The classic teardrop trailer has been a mainstay in the RV space for decades, offering buyers a towable that is a step up from tent camping, while remaining relatively compact, lightweight, and easy to tow. In recent years, innovative manufacturers have evolved the teardrop concept, utilizing new materials and manufacturing processes while adding modern technologies to the mix. But now, a company called Motsmann Engineering is looking to upend everything we know about these diminutive travel trailers by delivering something completely new and different. Meet the Outranger, an affordable rig with plenty of style and features.
Photo Credit: Motsmann Engineering
The first thing you’ll notice about the Outranger is that it isn’t teardrop-shaped. Instead, the designers elected to go with a more squared-off look, which obviously equates to more interior space. The rig is also made completely from molded fiberglass, which adds durability and resistance to the elements while keeping the weight low. With a dry weight of just 1,450 lbs, the trailer is easily towed behind a wide variety of vehicles, including small trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. An axle-less independent suspension and 30″ Falken Wildpeak tires on 15″ wheels add stability and support when transitioning on and off-road, while an electric braking system ensures good control over a variety of surfaces.
Built for wandering and camping off-grid, the Outranger ships with a standard 200Ah lithium battery pack, which is expandable to 400Ah or 600Ah. An optional solar package adds a 200W solar panel to the roof and a Victron MPPT solar charge controller to the set-up. Customers can elect to also add a 120V power system—complete with a 2000W Xantrex inverter and two 120V outlets—and a tow-vehicle charging package that recharges the batteries from the alternator while in transit.
Photo Credit: Motsmann Engineering
Like other teardrops, the galley kitchen is located under a hatch in the rear of the trailer. The standard model ships without a lot of frills, allowing owners to utilize existing appliances if they have them. Optional add-ons include a Dometic cooktop that connects to a 10 lb propane tank and a faucet and sink fed by a 14-gallon freshwater tank. An 8-gallon gray tank is also included in the optional water system. Motsmann will also add a 20L drawer refrigerator in the rear galley at the customer’s request, with a second 30L drawer refrigerator available behind the rig’s exterior fold-down table. This handy feature comes standard and adds 48″ x 21″ of additional meal prep space for camp chefs.
Inside, the Outranger offers a cabin with 50″ of height and a sleeping area with an 82″ mattress. The interior is a blend of molded fiberglass and upholstered surfaces, offering owners an opportunity to customize the space to meet their individual needs and personality. An optional propane heater and a Zero Breeze Mark 3 air conditioner add upgraded climate control, although a powerful roof-mounted ventilation fan does come standard on the rig. Access is granted via doors on either side of the trailer.
Photo Credit: Motsmann Engineering
Other features of note include an aluminum storage box with 9 cubic feet of space mounted on the tongue, with the option to add an aluminum roof rack with crossbars. A 7′ Kammok Crosswing awning is also an optional upgrade, as are mounting brackets for a shower tent, allowing owners to once again repurpose gear that they may already own.
The Outranger ships in four standard colors, including white, gray, orange, and green. Additional premium colors are available for customers looking to further personalize their rig. The compact trailer has a starting price of $25,950, with preorders starting on September 1. That’s when an online configurator is expected to go live, allowing potential buyers to order a trailer to their exacting specifications. Visit the Motsmann website for more details and checkout the video above to see the Outranger in all of its glory.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
