What Is the Best 4X4 Camper?

Is There a 4×4 RV?

Yes! If you like off-roading and RVing, you’re in luck. Some RV manufacturers make rugged RVs that are perfect for backcountry RVing.

While many RVers enjoy park-hopping in their rig, some prefer a more rugged camping experience. Those hoping to explore uncharted landscapes will need to prepare for all road conditions. Most RVs are not designed to leave the pavement, so if the rugged RV life is important to you, you’ll need to choose an RV that can handle it.

Let’s look at how a 4WD camper can get you off-road.

What Is a 4WD Camper?

A 4WD camper is a camper that uses all four wheels to navigate rough terrain. 4WD campers offer a higher clearance to help you avoid damaging the underside of your rig.

Can RVs Really Go Off-Road?

Not all RVs can go off-roading, but many can. You won’t want to take just any RV off-road, though. Taking a camper on rugged roads could do serious damage if it can’t deal with washboard roads and rocky terrain. 

What Are the Benefits of Owning a 4WD Camper?

Owning a 4WD camper opens up many new opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be an option. While every camper can roll into most RV parks, not all of them can make it to some of the fantastic remote boondocking locations. Having a 4WD camper means you can tackle those hard-to-reach locations without doing serious damage to your setup. 

Having a 4WD camper can even help when pounding the pavement to your next destination. 4WD campers have better traction in rain and snow, giving you more control.

Does a 4×4 Camper Have Any Disadvantages?

Having a 4WD camper doesn’t come without its disadvantages. Due to the nature of these campers, they generally get fewer miles per gallon when it comes to fuel consumption. Additionally, maintenance will cost you a bit more than a more traditional camper. Often 4WD campers have a more rugged look, so if that isn’t your thing, you’ll find yourself disappointed with the aesthetics. 

What Is the Best 4WD Camper?

If you’ve decided a 4WD camper is in the cards for your travels, your work isn’t done yet. Choosing which camper to go with isn’t an easy task. We’ve gathered a few of our favorites to help you decide. 

Best Camper Trailer: Airstream Basecamp X

The Airstream Basecamp X combines ruggedness and comfort. You’ll get the sleek Airstream design you’re used to with the added ability to go off-road. This small Airstream comes in both 16 and 20 feet.  Don’t worry about its smaller size; it comes packed with versatility and utilizes every inch. 

The X package includes rugged Goodyear tires and a 3-inch lift kit. This allows you to traverse those backroads like a champ. A raised hitch jack foot pad helps you to get even more road clearance. The rock guard keeps your trailer looking great even after those rocky roads. 

Best Pop-Up Camper Trailer: Opus OP4

The Opus OP4 is the perfect lightweight companion for off-road adventures. It’s designed to travel wherever your 4WD takes you, with independent suspension system and an articulating hitch. Even though it’s only 17 feet long, it comes with two 50″ x 68″ double beds; a slide-out kitchen and fridge/freezer; a U-shaped leatherette dinette/lounge; porta potti; and a stereo system with AUX, USB, and Bluetooth. When inflated, the trailer has an 8-foot-high ceiling. To deploy, just push a button and wait 2 minutes. That’s how easy it is!

With a freshwater capacity of 40 gallons, and a built-in battery life of 3–4 days, you’ll be at home wherever you roam. Options abound with this Swiss-Army-knife-style tent trailer, including a 10,000-Btu A/C and heat pump, 16,000-Btu furnace, cinema system, and rack-mounted hot water shower. Want to expand your living space? Opus offers an optional Air Annex and Air Canopy.

Best Class B Camper Van: Winnebago 4×4 Revel

The Winnebago 4×4 Revel believes, “It’s time that RVers start treating roads more like suggestions.” At just under 20 feet, you can fit into almost any campsite and even most parking spots. This is an excellent stealth RV camper and an even better off-road motorhome. This 4WD camper van can take you places you’ve only dreamed of.

With a 3-L turbodiesel engine, you’re going to have the power to get to those great views. The all-terrain tires are up to the task of navigating rocky backroads that other vehicles just can’t handle. The traction control ensures that you keep all four tires on the ground even in difficult weather. Camp longer with their built-in 250 Ah lithium batteries and 2,000-watt inverter.  

Best Class C Camper: EarthRoamer LTi

The EarthRoamer LTi is a beast with an added touch of luxury. If you’re hoping to survive an apocalypse in comfort, the EarthRoamer is the way to go. They describe their truck camper as “luxury off-grid living in a robust overland vehicle.” This camper comes equipped with high-end appliances and technology. 

The EarthRoamer LTi is an all-weather capable unit that’s completely self-sufficient. It doesn’t even use propane. The large diesel tanks and solar equipment are enough to run everything. This unit comes with an incredibly impressive 11,000-watt-hour lithium battery bank. The Ford F-550 chassis is like no other truck you’ve driven and can transverse almost any road you find. 

Each of the LTi units comes with 41-inch military tires on beadlock wheels. This allows them to conquer every type of terrain. Air ride suspension, as well as King off-road shocks, are there to guide your rig. The unique suspension allows you to raise and lower each wheel or axle independently to improve the clearance and achieve a level campsite regardless of where you are. 

Is a 4WD Camper Worth It?

Those RVers who can’t see themselves venturing off the pavement likely won’t feel it’s worth going with a non-traditional camper, but if you want to spend time adventuring off-road, a 4WD camper is definitely worth it. Just make sure you have a properly equipped RV to enjoy those remote locations.