, they have perfected the art of renting you the perfect off-road toy! Visit Outdoorsy here to learn more.
Picking an Off-Road Trailer
When thinking about a camping rig to build, you may be surprised at all the options. Off-Road trailers appeal to those who wish to really get outside, away from the crowds, and like to take their vehicles off the beaten path.
A traditional RV or travel trailer just won’t cut it for true off-road adventures. Traditional RV’s and campers are large, cumbersome, too tall, and have very little ground clearance. When you need to get off the grid and enjoy nature the way it was intended, you need to be looking into an off-road trailer.
Thinking about a teardrop only? Check out this article about the Best Teardrop Trailers For All Budgets. Or maybe you have a family and are wondering if an off-road trailer can accommodate a family? Rest easy, we are a family of 6 and love Teardrop camping, check out our write-up about Teardrop Trailers and Family Camping.
Why Start With Off-Road Trailers Under $10,000?
Off-road trailers are generally lightweight, compact, have high ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. These trailers are literally built to go where other trailers can’t go.
Because of their compact size, they are purposefully built to offer unique storage options, have clever arrangements of features, and many come equipped with Roof Top Tents rather than a “bedroom” that other more traditional campers have.
When starting your research of off-road trailers, you may have a bit of sticker shock. Many off-road trailers are running north of $20,000 to start and only go higher from there.
…..and if your gonna be out adventuring your gonna poop. Check out our write-up on the Best Camping Toilet Option. Stop acting like you won’t need it!
Off-Grid Adventures on a Budget
Here at Offgrid Essential, we are regular guys and gals just like you, those rigs just aren’t in the budget every time for many people. For that, we decided to give you a rundown of 7 Off Road Trailers Under $10,000 worth taking a look at in 2020.
???? Quick disclaimer: I’ll be showing the base model prices and features. As you know, you can build these up as much as you want to (or don’t want to), just comes down to what you want for your rig and what you want to spend. If these prices aren’t for you, maybe yo should looking to truck bed camping, its what I do most of the time, and it’s free. How to Truck Camp.
Hiker Trailers – Hiker Offroad
Base Price: $7,995
Kicking off the Off-Road Trailers Under 10000 is the Hiker Trailers Offroad series. With a size of 4×8 (can also have in several larger configurations), factory 285×17 tires, stabilizers, and 4500lb Axles, the Hiker Extreme truly does come off-road ready.
Hiker also has long leaf springs with shocks. Available options include color options (standard is white), diamond plate trim, additional windows, cabinets, racks, fenders and awnings, and much much more.
Taxa Trailers – Woolly Bear
Base Price: $9,799
With a base price of $9,799, the weight of 990lbs, and ground clearance coming in at 13″, the Taxa Woolly Bear is sweet. Taxa describe the Woolly Bear as the go-anywhere basecamp you’ve dreamed of. More than just a gear hauler. Woolly Bear is the basecamp you’ve always dreamed of. Features include a full-size outdoor kitchen, storage systems, pull-out area for coolers, and an elevated platform that accommodates most 2- to 3-person tents.
It’s packed full of as much innovation as it is trail-ready gear.”Available options include 6ft Awning, a Tepui Roof Top Tent, mosquito netting, full-size spare, Thule load bars and a Truma C36 Portable Fridge/Freezer.
TC Teardrop Trailers – Off Road Expedition
Base Price: $8,400
At an entry of $8,400 for the 4×8 model, TC Teardrop Offroad Expedition is a packed bargain. Built with the minimalist in mind, the trailer gives standard features of Falken A/T Tires 265/70/16, Jeep-style extra-large fenders, Diamond-Plated Undercarriage (Skid Plate), 45 degrees, heavy-duty 3,500 lb de-rated torsion axle with 10″ Electric Brakes, 7-Pin Spade Wire Harness, Lock N Roll Articulating Hitch, 2″ Rear Receiver, 6 – 2″ SIDE accessory receivers (3 per side), 2″ Vertical Receiver on Tongue (for attachments)
Big Franks Outdoors – XTR Trailer
Base Price: $8,395
The XTR Trailer from Big Franks Outdoors comes in at $8,395, this teardrop trailer is built to be tough and will allow camping where no one else can go. These units come in various sizes and are built to your specifications so they can be kept basic or can be fully optioned out. A full array of options are available to choose from. Moreover, this off-road teardrop trailer is not only comfortable but it provides security. With the XTR Off-Road, Teardrop Trailer modern luxuries can be enjoyed while being in the isolated serenity of the great outdoors. This off-road teardrop trailer adventure begins where the pavement ends!
STANDARD OPTIONS
- 7-Ply 3/4″ Select Birch Sides & Floor
- .040 Aluminum Top
- .040 Aluminum Sides
- Frame Color: Black (Colors Optional)
- 30×9.5×15″ Firestone Destination AT Tires
- Standard Rims (Color: Black)
- Road & Curb Side w/Dual Interior Locking Mechanism
- Cabin Doors Keyed Alike
- Sliding Windows on Doors w/Lock & Screen
- 1500 lb. Flush Mounted Side Wind Jack
- Jack – Castor Swivel Wheel Assembly
- Vintage Chrome Door Handles
- Adjustable Channel on Tongue
- 1-1/2″ Insulation on Top & Front & Sides
- Industrial Seven Blade Connector w/Additional On-Road Charging Wire
- Custom Built 3500 lb. Flexi Ride Torsion Axle
- Cabin & Galley Fully Polyurethane
- Tri-Fold Queen Size Mattress (Folds Into Couch)
- Easy-Up Galley Hatch Lift System w/Gas Shocks
- Frame Made with 11ga Steel Tubing
TenTrax – Ascend
Base Price: $7,495
At $7,495, TenTrax comes as one of the lowest off-road trailers under 10000. The Ascend offers a really unique lightweight and affordable off-road trailer option to market with the Ascend model. TenTrax claims these are the most capable off-road trailers you can buy and from the looks, they may be correct. Weighing only 600lbs, coming standard with a 48”x96” bed, 2000lb axle, 31” tires, a gel coat, and a 2” lift along with several other standard features. Available options include an articulating hitch, tire table, road shower, skid plates, electric brakes, front storage rack, and a roof rack.
Psst! Brining you’re doggo camping with you? You need to check out our Camping With A Doggo Checklist, you wont regret it!
Highland Expedition Outfitter – T3
Base Price: $7,500
With a base price of $7,500 and coming standard with 31” tire and an astounding 16” of ground clearance, Highland Expedition Outfitters offers a quality setup. This trailer’s weight starts at 700lbs and sleeps 3 from the factory. The t3 offers standard stabilizers, an articulating hitch, LED lighting and a Poly Tongue Box, these are a great option for an off-road trailer under $10,000.
Moab Trailers – Fort
Base Price: $8,800
With the Base price at $8,800 and weighing 1250lbs, the Fort model from Moab Trailers offers enough standard options that giving this trailer a look that may be worth your time. Moab Trailers describes the Fort as: “a unique utility trailer with an interior storage capacity of 38.2 cubic feet and the option of a cargo rack or rooftop tent mounted to the top of the trailer.
With many add-on options available, the Fort trailer truly becomes the “Mother Of All Bivouacs.” It is completely self-contained and offers all the amenities of a larger travel trailer in a smaller, more affordable package.
Configured with either the Tepui Kukenam Roof Top Tent or the Tepui Autana RTT with annex, the Fort can accommodate 2-5 people, pack for days on the road or off-road, and conveniently parks in the convenience of your home garage.”
Standard Options Include:
- 31” Tires, Jeep Fenders
- Steel Wheels
- LED Brake Lights with front and rear hitch receivers
**Available options come in the form of an upgraded package called the Summit Package.
The Summit Package Includes a Ton of Features like:
- Tepui Tent or alternative RTT
- Front locking storage box with LED light
- Mounted shovel & axe
- 18-gallon water tank, Water pump
- Sliding rear galley
- Two-burner drop in stove
- Sink and folding faucet
- Spare tire gate with dual folding preparation tables (spare tire not included)
- 20 lbs. propane tank with holder
- Propane tankless hot water heater/shower
- Portable/flexible shower head and hose
- 100 amp/hour AGM Battery & box
- Storage LED cargo light
- 10 amp/hour battery charger and a 400-watt power inverter.
Mind not made up? Rent one! With the season busier than ever, lead times are pushed way out and this year it may be a better idea to just rent an off-road trailer to test them out. Check out Outdoorsy, they have perfected the art of renting you the perfect off-road toy! Visit Outdoorsy here to learn more.
Essential Self-Recovery Gear for Off-Roaders, Overlanders, and Explorers
- Shovel Option 1
- Shovel Option 2
- Hand Winch
- Traction Boards
- Optional Cheaper Traction Board
- Tow Strap & Shackle Kit
- Power Winch
- The BEST CAMPING CHAIR ON EARTH
Thinking about a teardrop only? Check out this article about the Best Teardrop Trailers For All Budgets
That’s A Wrap!
What did we choose? Well, we actually went with Escapod! It was delivered in December 2020, follow our Instagram below for the updates and walkthroughs! That wraps up our look at 7 off-road trailers under 10000.
If you’re the adventurous type and the thought of camping at the KOA with 200 other people makes you sick, you might be the perfect candidate for an off-road trailer. If you’re new to off-grid camping and aren’t sure where to start, check out this helpful write-up on how to manage your first BLM camping trip. Go get outside!
Mike is a Colorado resident, an Army veteran, and a former Police Officer, and an avid outdoorsman. Mike has camped, hiked, and Overlanded all over the United States. From backpack Elk Hunts on Public Land, solo truck camping to Multi-week Overlanding adventures with his family, Mike is very familiar with these outdoor topics.