This Versatile Tiny Camper Hauls BIG Adventures!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Oh, I should have mentioned this. for those budget expedition trailers from Hiker Trailers and Runaway Campers that I mentioned in this video...When you click on those video links in the description, those trailers are closer to the end of the video than the beginning. They are tucked in the back behind their regular budget squaredrop options.

[@chrisharmon5453]

Have you ever looked at Sylvan sport trailers?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@chrisharmon5453 I have. Great question. I actually filmed the goat this summer, so you'll see it on the channel fairly soon.

[@annmariewhale4501]

@@PlayingwithSticks can’t wait to see that one!!!!!

[@dm579]

I’d love to see a video review of the 2024/25 Taxa Woolly Bear now that Taxa is outfitting them with inhouse rooftop tents.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@dm579 That is neat to hear. I didn't know that.

[@symtrailers]

Awesome walk around and review! Thanks for including our info in the video. Brad, glad to see you're enjoying the trailer so much!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@symtrailers I wasn't expecting to see you guys on here. Before meeting Brad, I had never even heard a of Symmetry trailers. You guys are doing a great job! I'm looking forward to more people getting to see Brad's trailer.

[@DanMan1990]

@symtrailers, if I were interested in ordering something similar, roughly what would be the lead-time and cost on something like that? I really love this design

[@roctrek]

I've done something very similar using OnThe Water Innovation's "Tourney Glamping" trailer. There's the roof top tent for the wife and kiddo, and I use either the hitch mounted hammock or the truck bed for myself to maximize sleeping space. It's possible to fit all 3 of us in the RTT, two in the truck, and one in the hammock if we needed to, but 3 is practical. There's also still room for two fully loaded fishing kayaks (or 4-6 rec or ww kayaks). The best part is you can afford to get all those fancy extras mentioned in the video because you'll save about $5 to 10K over the highlighted trailer (depending on how you configure your OTWI TG). That said, the concept itself is great, and highly versatile... it can get you out there for a fraction of the cost of most of these small camper trailers with a lot more flexibility.

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

Those six people better like each other. A lot.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😂

[@jgrant4520]

🤣

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Well, that was interesting! I still want the Hiker Trailer, though. It seems the weather isn’t always cooperating when I camp, rain or just plain old cold! So, the need for separation between the elements is a big factor. Great interview, Drew! 🩷

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks Ramona for your take on this. I love hearing people's thoughts on these trailers. I get you on that hiker comment. I see how that would be a very good fit for you.

[@annmariewhale4501]

@@ramonapuckett3059 I agree with you. As wonderful as this trailer is for carrying lots of gear…. You’re still basically tent camping which means dealing with the temperature and weather limiting your experience to warm & dry climates. ( unless your a very hardy camper)

[@jennifert9506]

I kept thinking (and here is where the simplicity of the Hiker has this one beat) one mile on a forest service road after a good hard rain is going to make that entire front, side and under storage area a regrettable choice. My tow rig kicks up a ton of mud and that’s something user are going to have to plan for and contend with.

[@jeffmatthews3798]

I’ve built that in my mind many times. I like the height of the rooftop tent above the storage area. Better wind resistance, less contact with tree limbs when you pull it off road which is where I’d be going with it. I see as many as a dozen similar setups a year. While most are camped/parked off road, off a logging road, off a fire trail where the open cargo area is less of a theft hazard, my reason for being able to enclose that box is to mitigate dirt/dust, and deter critters who like the smells. Campers who travel to paddle typically mount boats on their tow veh, not the trailer. You need to get them to accesses, down shuttle routes, and if you have a $3K carbon canoe you hesitate leaving it in camp while you make a run for ice, or beer. It lives on the truck. Been using the Scepter water jugs for two years. The awning poles are a neat idea. Cool stuff.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for taking the time for this thorough comment. I appreciate your take on this.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

This is kind of like the ultimate utility trailer. Very versatile and well thought out ….Very cool, thanks Drew. Happy New Year to you all.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That's a great way of describing it! Always good seeing you my friend. And a Happy New Year to your family as well.

[@alexmseu]

This is a neat setup. Thanks for sharing, Drew! I do see a couple of drawbacks: 1). It's not an all season camper. I know he mentions this being more versatile than a Bean, but a hardsided camper gives you the ability to stay out longer and more comfortably in varying conditions. 2). This style of trailer is inviting all sorts of critters to camp out with you. Because of the open design, especially in the cargo area, I can see squirrels, rodents, raccoons, etc having easy access to your stored items and sleeping area. However, this is perfect for those fair-weather camping treks to the beach, river, lake, and as a basecamp for mountain biking expeditions where you’re going to get filthy and need open cargo space for those dirty/wet items. Maybe a deisel tent heater can add to the versatility in colder climates. You can pretty much have the same capability and versatility as this if you own a truck. Just add a bed rack and a roof top tent, and you're ready to go at a much lower price point.

[@teresas7272]

Also, air circulation underneath nixes 3 season trips. I gave up on a cot for similar reasons. Despite insulating pads I was often cold, even in summer. That said, easy stowage and setup. Love the versatility and simplicity.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Great review 👍 Personally, I like to think of these types of trailers as single person tailers. If I tried to get my wife to go camping in one, I would become a single person 🤣 HNY

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This gave me a good laugh. Probably because there's a lot of Truth in it. It's going to take a very like-minded family to see the beauty in this.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hey good seeing you Patrick, Happy New Year my friend 🎈

[@garretlewis4103]

My philosophy is if you want your wife to go camping with you, you need to do what she likes! I always ask what she likes/wants.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@garretlewis4103 Amen to that! We often say you're only as comfortable as the least comfortable person in your party.

[@millsfinancialgroup]

💯. The idea of sleeping 12 people on this is rather insane. Its a 1 person trailer

[@101doreen]

This is perfect for us older folk. Not too low or high. Multi functional.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That's how I feel as well. I've been through shoulder surgeries and still have occasional dislocation so I'm always looking for something that accommodates good ergonomics.

[@jennstuart2031]

The flexibility of this trailer is wonderful! The ability to carry gear so low sounds like it can help a wide market! Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hey Jenn, good to see you! The flexibility and the low profile are really what this trailer is all about. It's basically an ergonomically sound, blank canvas for you to paint on.

[@jennstuart2031]

I like it!

[@brandyn6644]

Lost me when he said yeti bucket for wood pellets. I knew then I couldn’t afford any of it 😂

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😆 yeah there's some high priced items here. But the beauty of a trailer like this is it doesn't have to be. You can outfit this entire thing from just gear you can pick up at Walmart.

[@garretlewis4103]

True. Hey, we can always put a Yeti sticker on a plain 5 gallon bucket. 😂😂😂😂

[@brandyn6644]

@@garretlewis4103 that was my thought

[@dadsquatch79]

I'll tell you what. I bought a yeti bucket the day it came out. I liked the organization options. $40. In that time I've gone through at least a dozen Lowe's/HD buckets. Not counting the lids. I've marinated turkeys, kept bait in it, used it as a step stool. Left it on the back porch for 6 months. Carried parts in it. Left it rolling around in the back of my pickup truck. Zero damage. Zero UV issues. And I always have a super strong bucket around. No worries about it falling apart when I pick up the handle.

[@garretlewis4103]

@ I guess it depends on how you use it and what you need it for. There are several factors to figure out the value. Sound like your Yeti bucket has been a good value in the long term.

[@KnittedSchnauzer]

Wow. This is a whole different level of thinking, designing and building.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Agreed! It was nice to see someone go a bit outside the box

[@LoreleiVaughn]

Very innovative. That's cool not having to lift kayaks so high. I would worry about theft. All good thieves have bolt cutters. I dont need room for anyone but my dog child. For being in bear country, I prefer hard sides. But clever for some folks.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love your take on this. And I like the title of dog child 😊

[@cwolfpack3]

These are all the reasons why I love my SylvanSport GO. Surprised you didn't mention it as a comparable option.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I should have, I didn't even think of it at the time. I do have a video of the goat coming out fairly soon.

[@annmariewhale4501]

@@PlayingwithSticks I was thinking the same thing. I’ve added storage racks to the car roof top and Sylvan Go roof top. Honestly, it’s insane the amount of Costco totes I can stack inside with the roof tent down and if I raise the tent up and flip up the bed rails I can put 2 bikes inside and double stack the totes on each other. (I’ve worked in the warehouse for UPS 27 years so packing trailers has become second nature to me. My husband loves to call me “Packy McPackerson”.) BTW: new gear alert 🚨!! Amazon sells heated rugs you can plug in to your power station. I want to try out one for the floor of our GO and see how long it stays warm plugged into our ecoflow. I already have sleeping bag heating pads ( those are a game changer for cold weather). My friend reminds me that “THATS NOT CAMPING.” … it is for me!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@annmariewhale4501 wow! You are packy mcpackerson. Love it! Brad calls this trailer in the video. His Pac-Man. You got me with the new gear alert. That sounds really neat! Do you know the name of those sleeping bag heating pads? I am not familiar with them. Are you talking about like the small square heating pads for your lower back? I could see those working very well. Or are these specifically for sleeping bags?

[@Pinzman27]

Awesome Drew. I remember talking with you 2 as the gentleman had the V2 of the MoonLander. I just watched and had a lightbulb moment. I was hey you were there probable before you filmed. Anyway happy camping and enjoy your travels with the family. Alan

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Small world isn't it. This comment gave me a big smile. I think I hadn't filmed the trailer yet. Great seeing you on here Alan!

[@Pinzman27]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thanks Drew I'm working on another overland vehicle as we speak. Watching your videos and others is giving me some awesome ideas.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@Pinzman27 I'm a bit envious. Sounds like a fun project. And in Brad's case a fun tow vehicle.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

JMHO, but the issue I have with these small trailers, is once the weather turns bad, it's game over.

[@jgrant4520]

One thing we didn't get the opportunity to do is that you can easily hook a Gazelle Gazebo tent to the awning poles on this trailer to create a large area to hang out while it is raining and when it is time to fold up camp you can quickly fold up the Gazelle tent and throw it in the bed of the trailer.

[@annmariewhale4501]

@@jgrant4520 gazelle tents are really nice and… they make isolated tents too ( ice fishing)

[@SamoyedMoms]

Kudos to all the folks who so kindly share their camping setups and knowledge. There's a surprisingly lot to take in with this particular clever setup. I can vouch for the Alu-Cab products. On my Toyota Tundra (and Alu-Cab Contour Canopy) I have the Alu-Cab LT-50 rooftop tent and 270-degree awning. Had not occurred to me before that someday I could put the rtt and awning on a trailer setup. Much to consider. I do have bikes, motorcycle and canoe that I like to take on trips.

[@mikecrawford7352]

This is practically a towable version of my current setup. Minus the rooftop tent. These type setups I would have loved 20 to 30 years ago. These are so customizable and could do a lot. I like this setup it gets you out and in the elements, which is why I go camping. However I am still looking for a happy medium of garageable quick and easy camp setup that feels less like tent camping and more like a hard sided camper with standing room and quick set up and accommodates the needs of my 2 autistic boys. I know I’m asking for a lot. I have a design in my head that checks most if not all the boxes, I just need to get the wife to let me build it, lmao.😂

[@brandonmorrison-q3b]

Gotta have a/c in Texas. Storage isn’t much of a concern but sweating my ass off all night is. 😂

[@JOYsCAmpeR_ADV]

Great presentation and awesome camper.👌

[@CinkSVideo]

That’s a lot of flexibility for such a compact setup. Though personally, I don’t want six other people with me camping. 😊 There is a lot to be said for a simple gear hauler trailer. The bonus this has is the quick access to the bed and probably to your kitchen set up. I don’t store gear inside my Bean so I always have access to the bed and galley for a quick stopover trip.

[@joshua.harazin]

I like the idea, but saying this sleeps 6 is a bit of a stretch. It's like saying a pickup truck sleeps 20 since you can put a bunch of tents in the box. That's really all this is, is a towable truck bed.

[@jgrant4520]

The trailer can sleep 2 in the roof top tent, 2 in the tent setup in the bed of the trailer, 2 in haven hammocks or hammock of your choosing on each side of the trailer and if you really pushed it you could put another Haven hammock on the back as well. Most people wouldn't go to these extremes but you could if you needed to. Scalability and customization is the theme of this trailer.

[@KorraTheFrenchie]

I don’t really think that hammock tents qualify “sleeping” quantity. Anyone can add a Haven hammock tent to their setup and claim that then. I’d say 4 at most, two in the trailer bed and two in the rooftop tent.

[@violentdawg]

FINALLY, I swear this past two weeks felt like 2 months! This is such an awesome trailer allowing us short people to get our kayaks on board and mine being 85lbs empty (oldtown sportsman 120) the option to just toss on the bottom is a great idea! I didn't hear how long this trailer is though.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Brad will be coming in here later and reading these comments, so he'll be able to give us the dimensions. I can't believe I completely forgot to put that in the video. Thank you for reminding me. The beauty of this trailer because it's customizable by the manufacturer. You can make it any length you would like. But I think Brad really nailed it with the size of this, if I was to do some customization with this company, I would base it off of Brad's original design and just make a few changes to make it my own. I think he did a really good job with his concept. I'm with you on that height thing as well. My wife may is what we would call on the short side and my shoulders is beat up as they are, makes me feel like I'm on the short side as well. And even if I was tall and had good shoulders, if I could do it all over again I would take care of them. This is the type of ergonomic setup that I should have been focused on in my younger years.

[@jgrant4520]

@@PlayingwithSticks The bed is 8 x 5 feet.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@jgrant4520 Thanks Brad, much appreciated!

[@violentdawg]

@@jgrant4520 Thank you for the info! Your design is awesome! I'd just need a lower version of my truck bed extender and I'd be set (my kayak is 12'). Also thank you for letting Drew show it to us!

[@violentdawg]

@@PlayingwithSticks Yes! I'm climbing towards 40 and my body is reminding me everyday of all the crazy stuff I done growing up lol.

[@CraigG21]

I don’t have all the needs as this gentleman, so necessity is the mother of invention! There are lots of good storage ideas/hacks here. Love how much utility he has with this. However, I prefer the security of my small hard-sided TC Teardrop, which also has better weather protection, which is a big deal for us. The new Terrain (square drop) model we have coming will even allow for us to sit INSIDE during inclement weather. An extended front platform and larger storage box will give us much more storage too.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That's part of the reason why I asked Brad why you went from a hard-sided to an open-sided trailer. I had a feeling a lot of people would prefer what you are referring to. Can you tell me more about the terrain square drop model? Is that a new one from TC teardrops? Do they have it on their website yet or is this something really new?

[@CraigG21]

I responded, but I don’t see it here…

[@nealwright5630]

Awesome looking trailer. I wish it had started from the beginning though, showing a trailer that was fully loaded and then the process of unloading and setting up camp.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@nealwright5630 That's so funny, I've had multiple people say that this video. Usually it's the opposite. Whenever I do that people complain that I just wasted their time. I appreciate it

[@nealwright5630]

​@@PlayingwithSticks NP man. You can't please everyone. 😁 Good video.

[@jisangpark4695]

0:20 Why don’t you show 6 people lying down on this trailer? Where are six bikes? Where are six kayaks. All of the things claimed in the beginning of the video are missing….

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Throughout the video he explains all the locations. The rear hammock stand the hammock Outpost. The two kayaks on the sides, the three in the middle, the kayaks on top of the RTT. The bikes on the tongue. I was hoping people still had good imaginations. I guess all this technology is rendering our imaginations useless. Just kidding. I realize I could have done a better job with the visuals, I'll make sure to do that next time.

[@joelhamm9977]

I completely agree and was left wondering really......

[@karlamaynor5544]

I agree on having pictures included of the 6 bikes or 6 kayaks attached.

[@rafterwhomestead]

A fellow Kansan! Awesome!

[@elainefuehrer5739]

how do u get in the top part.. and do u have screens to go around

[@rafterwhomestead]

I've got an Xtrusion Overland rack that I've removed from my truck. I think mounting that to a trailer and building out something similar would be a great DIY project.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I like how you think!

[@heidib1362]

I would love to hear/see more about how they put the tent in the trailer for the kids. That was a really neat set up!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I was thinking the same thing. This was a photo I got from him after making the video. I didn't realize when he was explaining it, what it actually looked like.

[@jgrant4520]

I took a Aquaquest tarp and had a custom tent made out of it with straps that snap on to 12 points on the frame of the trailer to create the tent underneath. It is super fast to setup and take down. You do have to take the gear out of the bed of the trailer but when you are setting up camp most of it is already out anyway! 😊

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@jgrant4520 Thanks Brad for taking the time to share this.

[@heidib1362]

@@jgrant4520 Thanks for sharing!

[@beerdrinker6452]

Happy New Year.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Woot woot! Happy 2025 😁

[@tuvia4082]

Thanks Drew, nice presentation. This seems a bit too busy for me and contains too many random parts. I'm sure that this would suit some but not for me. Thanks again and have a great new year.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for taking the time to share your take on this. I really appreciate it. I had a feeling people would not be in the middle on this one. They'd either love it or say it's not for me.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I forgot to say Happy New Year to you as well!

[@kebeaux6546]

My friend Drew!!! A surprise Thursday!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Happy New Year my friend. New year, new video.

[@kebeaux6546]

@@PlayingwithSticksthat is an impressive trailer. SO many options. But with that trailer fully loaded and ready to go … trailer weight would not work for me, unless I pick up a new truck. He designed it for his family and it works for him. It really is organized well.

[@kebeaux6546]

⁠@@PlayingwithSticksHappy New Year to you and that beautiful family.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@kebeaux6546 check out hikers similar version. Have you seen that hidden at the end of our hiker video? That one would be much lighter. I think runaways was pretty light and simple as well. I get you on the tow vehicle thing. That always narrows down our choices, doesn't it?

[@kebeaux6546]

@ I did see it. I’ll take another look 👀. It might be doable.

[@LarryBullock]

Still would want to see you review the Sylvan Sport Go (especially the newer GOAT one).

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love it, because that's the exact model I filmed this summer.

[@michaelholbrook4401]

This is kinda what I want to do with a flatbed, 5x8, utility trailer, I already own. I would have to upgrade the axle, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I like your idea.

[@7XDDM]

I'm so glad you put that arrow in the thumbnail or I'd have no idea what you were talking about

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😂 The only reason I put it in there is so people know it's me. I put one in every video. I realize it's ridiculous, but in terms of branding that's the only thing that's consistent for me.

[@thevideostump46239]

I ran into a guy a few years back that did was of these with a garden trailer.. Not for me, but it was still kinda cool...

[@garretlewis4103]

I thought about doing something like this on a utility trailer. Just like you asked, I was going to make it taller and haul our Spyder.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Oh I would love to see something like that. I have this little pipe dream of someday making a video where I pull a small camper with a spyder. I realize it doesn't really have a tow capacity, but it would be fun. I think I remember seeing it was like 400 for 500 lbs. It'd have to be a pretty small camper 😆

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

It's kind of a Swiss Army Knife trailer. I've narrowed my choices to these: NuCamp Tab 360, Encore ROG 14rkb, or a Capri Cowboy camper. I'm leaning towards the first because I can stand up, cook and use the restroom inside, and NuCamp uses the Alde system for heating. Looking at camping all year and cooking and restroom runs outside just won't work for me. But I watch your channel more than others because if it's out there you'll find it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I think that tab 360 is a pretty special trailer. There are so many people that own the 320 that are trying to sell theirs to upgrade to the 360. And people with the 400 wanting to downgrade to the 360. It's a model that makes a lot of sense. And I agree, Swiss army knife is a great way to describe this trailer

[@PlayingwithSticks]

If you're thinking like Brad here, if you ever hit the lottery, maybe you could do the Capri camper with the tab 360 😆

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

@PlayingwithSticks Believe me I've thought about that lol.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

@@PlayingwithSticks And they're coming out with a 360 clamshell this year.

[@OVERLAND_ADVENTURE]

Very nice setup 🫡

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I was wondering how long it would take for some overland folks to find this video.

[@the305hauler]

Booyah 👊🏽 😁 👍🏽 🇺🇸

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you liked it!

[@awo1fman]

These are great for what they are. They would be great for a motorsports weekend or other excursion of no more than a few days that require lots of gear. But for actual travel, long trips or 4-season use they're all but useless. A utility trailer and a regular tent would be far more versatile and useful to me than this. Tent campers in general are a hard no for me. I had a pop-out for many years and it was great, again for what it was, but it taught me a lot about what's important about travelling with a camper. If I can't pull over and sleep in comfort instantly, without having to set anything up, I'm not interested. And water drenching the bed and everything inside when I have to bug out in the middle of a rainstorm is another hard NO. Then there's the issue of trying to sleep when it's freezing cold or unbearably hot. A hard-sided teardrop is the only option for realistic, economical and convenient travel.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this. I appreciate the thoughtful comment

[@hyppievanman]

After having a roof top tent on top of my teardrop, I let a friend try it out one time (to see if he wanted to buy it). Even though all of the stabilizers were firmly down it would shake anytime either of us moved. Good idea in theory but trust me, very annoying to wake up every time things randomly shake.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We've heard this one often. Essentially every little micro movement up top is exaggerated down below. There are a lot of teardrop manufacturers out there that don't suggest rooftop tents. I guess it really comes down to how sound of sleeper are you.

[@hyppievanman]

@ Actually didn’t bother me so much down below, he was the one bothered up there. Mine sells them to go along with, but really for the kids if you have them.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@hyppievanman oh that's interesting. So it sounds like it goes both ways because we've had hundreds of comments on the channel about the opposite direction. Well darn. I didn't know it was bad for both parties.

[@hyppievanman]

@ Got to think, it’s more stable at the bottom. That and Jack Daniel’s may have sang me a lullaby

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😂 Love it. But I agree logically the bottom being the most stable makes sense

[@Barret-paddles]

Impressive, not my personal cup of tea but incredibly clever and versatile!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I like your balanced take on this.

[@joelieser6700]

So, this is not the hiker runaway or the expedition trailer shown in the video? I can’t seem to find this trailer, even though I understand it’s highly customizable

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sorry it's confusing and I forgot to put it in the video, so I pinned a comment in the top of the comment section. Both of those videos I linked, those expedition trailers are in the second half of those videos. So in the first half you'll see their basic square drop trailers and then near the end you'll see their expedition trailers. Sorry for the confusion.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

And if I'm taking your question wrong, here's a second answer. This trailer in the video is made by symmetry trailers. There's a link to their website in the description.

[@TheAaronAsay]

Any chance we could get a link for the cap he made for the Scepter Water Container? Looks like a 3D print that was made for the Dometic Faucet?

[@lesliebrown1517]

Interesting build. No way would I share the small space with 5 other people, though. Lifted tents are not too convenient for dogs. Mine was able to (mostly) scramble into the back of my pickup truck when I tented in it. It's much easier now in my camper.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Leslie! I had a feeling this would be a hit or miss for most people. Not a lot of people falling in the middle on this trailer.

[@Oblonglego]

What type of paper towel holder is that?

[@jgrant4520]

Expedition Essentials

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@jgrant4520 Thanks, brad!

[@JT_Adventures]

That Symmetry setup has to run over $60k easily with all that gear! Not what I call budget. Flexible & versatile yes, but you will pay for it.

[@jgrant4520]

With the trailer and all the gear shown on the video it would be below $30,000 but more importantly this trailer is designed to put the gear that you want on it. You can go as cheap or expensive as your budget allows

[@thomasdundon4093]

I like this idea, but am wondering about winter camping. Does anyone make a pop-up tent with sufficient insulation?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Got d question. We've used a number of different tents for winter camping. And we find the insulation isn't nearly as important as heat source. Most of the heaters people use for winter camping are so overpowered for such a small space that with all that heat loss through the tent, they tend to do pretty fine with something like a diesel heater. Even a simple buddy heater does pretty well You just get those moisture issues with the propane vs the dry heat of the diesel.

[@BirdPhish]

Quite the contraption....so much stuff all right where you need it. Sometimes less is more though....my Kimbo has one - One Wheel.......way more fun than 6 E-bikes and 6 Kayaks could ever be...imho ...hahaha

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😆 I think I did a poor job editing this video. I should have taken the time to explain who Brad was talking to. I think he was trying to share with the community what this trailer is capable of. So for example, if you were a river guide, this could be your base camp while hauling your client's gear. If you were a bike touring business, you could haul the bikes and gear on this trailer, but still have a place to sleep at night while your clientele are staying in their high dollar hotels. And then Brad's pretty communal himself, so when he takes this camper out he's often taking out different family members and friends and sharing the space. But with all that said I do get you on the less is more. It all depends on our needs.

[@BirdPhish]

@@PlayingwithSticks You edits and video work are always good Drew...you didn't need to point out the obvious. This rig is for a large family or group settings ...and very adaptable to your own use case. But...bring 6 e-bikes and 6 kayaks to a setting along with one One Wheel and see which gets more attention lol

[@BirdPhish]

@@PlayingwithSticks I just uploaded a new video Drew....time for some coffee...and cookies in the Kimbo...."Craving Cookies in the Kimbo"

[@katt9338]

This is pretty cool. I’d love to see your thoughts on a pop-up tent trailer manufactured in my home state of North Carolina, the Sylvan Sport GO (and GO All Terrain). The guy who started the company worked on the original Coleman pop-up design

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I'll do it! 😂 I actually shot the goat this summer so you'll see that fairly soon.

[@thomasunderwood1236]

​@PlayingwithSticks I'm looking forward to what you think of it. As a Go owner, my only complaint is it let's me bring too much, which makes it take longer to setup.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@thomasunderwood1236 I think it's a neat little trailer. The only complaint I hear from owners is that it takes a little longer to set up than they thought it would. But they all say they still love it.

[@thomasunderwood1236]

​@@PlayingwithStickswe rented an Airstream basecamp once to see about getting something "quicker", and my wife loved the look of them. After the 2nd day we were missing our GO.

[@mazzy2121]

I never worry about theft when camping. Is that weird? I mean I've camped in tents forever so...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

No, I don't think so. When I had basic camping gear I didn't consider it either. But once you start having gear like Brad's here I can see how The thought of it creeps into the mind

[@sandrachalmbacher3726]

Wanted to see closed up and then set it all up

[@PlayingwithSticks]

There are photos. But in terms of setting it up, I decided people have a good enough imagination to imagine how one would pop up a tent, open up a shower, pull out an awning. I think I just didn't do a good job of explaining this trailer. The trailer doesn't come with those items. It's just the trailer itself. The point of this trailer is it can be anything you want it to be. You could add that tent, awnings, showers, kitchen setups. It's a blank canvas that you can do with it whatever you want. The sky's the limit with the versatility of something like this. Sorry for the confusion.

[@marleinasirkin395]

This is awesome. Would you please. How do you keep rodents out? And do you experience bugs while cooking? How do you deal with that? I’m from Hawaii and don’t experience ticks , chiggers.

[@deetrvl4life875]

PLEASE do a review of the 2025 Thor Quantum SE19? Yes, please? Love your channel and most importantly, TRUST your reviews!

[@BWinCO943]

Cool trailer but why the need to exaggerate its capacity? Just say it’s great for 2 adults maybe 3 kids comfortably. It’s still really cool. Would love to see all 6 kayaks on it with 6 bikes and then the 6 people sleeping arrangements if it’s really true. It’s like a 6 person tent but only if you all sleep touching each other and alternate head and feet. who would do that?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sorry, that was my fault in the edit. I didn't do a good job explaining the sleeping arrangements. This is a family that primarily hammock camps. So there is great separation between the family members. Kids are in the rooftop tent, and sleeping below in the little cabin. Adults are in the different hammock stands he has. The hitch mounted hammock stands, the kammok crosswing awnings, etc.

[@mrdave22]

well done

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Good seeing you're on here. I'll beat you to it this time, may God bless you my friend.

[@mrdave22]

@ yes! So good to hear. May God bless you and your family richly. Foamies for everyone!!!!!

[@davidk6668]

Unfortunately this design will be a dirt, mud and dust magnet and you will be constantly cleaning things every time you pull into camp.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@davidk6668 That's a good point, I'll be interested to hear what Brad says about that here in the comments. Thanks for sharing!

[@jgrant4520]

I really haven't had trouble with mud getting in the bed of the trailer but dust can be an issue. I try to keep gear in back that I don't mind getting dusty or that can clean up very easily. ROAM Cargo Boxes, Yeti buckts, Gazelle gazebo tent is in a bag, etc.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@jgrant4520 Thanks for stopping by Brad and sharing your experiences with this.

[@jgrant4520]

My pleasure Drew!

[@cobuck4007]

Interesting, but unhelpful. You should have started with the trailer all packed up and then show us how everything unpacks and sets up. Right now, it looks like a messy mass of hidden compromises.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sounds like you lost your childhood ability to use your imagination. It's a pretty simple trailer. To reverse engineer what you are seeing. Close the tent, close the shower enclosure, take down the hammock stands. But, I will apologize for not having him setup the kitchen. I think that takes a bit more than imagination.

[@TheArtisanbard]

Sweet rig!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

If you go to 15:22 there are a couple of photos there that will help you understand how simple this trailer is. It should give you a good idea of how to get the point of unhitching to where we are in this video.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Agreed! When I first saw it it actually took me awhile to understand its value. But the more I consider this trailer and the more I'm around it, the more I realize why it's become one of my favorite campers.

[@billbruff9613]

Really fantastic custom job. You hit on one of what seem to be two major drawbacks: security against theft but also with the open sides of the storage area what happens with rain, snow, and mud intruding on all your stowed gear? Or if you have the "kids" sleeping area with some type of mattress?

[@twloughlin]

Clearly there's no way to get an exact cost on such a custom build with all the various components, but would you care to throw out a ballpark figure for reference?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes of course, I can give you the exact price of the base of this trailer. Brad gave me permission. For the trailer itself without the rooftop tent it was $14,229. As you can see, Brad has pretty high tastes in his camping gear selection, so the components he adds will quickly add up in price. But if you compare this to the budget manufacturers of similar trailers like hiker and runaway, I was surprised to see symmetry's price wasn't in a whole different League. Meaning, for a completely custom trailer, I would expect a higher price tag. I wasn't familiar with symmetry trailers before making this video, but they've definitely piqued my interest. There are a number of great custom manufacturers out there, but you definitely pay for that customization.

[@twloughlin]

@@PlayingwithSticks Thank you!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@twloughlin You are most welcome!

[@OriginsOfSymmetry010]

A bear will run through that like a hot knife through butter.

[@t.shauny5119]

This isn’t a new idea tho?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Did somebody say it was? Like we talked about in the video, we call these trailers expedition trailers, meaning it's a genre of trailers . But the one in this video nobody's made it before.

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

Junk. Super high tongue weight. Poor design.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

There's Brian again. Same guy who yesterday said the TC teardrop was junk. Sounds like he has a lot of learning to do. You are right with the placement of the axles. This will have a high tongue weight. But beings there's really nothing on this trailer. In terms of tongue weight comparison to other trailers you're going to find this is not higher. This would come in as an average tounge weight.

[@parapelegicBUD]

It looks like a crackheads tree fort tho ....

[@nancyneptune542]

How am I missing the link to the trailer am I blind? Where is it please? 🙂

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It's the link in the description that says symmetry trailers. There is also two other links to expedition budget trailers that we've also showed on the channel.