My wife and I were all hot to get a teardrop and looked at them at the Expo about 5 years ago. We both thought "coffin". GO TO THE EXPO and see what you think for yourself. Amazing stuff being done in Australia and South Africa. US mfgs. are 10 years behind these guys unless you're interested in getting just a basic military style trailer with decades old suspension components, hitches, etc. Study this:
http://www.theadventureportal.com/off-road-trailer-buyers-guide-2015-2016/ New mfgs/imports popping up all the time. Just remember that delivery times and dealer support vary wildly. If a manufacturer or importer says "6 mo.", it might turn out to be a year or 18 months. Do your homework.
That article, a couple years old now and quite outdated for listings, was the start of
@Steve 's thread here on
Off-Road Trailer Manufacturers, which has been added to and commented on quite a bit since posted almost exactly two years ago. A lot of good info and updates in the thread that can be of help, too,
@OBiE0311 .
It's a bit of a generality to say US mfgs are 10 yrs behind or use decades old suspension components or hitches, etc.
Schutt Industries and their
XVenture trailers are military heritage, yes (their primary biz is still military trailers for govts around the world), but are state of the art as far as construction and components. I've been to their huge campus spread out in Clintonville WI. It's quite impressive.
I researched for a looong time, looking at all options available from Australia and South Africa, many of which have outlets now in the US, and in the end chose the XV-2 from Schutt as the most versatile, rugged, long-lived and dependable of the bunch. It will outlive me and my kid too, probably, and still look and behave much the same. Solar capable, great power center with multiple 12v outlets throughout, water heater, mil-spec plumbing and electrical, built-in rock lights, cargo lights, and rack lighting,
and a huge cargo area covered by a hard-rolling titanium tonneau cover. Best value for the money, hands down, and I can use it for far more than just camping.
Now, as far as components to add to one's trailer, I would have to agree, in general; my awning comes from South Africa and my ground tent comes from Australia. They were simply the best I could find, not only in quality and durability, but in value, too. Just like my trailer.
Road
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