Camping has a way of making us rethink how much we actually need. A tent can be wonderfully simple, but inclement weather, uneven ground, and the lack of a comfortable place to sleep can quickly make the romance of sleeping outdoors wear thin. Larger RVs solve those problems, but they also bring more complexity and restrictions to the journey. The Motsmann Outranger is different, as it packs the essentials for a comfortable two-person escape into a compact trailer that can venture well beyond paved roads.
At first glance, the Outranger looks like an unusually squared-off interpretation of the classic teardrop trailers. That shape is deliberate, though, as Oregon-based Motsmann Engineering combines the compact footprint of a teardrop with the more upright proportions of a squaredrop, then wraps it in a molded composite body. The result is a camper trailer that feels familiar yet distinctly modern, with smooth exterior surfaces and a slightly automotive character. Measuring 13.5 feet from hitch to rear bumper, the Outranger is small enough to remain manageable behind a pickup, SUV, 4×4, or crossover. It weighs 1,450 pounds dry in the base configuration, making the relatively low weight one of its biggest advantages for off-grid travel.
Designer: Motsmann Outranger
Motsmann has also taken an unusually durable approach to construction, with the body assembled from six molded composite structural panels rather than traditional wood-based construction. Beneath the rig sits a bolted, fully galvanized 3-mm steel chassis. The bolted frame is intended to make repairs and future upgrades easier, while the absence of wood throughout the camper eliminates concerns about swelling and warping from moisture. The lower body receives a Raptor polyurethane coating for additional protection. Underneath, a Timbren 2000 HD independent suspension and 15-inch wheels wrapped in 30-inch Falken Wildpeak tires give the little trailer considerably more confidence away from smooth roads. It is still a compact camper rather than a full-size expedition rig, but its proportions and hardware are clearly designed with rougher terrain in mind.
Inside, the Outranger keeps things intentionally simple. The cabin is only 50 inches high, so standing isn’t possible, but there is enough room to sit comfortably on the 82-inch memory-foam mattress. The sleeping area widens from 50 inches at the feet to 57 inches at the head, making the compact interior feel less restrictive than its exterior dimensions suggest. Two large side doors with opening windows also bring ventilation and easier access. The rear hatch opens onto a full-width galley that can be left largely empty for owners who already have their own camping equipment. Those wanting a more complete setup can add a two-burner Dometic cooktop, drawer refrigerator, sink, and water system. A fold-down side table extends the countertop outdoors, creating additional space for food preparation or serving.
Power comes from a 12-volt electrical system with a 200-Ah Renogy lithium battery, LED lighting, USB charging, and shore power. The battery can be upgraded to 600 Ah, while optional solar charging, a 2,000-watt inverter, and tow-vehicle charging make the Outranger better suited to longer stretches away from campsites. A roof rack can carry up to 200 pounds dynamically, with a 650-pound static capacity, adding another layer of utility for outdoor gear.
Motsmann will open preorders for the Outranger on September 1, with the starting price of $25,950 before options. Rather than forcing every buyer into the same fully equipped package, the company lets owners add equipment according to how they actually camp. For just under US$2,450, you can get a sink basin with a gravity faucet, an inset Dometic dual-burner gas stove, a 53-L fresh water tank, a 30-L waste water tank, and a Vitrifrigo drawer fridge. Those needing extra refrigeration can also add a second 30-L drawer fridge for US$494, tucked neatly into the compartment behind the fold-down side table.
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