@@marthulu6220 I don't know, I could definitely buy the trailer easier and pull with my current truck. Plus I am really curious on that 3500, bet that truck is well over 100k
That's a $100,000 3500 with $30,000 in modifications, with a $40,000 slide in. The TRX is $77,000 with their options, and that camper is about $30,000.
Having spent 13 months living full time out of a teardrop and truck combination, I can honestly say I still love the trailer. Yes, it can be a little extra work when you make a judgement error. We've learned to park the truck and walk the road ahead before committing to a track. We'll even unhitch the trailer and pre-drive a road to eliminate any potential surprises towing the trailer through it. Having a base camp means we can thoroughly explore an area before moving on.
Firstly yes I agree and secondly how in the world can you be in the wild and "run into town for supplies"? This is a US thing. "In the wild" in Australia means just that :)
@@shitloveaduck While the trailer is technically easier when it comes to offloading and setup, it's not by much (especially once you know what you're doing and have a system in place). I hadn't even entertained the idea (it knew it existed) of a bed mounted camper that could be dropped off at the campsite until I first encountered trailer mounted HMMWV "Shelters" in the military; thought it was one of the coolest and easy to implement ideas I'd ever encountered; and I still do lol. Using that Ford with the 2KW generator is a great idea, and it would work well as both s primary or secondary power source. If the shelter (as I call them) has an onboard or stowable generator, ( just as a matter of personal preference) I'd use that for the fridge, lights, and other constantly running accessories; then install a second power panel and use the Ford's generator for the stove (if electric), shower, outdoor lighting, etcetera. Regardless, sounds like you have a great platform to work with and hopefully we'll see a video of the completed project on here one day (I really love homebuilt projects).
I see the pros and cons of both. I personally have an overland trailer that I pull with my Tundra. While you mentioned that both trailers and truck campers have their own challenges on the trail, I think it should also be mentioned that the high center of gravity of a truck camper would make off camber situations much more risky. Also, cost is a bit difference. A heavy duty diesel truck with a camper cost a heck of a lot more than my half ton and overland trailer.
I hear what you're saying, but my M-416 cargo trailer will go everywhere my CJ-2A will. It's been over the Rubicon with pretty much every high-clearance, low-range four-wheel drive I've owned since 1986 when I first pulled it with a Suzuki Samurai. That being said, if I had my 'druthers. I'd rather have the option to carry AND pull -carry a Four Wheeler pop-top camper in the bed of a four-wheel drive, turbo-diesel pickup and flat-tow my flat-fender Jeep behind.
@@jerroldshelton9367 in a way, that's what I am doing. But it's a northern lite and a can am defender 6x6 in my job trailer. That being said, I hate having to tow a trailer. Really limits my mobility when just trying to go and explore new areas...but the upside is I have a UTV that expands it. So its kind of a win-lose situation. Happy trails to you, sir.
Though I love and watch almost every til video I think this could’ve been better if they used less outlandish vehicles, stuff that regular people could afford and do, because this was also a test of the trucks in a way, if they had like 2 Jeep’s wranglers/gladiators one overland built like the truck the other with the camper trailer I think the video could’ve been better,
Great video! I struggled between pulling a trailer or using a rooftop tent. I ultimately decided on the trailer because I liked the idea of having a base camp and using my Jeep with the soft top down to go trail riding on sunny days. I know it will be a bit more work to get to camp, but I think the trailer will add a nice challenge.
Before you go spend your money try these tests to get an idea of what it will be like to travel backcountry in it… TRAILER: Go rent a tiny UHaul. Then load up friends/family and go run the following errands on a Saturday in the most congested part of town: coffee shop, auto parts, mom & pop grocery, fast food, museum, downtown, gas station. You have to park at each stop, not just drive thru parking lot. Bonus points if you do it in bad weather. Double bonus if your wife directs you while backing into a parking spot! TRUCK: Load the bed with sand or gravel until it is a few hundred pounds over max payload & GVWR. Then go four wheeling on the roughest roads you can find. Be sure to go through sand, deep mud, ruts, and over big sharp rocks. After you’ve tried these tests you’ll have some good data for your expensive decision. GOOD LUCK! And be sure to share videos!
Try doing a week out west here, off-road the whole time, each night setting up camp. Throw in a couple nights of heavy wind and monsoon rain, you’ll change you’re tent tune real quick. Not to mention, when you get inside a FWC at the end of the day, your shit isn’t covered in a layer of dust. Put a Hawk on a Power Wagon. You’ll like. 😁
@@donleamon8653 how bout that? I worked for the National park service and have camped for 28 days at a time in a camp in adverse conditions. Pretty fun actually. I’ve camped and worked in Alaska, the Tetons, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain np. Tents are much more fun.
@@Redhawk24 Except for the part where you get eaten by the bears and cougars! Here in Western British Columbia IT IS A MUST that when you tent that you bring an anti-Grizzly Bear portable electric fence for your campsite. A 900 lbs Grizzly bear with those giant teeth and long sharp claws only 6 feet away from you is an absolutely TERRIFYING sight to behold! BUT once their nose touches that wire, they run off real quick! V
My brother has a huge-monster RAM 3500 Cummins diesel and he takes it into really gnarly backroads on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada! It works GREAT! He doesn't take a camper as that bed can take 6000+ lbs worth of gear, so he carries with him a 20 by 16 foot by 10 foot high wall tent with separated bedroom and living room area + insulated floor and walls, and his Coleman cooking kitchen and sink setup plus enough diesel fuel and 40 lbs propane tanks for the stove and BBQ, lots of fresh water, groceries, combo 120 litre refrigerator and freezer, MREs, a boat and his fishing gear for two to three weeks at a time with NO trips needed at all to any store or gas station! Him and his wife can explore all of the backroads in easy comfort since they stay in one place usually at a lake or riverside campsite for about 3 to 4 days at a time. It takes them less than an hour to setup and takedown/pack-up the tent and camp gear each time so it's not a big deal for him. That big truck is GREAT for the backcountry roads here which are all logging roads used by even larger raw log haul trucks! If it rains really heavily and fishing is out for the day, then they stay in the wall tent and watch TV on the portable satellite dish and 42 inch TV they bring they bring since they also have a really quiet generator which gives them enough power to last the entire trip. There's enough fuel they bring with them they could power 1000 watts worth of TV+Satellite, Laptops, Tablets, LED lights, small IR nightvision cameras, anti-grizzly-bear electrified campsite fence and a small 150 watt space heater for 861 hours straight (i.e. 35 days from 250 gallons of diesel in their truck bed tank) In their case, using the RAM 3500 makes sense for them since EVERYTHING fits in the truck bed which has a large hard canopy on it. v
A light weight pop up truck camper gives you the ability to go anywhere while also bringing your camp, food, water, cassette toilet and essentials with you. Most people leave for the day and go exploring after setting up a base camp. How are you gonna cook, change clothes, etc if your gear is back at base camp? For the inconvenience of spending a few minutes putting the top down and retracting an awning, you'll have the full availability of all your gear...vs having to load that stuff into your vehicle every time you leave, and then unload it when you get back.
@@phattygoodness7347 it's still a truck. You can bring that shit with you if you think you'll need it without having a horrendous too heavy monstrosity in the bed.
@@kahless0173 👍 If you think it's the same, then go with it. I'm just offering some first hand experience. And, BTW...I never said horrendous monstrosity. The unit in this vlog is at the top end of the size spectrum. There's plenty of other self contained units that are small and light, but still have all the amenities.
Not sure I like how tall that Hawk sits on that Norweld tray. (I have a slide in Hawk in a PW) That added height would be limiting on branches. Not sure the overall height on that rig is, but I’m at 8’3”. Suppose I can look at it in person this weekend in Flagstaff at the Overland Roof Top Tent and Skottle Expo.
I like the trailer option so I can still off road after camp is set up and you can always get a bigger camper !!!! They make all different size off road campers and yes I know the bigger it is the harder it is to get to the camp site but isn't that why you are off roading to begin with !!! It is for the challenge right so I say go all in !!!!
Pull an offroad trailer with my Land Cruiser. Really like the option of leaving the trailer at my remote campsite while i have fun. Driving over obstacles is typically straightforward and, with a spotter, no challenge to reverse.
Another great video. Especially since we’ll be getting some type of camper in 2022. I’d like to see a camper from four wheel on your truck Andre. I too have an F-150
In my mind, if you're going to be taking a large truck anyway and accept the pros and cons of a vehicle that size, carry is the way to go. Why bring an additional trailer unless it's to carry your atvs to get you places your truck can't take you?
I bought my truck camper because it doesn't take any more space than my truck does (If I can fit my truck there I can camp), there is no registration fee, insurance costs almost nothing, it's large enough for a couple of people, and it's easier to move around. Trailers are easier to unhook and leave somewhere (you can still do this with a truck camper, it just takes a little more work) and can be had in any size or floorplan you like--additionally trailers free up the bed of your truck for other gear where with a TC you have to find space inside, use a rack off the back, tow a small trailer, or get a roof box/basket. Pick whichever one suits your lifestyle and needs the best.
Nice video Andrey. You highlight concerns with locking up the trailer if you want to go joyriding in the TRX after setting up camp. However, if you want to joyride in the camper truck, you have to close up and secure the camper before moving the Laramie. I'd be inclined to setting up the boot on the trailer rather than dealing with all the tear down and lock up on the camper.
1. You are in a very nice tent, but still a tent in the camper. Wind noise and hearing sounds outside is still the issue with the soft top. 2. The camper is a dedicated rig. Do you want that as your daily driver? If not, can you afford to just have it sit around until you go camping? If you already have a vehicle that can tow, you can get off grid with the incremental cost of the trailer and not have to lug it around the camper when not towing. 3. One of the biggest benefits of a trailer is that you can claim a spot as your based camp, unhook and go. It is very easy to figure out simple ways to keep people from stealing your trailer if you are worried about that.
I'll stick with my tent. It pops up in a minute or so and folds away just as quickly, its plenty big for me an one more is still comfortable. I can leave it and not be overly worried about leaving an expensive as F trailer nor be burdened by super top heavy camper. It's carried by a Colorado so its small enough to get down most trails and carries enough easily for a few days.
@@cowboycollarNM Cheapest off road trailer I've seen is still 5 figures. The moment you say overland the bastards get dollar signs in their eyes. I'd also point out that many guys that haul trailers have problems. Hell that TrailRecon guy flipped his trailer. But you have a family so you have needs that I don't, so I understand.
Tough call, but you aren't going anywhere narrow in Colorado with either truck, so I lean towards the big truck with a camper but tow a Wrangler. Find a good base camp a few miles in to setup the camper and truck, then take the Wrangler, remove the doors and top, and go for off-road day trips. Or, flip it around and tow the trailer with the Wrangler but off-roading with a trailer is stressful and takes a lot of skill. Andre actually did a good job backing the trailer as it is not as easy as most think. You still end up with a base camp to avoid the stress and day trips. Your long highway time towing a trailer with a Wrangler is not near as enjoyable as in a big comfortable truck. I am setting up my Wrangler now to flat-tow behind a 3/4 ton Ram for these same reasons.
The interesting thing about that paid promotion near the beginning with on-X-maps is that THIS IS the specific situation where an off-line smartphone and tablet capable GPS mapping and trail marker system is VERY MUCH NEEDED!!! This promotion started becoming real-world NECESSITY so I can't fault TFL for putting that promo in the front. You actually DO NEED THAT APP in this case! --- We need a video where TFL discusses laptop, tablet and smartphone mounting systems for the front console so that the driver and/or passenger can see real-time off-line navigation maps AND then OUTLINE WHAT TO BUY for mounts and accessories that will work WITH laptops, tablets and smartphones on any realtime GPS mapping/navigation app! For various trucks and 4x4s review which console mounts are out there at what price and is BEST for what vehicles? Do that video please! V
I didn't realize Ram offers a front solid axel on the Laramie. I thought the Power Wagon was the only front solid axel truck they made. Everyone has been screaming for Ram to offer the desiel on the Power Wagon so that you would have the ultimate offroad pickup truck.....why not just get the Laramie?
I’d choose smaller midsize truck or SUV like Bronco and the teardrop trailer or rooftop tent. The camper truck is just too darn big at that point just forget about the truck off road and get massive HD truck with a toy trailer/Rv and get a quad or dirt bike or BRP trail buggy once you’ve setup base camp. You know if you’re absurdly rich and can afford all that bloody gear.
I think I would have just done a U-turn or a 20 point turn before trying to back that trailer down the hill if space to do so allowed. It's one thing to pull a trailer up an obstacle, it's another to push one through or over an obstacle. Same with the Ram but I get it, some places you don't have a choice.
Backing that trailer illustrates one of the big problems with teardrops. So many times I've gotten to spots on new trails where I've had to back the truck up to turn it around. And sometimes the turnaround isn't that easy with just the truck, let alone the trailer. Disconnecting any many cases is the way to go but again you gotta have space and hopefully you can pick the trailer hitch up to pivot it. Really though I'd rather just RTT or ground tent over a teardrop.
Off road trailers are best for nice base camps and vehicles with a limited payload (TRX, Raptor, Subaru, Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel). I would also recommend trailers for those traveling in convoys with the trailer vehicle in the middle. This way you a vehicle on both ends that can help with recovery.
I think a regular cab F150 with a short bed towing a camper trailer would be a better option than either of these. You would save money and have a better breakover angle for off roading. Admitadly not suitable for a family but better for a single person or couple.
I like the comparison, but thought it was funny when you said the short bed truck needed the teardrop vs camper when the camper company you used for the other truck makes a short bed slide in specific model! So basically the whole comparison came down to personal preference vs personal preference...
The raven has a dry weight of 1040 lbs thought right? And he mentioned the TRX has a 1300 lb payload. You're going over with passengers, food, water, gear, etc. Granted that's not *ALL* short bed trucks, but for the one he was driving the teardrop isn't really just pref.
@@bigslacker666 Raven probably would be tight on weight but they have a Project M shell you could build up to custom suit any limitations. It starts around 400lbs or so.
Let's face it, the camper truck option is better because: IF you want to tow a toy to do all the trail work, you have the best of both worlds. The trailer option sucks from the get go. Backing out of tails, limited to what the truck or SUV can do in the trails, as you pointed out, you have to be mindful of leaving behind something that can be stolen while you are out scratching up your tow vehicle. I don't like how tall that camper set up is, but it certainly gives you more options and functionality. And IF you live in an apartment complex, that is 1 less spot needed for your stuff. ;)
I think a Tent would have been a better option with the TRX, since you don't have a lot of weight that you can add. A 9x9 dome tent can sleep 2+ people and still have room for more stuff. Also much easier to bring several tents. With the Camper on the vehicle you are safer if someone goes blasting through the area while you sleep. With a Tent you can find a few trees and put the vehicle towards the trail(s).
Additionally. What do I think. Camper in the bed or tow it.... tow it. Not many people can afford a purpose built off road in bed camper- most of all you WANT the 8 foot bed with that. Not a lot of trucks have that anymore unless you go 3/4 or 1 ton. Also the size of the vehicle. Doesn’t make a lot of sense. We are talking about off roading you want that something a bit smaller easier too handle with confidence etc. end of the day I feel I may the right choice buying the taco. Been looking into a camper- not off road though I’m over 6 foot I like my movie entertainment LOL. Pop out 25 footer I’d be happy and take the truck off roading with the trailer unhooked at a campsite or something personally.
Trailer suits my needs much better. Used to have an RTT but it was incredibly annoying having to pack everything up any time we had to go somewhere or leave the camp site to get to a hiking spot or get supplies.
I like that the trailer matches the paint of the RAM. Nice touch. Prefer a trailer to be honest, can set up base camp and then go play in the tracks with my 4X4.
Ah we can't go this way with our $130,000 setups (probably $160k on that 3500)! Meanwhile Joebin his 15 year old Wranger towing a home built square-drop drives around them on the side of the trail.
@@bryanhersman4037 The RAM 3500 is $55,000 USD at a decent trim level and the camper is $30,000 USD so $85,000 USD for both (or $108,000 CDN) A higher-end trim level used and lifted mid-range mileage 2010 Chevy Silverado with 6 foot bed is $32,000 and used but very nice slide-in camper that can fit and be carried by that truck bed is $6000 USD so $38,000 USD or $48,000 CDN so not too bad! You can also buy a used 2005 Ford 150 for $9000 and a 2003 slide-in truck bed camper with shower and toilet and sleeps four people for $4800 so $14,800 USD or $18,800 CDN. You can by EXPENSIVE gear or go the cheaper route! There's LOTS of choice out there! v
@@StarGateSG7 but that was no $55,000 3500 and on top of that that deck is $20,000, there is also a lift kit (probably a $7000 one installed) and $3000 worth of wheels and tires on it.
@@bryanhersman4037 YES! I get that. BUT of you buy one of the workhorse RAM 3500 which can EASILY go off-road and get the dealer to put on some beefy tires on it as a "Spiff" as there enough "deals" in today's automarket if you have decent credit that a $55,000 RAM 3500 is easily gotten. It's what my brother did, he put $20,000 down and got a NICE beefed up RAM with the nice tires and suspension for $57,000 CDN --- He got a model that is more 4x4-oriented workhorse version up here in Canada as part of a Dealer Special. Him and his wife go 4x4 off-road so often and the deal was so good he just smacked down his cash and said I want X, Y, Z and they gave it to him so they wouldn't lose him to a Ford F350 dealer! -- They make enough Markup on these trucks that $3000 worth of beefy off-road tires and the MOPAR lift AND a 16,000 lbs winch is no biggie deal to keep a good customer! v
Another great video of Andre having a heart attack, sweating bullets. Should have just given the trx the beans. But you wanted to show us your back up skill. 😄
Backing down the trail is no fun. Especially when the trail is narrow. Been there, done that. With a trailer would definitely be worse. Plus unhooking and reconnecting isn’t or may not be as easy as it sounds.
Just started looking at trailers...so wow this was informative. I mean, if the pros have a bit of trouble, man I don't know about me-sigh. And I don't know that I could just unhitch & lift the trailer around as an option most men speak about..
I have a 3 kids. The truck camper makes sense for us. We can get into the back country on some gnarly trails and have enough room to sleep us all. A trailer big enough for the family is to big for the trails.
Nah, Andre, you need to practice reversing a trailer more. You did okay. Let the vehicle do the work. C'mon mate you're a semi-driver. Smaller amounts of steering though because of the over-correcting being done. You'll get there.
My wrangler 2 doors with my 400 pounds teardrop would go to places that those none sense pickup wouldn't roll in....but if you don't know what to do with your money this video is for you
I really enjoyed the comparison. It would be interesting to see if your preference changed with a shorter wheelbase tow vehicle like a Wrangler or 4Runner…something that’s more maneuverable. Looks like you had lots of fun either way!
I like what you said about the 4wheeler truck and in regards to the TRX can you try and install an over the top bed camper. You can the truck the TRX or Raptor anywhere as well as your living quarters with you and not worrying your trailer being left behind. Just an idea 💡. But over all like the video.
Does that little teardrop have brakes? If not you probably do not want to unhitch it on a hill... and it does no good to unhitch right in the trail if you cannot get past it.
7:13 That's why I don't want a trailer. Having to deal with trailer in narrow forest or mountain trails..too much stress for me. Maybe in US, where everything is bigger, the trails are wider :) But try backing up in Alps or narrow logging trails.
Trailer is better. Set it up and then go off exploring. Hauling the camper everywhere is not fun. Plus with a trailer you can have a couple of dirt bikes or an ATV in the bed.
Some so-called "solutions for a non-existent problem....Number one, don't be bothering to buy a four-place offroad pickup...why?, you can see it for yourself, there are three unused, empty seats...a waste of interior space. Get a truck that has a full length bed, get a canopy, get out your circular saw & fabricate an interior in any fashion you want...note the size of the trailer he's towing, it's approximately the same size as a full-size canopy, & certainly not the few thousand dollars a plain-jane canopy will cost you. Wretched excess strikes again..."buy my new, new, new mega camper, only $35,000!, buy it today!".
tents are fine and affordable. For " most", camping spots, a trailer is not a problem. Lastly, why do you take a four door truck up a jeep trail? Like you guys, but this was not telling the whole story.
Technically the teardrop is considered hard sided and allowed in many campsites where bears frequent. That pop up slide in camper is not a hard side and won't be allowed in hard side only campgrounds.
@@Wrangzilla Since WHEN are campgrounds specific HARD-SIDED only? I have NEVER heard of that before! In Canada OR the USA! BLM land (USA) and Crown Land (Canada) let you have whatever you want be it tents or soft-side or hard top. This sounds like a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) restriction or a private campground restriction. Even Yosemite or Yellowstone didn't have this restriction! Which parks now restrict the TYPES of campers and tents allowed? c
Please before you get rid of this truck can you compare it to the raptor in the sand dunes, both trucks are desert runners put them in their designed environment
Don’t jump on me, but would it not have been easier to find a spot where you could unhook the camper and manually spin it and then rebook? Tongue weight is
Don’t beat yourself up pulling forward with the trailer it’s not a semi trailer. I know the pain with a single style wave runner trailer. Very narrow close too the vehicle etc. I will say this. The TRX and the 1 ton rams make zero sense. Granted they ARE built for this no question about it. It’s just people buy these vehicles with deep pockets and become mall curb stompers instead. Sighs. I would love a TRX for fun off road. Only ONE ISSUE. it’s not sold with a six speed. Yep f it I’ll stay with my 21 taco with a 6 speed manual gearbox. Your auto trans isn’t a gearbox either it’s a hydraulic system. I grew up in the wrong time I’m so jealous. I’m in my early 30s.
Disconnecting a trailer off road is generally a bad idea. It can be a real problem to re hook afterwards. From watching the video, your still not real good at backing up a trailer. It appears to me your over steering while your reversing. Your still acquiring your visual positioning skill set.
Never gave us a cost comparison between the two which makes a huge difference in choice for most of us
true, but neither are exactly budget or entry level rigs either
@@marthulu6220 I don't know, I could definitely buy the trailer easier and pull with my current truck. Plus I am really curious on that 3500, bet that truck is well over 100k
That's a $100,000 3500 with $30,000 in modifications, with a $40,000 slide in. The TRX is $77,000 with their options, and that camper is about $30,000.
If you can afford a TRX, price don't matter
Having spent 13 months living full time out of a teardrop and truck combination, I can honestly say I still love the trailer. Yes, it can be a little extra work when you make a judgement error. We've learned to park the truck and walk the road ahead before committing to a track. We'll even unhitch the trailer and pre-drive a road to eliminate any potential surprises towing the trailer through it. Having a base camp means we can thoroughly explore an area before moving on.
I like the trailer option so we can set up a base camp and still be able to use my vehicle to explore and make runs to town for supplies.
Exactly this.
My thoughts exactly!
Firstly yes I agree and secondly how in the world can you be in the wild and "run into town for supplies"? This is a US thing. "In the wild" in Australia means just that :)
@@shitloveaduck "and no bathroom !Ughhh". Take a spade and dig a hole like we hikers do :)
@@shitloveaduck While the trailer is technically easier when it comes to offloading and setup, it's not by much (especially once you know what you're doing and have a system in place). I hadn't even entertained the idea (it knew it existed) of a bed mounted camper that could be dropped off at the campsite until I first encountered trailer mounted HMMWV "Shelters" in the military; thought it was one of the coolest and easy to implement ideas I'd ever encountered; and I still do lol.
Using that Ford with the 2KW generator is a great idea, and it would work well as both s primary or secondary power source. If the shelter (as I call them) has an onboard or stowable generator, ( just as a matter of personal preference) I'd use that for the fridge, lights, and other constantly running accessories; then install a second power panel and use the Ford's generator for the stove (if electric), shower, outdoor lighting, etcetera. Regardless, sounds like you have a great platform to work with and hopefully we'll see a video of the completed project on here one day (I really love homebuilt projects).
"i wanted to show you that you can bring any truck"
And he brings a brand new TRX....like it was "any truck" and not "the super truck" hahahaha
I see the pros and cons of both. I personally have an overland trailer that I pull with my Tundra. While you mentioned that both trailers and truck campers have their own challenges on the trail, I think it should also be mentioned that the high center of gravity of a truck camper would make off camber situations much more risky. Also, cost is a bit difference. A heavy duty diesel truck with a camper cost a heck of a lot more than my half ton and overland trailer.
100% carry. Pulling anything reduces the places you'll be able to go and makes everywhere you go more of a PIA.
I hear what you're saying, but my M-416 cargo trailer will go everywhere my CJ-2A will. It's been over the Rubicon with pretty much every high-clearance, low-range four-wheel drive I've owned since 1986 when I first pulled it with a Suzuki Samurai.
That being said, if I had my 'druthers. I'd rather have the option to carry AND pull -carry a Four Wheeler pop-top camper in the bed of a four-wheel drive, turbo-diesel pickup and flat-tow my flat-fender Jeep behind.
@@jerroldshelton9367 in a way, that's what I am doing. But it's a northern lite and a can am defender 6x6 in my job trailer. That being said, I hate having to tow a trailer. Really limits my mobility when just trying to go and explore new areas...but the upside is I have a UTV that expands it. So its kind of a win-lose situation. Happy trails to you, sir.
Though I love and watch almost every til video I think this could’ve been better if they used less outlandish vehicles, stuff that regular people could afford and do, because this was also a test of the trucks in a way, if they had like 2 Jeep’s wranglers/gladiators one overland built like the truck the other with the camper trailer I think the video could’ve been better,
Great video! I struggled between pulling a trailer or using a rooftop tent. I ultimately decided on the trailer because I liked the idea of having a base camp and using my Jeep with the soft top down to go trail riding on sunny days. I know it will be a bit more work to get to camp, but I think the trailer will add a nice challenge.
hey , don't worry about " being riveting." some of us running 2 door jeeps are looking at the tow options and need all the input we can get.
Before you go spend your money try these tests to get an idea of what it will be like to travel backcountry in it…
TRAILER: Go rent a tiny UHaul. Then load up friends/family and go run the following errands on a Saturday in the most congested part of town: coffee shop, auto parts, mom & pop grocery, fast food, museum, downtown, gas station. You have to park at each stop, not just drive thru parking lot. Bonus points if you do it in bad weather. Double bonus if your wife directs you while backing into a parking spot!
TRUCK: Load the bed with sand or gravel until it is a few hundred pounds over max payload & GVWR. Then go four wheeling on the roughest roads you can find. Be sure to go through sand, deep mud, ruts, and over big sharp rocks.
After you’ve tried these tests you’ll have some good data for your expensive decision.
GOOD LUCK! And be sure to share videos!
Really love the Picture in Picture! Great idea to show everything and everyone!
I love how everyone has forgotten or dismissed the best option for 90% of the time... a tent just a tent haha great video!!
An old fashioned tent is much better. Far cheaper, more mobile, easier to drive, larger and more connection to nature.
Try doing a week out west here, off-road the whole time, each night setting up camp. Throw in a couple nights of heavy wind and monsoon rain, you’ll change you’re tent tune real quick. Not to mention, when you get inside a FWC at the end of the day, your shit isn’t covered in a layer of dust. Put a Hawk on a Power Wagon. You’ll like. 😁
@@donleamon8653 how bout that? I worked for the National park service and have camped for 28 days at a time in a camp in adverse conditions. Pretty fun actually. I’ve camped and worked in Alaska, the Tetons, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain np. Tents are much more fun.
@@Redhawk24 Except for the part where you get eaten by the bears and cougars! Here in Western British Columbia IT IS A MUST that when you tent that you bring an anti-Grizzly Bear portable electric fence for your campsite. A 900 lbs Grizzly bear with those giant teeth and long sharp claws only 6 feet away from you is an absolutely TERRIFYING sight to behold! BUT once their nose touches that wire, they run off real quick!
V
@@StarGateSG7 agree. I lived in griz country for many years. Definitely something to consider.
I'm not endorsing going offroad and hitting the trails with such large trucks. It's asinine.
My brother has a huge-monster RAM 3500 Cummins diesel and he takes it into really gnarly backroads on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada! It works GREAT! He doesn't take a camper as that bed can take 6000+ lbs worth of gear, so he carries with him a 20 by 16 foot by 10 foot high wall tent with separated bedroom and living room area + insulated floor and walls, and his Coleman cooking kitchen and sink setup plus enough diesel fuel and 40 lbs propane tanks for the stove and BBQ, lots of fresh water, groceries, combo 120 litre refrigerator and freezer, MREs, a boat and his fishing gear for two to three weeks at a time with NO trips needed at all to any store or gas station!
Him and his wife can explore all of the backroads in easy comfort since they stay in one place usually at a lake or riverside campsite for about 3 to 4 days at a time. It takes them less than an hour to setup and takedown/pack-up the tent and camp gear each time so it's not a big deal for him. That big truck is GREAT for the backcountry roads here which are all logging roads used by even larger raw log haul trucks!
If it rains really heavily and fishing is out for the day, then they stay in the wall tent and watch TV on the portable satellite dish and 42 inch TV they bring they bring since they also have a really quiet generator which gives them enough power to last the entire trip.
There's enough fuel they bring with them they could power 1000 watts worth of TV+Satellite, Laptops, Tablets, LED lights, small IR nightvision cameras, anti-grizzly-bear electrified campsite fence and a small 150 watt space heater for 861 hours straight (i.e. 35 days from 250 gallons of diesel in their truck bed tank)
In their case, using the RAM 3500 makes sense for them since EVERYTHING fits in the truck bed which has a large hard canopy on it.
v
I would think pulling is better. Then you don't have to pack up your campsite up every time you want to explore your destination.
A light weight pop up truck camper gives you the ability to go anywhere while also bringing your camp, food, water, cassette toilet and essentials with you. Most people leave for the day and go exploring after setting up a base camp. How are you gonna cook, change clothes, etc if your gear is back at base camp? For the inconvenience of spending a few minutes putting the top down and retracting an awning, you'll have the full availability of all your gear...vs having to load that stuff into your vehicle every time you leave, and then unload it when you get back.
@@phattygoodness7347 it's still a truck. You can bring that shit with you if you think you'll need it without having a horrendous too heavy monstrosity in the bed.
@@kahless0173
👍 If you think it's the same, then go with it. I'm just offering some first hand experience. And, BTW...I never said horrendous monstrosity. The unit in this vlog is at the top end of the size spectrum. There's plenty of other self contained units that are small and light, but still have all the amenities.
Not sure I like how tall that Hawk sits on that Norweld tray. (I have a slide in Hawk in a PW) That added height would be limiting on branches. Not sure the overall height on that rig is, but I’m at 8’3”. Suppose I can look at it in person this weekend in Flagstaff at the Overland Roof Top Tent and Skottle Expo.
You left out that both setups are over $100.000, So know you’re scared to get a scratch on your rig. Just saying!!
I like the trailer option so I can still off road after camp is set up and you can always get a bigger camper !!!! They make all different size off road campers and yes I know the bigger it is the harder it is to get to the camp site but isn't that why you are off roading to begin with !!! It is for the challenge right so I say go all in !!!!
I’m so addicted to Watching all of TFL truck has to offer -(21 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 Duramax diesel owner)
A trailer is the better option as we can leave the camp site and go walking or off roading for the day and then return to the camp site at night.
Pull an offroad trailer with my Land Cruiser. Really like the option of leaving the trailer at my remote campsite while i have fun. Driving over obstacles is typically straightforward and, with a spotter, no challenge to reverse.
I like this setup bc I would need to sell my house in order to afford either
Or start a CZcams channel and get a million subscribers.
Get a Lance truck camper to try out!
Another great video. Especially since we’ll be getting some type of camper in 2022. I’d like to see a camper from four wheel on your truck Andre. I too have an F-150
Four Wheel Camper - Project M is a more affordable truck topper/camper solution. We will try to review this soon.
@@TFLoffroad 👀
In my mind, if you're going to be taking a large truck anyway and accept the pros and cons of a vehicle that size, carry is the way to go. Why bring an additional trailer unless it's to carry your atvs to get you places your truck can't take you?
I bought my truck camper because it doesn't take any more space than my truck does (If I can fit my truck there I can camp), there is no registration fee, insurance costs almost nothing, it's large enough for a couple of people, and it's easier to move around. Trailers are easier to unhook and leave somewhere (you can still do this with a truck camper, it just takes a little more work) and can be had in any size or floorplan you like--additionally trailers free up the bed of your truck for other gear where with a TC you have to find space inside, use a rack off the back, tow a small trailer, or get a roof box/basket. Pick whichever one suits your lifestyle and needs the best.
Nice video Andrey. You highlight concerns with locking up the trailer if you want to go joyriding in the TRX after setting up camp. However, if you want to joyride in the camper truck, you have to close up and secure the camper before moving the Laramie. I'd be inclined to setting up the boot on the trailer rather than dealing with all the tear down and lock up on the camper.
1. You are in a very nice tent, but still a tent in the camper. Wind noise and hearing sounds outside is still the issue with the soft top. 2. The camper is a dedicated rig. Do you want that as your daily driver? If not, can you afford to just have it sit around until you go camping? If you already have a vehicle that can tow, you can get off grid with the incremental cost of the trailer and not have to lug it around the camper when not towing. 3. One of the biggest benefits of a trailer is that you can claim a spot as your based camp, unhook and go. It is very easy to figure out simple ways to keep people from stealing your trailer if you are worried about that.
I'll stick with my tent. It pops up in a minute or so and folds away just as quickly, its plenty big for me an one more is still comfortable. I can leave it and not be overly worried about leaving an expensive as F trailer nor be burdened by super top heavy camper. It's carried by a Colorado so its small enough to get down most trails and carries enough easily for a few days.
What tent 🏕 is your pop up you love?
@@bernadetteirr7476 It's a Gazelle T3.
Me too...if the wife and baby didn't always get hot or cold. That teardrop would be my pick.
@@cowboycollarNM Cheapest off road trailer I've seen is still 5 figures. The moment you say overland the bastards get dollar signs in their eyes. I'd also point out that many guys that haul trailers have problems. Hell that TrailRecon guy flipped his trailer. But you have a family so you have needs that I don't, so I understand.
What I've learned here Andre is I should just park my truck and toyhauler at the campsite/entrance and then do the trails in my Rzr. ;)
True, this is the basic Pros and Cons of both to consider, never mind what vehicle.
Tough call, but you aren't going anywhere narrow in Colorado with either truck, so I lean towards the big truck with a camper but tow a Wrangler. Find a good base camp a few miles in to setup the camper and truck, then take the Wrangler, remove the doors and top, and go for off-road day trips. Or, flip it around and tow the trailer with the Wrangler but off-roading with a trailer is stressful and takes a lot of skill. Andre actually did a good job backing the trailer as it is not as easy as most think. You still end up with a base camp to avoid the stress and day trips. Your long highway time towing a trailer with a Wrangler is not near as enjoyable as in a big comfortable truck. I am setting up my Wrangler now to flat-tow behind a 3/4 ton Ram for these same reasons.
The interesting thing about that paid promotion near the beginning with on-X-maps is that THIS IS the specific situation where an off-line smartphone and tablet capable GPS mapping and trail marker system is VERY MUCH NEEDED!!!
This promotion started becoming real-world NECESSITY so I can't fault TFL for putting that promo in the front. You actually DO NEED THAT APP in this case!
---
We need a video where TFL discusses laptop, tablet and smartphone mounting systems for the front console so that the driver and/or passenger can see real-time off-line navigation maps AND then OUTLINE WHAT TO BUY for mounts and accessories that will work WITH laptops, tablets and smartphones on any realtime GPS mapping/navigation app!
For various trucks and 4x4s review which console mounts are out there at what price and is BEST for what vehicles?
Do that video please!
V
I didn't realize Ram offers a front solid axel on the Laramie. I thought the Power Wagon was the only front solid axel truck they made. Everyone has been screaming for Ram to offer the desiel on the Power Wagon so that you would have the ultimate offroad pickup truck.....why not just get the Laramie?
Pretty sure it was added aftermarket
I’d choose smaller midsize truck or SUV like Bronco and the teardrop trailer or rooftop tent. The camper truck is just too darn big at that point just forget about the truck off road and get massive HD truck with a toy trailer/Rv and get a quad or dirt bike or BRP trail buggy once you’ve setup base camp. You know if you’re absurdly rich and can afford all that bloody gear.
I think I would have just done a U-turn or a 20 point turn before trying to back that trailer down the hill if space to do so allowed. It's one thing to pull a trailer up an obstacle, it's another to push one through or over an obstacle. Same with the Ram but I get it, some places you don't have a choice.
Backing that trailer illustrates one of the big problems with teardrops. So many times I've gotten to spots on new trails where I've had to back the truck up to turn it around. And sometimes the turnaround isn't that easy with just the truck, let alone the trailer. Disconnecting any many cases is the way to go but again you gotta have space and hopefully you can pick the trailer hitch up to pivot it. Really though I'd rather just RTT or ground tent over a teardrop.
Off road trailers are best for nice base camps and vehicles with a limited payload (TRX, Raptor, Subaru, Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel). I would also recommend trailers for those traveling in convoys with the trailer vehicle in the middle. This way you a vehicle on both ends that can help with recovery.
I think a regular cab F150 with a short bed towing a camper trailer would be a better option than either of these. You would save money and have a better breakover angle for off roading. Admitadly not suitable for a family but better for a single person or couple.
Another ford fanboy
@@MrSlingblade69 Not at all. I came up Mopar but neither they nor GM make single cab half tons anymore.
@@MrSlingblade69 so what if he is.
I had a real lite truck camper, the other scary thing with a truck camper is going on off camber switchbacks with a 200 foot drop.
I like the comparison, but thought it was funny when you said the short bed truck needed the teardrop vs camper when the camper company you used for the other truck makes a short bed slide in specific model! So basically the whole comparison came down to personal preference vs personal preference...
The raven has a dry weight of 1040 lbs thought right? And he mentioned the TRX has a 1300 lb payload. You're going over with passengers, food, water, gear, etc. Granted that's not *ALL* short bed trucks, but for the one he was driving the teardrop isn't really just pref.
@@bigslacker666 Raven probably would be tight on weight but they have a Project M shell you could build up to custom suit any limitations. It starts around 400lbs or so.
@@HikerDoc That's super cool, I'd never seen that one. Every time I've been to their site I've used the 'find by my truck' button. :D
Let's face it, the camper truck option is better because: IF you want to tow a toy to do all the trail work, you have the best of both worlds. The trailer option sucks from the get go. Backing out of tails, limited to what the truck or SUV can do in the trails, as you pointed out, you have to be mindful of leaving behind something that can be stolen while you are out scratching up your tow vehicle. I don't like how tall that camper set up is, but it certainly gives you more options and functionality. And IF you live in an apartment complex, that is 1 less spot needed for your stuff. ;)
I have a Ford Ranger with an Alucab canopy camper. Pretty good balance of comfort and mobility.
I think a Tent would have been a better option with the TRX, since you don't have a lot of weight that you can add. A 9x9 dome tent can sleep 2+ people and still have room for more stuff. Also much easier to bring several tents. With the Camper on the vehicle you are safer if someone goes blasting through the area while you sleep. With a Tent you can find a few trees and put the vehicle towards the trail(s).
Hey Andre please back up the trailer again at night and rain that's fun
With your wife giving you directions
Only flaw on the 4w camper is the inside gets wet after sleeping at night and you have to fight mold by wiping the plastic walls.
Additionally. What do I think. Camper in the bed or tow it.... tow it. Not many people can afford a purpose built off road in bed camper- most of all you WANT the 8 foot bed with that. Not a lot of trucks have that anymore unless you go 3/4 or 1 ton. Also the size of the vehicle. Doesn’t make a lot of sense. We are talking about off roading you want that something a bit smaller easier too handle with confidence etc. end of the day I feel I may the right choice buying the taco. Been looking into a camper- not off road though I’m over 6 foot I like my movie entertainment LOL. Pop out 25 footer I’d be happy and take the truck off roading with the trailer unhooked at a campsite or something personally.
Trailer suits my needs much better. Used to have an RTT but it was incredibly annoying having to pack everything up any time we had to go somewhere or leave the camp site to get to a hiking spot or get supplies.
I like that the trailer matches the paint of the RAM. Nice touch.
Prefer a trailer to be honest, can set up base camp and then go play in the tracks with my 4X4.
You can't have rigs like these for off road and be scared to use them in the woods!!
Ah we can't go this way with our $130,000 setups (probably $160k on that 3500)! Meanwhile Joebin his 15 year old Wranger towing a home built square-drop drives around them on the side of the trail.
@@bryanhersman4037 The RAM 3500 is $55,000 USD at a decent trim level and the camper is $30,000 USD so $85,000 USD for both (or $108,000 CDN)
A higher-end trim level used and lifted mid-range mileage 2010 Chevy Silverado with 6 foot bed is $32,000 and used but very nice slide-in camper that can fit and be carried by that truck bed is $6000 USD so $38,000 USD or $48,000 CDN so not too bad!
You can also buy a used 2005 Ford 150 for $9000 and a 2003 slide-in truck bed camper with shower and toilet and sleeps four people for $4800 so $14,800 USD or $18,800 CDN.
You can by EXPENSIVE gear or go the cheaper route! There's LOTS of choice out there!
v
@@StarGateSG7 but that was no $55,000 3500 and on top of that that deck is $20,000, there is also a lift kit (probably a $7000 one installed) and $3000 worth of wheels and tires on it.
@@bryanhersman4037 YES! I get that. BUT of you buy one of the workhorse RAM 3500 which can EASILY go off-road and get the dealer to put on some beefy tires on it as a "Spiff" as there enough "deals" in today's automarket if you have decent credit that a $55,000 RAM 3500 is easily gotten.
It's what my brother did, he put $20,000 down and got a NICE beefed up RAM with the nice tires and suspension for $57,000 CDN --- He got a model that is more 4x4-oriented workhorse version up here in Canada as part of a Dealer Special.
Him and his wife go 4x4 off-road so often and the deal was so good he just smacked down his cash and said I want X, Y, Z and they gave it to him so they wouldn't lose him to a Ford F350 dealer! -- They make enough Markup on these trucks that $3000 worth of beefy off-road tires and the MOPAR lift AND a 16,000 lbs winch is no biggie deal to keep a good customer!
v
The TRX with a Kemper, versus the Dodge Wonton.
You guys are always talking about getting pinstriping on the trails. Clearbra/ wrap.
I'll take the trailer. But Andre....when you spin out in the TRX there should be a "Keeps commercial."
Another great video of Andre having a heart attack, sweating bullets. Should have just given the trx the beans. But you wanted to show us your back up skill. 😄
Backing down the trail is no fun. Especially when the trail is narrow. Been there, done that. With a trailer would definitely be worse. Plus unhooking and reconnecting isn’t or may not be as easy as it sounds.
Short trailers are tough to back.
Yup. Been there tried that.
I thought you did great backing up on that skinny windy dirt road. Humility keeps us from breaking stuff. Databyter
I'm rite with you bro. But I do like both.
I rarely base camp, its almost always camp on trail. Also an off road trailer on difficult terrain will require a monster equipped rig.
Just started looking at trailers...so wow this was informative. I mean, if the pros have a bit of trouble, man I don't know about me-sigh. And I don't know that I could just unhitch & lift the trailer around as an option most men speak about..
I’ve done both. No clear winner. Pick your poison.
That definitely came across as a sponsored video for the camper.
I have a 3 kids. The truck camper makes sense for us. We can get into the back country on some gnarly trails and have enough room to sleep us all. A trailer big enough for the family is to big for the trails.
🏁🤔 , I bet your power Boost 🔋 would do it with the teardrop . Good content Andrey.
Nah, Andre, you need to practice reversing a trailer more. You did okay. Let the vehicle do the work. C'mon mate you're a semi-driver. Smaller amounts of steering though because of the over-correcting being done. You'll get there.
Nice back up job! A long truck and a short trailer is not easy to back up like that.
My wrangler 2 doors with my 400 pounds teardrop would go to places that those none sense pickup wouldn't roll in....but if you don't know what to do with your money this video is for you
I really enjoyed the comparison. It would be interesting to see if your preference changed with a shorter wheelbase tow vehicle like a Wrangler or 4Runner…something that’s more maneuverable. Looks like you had lots of fun either way!
I like what you said about the 4wheeler truck and in regards to the TRX can you try and install an over the top bed camper. You can the truck the TRX or Raptor anywhere as well as your living quarters with you and not worrying your trailer being left behind. Just an idea 💡. But over all like the video.
Does that little teardrop have brakes? If not you probably do not want to unhitch it on a hill... and it does no good to unhitch right in the trail if you cannot get past it.
Trailer, smaller for real trails. Also can leave there while kids and or wife enjoy camp.
7:13 That's why I don't want a trailer. Having to deal with trailer in narrow forest or mountain trails..too much stress for me. Maybe in US, where everything is bigger, the trails are wider :) But try backing up in Alps or narrow logging trails.
Trailer is better. Set it up and then go off exploring. Hauling the camper everywhere is not fun. Plus with a trailer you can have a couple of dirt bikes or an ATV in the bed.
Some so-called "solutions for a non-existent problem....Number one, don't be bothering to buy a four-place offroad pickup...why?, you can see it for yourself, there are three unused, empty seats...a waste of interior space. Get a truck that has a full length bed, get a canopy, get out your circular saw & fabricate an interior in any fashion you want...note the size of the trailer he's towing, it's approximately the same size as a full-size canopy, & certainly not the few thousand dollars a plain-jane canopy will cost you. Wretched excess strikes again..."buy my new, new, new mega camper, only $35,000!, buy it today!".
tents are fine and affordable. For " most", camping spots, a trailer is not a problem. Lastly, why do you take a four door truck up a jeep trail? Like you guys, but this was not telling the whole story.
Both MOPARS… my heart is full
Does a bear crap in the woods? Well, if I had a teardrop camper, I’d be right there next to him. THAT’s the main reason it’s a NO for me.
Yeah. Good thing bears can’t climb or anything…. 🪜 🐻 🩸 🏃♂️
Technically the teardrop is considered hard sided and allowed in many campsites where bears frequent. That pop up slide in camper is not a hard side and won't be allowed in hard side only campgrounds.
@@Wrangzilla Since WHEN are campgrounds specific HARD-SIDED only?
I have NEVER heard of that before! In Canada OR the USA! BLM land (USA) and Crown Land (Canada) let you have whatever you want be it tents or soft-side or hard top. This sounds like a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) restriction or a private campground restriction. Even Yosemite or Yellowstone didn't have this restriction!
Which parks now restrict the TYPES of campers and tents allowed?
c
Oh your should have flipped those dodge mirrors out! Would have made backing easier!!!
So nobody tries to steal or remove stuff from the trailer when you leave it behind while out on the trail?
I prefer camper truck
Cool information 😎
Keep up the great work
long bed tacoma with yoho camper?
The 2 trucks are a way to big to go real off-road
Wich option reduces the chance of being a bear snack ?
I hear the hemi squeak from the engine
Would have been good to compare cost too. The camper and truck looks 2x more expensive.
“The Hard Way, of course!!!”
Missing a RTT and a tent/swag in this comparison.
Please before you get rid of this truck can you compare it to the raptor in the sand dunes, both trucks are desert runners put them in their designed environment
Ugh glamping
Way to much steering input backing the trailer. The Ram should have been way easier to back down
I like throwing a sleeping bag in the bed and sleeping under the stars with my dogs
Don’t jump on me, but would it not have been easier to find a spot where you could unhook the camper and manually spin it and then rebook? Tongue weight is
Don’t beat yourself up pulling forward with the trailer it’s not a semi trailer. I know the pain with a single style wave runner trailer. Very narrow close too the vehicle etc. I will say this. The TRX and the 1 ton rams make zero sense. Granted they ARE built for this no question about it. It’s just people buy these vehicles with deep pockets and become mall curb stompers instead. Sighs. I would love a TRX for fun off road. Only ONE ISSUE. it’s not sold with a six speed. Yep f it I’ll stay with my 21 taco with a 6 speed manual gearbox. Your auto trans isn’t a gearbox either it’s a hydraulic system. I grew up in the wrong time I’m so jealous. I’m in my early 30s.
Also, the RAM has a squeeky fan belt. It's annoying lol
Good video
I appreciate !
I love these vehicles, but for getting to a campground put a backpack on and walk. You will enjoy it a lot more, and you will live longer.
Hello from Phoenix, AZ 🌵
Disconnecting a trailer off road is generally a bad idea. It can be a real problem to re hook afterwards. From watching the video, your still not real good at backing up a trailer. It appears to me your over steering while your reversing. Your still acquiring your visual positioning skill set.
Next series is for a few bucks more I can see it