This Affordable Off

Related Video

Canadian off-road camper manufacturer Off Grid Trailers has a new addition to its trailer lineup called the Sprocket. It joins the company's Expedition 2.0, Pando 2.0 teardrop, and Switchback, and if you're persuadable based on names alone, the Sprocket is a winner. Off Grid Trailers defines sprocket (the noun, not the trailer itself) as "a small lightweight component that powers a larger powerful machine" and explains that "the Sprocket's modular design is the core component of your adventure basecamp that allows you to add options and accessories when you are ready."

That pretty much sums it up, but to further dive into the details, here's our best attempt at the gratuitous overuse of the word "sprocket. " Whereas many trailer lineups become more complex with each model introduced, that's not the case with Off Grid Trailers' Sprocket. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Sprocket is built on the existing Expedition chassis and is essentially an Expedition "lite"—slightly shorter (156 inches long versus 166 inches) and modular (or, less outfitted from the get-go).

Whereas the base Expedition starts at $32,750, the Sprocket starts at $23,500, akin to the price of a Ford Maverick compact pickup, which, if properly equipped, could pull the Sprocket's max GVW of 3,500 pounds. That means you could theoretically be out the door with a brand new Maverick tow vehicle and a Sprocket for the same starting price as many off-road trailers.

The Sprocket's modularity—trimming the standard features down to the essentials but remaining prepped for all the bells and whistles—makes it affordable. This means owners can add-on and upgrade as they wish, as they can afford, and according to the products they already own.

For example, the Sprocket has integrated mounting points for frame-mounted accessories, and if you look closely at the white trailer (pictured above), there are pre-threaded exterior bolt holes for side-mounted accessories like the driver-side shower box and passenger-side drop-down dual burner stove and sink. This flexibility is great for DIYers and aftermarket enthusiasts. It's worth noting that one big upgrade that can't make post-purchase has to do with the front box (where the slide-out fridge goes). The Sprocket comes with a standard half-height front box, while the Sprocket X has a full-height front box with a luggage carrier.

However, don't confuse the Sprocket's less-outfitted, modular nature as meaning the camper trailer lacks standard features. It doesn't. It has standard Timbren 3500 HD axle-less suspension, black aluminum wheels on 265/70R17 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, a custom lockable dust/watertight entry door with a sweep-out threshold and tinted/screened window, a dual USB outlet, interior LED lights, 1,000-watt inverter, 30-foot shore power cord, a four-speed MaxxFan Plus fan, and more.

The Sprocket is all-metal, too. There is no wood. There's a bunch of aluminum: removable two-piece fenders, subfloor, outside skin, painted white inside skin, and tube wall frame. There's a one-piece wrap-around roof, CNC-cut R10 rigid foam insulation, and lightweight polypropylene board. The base Sprocket provides a great foundation for longevity.

The Sprocket is a sleep-in off-road trailer. You lay in the 80-inch by 56.5-inch polycarbonate honeycomb sleeping area. There's an optional queen-size 4- or 6-inch high-density foam convertible mattress. Even a small cabin like that of the Sprocket provides shade and relief from the elements.

A unique feature of the Sprocket is its pass-through storage, connecting the cabin to the rear storage area via four cabinet doors that swing into the cabin. If you don't like the pass-through, just keep the doors secured. The rear storage area is accessed through a hatch that swings upward.

Thanks to it modularity, owners can add a bunch of off-grid overlanding products and accessories from Off Grid Trailers upon purchase or on their own timeframe: diamond plate fenders, running boards, an Ark XO front jack, rear stabilizing jacks, anti-skid black powder coating, roof racks, spare tire, Molle panels, drop-down interior shelving, Dometic or Truma fridge, road shower, RotoPax water containers, Bluetooth stereo with marine speakers, spice rack, paper towel holder, propane tank, dual batteries with 2,000-watt inverter, 180-watt portable solar panel, heat and air ports, 360 degree articulating hitch, upgraded suspension—and whatever else customers come up with on their own, like a rooftop tent. The upgraded OGT Evolution Series Suspension by Fabtech Motorsports, good for 8 inches of suspension travel, incorporates an independent trailing arm suspension with 2.25-inch Dirt Logic shocks.

The Sprocket by Off Grid Trailers can be pre-ordered now, with deliveries expected in July. There's no "wrong" build in overlanding, whether you opt for every off-grid provision possible or just rock the base Sprocket.