As a potential owner of an off-road capable, small trailer, I've leaned heavily into the Hiker Mid-Range XL. As you stated, you only get what you configure the rig to come with. So, start small and DIY you way into options or go all in. They are fully customizable. There are a lot of options out there by way of small trailers. What's keeping me focused on the Hiker is the customer service. I'm emailed, called, submitted multiple build requests, and not once did I have to wait for a detailed response to any of my requests for information. And, when you're ready, a prospective buyer can schedule a call with any of the build reps to discuss the options you think you may need / want. I'm very encouraged by the customer support. My request for a build is going in the end of July, 2023. Expected build time, 90 days. And, they offer updates during the build cycle including pics of your rig. I hope this helps.
I have had the Hiker Extreme off-road for 2 years now, and I looked at tons of other options (about a year of research) before buying the Hiker. Being able to choose my own options (along with solid axle, I can use the same wheels/tires as my Jeep Wrangler, it also uses older model Jeep wrangler leaf springs, and the weight) is what sold me on Hiker. There are some drawbacks if you use it for "extreme off-road", like the under-floor cargo box and the water tank encloser as you mentioned. They both have blunt edges front to rear, which I would have liked to have some sort of skid plate for protection (which I am fabricating my own at the moment). But going from a 2 door Jeep Wrangler with a rooftop tent to this, I have absolutely loved it! I added most of the things myself after buying it like a 270-awning w/ fabricated brackets so it would fit in my garage, and water heater/shower, etc. We just got back from an 8 week overland trip and it handled amazing! I used the Zero Breeze portable AC unit, and it did surprisingly well cooling down the inside even with extreme heat temps. My small 2500w generator fits fine inside the "fridge box", and also have the Jackery 1500 with solar panels. I keep my ICECO VL65 fridge hooked up in the Jeep instead of the trailer, just because we like having a frosty beverage on trails we don't want to take the trailer. The trailer even did really well in the middle of a hail storm, not a dent or scratch anywhere on it. And I can (and do) haul this trailer with my 2 door Wrangler with no p[roblems at all. I love this trailer and can't wait to see what new design features they have in the future (Not Sponsored). Good luck in your search :)
Take a look at the Drifter Trailers they have a better off road suspension set up and they have a kitchen in the rear Both are great trailers for different reasons. Also look at the Black Series Pop up camper pricey but they are the gold standard in Pull behind off road campers. I will prpbay get the Hiker just bang for the Mid Range XL will meet 95% of my needs But if Budget wasn't a concern its 3rd on my wish list. I do like the fact that i can get matching rims and tires for Toyota with Hiker.
We are leaning towards one of these in the next couple years. I spoke with a guy at a recent, overland rally, and he said Dexter sells the hubs for different vehicles (mine is a 6 lug Toyota Tacoma), and a set is only a couple hundred dollars. They dont offer that yet-but they MIGHT be in the future. Either way, a weekend day spent changing hubs, to fit my tire patterns, works for me!
@@FarFromOrdinary Yes, that kind of sucks, but, right now, our kitchen is my tailgate, lol. Not great in bad weather, for sure. A 270 awning on the trailer would solve that though! All of it is a compromise-I do like the way classic teardrops open, but, for the money, I cannot find one with the stuff I want, and the clearance I need.
@@oldsoldier181 we hear you there! Before we teamed up with MDC and this trailer we used our tailgate too, it's not the best but also not the worst lol
the galley on the hiker leaves something to be desired when compared to other manufactures. i guess the question you'd need to ask yourself is do i need/want that type of galley. i'm going from a self contained RV to an offroad trailer. i'm weighing out my options before deciding. i do like the alacarte option that hiker offers. you can go bare bones if you want, then add options as you feel you need/want.
Yep the ala carte is nice! But the lack of running water, that's something that I don't think I could go without given how much we've used one at this point.
Not sure if you've come across them yet, but Kingdom Camping Adventure Pro Mini looks pretty amazing. There's also Off Grid Trailers up in Canada, or of course Xpedition Trailers. Cheers!
They are really neat little trailers, I'm looking at the extreme offroad, but looking at the conqueror uev 14 as well. 30k vrs 50k? 2k pound weight difference..... idk.... build quality of the conqueror far out weighs the hiker. I'm torn.... I like them both
@@FarFromOrdinary I started off with a Mammoth HV. Great trailer, damn near indestructible, but ultimately I like the 23 Zero options on the Pando plus the option to add a second fridge. The upgrades were well worth the cost difference. My only complaint is the optional Ecowave AC unit. It might work well in drier climates but in the southeast humidity it performs rather poorly. I may end up installing a DC roof mount AC unit on it. I would also like to see Off Grid Trailers go to a Redarc electrical system. Whatever you get, upgrade to lithium batteries as the AGM 100aH drain fairly quickly.
It really depends on what you're looking for. I have a mid-range we picked up used a few years ago for only $5k. These are some of the least expensive trailers you can find and I cant justify spending upwards of $20 or $30k on a teardrop. We've never needed heat or AC, I'm not going camping to watch TV at night, and I've gotten over some pretty rugged terrain. Spent a few weekends customizing it, but I prefer simple - nothing to break or maintain. Cheap, light, uncomplicated, durable....and $ leftover for beer.
As a potential owner of an off-road capable, small trailer, I've leaned heavily into the Hiker Mid-Range XL. As you stated, you only get what you configure the rig to come with. So, start small and DIY you way into options or go all in. They are fully customizable.
There are a lot of options out there by way of small trailers. What's keeping me focused on the Hiker is the customer service. I'm emailed, called, submitted multiple build requests, and not once did I have to wait for a detailed response to any of my requests for information. And, when you're ready, a prospective buyer can schedule a call with any of the build reps to discuss the options you think you may need / want. I'm very encouraged by the customer support.
My request for a build is going in the end of July, 2023. Expected build time, 90 days. And, they offer updates during the build cycle including pics of your rig.
I hope this helps.
Great feedback! This is all really good to know. The 90 day lead time is exactly what we were told as well. Definitely a solid option!
I have had the Hiker Extreme off-road for 2 years now, and I looked at tons of other options (about a year of research) before buying the Hiker. Being able to choose my own options (along with solid axle, I can use the same wheels/tires as my Jeep Wrangler, it also uses older model Jeep wrangler leaf springs, and the weight) is what sold me on Hiker. There are some drawbacks if you use it for "extreme off-road", like the under-floor cargo box and the water tank encloser as you mentioned. They both have blunt edges front to rear, which I would have liked to have some sort of skid plate for protection (which I am fabricating my own at the moment). But going from a 2 door Jeep Wrangler with a rooftop tent to this, I have absolutely loved it! I added most of the things myself after buying it like a 270-awning w/ fabricated brackets so it would fit in my garage, and water heater/shower, etc. We just got back from an 8 week overland trip and it handled amazing! I used the Zero Breeze portable AC unit, and it did surprisingly well cooling down the inside even with extreme heat temps. My small 2500w generator fits fine inside the "fridge box", and also have the Jackery 1500 with solar panels. I keep my ICECO VL65 fridge hooked up in the Jeep instead of the trailer, just because we like having a frosty beverage on trails we don't want to take the trailer. The trailer even did really well in the middle of a hail storm, not a dent or scratch anywhere on it. And I can (and do) haul this trailer with my 2 door Wrangler with no p[roblems at all. I love this trailer and can't wait to see what new design features they have in the future (Not Sponsored). Good luck in your search :)
Great feedback!
I have a 2012 jkr 2 dr and have been considering the EOR, was some what concerned about the weight. Good to hear you had no issues towing it!
This is the way I am leaning , it actually works great for what I need
That's the great thing about these different trailers there seems to be one for every type of need.
Take a look at the Drifter Trailers they have a better off road suspension set up and they have a kitchen in the rear Both are great trailers for different reasons. Also look at the Black Series Pop up camper pricey but they are the gold standard in Pull behind off road campers. I will prpbay get the Hiker just bang for the Mid Range XL will meet 95% of my needs But if Budget wasn't a concern its 3rd on my wish list. I do like the fact that i can get matching rims and tires for Toyota with Hiker.
Nice! Thanks for the heads up will look into those.
We are leaning towards one of these in the next couple years. I spoke with a guy at a recent, overland rally, and he said Dexter sells the hubs for different vehicles (mine is a 6 lug Toyota Tacoma), and a set is only a couple hundred dollars. They dont offer that yet-but they MIGHT be in the future. Either way, a weekend day spent changing hubs, to fit my tire patterns, works for me!
Ah nice! Yeah you can't beat the cost on these things, just wishing they had a kitchen area!
@@FarFromOrdinary Yes, that kind of sucks, but, right now, our kitchen is my tailgate, lol. Not great in bad weather, for sure. A 270 awning on the trailer would solve that though! All of it is a compromise-I do like the way classic teardrops open, but, for the money, I cannot find one with the stuff I want, and the clearance I need.
@@oldsoldier181 we hear you there! Before we teamed up with MDC and this trailer we used our tailgate too, it's not the best but also not the worst lol
the galley on the hiker leaves something to be desired when compared to other manufactures. i guess the question you'd need to ask yourself is do i need/want that type of galley. i'm going from a self contained RV to an offroad trailer. i'm weighing out my options before deciding. i do like the alacarte option that hiker offers. you can go bare bones if you want, then add options as you feel you need/want.
Yep the ala carte is nice! But the lack of running water, that's something that I don't think I could go without given how much we've used one at this point.
Not sure if you've come across them yet, but Kingdom Camping Adventure Pro Mini looks pretty amazing. There's also Off Grid Trailers up in Canada, or of course Xpedition Trailers. Cheers!
Taking notes, thanks!!
They are really neat little trailers, I'm looking at the extreme offroad, but looking at the conqueror uev 14 as well. 30k vrs 50k? 2k pound weight difference..... idk.... build quality of the conqueror far out weighs the hiker. I'm torn.... I like them both
They are pretty similar! It's a tough choice there's a growing number of options.
Go with the Pando 2.0 or 3.0
Oh yeah?
@@FarFromOrdinary I started off with a Mammoth HV. Great trailer, damn near indestructible, but ultimately I like the 23 Zero options on the Pando plus the option to add a second fridge. The upgrades were well worth the cost difference. My only complaint is the optional Ecowave AC unit. It might work well in drier climates but in the southeast humidity it performs rather poorly. I may end up installing a DC roof mount AC unit on it. I would also like to see Off Grid Trailers go to a Redarc electrical system. Whatever you get, upgrade to lithium batteries as the AGM 100aH drain fairly quickly.
Hmmm… of the trailers you’ve shown, this one seems very meh…
It's definitely a little different than the others!
It really depends on what you're looking for. I have a mid-range we picked up used a few years ago for only $5k. These are some of the least expensive trailers you can find and I cant justify spending upwards of $20 or $30k on a teardrop. We've never needed heat or AC, I'm not going camping to watch TV at night, and I've gotten over some pretty rugged terrain. Spent a few weekends customizing it, but I prefer simple - nothing to break or maintain. Cheap, light, uncomplicated, durable....and $ leftover for beer.
Overpriced