Thanks to their mobility and self-contained nature, RVs are ideal for creating unforgettable adventures, even far from traditional campgrounds. Luckily there are many lightweight travel trailers specifically designed for off-grid RV excursions. And good news for your wallet—many of them can be towed with an SUV, so no truck purchase is required to tow your new trailer.
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If you want to leave the campground in your rearview mirror and head off the grid, it’s important to purchase an RV that’s designed for rugged terrain and boondocking conditions. Here are some features that will keep you safe and comfortable even while camping far from shore power and bathhouses.
When you can’t hook up to shore power, you’ll want your refrigerator, cooktop, oven, and TV to work on 12-volt batteries or propane gas. Avoid residential appliances as they will require a more robust energy draw.
If there is even a small possibility that you will add an aftermarket solar package, make sure you look for an RV that is prewired for solar. Better yet, find one that is prewired for an inverter as well, which will allow you to use 110-volt power even while boondocking. Many of the RV models featured in this roundup offer roof-mounted solar kits as optional upgrades. We highly recommend choosing the manufacturer packages when available.
The size of your fresh water tank is an important consideration when camping off the grid. These tanks vary greatly in size from trailer to trailer, so make note of this feature when shopping. You’ll see that within this article’s featured RVs, the fresh water tanks are anywhere from eight gallons to 55 gallons, which is a large variance within the same class of travel trailer.
The bigger your gray and black water tanks are, the longer you can use your sink, shower, and toilet without needing to dump them. Note that some travel trailers within this category won’t have any gray or black water tanks, some have combo tanks, and others have separate tanks that are up to 30 gallons each. Pick a model that suits your needs.
If you want to take your travel trailer down unpaved roads and over rugged terrain, make sure you look for solid framing and raised axles that provide plenty of ground clearance. Many trailers in this class also offer all-terrain tires as either standard or an optional upgrade.
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Does an off-grid trailer fit your lifestyle? These travel trailers are some of the best on the market and will make your next boondocking or off-roading adventure more comfortable.
Photo courtesy of inTechThe latest off-roading lineup from inTech makes off-grid adventures comfortable and spacious for the whole family. The O-V-R lineup offers three models, ranging from a toy hauler to the smaller, 5,200-pound Expedition travel trailer. When purchased with inTech’s off-grid package, this rig comes with 400 watts of solar power, a 200-amp hour lithium battery, and a 2,000-watt inverter charger.
The interior features a spacious U-shaped dinette, a full-size kitchen with a farmhouse sink, two twin-sized beds, an optional drop-down bunk bed, and a large wet bath. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space throughout, and the dinette can also be used for sleeping space.
SPECS: O-V-R EXPEDITION TRAVEL TRAILER UVW 5,200 pounds GVWR 7,500 pounds Overall Length 22 feet, 4 inches Fresh Water Tank 44 gallons Gray Tank 30 gallons Black Tank 26 gallons Propane 40 gallons MSRP Starting at $58,380Although this rig is equipped to take you to remote destinations, the interior provides all of the comforts that you’d expect from a travel trailer. Plus, with the optional drop-down bunk, you’ll have plenty of room to bring the kids along for your adventures.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
Photo: Lance CamperThe 650 Truck Camper was designed by Lance for short-bed, half-ton trucks. The standard package offers ducted heat, a marine toilet, and pre-wiring for a solar panel. The three-way refrigerator and selection of 12-volt, USB, and 110-volt outlets will allow you to keep everything powered whether you’re hooked up at a campground or dry camping. If you’re just beginning your hunt for a truck camper, Lance has a helpful and detailed compatibility guide.
SPECS: 650 Truck Camper UVW 2,061 pounds Overall Length 15 feet, 6 inches Fresh Water Tank 22 gallons Gray Tank 15 gallons Black Tank 16 gallons Propane 5 gallons MSRP $25,016Think about adding the 100-watt solar panel and lithium battery if you plan to boondock, and the 19-inch, 12-volt TV if you still want to enjoy the creature comforts of home.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
Photo: AirstreamThe Basecamp trailer is designed to pair well with midsize SUVs that many off-road adventurers already own. Large wheels, side skirts, and wheel flares protect the camper from the gravel and debris on unpaved roads. There are four different floor plans available, ranging from 16 to 20 feet in length, and all versions include an onboard restroom with a toilet and shower. Goodyear tires and 12-volt tank heaters also come standard.
SPECS: Basecamp 16 UVW 2,650 pounds GVWR 3,500 pounds Hitch Weight 410 pounds Exterior Length 16 feet, 2 inches Exterior Height 8 feet, 8.75 inches Fresh Water Tank 21 gallons Black and Gray Tank Combo 24 gallons Propane Two 20-pound tanks MSRP Starting at $46,000Buyers can upgrade to a 200-watt solar package. Get extra ground clearance with the Basecamp X-Package, which features a 3-inch lift, Goodyear Wrangler tires, and a raised hitch jack pad.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
Photo: JaycoIntroduced in 2021, the Jayco Jay Feather Micro lineup features four different floor plans designed to take you off the beaten path, while still providing a high level of comfort. The 166FBS has 16-inch diameter Goodyear tires with reinforced wheel wells and is prepped for roof-mounted solar power and prewired for an inverter. It also contains a 55-gallon fresh water tank. The JayPort external propane connection makes it easy to hook up the included 17-inch grill.
SPECS: Jay Feather Micro 166FBS UVW 4,025 pounds GVWR 4,996 pounds Hitch Weight 420 pounds Exterior Length 10 feet, 8 inches Exterior Height 10 feet, 6 inches Fresh Water Tank 55 gallons Black Tank 30.5 gallons Gray Tank 30.5 gallons Propane 60 pounds MSRP $44,625One optional solar power package includes a 200-watt solar panel and a 30-amp controller, and another adds the 1,800-watt inverter. Add a Thule roof rack system or bike storage rack if you like to travel with your toys.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
Photo: WinnebagoThe Winnebago Hike trailer lineup consists of five different floor plans that range from 20 to 25 feet in length. The H172BH is particularly attractive to adventurous families, offering bunk beds and a large U-shaped dinette that transforms into an extra bed. The exterior of the travel trailer is outfitted with a rack system, gear storage box, and a 15-inch off-road tire and axle lift.
SPECS: Hike H172BH UVW 3,340 pounds GVWR 4,200 pounds Hitch Weight 620 pounds Exterior Length 20 feet, 7.5 inches Exterior Height 10 feet, 2 inches Fresh Water Tank 31 gallons Black Tank 25 gallons Gray Tank 25 gallons Propane 20 pounds MSRP $40,821The Hike comes equipped with roof mount solar prep and the rugged exoskeleton can easily haul bikes, kayaks, and surfboards.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
Photo: Forest River, Inc.The Rockwood Geo Pro offers a wide range of floor plans, from a 15-foot travel trailer to a 20-foot toy hauler. The entire series comes equipped with 200-watt, roof-mounted solar panels and a 1,000-watt inverter. Most models offer a 12-volt TV, Teton All In One Wi-Fi Booster with LTE Prep and Antenna, and Showermiser water conservation system. The G15TB floor plan has rear twin-sized beds that can convert into a king-sized bed depending on what layout you need.
SPECS: GEO PRO G15TB UVW 2,667 pounds GVWR 3,877 pounds Hitch Weight 357 pounds Exterior Length 15 feet, 10 inches Fresh Water Tank 31 gallons Black Tank 12 gallons Gray Tank 12 gallons MSRP Starting at $28,999Buyers can add on Pro Rac mounting bars, a removable ladder, a second 200-watt solar panel, and a tongue-mount bike rack.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
While some details are yet to be released, this off-roading rig is already causing a stir. The Pause is perfect for solo travelers or couples looking to go off the beaten path. Ruggedly constructed with an aluminum frame; composite walls, flooring, and roofing; and independent suspension, this towable is built to handle all of the bumps and turns of an off-road adventure. The cozy, stylish interior comes with a spacious dry bath, a full-sized kitchen with bar seating, and a foldable queen-sized bed that’s perfectly placed under a large dual-pane window for stargazing. An integrated Garmin navigation system comes standard on all models, as does 200 watts of solar power, a 400-amp hour Lithium battery, and a 3,000-watt inverter charger.
The dry weight of this rig is expected to be nearly 7,000 pounds, and the anticipated MSRP is projected to be more than $100,000.
SPECS: 20.3 PAUSE TRAVEL TRAILER UVW TBA Overall Length 26 feet, 2 inches Fresh Water Tank 76 gallons Gray Tank 30 gallons Black Tank 30 gallons Propane 60 gallons (two 30-gallon tanks) MSRP TBAThe Pause comes with an offboard air compressor for easy tire inflation and deflation, and the outdoor kitchen comes fully equipped with cooking space, storage, a sink, and a fridge. You can also upgrade your solar package to 1,000 watts.
More information on this off-grid travel trailer can be found here.
It’s important to pay close attention to specs when shopping for a travel trailer. Use the VIN (vehicle identification number) to find the towing capacity and payload capacity for your specific tow vehicle.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum loaded weight of your trailer as determined by the manufacturer. You should never exceed this weight rating when your RV is stocked with all of your gear, propane, and fresh water.
UVR (Unloaded Vehicle Rating): The weight of your trailer as manufactured with no cargo, propane, or water.
CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): This is the difference between your UVR and your GVWR, telling you how much weight you can safely add to your trailer. Pay close attention to the cargo carrying capacity if you intend to travel with a lot of gear.
Tongue Weight: This is the amount of weight pressing down on the hitch ball that is attached to your tow vehicle. It is extremely important to make sure that the tongue weight of a travel trailer does not exceed your tow vehicle’s payload capacity.
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Disclaimer: Togo RV is part of a joint venture, partially owned by Thor Industries, Inc., of which Airstream and Jayco are subsidiaries.
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