OK, you’ve already fitted a roof rack and canopy and are only taking half of the kids on holiday, but still your vehicle is bursting at the seams. Perhaps it’s time to consider a trailer.

For a family holiday in Hibberdene a regular luggage trailer will do just fine, but if you want to venture off-road you need an off-road trailer.
Why? Because off-road trailers can take the punch.
“The axle of a regular luggage trailer is rated to a ton, maximum. Off-road trailer axles are rated up to 2.5 tons,” explains Willie Grobler of Echo 4x4.
“The suspension is also much stronger. Instead of one to three blades in the leaf springs, we use eight blades or more.”
The chassis of an off-road trailer is also thicker, the bodywork stronger and it has a heavy-duty jockey wheel and coupling.
The result is a beast that’s tough enough to join you on almost every off-road adventure.

6 things to consider before buying

To buy or not to buy – is an off-road trailer really for you?

1 The Brady Bunch or Home Alone.  
A trailer means copious amounts of extra packing space. For couples or smaller families this might be more of a nice-to-have than a necessity, but for larger groups it’s sometimes the only choice.

2 Does this one come with a hairdryer?
Your budget and needs should dictate whether you buy a luggage trailer or a camping trailer. Luggage trailers are fine if you just need extra packing space, but if you want all the creature comforts a camping trailer is the way to go.
Some camping trailers are lavishly kitted out to meet your every need, with
a kitchen, shower, fridge, water tank, lighting, on-board power supply and rooftop family tent.

3 Free Willy.  
A trailer can be unhitched and left at camp, so you can drive around without having to pack away the rooftop tent and other kit.

4 You want to tow what?!
Not all off-road vehicles can tow all off-road trailers. Apart from legal restrictions on weight (more about this later), you need to consider a bunch of other practical factors such as the height of the tow bar, whether you drive a 4x2 or 4x4 and whether your vehicle has low range. Your dealership can help you make an informed call on these subjects.

5 Show me the money!
i) There goes your college fund, son.
Off-road trailers are expensive – expect to pay R25 000-R45 000 for a basic luggage model and R100 000 or more for a fully kitted camper trailer.
ii) What about second-hand?
You may find the odd bargain on the small second-hand market for off-road trailers.
iii) Rent-a-trailer.
Consider renting one if you only travel once or twice a year or if you want to test a trailer before buying one.
iv) Fill up… again.
Towing a trailer will increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 50%.

6 We’re going where?!
Just because it’s called an off-road trailer doesn’t mean it can go anywhere. Towing one restricts where you can drive: big sand dunes are out of bounds, as is thick mud and technical rock driving. If you are therefore planning a Namib crossing, or a visit to the Okavango Delta during the wet season, this means you should leave the trailer
at home.