Away from the game a while...need a little direction

[pck823]

Hi overlanders! Been away a bit but in anticipation of getting a Bronco Raptor sometime this year (order in by 3/9 deadline and confirmed), I'm now looking for another camper to replace my last Little Guy. That was a good camper to get my feet wet but now I want the real McCoy! With so many new builders out there and not a lot of information, I'm hoping the tribe here can point me in the right direction. Some I'm eager to learn more about: Bruder EXP-4 (is ordering direct still the only way?), Overkill SO510, Offroadrv's Sniper X-9.
Requirements:

37" tire size
Timbren/similar high clearance axle/suspension
Composite or metal construction
30 gallon or more water capacity
Full queen size bed or bigger
Inside seating (Overkill's SO510 is perfect)
Onboard galley, hot water, heat
Rear entry (I don't know if this is a must-have, but I like the idea of covered entry). Experience with the Little Guy always dragging in 'stuff' when getting in

Not overly budget-sensitive but I'd like to think I can get something that fits the bill in the 40-60K range. Also, what has everyone's experience been regarding lead times with all of the supply chain issues? If I found the right one that's in stock (used or new), I'd jump on it. Thanks to all in advance!

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I would caution you to do heavy research into Bruder as a company, and their products, before proceeding with that option.

I looked into them a while back and found a significant number of eyebrow raising comments online. It seems their trailers fall apart and they like to sue people who post about it online, their purchasing contract terms are crazy, they don't have any online communities that you can join to learn about the trailer without being an existing Bruder trailer owner (I've tried - they don't let you in), etc., etc. Way too many red flags IMO.

Worth reading:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507014701/http://bruderxworld.com:80/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507023711/http://bruderxworld.com:80/all-the-facts
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507023752/http://bruderxworld.com:80/my-bruder-van

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Hi overlanders! Been away a bit but in anticipation of getting a Bronco Raptor sometime this year (order in by 3/9 deadline and confirmed), I'm now looking for another camper to replace my last Little Guy. That was a good camper to get my feet wet but now I want the real McCoy! With so many new builders out there and not a lot of information, I'm hoping the tribe here can point me in the right direction. Some I'm eager to learn more about: Bruder EXP-4 (is ordering direct still the only way?), Overkill SO510, Offroadrv's Sniper X-9.
Requirements:

37" tire size
Timbren/similar high clearance axle/suspension
Composite or metal construction
30 gallon or more water capacity
Full queen size bed or bigger
Inside seating (Overkill's SO510 is perfect)
Onboard galley, hot water, heat
Rear entry (I don't know if this is a must-have, but I like the idea of covered entry). Experience with the Little Guy always dragging in 'stuff' when getting in

Not overly budget-sensitive but I'd like to think I can get something that fits the bill in the 40-60K range. Also, what has everyone's experience been regarding lead times with all of the supply chain issues? If I found the right one that's in stock (used or new), I'd jump on it. Thanks to all in advance!

Any AU rig you are paying 10-15 k in shipping and likely the same in two dealer mark ups.

Search overkill in this forum. I would be weary of large deposit with them.

Expect at least one year lead time on any off road craft builder.

I see Mission Overland Summit for sale in Facebook groups

Sounds like you want a stand up like the Summit as the standups with bathroom will be to heavy.

If you could do a non stand up tear/square tops there are more options. Like Boreas, Off-Grid, expedition voyager, vorsheer.

I really like Valiant XTD out of AK and Idaho.

Nuthouse industries make nice rooftop trailers.

I will keep an eye on Facebook for you.

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Any AU rig you are paying 10-15 k in shipping and likely the same in two dealer mark ups.

Search overkill in this forum. I would be weary of large deposit with them.

Expect at least one year lead time on any off road craft builder.

I see Mission Overland Summit for sale in Facebook groups

Sounds like you want a stand up like the Summit as the standups with bathroom will be to heavy.

If you could do a non stand up tear/square tops there are more options. Like Boreas, Off-Grid, expedition voyager, vorsheer.

I really like Valiant XTD out of AK and Idaho.

Nuthouse industries make nice rooftop trailers.

I will keep an eye on Facebook for you.

Forgot to mention RKS Offroad Purpose. Your Bronco could handle it if you kept the trailer under 4,500 pounds loaded. I believe they could do 37" tires. Contact Loren at xgrid he has a 2021 in stock. Killer bathroom that is stand up. I think this maybe your best bet

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Forgot to mention RKS Offroad Purpose. Your Bronco could handle it if you kept the trailer under 4,500 pounds loaded. I believe they could do 37" tires. Contact Loren at xgrid he has a 2021 in stock. Killer bathroom that is stand up. I think this maybe your best bet

Xgrid offroad is in Vegas

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Hi overlanders! Been away a bit but in anticipation of getting a Bronco Raptor sometime this year (order in by 3/9 deadline and confirmed), I'm now looking for another camper to replace my last Little Guy. That was a good camper to get my feet wet but now I want the real McCoy! With so many new builders out there and not a lot of information, I'm hoping the tribe here can point me in the right direction. Some I'm eager to learn more about: Bruder EXP-4 (is ordering direct still the only way?), Overkill SO510, Offroadrv's Sniper X-9.
Requirements:

37" tire size
Timbren/similar high clearance axle/suspension
Composite or metal construction
30 gallon or more water capacity
Full queen size bed or bigger
Inside seating (Overkill's SO510 is perfect)
Onboard galley, hot water, heat
Rear entry (I don't know if this is a must-have, but I like the idea of covered entry). Experience with the Little Guy always dragging in 'stuff' when getting in

Not overly budget-sensitive but I'd like to think I can get something that fits the bill in the 40-60K range. Also, what has everyone's experience been regarding lead times with all of the supply chain issues? If I found the right one that's in stock (used or new), I'd jump on it. Thanks to all in advance!

What do you think of the RKS Purpose?

 

[pck823]

Yeah I've been seeing some of the same reports about Bruder and in general, I'm not too keen on an Aussie-made rig for the simple time and cost challenges. I've checked out Xgrid and that sure seems to be the way to go to find in stock stuff. I've researched all of the above with the exception of the RKS Offroad Purpose. Actually, if I could get anything, it would be a trailer and enclosure with no upfitting so I could build it out myself. I saw a few mentions of CARP (Apache) but it seems thery're no longer in business.

 

[pck823]

Any AU rig you are paying 10-15 k in shipping and likely the same in two dealer mark ups.

Search overkill in this forum. I would be weary of large deposit with them.

Expect at least one year lead time on any off road craft builder.

I see Mission Overland Summit for sale in Facebook groups

Sounds like you want a stand up like the Summit as the standups with bathroom will be to heavy.

If you could do a non stand up tear/square tops there are more options. Like Boreas, Off-Grid, expedition voyager, vorsheer.

I really like Valiant XTD out of AK and Idaho.

Nuthouse industries make nice rooftop trailers.

I will keep an eye on Facebook for you.

Based on your response, I looked more closely at the Mission Overland and I must say - great recommendation. I love the layout but have been telling myself I need (want) a hard-sided rig. I'm in Georgia so winters are mild, but I do plan on traveling and was concerned about a hybrid being able to stay warm or cool. Their wall system is rated R-12 so there's that. Am I over-thinking?

Also, the Valiant looks very interesting with their partial builds, but it looks like their lead times are out there! Thanks again for the great recommendations.

 

[Chasingopenspaces]

Based on your response, I looked more closely at the Mission Overland and I must say - great recommendation. I love the layout but have been telling myself I need (want) a hard-sided rig. I'm in Georgia so winters are mild, but I do plan on traveling and was concerned about a hybrid being able to stay warm or cool. Their wall system is rated R-12 so there's that. Am I over-thinking?

Also, the Valiant looks very interesting with their partial builds, but it looks like their lead times are out there! Thanks again for the great recommendations.

I’d say you’re probably alright. Used to camp in a pop top through winter in the sierras, with a propane heater. It had to fire up a lot at night but had plenty of off time as well and I don’t think there’s any way it was rated R-12. There was a bit of a difference in temp whether you were the person on the close or far side of the bed but for us that worked alright, I’ve always wanted it colder at night anyways.

If it ended up being an issue you could always add in a diesel heater later on

 

[Obsessed2findARuggedHybid]

Based on your response, I looked more closely at the Mission Overland and I must say - great recommendation. I love the layout but have been telling myself I need (want) a hard-sided rig. I'm in Georgia so winters are mild, but I do plan on traveling and was concerned about a hybrid being able to stay warm or cool. Their wall system is rated R-12 so there's that. Am I over-thinking?

Also, the Valiant looks very interesting with their partial builds, but it looks like their lead times are out there! Thanks again for the great recommendations.

I do wonder about R12 rating on side walls goes to considering the canvas pop up? For me personally coming from ten years of camping in a pop up I just don't want canvas side walls or zippers in my Trailer.

I ended up ordering a Trail Marker Up and Out with wetbath last spring. It would be perfect for you other then it probably isn't quite as off road capable. I believe you can oder one with near 20 inches of clearance with Timbren 3500HD but I don't believe 37 " tires would work. Plus they are probably 16 months out.

 

[EPO]

I suggest that you find the specific trailers that you mentioned and/or are interested in and see if there are threads here that discuss them.

 

[Treefarmer]

I would caution you to do heavy research into Bruder as a company, and their products, before proceeding with that option.

I looked into them a while back and found a significant number of eyebrow raising comments online. It seems their trailers fall apart and they like to sue people who post about it online, their purchasing contract terms are crazy, they don't have any online communities that you can join to learn about the trailer without being an existing Bruder trailer owner (I've tried - they don't let you in), etc., etc. Way too many red flags IMO.

Worth reading:
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507014701/http://bruderxworld.com:80/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507023711/http://bruderxworld.com:80/all-the-facts
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190507023752/http://bruderxworld.com:80/my-bruder-van

I agree. I've always loved the Bruder videos and website, but too many red flags when you contact them. They also don't fit your budget after you take the import costs into account. Trying to get parts a needed in the future will also be a challenge. For better or worse, much of what Bruder does seems to be proprietary.