200 series camper suggestions?

[FrazzledHunter]

Always impressed with InTech. Not perfect, but really good and reliable. I’ve spent maybe 250 nights / 25,000 miles in mine since 2019. No problems to note.

This is great to hear. We've only done 2 big trips and a few smaller trips so far. Especially since we have a really big trip of approx. 6000 miles coming up.

 

[KirkLX570]

I am all set to pick up my first 200 this weekend, a 2015 LX570, and now my shopping pivots to camper trailer.

The two camper trailers I’ve keyed in on, after previously giving serious consideration to the 16-17 foot Scamp and Casita fiberglass eggs, are the Mission Overland Summit and the Intech Sol Dawn Rover. Both are aluminum or steel framed construction and woodless, but very different concepts.

The Mission Overland Summit (would purchase used) can probably go anywhere that I would take my Lexus. Dispersed campsite in a national forest or BLM land (if I ever go out west) is NO problem. Cape Lookout at the outer banks? Air down both the tow rig and the trailer and I’m all set. It has a popup roof, so it has less wind drag while towing, but the interior is basically a queen bed convertible to a dinette, and some storage. The kitchen and shower are outside the rig, so the idea is you sleep inside off the ground, you set up the 270 awning, and your lounge space is outside. Also, because of the popup, I could park it in my garage and avoid storage costs.

The InTech Sol Dawn has more of an interior orientation. It has a pretty rugged (for a camper) aluminum frame and panel construction, and the Rover option looks like it could handle some forest roads and slightly rough dirt/gravel road. There are a couple places I like that I would not take it, but it would be MUCH more comfortable and spacious in inclement weather (which I would generally avoid for a camping trip, even in a camper trailer). Lightweight, but pretty tall so wind drag is more of a hit compared to Summit. Also, my home does not have storage for this kind of camper, and my HOA would prohibit it even if I had a place to park outside, so I would have to pay for storage.

I think I need to look at both models in person to get a better sense of them, but those are my two favorites so far. I would be curious if anyone else has experience towing these trailers with a 200.

 

[coleAK]

I am all set to pick up my first 200 this weekend, a 2015 LX570, and now my shopping pivots to camper trailer.

The two camper trailers I’ve keyed in on, after previously giving serious consideration to the 16-17 foot Scamp and Casita fiberglass eggs, are the Mission Overland Summit and the Intech Sol Dawn Rover. Both are aluminum or steel framed construction and woodless, but very different concepts.

The Mission Overland Summit (would purchase used) can probably go anywhere that I would take my Lexus. Dispersed campsite in a national forest or BLM land (if I ever go out west) is NO problem. Cape Lookout at the outer banks? Air down both the tow rig and the trailer and I’m all set. It has a popup roof, so it has less wind drag while towing, but the interior is basically a queen bed convertible to a dinette, and some storage. The kitchen and shower are outside the rig, so the idea is you sleep inside off the ground, you set up the 270 awning, and your lounge space is outside. Also, because of the popup, I could park it in my garage and avoid storage costs.

The InTech Sol Dawn has more of an interior orientation. It has a pretty rugged (for a camper) aluminum frame and panel construction, and the Rover option looks like it could handle some forest roads and slightly rough dirt/gravel road. There are a couple places I like that I would not take it, but it would be MUCH more comfortable and spacious in inclement weather (which I would generally avoid for a camping trip, even in a camper trailer). Lightweight, but pretty tall so wind drag is more of a hit compared to Summit. Also, my home does not have storage for this kind of camper, and my HOA would prohibit it even if I had a place to park outside, so I would have to pay for storage.

I think I need to look at both models in person to get a better sense of them, but those are my two favorites so far. I would be curious if anyone else has experience towing these trailers with a 200.

The 200 will tow either of these like they are not there. Myself and others tow campers that are over double the size and weight of these.

Some more info would help with input though. How many people will be camping most of the time just you? Dogs? How long will your trips be? Mostly off grid or with hook ups? Mostly used just in the SE US?

 

[KirkLX570]

Mostly would be used in WNC mountains or on the coast. Part of the reason I wanted to be 200 series + lightweight camper is that I wanted to be able to get over mountain passes without too much pain. I’m not at all concerned about the mostly flat drives to the beach. I could occasionally, maybe once a year, drive up to visit family in the Great Lakes states, which requires driving through the mountains before getting to flat land. Mostly weekend trips, probably roughly even split of on/off grid, but occasionally 3-4 day or week long trips are possible.

Right now it’s just me and my dog. Another friend just suggested I rent ANY smallish camper for a weekend trip before I make a purchase, which seems like a great idea.

 

[coleAK]

Mostly would be used in WNC mountains or on the coast. Part of the reason I wanted to be 200 series + lightweight camper is that I wanted to be able to get over mountain passes without too much pain. I’m not at all concerned about the mostly flat drives to the beach. I could occasionally, maybe once a year, drive up to visit family in the Great Lakes states, which requires driving through the mountains before getting to flat land. Mostly weekend trips, probably roughly even split of on/off grid, but occasionally 3-4 day or week long trips are possible.

Right now it’s just me and my dog, but I’m cautiously optimistic that could be expanding to two people + three med/large dogs. I should have a better sense of how likely that is before I make a purchase.

Another friend just suggested I rent ANY smallish camper for a weekend trip before I make a purchase, which seems like a great idea.

Don’t worry about the hills you all have on the east coast. I tow a 7k lb trailer up the Dalton through the brooks range to hunt caribou every fall (August).

I vote for the InTech Sol Dawn. I see a ton of them up here in Alaska, we have a large dealer but I also see a ton with people that drive them up from the lower 48 for a couple of months then back down.

In size my general advice especially for your first is get a camper is slightly larger than you think you need. Especially if you do a bunch of activities that require gear.

Edit: if your HOA won’t let you have one, it will greatly inhibit its use. For me one of the biggest advantages of my camper is during the season it stays fully stocked even the fridge, plugged into my house and ready to go. If you have it at a storage lot you will have to go there 2-3 days before your trip and turn the fridge on, then come back, tow it home, …. Much more of a hassle.

 

[highfructose]

I am all set to pick up my first 200 this weekend, a 2015 LX570, and now my shopping pivots to camper trailer.

The two camper trailers I’ve keyed in on, after previously giving serious consideration to the 16-17 foot Scamp and Casita fiberglass eggs, are the Mission Overland Summit and the Intech Sol Dawn Rover. Both are aluminum or steel framed construction and woodless, but very different concepts.

The Mission Overland Summit (would purchase used) can probably go anywhere that I would take my Lexus. Dispersed campsite in a national forest or BLM land (if I ever go out west) is NO problem. Cape Lookout at the outer banks? Air down both the tow rig and the trailer and I’m all set. It has a popup roof, so it has less wind drag while towing, but the interior is basically a queen bed convertible to a dinette, and some storage. The kitchen and shower are outside the rig, so the idea is you sleep inside off the ground, you set up the 270 awning, and your lounge space is outside. Also, because of the popup, I could park it in my garage and avoid storage costs.

The InTech Sol Dawn has more of an interior orientation. It has a pretty rugged (for a camper) aluminum frame and panel construction, and the Rover option looks like it could handle some forest roads and slightly rough dirt/gravel road. There are a couple places I like that I would not take it, but it would be MUCH more comfortable and spacious in inclement weather (which I would generally avoid for a camping trip, even in a camper trailer). Lightweight, but pretty tall so wind drag is more of a hit compared to Summit. Also, my home does not have storage for this kind of camper, and my HOA would prohibit it even if I had a place to park outside, so I would have to pay for storage.

I think I need to look at both models in person to get a better sense of them, but those are my two favorites so far. I would be curious if anyone else has experience towing these trailers with a 200.

I’ve got a 17’ casita. Tows easy. Cozy/quiet/insulated inside.

If the refrigerator dies, you have to take a window out to remove it. That’s a bummer.

I considered popups, even hard sided ones, but reviews seem to consistently indicate the air conditioners struggle in big heat.

If you’re 6’ tall, back sleeping on the main mattress is possible…but if you sleep on your stomach w arms over head, it’s cramped. I put mattresses on the floor and sleep there…wife and smallest child in main bed, other child on couch. You can easily add a bunk bed to the couch to put two kids there too (it’s an option on some casitas).

The philosophy w these is to have a well insulated “just enough” sized camper. Theres not lots of room for storage but there are little hacks…like a front storage rack on the camper and a reinforced hitch carrier on the back…some even extend the trailer frame in front of the camper for storing larger items.

 

[CharlieS]

We have an ORC Houdini 15B that we absolutely love. It is built incredibly solid witha heavy galvanized and powdercoated frame, all metal construction, indoor and outdoor kitchen areas (sink/stove). It has a queen bed and two bunks. Indoor shower/bathroom. etc, etc. It is a design more like what you see in Australia than the US. We absolutely love ours.

 

[KirkLX570]

Don’t worry about the hills you all have on the east coast.

I will not abide this Alaskan height supremacy...

More seriously, I do have memories of being stuck in the slow lane with the tractor trailers driving up a highway mountain pass on I-26 to Asheville, NC while towing a military cargo trailer full of kayaks with my unmodified '97 LX450. We got there eventually, but it wasn't pretty.

Edit: if your HOA won’t let you have one, it will greatly inhibit its use. For me one of the biggest advantages of my camper is during the season it stays fully stocked even the fridge, plugged into my house and ready to go. If you have it at a storage lot you will have to go there 2-3 days before your trip and turn the fridge on, then come back, tow it home, …. Much more of a hassle.

This is a really interesting point. Something I've thought about from a cost perspective, but didn't really think about as much for convenience. Definitely something to think about.

 

[Sandroad]

Mostly would be used in WNC mountains or on the coast. Part of the reason I wanted to be 200 series + lightweight camper is that I wanted to be able to get over mountain passes without too much pain. I’m not at all concerned about the mostly flat drives to the beach. I could occasionally, maybe once a year, drive up to visit family in the Great Lakes states, which requires driving through the mountains before getting to flat land. Mostly weekend trips, probably roughly even split of on/off grid, but occasionally 3-4 day or week long trips are possible.

Right now it’s just me and my dog, but I’m cautiously optimistic that could be expanding to two people + three med/large dogs. I should have a better sense of how likely that is before I make a purchase.

Another friend just suggested I rent ANY smallish camper for a weekend trip before I make a purchase, which seems like a great idea.

Maybe get input from this potential 2nd person? The indoor bathroom and amenities of the Sol might be the decision point.

Don’t worry too much about the difference in mpg. Both campers are going to drag that down to where it could be a moot point.

Worry about towing anything in sand. Pulling Unpowered dead weight for very far, even with aired down tires, is not going to be the fun you might think.

 

[Artie]

I am all set to pick up my first 200 this weekend, a 2015 LX570, and now my shopping pivots to camper trailer.

The two camper trailers I’ve keyed in on, after previously giving serious consideration to the 16-17 foot Scamp and Casita fiberglass eggs, are the Mission Overland Summit and the Intech Sol Dawn Rover. Both are aluminum or steel framed construction and woodless, but very different concepts.

The Mission Overland Summit (would purchase used) can probably go anywhere that I would take my Lexus. Dispersed campsite in a national forest or BLM land (if I ever go out west) is NO problem. Cape Lookout at the outer banks? Air down both the tow rig and the trailer and I’m all set. It has a popup roof, so it has less wind drag while towing, but the interior is basically a queen bed convertible to a dinette, and some storage. The kitchen and shower are outside the rig, so the idea is you sleep inside off the ground, you set up the 270 awning, and your lounge space is outside. Also, because of the popup, I could park it in my garage and avoid storage costs.

The InTech Sol Dawn has more of an interior orientation. It has a pretty rugged (for a camper) aluminum frame and panel construction, and the Rover option looks like it could handle some forest roads and slightly rough dirt/gravel road. There are a couple places I like that I would not take it, but it would be MUCH more comfortable and spacious in inclement weather (which I would generally avoid for a camping trip, even in a camper trailer). Lightweight, but pretty tall so wind drag is more of a hit compared to Summit. Also, my home does not have storage for this kind of camper, and my HOA would prohibit it even if I had a place to park outside, so I would have to pay for storage.

I think I need to look at both models in person to get a better sense of them, but those are my two favorites so far. I would be curious if anyone else has experience towing these trailers with a 200.

I was not very familiar with either of these campers so I took a look and I agree, very different approaches. Just you and a dog is a completely different equation than you with a plus 1 and 3 dogs. In our 17 footer it’s my wife and I and 2 boys ages 9 and 10 and I’d consider that easier than you with a plus 1 and 3 dogs in the same size camper.

Everyone will camp different so you need to think about what type of camping you wanna do with a trailer. While it will complicate some things it will also deliver some amazing conveniences.

When we were looking at campers we really focused on the type of camping we like to do and what we’d like to avoid. Think seriously about this because you don’t want to get something that you don’t like to use.

For us, it came down to 2 questions:

Do you want to be away from others at remote sites or at traditional RV parks? Sure, there is some crossover here with both of your choices but they both excel at one or the other.

Do you want to spend your camping time outside enjoying the elements both good and bad or have a retreat indoors? Again, there’s crossover but they both excel at one or the other.

Make a pro/con list. Also, how many nights a year do you camp now and how will the camper change that? Will the cost eat into your disposable budget causing less money for camping?

As already mentioned, having your camper parked at home is a major benefit that can’t be overlooked. It literally makes everything easier. Maintenance is convenient. Wear and tear is lessened from sitting in your garage. Modifying is easier because it’s just right there. Packing is easier because it’s probably half packed all the time anyway because it’s at home and you can pack the last minute stuff at your leisure.

Your Cruiser will tow either of those with ease so don’t get too caught up on that. Focus on how you can turn your camping up several notches.

I’m typing this in bed from my camper, It’s been raining for 3 days straight and we’ve been out in it hiking, cooking, playing, and whatever else. It beats the hell out of my tent camping days 100%.

 

[TeCKis300]

So many styles of trailers. I couldn't agree more with your friend recommending to try one out. There's no perfect setup and trailer. Only ones that get close to what fits the type camping you like to do.

Power in the 200-series won't be a constraint. It'll pull the heaviest up the steepest grades at speed, only limited by your tolerance for fuel consumption and desired range.

 

[K9LTW]

If you're in NC...and don't NEED a trailer right now (it's gonna be digustingly hot for months now anyway), do yourself a solid and go to Overland Expo East in October. You'll be able to see dang near most every trailer available. Then you'll find Arkto and realize it'd be a perfect set up and go with them Heck, if you're ever up in Front Royal, VA area, you're welcome to check ours out.

We, initially, had an inTech Explore as our first trailer, KNOWING it was to just test the waters. It was great, and an inexpensive way to learn what we did/didn't want. We came away from that with requirements to be able to stand upright (I'm 5'-11"), a permanent bed that didn't need "transformed" like our pull-out bed in our truck camper, plenty of space to chill inside in inclement weather as we camp year-round as a couple with two dogs (60-lb Malinois and a 70-lb Dutch Shepherd), and room to work for film/photography and future remote work. No wet bath desired, so outside "facilities" were just fine. Going to Expo gave us the opportunity to walk through nearly all the offerings and NONE of them ticked all the boxes; especially at a reasonable price-point. We decided we wanted a hybrid pop-top as something like an Opus is just a giant tent and would suuuuuuuuuuuck to put away in the rain/snow...not to mention be poorly insulated. The pop top allows for max space at camp with a smaller profile on the trail...critical for the green tunnel of the East Coast. A lot of others (like the Teton) required swapping things around for bed time...non-starter. Arkto wasn't even there, and I found the thread on Expedition Portal on them. Reached out to Aaron...and...boom...exactly what we were looking for. They've been at nearly every Expo across the country since then.

Bottom line...check everything out that you can beforehand and have that checklist ready for YOUR use case.

And I always question others' opinions of what "doesn't even notice it" means when towing. Because hauling my nearly 4,400 lb loaded Arkto G12 behind my '16 LC...it sure as hell "notices". I have an OTT tune with the ECT Pwr button set to spicy and keep it shifted to S6. You notice. Single digit mpgs at 70mph, and screaming along in 3rd gear to maintain 45 mph going over South Pass between Lander and Atlantic City, WY while getting range anxiety as you, literally, watch the fuel gauge move. You notice.

1,000% worth it to get to this site, though...

 

[linuxgod]

I appreciate the flexibility but I think my main complaint with pop tops is that in certain areas with grizzly activity you can’t pop them up. Some of the campgrounds around Yellowstone are a good example where any sort of hybrid canvas is not allowed period.

 

[K9LTW]

I appreciate the flexibility but I think my main complaint with pop tops is that in certain areas with grizzly activity you can’t pop them up. Some of the campgrounds around Yellowstone are a good example where any sort of hybrid canvas is not allowed period.

Camped in grizz country quite a bit with ours. Aaron has HAD bears wander right past his. While, yes, some places won't allow it...you wouldn't catch me at a campground anyway . But...it's a fair point that if camping in established places that place restrictions is your modus operandi...then it wouldn't work. That's one advantage something like an EOS 12 has is that it's still fully operational with the top down. If I were out solo with no more than one dog? The G12 would still work as you can sleep on the long couch with the top down. Even with a kid or short partner, you can convert to an L-shaped set-up.

 

[TeCKis300]

In that class of 16' trailer, I personally like the Airstream Basecamp 16. More utility than just a bed with its rear loading door. Narrower profile (that really helps off-road), aerodynamics (almost more important than weight and length for MPG), structure that will last, lower depreciation (great value to get used).

For any trailer, I would stay away from all the off-road suspension mumbo jumbo. Especially any "off-road oriented" independent suspension overly clearance focused. Trailers don't need articulation the way a car does as it's a tripod, and the tow vehicle will be constrained before you can use 12"+ clearance in a trailer. These one off suspensions are also a durability and service liability on the road. Just a simple straight axle, or common torsion axle is the ticket IMO. I've been with enough buddies on long trips and technical trails that the image versus reality is not the same. We've destroyed too many trailer "off-road" suspensions.

These days, I prefer no trailer or a small utility trailer with a RTT. Or basecamp with a larger trailer, and RTT for technical 1-3 day side-adventures.

 

[coleAK]

In that class of 16' trailer, I personally like the Airstream Basecamp 16. More utility than just a bed with its rear loading door. Narrower profile (that really helps off-road), aerodynamics (almost more important than weight and length for MPG), structure that will last, lower depreciation (great value to get used).

For any trailer, I would stay away from all the off-road suspension mumbo jumbo. Especially any "off-road oriented" independent suspension overly clearance focused. Trailers don't need articulation the way a car does as it's a tripod, and the tow vehicle will be constrained before you can use 12"+ clearance in a trailer. These one off suspensions are also a durability and service liability on the road. Just a simple straight axle, or common torsion axle is the ticket IMO. I've been with enough buddies on long trips and technical trails that the image versus reality is not the same. We've destroyed too many trailer "off-road" suspensions.

These days, I prefer no trailer or a small utility trailer with a RTT. Or basecamp with a larger trailer, and RTT for technical 1-3 day side-adventures.

I agree with you for approaching everyone with this point on “off road trailers”. However my black series does exponentially better then my ORV on the remote dirt/gravel roads (Dalton, TOW, McCarthy,…) up here in AK and northern Canada. For example the McCarthy road is ~60 miles each way. Pulling the ORV it is a 3-4 hour trip each way (just on the gravel part, the pavement is another 5 hours each way) and everything in the camper gets shaken (not stirred) cabinets open, everything shifts. With the BS the gravel is a 2 hour trip each way and almost nothing inside moves. But not many people regularly tow their campers on 120 miles of backcountry tundra roads. When we go up the Dalton to where we caribou hunt it is ~350 miles each way (and ~750 miles each way total from my house) of similar road conditions to the McCarthy road. As I’m typing this I don’t think I’ve ever thought about the fact many summers I tow my camper off road >1k miles.

That said we only take the black series when we are traveling said roads. Most of the time we use the outdoor RV.

 

[Artie]

I agree with you for approaching everyone with this point on “off road trailers”. However my black series does exponentially better then my ORV on the remote dirt/gravel roads (Dalton, TOW, McCarthy,…) up here in AK and northern Canada. For example the McCarthy road is ~60 miles each way. Pulling the ORV it is a 3-4 hour trip each way (just on the gravel part, the pavement is another 5 hours each way) and everything in the camper gets shaken (not stirred) cabinets open, everything shifts. With the BS the gravel is a 2 hour trip each way and almost nothing inside moves. But not many people regularly tow their campers on 120 miles of backcountry tundra roads. When we go up the Dalton to where we caribou hunt it is ~350 miles each way (and ~750 miles each way total from my house) of similar road conditions to the McCarthy road. As I’m typing this I don’t think I’ve ever thought about the fact many summers I tow my camper off road >1k miles.

That said we only take the black series when we are traveling said roads. Most of the time we use the outdoor RV.

I don’t have 2 different campers to compare but my off road camper vs my regular tailer on dirt/bumpy road is night and day different. I can drop air in my camper for a softer ride if need be and hits taken on one side don’t transfer to the other. On the other hand, those strong Wyoming cross winds suck with the independent suspension on my camper. There are always trade offs.

 

[CharlieS]

We definitely get more sway from the fully independent offroad suspension and articulating hitch, but as long as you know it's going to happen, it's no big deal.

 

[Artie]

We definitely get more sway from the fully independent offroad suspension and articulating hitch, but as long as you know it's going to happen, it's no big deal.

I’ve had a lot of great results from upgrading my shocks and coil springs regarding the side to side sway. Idk what your set up is but mine had some foam cell tough dog shocks and there was some side to side sway but nothing terrible. Once I switched to airbags in place of coils and some fox racing shox performance series. Sway went away almost completely, I still get it with a good cross winds but otherwise it’s solid.

 

[CharlieS]

I’ve had a lot of great results from upgrading my shocks and coil springs regarding the side to side sway. Idk what your set up is but mine had some foam cell tough dog shocks and there was some side to side sway but nothing terrible. Once I switched to airbags in place of coils and some fox racing shox performance series. Sway went away almost completely, I still get it with a good cross winds but otherwise it’s solid.

I'm in the middle of upgrading my rear suspension. That may be the cause. I do think the independent suspension and articulating hitch may have some influence.