The popularity of overlanding with a trailer has grown immensely in the last few years thanks to the pandemic and people’s desire to get away from it all, get off-grid, and enjoy nature. It makes sense, too! Overlanding is certainly fun and engaging.
However, overlanding with a trailer can be a daunting adventure that requires meticulous planning and execution. Safety, as always, must come first.
In this article, we’ll explore what features you should look for in a camping trailer (using the SasquatchXC Highland 60 as an ideal example), some important safety tips for overlanding with a trailer, and offer a few pros and cons of using an overlanding trailer for your outdoor adventures. So, with that, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Overlanding with a Trailer – Pros and Cons
- Features to Look for in an Overlanding Trailer
- Some Important Safety Tips for Overlanding with a Trailer
Overlanding with a Trailer – Pros and Cons
Like all other modes of camping and off-roading, overlanding with a trailer also comes with a few advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss these before jumping into the features and safety tips for overlanding.
Pros of Overlanding with a Trailer
- A trailer gives you the liberty of using your tow vehicle as a daily runner as well – something you can’t do with an RV.
- You can keep your trailer loaded and ready in between trips and save time when you’re ready to set off.
- Trailers are often cheaper than RVs and motorhomes and can be modified or upgraded as per your future requirements.
- Off-road trailers can traverse tough terrain in order to get further off-grid.
- Trailers are easy to tow and offer better off-road dynamics than RVs.
Cons of Overlanding with a Trailer
- Trailers don’t have as much living space as motorhomes.
- Storage space is not as generous as in RVs.
- Your trailer won’t carry any extra passengers for a weekend trip, unlike an RV.
Features to Look for in an Overlanding Trailer
If you’ve decided to go shopping for a camping trailer, be mindful of some of the necessary features (and a few additional amenities) that your trailer must have. The features listed below are just some of what I feel are the most important to consider for your outdoor adventures. To highlight each category, I’ll use the SasquatchXC Highland 60 trailer as a prime example of what to look for in an overlanding trailer.
Rugged Build Quality
The Highland 60 features robust construction designed for off-road durability and long-term reliability. For example, the heavy-duty aluminum powder-coated frame is lightweight, rust-proof, and comes with a lifetime warranty. Meanwhile, the advanced coil-over independent suspension ensures excellent handling, while 285/70R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires (with a full-size spare) and optional Method wheels provide rugged traction.
Storage
With a total storage capacity of 70 ft³, the trailer offers versatile and organized solutions for any adventure. The custom-designed aluminum roof rack with four T-track crossbars provides additional overhead storage and compatibility with optional solar panels and a fold-up camp table.
Sidebox cabinets with weather-sealed latches offer 20 ft³ of additional storage, while the tongue box adds 15.7 ft³. Interior cabinets, overhead compartments, and underbody lights enhance accessibility, making gear storage seamless and efficient. Optional adjustable shelving and an expedition side rack system add further functionality for recovery gear and Roto-Pax.
A Well-Appointed Galley
The kitchen in the Highland 60 is thoughtfully designed for convenience and efficiency, featuring an 11 ft³ cabinet system, a 36-gal water tank with a self-priming pump, and on-demand hot water for the sink and shower. Cooking is made easy with a Furrion 3-burner LP cooktop, stainless steel sink with a fold-down glass lid, and an optional ICECO VL65 fridge/freezer. Stainless steel countertops and optional fold-down prep tables provide ample workspace, while GFI-protected outlets and LED kitchen lighting ensure functionality in all conditions.
A Comfortable Interior
The Highland 60’s interior prioritizes comfort and usability. A 60×75 memory foam mattress provides a spot for restful sleep. The fully insulated walls, roof, and floor help regulate the temperature, too.
Features include a Propex 6500 BTU heater with digital controls, a MaxxFan Deluxe for ventilation, and ample lighting options, including ceiling lights and reading lights. ROAM wall organizers and aluminum cabinet storage systems add convenience, with USB and 12V power ports available on both sides of the bed. The 6’8″ interior length ensures ample space for relaxation as well!
Some Important Safety Tips for Overlanding with a Trailer
Now that you’ve sorted out the best trailer for you, here’s what you should keep in mind when you set off on your weekend journey.
The first safety tip for overlanding with a trailer is to get the weight and balance right in the trailer. With more than a ton of payload on your tail, the weight and balance need to be on point for safety and stability.
Follow the 60/40 rule as best you can – put 60 percent of the trailer weight in front of the axle and 40 percent of it behind the axle. Balance the weight on the left and right sides to maximize stability and give you the best towing experience.
A second safety tip is to get good tires and rims and use the same ones on your vehicle and your trailer. This offers you enough ground clearance to traverse rocky trails while also giving you good traction. Plus, carrying a spare on your vehicle and another on your trailer gives you two options for when you inevitably get a flat.
As a bonus, when you get off the pavement and onto difficult trails, reduce the tire pressure a bit. This offers enhanced stability and better traction.
Third, when traversing steep trails in the backcountry, engage the rear differential on your truck, use lower gears, and while descending, use down-hill assist if available. Also, use the brakes on your trailer if available, as they offer enhanced stopping power.
A fourth safety tip is to have a winch on the front of your vehicle. You need a winch for rescue and recovery operations, but you can also use the winch to help you navigate difficult terrain. Rather than blowing up the driveline in your truck, use the winch to pull your truck and trailer slowly but surely over obstacles and through difficult spots on the trail.
It’s also worth having a spotter when things get gnarly. A buddy can help guide you around or over obstacles. They can also keep an eye on the track of your trailer, which will be different from your tow vehicle.
A final safety tip for overlanding with a trailer is to practice maneuvering your trailer at home before you leave. Every trailer behaves a little differently, so spending some time learning how the trailer tows, turns, and backs up will give you the confidence you need when you’re off-grid.
This is just a quick list of safety tips – there’s much more to learn. But this is a good place to start to get ready for your overlanding adventures!
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