7 Reasons to Buy a Compact 4x4 Trailer

Lightweight, feature-rich, and economical, this small investment means big value and benefits off-road.

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Words by Peter Yordanov/Black Series Campers

The pros far outweigh the cons of owning an off-road trailer. Add the fact that there are many compact designs available, allowing you to tow more than half the size of a larger model with almost as many of the same benefits and the margin becomes even wider.

What makes compact trailers appealing to off-roaders is they are lightweight, easy to tow, have a number of amenities and allow you to go further for longer periods. Plus, a large vehicle - like an F-150 - is not required to handle the capacity. Many are designed with the structural integrity - from the tires to the chassis - to handle off-road.

Find a site off-grid, set a mini base camp, hit the trails for the day, and enjoy comfortable socializing in the evening. What’s not to like about compact 4x4 trailers?

They generally range in size from 4 to 6 m (12 to 19 ft), providing a range of choices suited for your needs, your vehicle, and most importantly, your budget. Choose wisely and you’ll appreciate the many purposes and functions.

1. Towing-Friendly 

With GVWRs ranging from 680 to 2,000 kg (1,500 to 4,500 lb), many compact trailers can be towed by overland rigs like the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, even the newer Rubicons, making them hitch-friendly for a number of vehicles. Combined with their solid construction, they are easier to haul off-road.

2. Affordability  

Given the function, profile, and appointments, compact 4x4 trailers seem like they have a hefty price tag. While financing is available for budget-minded enthusiasts, they are less expensive than larger trailers with the same function and can be used season after season, providing value over the long term.

3. Compact Designs

The majority of homeowners may find it difficult to park larger off-road trailers in places like their driveways. More compact units can easily be left on your property all season when not in use. This means they can be ready for trips at a moment’s notice and offer some cost savings by not needing a designated storage facility.

4.  Easy Set Ups

Who doesn’t want a trailer that is easy to set up? Compact 4x4 units are generally much easier and faster to set up than larger models. You also don’t have to bring along a lot of tools or need a lot of experience, which in turn, provides more time to enjoy the outdoors.

5. Less Power Needed to Tow

Since compact trailers are lighter, they don’t need a lot of power to tow them, while still providing a lot of function, making them ideal if you own a smaller vehicle.

6. Flexibility 

This is one of the popular selling features of a compact trailer in terms of where you can go, what kind of terrain you can run, and how you can use them. If you are looking to explore more remote areas with often limited access, a small trailer is a great option.

7. Additional Cost Savings

Like any trailer owner travelling long distances, you can save on hotel costs and/or campground fees by staying on crownland, designated boondocking sites, and even public spaces in larger centres. Not sure where to go? iOverlander is a great starting point to plan your trip to ensure further cost savings.

Final Words

From comfort to the convenience of bringing along added gear, investing in a compact off-road trailer just makes sense in the event you want to expand your overland travels.

If you have already visited the series of shows so far in 2022 or plan on visiting one this fall, there are many choices of 4x4 compact trailers that will meet your budget and the essential requirements for the type of off-roading that you like to enjoy.

For more information on a variety of options to start with visit www.blackseriescampers.com