Which trailer to get?

S

samster747

New member
So the wife has approved a purchase for a trailer. Doing some heavy research online and I've narrowed down to either a Turtleback or SoCal/Oregon Trail'R teardrop style. Which would you choose?

Also, I'm looking to keep my 4Runner as close to stock as possible. I think light trails and forest service roads will be the extent of me leaving paved roads. Having said that, what upgrades would I need to do for my suspension in order to keep a level ride towing my trailer? Will airbags in the rear suffice? Thanks in advance for your input.
 
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samster747 said:
So the wife has approved a purchase for a trailer. Doing some heavy research online and I've narrowed down to either a Turtleback or SoCal/Oregon Trail'R teardrop style. Which would you choose?

Also, I'm looking to keep my 4Runner as close to stock as possible. I think light trails and forest service roads will be the extent of me leaving paved roads. Having said that, what upgrades would I need to do for my suspension in order to keep a level ride towing my trailer? Will airbags in the rear suffice? Thanks in advance for your input.
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I dig the Oregon Trail'r design and aesthetics, personally.
 
Pretty different options. If you don't need to sleep more than two people, I'd take the teardrop trailer every time. The Turtleback is awesome, but a hard side enclosed sleeping area is so much more appealing than a rooftop tent.
 
Zach_F said:
Pretty different options. If you don't need to sleep more than two people, I'd take the teardrop trailer every time. The Turtleback is awesome, but a hard side enclosed sleeping area is so much more appealing than a rooftop tent.
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Yeah these two choices are not very similar. I think I would take the teardrop as well and add a roof top tent to it for the best of both worlds. The rtt will be for those times when it's nice and you can sleep under the stars, ie no rain fly. :surfer:
I wonder how they compare in weight?
 
Thanks for the input so far. Yes very different trailers, hence my difficulty in choosing. Long term durability I feel might be the deciding factor and I'm not sure how wood construction will hold up over time.


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Yeah the Turtleback is probably ahead is overall durability but you stated light trails and forest service road so I don't think durability will be an issue for you on whichever trailer you choose. IMO
 
It really depends on what you want to do. I have taken my tear drop many places and have never had an issue with it. The reason some get the other style of trailer is because they take it on the Rubicon Trail or something of that nature. I would recommend the tear drop simply because of set up and take down. I have a good friend who has a turtle back and its a wonderful trailer, and he has a ton of things attached to it, but he even admitted that setting the tent up and down is a PITA. Plus, when its cold outside, you are warmer in a hard sided trailer than a tent. If the wind is blowing like crazy, you feel it much less in a tear drop. Just my .02. Good luck and let us know what you choose.
 
Teardrop

If you're family grows you can add a RTT to the top, then you can sleep 4+ pretty easy. As others have said the teardrop is typically warmer in the cold and less noisy in the wind. Additionally I like the layout of the SoCal kitchens.
 
Whatever trailer you get, it's got to be a 5th Gen Trailer, because that's the sub-forum you are in! Remember it can't be a 4th Gen because it won't work with your T4R!

It would make more sense to place this in this section.
 
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Trailer is your choice, but air bags in the rear should be all you need for suspension upgrades (may not even be needed).
 
I've pulled a few Carson funrunner and sandsport super lite trailers and had no issues other than up hills. Those loaded down are about 5k after gear and everything and I use airbags in the back.
 
samster747 said:
So the wife has approved a purchase for a trailer. Doing some heavy research online and I've narrowed down to either a Turtleback or SoCal/Oregon Trail'R teardrop style. Which would you choose?



Also, I'm looking to keep my 4Runner as close to stock as possible. I think light trails and forest service roads will be the extent of me leaving paved roads. Having said that, what upgrades would I need to do for my suspension in order to keep a level ride towing my trailer? Will airbags in the rear suffice? Thanks in advance for your input.
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I'm a bit biased of course as I've been rocking the Recon from Teardrops NW | Oregon's #1 Custom Teardrop Trailer Manufacturer



I did a ton of research prior to making my decision. As others have already mentioned, the two styles of campers are completely different animals. For the majority of people willing to take a trailer off road, the teardrop style offers more convenience and ease of use. If you plan on completing a "difficult" rated trail in Moab, then you're going to want to go with a Turtleback style or even the M416 style from companies like CVT.



I see you're in Seattle. We have an owner in your area where I could arrange to have you take a look at one in person. Otherwise, if you have any specific questions, you can reach me at [email protected]

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phillyd2 said:
Paging Bobby. Mr. Bobby, please pick up the white courtesy phone



[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION]
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Hahaha, thanks Dave! I just got into a bit of service and saw this notification.
 
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WallyT4R said:
Yeah the Turtleback is probably ahead is overall durability but you stated light trails and forest service road so I don't think durability will be an issue for you on whichever trailer you choose. IMO
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Regards to durability, my main concern is the pnw moisture over time on wood constructed teardrops.

phillyd2 said:
Paging Bobby. Mr. Bobby, please pick up the white courtesy phone

[MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION]
Click to expand...

At first I was totally lost on your comment. I was like huh?! Then after a few clicks, I figured it out.

Ducmonsta said:
I'm a bit biased of course as I've been rocking the Recon from Teardrops NW | Oregon's #1 Custom Teardrop Trailer Manufacturer



I did a ton of research prior to making my decision. As others have already mentioned, the two styles of campers are completely different animals. For the majority of people willing to take a trailer off road, the teardrop style offers more convenience and ease of use. If you plan on completing a "difficult" rated trail in Moab, then you're going to want to go with a Turtleback style or even the M416 style from companies like CVT.



I see you're in Seattle. We have an owner in your area where I could arrange to have you take a look at one in person. Otherwise, if you have any specific questions, you can reach me at [email protected]

a4c602afcf511236cf089162e9e8edb5.jpg




Thanks for the info. Yeah, I don't foresee myself needing a trailer to tackle anything crazy. Like I stated, forest service roads and light trails are the extent of what I plan on. Having said that, my main concerns are with the wood holding up over time with moisture, etc... I would welcome the chance to see one of these trailers up close though.
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