I think that comparison is totally possible to do, although I think what we have come to realize is it really comes down to what you want to use your Hiker for, as well as your budget and tow vehicle. For Ross and I, we ordered our EOR Hiker back in December 2021 with the intention of it being our full-time traveling home for the year of 2023. In addition, we wanted the EOR specifically because of the Tacoma that we had been building up for overlanding- traveling to those roads less traveled. The EOR was the only thing we saw on the market that not only was customizable to what we wanted, but it was capable of going where our taco could go AND it was within our budget. For us, we couldn’t have gone any other way. I’d be interested in what Doug and Glenna would have to say with why they went with their model and if it has met those needs! I hope this all helps for anyone considering a Hiker 🙂
100% agree with what @fobwldn said. For us it was a budget restriction as the determining factor between the MRXL and EOR. I wrote this recently to someone inquiring about the same topic and will just paste below. "We have a Mid Range XL and do a fair amount of moderate-rough roads, then the occasional spur road that is more proper off road. I would say a 90/10 split of reasonable forest roads vs rough trails. It handles the rough stuff ok, best when the trailer tires are aired down for a little added deadening pre-suspension. If you're not trying to win a race it's fine. Our trailer has been slightly airborne more than once (a little too fast over a rough cattle guard or bump) and the box is 100% solid, it can take a lot. There is nothing I wouldn't do with the MRXL that the tow vehicle can handle. Just have to go much slower. We have been camping with FOB WALDEN (RUclips) FOB.WLDN (Instagram) the last few weekends. They have an EOR, the suspension is far superior to the MRXL. Watching back some video, ours is bouncing significantly over medium size rocks, where as their box appeared smooth over the same terrain. We will likely upgrade the suspension ourselves to a Timbren axel-less at some point, however the price to do so would justify getting an EOR if you still can make that choice. Overall to sum up our opinion, we're perfectly happy with the MRXL. However if we could go back we would go for the EOR to start. Hope this is helpful!"
Thanks to both the DesertPoint and FOBWLDN crews for your responses to my question - your observations are very beneficial and much appreciated. For context, I have Cedar Ridge Vega AT teardrop, that has timbren 2500 suspension that behaves very well on both road and trail. The XT Vega from the same company has 3500 timbren suspension and bigger wheels. I pull with a Jeep Gladiator so my rig as it sits works pretty well for the towing aspects, and like you, the Jeep and trailer will go about anywhere I'd be inclined to try and get to. My area of envy for your setup is the square rear and and the ability to put a 270 degree awning up. that is not even possible for my rig and every one of your videos makes me wonder if I should replace my teardrop with a Hiker.... ughh.....
We have had ours for 2 years and it has held up great! We are also very hard on our trailer, we exclusively camp in remote dispersed campsites all on dirt roads to moderate off-roading. Maintenance is extremely easy as there are very few installed components. Our electrical has been perfect, box and frame have been perfect, beyond that you just need to re-grease the bearings once a year.
We have the MRXL and it did just fine! You just have to take things a little slow on the rocks and fast on the sand. You will definitely need a tow vehicle with true 4x4. Also there is an area about 100 yards further back from the main parking area that offers additional camping. I would not recommend going back there without having a locking differential. There are plenty of camping spots by the main parking area.
Unfortunately the road to White Pocket is likely 4x4 only. It has many signs from the bureau of land management (BLM) stating "know the difference between 4x4, AWD and 2WD, 4x4 only". I have seen a few AWD Subaru's with aggressive all terrain tires aired down make it fine. There are points where our frame was dragging in the sand with just over 9 inches of ground clearance. Not to discourage from exploring the area, just trying to make sure you have a realistic picture of the terrain.
So enjoy your trip around the Grand Canyon area.
Happy belated Birthday! Awesome spot in the Kaibab NF. We love it there as well
Thanks! It was a great spot to get in the cooler air for a few days!
Yalls video popped up on my suggested videos. Enjoyed it. I’m a fellow Nissan guy, camping, wheelin guy myself. New subscriber! 👍🏻
I’m in Phoenix and would love to look at your rig! We are interested in getting one and have 2 dogs as well!
would be great to get your perspective on the pro/cons of your Hikers vs your friends' Extreme model.
I think that comparison is totally possible to do, although I think what we have come to realize is it really comes down to what you want to use your Hiker for, as well as your budget and tow vehicle. For Ross and I, we ordered our EOR Hiker back in December 2021 with the intention of it being our full-time traveling home for the year of 2023. In addition, we wanted the EOR specifically because of the Tacoma that we had been building up for overlanding- traveling to those roads less traveled. The EOR was the only thing we saw on the market that not only was customizable to what we wanted, but it was capable of going where our taco could go AND it was within our budget. For us, we couldn’t have gone any other way. I’d be interested in what Doug and Glenna would have to say with why they went with their model and if it has met those needs! I hope this all helps for anyone considering a Hiker 🙂
100% agree with what @fobwldn said. For us it was a budget restriction as the determining factor between the MRXL and EOR. I wrote this recently to someone inquiring about the same topic and will just paste below.
"We have a Mid Range XL and do a fair amount of moderate-rough roads, then the occasional spur road that is more proper off road. I would say a 90/10 split of reasonable forest roads vs rough trails. It handles the rough stuff ok, best when the trailer tires are aired down for a little added deadening pre-suspension. If you're not trying to win a race it's fine. Our trailer has been slightly airborne more than once (a little too fast over a rough cattle guard or bump) and the box is 100% solid, it can take a lot. There is nothing I wouldn't do with the MRXL that the tow vehicle can handle. Just have to go much slower.
We have been camping with FOB WALDEN (RUclips) FOB.WLDN (Instagram) the last few weekends. They have an EOR, the suspension is far superior to the MRXL. Watching back some video, ours is bouncing significantly over medium size rocks, where as their box appeared smooth over the same terrain.
We will likely upgrade the suspension ourselves to a Timbren axel-less at some point, however the price to do so would justify getting an EOR if you still can make that choice.
Overall to sum up our opinion, we're perfectly happy with the MRXL. However if we could go back we would go for the EOR to start. Hope this is helpful!"
Thanks to both the DesertPoint and FOBWLDN crews for your responses to my question - your observations are very beneficial and much appreciated.
For context, I have Cedar Ridge Vega AT teardrop, that has timbren 2500 suspension that behaves very well on both road and trail. The XT Vega from the same company has 3500 timbren suspension and bigger wheels. I pull with a Jeep Gladiator so my rig as it sits works pretty well for the towing aspects, and like you, the Jeep and trailer will go about anywhere I'd be inclined to try and get to. My area of envy for your setup is the square rear and and the ability to put a 270 degree awning up. that is not even possible for my rig and every one of your videos makes me wonder if I should replace my teardrop with a Hiker.... ughh.....
Hi there, wondering how your Hiker trailer is holding up. We are thinking of ordering one. Love to hear your thoughts on durability.
We have had ours for 2 years and it has held up great! We are also very hard on our trailer, we exclusively camp in remote dispersed campsites all on dirt roads to moderate off-roading.
Maintenance is extremely easy as there are very few installed components. Our electrical has been perfect, box and frame have been perfect, beyond that you just need to re-grease the bearings once a year.
Do you think the midrange XL could make it out to white pocket?
We have the MRXL and it did just fine! You just have to take things a little slow on the rocks and fast on the sand. You will definitely need a tow vehicle with true 4x4. Also there is an area about 100 yards further back from the main parking area that offers additional camping. I would not recommend going back there without having a locking differential. There are plenty of camping spots by the main parking area.
Wondering if an AWD Sienna hybrid with 6.9 inches of clearance would traverse those roads.
Unfortunately the road to White Pocket is likely 4x4 only. It has many signs from the bureau of land management (BLM) stating "know the difference between 4x4, AWD and 2WD, 4x4 only". I have seen a few AWD Subaru's with aggressive all terrain tires aired down make it fine. There are points where our frame was dragging in the sand with just over 9 inches of ground clearance. Not to discourage from exploring the area, just trying to make sure you have a realistic picture of the terrain.