From Playing with Sticks: The Outranger (manufactured by Tigard, Ore.-based startup Motsmann Engineering) is one of the most unique small camper trailers I’ve had the opportunity to review. It combines lightweight composite construction with genuine off-road capability while taking a very different approach to travel trailer design than most North American manufacturers.
Instead of simply copying what’s already on the market, the Outranger blends European automotive-inspired styling with practical features designed for real camping. From its gravity-fed water system that eliminates pumps, electronics, and winterization, to its unique portable A/C solution, nearly every system was designed from the ground up with simplicity and reliability in mind.
Despite its compact footprint, clever drop-down work surfaces dramatically increase usable living space around camp, while excellent dust sealing helps keep the interior clean on rough backroads. It’s also one of the more affordable entries into the premium composite off-road trailer market with a fully functional galley kitchen.
In this video, you’ll get a complete walkthrough, my honest impressions, and the design tradeoffs you should know before considering one. As far as I know, you’ll also be among the very first people outside the company to see the brand-new Outranger.
