My wife and I recently decided that we were going to purchase an ‘expedition trailer’ (aka ‘off-road trailer,’ ‘recreational trailer,’ and ‘camping trailer’) to expand our road trip capabilities. We wanted a simple off-road capable trailer with rooftop tent capabilities, as opposed to hard shell and ‘pop up’ camper trailers. Now, as it turns out, there are quite a few companies in the USA making these unique trailers, but no real easy way to compare overall features and costs. I compiled this table to compare my top 5 choices, and it has greatly helped us compare our options.
| Criteria/Feature | Adventure Trailers Horizon | Adventure Trailers Chaser | Bivouac Camping Trailers M.O.A.B. Fort | Manley ORV Explore | Schutt Industries XVenture XV1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Town | Prescott, AZ | Prescott, AZ | Phoenix, AZ | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | Clintonville, WI |
| Base Cost (US $) | $11,000 | $7,236 | $5,695 | $7,795 | $12,000 |
| Base Weight | 1100 lbs | 1100 lbs | 1250 lbs | 850 lbs | 1190 lbs |
| Width | 68″ | 64″ | 72″ | 66″ | 75″ |
| Length | 124″ | 141″ | 126″ | 114″ | 151.5″ |
| Axle Clearance | 24″ | 24″ | 16″ | 12″ (estimated) | 17.5″ |
| Suspension | Trailing Arm Air Suspension 4.0 | Trailing Arm Air Suspension 4.0 | Torsion Axle | Leaf Spring | Torsion Axle |
| Tire Size | 35″ | 35″ | 30″ | 33″ | 32″ |
| Roof Top Tent | Option, $2,906 | Option, $2,667 | Option, $600, 2 person | 2 person RTT included | Not Included |
| Tongue Storage | Included | Option, $430 | Option, $2800, bundled with upgrade Package C | Not Offered | Included |
| Cooking Capabilities | Option, $805 | Option | Option, $2800, bundled with upgrade Package C | Not Offered | Option |
| Water Capabilities | Option, $525 | Option, $458 | Option, $5300, bundled with upgrade Package D | Not Offered | Option |
| Plumbing Capabilities, Gas/Water | Option | Option | Option, $5300, bundled with upgrade Package D | Not Offered | Option |
| Electronics Capabilities | Options | Options | Option, $5300, bundled with upgrade Package D | Not Offered | Included |
| Electric Brakes | Option, $557 | Option, $557 | Included | Not Offered | Included |
| Lid | Included | Included | Included, Fixed | Included | Included |
| Tailgate | Included | Option, $555 | Included | Included, Locking | Included |
| Made in the USA | Unknown | Unknown | Yes | Yes | Yes |