Rough and Ready RVs

Webster’s dictionary defines the term “rugged” as an adjective meaning “sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring.” When it comes to travel trailers, most RVers seldom think of them in terms of ruggedness. After all, the average RVer usually limits his or her camping adventures to RV parks and improved campgrounds and travels paved roadways to get there.

However, a growing number of RVers are seeking out campsites that are often well away from paved roads, city lights, and full hookups. The typical travel trailer doesn’t fare well being used on a regular basis for this type of camping, where rougher road surfaces take their toll on axles, tires, and the trailer structure itself.

Fortunately, many travel trailer manufacturers have designed some brands/models that have more rugged frames, suspensions with more travel, heavier-duty tires, sturdier body structures, and other features to make them stronger and more enduring for off-grid camping. Here’s a sample of rugged trailers we’d happily hitch a truck to for those off-the-beaten-path getaways.

BRX Trailers X2+

Rugged. Compact. American-made. Blue Ridge Expedition (BRX) trailers specialize in “Building trailers for roads less travelled.” The X2+ model is the loaded version of three 16- foot, 9-inch BRX off-road/expedition-style teardrop trailers that are light enough to tow behind many crossovers, Jeeps, smaller SUVs, and midsize pickups. The BRX X2+ is fully outfitted with a spacious Thule Tepui three-person rooftop tent, a side awning and a screened side room, a 180-watt solar system, a queen mattress, and LED lighting.

There’s maple cabinetry in the rear galley that’s complete with a Dometic 58-quart cooler, a stainless sink, and a two-burner Partner Steel Co. gas stove. It also has a propane tank, generator, inverter, and dual 12-volt batteries among a long list of other standard features. The Timbren 3,500-pound HD axle-less suspension with 275/65R18 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires and a heavy-duty steel frame adds to this go-anywhere trailer’s rugged design. MSRP: $52,800

Brüder EXP-6 PT

If you want the Maserati of rugged expedition-style travel trailers, the Australian-built Brüder EXP-6 PT (complete with a pop-top) is it. Each one is custom-built and shipped direct to customers worldwide.

From the sealed chassis that follows the contour and protects the entire underside of the body to the patented independent suspension that has three times the travel of other dual-axle systems to the thick walls of the all-composite body that also stores the 52-gallon freshwater supply, nothing compares to this 22-foot, 7,700-pound luxury off-road camper. This all-season pop-top comfortably sleeps four, has a two-way pullout kitchen accessible from both inside and outside, state-of-the-art electronics including a 3,000-watt inverter and 800-watt solar panels, and a rear entry into a very comfortable interior with a wet bath and plenty of storage.

With a body width of less than 7 feet and more than 2 feet of ground clearance, the EXP-6 can easily go most anywhere your 4WD dares to tread. It’s also available in a hardtop (GT) model for the same price. MSRP: $149,900

Outdoors RV Back Country 24KRS

Outdoors RV’s Back Country 24KRS travel trailer is another floorplan well equipped for off-the-grid camping. This 24-foot, dual-entry, solar-equipped, rear-kitchen model is built on Outdoors RV’s stout Cambered Off-Road HD 8-inch Chassis sitting atop a MORryde CRE3000 long-travel suspension and KYB shocks. The 2-inch-thick aluminum wall frames are topped with heavy-duty laminated fiberglass hard walls.

Other features include thermal pane windows, a triple-insulated roof, and an enclosed and heated underbelly. The flooring is Trekk Outdoors Tough, the cushions are 40% thicker than the ones found in previous offerings, and there’s a Home Defense Quick Access safe under the queen bed.

This 9,995-pound (GVWR) trailer comes with a 3,600-watt Onan generator, 80-gallon gray-water and 100-gallon freshwater tanks, and a 35,000-Btu furnace. Regardless of the season, the Back Country is a very comfortable yet rugged family trailer that can sleep four. MSRP: $74,113

Lance Camper Enduro

The innovative, composite-bodied Enduro from Lance Camper is an 18-foot trailer that combines the exterior rear galley area, high ground clearance, independent Timbren suspension, off-road tires, and an optional rooftop tent system of teardrop adventure-style off-road trailers with the headroom of a conventional travel trailer.

Inside this 2,700- pound (empty) trailer is an 80-by-72-inch bed, a pair of kid’s drop-down bunks, a wet bath, and a U-shaped dinette. The 12-volt Zero Breeze Mark 2 air conditioner and the Truma Combi eco plus air-and-water-heating system ensures 24/7 comfort. The No Dirty Water MRX water-purification system and 45-gallon freshwater tank, 25-gallon gray-water tank, 380-watt roof-mounted solar panels, and dual lithium-ion batteries help extend those off-grid stays. MSRP: N/A

Ember RV Overland Series 221MSL

Ember Recreational Vehicles merged the popular 191MSL locker area and the spacious livability of its 26-foot 221MDB to create a new floorplan called the Overland Series 221MSL. The trailer is based on Ember’s Trailblazer HD off-road chassis with a Curt independent suspension and dual shocks at each wheel. It has received accolades throughout the industry because of the massive 74-by-46-inch space built into the curbside rear corner. The space is fit with the EmberTrack E-track system that gives the flexibility to hold benches, bunks, a desk, or extra storage space—or they can be removed altogether.

Also inside the living area is a 60-by-80-inch walk-around Murphy-style queen bed, a comfy sofa and removable table, and a well-appointed kitchen. And to bring the outdoors indoors—a Stargazer dual-pane skylight. This 7,000-pound GVWR trailer rides on Goodyear Wrangler tires for added off-road ruggedness. MSRP: $66,090

Northwood Nash 24M OTG

Looking for a rugged travel trailer with a heritage formed in the mountains and backroads that is light enough to tow behind a half-ton pickup? The 27-foot-3-inch, 9,200-pound GVWR Northwood Nash 24M OTG (Off The Grid) is all that and more.

This four-season travel trailer is ideally suited for an adventuresome couple or family of four who loves off-grid camping. It has dual entries, a large rear bath, a queen bed up front, a jackknife sofa in the streetside slide, a dinette that converts into a 40-by-76-inch sleeping space, an L-shaped kitchen, and lots of storage space.

The optional Off The Grid Package ($3,743) equips the trailer with all-terrain tires on custom wheels, Dexter E-Z Flex suspension with KYB shocks, a 215-watt solar system, front/rear LED light bars, a Coleman air conditioner, and a 12-volt awning. MSRP: $52,737