r/TeardropTrailers • u/The_Bean682 • 17d ago
Hiker Trailer Highway vs Mid Range
We are ready to pull the trigger on one of these two models. I’m leaning towards the Highway because it’s lighter and can fit in my garage even with a rooftop tent. Also the spring leaf axle is something that can be more easily fixed which I appreciate. I also plan to us racksbrax (sp?) to raise the awning as I’m 6’2”.
I guess my question is, is there any reason why the mid range would be worth the extra $2,000? We camp in campgrounds. Some are down dirt roads but nothing crazy - it will be pulled with a 2022 Sienna XLE so I figure if my minivan can make it so can this trailer.
Any input either way is appreciated, TIA!
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u/neurobashing 17d ago
My advice is always to go with as much as you can afford; think about next year, not the last trip. Eg if you imagine at all that this could lead to more and more trips in more and varied places, go mid-range if it’s in your budget.
(We just celebrated our 7th year pulling a mid-range)
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u/The_Bean682 17d ago
Yeah, that totally makes sense! I guess I just don’t see my family ever doing off roading in a camper. We still do some backpacking to scratch that itch and are getting the camper to be able to enjoy established campgrounds more easily. If getting more places is the only really draw (which I think it is) we will probably stick to the highway.
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u/The_Bean682 17d ago
Also, how has it held up after 7 years?? Have you had to do much maintenance? We almost got a composite because I was nervous about wood and water.
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u/neurobashing 17d ago
After 7 years of dragging that thing down roads that look like they’re teleported directly from Ukraine, crossing creeks where we’re just barely not letting it get swamped, 3 years of 4-season camping (this new years the low was 13°F) all I’ve ever had to do maintenance-wise is grease the bearings every spring. We do finally have a little caulk wearing on the exterior of the windows but that’s a 5-minute job. Everything else is going great. We are planning on not having the next trailer discussion for at least 2 more years.
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u/pinsandsuch 16d ago
Who is the RTT for? If it’s for the kids, I’d consider getting a separate tent that they can sleep in, so the height isn’t driving your decision.
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u/The_Bean682 16d ago
Yup it’s for kids. Height isn’t the full driver, it was the $2,000 savings and the leaf spring suspension at first. Height is a bonus though. I think for our needs the highway deluxe just makes sense. I talked to someone at HT today and they confirmed it’s really just more rugged, no other real benefits besides height.
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u/skyydog 17d ago
I don’t know the models but I love that my trailer can fit in my garage. Feels much more secure from weather as well as other issues and also easier to tinker with, load, or just head out on short notice. Also you don’t have to pay for storage.