The Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear trailer is a compact, off-road camping trailer designed to make outdoor experiences more convenient and enjoyable. Whether for weekend getaways or extended overland adventures, this trailer provides a variety of features that cater to campers who seek a balance between functionality, convenience, and ruggedness. While many users have shared positive feedback about its capabilities, it’s easy to see why this trailer appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, offering a practical and well-designed solution for camping needs.
A look back: The evolution of camp trailers
Camping trailers have evolved significantly since the 1970s and 1980s, when families used clamshell trailers or DIY setups to haul their gear for outdoor adventures. These older models, often built from canvas and wood, were functional but lacked the organizational efficiency of modern trailers. Today’s camping trailers, such as the Taxa Woolly Bear, are designed to offer ergonomic solutions, greater storage, and enhanced ease of use, making them far more versatile for modern campers.
The design and build of the Taxa Woolly Bear
The Taxa Woolly Bear Overland camp trailer is built for off-road use, featuring all-steel construction that ensures durability. It comes with various features to meet the needs of campers who often venture into remote and rugged environments. One of the standout features of this trailer is its organization and storage capacity. It includes a full galley, a refrigerator/cooler drawer, on-board batteries, and LED lighting. The Woolly Bear also comes equipped with ample tie-down points throughout the trailer, making it easy to secure your gear during travel.
Despite its robust design, the Woolly Bear remains compact and lightweight, making it towable by most vehicles, even smaller SUVs and crossovers. Its curb weight is around 1,270 pounds (576 kg) in its base configuration and can go up to approximately 1,400 pounds (635 kg) with additional options. When fully loaded with gear, it remains manageable, weighing around 2,000 pounds (907 kg), which makes it compatible with many off-road-capable vehicles. This versatility is a key selling point for campers who want the benefits of a trailer without the need for a heavy-duty truck to tow it.
Compact size with impressive functionality
One of the most appealing aspects of the Taxa Woolly Bear is its compact size. Measuring just under 11 feet in length (10 ft, 8 in / 325 cm), it is easy to store when not in use and doesn’t take up much space in a garage or driveway. The trailer’s height is similar to that of a Subaru Forester, and its adjustable upper rack provides additional storage flexibility. Depending on your needs, you can modify the height of the rack to accommodate more gear or an optional rooftop tent.
Speaking of the rooftop tent, it’s an optional add-on that can be purchased for an additional $2,900. The tent adds a sleeping space to the trailer and can be set up quickly with minimal effort. The tent features built-in pistons to assist with setup, making it a practical solution for those who prefer sleeping off the ground. With its padded floor, the rooftop tent offers a more comfortable sleeping arrangement compared to traditional camping setups, especially for those who appreciate a bit of extra comfort.
Off-road capability
The Woolly Bear is designed for off-road use, featuring a rugged suspension system that enhances its performance on uneven terrain. It comes equipped with a Timbren suspension arm, which gives it axle-less ground clearance that surpasses many off-road vehicles. This setup ensures that the trailer can handle rough trails and challenging environments, making it suitable for overland adventures.
The articulating off-road hitch further enhances the trailer’s capability, allowing it to maneuver easily over rocky and uneven ground. With its relatively light weight, the Woolly Bear can be towed by a variety of vehicles, including compact and midsize pickups, small SUVs, and even some minivans. Whether you’re exploring mountain trails or desert roads, this trailer can keep up with your adventure vehicle, making it a practical choice for those who like to venture off the beaten path.
Storage and convenience: A key feature
The storage capacity and organization of the Taxa Woolly Bear make it an excellent option for camping trips. The trailer’s full galley offers dedicated storage for cookware, food items, and other essentials. It also includes a two-burner camp stove and accessories for cooking outdoors. The stove is powered by propane, stored in a small canister located in a front storage compartment, and provides ample cooking power for most camping needs.
The galley also features LED lighting, which makes it easy to access your gear in low-light conditions. Additionally, the lockable, bear-proof storage compartments ensure that your food and equipment remain safe during your camping trip. While bear encounters may not always be a concern, it’s a helpful feature for campers who frequent areas with wildlife.
The sliding cooler drawer is another convenient feature, offering quick access to perishables without needing to dig through multiple storage compartments. The trailer’s design focuses on making camping more efficient, with everything you need easily accessible and neatly organized.
Ease of setup and use
Setting up the Woolly Bear trailer is relatively simple. The stabilizing legs can be deployed with a few quick cranks of the included handle, allowing you to level the trailer on uneven ground. Side legs provide additional stability, ensuring that the trailer remains level even when parked on rough terrain.
The setup process is designed to be easy enough for one person to manage, and the rooftop tent can be deployed within minutes. This ease of use makes the Woolly Bear an attractive option for campers who value efficiency and want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors rather than setting up camp.
Pricing and final thoughts
Pricing for the Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear Overland trailer starts at $13,999. While the rooftop tent is an optional add-on that costs an additional $2,999, other available upgrades include a lithium battery pack, solar panel kit, powered cooler chest, and water storage solutions. These add-ons can further enhance the trailer’s capabilities and convenience, but they do increase the overall price.
For those seeking a well-rounded, capable camping trailer that is easy to tow and offers ample storage, the Taxa Woolly Bear is a compelling choice. Its rugged build, off-road readiness, and thoughtful design make it an appealing option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to simplify their camping experience without compromising on essential features. With a price point that is lower than most RVs and a much smaller footprint, it’s a versatile and practical solution for adventurers looking to explore the great outdoors.
Source: Taxa Outdoors Woolly Bear
