Hiker Trailer Tour - Part 2: Accessories

[@johng.9785]

Great video Matt. My hiker is on order, but you've given me some things to think about before they start the build.

[@markshively1365]

Just a quick thanks to Mike and Wendy for the vast range of videos you've created! I'm visiting the Indiana site next week to get a touch and feel of the Hiker Highway Deluxe. Still figuring out what we will and won't get as fas as upgrades / accessories, but ALL of your videos help me build some knowledge before my visit, so it can much more focused. Fingers crossed we are in a Hiker by June 2023 - super excited at the prospects!!!!

[@MWDAdventures]

Glad we can help.

[@NarleyAdventures]

👍👍👍👍👍😀, I've probably watched these 2 tour videos a dozen times, GREAT JOB on them !!! You and Wendy sold me on Hiker.

[@mulvey0731]

I agree with the portable power plant. I plan to have a Bluetti. I also like the Jackery 100W portable solar panel.

[@eda7875]

Yeap. I am going with jackery. Easier, lighter. And these portable power plants keep getting better. I told them to convert the cable leads to 12volt port for a jackery.

[@tedsamuels3203]

I think 🤔 it's awesome gentlemen. Just to know this is made in America 🇺🇸 🙂 I think 🤔 your styles are further realistic and top quality without draining a poor man's bank account. Thanks for sharing and being there for the American public 👍

[@drc1883]

He said Pure SWINE inverter!! 🤓

[@tedsamuels3203]

Great video Matt and Wendy, And everyone at Hiker Trailers. This was very helpful. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING.

[@MWDAdventures]

Our pleasure!

[@chi4life61]

Awesome video thank You all

[@eda7875]

Matt and Wendy your videos keep getting better. You guys are awesome thank you!!!!

[@MWDAdventures]

Thanks so much!! Glad you like them.

[@kerrymartin707]

This was a really great video, and timed perfectly for me! Like at least one previous poster, I have mine on order but this gave me some things to consider before the final build sheet. One thing is for certain, I am confident that I picked the right small trailer manufacturer. Thanks!

[@renatogoncalves2412]

Beautiful!

[@raullasvegas]

If you have a CPAP, get a DC-DC converter that is built by AirSense. Its super efficient. It has a 24V output, but it takes in 12-48VDC.

[@bryman31]

do you suppose theres a way to have the fridge box, medium box, and spare tire in the this trailer?

[@MWDAdventures]

You would probably have to put the spare tire as an undermount, otherwise too much weight on the front of the frame. But to know for sure, you can contact Hiker customer service.

[@twoweary]

9:55 the pure swine inverter ? Is that like horse power? I think 5 swine equals 1 horsepower, but I could be mistaken. I just got a Hiker trailer, I love it and can’t wait to outfit it to meet my needs.

[@betweenthepines4000]

Crazy awesome and very helpful upload. Wife and I are interested especially at that price point. One wish, the OFf road would have the Timbren axle less option! I have it on my custom build and its a game changer. We are considering selling and getting the new mid range xl. Love it, thank you

[@professortraceycppvirtuall7807]

thanks for the great video. I am done with sleeping on the ground. Pulling the Ragin' by myself is not gonna happen (hard to hook up). This is the personal trailer I am hoping to get, and you are helping to convince me!

[@sloshyjoe]

Hey when you're at the Hiker Meet that's coming up please try to find some trailers with A/C and bunk beds I want to check them out. Thank you!

[@MWDAdventures]

We will be on the look out for those - as for AC are you looking for front A/C unit, roof top or other solutions?

[@kevinhall8112]

Seriously thinking about buying one of these. Thank you for the videos they were very informative because I really didn't know about the options that were available and what they actually were. Your video really made it a lot simpler and helping me make a decision thank you very much great video looking forward to seeing more

[@MWDAdventures]

Glad I could help!

[@falconxvid]

The big question here is, does an offload trailer close to 2K pounds navigate soft roads better than a light weight teardrop below 700 pounds, from my experience, the light weight trailer wins hands down....

[@bluemoose1972]

Can you get the hiker trailer logo engraved between the cubby holes or somewhere in the cabin, like Colorado. Does?

[@MWDAdventures]

You would have to ask them.

[@twoweary]

11:42 another difference is a lithium battery doesn’t handle getting bounced around as well as an AGM battery. So don’t automatically think lithium is always better.

[@triciaharrod7582]

Oh, the confusion of so many great options and choices. We went basic and light with the deluxe. Added for two windowed doors, diamond plating on the sides and full front, diamond fenders, 2 roof rack bars, and a hitch on the rear. With all the gizmo's available for portable/rechargeable ... nothing added. In-fact, Hiker triple asked us about an electrical package! That's just how we wanted ours to be. Nov-Oct 2021 can't come soon enough CO. Almost forgot, went with the CLAM versus awnings for now.

[@MWDAdventures]

Decision overload for sure

[@madman432000]

Is it possible to get just the camper part without the trailer so I can slide it into my existing utility trailer? Don't want to keep accumulating trailers and would like them to be multi use.

[@MWDAdventures]

You would have to call the Hiker factory to find that out.

[@DragonSlayer-rd4mn]

~ Thanks. I enjoy your channel. Does the battery charge through the car/pin connector when traveling? Does shore power top off the battery as well?

[@metaxaanabeer]

The house battery will charge from the tow vehicle only if you have a 7 pin connector OR you run a specific charge wire from the engine bay fuse box back to the hitch point. Shore power will keep your house battery charged only if you have a battery tender inline and attached to the house battery.

[@MWDAdventures]

We were told when we picked up our trailer that Hiker does not set it up to have the trailer battery charged while you are driving. As for shore power, the shore power gives power to the power strip, if you order a battery through them, they plug a noco battery charger into the power strip and the noco battery charger will top off the battery.

[@cjzydeco]

Thank you! Your videos are so incredibly helpful! I would love to see a video showing the inside of the front box with the cooler slide. I am assuming that there is room to mount the battery in the same box on the mid-range XL?

[@MWDAdventures]

I have alot more videos on the channel. Box you are looking for is in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqHZdKuPaKZ-ibM&ab_channel=MattDeWittMWDAdventures

[@cheapwhiskey30]

Is the only real difference between the Highway Deluxe and the Mid Level the axel and suspension?

[@MWDAdventures]

Yes, the box is basically the same on all the trailers. The EOR has a different frame also. The Mid Range definitely sits up higher.

[@Lee-up4bz]

I'm looking for part 1....

[@MWDAdventures]

Hiker Trailer Tour - part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp2ZeZWpmKmbmJI

[@amythinks]

So, I called all ready to work with the company to place an order. I had watched lots of videos and done tons of research and spent some effort figuring out exactly what I wanted. It was a hard no on everything. I didn't have anything particularly unusual, I just wanted the company to put in two cleats on the inside of the trailer near the gallery. Nope. Basically, they won't do anything custom unless it's part of their spec-sheet. In essence, that means it's not custom, it's an option, which is completely diferrent. So, basically, no customizations. That was not my impression at all from other owners and their past experiences. This video really portrays a company that is ready and willing to work with you and I found it to be completely the opposite. It was a hard no on even customizations that I had seen them do for past customers (like a slide out from the galley for a Dometic fridge). I was so disappointed and really quite shocked. I know enough about woodworking to do what I need myself, but just to let people know that the attitude reflected in this video did not match reality. It's still a great trailer and the people were still very nice, just not willing to talk any customizations beyond their spec. Update: Indiana was much easier to work with than Colorado. They still aren't going to do what they used to do in terms of customizations, but they were much more flexible. For example, Colorado would not drop the top galley shelf a few inches, Indiana said yes.

[@Bobby_Chingas]

This is good to know I was hoping to work with the Colorado location and based on your experience I may not now this sucks because I'm in California and Colorado is closer to me.

[@amythinks]

@@Bobby_Chingas I'd be interested to hear your experience. My comment was a year ago and as supply chain issues continue and inflation has gotten much worse, I wonder if Indiana was forced to become restrictive as well. Good luck! I ultimately decided not to buy their trailer and go for a full size cargo trailer instead.

[@eddierivera1494]

Matt, quick question…… been serious looking now for a few weeks at these hikers. But I have a question. The top cross bars can they hold a kyack? If so, do you know the max weight on those. We have a truck and can place in truck as needed, but would b nice to place on top. Thanks, Fort Wayne, Indiana

[@MWDAdventures]

The roof rack bars can support a roof top tent with people in it, so it should be able to carry kayaks. That is definitely something I have seen other Hiker owners use the bars for. If you would like to come see a Hiker in person, we are in Grand Rapids, MI area and you could come check ours out - if interested contact us at [e-mail]

[@eddierivera1494]

@@MWDAdventures ……. That’s awesome 💥 We are looking at heading down to the indiana shop after the new year.

[@L6ila12]

@20:00 minutes in, is the color of That trailer silver, pewter, or white?

[@MWDAdventures]

I'm pretty sure it is Silver, pewter has more of a brown tint and the slate has more blue tint

[@L6ila12]

@@MWDAdventures it looks really nice! I appreciate it, Matt!

[@twoweary]

An issue I have with the awning is it’s too low. You have to duck if you’re close to 6 feet tall. At 16:51 you’ll see what I mean. The gentleman couldn’t walk up to the trailer without ducking. I plan on raising mine up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy with my Hiker. And ALWAYS get two doors , even if it’s just you and your dog. 😁

[@danielfaulkner7089]

Has me worried about my choice in electrical package. Got the 12V prep with basic solar prep. Figured I would only be out for weekends at a time but I’m wondering if it will be enough. I have extra batteries that I use for my boat... would I be able to switch them out easily? Would I be able to use a portable power station/electric gen? How much more juice would a portable solar set up get me? So many questions I know 😂

[@eda7875]

what are you gonna be using electricity for?

[@danielfaulkner7089]

Not too awful much as I’m a pretty simple guy coming from a minimalist backpacking background. coffee maker in mornings, lights at night when needed, Maxx fan, small heater and heated blanket in winter sparingly, music speaker occasionally to recharge via USB, charging phone.... that’s about all I can think of to expect to use right now. Nothing on electricity during the days for the most part as I plan to use it as a base camp for hiking/fishing/hunting.

[@eda7875]

@@danielfaulkner7089 An electrical heater would deplete the battery very fast. Heat with gas.

[@ryanclemens38]

Another great Video Matt & Winnie I do like the hiker off-Road Extreme it is a toss up between Hiker or Off Grid Trailers they have the 2.0 version all aluminum made in Canada. There or things i like about both Trailers. Matt can they do a walk-around video on the O.R. Extreme.

[@MWDAdventures]

@skull bandit - here are a couple videos we have done of other owners EOR trailers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqHZdKuPaKZ-ibM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3ingJ6ud9yMq8U and kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6SXpmeNobGLe80

[@eda7875]

I wonder if there are any benefits to a shore power/power strip delete. I would never use it here out west, and if I ever did. What would I plug on the power strip?. I guess it could be useful if you have guests at home sleeping in the trailer?

[@MWDAdventures]

We use the power strip to plug in a small personal heater on cold nights and additional charging cubes to recharge our phones, watches, lights at night. Some people use them for a coffee pot too. Everyone camps differently, that is the beauty of these trailers, you can customize it to your camping style.

[@eda7875]

@@MWDAdventures I see. I've never been to a campground that has shore power here out west. Places we camp are pretty off-grid. But now that you mention it could be nice for guests at home. They could stay in the camper and use it to charge their phones, laptops, etc...

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI MATT 👋 THANK YOU FOR THIS 🙏 JUST BEEN LOOKING FOR A TINY TRAILERS ! I LIKE THE LOOK OF THE HIKER TRAILERS , OFF ROAD MAINLY BECAUSE NEVER KNOW ! PLUS NEED THE HEIGHT FOR BEACH ? IF I REMEMBER RIGHT YOUR AIR CONDITIONER SITS ON THE TOOLBOX & HOOKS UP TO THE HIKER TRAILER THAT WAY ? INSTEAD OF ON TOP . I KNOW I'VE SEEN THAT SETUP SOME WHERE IF YOU NEED ONE . HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO DIVE TO HIKER TRAILER ? I'D BE COMING FROM MARYLAND. THANK YOU 🙏 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON 🙏 YOUR JOURNEYS / TRAVELS ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨

[@mgarcia8878]

That last trailer appears to have a water tank with a road shower. I’m just curious why you would go with an additional 4 gallon tank on top of the 21. Is that a bit much or would you use them differently?

[@MWDAdventures]

Not sure what the intentions of this owner are - they may plan for longer off road trips. Additional water.

[@tbacer11]

Im a little confused on the battery system. If I plug into shore power without having a 12 V battery what exactly will this power?

[@MWDAdventures]

There is a power strip in the back galley that the shore power will power.

[@yawnderdreams]

We don't have a 12 V battery. We use a couple portable power stations and can hook them up with the wiring provided plus one piece we needed to purchase. We use shore power for our refrigerator and the power stations for the lights and fan.

[@MWDAdventures]

The shore power gives power to the power strip, if you order a battery through them, they plug a noco battery charger into the power strip and the noco battery charger will top off the battery and the battery will run the other electrical in the trailer.

[@yawnderdreams]

Yep. But we didn't order a battery through them. We set ours up to have the lights and fan run off of our power stations. The shore power would power the power strip, but we just plug it straight into our fridge. Was just explaining the shore power only powers the strip if you don't have a 12 V battery.

[@tbacer11]

@@MWDAdventures Thank you, that makes sense. I do have a Jackery but can use shore power when available. I just wasn't sure if I needed to buy a battery. What would you recommend?

[@damattice23]

Talk to me like I know nothing. The electrical section was confusing. I’m guessing the batteries are more about off grid camping. Would love to see a video exploring what would be needed for someone who only camps at parks with hookups vs someone who off roads.

[@MWDAdventures]

@damattice23, I am right there with you - electrical systems are confusion to me (Wendy). My understanding is that the shore power will charge the power strip that is in the back galley - so plugging in a coffee pot, fan, small heater, etc. If you have a vent fan, lights in the cabin or on the outside of the trailer you will need some kind of battery to power those. If you get the battery from Hiker, they plug a battery charger into the power strip that will recharge the battery if you are plugged in at a campground. They have the 3 options as described in the video for batteries. If you are going to be camping where you are plugged in most of the time, you can probably go with the smaller battery. The longer you go without being plugged in, you need a bigger battery to supplement your power needs - hope this is helpful :-). You can definitely call Hiker and talk to one of their customer service reps for more details if needed.

[@raullasvegas]

I have wondered for months why all the trailers have passenger side doors. It doesn't make sense to me. Im a driver, I get to the site, I want to get out and setup the drivers side. If its raining, 270 degree aweing first. I have a GX, which has a barndoor, which I love not banging my head on. This guy calls the drivers side the street side. I live in the country. I would never park my trailer in the street, so now it makes sense why they put the doors on the passenger side. It still doesn't work for me, but at leeast I understand. PS No one will read this comment, but it makes me feel better.

[@mulvey0731]

Are you able to get AC units yet?

[@MWDAdventures]

They offer a rooftop unit at this time from what we saw. You could talk/email a customer service rep at Hiker to see if they have any portable options they can recommend to you.

[@chrismirabelli3236]

The one thing i see that we would be better is galley door opening upward to be cover as well.

[@MWDAdventures]

They used to have that option, but found most people opted for the side opening.

[@johng.9785]

Im trying to understand the difference between the Glass vs. Glass with Slimeline solar panel options. Do you know which glass panels were pictured in this video? Does anyone have any advice on this?

[@MWDAdventures]

I would recommend emailing Hiker - they have seen the video and would know which one was in the video.

[@bluemoose1972]

I put my order in when I was there April .the slim is low profile, the glass is up raised more subtle to rock& hail damage.I chose low profile.

[@timothymelius9]

When's the date in September

[@MWDAdventures]

Sept 17-19th, 2021 Here is the link to the event page: bit.ly/3ueFOgH

[@DragonSlayer-rd4mn]

Can you stand on the Mid Range fenders?

[@MWDAdventures]

Technically no

[@jeffstitt2585]

I would like to see what a toolbox looks like with the electrical and battery is all finished installed. Anyone? We are getting an XL box. Of course as always your videos are awesome! Thank you!!

[@MWDAdventures]

Here is a link to a video of our toolbox contents. Near the end shows the empty toolbox with just the battery and electric brake box in it. We have the Large tool box. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmUi3yaq6Z0a6c

[@jeffstitt2585]

Thanks Matt! Always a pleasure to view one of your videos! This one I had not seen! Lol Thanks again!

[@bluemoose1972]

The get together is in September NNNNNOOOO I'LL BE HOPEFULLY IN October😎🌲🌄

[@bluemoose1972]

Getting my hiker in October!

[@MWDAdventures]

Some people come in a tent or other camping unit or just visit for the day.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI MATT 👋 ABOUT THE WINDOWS , CAN YOU GET WINDOWS THAT FLIP UP / LIKE ON THE ARE CAPS / SO IN CASE IT RAIN 🌧 OR SNOWS ❄ 🤔 YOU CAN HAVE THE WINDS OPEN A LITTLE , PLUS IF IT'S WINDY YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THE AWNING OUT / OPEN ? ON ONE OF THE KZbin CHANNELS DOME LIFE THEY HAD THEIR AWNING OUT & IT SNOWED UNEXPECTEDLY & FROZE WHERE THE AWNING PIVIOTED TO OPEN & CLOSE SO THEY HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE DAY GOT WARMER OR SAFELY WARM IT UP THERE TO CLOSE EVERYTHING UP BEFORE THEY COULD LEAVE HOPEFULLY YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M SAYING . LOVE YOUR KZbin CHANNEL THANK YOU 🙏 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS / TRAVELS / ADVENTURES ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨

[@MWDAdventures]

As far as we know, Hiker only offers windows that slide to the side. You could reach out to them to see if they offer the windows that open out at the bottom. We had our son design a AV vent cover, so if we need to keep the windows closed we can put this cover on and still allow air flow. www.mwdadventures.com/product-page/hiker-trailer-ac-prep-vent-cover

[@anidaralopez5676]

I think this is the first time I've realized these campers don't come with an air conditioner. Hmmmm.....I'm in the south and we have some pretty hot and muggy nights. AC is pretty much a requirement. Wonder how the rooftop ACs do.

[@MWDAdventures]

From what I have heard the roof top AC definitely does the job - a bit overkill for that small space. Hiker has announced they are working on a smaller portable one, but it is in R&D currently, not sure how soon it will be available.

[@Td-zr1vy]

Is Sept the only month for gathering? I'm off in October bummer

[@MWDAdventures]

That is the date for the one we organize. There are other ones throughout the country - if you are on the Hiker Trailer Owners FB group you can find the other gatherings.

[@mulvey0731]

I’d rather choose my own pure sine inverter.

[@raullasvegas]

"Pure swine inverter" There are so many joke from that statement. I cant believe after a year, no one has called that one out. Bacon is better than sine waves. Pork before frequently. Those are so bad, ask me tomorrow.

[@stevec5576]

What about service & repair in so. Calif. ?

[@MWDAdventures]

At this point the closest location for repairs would be Denver CO. Many times I have heard they will mail parts to people, if needed.