I Took Our New Off-Road Trailer in the Ozarks...and got in trouble. 

And in our next episode of Ozark Overland Adventurers, we find out if Matt is sleeping on the couch or not! =D Hope the trailer was nicely cleaned up! Looking forward to the Oregon trip!

Min. 16 a really great explanation on why they chose this trailer over a teardrop. Best explanation I’ve personally heard.

Hi Matt Absolutely loved this vlog! As usual, good content that most viewers can find very useful. What I really liked, which most guys can relate to is the authenticity of the content! More so your facial expressions as you were trying not to scratch or get the wife’s trailer muddy. OMG I was dying as you were navigating through the narrow trails and staying off to the sides to prevent going through the mud. Later on in the video you ended up going through the deepest and muckiest mud holes I’ve seen in a long time. You didn’t have the interior cameras focused on you at this time but I was just picturing what you may have been saying and imagining the expression on your face! Absolutely hilarious as most of us guys can totally relate! Good job Matt! 👍👏

Love this video. It was so enjoyable and peaceful to watch. The OffTrax is incredible. The sheer amount of storage on it is exceptional.

I really want to get into Overlanding!!! Your channel is fantastic! I like the organization and extra gear a trailer can haul and I also like how it tracks. Anxious to finish this video and see if it can handle more technical trails. Thanks for all your insight into exploring!

I'm proud for you on the choice of this second trailer, and truly believe that y'all will be truly impressed with where you'll be able to tow that trailer and the adventures you'll have in it. Enjoy.

Seeing the trailer at Moore then seeing it get used makes it even better. That is a well thought out trailer and high on my wish list. Hope y'all enjoy the trip to the Northwest.

Hi Matt, The trailer looks like it handled the trail with no problems. Very nice video. Thank you for sharing.

I really love the background music applied to you videos. It makes the cinematic experience so much better thank you for that

We take our dogs with us so we’re doing the ground tent. Eventually, I’d like to get Billie Bars with a roof top tent. With those, I could still use the roll up bed cover too, which I want to keep.

It looks spectacular, you have the convenience of carrying everything you need to enjoy and eat well

Couldn't agree more. As you know we rock a trailer. It all depends on what you are doing. Diane and I have some news that we hope to share next week. More to follow then. Thanks for sharing and we love your adventures.

Love the trailer. We were back and forth on a RTT or trailer. Ultimately settled on a trailer. We've used it 3 times now and couldn't be happier. We know it will limit what roads/trails we can travel, and we're ok with that. I love on this one how that rear hatch folds down and becomes a shelf instead of having to set stuff on the ground. We live in Oregon, but couldn't make the expo this year. Can't wait to see the vids coming out covering it.

Really nice work with the trailer behind you. I love the size and everything about the trailer

Gorgeous wheeling and camp site !

Beautiful country down there. Thanks for sharing!

Trailer is awesome!

I love Caras pink jeep btw. I watched a different video and forgot your tell her. Shes driving like a boss

Incredible, stunning video/episode! Excellent job! Can't wait for more of a detailed episode on the new trailer. Since you asked, if I had to pick...I'm a trailer guy

love it, best choice for organizing all your gear and keeping it out of the vehicle.

I , too , have a off-trailer, a 2018 Patriot X1GT which I tow behind my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. I took it last on some trails in Colorado notably Stony Pass and Medano Pass. I agree with your pros and cons. It puts the adventure in overlanding from making camping by the Alamosa River to realizing that backing up is not an option on really narrow shelf roads. It also makes a great mobile kitchen for picnics and when traveling with a group of friends.

love the trailer concept, looking forward to find one, I have my CVT tent on my 4 runner now and looking to get a trailer to have the set up on, I do a lot of traveling to events for American Contingency, and we do a lot of camp outs thats why I got into overlanding in the first place. Thanks for all that you do.

The trailer worked well but i not affordable. Like you said pros and cons of trailer vs vehicle and what you're doing. Great video thanks for taking us along.

I recently purchased a used Tentrax trailer and LOVE IT!! I can store all my camping gear in it, getting it out of car/garage. Its all organized and ready to go!

Oh I can't wait for Oregon video!!

I live in Kansas City and it’s awesome to see someone going through the Ozarks!

Great video. Over a year ago I bought a 1967 M416 military trailer and put a roof top tent on it. Last summer I pulled it with my gladiator to Big Bend National Park from NY. (Our daughter lives in Austin). I loved having the ability to keep my stuff in the trailer, unhook and go. Also handy for camping with my other kid who is in Scouts. (He has to rough it... I dont...). 🤣

I have run a Roofnest Sparrow on my FJ Cruiser for a few years and loved it, but this year I bought a Tribe Trailers Basecamp, which is similar to the Feenix. Overall, I like the trailer better. I think the organization, the fact that I can keep it loaded and ready, short of food/drink and clothing, makes it much easier to get away on unplanned weekends. I also like that I can set up camp and then leave to go drive trails, find a fishing spot, etc... As you said, there are pluses and minuses to every setup. Go with what makes you happy.

As an Australian you have such a beautiful country Matt . As for the set , it’s a great compromise. My wife goes on ladies camps also but as we are older she has a pop top 10ft caravan for a base set up for the longer stays . For the over nighters we will use our Oztent RV5 as it is a 30 second set up ground tent which is rock solid . I have a camper trailer with the full set up for when we get away for longer trips . Like you said there is no perfect set up . It depends on the situation, I even use a hammock some times and still love it . Your wife will be happy so long as you didn’t scratch it 😊

My goodness the Ozarks are beautiful this time of year. Definitely a target location for me in the near future. As far as trailers go, the convenience of the setup looks so nice. But I just can't see myself towing something when I'm out in the forest.

You've hit on what I have been thinking. I love this set up. I have been eyeing the Smitty Built version. (Some assembly required.)

Just bought an EF Wave 2, but haven't tested it yet. Cobbled together a Y fitting to the end of the main discharge hose, and have 3" collapsible tubing coming off the Y. One hose to my Hiker Trailer (for me & the pup), and the other tube to the rtt for the grandsons. We "rough it" at local nat'l park and COE campgrounds. 😎

It looks good, that's what it's about enjoying life. I like that idea of ​​the Traila an

My preferences and my wallet are on near opposite ends of the spectrum 😂 I'll probably start out with a ground tent and cot. As many times as I have to hit the woodline nightly at my age, getting up off of an air mattress on the ground has become more of a chore than I care to endure. 😒 Same issue has me apprehensive about a RTT.

Pinstripes add character and are great for a story as to how it happened, and most will buff out. But, in the end, you gotta keep the wife happy! Great video Matt!

It looks like the trailer handle the trails perfectly !!! I am one who is looking to buy a trailer to remove weight from the jeep. Thank you. Amazing coverage with Amazing views. Great job.

great vid.... I like the trailer storage & kitchen setup but I kinda want the tear drop bedding vs roof tent..(don't like climbing up ladder).. I've done jeep car camping, pop ups, & travel trailer all good for their individual purposes. Like you said no one way is right its up to person & their wants. main thing is just explore & enjoy life :)

My preference would be an RTT, my budget screams hammock though, in bad weather I sleep in the back of my suburban which I have a sleeping platform but, with seating for all 5 of us and sleeping for two the numbers don't add up.

Most of where I travel and explore in the PNW a trailer just wouldn't be practical for the kind of exploring I do... but folks love their trailers and like you said... to each their own, whatever works for them and makes them happy... right? Excited for Overland Expo PNW.... hope to see you there!!!

This was a cool video!!

Cara's gonna get you! Great vid buddy.

Great video I’m in southern Illinois. I watch all your videos.

That’s a neat trailer. My style changes from time to time. It started with tent camping went to the rooftop tent. But on top of my wrangler it was to tall and not real fun to set up and then climb in and out of. Been looking at trailers lately. I think that might the next thing.

I have a "moderately" built Gladiator with which I pull a teardrop trailer. My style is closer to Cara's in that I usually set up basecamp and then explore the area in the Gladiator. However, I do have the option of not setting up the full outfit and being able to get up and roll without much pack up to do. This is especially important because I have long trips on the blacktop before I get where I'm going - usually requiring at least one night on the road. Its not a perfect set up, but it works well for me. As you've stated; there really isn't a perfect combination for everything, so I aim for closest to what I do most. Thanks for your great vids!

I would get that trailer. Love the organization, less stuff in the gladiator as a daily driver, keeping it packed in the garage ready to go, but I camp at a new spot every night, hate towing on tight trails needing to turn around

"the pros and cons of offroad trailers" as he slides open the kitchen in under 10 seconds, then casually hits a button at which point 4 concierges pop out and put up his tent while a chef pops out and starts cooking dinner... o.k. I MAY have made up the part about hitting a button, but ye gotta love the convenience of being able to slide out a full kitchen that is set up and ready to go, then pop a tent that has your bed made and ready to go. I even know guys who have put an electric blanket on a remote switch so they can start warming the bed before they even pop the tent open. that there is luxury that someone with some DIY skills can do for 6-8 grand (plus a decent base trailer such as a surplus military 1-ton or even a decent 5x8 flatbed utility trailer)(and of course the fridge/cooler, and cooking/camping gear you would otherwise be using.)

I do the same kind of camping with my 1980 CJ5 and a trailer that I built myself. The shorter wheelbase is a whole lot less stressful driving on those wooded trails.

One reason I like my off-road trailer more than my teardrop is that I can leave it loaded with gear. If the wife says: "let's go tonight" it's just a matter of hitch it up and go. The teardrop's only real advantage is a that is a little more 'Posh'. It has more a little more water storage and one extra burner over the off-road trailer I have. And a thicker mattress!

I have an Opus OP2 and love that I can stand up while getting dressed and sleep in a comfy bed. The Opus has amazed me at being able to get through the trails. But, the big but, I will not travel on a new trail without a trail buddy with the trailer. I can easily see getting stuck with my Ram Rebel and Opus combo of almost 40 ft., not being able to turn around or negotiate a switchback. So...as you said everything has its pros or cons, you just got to go with what works best for you.

Yeah man, we love our trailer! Thinking about adding a roof rack to the Jeep too though. Definitely something to be said for versatility 😁 loved the rise and shine Einstein hair 🤪 and definitely making those gyros soon!!

Gracias 🙏

Awesome video! Thank you for not scratching the Feenix….😂

I mapped that trail for OnX, we camped right there also. Beautiful spot.

Man-oh, that waterfall bit looked sooo relaxing! I remember growing up in Oregon and going into the mountains with family and cooling off in the large creeks. I would say that I'm deffinetly a vehicle/tent camper because of that. I wouldn't mind upgrading to something more comfortable but my feeling is more like base camp outings. Love your videos, especially those drone shots. Oh, are you keeping a third eye on government regulations? I HOPE 'they' don't cause more grief to you overlanding RU-vidrs. *Probably because you guys make such excellent videos makes those National Park officials believe you have a crew of people or production following you.*

The drone shots have been great in your Ozark videos.

I think trailers can play a vital role in some camping/overland situations. I’d love to have one of these or a patriot or even an opus. But, I’m not rich. Lol. I can’t justify paying that price for a trailer. That I wouldn’t be using all the time. I’m thinking I’m just going to pick up a m416 and built it out. But great video as always and nice trailer. 👍

Hey just started watching. I’ll be there at PNW too. Hope to see you around. Love the wide shoots , and fly overs and the circle wipes of your wife…classic. 😂

We have a "mean bean" teardrop by Bean Trailers. storage is a little lacking but it has a massive tongue box and the galley is top notch.

I’ll tell you after my New Mexico trip. I’ll be ground tenting that week.

Great trailer Matt... Never saw you so nervous though!! Lol.

Just got an off-road trailer, need to take it off road yet. Need to get that route to try it out

Love the video. I am in the exact same boat. When i go with family and dog, I would like to take the trailer. Its kind of a bear to move around every night and my family likes to spend at least two nights every location to kinda enjoy the day. When i am on my own (with the dog ofcourse) then i just have a light RTT by IO weighing at 87lbs and jetboil, grill and some food. I am all set. I don't like tear drops or trailers to sleep in coz they are big (garage issues) and it is hard to navigate those trailers so a utility style works better. Btw, you and I both have the same color JTR. Keep rocking on and may be i will see you on the trail some day.

I love that about GAIA. Doing trip (route) planning at home, then bang! There it is on my phone ... I'm only at five minutes and I'm thinking, "mannnnn! Your going to be in big trouble." Should have let her scratch it up first.

Loving your trips and videos man, so jealous, when some Europe trip?

Traveling from basecamp to basecamp IS a valid style of overlanding (well maybe taking the highway from campground to campground is just camping), but you have disparaged the idea that establishing a basecamp and exploring is overlanding... overlanding has nothing to do with where or how long you camp... it is the journey to those base camps. some would argue that going camping on local trails is not overlanding... It is all just different styles of enjoying the outdoors. Overlanding is just using a vehicle capable of getting into remote areas for travel. it involves highways, dirt roads, and trails.

I think its cool, I really would've liked to see the awning deployed. 40k is quite a chunk of change😮

Exactly right, as with so many things in life their is no "right way" there is your way and the other guys and that's it, personnel preference rules.

Sooo epik awesome video

For me for now it’s a RTT on an Alucab canopy on my Gladiator. Reason- work and play. Work prevents me from doing particularly long trips. And many times when I go places it’s to then play there on my mountain bike. Other thing I do a bit of is weekend camping with my son. So Alucab allows me to store all of my mtb stuff including my bike and all of my offroad stuff inside, plus chairs, tables, potty/changing tent, fold down fire pit, utensils, and even some clothes and shoes and sandals. I have a Yakima road shower on it too. So all I have to throw in to go on a trip is my grill and burner and cooking boxes, which are prepacked, cooler and my toilet if needed. Which means not much time packing before I go which os key because I don’t have that time. The RTT (clamshell) means we can arrive somewhere at 10-11 pm on a Fri when we leave after work and school and be in bed in less than 15 mins. Also means if I am camping at a mtb trailhead that maybe is not officially sanctioned as a camp site, I can get in and, more importantly, get out quickly. I also have prepacked in the truck those freeze dried backpacker meals and coffee, and a Jettle (water boiler that runs on 300W so can use in the JTR inverter. So if I really need to be stealthy and leave no trace I don’t even have to set up a kitchen and can still have a good meal and coffee in the am. If we are going to base camp for any length of time for now it’s a Gazelle 3 tandem. If we do more base camping would def look into a trailer. Your trailer is awesome for really offroad trails and did great- didn’t even break a sweat- although I do think you might have a few scratches and mud in some spots to explain! 😅 i was also looking at the Intech Pursue- seemed large enough to store some stuff, has a slide out kitchen, but can still sleep inside. Maybe down the road at some point a trailer will make sense for me, but not right yet. Thing I love is that the Gladiator still handles all the offroad trails around the MD, VA, WV, PA area that I want to do- greens, blues and mild blacks- plenty fine. And my mpg havent taken much of a it since the wheels and bumper- they caused the biggest hit. I was shocked that the RTT doesnt seem to affect at all. Im wondering if, bc the front is so straight up, that the wind actually goes up higher so that the tent sits in the wind tunnel created by the front of the truck. 🤷‍♂️anyway, always love the content. Be fun to watch you guys become vagabonds.

You had me going with that bit with ominous music. I kept waiting for the “THUD!”. Lol

Mat i built a trailer for overlanding due to my age packing and unpacking my jeep was not an option easy setup camp i pull it camped hooked or base camp had it for 3 years now . Having a 2 door jeep not much packing room it qas the best option at the time!

Yeah, with the extra wheelbase of the gladiator and the trailer you could definitely get jammed up. So I have a LJ set up for Overlanding and I picked up a used Smitty Bilt trailer and I have to be pretty careful even with that. One thing you might want to consider what I do in case get in a jam. I carry 2 old fashion come along with extra lengths of strap so if I have to unhook it I can secure it, or hand winch it around and do a 180 without killing my back. Haven’t had to do it yet, but I think they will work and also a few larger wheel chocks. I just think I am most likely I’m going to need something other than the winch on my vehicle so I don’t have a trailer rolling down the hill and getting a position if I hit a dead end where I can’t turn my trailer around . We enjoy the trailer at times but you definitely can’t be an explorer mode. If you don’t know where you’re going, that’s for sure.

You certainly nailed the pros and cons of the “base camp” vs “constant moving” types of overlanding. I especially enjoyed your organizational use of the trailer. Just curious, why the Florida tag?

I like the idea of a trailer. Once that electrical cable situation gets routed to where it won’t get ripped out, it will be great. Giving me anxiety haha. I find the door latching devices interesting too. Kind of like a normal trailer door.

Thanks for showing how this trailer suspension did on water crossing etc . Something that is not covered on most walk around if you are shopping (youtube). Don't want to the trailer to hold me back .

My wife and I are hammockers. We tie hammocks with bug nets and underquilts and a rain fly to the roll cage of the jeep, park next to a couple of trees and tie off on the other end, boom we have a camp. When it's time to pick up we literally just untie the tree end, throw them through the soft top window, zip the window back up, and move. I'm trying to figure out a way to get my wife a fan on her face while she sleeps. Not sure what to do yet, but I'll figure it out! Even if you are a camper person, putting a hammock in there tied to the roll cage can be a great shortcut to relaxation when you get wherever you were trying to go.

I want an overland trailer similar to that but more basic, for financial reasons. We sold a 36 ft 2019 Coacman to pay for our Gladiator setup, so I don't wanna go deep for a trailer. I'm thinking about hauling gear in my 12 foot enclosed trailer for when the wife and kiddo join on longer trips. We will set up base at an actual campground. I only wanna spend about 10 to 15k on a trailer. Love your setup though 😎

I was going to go to Overland Expo Pacific Northwest in Redmond this years but I grenaded my axle bearing and sadly won't be going this year😢

looks great. I'm looking forward to expo PNW so I can see all the trailers. Leaning towards Patriot X1n or maybe teardrop. It was interesting hearing your thoughts on the subject

Keep up the great videos Matt. It wouldve been Gold had Cara been there for the tight trail ride lol. Hope you have AC in the dog house lol.

Still not sold one trailers. I was on Turtale, Opus almost got it, and Patriot . still until now thinking a good full size truck with lockers and better choice for overloading than trailers

nice camera work

I like to find a comfortable motel room at the end of the trail/day. No bugs, nice A/C, warm shower, comfy bed.

I'm more of a camp & stay style. Relax or explore. Whatever hits me, so base camp fits me. We're doing ground tents now, but hard to get level for sleeping. Lol. Loved the video. Love our state. #ARcampingisawesome

A little before21:00 that tire on Kira trailer going thru that mud hole looked SUPER muddy. LOL. Was she really mad? Lol

Never mind I needed to watch the video

Goodness. My head is spinning. I like the idea of a trailer for the reasons you mentioned. I even built a DIY trailer to save money but the wifey decided she doesn’t like the RTT. Now I‘m trying to decide between a truck topper like a Project M or Alu Cab or a Patriot M3 camper which pulls and looks like your camper but folds out for some inside seating and bed. But they cost as much as my 30 ft 5th wheel camper. And they still don’t have a bathroom so you end up using a port-a potty and an outside shower tent or curtain. So, for now, when I want to take the Gladiator to do trails, I have to get a cabin or a room somewhere and do day runs. Not my choice but if I want her to go that’s what I do. And that does beg the question, who is going to watch the base camp while everyone is out doing trails?

Trailers seem very expensive, but I don’t have the agility to crawl up to a roof top tent & I’m afraid of heights! So I still have to try to figure out what I’d do for overlanding that wouldn’t be too tricky! And my pit bull doesn’t like to be picked up or handled! So it’d be hard to put him in a RTT with me!

RU-vid must have unsubscribed me for some reason, you might want to mention that to your audience. I didn't unsubscribe to your channel. I just noticed it halfway through the video. Anyway for what I do, I bring a cheap ground tent. I have a little Coleman stove and gear stuffed into totes. It works for me. I go camping and wheeling every week. My Gladiator is also my daily. It's the only vehicle I have. If I could afford it, it would be similar to yours with a rooftop tent. And I'd have something else to go to work and back. You've got the life man! Congrats! I hope you get even more successful doing this. That's so awesome!

4 walls and AC down here in Florida. Hiker trailer.

I’ve got a 40 year old Jeep and a Hiker square drop trailer that I’m wanting to bring to the Ozarks . You’ve got me nervous about those tight trails. I would have to find a less technical trail with the trailer . Do y’all have trails that would be easier? I’d hate to pinstripe a new Hiker trailer in the first few trips . I’m next door in MS and would love to bring the Jeep out there .

Some of the roads in the Ozarks are straight up and down and only passable in dry weather and not even then for some vehicles. Been there, done that.

To answer your question what do we like? We like it all! We overland with our LJ and that is such an awesome weapon we have a little extra room and the capability’s of the LJ are well-known. We like to hook our little Smitty Bilt trailer to the LJ for convenience and especially when we’re short on time and it stays completely loaded, we hook it and run. We’d like to take our TJ beast and go lightweight and go deep into the mountains and camp. It’s all good. Go check out the last video I shot last weekend we went camping with the TJ it’s minimal but fun.

I’m curious, did the NM trip with Brad and Regina impact the decision for trailer selection? Great stuff Matt, looking forward to more Cara videos…they are awesome and my wife absolutely loves them and most definitely is inspired by her…oh, hey Cara 👋

Where in Oregon are you headed to start? I'll keep my eye out for the blue gladiator!

That camp spot looks perfect for me to bring the mrs & grandkids. I have 95 4Runner SAS'd with 37s & M101 military trailer with RTT mounted low on it, so I feel confident I can make that route. Is this route/track available on your patreon site? I'll be signing up this week and was just curious if this particular trip was on there. TIA.

Honey those aren’t scratches, it’s a custom Topo map!

Do you ever worry about someone coming in on you when camping alone? Great video btw! Thx

What kind of step bar to you have on your gladiator? I see you have your rock rails with them.

I am trailer guy . Base camp is my ideal of camping and trail around in the area . i have build my own ideal of a overland trailer. dinner looks good.