HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED an easy way to camp but aren’t ready to commit to a large, drivable motorhome? If so, you may want to consider an off-road pull-behind camper. These rugged, towable RVs combine camp luxuries with off-grid capabilities like expanded ground clearance, upgraded tires, and improved suspension systems.
When you’re craving outdoor adventure, all you have to do is hook up your camper and hit the road. And when you need a basecamp, you’ll have a semi-permanent place to rest your head while your tow vehicle keeps you mobile to explore your surroundings. Let’s explore some of our favorite travel trailers for off-road adventures.
Key Takeaways
- Rugged Versatility: Off-road pull-behind campers offer a middle ground between tent camping and large motorhomes, featuring reinforced chassis, high ground clearance, and specialized suspension systems designed for backcountry terrain.
- Diverse Options: Models range from minimalist, garageable trailers like the Taxa Mantis to high-tech “expedition” units like the BruderX and MDC XT19HRT, which offer massive solar arrays, lithium batteries, and luxury amenities for extended off-grid stays.
- Key Considerations: When choosing a camper, buyers must prioritize their vehicle’s towing capacity, desired bathroom/kitchen configurations, and the specific off-road gear (like articulated hitches and all-terrain tires) required for their planned adventures.
Table of Contents
ToggleOur Favorite Off-Road RV Campers
So which pull-behind campers are the best for off-roading? Here are our top ten!
Ember Overland Series 221MSL

Specs
- Length: 26’1”
- Dry Weight: 5,850 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,700 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Ember’s Overland Series 221MSL is a versatile and stunning off-roading camper! We toured it at the Florida RV Supershow and were immediately impressed, especially with the rear storage locker, also known as a bunk room. It’s one of the most flexible layouts I’ve found in any camper, and it’s ready for those off-road adventures, with its Trailblazer™ Heavy-Duty Offroad Chassis and tough suspension system.
Measuring 74″ x 46″ and outfitted with the Embertrack™ system, the rear locker easily converts between a seating area, bunk beds, a desk, or secure storage with tie-downs. As a remote worker, I especially loved the desk configuration, which faces the massive storage locker door that flips up to reveal expansive views—an ideal setup for working from the road.
The rear bathroom offers a generous amount of counterspace and features the unique Showermi$er™ Fresh Water Saver, which recycles unused water back into the fresh tank. This system helps conserve water and extend tank capacity—an excellent advantage for extended boondocking.
In the main living area, a jackknife sofa provides additional sleeping space. Complete with a two-burner cooktop and a convection microwave/air fryer combo, cooking will be easy off-road.
The queen-sized mattress is flanked by dual wardrobes, along with bedside USB ports and 120V power outlets, as well as LED lighting. While the main bedroom isn’t separated from the living space, it’s a great layout for a full-time RV couple or families on short-term adventures.
Taxa Outdoors Mantis


Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 19’
- Dry Weight: 3,115 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 986 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
For those seeking true off-grid adventure, don’t miss Taxa Outdoors’ Mantis campers! Lightweight enough to be towed by many six-cylinder vehicles and compact enough to fit in most garages, it’s an ideal camper for spontaneous adventure escapes and rugged terrain.
Sleeping up to four, this camper maximizes space with a bunk-to-couch conversion and a full-sized bed that converts to dining or lounge space. The full galley includes a sink, a two-burner cooktop, and a cooler platform. While there’s no built-in refrigerator, many high-performance off-grid coolers integrate seamlessly with this setup.
What’s truly impressive about this minimalist camper is that it offers amenities like A/C, a furnace, a hot water system, and a unique wet bath, while remaining fully off-road capable. If you upgrade to the Overland Edition, you’ll enjoy additional off-road benefits like axle-less suspension, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a Lock ‘N’ Roll hitch that allows 360 degrees of articulation for maximum towing freedom on uneven terrain.
Keystone Walkabout 22MAX

Specs
- Length: 26’7”
- Dry Weight: 6,365 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,235 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Walkabout 22MAX is an excellent option for adventure-minded couples who want comfort, style, and the flexibility to host occasional guests. This luxury off-grid camper features an open, airy floor plan that maximizes usable space while still accommodating off-road travel.
The main bedroom, outfitted with a bamboo mattress, flows seamlessly into the living area. In addition to a dinette, countertop seating for two provides extra dining space or a convenient separate workspace—perfect for remote work on the road. The theater-style sofa sits in the Atrium slide, surrounded by windows.
The rear kitchen is a standout feature in this off-road pull-behind camper, offering generous counterspace. The large drop sink is also surrounded by windows, allowing views while washing dishes. The kitchen is well-equipped with a two-burner cooktop, a microwave below, a hidden spice rack, and a spacious 10-cubic-foot refrigerator, making it easy to prepare everything from quick trail meals to a cozy dinner for a camping date night.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the full bathroom features a 24” x 40” shower. With a thoughtful blend of comfort and capability, this off-roading RV delivers all the amenities you’d expect—without limiting your adventures. The sleek black-and-orange exterior design further sets the Walkabout apart from the crowd.
Explore the larger Walkabout 26MAX floor plan.
Forest River Campsite Reserve 19KR
Specs
- Length: 26′
- Dry Weight: 4,993 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,732 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 2
Are you an adventurous couple searching for the perfect pull-behind camper? The Campsite Reserve 19KR is an excellent option designed with couples in mind, blending comfort, functionality, and adventure-ready versatility.
A camp king mattress features dual wardrobes and seamlessly transitions into the living area without a separate doorway. Between the bedroom and living space, the centrally located bathroom features a generous countertop, a full-size toilet, and a shower/tub combo—ideal for quick showers or bathing a muddy pup after a day outside.
In the living area, enjoy two reclining swivel chairs with a flip-up table between them. They face the entertainment center, with hidden shelving behind it. The full kitchen also includes an air fryer, a great addition to any RV kitchen.
The rear of the 19KR opens into a 90” x 75” patio door, providing outdoor lounge space, and the option to store and haul toys, such as kayaks or bikes. Overall, this is a great off-road RV camper for a couple seeking adventure!
Jayco Jay Flight SLX Sport 178DBSW


Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 23’7″
- Dry Weight: 3,705 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,095 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
For families looking to adventure together, the Jay Flight SLX Sport 178DBSW offers space for the whole crew—whether you’re traveling with grandkids or adult children and their spouses. This camper offers generous sleeping and living space while remaining under 4,000 pounds, making it easily towable and suitable for boondocking beginners.
The open floor plan flows from the front, queen-sized mattress, into the living area. A spacious U-shaped dinette provides space for the family, converting into additional sleeping space when needed. The kitchen includes a sink and a two-burner cooktop on one side, with the microwave and pantry on the other.
Rear double-over-double bunks provide sleeping space for up to four and are conveniently located next to the full bath, the only room in the camper with a privacy door.
While the camper is well-suited for families, it also offers some great off-grid amenities. One standout is the oversized fresh water tank, which is 25% larger than comparable models, allowing for fewer refill stops when camping off the grid.
Keystone Coleman 13T
Specs
- Length: 15’11”
- Dry Weight: 2,940 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,940 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
The Coleman 13T is impressively compact, weighing in under 3,000 pounds and towable by many trucks and SUVs. Despite its small footprint, it even functions as a toy hauler, making it an excellent pull-behind camper for families seeking easy weekend escapes.
The layout is so unique and best appreciated in person. With 123” x 69” of garage space, it’s easy to haul bikes or other outdoor gear. Unload everything through the rear ramp door, and convert the garage to a living space. A Murphy bed folds down, while the pop out tent houses another bed. When the Murphy bed isn’t in use, there’s a pop up table or desk with two bar stools.
The galley kitchen includes a microwave and air fryer combo, a two-burner cooktop, a sink, and a refrigerator. Tucked into the corner next to the kitchen is the wet bath. It’s amazing there’s a bathroom at all in such a compact off-roading camper, but you’ll find a full-sized toilet and shower, fueled by a tankless water heater.
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro 20FK


Images by Camping World
Specs
- Length: 21’2”
- Dry Weight: 4,217 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,278 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Rockwood Geo Pro 20FK features a beautiful front kitchen that anyone will appreciate. Spanning the full front width of the camper, it offers generous counterspace and windows on three sides, flooding the kitchen with natural light and providing scenic views whether you’re cooking or doing the dishes.
In the living area, a spacious 72” sofa pairs with a removable table, so you can eat dinner and watch TV on those rainy nights. The full bathroom also offers a decent countertop and a large, double medicine cabinet. In the camper’s rear, a queen-sized bed and an overhead flip-up bunk provide flexible sleeping arrangements for couples or small families.
Designed for extended-season travel, this Rockwood Geo-Pro camper includes heated holding tanks, radiant foil insulation in the front cap, and complete composite wall construction.. Enhancing its off-road readiness, the Sunseeker Package adds a 200-watt solar panel with an inverter, an additional solar side port, sport tires and wheels, and a tire pressure monitoring system—great features for off-grid and backcountry adventures.
Forest River Palomino Pause 20.3

Specs
- Length: 25’2”
- Dry Weight: 7,859 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,600 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
The Palomino Pause 20.3 sets a new benchmark for off-road campers, combining the top in off-grid technology with high-end, residential-style amenities. At first glance, the full body wrap will immediately catch your eye.
Inside, the Murphy bed is surrounded by windows, allowing you to stargaze directly from bed. All windows are equipped with screens and blackout shades, and the Murphy bed conversion is impressively seamless—simply fold the mattress in half and lower the sofa to transition from a sleeping space to a living area in seconds. The main living space is even more versatile, offering options for a four-person bar or a two-person dinette, both of which can be converted into a single bunk. Across in the full kitchen, you’ll find a three-burner cooktop, microwave, and refrigerator.
The rear, full-width bathroom is beautiful, with subway brick tile, a spacious shower, and a stylish vessel sink.
Outside, the off-grid features truly shine. This all-terrain camper is equipped with air ride suspension, allowing you to raise and lower it as needed. The heavy-duty shocks and tires, along with the mounted recovery boards, ensure you’re ready to tackle challenging routes. With the upgraded package, the robust solar power and 3,000-watt inverter will keep you running for days, even powering the air conditioner (for a limited time!).
MDC XT19HRT

Specs
- Length: 25’4”
- Dry Weight: 6,610 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,104 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 3
Another off-roading pull-behind camper that truly breaks the mold, the MDC XT19HRT blends luxury finishes with serious off-grid capability. Hailing from Australia, this unique camper stands out immediately—and you’re unlikely to see one on many campground loops.
One of the most appealing aspects of MDC is its all-inclusive approach: there are no upgrade packages or add-ons. Everything comes standard. On the off-grid side, the XT19HRT is equipped with approximately 800 amp-hours of battery capacity, 1,025 watts of rooftop solar, and a 3,000-watt inverter, with exterior ports available for additional solar panels. This robust power system eliminates the need for a portable generator, allowing you to run the air conditioner and other power-hungry appliances with ease. Everything is managed through MDC’s Renogy-based power system, complete with a mobile app for monitoring and control. Pair that with heavy-duty suspension and off-road tires, and this camper is ready to go just about anywhere.
Inside, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort even if you are in the backcountry. Enjoy a full-sized queen mattress with wireless charging pads on the nightstands. Glossy, upscale cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting complements the durable, stylish flooring, while oak timber laminate countertops—including those at the dining table—add warmth and character. A comfortable U-shaped dinette converts into an additional single bed, providing flexible sleeping options. The full-width rear bathroom offers a huge countertop with a vessel sink and ample storage.
Outside, the adventure continues with a slide-out exterior kitchen, an attachable snap-on annex room, and a dedicated shower tent for outdoor bathing—perfect for extended stays off the grid.
BruderX Exp-7

Specs
- Length: 22’11”
- Dry Weight: 5,950 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 1,766 pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 4
Another incredible off-grid camper hailing from Australia, the BruderX Exp-7 delivers a rugged, military-inspired aesthetic with its eye-catching flat black exterior. The all-terrain travel trailer is available in two models: the pop-top (PT) and the hard-top grand tourer (GT).
This camper’s off-road capability is staggering. What stands out to me the most is its patented suspension system. With its equal load distribution, it can convert from four to three to two-wheel configurations, eliminating flat tire worry. The hydronic diesel-powered internal heating and hot water make you even more self-sufficient. The kitchen and bathroom have hot and cold water, while a composting toilet eliminates the need for a black tank.
The kitchen is accessible both indoors and out, thanks to the rolling window. With a portable induction cooktop, fridge and freezer combo, and a microwave, you’ll have no trouble cooking on the road. Equipped with 1,200-watt solar panels, 10.8-kilowatt-hour lithium battery bank, and a 3,000-watt inverter, the camper will keep you powered for days—so much so, it even has a washing machine at the rear!
Inside, the living space proves that luxury and expedition travel can coexist. From the queen-sized bed to the leather sofa, every detail reinforces that comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed—even when you’re far beyond the pavement.
Honorable Mentions
- Jay Flight SLX 175BHW
- Flagstaff Micro Lite 21FBRS
- Rockwood Geo Pro 19FD
- Cougar 22MLWE
- Rockwood Mini Lite 2205S
What Is a Pull-Behind Camper?

A pull-behind camper is any travel trailer that’s towed by a vehicle. There are a few different types: The smallest are often called “teardrops” since they’re shaped like a tear. Pop-ups are another popular type of pull-behind camper. They’re usually larger than teardrops and get their name from folding into themselves for easier storage.
There are also pull-behind campers large enough to sleep families and even tow toys, such as dirt bikes and quads. These are more affectionately known as toy haulers.
Most pull-behind campers can sleep at least two people and have some space for cooking. They can be super cozy and lightweight compared to other RVs. Plus, many come with a kitchen or bathroom.
Pros and Cons of Pull-Behind Campers
Here are some pros and cons of pull-behind campers:
| Pros | Cons |
| Different sizes available | People can’t travel in the trailer |
| Can take day trips | Hitches need to be checked often |
| Affordable | Fewer amenities |
| Insurance is less costly | Sedans may not be able to tow |
| Easy maintenance | Not as spacious |
| Travel any time | |
| Kitchen and bathroom included |
Pros

- Different sizes available: Some models are small enough for easy storage in your garage. Others are larger with more sleeping space.
- Can take day trips: if you’ve set up camp but want to take a day trip to an attraction, you can! Just unhitch your vehicle and head off.
- Affordable: Larger RVs are fun, but they can be expensive, with some models nearing $200,000 or more. A pull-behind camper can cost a fraction of that, especially if you opt for a used model.
- Insurance is less costly: Insuring a pull-behind camper costs significantly less than insuring other, larger RVs.
- Easy maintenance: Since your camper doesn’t have an engine, there’s less to maintain. You could even do some repairs yourself if you have the know-how.
- Travel any time: If you’ve had a rough week and want to decompress on the weekend in nature, you can. All you need to do is check camper supplies, load up, and go. You could be in your favorite spot within a few hours.
- Kitchen and bathroom included: Depending on the model you choose, you may have a bathroom and kitchen in even the most remote locations.
Cons

- People can’t travel in the trailer: One drawback to having a pull-behind camper is that people can’t (and shouldn’t) sit in it while it’s moving. Some states allow this, but many don’t. It’s best for everyone to travel inside the car or truck towing the camper.
- Hitches need checks at every stop: You likely won’t have any issues during the drive, but it’s still recommended that you check the hitch at each stop.
- Fewer amenities: Because travel trailers are smaller than RVs with engines, they’ll have fewer amenities than their drivable counterparts.
- Sedans may not tow them: You will likely need a truck or SUV with a high tow rating to transport a pull-behind camper.
- Not as spacious: If you want something that sleeps many people, a pull-behind camper may not have the space you need compared to a large, drivable RV.
How To Choose an Off-Road Pull-Behind Camper
Now that you know the pros and cons of pull-behind offroading camper trailers, let’s go over how to choose one for off-road adventures.
What Can Your Car Tow?

This is the most critical piece of information. You could find all-terrain travel trailers with all the amenities you want within your price range. But if your car can’t tow them, it’s useless.
- Sedans: Sedans generally have a tow rating of 1,000-4,000 pounds. Check your vehicle’s specifications on the manufacturer’s website or manual to determine its towing capacity.
- Trucks: Mid-size trucks can tow about 6,400 pounds or more, while some full-size trucks can tow up to 11,000 pounds.
- SUVs: SUVs can tow anywhere from 1,750 to 5,000 pounds. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website or manual to determine the exact number.
Be sure to factor in the loaded weight as well. This is the weight of the pull-behind camper when it’s all packed and ready to go. There are only a few times you’ll tow your camper with nothing in it, like when you first take it home. After that, it’ll likely be loaded with camping supplies, so factor that weight in when calculating the final number.
Bathroom Preferences
If the campsites you visit typically have communal bathrooms, you may want to consider campers that do not. But if you’re going off the grid, it might be worth considering models with a bathroom.
Off-Roading Abilities

Another point to consider is the off-roading abilities of your car and the camper you choose. You may want to consider purchasing off-road tires for your vehicle and camper. Car makers might also have hitches designed for off-roading.
When it comes to the camper itself, it’s best if they have the following:
- Rugged construction: An off-road camper should have reinforced bodies and off-road tires.
- High ground clearance: A raised chassis is essential because campers can get damaged if they’re too low to the ground.
- Weatherproofing: Is your RV adequately insulated for cold temps? Can it keep out heavy rain and water? What about a good AC for hot days?
Amenities

You’ve already thought about your bathroom preferences. Now it’s time to think about the kitchen and other areas. What are your must-haves? How many people should your camper sleep? Would you want your kitchen to be outside or inside? Once you have a solid list of comforts and functionalities you’re looking for, you can move on to pricing.
Pricing
Off-road pull-behind campers can be anywhere from $5,000-$60,000, depending on the make and model, and whether they’re new or used. Now is the time to determine your spending range. What is the most you’re willing to pay? You’ll also want to factor in insurance, maintenance, and renovation costs.
Keep in mind that there are RV financing options available to help make the cost more manageable.
Use these additional resources to find your perfect pull-behind off-roading camper:
- Explore the Best Small Campers for Couples
- Best Small Campers of 2026
- Find Your Off Road Toy Hauler
Where do you plan to go off-road camping? Let us know in the comments below!
Author
-
For nearly 60 years, Camping World has made RV ownership and the outdoor lifestyle safe, fun, and easy.
View all posts