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 for 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.
To get more info about these Canadian built off-road trailers visit www.offgridtrailers.ca, call 587-224-9768 or email plasmawurx@live.ca.