Roof Rack versus Trailer

[Expendable]

in the future I plan to take my truck camping. Looking for positives and negatives for both.
I am leaning towards a trailer mainly because I have a quad and I would like to be able to transport it to OHVs. putting it on the roof of the wagon wouldn't be a safe thing to do even if it does sound fun
but I could always get a fold up trailer just for my quad. If getting a trailer I was thinking of an M101A3.

from what I can see off the top of my head:

Roof Rack:
Pros:
-roof top tent
-extra storage up top opens space inside
-mounting place for lights

Cons:
-depending on model height can be limiting factor in parking garage
-storage up top raises center of gravity
-storing spare up top would be hard to get up and down

Trailer:
Pros:
-can leave at camp site for less weight on the trail
-can be more useful depending on configuration and or ability to change configuration.

Cons:
-need place to store the trailer
-maintenance for the trailer
-limited speed for towing trailer (depending on state)

TIA

 

[LagunaH1]

I can't really think of more to add, other than what you already said about the pro's and cons. My only thought is that an H1 with a trailer will be a pretty slow setup no matter which state you are in

 

[TACMEDIC]

I have done both. Camping in the back of the Wagon and in the M101A3 Trailer. I have the M101A3 with a canvas top and a M101A3 with a fiberglass top that is currently a project.

I am close enough if you wanted to check them out, to see if this would be your best option. With Govtliquidations, the trailer option is not too expensive.

Take care,

 

[autumn walker]

I built a roof rack fine mine because I wanted somewhere to hang my lights as well as somewhere to put by hi-lift, gas cans, etc. instead of having them inside the truck.

Downside is I no longer fit in any parkades around my office and have to park in an open air lot about 15 minutes away from the building. Bonus of that is I get a good walk in every day haha

 

[Fish]

I would vote for a trailer. I love mine, its small at 15' but big enough to do and carry what I need. Maintenace on a trailer really isnt too much unless you buy a POS. Also some OHV places like Ocotillo Wells is not a place you want to camp in a tent, winds often whip up to 50mph and I dont care how good of a tent you have it wont be fun. And another pro with a trailer is the fact you can have a toilet, shower, kitchen, and of course a flat screen tv

Storage with a trailer is always an issue, I was paying around $100 a month to store mine but now I have rv parking at my house.

 

[ArtHummer]

I am leaning towards a trailer mainly because I have a quad and I would like to be able to transport it to OHVs. putting it on the roof of the wagon wouldn't be a safe thing to do even if it does sound fun

Getting quad on the roof rack and transporting it would be an interesting idea. :giggle:

 

[LagunaH1]

Getting quad on the roof rack and transporting it would be an interesting idea. :giggle:

:whaa:

WTH??? I bet the center of gravity is a bit higher than usual......

 

[3Hummers]

I talked to a guy years ago that claimed that he carried his quad on the roof rack of his H1. I never saw it and have my doubts. Not much to add to the list except possibly license, registration and insurance fees for a trailer.

 

[frumaker]

I have a roof rack that I have used a lot and I am in the process of building a trail capable trailer. It all depends on what you need either for. I wouldn't give up my roof rack for anything but it is nice having a trailer too.


FRU

 

[Expendable]

there was a guy in Burbank about 6 years ago with a 4 door hard top or open top (I can't remember which one) that had a roof rack and custom bed rack to haul his sand rail on his H1. the front tires were on the roof and the rear tires sat above the fender wells. so it's possible to do that with a H1 on the roof rack but improbable. heck using a ATV rack in the bed of a 4x4 pickup and then using 10 feet long ramps is exciting and can be quite dangerous when not exercising pre caution.

I would love to get a toy hauler with a garage in the back for my quad but I have a little 9' wide and 19' long garage to use as storage. so I'm thinking no bigger than a military surplus trailer. that way it's big enough to camp in. but doesn't take up too much room in my garage. at the moment I do not have room for the trailer in the garage but I am getting rid of old projects and rearranging for better use of the space.

Thank you everyone! I got a bunch to think about!

 

[Green 1]

On the roof rack you will kill your fuel economy if you have much height and you will increase the noise level in the truck on the highway. I have pulled my brothers M101 from texas to Utah and it was fine in fact I use it all the time. Some day I may let him borrow it back.:wink:

 

[frumaker]

On the roof rack you will kill your fuel economy if you have much height and you will increase the noise level in the truck on the highway. I have pulled my brothers M101 from texas to Utah and it was fine in fact I use it all the time. Some day I may let him borrow it back.:wink:

I think it all depends on how's it built. I don't have any road noise from my rack and haven't noticed and change in fuel economy. All though I know both are possible with racks.


FRU

 

[Green 1]

I think it all depends on how's it built. I don't have any road noise from my rack and haven't noticed and change in fuel economy. All though I know both are possible with racks.


FRU

Maybe but I had a Gobi with a wind deflector and lost over 2mpg and when it was loaded weight and a couple of feet of stuff I lost 2 more MPG.

 

[Humvette]

Assuming you have a wagon all the really good racks cost $3k plus. Considering a good trailer is $1k you would have $2k to buy toys

 

[Kurt]

I'm leaning towards a M1101 or M1102 series trailer. I could put my tools and have many H1 parts flush with the box, then have a platform up top for tent's etc.

Provided a secure wheeling/camping location, its easy to drop all that stuff or deploy it at an event and not have to pack/repack the truck as often.

The price used to be huge on them, but with many of them hitting surplus you can get a few nice samples for around $1000

http://www.hummermarketplace.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=2774