When it comes to hitting the trail or setting up camp off-grid, many adventurers immediately assume they need a massive RV or a full-size camper to make it work. But what if you could go smaller without sacrificing utility, comfort, or capability?
Enter the world of the small camping trailer—a compact, agile, and feature-packed alternative that punches far above its weight.
Unfortunately, there are still plenty of outdated myths floating around about small camping trailers. Whether it’s concerns over storage, off-road performance, or lack of amenities, these misconceptions can deter people from discovering just how much these trailers have to offer.
Let’s clear the air and debunk the most common myths, using the incredible Rustic Mountain Overland Patrol XCT First Edition as a prime example of what a small camping trailer can really do!
Table of Contents
- Small Camping Trailer Myth #1: There’s Not Enough Storage
- Small Camping Trailer Myth #2: They Can’t Go Off-Road
- Small Camping Trailer Myth #3: There’s No Customization Options
- Small Camping Trailer Myth #4: There’s No Amenities
- Small Camping Trailer Myth #5: They’re Hard to Move
- Final Thoughts
Small Camping Trailer Myth #1: There’s Not Enough Storage
One of the most persistent myths about the small camping trailer is that it lacks sufficient storage space. It’s easy to assume that a compact footprint means less room for gear, but that couldn’t be further from the truth—especially when you take a closer look at smartly designed trailers like the Rustic Mountain Overland Patrol XCT First Edition.
The Patrol XCT First Edition features an open cargo design that makes it highly adaptable to different packing needs. Whether you’re hauling hunting gear, camp supplies, or bulky tools, this small camping trailer offers strategic storage options like a tilting lid and a rear tailgate that gives you wide access to your gear.
It also includes a tongue box with both driver and passenger-side access doors—a feature that maximizes space efficiency while keeping your items organized and within reach. If you need even more storage, optional accessories like the front tongue box or Gunner Kennel tongue plate can be added to fit your specific needs.
At a dry weight of just 1,250 lbs (depending on customizations), the Patrol XCT keeps things light without compromising capacity. This small camping trailer proves that compact doesn’t mean cramped.
Small Camping Trailer Myth #2: They Can’t Go Off-Road
Another common myth is that a small camping trailer simply isn’t built for off-road use. People assume these trailers are best left on pavement, but that couldn’t be more wrong—especially when the trailer is crafted for rugged terrain, like the Patrol XCT First Edition.
From the ground up, this small camping trailer is made for adventure. Outfitted with 31-inch all-terrain tires on 15-inch wheels and a Timbren HD 2200-pound axle-less suspension, the Patrol XCT is ready to tackle the kinds of rough roads and trails that would leave a standard camper struggling.
Its Lock-N-Roll articulating hitch allows for excellent maneuverability over uneven terrain, giving you the freedom to explore more remote campsites with confidence. Whether you’re navigating forest trails, rocky riverbeds, or muddy backroads, this small camping trailer doesn’t flinch.
Add in the adventure-ready design and rugged exterior finish, including the eye-catching Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, and you’ve got a trailer that not only performs in harsh conditions but looks like it belongs there, too.
Small Camping Trailer Myth #3: There’s No Customization Options
The myth that you can’t customize a small camping trailer is easily debunked with one glance at the Patrol XCT First Edition. While it may be compact, this trailer is far from one-size-fits-all. In fact, it offers several options that allow you to tailor it to your specific camping or hunting needs.
Buyers can choose between a Gunner Kennel front tongue plate or a front tongue box, depending on whether they need secure pet transport or more enclosed storage. The upgraded RMTN Vulcan rack is available in two different heights—16 or 18 inches—so you can match your gear-hauling setup to your specific requirements, whether that’s carrying bikes, kayaks, or a rooftop tent.
Inside, the custom interior cargo mat adds a layer of protection and organization, ensuring your gear stays put no matter how rough the trail gets. Plus, every First Edition model comes with unique custom badging and a swag pack, making your trailer feel like a one-of-a-kind build.
Customization isn’t just possible with a small camping trailer like the Patrol XCT—it’s encouraged. This level of personalization is what separates a truly versatile trailer from a generic tow-behind box.
Small Camping Trailer Myth #4: There’s No Amenities
One of the most misleading myths about the small camping trailer is that it lacks any real amenities. While it’s true that these trailers aren’t packed with luxury features like larger RVs, they are purpose-built for practical comfort and utility, especially when outfitted intelligently like the Patrol XCT First Edition.
For starters, the Patrol XCT includes thoughtful design features like a tilting lid and a rear tailgate that enhance accessibility and functionality at the campsite. The cargo mat protects your gear and adds comfort when loading or unloading, while the Vulcan rack gives you the framework for attaching awnings, rooftop tents, and other essential gear.
The tongue box with dual-side access is more than just a storage bin—it becomes a utility station, ideal for holding cooking supplies, recovery gear, or even portable power systems. Combined with the trailer’s rugged construction, these features make it a perfect basecamp for multi-day excursions.
It might not have marble countertops, but the Patrol XCT provides the right kind of amenities for adventurers who value utility, toughness, and intelligent design over unnecessary frills.
Small Camping Trailer Myth #5: They’re Hard to Move
The final myth we need to bust is the idea that small camping trailers are hard to move around. While some trailers might be difficult to maneuver, the Patrol XCT isn’t one of them. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it extremely manageable, whether you’re towing it down a winding trail or positioning it by hand at your campsite.
Weighing just 1,250 pounds dry, the Patrol XCT is well within the towing range of many mid-size SUVs and crossovers. You don’t need a heavy-duty pickup to haul this trailer, making it more accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Lock-N-Roll articulating hitch makes tight turns and tricky angles much easier to handle, especially in off-road scenarios. And when you need to shift it around a campsite, the small footprint and balanced design allow for easy movement with minimal effort.
A small camping trailer should simplify your adventure, not complicate it. The Patrol XCT does just that, proving that ease of use can be a built-in feature.
Don’t Underestimate Small Camping Trailers
It’s time to leave outdated assumptions behind. The modern small camping trailer is a capable, customizable, and feature-rich solution for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors without the bulk of a traditional camper.
With the Rustic Mountain Overland Patrol XCT First Edition, you get a trailer that’s proudly made in the USA, built for rugged terrain, and designed to meet real-world adventure needs. From its smart storage and off-road prowess to its custom touches and amenity-focused layout, it checks every box while staying compact and maneuverable.
Only 10 of these First Edition units are being built, making it an exclusive opportunity to own a premium small camping trailer that breaks all the stereotypes. If you’ve been on the fence about going small, consider this your invitation to take the leap.
Sometimes, less really is more—especially when it comes to the right small camping trailer.
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