Off Grid Trailers
Some of the best trail rigs just don’t have enough room for an overland trip. Which is why there are quite a few companies that build rugged, lightweight trailers that you can tow into the wilds. These trailers provide everything from a bit of extra storage to a full camp out RV experience. One of these is Canadian company Off Grid Trailers, out of Blackfalds, Alberta. 4WD spoke with Mark Badgerow about how and why he got into the business and what sets Off Grid Trailers apart from the pack. 4WD:
With so many RV and off-road trailer companies out there, what made you get into the business?
Badgerow:
Well, it all started out when I wanted to go out and buy a turnkey trailer, and discovered all the trailers that I wanted were WAY outta my price range. I couldn’t afford them... so I got the great idea of just designing one using Solidworks, and then weld it together. Soon enough someone wanted to buy it from me so I made another one. I made some improvements, learned from my mistakes on my first trailer, and it basically took off from there.
4WD:
What would you say has been your biggest challenge in getting Off Grid Trailers ‘off’ the ground?
Badgerow:
I would say my biggest challenge even now is funding. It costs money to go out to shows, and while many dealers have shown a lot of interest in my units, I need the additional funding to make a few to put them on dealer lots.
4WD:
What is your most popular unit and why? Badgerow: My most popular unit for the time being is the Pando, with its queen size mattress, sink, stove, hot water, and propane furnace for those cold nights. But I am pretty sure that my Overlander unit will be more popular. It’s a foot taller and has tons more storage. I think the biggest design feature that sets them apart from your typical RV is that they are short and have a really solid frame that will last a lifetime. Other important features include the 58 cm (23") of ground clearance and independent suspension.
4WD:
Naturally, I have to ask why your trailers are better than the competition.
Badgerow:
I really hate to say that my trailers are better than theirs, but if I had to pick out one thing, I would mention that my trailers are fully insulated where a lot of my competitors just use 3/4" plywood for the cabin walls. Off Grid Trailers are fully spray foamed and use an aluminum skeleton - you can walk on the roof of my units with out having to worry about going through. Also customization. Since I am a small company and do all the designing myself, I am easily able to incorporate a customer’s ideas.
4WD:
What do you see for the future of off-road trailers?
Badgerow:
I see a lot of growth in this market. A lot of the larger RV companies are starting to make similar units but in “RV GRADE” ways .... if you have ever owned an RV trailer you will know what I mean by that.
4WD:
Any last thoughts to share?
Badgerow:
You don’t need a lot to be compatible with my units; the average weight is around 2000 lbs, so almost all small SUV’s and trucks can pull them. I was at Expo west this year, and I’ll be at a few other shows - that’s the easiest way to see my units, or if you happen to come across someone with one. One day I will get some on dealer lots but for the time being I will have to just keep chugging along.