Is there a reason you'd choose the Patriot for $30k over a Smittybuilt for $6k? From where I sit they appear pretty similar in form and function. I can't justify the price gap. I already have a custom one - so I'm not really in the market either way and I need hard side camper for bears in a few areas where it's required so they wouldn't work for me as a tent camper in those places. Mostly just curious.
Features that in my mind are worth the expense. The full blown kitchen that includes a 60 L fridge, two burner stove, grill, sink, onboard water and water heaters, hot water showers, (optional) tent heating for extended season camping, battery management system, king-sized mattress, air suspension for leveling the trailer, kid's tent as standard - I mean the list is pretty extensive for standard equipment and very little optional equipment.
The Smitty-bilt, as far as I know, in its standard form is a metal shell with wheels, a handbrake, electric brakes and some basic wiring for the rear lights. As you start to option it out - adding the kitchen, plumbing, fridge, rooftop tent, water tanks, batteries and electrical equipment, you will very quickly pass $20-25K mark towards the $30K mark.
I've spent more on tech and useless pieces in my life where I know that paying the little extra on a higher quality item will outlast itself in value-return.
I too wanted a hard-shell camper and initially the Moby1 XTR was at the very top of my list. Fully loaded and tipping the $ scale at $44K, which I was still ok with, but long wait times and 50% deposit to start the build were dealbreakers for me. Which is why I have been tossing between the Patriot, Peanut, and Turtleback.
layball:
