Adventure Trailers Chaser Review |
Overview
At first glance you can see influences from the military 416 trailer; however a closer look clearly shows its technological advances and modernized styling when compared to the outdated 416 trailers. The Chaser trailer is made in tradition of high quality and functionality known from Adventure trailers. From it’s newly designed independent long travel air suspension, to the formed steel panel construction the Chaser sets a new standard for durability and rugged construction. Its design shows the influences of numerous overland experiences in Baja, by Adventure Trailers Owner, Mario Donovan.
| The Chaser offers cargo protection with a large 46 cubic foot waterproof cargo compartment placed on top of its square tube chassis. The independent suspension provides increased compression travel, and offers a finely tunable ride height to master the wide range of obstacles the Chaser may encounter. Watching the Chaser ride from the rear it is obvious that the suspension is far superior to leaf springs or torsion axles, the Chaser’s long travel air suspension provides a smooth journey over the most challenging of terrain, while maintaining good control on the highway. |
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The Chaser’s suspension utilizes a long trailing arm in conjunction with a heavy duty Firestone airbag and OME shock absorbers. The suspension is designed to hold up to field conditions, while providing a smooth ride for cargo protection. The chaser can be ordered with wheels that match your vehicle and tire sizes from 31 inches to 38 allowing for nearly 26” of ground clearance.
A quick glance at the nose of the trailer, it is apparent that this is no ordinary camping trailer. It is apparent that the heavy duty, fully boxed frame, is truly built for off-road as the sticker states.
Available in either fully assembled, or kit form the Chaser offers an infinite array of flexibility to tailor it your specific needs.
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Chaser Dimensions/Specifications
Overall Length: |
120 inches |
Overall Width: |
64 inches |
Main Cargo Box: |
50W (top) 40W (bottom) x 26.25H x 72L |
Nose Box: |
31W x 15W x 19H x 16.5L |
Cargo box capacity: |
46 cubic feet |
Water Tank: |
19 gallons |
Gas Cans: |
5 gallons each |
Net weight: |
700 lbs |
Payload: |
2800 lbs |
Axle Weight Rating: |
3500 lbs |
Ground Clearance: |
24” with 35” tires |
Box material: |
14 gauge zinc coated gauge steel |
Chassis material: |
2 x 3 x 1/8 zinc coated steel tube |
Bumper material: |
2 x 5 x 3/16 zinc coated steel tube |
Suspension: |
Trailing arm, air bag, shock absorber |
Cargo box lid: |
Waterproof Opening assisted with gas struts |
Source: http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/adventure_trailers/chaser_press_release.html
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Review
After a weekend of abusing the Chaser Trailer from Adventure Trailers in South Eastern California throughout the Black Mountains it was a pleasure to tow both on and off the pavement. The rugged ground up design showed no similarities to the outdated military 416 trailer.
The Chaser trailer offers field reparability by utilizing the same tire and wheel combination on your current tow vehicle and suspension components that are serviceable anywhere it gets towed. |
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The Chaser was towed by my 2001 Toyota Tacoma through out the weekend. The Chaser was equipped with two 5 gal jerry cans of fuel storage, 16 gallon water tank (full), 1 Lifeline deep cycle marine battery, and electronic brakes.
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Off chamber towing was stable, watching the independent suspension coupled with the multi-axis coupler perform in the rearview mirrors. Offering a much better coupler than a Pintle hitch, the multi-axis coupler allows the trailer to yaw and pitch from the receiver in what seems like an infinite number of ways to tackle what ever obstacle encountered on the trails. Another great feature the Chaser offers is that the coupler can be removed for increased security, or swapped out to a standard coupler.
During camp, and while sleeping in the rooftop tent mounted on the 14 gauge steel cargo lid, the Chaser provided luxury in the desolate desert. From the optional 19 gal water tank, to the multiple 12v outlets (fridge/freezer, etc…) there was comfort all around. Once the tent was set up the gas assisted struts allowed for easy access to the cargo bin.
The lid of the cargo bin, was equipped with two Sylvania DOT it, providing ample light during the night.
During its weekend of abuse, the Chaser took a few punishments that could have been avoidable. During high vibrations, the Overland tent mounted on a Yakama roof rack vibrated loose, which was repaired twice, with the second and final repair using a thread locker. During assembly if the rack was assembled with thread lock this would have been prevented. The second issue was leaking water out of the 19 gal water tank due to changes in elevation and barometric pressure. This too could have been prevented with some PVC tape. The water loss was not significant. NOTE: The Chaser tested was a prototype and many of the minor issues above have since been addressed and corrected by Adventure Trailers. The tent did not fail, the Yakima load bars came loose from the feet.
The ruggedness of the Chaser is obvious everywhere you look at the trailer. However, the 14g powder coated steel fenders were pelted with stones during testing and resulted in numerous chips down to bare metal. Even though they are replaceable, a spray on bed liner would increase the durability of the fenders, and possibly the forward part of the cargo box. Note: The fenders are now equipped with a protective vinyl shield. |
Summary
Adventure Trailers has hit the nail on the head with the Chaser trailer. It’s a superb off-road trailer that is highly customizable to fit any type of overland travel. By offering a trailer that performs great, and offers a larger payload, allowing for organization of equipment and gear, it is a must for any adventurer. |
Contacting Adventure Trailers:
www.adventuretrailers.com
Adventure Trailers, LLC
2277 La Crosse Ave, #302
Colton, CA 92324
EMAIL: info@adventuretrailers.com
PHONE: 877-661-8097 |
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