You Don’t Need a $30,000 Camper When This Does More!

This transcript introduces the Tagalong trailer, a compact and lightweight camper described as a "Swiss Army knife" due to its modularity and surprising functionality within a small footprint. It highlights features like a built-in bathroom with hot/cold running water, ample cargo storage, and versatile power options including shore power, battery, and solar connectivity. The trailer's construction emphasizes low maintenance with steel and composite materials. An interesting fact is that the trailer's dry weight ranges from 600 to 850 lbs, making it towable by most vehicles and easy to maneuver, even by hand on flat surfaces, though a specialized jack is recommended for inclines. The review also delves into the integrated rooftop tent option, its ease of deployment, and the overall value proposition, noting a base price starting at $5,000

• The Tagalong trailer is designed as a compact, lightweight "Swiss Army knife" camper, towable by most vehicles and fitting in garages.
• Features include a functional bathroom with hot/cold running water (13-gallon tank), a shower curtain for privacy, and a USB charging port.
• Cargo storage is substantial, measuring approximately 4 feet by 2 feet by 1.75 feet, suitable for camping gear.
• Power options include a 12V system from the vehicle or battery, 110V shore power, and solar panel connectivity, with a maximum draw of 3 amps.
• The trailer's dry weight is between 600 and 850 lbs, with a tongue weight of 65-85 lbs.
• An integrated rooftop tent option is available, with various configurations like the Roofnest or Yakima Skyrise.
• The base price starts at $5,000, with a fully equipped unit (minus tent) around $5,500, and an option under $6,000 with a budget roof

The Swiss Army Knife of Campers [00:00]

• The camper is described as a "Swiss Army knife" due to its ability to expand functionality from a compact form.
• It is built on a steel frame with composite sides, emphasizing low maintenance, reduced weight, and lower cost compared to larger trailers.
• The review aims to provide honest pros and cons, supported by E Trailer for independent reviews.

I see why they call this budget camper the Swiss Army knife. Pull this out, flip that open, and before you know it, you're camping in something that lives way bigger than it looks.

Bathroom and Water System [00:47]

• A dedicated bathroom space is a key feature, designed for convenience during camping.
• It accommodates a portable toilet and offers a shower with hot or cold running water, supplied by a 13-gallon water tank.
• Access is facilitated by a flexible door and stairs, with a shower curtain for privacy.
• A USB connection is included for charging devices while using the bathroom facilities.

We've created a wonderful bathroom space for those who need a bathroom when you're out camping.

Storage and Utility Access [02:10]

• The front area offers significant storage for camping gear, propane tanks, and other essentials.
• Utility and cargo storage are located in a compartment approximately 4 feet long, 2 feet deep, and 1.75 feet wide.
• On the side, access is provided to a battery and an ACDC converter for charging and providing 12V and 110V power when connected to shore power.
• A master switch controls the system's power, allowing selection between battery, shore power, or tethering to the car's 12V cigarette lighter.

Your utility as well as cargo storage is located here. You have four feet back about two feet or one and three/4 feet across. This is extremely large.

Power and Connectivity [03:40]

• The trailer utilizes 12-volt power for its LED lighting, with a low amperage draw, estimated at a maximum of 3 amps when the water pump and lights are in use.
• Power can be supplied from the onboard battery or the tethered vehicle.
• Connections for water input, 110V 30 amp shore power, and solar panel configurations are available.
• The propane tank is mounted at the rear and feeds both the on-demand hot water heater and an onboard fire pit.

Your 12vt cigarette lighter. This uses 12 volts. Everything is LED and very low amperage.

Exterior Features and Counter Space [04:57]

• Slot rails are mounted on the rear, serving as counter space.
• Since the video, these have been replaced with an oversized stainless steel countertop for increased utility.

So, what we've done here is we've mounted some slot rails on the rear here so that you can use this as a counter space as it's you see it here.

Weight and Maneuverability [05:15]

• The dry weight ranges from 600 to 850 lbs, depending on additions.
• Tongue weight is approximately 65 to 85 lbs.
• The trailer is exceptionally light and easy to move by hand on flat surfaces, differentiating it from many other small campers.
• The ArcJ trailer jack is introduced as a tool for easier maneuvering, especially on uneven ground or inclines, due to its ratchet mechanism.

The dry weight on the Tag Along is anywhere between 600 and 850. That all depends on what you put on top of it.

Onboard Fire Pit and Storage [06:16]

• The trailer features an onboard fire pit, fed by a quick-disconnect propane line.
• It has a safety feature preventing closure when connected and an adjustable flame control.
• A large dry storage area is located adjacent to the fire pit.
• This compartment also stores the wind guard for the fire pit and other utility items.
• A 110V connection point is available, powered when connected to shore power, along with USB ports.

This counter has a onboard fire pit. The onboard fire pit is fed by a quick disconnect from your propane tank.

Sink and Cooler Drawer [07:41]

• A sink and cooler drawer slides out for easy access.
• The sink provides hot and cold running water.
• It features a dry tank underneath that is removable for emptying.
• An optional hose can be run to a larger external tank.
• The cooler is large, has a drain, and can connect to a gray storage container or drain outdoors.

After you've been riding your bike, you get really hot and dirty. You wake up in the morning, you want hot and cold running water. This is where you get it.

Control Panel and Lighting [08:56]

• The control panel manages lights and the water pump.
• It's crucial to turn off the pump when the water runs out to prevent damage.
• The trailer includes an amber flood light and a white flood light to illuminate the campsite.

This is basically all of your lights as well as an on and off switch for your pump.

Awning and Rooftop Tent [09:43]

• A large 6x8 awning deploys from a compartment and can be set up by one person.
• The configuration shown uses a hard-top vertical lift rooftop tent (Roofnest), known for quick deployment and stowage.
• Other rooftop tent options, like soft tents (Yakima Skyrise), can also be fitted.
• The elevated position of the rooftop tent makes access easier and eliminates the need to climb on the vehicle for setup.

The dwelling. Okay, so this configuration uses a hard top vertical lift rooftop tent.

Rooftop Tent Customization and Convenience [10:44]

• Having a rooftop tent at this level allows for easy access and deployment without ladders.
• The reviewer, standing at 5'5" to 5'6", finds it very easy to stow.
• The platform is adaptable, allowing for different rooftop tents to be swapped out over time.
• A significant advantage is not having to break camp to leave, as the tent can remain set up while the vehicle is used for other activities.

Nice advantage about having a rooftop tent at this level is it's very easy to access.

Rooftop Tent Interior and Accessories [12:34]

• The interior of the rooftop tent can be customized with accessories like hanging drawers and clothing racks.
• Manufacturers offer various customization options for rooftop tents.

And this is his uh this is his uh dog house. I mean, he loves it.

Pros of the Tagalong Camper [13:11]

• Construction: Steel and composite materials mean no rot, seam separation, or headaches. While not a single-piece insulated shell, the materials are easy to source and repair.
• Bathroom Setup: Cleverly designed to be elevated and self-contained, solving the common issue of finding or dealing with portable toilets. The only noted improvement would be a roof/cover.
• Weight and Capability: Exceptionally light and capable for its size, truly earning the "Swiss Army knife" moniker. Modularity is achieved without overcomplication.

While this is a budget camper, I really like that Joseph went with steel and composite instead of wood. That means no rot, no seam separation, and no headaches down the road.

Cons of the Tagalong Camper [14:44]

• No Built-in Tables: Opportunity exists for built-in tables on the rear storage doors when they swing down.
• Aesthetics: As a budget-friendly trailer, the aesthetics are builder-grade rather than premium, though the finishing work is tight and tidy. This simplicity contributes to its lightness and affordability.
• Bathroom Placement: Mounted on the tongue, it prevents the use of a traditional tongue jack, requiring a scissor jack instead. Also, reaching over the bathroom enclosure to close the rooftop tent might be awkward for some tents.

On the back side of the trailer, there's an opportunity for built-in tables.

Pricing and Value [16:20]

• The base price for the Tagalong in this configuration was $7,000, or $8,500 with the rooftop tent, at the Mountain West Expo.
• The current price is significantly lower, with the base unit starting at $5,000 or $5,500 fully equipped (minus the tent).
• Pairing it with a budget rooftop tent keeps the total under $6,000.
• The price is noted as potentially changing after the new year.

The base price for the tag along in this configuration, our show price is $7,000.

Final Thoughts and Similar Content [17:10]

• The Tagalong is recommended for those seeking an affordable and capable small camper.
• A playlist of 19 teardrop trailers under 1,000 lbs is suggested for further viewing.

If you're into lightweight budget campers, check out my playlist with 19 teardrop trailers under 1,000 lbs that won't break the bank