As an active RVIA member with active model compliance, you can be certain that not only our trailers are up to the highest quality, but each and every component also meets those standards.  

The RVIA Compliance and Seal now classify our sleep-in class of off-road capable overlanding trailers as RVs rather than utility trailers. This means that our trailers will now be easier to finance, allowing our customers to qualify for lower and more competitive interest rates. Our trailers will be easier to register at your local DMV, easier to insure, and even easier to transport across international borders.  

While our models have always conformed to the utmost safety and quality standards including NFPA 1192, the RVIA Compliance process is the next evolution for OGT providing additional confidence in our manufacturing and quality assurance/control processes; while we are biased, we at OGT stand behind our product as the safest and highest quality overland camping trailer lineup in North America.  

“The RV industry is committed to promoting exploration, adventure, and responsible recreation, while advocating for innovation and conservation in our business practices. As an association, we encourage and promote sustainability, diversity, safety, and the many community activities of our member companies. Find out how the RV industry and our partners in the outdoor segment are working together to create accessible, inclusive, and lasting positive experiences for millions of Americans looking to enjoy the benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle.” – RVIA 

At Off Grid Trailers, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality trailers that incorporate customer feedback. To do so, it is important to build our trailers out of the highest quality components. Beyond the body of the trailer and the frame, every other component is carefully manufactured to ensure it meets our high level of craftsmanship. We pride ourselves on building the most robust and exclusive side entry doors in the overland trailer industry. Customers asked and we delivered; A rich engineering background resulted in a robust door that maintains an R10 insulation value consistent with the rest of the cabin of the trailer. Our Pack members wanted large-capacity hot and cold-water sinks; the result was a custom-manufactured and CSA-approved stainless-steel sink. Customers wanted additional weight capacity for storage; our integrated roof rack is rated to a static load rating of 1000 lbs (500 lbs Sprocket). but has been tested by a 3rdparty engineering firm to withstand over 2000 lbs. with no damage to the rack itself, body, or the chassis of the trailer.

When you put as much time, dedication, and passion into manufacturing the highest quality and most durable off-road capable all-metal overland camping trailers, you do not outsource customer service. As a company we truly believe a great brand is built on great customer service, therefore we have chosen to keep that in-house, with our own inside sales team, direct-to-consumer sales, and a delivery network that ensures efficient, local delivery across North America. Beyond the point of the purchase, the Off Grid Trailers team stands behind their product and is willing to do what it takes to “make it right”. As a direct-to-consumer company, we handle our warranty in-house as well. Our team works directly with local-to-you certified RV repair facilities, should any issues occur.

An Off Grid Trailer is built to go wherever your tow vehicle can take you. Every trailer comes standard with Timbren axle-less suspension, and for those who want even more capability, we offer an upgrade to our proprietary OGT Evolution Series Suspension (exclusive to Pando and Expedition models). This advanced system boosts ground clearance to an impressive 25 inches and delivers 8 inches of wheel travel. Its innovative trailing A-arm design, paired with heavy-duty coil springs and shock absorbers, provides exceptional performance and a smooth, controlled ride.

The biggest issue in the RV and camping trailer industry is water intrusion and rot. This is especially true when you are looking at an off-road capable overland camping teardrop, square drop, or adventure trailer. When overlanding it is not uncommon to cross a rushing river, spend days in rain or snow, as well as time in hot and dry deserts, even all on the same trip. When traversing rough terrain sub-par materials such as wood and fiberglass tend to warp, stretch, or crack which can allow moisture to enter the substrates. When moisture meets wood, you are bound to develop mold, mildew, and rot which can completely ruin a trailer. When you are looking at such a confined space, as in a small teardrop camping trailer, developing mold and mildew can become quite dangerous to be around and cause long-lasting health effects if not treated or removed. Wood, as a naturally occurring substance, is prone to decay, rot is the first sign that your wooden camping trailer is decaying and becoming structurally unsound. When you compare fiberglass and wood construction methods to that of an all-metal camping trailer, it is easy to see why the all-aluminum option will hold its value better. With an aluminum body, there is no lifespan to worry about as the aluminum will last indefinitely if maintained properly.

At Off Grid Trailers we understand an overland camping trailer is a big purchase decision, for some, it will be the 3rd largest purchase right behind their home and tow vehicle. To ensure that our camper trailers will outlast you we have worked with 3rd party engineering and testing firms to truly put our components to the test. Our trailers have undergone military-grade testing to ensure longevity in the frame, chassis, and other structural components.

Durability:

Wood, while a versatile and commonly used material, may not be as durable as aluminum for constructing overland-style camping trailers due to several reasons:

1. Susceptibility to Rot and Decay: Wood is naturally prone to decay, rot, and degradation when exposed to moisture, humidity, and changing weather conditions. In a camping trailer, constant exposure to the elements—rain, snow, and extreme temperatures—can accelerate wood’s deterioration over time, compromising its structural integrity.
2. Vulnerability to Insects and Pests: Wood is attractive to insects and pests that can bore into the material, causing damage and weakening the structure of the trailer. This vulnerability can lead to structural issues, compromising safety and longevity.
3. Maintenance Requirements: Wood requires regular maintenance, such as sealing, staining, and protecting against water damage, to preserve its structural integrity and appearance. This maintenance can be labor-intensive and may need to be performed more frequently in outdoor settings, affecting the trailer’s durability.
4. Weight and Structural Strength: While wood can provide sufficient strength, it tends to be heavier compared to aluminum. In an overland camping scenario where weight considerations are crucial for fuel efficiency and maneuverability, the added weight of wood construction can be a drawback.
5. Long-Term Durability: Over extended periods, wood may experience warping, splitting, or cracking, particularly when exposed to constant stress, vibrations, and rough terrain. These issues can compromise the overall durability of the trailer.

Aluminum, on the other hand, boasts superior durability due to its inherent properties. It is corrosion-resistant, unaffected by moisture or rust, and more resilient against impacts, scratches, and weather-related deterioration. Aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio is higher than that of wood, allowing for a lighter yet sturdy construction that’s better suited for rugged off-road travel, making it a more durable choice for overland-style camping trailers.

Environmentally Friendly: 

The use of wood in the construction of overland camping trailers might not be as environmentally friendly as aluminum for several reasons:

1. Deforestation Impact: The sourcing of wood often involves cutting down trees, leading to deforestation. This practice contributes to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems, impacting the environment on a larger scale.
2. Sustainability Concerns: Wood is a natural resource that, if not sourced sustainably, can result in depletion. Irresponsible forestry practices can lead to overharvesting, which threatens the long-term availability of wood resources.
3. Chemical Treatments: To increase wood’s durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and rot, it is often treated with chemicals. These treatments can involve toxic substances that pose environmental hazards during production, use, and disposal.
4. Carbon Footprint: The processing and transportation of wood contribute to its overall carbon footprint. Logging, milling, and transportation require energy, which can lead to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

In contrast, aluminum has certain environmental advantages. It is a highly recyclable material, meaning it can be reused and recycled multiple times without losing its properties. Recycling aluminum requires significantly less energy compared to the extraction and processing of new aluminum, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, aluminum’s durability and corrosion resistance mean it has a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby minimizing its environmental impact over time.

Weight:

Wood tends to be heavier than aluminum, which makes it less suitable for lightweight construction in overland-style camping trailers. Several factors contribute to the weight difference between wood and aluminum:

1. Density: Wood, being a natural material, generally has a higher density compared to aluminum. Even when using lightweight wood varieties, such as cedar or pine, the overall density of wood tends to be higher than aluminum.
2. Moisture Content: Wood can absorb moisture, adding to its weight. This moisture absorption can occur due to exposure to weather elements, leading to an increase in the overall weight of wooden components in the trailer.
3. Thickness and Structure: To achieve the required strength and structural integrity, wooden components in a trailer often need to be thicker or bulkier than their aluminum counterparts. This increased thickness adds to the overall weight of the trailer.
4. Material Composition: Aluminum is inherently lighter than wood. Its low density and high strength-to-weight ratio make it an ideal choice for lightweight yet durable constructions, especially in applications where weight considerations are crucial, such as in overland-style camping trailers.

In comparison, aluminum’s lightweight nature allows for the construction of trailers that can maintain strength and durability while significantly reducing overall weight. This characteristic is advantageous for off-road travel, enhancing fuel efficiency, maneuverability, and ease of towing, making aluminum a preferred choice over wood for lightweight construction in overland-style camping trailers.