Have you always wanted an easy way to camp but aren’t ready to commit to a large, drivable RV? If so, you might consider an off-road pull-behind camper.
Pull-behind campers combine the luxuries of RV living with convenience. When you’re craving outdoor adventure, all you have to do is hook your camper up to your vehicle and hit the road.
Read on for more information on these types of RVs, along with our top 10 off-road pull-behind campers.
What Is a Pull-Behind Camper?
A pull-behind camper is any travel trailer that’s towed by a vehicle. There are a few different types. The smallest are often called “teardrops” since they’re shaped like a tear. Pop-ups are another popular type of pull-behind camper. They’re usually larger than teardrops and get their name from being able to fold into themselves for easier storage.
There are also pull-behind campers large enough to sleep families and even tow toys like dirt bikes and quads.
Most pull-behind campers can sleep at least two people and have some space for cooking. They can be super cozy and lightweight compared to other RVs. Plus, many come with a kitchen or bathroom.
Pros and Cons of Pull-Behind Campers
Here are some pros and cons of pull-behind campers:
| Pros | Cons |
| Different sizes available | People can’t travel in the trailer |
| Can take day trips | Hitches need to be checked often |
| Affordable | Fewer amenities |
| Insurance is less costly | Sedans may not be able to tow |
| Easy maintenance | Not as spacious |
| Travel any time | |
| Kitchen and bathroom included |
Pros
- Different sizes available: Some models are small enough for easy storage in your garage. Others are larger with more sleeping space.
- Can take day trips: if you’ve set up camp but want to take a day trip to an attraction, you can! Just unhitch your vehicle and head off.
- Affordable: Larger RVs are fun but expensive, with some nearing $200,000 or more. A pull-behind camper can be a fraction of that cost, especially if you opt for a used model.
- Insurance is less costly: The cost to insure a pull-behind camper is much less than other, larger RVs.
- Easy maintenance: Since your camper doesn’t have an engine, there’s less to maintain. You could even do some repairs yourself if you have the know-how.
- Travel any time: If you’ve had a rough week and want to decompress on the weekend in nature, you can. All you need to do is check camper supplies, load up, and go. You could be in your favorite spot within a few hours.
- Kitchen and bathroom included: Depending on the model you buy, you could have a bathroom and kitchen in the remotest locations.
Cons
- People can’t travel in the trailer: One drawback to having a pull-behind camper is that people can’t (and shouldn’t) sit in it while it’s moving. Some states allow this, but many don’t. It’s best to have everyone travel inside the car/truck that is towing the camper.
- Hitches need checks at every stop: You likely won’t have any issues during the drive but it’s still recommended that you check the hitch at each stop.
- Fewer amenities: Because travel trailers are smaller than RVs with engines, they’ll have fewer amenities than their drivable counterparts.
- Sedans may not tow them: You will likely need a truck or SUV with a high tow rating to transport a pull-behind camper.
- Not as spacious: If you want something that sleeps many people, a pull-behind camper may not have the space you need compared to a large, drivable RV.
How to Choose an Off-Road Pull-Behind Camper
Now that you know the pros and cons of pull-behind camper trailers, let’s go over how to choose one for off-road adventures.
What Can Your Car Tow?
This is the most critical piece of information to know. You could find the best camper that has all the amenities you want within your price range. But if your car can’t tow it, it’s useless.
Sedans: Sedans generally have a tow rating of 1,000-4,000 lbs. Check your vehicle’s specs on the manufacturer’s website or manual to find out how much it can tow.
Trucks: Mid-size trucks can tow about 6,400 or more, while some full-size trucks can tow up to 11,000 lbs.
SUVs: SUVs can tow anywhere from 1,750-5,000 lbs. Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s website or manual to know the exact number.
Be sure to factor in loaded weight too. This is the weight of the pull-behind camper when it’s all packed and ready to go. There are only a few times you’ll tow your camper with nothing in it, like when you first take it home. After that, it’ll likely be loaded with camping supplies, so factor that weight in when calculating the final number.
Use Camping World’s Towing Guide to calculate your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Bathroom Preferences
If the campsites you go to typically have communal bathrooms, you can consider campers without one. But if you’re going off the grid, it might be good to consider models with a bathroom.
Off-Roading Abilities
Another point to consider is the off-roading abilities of your car and the camper you choose. You may consider buying off-road tires for your car and camper. Car makers might also have hitches designed for off-roading.
When it comes to the camper itself, it’s best if they have the following:
- A rugged construction: The camper should have reinforced bodies and off-road tires.
- A high ground clearance: High ground clearance is essential because campers can get damaged if they’re too low to the ground.
- Weatherproofing: Is your RV adequately insulated for cold temps? Can it keep out heavy rain and water? What about a good AC for hot days?
Amenities
You’ve already thought about your bathroom preferences. Now it’s time to think about the kitchen and other areas. What are your must-haves? How many people should your camper sleep? Would you want your kitchen to be outside or inside? Once you have a solid list of comforts and functionalities you’re looking for, you can move on to pricing.
Pricing
Off-road pull-behind campers can be anywhere from $5,000-$60,000, depending on the make and model, and whether they’re new or used. So now is the time to figure out your spending range. What is the most you’re willing to pay? You’ll also want to factor in costs for insurance, maintenance, and renovations.
Keep in mind, there are RV financing options that can help make the cost more manageable.
The 10 Best Off-Road RV Campers
So which pull-behind campers are the best for off-roading? Here are our top ten!
1: Coleman Rubicon 1200RK
The Coleman Rubicon 1200RK is great for solo campers, couples, or two best friends who want to explore the great outdoors. It’s affordable compared to larger pull-behind campers and isn’t too heavy to tow.
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- All-terrain tires
- Easy to tow with a dry weight of 1,636 lbs
- Has AC and pop-up outlets
- Outdoor kitchen with fridge
Cons:
- It only sleeps two people.
- No bathroom
- No slide-outs
2: Coleman Rubicon 1608RB
The Coleman Rubicon 1608RB is great for people who want to bring the comforts of home – like a large bed and fridge – to the great outdoors.
Pros:
- Solar package with inverter
- Some packages include off-road tires and axles
- Indoor and outdoor tables
- Large, 10-cubic foot fridge
- Has a bathroom
Cons:
- Only sleeps three people
- Small kitchen
3: Forest River Rockwood Geo-Pro 16BH
The Forest River Rockwood Geo-Pro 16BH is great for families since it sleeps six people and has a fully equipped kitchen plus a television for when there’s downtime.
Pros:
- Sleeps six people
- 190-watt roof solar panel
- Lots of storage space
- Has a bathroom and kitchen
- Pro-Rac mounting bars (optional)
Cons:
- Little to no counterspace
- Dinette is the only inside seating area
4: Forest River No Boundaries 16.6
The Forest River No Boundaries 16.6 is the perfect off-road pull-behind camper for small families who want a little extra storage for their gear and a solar power option.
Pros:
- All-terrain tires
- Heavy-duty solar prep
- Sleeps up to five people
- Large interior
- Has a bathroom with a shower
- Rhino racks (optional)
Cons:
- Only one slide-out
- Small kitchen
5: Forest River R-Pod 153
The Forest River R-Pod 153 is for travelers who want the luxuries of a sofa, LED TV, and shower while they hit the open road.
Pros:
- Solar prep
- LED TV
- Ample seating available
- Has a bathroom with a shower
Cons:
- Only sleeps three people
- No slide-outs
6: Forest River Salem FSX 169RSK
The Forest River Salem FSX 169RSK has everything you need, from an outdoor griddle and Bluetooth speaker for a summertime barbeque, to a large bed and television for a cozy night in.
Pros:
- 43-gallon freshwater tank
- Solar prep kit
- Large bedroom with queen bed and dresser
- Waterproof Bluetooth speaker
- Has a bathroom with a shower
Cons:
- Small kitchen
7: Heartland Mallard Tailwind T180BH
The Heartland Mallard Tailwind T180BH is a fine choice for families of seven or fewer who love to dine together. With ample beds, a bathtub, and multiple cooking spaces, you’ll feel ducky in this Mallard from Heartland.
Pros:
- Sleeps seven people – great for families
- Has an indoor kitchen and an outdoor kitchen
- Heated and enclosed underbelly
- Solar prep
- Has a bathtub
Cons:
- Small kitchen
8: Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS
The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 166FBS is for people who want to feel cozy while exploring. It’s ready to leave the grid, complete with off-road tires, solar prep, a large freshwater tank, and a 40-pound LP capacity.
Pros:
- 55-gallon freshwater tank
- Off-road tires
- Solar prep
- 40-lb. LP with Quick Connect
- Indoor and outdoor fridge
- Has a bathroom with a shower
Cons:
- Only sleeps three people.
- Has no dining area other than small tables
9: Lance RV Lance 1475
The Lance RV Lance 1475 is one of the more luxurious off-road pull-behind campers on our list. There’s a Bluetooth stereo, solar prep, a large bathroom with shower, and plenty of storage.
Pros:
- Solar prep
- Exterior wash station
- Exterior propane station
- Bluetooth stereo
- Has a bathroom with a shower
Cons:
- Only sleeps two people
10: Happier Camper HC1 Off-Grid
The vintage-looking Happier Camper HC 1 Off-Grid is a great option for people who want to configure the camper their way. You can easily customize the inside seating and dining modules to fit your needs.
Pros:
- Off-road tires
- Solar package available
- Lift package available
- It has a modular floorplan that can adapt to your needs.
- Has a bathroom.
Cons:
- Only sleeps three people.
- Relatively expensive
Find Your Perfect Off-Road Pull-Behind Camper
Camping World has many pull-behind campers for the adventurer that loves to get away. Whether you’re considering travel trailers or small camper trailers, Camping World can help.
Just keep in mind your vehicle’s towing capacity and the amenities you’re looking for in an off-road pull-behind camper. Then, take a closer look at the campers we recommended above to see which make and model fits your budget and needs. Happy off-roading!
