Full Metal Camper: Switchback Overlanding Travel Trailer Is Low Bucks for High Capability

Folks, Off Grid Trailers (OGT) is a crew whose work we've covered on several occasions. Being rather young in the industry, they've had to approach things from a slightly different angle; they made a name for themselves by hitting a few off-grid and overlanding expos with their first prototypes just a few years ago, and since then, have grown to be a rather solid and appreciated manufacturer.

Since this company started out of a passion for this sort of living, you can expect that the results are up to par with more than just industry standards, and one way OGT is blowing away the competition is with their prices. For example, the Switchback starts at only $24,280 (€22K at current exchange rates). In this economy? Heck yes! I think you're starting to get the idea of getting that checkbook ready.

Now, the Switchback is the sort of camper built for a slightly different purpose other than just sleeping inside. Actually, you can't even do that, the sleeping bit, I mean, simply because the entire body is only designed to be the ultimate Swiss Army knife of gear, goods, and tools needed to keep you alive when you're out there in the wild. The only sleeping arrangement is in the shape of a roof-mounted tent, but even that can be replaced with a cargo rack for things like a kayak and/or e-bikes.

So, why should you spend the cash on this baby? Let's start by considering that the Switchback is completed out of nothing other than metal. Yes, steel and aluminum work together to give rise to a workhorse that'll keep going, no matter if it's rain, snow, mud, or hail. Oh, it also weighs only 1,300 lbs (590 kg) dry.

Further down the production line, the Switchback is equipped with a Timbren 3500 HD axle-less independent suspension, a system that's been proven time and time again in the field, and yes, this unit can be loaded up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg) of total weight. That's 2,200 lbs (998 kg) of cargo and gear. But, to help you really go wherever you want, the 21 in (53 cm) of ground clearance and a 50-degree departure angle are your best friends.

Once the walls of this thing are in place, it's time to deck out the rest of the enclosure with all the goodies you'll need to live a full and outdoor life while in the wild. This includes a side and rear galley with a 35 l (9.2 gals) fridge, a 20 lb propane tank, a dual burner stove, a stainless sink, and 117 l (31 gals) of fresh water. With the on-demand hot water system, you'll also feed the exterior shower.

Then there's the electrical system that OGT places at your disposal. Two deep cycle batteries, a 50 amp service breaker, LED lights, a voltmeter, a 1,000 W inverter, and a solar port are all standard. You can, however, spend a bit more cash and upgrade features like the inverter and even add solar panels.

Finally, I want to point your attention to the remaining storage bays tattered all over the Switchback. All those little storage lockers can be used for everything from pots and pans to a mini BBQ and anything else you need to bring along for your adventures. Maybe some climbing gear or inflatable surfboards. Basically, whatever your plans ask for. It might be a good idea to bring some running boards, shovels, and even some recovery chains. Then again, those should all be part of your standard overlanding gear.

The only downside with this unit is the fact that you'll need to drop a bit more cash to complete it to your liking. Personally, I'd grab a rooftop tent, maybe an annex, a portable toilet, and definitely some solar panels. Maybe I'd use the forward storage locker for bringing along more freshwater.

Now, take all that, hitch it up behind your truck, and try to picture what your experience may be like. To help you out a bit more, I invite you to check out the images in the gallery. That way, you can give your imagination some clear ground upon which to build this daydream. Come back to the text once you've done so.

Were you able to picture yourself running along with your buddies out on some sand dunes? How about a rock garden? Can you feel the cool breeze running through the trees out in some forest you found? How about sleeping in a rooftop tent next to a flowing stream? I'm sure you can see yourself in at least one of these settings. You may like hanging out by the fire and leaving the motorized adventures to the rest of the crew.

Honestly, it doesn't matter where you see your next adventure unfolding; overlanding campers are typically what you need to ensure you can go where few others can. That said, the Switchback comes across as the affordable option we need to get into this sort of lifestyle ASAP. Since there's only a month or two left in the summer glamping season, I feel it's a good thing this bugger came across your screen; wink-wink.