Northeast Overland

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Northeast Overland is Maine's leading self reliant adventure travel community in the Northeast Region of the U.S. Led by a Registered Maine Guide, you can be sure that you'll have an unforgettable adventure all while we TreadLightly!


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    Trailer versus In vehicle

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    Wilbah


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    Trailer versus In vehicle Empty Trailer versus In vehicle

    Post by Wilbah Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:24 pm

    So I have a question for folks. I love seeing the trailer builds and have always liked the idea of a well designed off road trailer. And I like the idea of parking it at a campsite while you go off fishing, exploring, wheeling etc. for the day. And for the folks with SWB Jeeps I can see the need given the space limitations. But I have a full size Yukon which I may be changing to a full size pickup in the near future (funds are limiting me if you can imagine that!  Shocked ). So for me I am thinking a drawer system in the back of the Yukon makes more sense than a trailer. Benefits would be I can bring it tailgating.....its already there for day trips (have everything with me)....I can still sleep on top of it (if designed properly). And if I want I can still trailer a fishing boat etc. behind the vehicle. I am curious of the pluses and minuses you guys see in that approach? Thanks!
    Gryphon
    Gryphon


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    Post by Gryphon Sat Jul 12, 2014 6:47 pm

    Going with whatever works for you. The reason I am going trailer is to have more room in the Jeep for more of my family members and all the camping stuff.

    If you can do campers + camping stuff in one vehicle, I'd do that
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    Wilbah


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    Post by Wilbah Sat Jul 12, 2014 7:06 pm

    Hey Gryphon that's what I am thinking....thanks for the response. I totally get that with a Jeep you need more room so a trailer makes lot of sense. Were I doing more serious off-roading I would do the same. But I stick pretty much to dirt roads lately. Not that I don't see the benefits of a SWB vehicle for tight trails. My old FJ40 got me in (and more importantly out of!) some hairy places.  Smile 
    booth9c1ss
    booth9c1ss


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    Post by booth9c1ss Sun Jul 13, 2014 12:37 pm

    I built a two-tier loading platform for my ZR2 pickup years ago. This brought the floor up to the level of the wheel wells (14+ inches wider) so My wife and I could sleep in the back, with the gear under the "floor". I liked not having to worry about another axle or tires or lights, or turning around, or backing though or out of a mud hole, or high speed whoops of the trailer.
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    Guest
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    Trailer versus In vehicle Empty Re: Trailer versus In vehicle

    Post by Guest Sun Jul 13, 2014 2:23 pm

    Properly set up they can be a great addition to every persons stable. The benefits are huge as they provide greater space inside the tow rig, and can be a one time, get everything where it needs to be and keep it that way forever kinda platform. I use my trailer all the time for other non offroading ventures but it will now take shape into a RTT toting trailer that will just be specific for Overlanding. As far as carrying a trailer through the woods and all the nuances that go with towing one, I think the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I rarely find myself noticing that is behind whatever rig I am using and prepare my adventures knowing that both tow vehicle and trailer need to make it the complete ride. You'll have to add a few extra considerations and provisions such as another spare, possible some axle parts/spring perches and such but I enjoy mine and will proclaim their graces to whoever I meet.
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    Wilbah


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    Post by Wilbah Sun Jul 13, 2014 3:25 pm

    I like that idea booth and that's exactly what I am thinking.

    Boozah I get that totally. Especially as a FJ has more limited space than a fullsize. I appreciate the difference of opinion.  Smile That's the cool part about stuff like this as far as I am concerned. Everyone gets to make their own way in whatever works best for them! There is a part of me that would love a totally dedicated ORT....but as I was going through what I would want in it I found the list of what I needed to have in the tow vehicle for day trips etc. growing. Plus I like tailgating etc. where having the kitchen in the tow vehicle makes sense too. But I do like seeing how others do things. That learning can be integrated into a lot of what I want to do too which is cool.
    Mr. Mike
    Mr. Mike


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    Post by Mr. Mike Sun Jul 13, 2014 5:04 pm

    I prefer minimalist camping. I try to fit everything I need clothing wise into a backpack, plus some blankets and my camp chair, and a cooler. For several years I used my XJ as my tent and it worked well, always stayed dry and was reasonably comfy. Next year I'll have a pickup with an 8 foot bed, so a semi-tall cap will be going on and I'll camp out of the back of the truck. The biggest issue I see when not using a trailer is fuel storage for longer, more remote trips. In an SUV you really don't want the fuel in the truck with you(especially if your a smoker)so that leaves the roof, and weight adds up quick up there making the truck top-heavy. The other downfall is having to unload any gear from the back of the truck every night to set up your sleeping area, but I guess it's a wash because it doesn't take anymore time than setting up a tent.

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