Hiker Mid Range 5x9 Setup and Tour

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

The 3rd annual Bushwhacker Boil and Tiny Camper Meetup is on again this summer in Hot Springs, NC! The date for this year’s rally is July 24 - July 29; Make sure to book your site via the link below and we hope to see you there!

 www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-bushwhacker-boil-and-tiny-camper-meetup-tickets-847420636937?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR1hh4dgdRpAzmAg6yo1V_dVD8W53Yg7gGQYIy_gJj05ehTwPi7rfnNPrks

[@peterchamala1525]

We love our Hiker and 270 zero awning, it doesn't take 30 minto set it up, it's more like 3 min to open and 5 to close. If I would had to do it again, I would not get onboard battery, I would rather use portable power bank, which I do it once in a while by DC-DC cable (Thx Brian for that tip). Second door and MaxFan is a must, front mount spare tire and bigger tongue box and brakes installed in the factory, it's cheaper to do it while they building the trailer. Hiker trailer has awesome owner comunity, and thanx to MWD we are part of the hiker crowd.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Really solid advice! I love hearing from real Hiker owners about their experience, I might be joining the Hiker crowd one of these days

[@mps9608]

Great video, a lot of good information. I am still trying to decide which HT model to go with.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I think the mid range XL is my favorite. If you call Hiker, they can be a lot of help. Use my promo code and theyll knock some money off too.

[@twloughlin]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought it was going to be YOUR Hiker Trailer! 🤣Donald has a nice setup for himself. I like the idea of using the shower as water storage - very clever! A buddy of mine and I did the Dempster Highway in 1984, I believe. Tents and a Toyota Corolla. You will love Alaska, Donald!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I just got back from Juneau... what are breathtaking place! I hope that someday soon you will see a thumbnail with my Hiker !!!! I just gotta go to power stations Anonymous first!

[@brettmoritz3698]

​@@DIYOutdoorLifewe can't wait for THAT video series!

[@HikerTrailers]

Love the look of the outfitted Trailer! Safe Travels Donald!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

He made a great set up!

[@twoweary]

Donald seems like my kind of guy, down to earth and practical, ( looks like he’s retired like me). I just got my 5x9 and I’m excited to outfit it to meet my needs. It’s just me and my dog so I’m gonna build a 30” bed/ bench ( to make putting my shoes on easy) with an underneath drawer down by the doors ( I love having 2) and a flip up access on the back toward the galley end. Good video Brian.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, there's a whole lot of new Hiker footage coming on the channel soon, stay tuned!

[@donaldsmith1957]

Thanks Brian. Great video. Didn’t realize you had filmed the two stacked systems for this

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks Don, camping twins!

[@patrickmcguire5270]

Good review, thanks for the info.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@major__kong]

Wind is a challenge with any awning. Be mindful of the weather forecast for teardown, and make sure you have 2 people if the winds are kickin. I got the lock n roll hitch. I think it handles better even on the highway. I don't permanently attach solar. I have briefcase style panels that I set up on the ground and smaller panels I can store inside when traveling and hang off the side or on the awning when camping. Having the panels be portable helps if I'm in the shade. I can move the panels and battery into the sun for charging. I also made some heavy gauge extension cords so that I can keep the battery in the trailer and have the panels in the sun. I made my own power bank, BTW.

[@twloughlin]

I'm with you on the portable panels. But from what Brian says about the CIGS panels from BougeRV, those seem to be panels I might not mind mounting permanently, as their efficiency in the shade is apparently superior.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Great advice with the awnings, looks like a huge wind sail to me. I'm excited about trying out the lock 'n' roll, everyone seems to be thrilled on road and off. Great advice with the solar, I definitely have a preference for doing some of each . Having some fixed solar is a dream when it comes to convenience but you have to have some portable for chasing the sun.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Although the CIGS is pricey, its an excellent choice for an attached panel. Installs easy, has heat tolerance and longevity, and more resilience than any other flexible panel

[@major__kong]

Not a fan of attaching solar to the roof period, but I have another reason. My Hiker isn't even 3 months old and I have what I think are rust spots already. I think the roof is a steel panel not aluminum like the sides. Before attaching solar, i would have to peel the top off and refinish it properly this time and maybe make it out of aluminum. If I attached solar right now, I'd be afraid of what's going on underneath where I can't see.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@major__kong have you called them? They assured me that all of the panels, including the roof are aluminum... this would be a big deal

[@CampMymy]

Really nice setup!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Looks like a really comfortable set up, well thought out.

[@falconxvid]

Really nice setup for going offroading, thanks for sharing

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@neverwin2518]

Nice setup he has, love the tire step!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Pretty convenient gizmo, I have it in my cart!

[@kennethboatner8611]

Now Brian needs to join the Hiker club . I love my midrange 5x9 . My 23 Zero 270 is awesome and I love the walls . Instead of a rooftop tent I went with a6x8 awning on the driver’s side with the tent room for my kids . With all of the walls in place and the tent room you have lots of room . My plans are to take my Hiker out west next year. My trailer is less than a month old so I’ve only got 5 nights so far in it , the first being at Mile High campground in NC . Doesn’t get much better than that on the East coast . So far I wouldn’t change anything if I had it to do again .

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha... I would love to get in that club, might be soon. I love that awning design, I would do that too. Keep us in the loop, still thinking about the wishlist.

[@robertwilson1827]

May I have a link to your swing arm, please? Cheers, Robertt

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Can you be more specific, which swing arm?

[@paul6497]

Nice video. But dude, you talk right over the poor guy non stop.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Guilty, sorry about that. It's a challenge to be behind the camera and conducting an interview at the same time.

[@user-ew3dm1jq6j]

These trailers are nice and Donald has a really nice one! However, I'm not a fan of the galley for these trailers.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I wasn't at first either, I'm beginning to think it's actually the most practical way to do it.

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

That tire step is like having a cherry on top of your sunday. It makes it so much better. Great review of this trailer!!! Take care, Pat

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That tire step is pretty slick, I also really like the Hiker platform!

[@freetaylor72]

How would he heat the inside in Alaska

[@donaldsmith1957]

I have a propane little buddy heater. I will be in Alaska in late summer, and my preference for cooler weather will likely minimize my need for heat during much of the trip

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hiker has several furnace options available, I think Don skipped heat and kept the budget in mind with his build.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Don, thanks for chiming in. I hope youll stay tuned in to help answer peoples questions about you build.

[@donaldsmith1957]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Budget became a large part of my decision making as i got closer to my target price. I knew i would be making additions and modifications once I took possession of the trailer

[@donaldsmith1957]

@@DIYOutdoorLife happy to do so

[@photogr4u]

Awesome set-up and tow vehicle!

[@donaldsmith1957]

Thanks

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I love it... his tow vehicle is my favorite too 😉

[@brettmoritz3698]

I wonder if those drawers could be retrofitted with over-travel extensions to access the "dead space?" Or better yet, a blind corner cabinet accessory you would see in a residential kitchen base cabinet?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I agree, I think theres plenty of mods and adjustments to make something very cool with that space.