Expedition 2.0 by Off Grid Trailers at Trona Pinnacles

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great video you have here. Honestly I think this is the first video on RUclips I have seen where I can say I am honestly a bit jealous. You checked all the boxes for everything we love in a teardrop. And then you mentioned things we never even thought about, like an electric tea kettle. Also love those Passenger Pigeon blackout curtains. Love those futuristic looking containers you have in the galley. Looks like a perfect fit. We just made a video a month or two ago about Valiant Trailers offroad squaredrop. After seeing one of these off-road small campers in person we have a new respect for the shape of the squaredrop. You don't realize how much space is wasted in a teardrop due to the design until you hop in a trailer like yours. Ahh, I have to quite watching videos like this or I will have to go out an get an offroad "low maintenance" trailer soon. I also have to say that location was also one of the best campsites I have seen as well on this platform. Can't wait to see more videos from you.

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Teardrops are great trailers but like you noted.... I also could see that the square-drop design maximizes the usage of the same footprint much better.....the 31 gallon on board water tank for example in the departure angle is the perfect use of space that would otherwise be hard to utilize. I hope to retire and have lots of time to post more videos soon.... if this lockdown ever ends lol...

[@largemarge1603]

@@BirdPhish
Yup.
I keep saying "This phase of the Economic Lock-Down"!

[@ervinsiverson9101]

Glad I ran across your video. I have an off road teardrop now that is more primitive than yours, and just put a deposit on a fiberglass trailer made by Escape Trailers which is owned by the same venture capitalists that bought OffGrid trailers. Yet I love the simplicity of teardrops, and your trailer can go about anywhere. That dish you made with thinly sliced onions, mushrooms, spinach and eggs looks like the bomb. Safe travels, may our paths cross some time in the future.

[@navajasrs2402]

Not sure why folks would complain. Good video, not just of the trailer's features, but the lifestyle it enables. Happy trails.

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks navajas rs! Complainers will complain, it hasn't bothered me. Posting the video has been a fun experience....recently retired so I will have lots more time now to work on new videos....look for new content soon. Thanks for watching and commenting! check out my other videos...
ruclips.net/video/cRG1Mv7Xgx4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/r_ezWulGflQ/видео.html

[@navajasrs2402]

@@BirdPhish Watched and checked out your channel. I like your laid back minimalist film book type style.
Saw you were up on Hurricane Ridge. Hope you enjoyed your time in our back yard!

[@BirdPhish]

@@navajasrs2402 thank you....it was after our trip to Olympic National Park that I started looking at trailers...loved it up there!

[@NathanKingOverland]

Very cool setup!

[@BirdPhish]

It's a great base camp! Adding the shelf to the back storage area and setting it up with the toaster oven with storage containers I can take out and leave out while at camp transformed that back storage area to function more like a traditional tear-drop, I hang out there and use that just as much as the fold down kitchen area.

[@NameRankAndSerialNumber]

Hey you have a great rig and great channel! Brother, You have to do a video about your solar panels! We are all curious about them. How many you have? What’s the total watts? How you mounted them? How do you get them to swivel? And all the rest of the info. Thanks!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks NRaSN! And sorry for the sporadic lack of content...l I do have a video soon to be released on my solar set-up...600 watts total...stay tuned and thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@tinaflagg2942]

Off Grid trailer is also top on my list. In fact my list is just one now. I'm intrigued by the toaster oven. I've seen a folding Coleman oven for the stove but am skeptical of how well it works IRL. I love the hot water pitcher idea. While camping it seems like I spend a great portion of time making water hot for coffee and cocoa which takes up a burner and propane. Thanks for the ideas, keep on camping!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching and commenting Tina! Still love my trailer 2 years and going...oh and be sure to watch my other videos... I hope you will be out in your own trailer soon! Happy camping!

[@nathanjordan8362]

Thank you for this great video and comments. Very informative. Just found out am not going to get laid off at work so might take plunge. I am longing to see desert of USA. Thank you

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you, very glad it has been helpful! Nice to hear your job will be there, I was able to keep working through this fortunately. The deserts are my favorite places....can't wait to get back out there!

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you for all the views and the thumbs ups! I appreciate the comments and questions too. And I understand and appreciate the thumbs down as well, I will try to do better if I make more videos of the trailer on future trips.
I had someone with a question about the curtains that I put in, I found them on Amazon: PASSENGER PIGEON Thermal Insulated 100% Blackout Waterproof Fabric Custom Window Roller Shades Blinds,20" W x 40" L,Orange, they come in lots of colors and seem well made. I chose the orange color as it sort of matched the orange accent in the Off Grid logo. they add some nice color to the interior so pick a color you like if you so choose.

[@stevemazzara8178]

Hi Tod, thanks for sharing your Off Grid 2.0 walk around at Trona. My wife liked your idea of the toaster oven. We’re working on our 2.0 build sheet and have three questions: Did your trailer come pre wired for 110 volts in the storage area? Where did you find your window shades. Are you happy with you got the furnace option? Thank you.

[@BirdPhish]

Just got back today from an epic 7 week adventure with the trailer! New videos to follow after editing.
I ran the wire and put an outlet for 110 in the back storage...it was easy but I think they offer the options now for power in the back. Window Passenger Pigeon blackout curtains shades I sourced on Amazon, I'll see If I can find a link if you like. Definitely love the furnace option, nice dry heat....expensive option but I would strongly recommend it... adding it afterwards yourself would not be an easy task and you do not want to be using something like a Mr. Buddy Heater in the trailer.

[@stevemazzara8178]

@@BirdPhish Hi Tod, Welcome back. Can't wait to see your adventure videos. Thanks for responding so quickly after just arriving home safely. Thank you for the information. I'll check with OG Trailers about adding the 110 outlet. If you find the link I would appreciate receiving it, and yes, I fully agree with you on the furnace option and I'll pay the price too. I don't want the headache of trying to add it on afterwards. Thanks again. Take care.

[@finfish260]

Hey Todd I bet you're getting ready to head out. The snow is melting up here in Colorado and Idaho and I'm itching to bail myself. However I've started a new project on my Pando 2.0. I'm installing a Renogy MPPT charge controller and a battery monitoring system (through a shunt) so I have more efficient charging and a better idea of where my batteries are with regard to percentage of charge. I'm bringing power in directly from solar panels through a Furrion 10A Power Port and mounting the MPPT charge controller right next to the batteries. I hate to do it but I need to drill a 1 inch hole in the front of the cargo box to mount the connector. I'm also mounting a second 9 pound propane tank on the right side fender using a stainless steel bracket from PowerTank. Have you made any additional modifications on your rig?

[@BirdPhish]

Hey Fin Fish, good to hear from you... congrats on the solar upgrades! The shunt will be a nice addition and help you take care of your batteries, I purchased one too a while back and will install it finally very soon. I have a 2nd propane tank but am just carrying it in the truck bed for now. I made some mods lately that I'll be posting videos on... so sorry I don't want to spill the beans in comments what they are lol....you'll have to wait for the videos. We get our 2nd shot in the arm in May and the day after I have some upgrades being done to my truck suspension and new tires, we'll be heading out on a long adventure right after.....Idaho is in the running still as a destination for our next trip :)
If you've not seen the video on my awning repair and you are considering or have a wall kit it's worth watching...
ruclips.net/video/cRG1Mv7Xgx4/видео.html

[@lr5425]

Really nice set up and video!
I enjoyed it. Thank you. I live in the Andes Mountain area of Peru among an Indigenous people called Quechua, descendentes of the Incas.
I’d like a set up like that but I think it would be difficult traveling some of the roads I travel regularly.

[@BirdPhish]

Thank You! I'm really honored to have a view and comment from Peru! I would love to travel there someday and try out some of those roads :) ...I was considering a trip there once but I couldn't on my budget and went to Costa Rica instead. Really love Incan and Mayan history....I traveled to Mexico for the fall solstice at Chichen Itza to see the serpent climb down the pyramid, very cool. A few months ago I bought a Quena flute to take along in the trailer on our travels....should have time and it'll be fun trying to learn how to play it. Thanks for watching, commenting and happy travels!
my other two videos.... more to follow as I'm recently retired and will be traveling and posting more often.
ruclips.net/video/r_ezWulGflQ/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/cRG1Mv7Xgx4/видео.html

[@katiemurphy2775]

Thanks for this video! My partner and I are just about to be in a financial position to be able to afford an upgrade to our tent/car camping, so I've been doing a ton of research on these little trailers. The videos that are the most informative are ones like yours, owner videos that demonstrate the things they like and don't like about the brand they bought. Thanks again for the walk around, and I might have to snag that tea kettle idea!

[@BirdPhish]

My pleasure, glad to be of some help! Thanks for watching...

[@flyontop]

Thanks for the video, enjoyed it very much. Got those who want a Hollywood production they are in the wrong place... clowns

[@BirdPhish]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! While I will try to do my best and improve on future videos I'm not taking this too seriously....lol....just a one person production here.

[@reesekessler8675]

Thank you so much for your informative video. My research has taken me down the paths that you and others have taken. I am leaning toward the Expedition because of the side kitchen in addition to the quality build. With an awning the kitchen seems to be better protected from the elements than a rear galley. My question has two parts: How well does the 180 degree awning perform in rainy conditions (particularly over the kitchen pullout)? The second part, the 23Zero awning offers a wall(s) which would work well for sun/rain/wind but not mosquitoes etc. The only screen room they offer is with the use of a roof top tent and I have no use for one. How have you dealt with biting insects? I live in FL and will be camping in FL and other areas of NA where that is a concern. I am trying to figure out if an ARB 2500 awning (8'x8') with the deluxe screen room will adequately cover the kitchen area and the door to the cabin. Your thoughts are kindly appreciated.

[@BirdPhish]

Hi Reese, thanks for watching, glad you liked it. The awning is imo integral to the trailer. We had a couple days of rain at Trona and it performed very well, you can stay dry and cook. The awning I have is the Darche and I really like it but I think they are essentially the same as the 23 Zero. I have the wall kit for it, nice to have for windy and cold conditions but I've yet to have to use it, next time out I will put it up just to see how it works. For biting bugs it will not be of help though so my plan for that is to use a separate pop up shelter for refuge, Quick Set Travel shelter is the best from what I've been able to gather. The ARB awning with screen room is not a bad idea! At 8 ft. it should provide enough coverage as there is about 6 feet from drop down kitchen to far side of cabin door.... but it would not provide as much coverage for rain/sun as the 180 or 270 awnings do. Thanks again for watching/ commenting.

[@thomassikes7332]

My dream is to live in one of these full time. Thank you for the video. Great Job!

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you! I think it's definitely possible to live pretty comfortably full time in one of these. That's my long term plan too, I've got some time to prep and practice....this trip to Trona was a good test. Anyway I hope your dream comes true.

[@thomassikes7332]

@@BirdPhish I am considering purchasing a Dodge 2500 Promaster to pull the exact trailer as yours. Any thoughts? One of my worries now is the cost of parking overnight at places. Any suggestions?

[@BirdPhish]

@@thomassikes7332 I'm having no problems towing this trailer with my 2.7L 4cyl Tacoma so I would think any full sized truck would not have any issue at all. Look for BLM land, national forests, preserves and such for free camping. Campendium is one of a few good recources to find free camping, BLM websites. Out here in the western states there is a lot of BLM land. Trona Pinnacles is a good example, we stayed there 12 days and it did not cost us a dime except for gas to get there and the food we brought along. I wouldn't think this would be a good option for stealth parking in an urban setting....maybe in a pinch.

[@georgeseriani2482]

I was born and raised in the desert and I work construction out in the heat everyday so when I get mine it goes with me to the Forrest the mountains or the ocean but I'm getting out of the dessert for sure.

[@BirdPhish]

The best thing about trailers......they follow you wherever you go :-)

[@CosmoWeems]

Great photography! Thank You Very Much =Cosmo

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for stopping by... and the kind comment! Happy camping!

[@xerointell]

You have quite a bit of solar there. I have a couple questions about your solar setup, cause I'd like to get my Pando solarified. 1) how many watts of panels are you running? And 2) I like the rail system you've got the panels on, can you tell me a little about that?

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching and posting a question! At the time of this video I had 400 watts on top and the 90 watt portable, I've since added two more panels covering the front storage rack for 600 watts total, I don't bother with the portable panel any more. 3 of the panels are mounted to some aluminum extrusion to tie them into on unit and that assembly is mounted on hinges and latches attached directly to the roof rack and I have one on a drawer slide that stows underneath the roof rack during travel. I plan on doing a video on the solar install and other fix-up/mods videos as soon as time permits.... Happy camping in the Pando!

[@xerointell]

@@BirdPhish I would really appreciate it if you did that video!

[@BirdPhish]

@@xerointell That's the plan...I had hoped to have something done by now but with Covid and lockdowns we've had to cancel plans

[@zackeoff4164]

Hey, are your solar panels mounted up there or do you just throw them up there when you get where you’re going?

[@BirdPhish]

Those are hard mounted with marine grade hinges on one side to facilitate tilting and stainless latching on the other for flat storage while on the road

[@shomikpathak]

nice, how many AH of battery do you have. The toaster oven could be pulling a lot i reckon

[@BirdPhish]

Currently still have the factory 210AH lead acid batteries so about 100 AH of usable energy....if fully charged already and sunny out the solar panels are adding to that so it's not the full drain on the batteries. When it's heating up the oven pulls 1500 watts but once it's up to temperature it is not on all the time to maintain temperature, it cycles on and off. I've been able to bake at 350F for an hour 1/2 with no problem which is long enough to cook a lot of things. On rotisserie mode the toaster oven only uses the top heater element so it's half the draw as baking takes. Later I added ceramic insulation around the oven which helped to keep the heat in the oven....prior to adding the insulation I was heating up the whole back corner of the trailer lol...now it stays contained in the oven so it cycles on and off less often using less energy. Thanks for watching and commenting....happy camping!

[@shomikpathak]

@@BirdPhish this is helpful thanks

[@shomikpathak]

I am looking for an convection oven / microwave combo less than 20 inches

[@WeOutHere]

Great cooking set up, loved that you even baked cookies haha

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you! This was my first trip with the toaster oven and solar panels to test it all out in the field. The toaster oven gives you a lot of different capabilities for cooking from roast chicken to meat loaf and yes home baked cookies.... one of the few sweets I will afford myself to indulge in.
With the batteries I can get about an hour 1/2 run time on the oven at 350F.... that time and temp will cook just about anything and the panels will fully charge the batteries the next/same day with good sun so I was pleased with how it worked out. Toaster ovens are not good at holding in the heat ( just a metal box) so I found some oven insulation I'm going to wrap the toaster oven in an attempt to make it a little more efficient, try to heat just the oven and not the whole rear of the trailer lol... which should use less battery per given recipe.

[@georgetidd8972]

It was like I was there with you camping,,,things should be slow and real! Hope you enjoy many places ! Cheers

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching! Packing up today and heading out on a 6-7 week long adventure tomorrow...stay tuned for new content in a the coming months....

[@verminilla]

Thanks for the interesting post-I didn't find it horrid at all! I'm interested in this trailer as well and found your video informative and easier to see details than the dealer videos offered. Beautiful scenery too!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching......glad you liked it!

[@hg7240]

slick tip on the electric tea kettle

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you! Initially I was thinking more about redundancy in case you don't have propane or say I don't want to get outside in the cold wind and rain to boil water... but I found it was just plain easier in any case. It's an extra piece of gear but worth it imo.

[@apearl9999]

Finally a video review of the Off-Grid that is not from the dealer or a RV company!! Thanks!! I've been going back and forth between Off-Grid and ITW Boreas XT. Like you and others, tons of research narrowed me down to those two. Thanks to those who have asked many questions I've had and for your answers to them - it has helped a lot! Of the trips you have taken, how rough has the terrain been and did the trailer do well? How is the mattress holding up and did you have to add to it for better comfort? Is the fridge big enough that you stored your food for the 12 days you were in Trona or did you eat a lot of packaged/canned food because the size was not adequate? From the available upgrades, what would have added that you didn't originally and why?

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks! I wanted to post a video because I know it would have been helpful in making up my mind when I was looking.
I've not had it on anything real technical or difficult yet but it does trailer very well on and off road, you forget it's there at times. I've went down some trails not knowing where they lead...It gives you confidence to go for it without worrying too much about dead ends and getting it turned around in a tight spot.
The mattress is adequate, i sleep well on it but it could be better. I plan on adding a Froli sleep system for under the mattress..... maybe if the funds are there lol.
The fridge is pretty large, love it. We came home with so much food after 12 days, if we had another propane tank along we could have stayed another week at least no problem. It was cold so we used the furnace a lot, in warmer weather the propane tank would last months I think.
As for upgrades there aren't any I wished I would have gotten but didn't. I didn't want blue-tooth speakers or the TV options. The 180 awning is essential, I have the wall kit for it but it wasn't up in the video. The Propex furnace you should order even if you don't think you'd need it imo because that would be very difficult to add later, I ordered it thinking of the wife but man is it great when you need to get warm. The 360 max coupler hitch is a nice option too. Maybe skip the spare tire option if you're concerned about tongue weight?
Cheers!

[@apearl9999]

@@BirdPhish Awesome!! Thanks for the additional info.

[@Espiritiv]

I always wondered, is using electric tea kettle better than gas? I guess if you have enough battery charge every day for all your needs then it's free energy. 11 lb propane will last quite a while before you have to fill

[@BirdPhish]

I'm trying to do as much with solar/battery power as I can since it is free power and renews itself. The electric tea kettle is also faster than what my stove will boil water, especially if it's a little windy out. The propane tank does last a long while so propane cost is not really the issue it's more reducing the need to go a fill up somewhere. In the winter with the furnace running the tank lasted almost 2 weeks which is good, in summer if I'm not using the furnace it will last a crazy long time.
If you have the battery capacity though it's worthwhile I think, and you need to have enough solar capacity or shore power to charge your batteries to full each day...it wouldn't make any sense if you are using a generator to charge with .... thanks for watching/commenting!

[@livingforhappiness1799]

How well does the Toyota tow the trailer? Do you have to do anything special?

[@BirdPhish]

It does well....I have the 4 banger with manual trans...it stays with the big trucks up grades and their big 5th wheel trailers. I've had it over multiple 11,000" passes here in CA and just got back from Idaho with it. If it won't pull 4th at 65-70 up a grade you're in 3rd at 60 and about 4000 rpm....if it gets really steep and won't pull 3rd gear you're in 2nd at 45 and 4000 rpm. Gearing, gearing, gearing....the manual trans helps a lot but you have to be patient...take what it will do and it will get up the hill. Off-road in 4 wheel low there is plenty of power. mpg is not great on this truck with the 4....18-19 without and drops to 13-15 mpg with the trailer.. but I am doing some things to try and improve that a bit...we'll see.

[@bikinggal1]

can I ask why my comments get blocked when I provide a link? I've left 2 on your new video and both were removed? Is that something you do or youtube?

[@BirdPhish]

Hi bikinggal1!...so sorry but yes it's something youtube does, I'm not sure why...I've seen other channels mention not to put links in comments cuz they get blocked...maybe there's a setting somewhere but I've not come across it.

[@bikinggal1]

@@BirdPhish oh glad it wasn't personal!! haha Do a search for home made Berkey filter on here...some really inexpensive ways to make your own!! I want to make a small one for camping.

[@BirdPhish]

@@bikinggal1 I will look around for the why links get blocked...probably a legit reason but seems annoying. We have the Travel Berkey so I'm sort of considering the reverse...making a bigger one for home use

[@bikinggal1]

@@BirdPhish the bigger one they make uses 2 large stainless steel cooking pots they get from Walmart. one channel ordered actual Berkey filters and the other one bought some filters from Amazon. They attached a nice spigot with turn off/on at bottom. Some make them out of plastic buckets but who wants that sitting on their counters?? I tried to order the travel berkey but they have been sold out for some time.

[@BirdPhish]

@@bikinggal1 yeah I kept an eye on stock and managed to snap one up when they were available....the prices of the filters seem reasonable considering how long they last but the containers Berkey sells are way overpriced imo....some things are worth the time and effort to make yourself and this is one of them I think. Stainless Steel is difficult to drill and cut through so you may want to take care to get help with the holes...

[@gedcatherwood2253]

Thank you Sir , great vid

[@BirdPhish]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@finfish260]

I noticed that all the solar panels Off Grid offers come with a charge controller. Can't you plug a 12V 100W solar panel with no charge controller directly into the trailer.

[@BirdPhish]

When I bought the trailer I knew nothing about solar, I've learned a lot since lol. "Solar Ready" in the RV industry means you have a pre-wired receptacle/plug (place to plug in) for a solar panel that has a built in charge controller... which is the way this trailer came. So if you want to add solar panels like I did you have to add a charge controller for them or use panels that have controllers included.
I ordered the Zamp portable panel from Off-grid with the trailer so I knew I would have something to charge it up with. I learned on the trip home it would be just enough to keep the fridge running and the battery from discharging completely but not enough for my intended use. It's fine if all you plan to do is go out on weekends or weeklong excursions. I wanted to do more and be good for extended cloudy and rainy conditions or just shade covered camping and I had no plans for something on the roof rack.

[@mikemead2315]

Company should use your video! So much better than theirs. Thanks!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching! Generous comment...I'm a perfectionist and self critic so I would liked to have done better..... safe to say it has a better setting than the company vids... :)

[@J.Young808]

It’s cool that you can tow that trailer with a Standard cab Tacoma, I’m guessing that it’s the V-6. I’m looking at a 2011, but with the 4-cylinder, so I don’t think I’ll be able to have quite the large set up as you.

[@BirdPhish]

I have the 4 and it's doing okay at towing this, rated for 3500 towing capacity.

[@J.Young808]

I thought that Off-road trailer would be heavier. That gives me hope. MPG must tank though when you tow. What transmission do you have?

[@BirdPhish]

@@J.Young808 It's supposed to be 1800 lbs. dry, I figure I'm around 2500 or so full loaded. Yes even the 4 struggles with mpg when towing.....normally getting 18-19 everyday driving but when towing it drops to around 14-15. Not bad for towing I guess though and I keep up with large trucks towing large trailers going up grades....I have the 5 speed manual transmission....that helps I think.
The trip home from Arizona where I picked up the trailer was brutal.....mid August 100F and the route back up to NorCal was a long grade out of Arizona with signs that say "turn off the AC" and all that...I left the AC on of course and the little 4 pulled strong and the temp gauge never budged from where it normally runs!

[@georgeseriani2482]

I would take it to grand junction Colorado to see my family.

[@BirdPhish]

Colorado is awesome....you're fortunate to have family there I'd say. I've only had the chance to drive thru the state, never could spend any time there yet. Definitely will be trips to Colorado in our plans, more then once, lots to explore and see just around Grand Junction alone!

[@idahomountainelk]

The Off Grid trailer is very high on my list, I just wish they would use the Partner Steel stove. Very rugged and heavy duty to compliment the trailer.

[@BirdPhish]

That would have been a better choice of stove to install. Maybe it can be retro fitted in the same spot?

[@esantos6695]

The off road Hiker trailer was high on my list and so was the Oregon Trailr Terra drop but I like you believe that a no wood trailer is best. Did you have yours shipped to Colorado and was there a shipping charge separate from the final build price?

[@BirdPhish]

Wood is appealing, maybe a pleasing interior vibe and probably would be okay, hard to incorporate insulation though and not as ideal for long term. The Hiker would be a good low budget option I think one could easily upgrade over time. I definitely wanted something hard-sided, no pop-top or roof top tent configurations.
I had mine shipped to Arizona (Lead Dog Motorsports) and it was a significant cost, I think it was just over $1100 but they will let you know how much for you location before you have to sign the final build sheet, it's part of the final purchase pricing. You can pick up direct from Off Grid in Canada and avoid the shipping cost that way but that was too long of a haul for me.
The only other after purchase cost was the CA state tax I had to pay when I registered it at the DMV but that would have been the case on any trailer I would have bought. Registration process was easy and cheap, it took two trips... one for a travel permit and the other for inspection/registration but the tax was..... taxing.

[@ckole10]

There is a shipping charge. Cost estimates are on the Off Grid website. To your door is more expensive than to a Location Ambassador. Nearest to CO is in AZ at the moment.

[@danielmcgregor8803]

Nice video and rig! How's the quality of Off Grid trailers holding up?

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you! The trailer has been perfect, nothing has broken or not worked..... all the aftermarket items they outfitted the trailer with are of high quality, Dometic, Timbren, Propex are all brands you can rely on. The only gripes I've had were the mounts for the struts on the rear hatch I beefed up a bit, they didn't break or anything but they were only held on by two rivets.... I think they could have done better on that detail. And the other disappointment was the wiring on the batteries I had to upgrade to take full advantage of the 1750 watt inverter option I ordered, the factory wire gauge and breaker installed were too small which was a perplexing build choice they made. Overall very happy with it, it should be around a long time after I'm gone. Thanks for watching and commenting.....

[@finfish260]

Here's an update on wheel security. I liked the Proven Industry wheel lock but they just informed me that their lock does not fit the Pro Comp Rockwell Wheels (17 x 8.5 5 x 5.5 / 4.75BS) that come with Off Grid Trailers. I may end up going with the Pewag Hardened Square Link Chain (Grand Junction, Colorado) and wrap it around the axle with a Kryptonite lock - both wheels. This will require me to lay on the ground to get it installed but I'm not too old yet to do that.

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for the update on the info around locks! I imagine the greatest risk of theft is during storage rather than out camping somewhere....someone has a lot more time to case a trailer in storage and I think it's highly unlikely having it stolen from a campsite, boondocking or otherwise. What do you think?
I wish I could fit the Expedition in my garage but it's too tall, one of the drawbacks of this trailer. The place I store my trailer I feel is very safe though, dead end street with no traffic in a rural location. Can't wait to get it out again....soon hopefully! Take care...

[@finfish260]

@@BirdPhish What is the wheel lock that I see you using on your 17" Pro Comp Rockwell wheels?

[@BirdPhish]

@@finfish260 Trimax Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock TCL75 - there are two sizes of these, the TCL65's will not fit so be sure to get the 75. You can get pairs keyed alike, they do a decent job as working as a chock too.

[@finfish260]

@@BirdPhish Thanks so much. Hopefully I'll have the trailer in July - 2 months late. They are having supply chain and work issues due to COVID. Then I'm heading up to the Sawtooth Mountains until October.

[@TheComputerCowboy]

What brand were those metal storage bins you had in the back?

[@BirdPhish]

Zarges, they're kinda pricey. Buy once cry once

[@TheComputerCowboy]

@@BirdPhish my mentality for everything. Just looked them up. They look nice. For future reference, do you recall what sizes you used? They look like the perfect solution for that back storage area.

[@BirdPhish]

The unit I found to fit 4 wide was model # 40700, the only size that fit at all...I like them. Bear proof...rodent proof...last a lifetime.

[@TheComputerCowboy]

@@BirdPhish thank you!

[@ervinsiverson9101]

@@BirdPhish buy once, cry once, my motto exactly. Have not heard many others state that.

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Nice video...
Does it have a airconditioner...?

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching and commenting! No air conditioner, the Fantastic fan on roof moves a ridiculous amount of air though for the small space and reverses to blow in as well. So for some probably not best suited for hot humid nights out on the east coast. I guess you could run a roof top tent and sleep up top when needed for "air conditioning". Totally fine with no air though out here in the western states where it cools off at night. It's not something you'd be spending a hot day in to stay cool...relax in the shade under the awning. Cheers!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

@@BirdPhish
Thank you for the response..
Safe travels

[@xbpbat21x]

I was wondering...how much shopping around did you do? Why did you choose this one over some of the other manufacturers? How do you like the tembren suspension?
Thanks and enjoy your TD!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for the interest. I shopped around and studied for quit a lot before buying this. I wasn't set on any configuration initially, I was considering a van build and planning that out but over time and looking around I decided on a trailer instead of a van build for various reasons but mainly I didn't want to drive a camper around everywhere all the time. I liked the Scamp trailers and almost bought a nice used one I found locally but I had always had teardrop trailers in mind too and saw a video comparing the Scamps and teardrops that made up my mind on a teardrop/squaredrop style trailer, I wanted to be outside, not holed up inside a little Scamp.
Then it was all about comparing all the different teardrop/squaredrop style and the like trailers I could find. Lots of videos and websites, not any shopping at RV lots at all as I was not interested in a mainstream junk RV. There were few trailers in the end that I narrowed it down to, Oregon Trailer Terradrop was one and the Overland Boreas XT was another. I wanted an all metal build, the wood Oregon Trailer Terradrop is appealing and nicely built but I'm not sure it's the best material for a trailer. I wanted a hard sided trailer, not a pop-up tent style so Turtleback trailers and the like were not a consideration but I did compare with them. Hiker Trailers is a good low budget option I think. The Off Grid Expedition 2.0 trailer had the best design imo, best use of footprint and features...two batteries where others had just one, all the options offered and the ease of ordering and buying. No long waiting list, waiting for a quote from the builder or long lead time, it all just added up to the best choice for me. It's not perfect but then what is.
Suspension has been great, it tows like a dream and no issues whatsoever. Tembren is a big name in the trailering industry so I trust the design over some custom suspension set-up made by a single trailer manufacturer. Cheers!

[@xbpbat21x]

@@BirdPhish thanks for your quick response! I was looking at some of the same models...also the ecopod and overkills's tk47...i like the looks of yours and the tk47. The OFF GRID trailers seem to give more bang for your buck. It sure does look like fun! I hope you get many years out of it. Happy trails!

[@BirdPhish]

@@xbpbat21x Thanks, I hope to be in this full time or close to full time traveling in a couple years, retirement is close :). I looked at and liked the Overkill trailers too, but the impression I got from their web site is they were a small shop which made me a bit nervous, the ordering process for Off Grid was nice with no deposit, ease of determining pricing for the configuration you want and the quick turn around. Happy Trailering!

[@mdizzle_93]

Nice video! How’s the trailer holding up? I Watched a different channels video about the pando and read comments replies stating they had multiple faulty wiring issues and rivets popping on the inside of the cabin area, on top of that the hitch broke. They also said that when stuff started going wrong the customer service was sub par. Long story short they ended selling it to someone who was going to gut it and rebuild. I’ve been really interested in buying one the past month or so but figured I should do a lot of research first. Thanks!

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching! I had planned to do a new video but we just got locked down again 😫 The trailer is holding up well. There were a couple things that could have been done better but it looks like they address those with the new model this year. Customer service for me has been great! They sent a replacement running light that got cracked in delivery and I've been happy overall.

[@finfish260]

Do you have an email address you can share? Because of all the help you provided me this year, I wanted to send you pictures of the adapter plate I designed and built that allowed me to bolt the XO750 Extreme off-road trailer jack (black edition) directly onto my Pando 2.0. It replaces the Fulton that comes with Off Grid Trailers. All you need to install it is two 14mm wrenches and 30 minutes of your time.

[@BirdPhish]

Hi Fin Fish! I have the XO750 jack on my trailer now...it's so much better than what came on the trailer. I don't have an email acc. set up for the channel yet but I will work on it and get it to you. We had a trip planned for this week but they locked us down again so had to cancel. I'm working on new videos when we can get out there, hopefully soon.

[@frankbartschi]

Thank you for the video, this is the first owner video I've seen. I'm leaning heavily towards the Expedition 2.0 but I need to upgrade my tow vehicle first. Currently driving a Subaru Outback that doesn't quite have the towing capacity for this. Just a couple of questions. I like those containers you have in the back storage compartment but couldn't hear what you called them. Can you tell me the brand name? Also, I like the toaster oven in the back. Was that AC outlet standard or did you have to install it yourself? Thanks for your help.

[@BirdPhish]

Thanks for watching. The containers are by Zarges, sourced them on Amazon.... they come in many sizes and shapes. The unit I found to fit 4 wide was model # 40700, I like them. The AC outlet in the back I installed myself, it would be a nice option for Off Grid to offer AC and DC outlets maybe lights in the back storage....anyway it wasn't that hard to do.

[@ckole10]

The trailer weighs around 2200-2300 lbs loaded including water. Doesn't the Outback have a towing capacity of over 5000 lbs?

[@99problemsbutafishaintone35]

What kind of electric tea kettle is that?

[@BirdPhish]

It's a Mueller, model is M99S. Rated pretty high in the reviews and I had a Mueller vacuum cleaner I really like so I went and got it and it's working out really well. It shuts off automatically when it reaches a boil. Thanks for the question!
fish on

[@99problemsbutafishaintone35]

@@BirdPhish Thanks for your quick reply! just ordered it and an Expedition II. Can't wait to explore and fish.

[@BirdPhish]

@@99problemsbutafishaintone35 I'll bet you can't wait lol. FYI - It took some work to the wiring to be able to handle the load of the tea kettle and toaster oven, I had to upgrade the cables for the inverter and batteries. It wasn't too hard but if you aren't handy you may want to ask Off Grid about it before taking delivery. The main issue was the cables and main breaker are not sized to handle high load devices like the tea kettle but it's just fine as delivered for a say a TV or laptop.

[@georgeseriani2482]

Not where I would take it

[@BirdPhish]

Hi George! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, the feedback is truly appreciated.
You know where I grew up in the flat farmland of Iowa... the deserts were something I only saw on television and wondered about as a kid.....mostly in old westerns... and the Trona Pinnacles site in this video was in lots of westerns and even used to film a Lost in Space episode I watched as kid so maybe you can consider how it's pretty awesome for me to visit sites like this. I probably would have a different outlook if I grew up in it or had to live/work in it.
At the time of this video it was winter too so that somewhat limited where I was willing to take the trailer...not prepared and ready for winter/snow camping in the mountains yet lol.
I do love the desert, the high deserts especially like Joshua Tree, but I thought Costa Rica and Mexico was pretty incredible too when I was there on a vacations. I have had the Expedition to the forests .. alongside a nice trout stream in Lassen National Forest.... but shucks I didn't shoot video.
Next year with good fortune I will be retired and we'll be going out full time or close to full time traveling in the Expedition and I hope to post videos of all the travels and locations. Each trip out now is in preparation for and practice for that, a learning experience. I've also got some various mods, fixes and upgrades I'd like to post some videos on.
I'm currently compiling a long list of places to go, things to see and will take all the tips I can get! ....If there is some super place you know of you'd like to see me go with this trailer I'd really love to hear about it and sure do my best to make it there, make some video of it! Anyways George take care, have great day and Happy Camping!

[@finfish260]

What brake controller do you use with your trailer.

[@BirdPhish]

Draw-Tite 5504 Activator IV Electronic Brake Control - I had it installed with the tow hitch.....it's a basic controller probably made by someone else and re-branded Draw-Tite but it is easy to use works just fine.....Set it and forget it.

[@finfish260]

@@BirdPhish Thanks. I did the research and this one looks like a good fit for an Off Grid Trailer. They (eTrailer) actually have an installation pigtail that fits my vehicle.

[@largemarge1603]

Suggestions:
* work from a script.
* rehearse.
* edit ruthlessly.
* narrative during stationary camera to maintain energy.

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you! Great short, concise list of things I can and need to do to improve my video creation. I'll take all the good advise and help I can get....I really appreciate you watching and taking time to share the good suggestions!

[@Brian-bn8ey]

Stop burning the meat then squeezing the juices out! :(

[@BirdPhish]

Hi Brian...thank for watching and taking the time to comment. I did scorch that sausage pretty bad huh.....I was wondering when/if someone would notice lol. It was one of, if not the first time filming myself while cooking so that's my excuse lol.....if you care to watch my next video at "The Playa" I made some Tortilla Espanola pretty well while filming. Happy camping!

[@trop5057]

Horrible video

[@BirdPhish]

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm pretty sure we all whiff and miss the ball the first time we swing a bat....maybe someone even laughs at you when you miss....but if you like playing baseball... do you give up and go home, or do you practice to try to improve and hopefully get better. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@bikinggal1]

By "we" you mean "She" !!! And your video is the least inspiring video I have seen in a long long time!! Jeez, a little excitement in your voice or face might help!!

[@BirdPhish]

Thank you bikinggal1 for taking the time to watch, stop and comment! I appreciate honesty. So.... I guess I should keep my day job then? lol
You are right, I agree with all your points.... I could see that my presentation lacked visual energy, I was pretty dead with an uninteresting monolog voice, and I'm sure others have noticed or thought the same things. This was my first attempt at anything like this....I will keep your comments as good advise and try to improve in any future videos.
I'm not really sure which "we" it is you're referring to, but I went back and watched it over to see and I used we several times, my guess is you were talking about the we in baking cookies? In which case it was actually me that did all the baking and cooking.....not going to explain but the wife doesn't cook ever, not even back at home. The cookies were chocolate oatmeal and it's my mother recipe...I like to bake my cookies what can I say......it's therapeutic... especially when done outdoors lol. I had some b-roll video btw of me baking the cookies that didn't make it into this video.
My wife loves the Propex furnace, I ordered that option thinking of her but boy am I glad too that I opted for it....it's super nice to be able to warm up with nice dry heat! We had it running every night, they were freezing..... but my wife... "she" had it going late into the mornings... "she" will sleep in while I'm an early riser.
My main motivation for posting the video was back when I was interested in this trailer there was not any owner videos out there so I thought I would put something up, as bad as it may be. I am very happy with the response though and enjoyed the experience. No I won't be quitting my day job lol.... but with good fortune I will be able to retire in about a year! Then I will have lots more time to travel, explore, camp out a lot and maybe even produce some videos.
I've always tried to do my best in everything I venture into, photography has always been kind of a hobby of mine and is something I'd like to apply myself and improve at in retirement. Shooting and editing video is all new to me so I've much to learn. Maybe you'll subscribe to see If I do any better next time....

[@bikinggal1]

@@BirdPhish Sorry..if I was so negative...I watch a lot of these videos to try and figure out what I want to buy and retire with. Not just a weekend or a vacation. I don't make videos so I should put a sock in it!! hahah. And good on you for baking while camping...I make great meals but baking I could pass on. My ex husband always said WE, when ever I baked or cooked and it became a bit of a contention for me. It's nice when one person does the work and says WE to include the other...My bad for assuming it was your wife that did the baking.
Please keep making videos, as we all start somewhere. My website is horrible, but I managed to get something out there so I understand. Thanks for the reply. And just show a little animation when showing off your wonderful trailer!! Good luck!

[@BirdPhish]

@@bikinggal1 No worries...I never took your comment as negative....I viewed it as constructive criticism and something to learn from.....I do need to be more animated. Besides anyone with biking in their name is alright by me....it happens I have a thing with two wheels.....ridden many thousands of miles on my mountain bikes and came close to dying several times over on my motorcycles.
As for the wife, she raised two boys on her own after her first husband died so it's her turn to be taken care of...and I enjoy cooking for her.
I am setting up this trailer so we can live out of it in our retirement, not sure if we will have to full time or not.... but I have a feeling we will want to! .....and I want it full time live in capable. Good luck with your search for what you want to retire with!
Some words from a Linton Kwesi Johnson song, a great poet/singer, that have stuck with me over the years..."Life is the greatest teacher....Love is the lesson to be learned."

[@bikinggal1]

@@BirdPhish Perhaps writing is your forte? :)

[@bikinggal1]

@@BirdPhish Can I make a suggestion? get yourself a Berkey Water filter. www.berkeyfilters.com/ I plan to for whatever type of living situation I will be in. I have one at home now and once you read what it will remove from your water you will never drink tap or any other type again. We wash our veg with the water and also cook with it. Even our pets get this water! Also...did I miss a section about toilets? Do you have one? I will be buying this composting toilet. A once a month empty, no chemicals, turns everything to soil www.natureshead.net/. After watching your video, I think I am going to do a Sprinter conversion campervan. I want to be doing this well into my 70's and need to have easy bed access as well as indoor cooking. I want 100% safety inside and to be able to drive away if I don't like it. I have seen some that have a nice inside shower. Back to the drawing board!! haha. I have subscribed now so can see all your videos! Your wife is a lucky woman to have found a man who will take care of her . Ps. there are some fairly cheap Japanese Diesel heaters on Ebay that work great .