A new modern teardrop camper alternative pairs a rugged molded construction with a wealth of off-grid-ready options.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreWhile many compact camper trailers make for pretty approachable investments compared to full-on RV or van conversions, those touting any semblance of off-road capability can come with quite a premium.For instance, even Airstream's smallest Basecamp model starts around $50,000. Likewise, options from competitors such as Stockman can easily take you close to $80,000 or more. AdvertisementAdvertisementWith this in mind, a new Oregon-based startup called Motsmann Engineering is entering the small-trailer scene to field a squaredrop that promises rugged capabilities under $30,000. Along with a durable, all-weather construction, it promises a wealth of options to make it your own.The Outranger aims for off-road-ready towing under $30k. - Credit: Motsmann EngineeringMotsmann's trail-ready squaredrop It's called the Outranger, and it's a squaredrop-style composite camper trailer intended to be a modern take on the classic teardrop. Motsmann wanted something small and affordable that was actually ready to leave the pavement.In practice, this means that it adopts a molded composite construction with an aluminum frame and a galvanized steel chassis. As a result, Motsmann says buyers have nothing to worry about when it comes to rusting, rotting or swelling.The Outranger's molded construction promises an efficient use of space. - Credit: Motsmann EngineeringAnd the benefits go beyond the construction. Thanks to the Outranger's unique molded teardrop-adjacent silhouette, it brings a highly usable footprint. AdvertisementAdvertisementOn the one hand, this means Motsmann says it is compact enough to be towed behind a wide range of vehicles. However, the shape also allows for enough interior volume for two adults to sit upright. According to Motsmann, the cabin offers 50 inches of interior height and a sleeping mattress that stretches 82 inches long.Moreover, it makes provisions for leaving the pavement in the form of independent suspension, electric brakes and 15-inch wheels wrapped in chunky 30-inch tires. The sleek molded construction should match the vibe of newer off-roaders. - Credit: Motsmann EngineeringA camper trailer as you like itTo complement the construction Motsmann bills as rugged and adventure-ready, the Outranger also promises a wide array of off-grid-ready options. In base trim, it's pretty spartan, but Motsman offers a robust array of options to build out the the camper you want.A rear galley accommodates a gravity-fed sink and a Dometic burner. - Credit: Motsmann EngineeringAs such, open the rear and you'll find space for a gravity-fed 14-gallon water system along with an 8-gallon holding tank. What's more, Motsmann's page lists a Dometic propane cooktop and a 5-gallon drawer refrigerator/freezer among the available options.AdvertisementAdvertisementOf course, the interior also has to be a livable space, so the Outranger comes standard with a roof-mounted vent fan for airflow. Assuming buyers want to upgrade, though, Motsmann offers a propane heater and an integrated air conditioning system with dedicated ducting, drainage and mounting points.The Outranger offers a robust array of options for buyers to make it their own. - Credit: Motsmann EngineeringToward that end, the Outranger can be equipped with everything from a more robust charging system and added solar capability to awnings and spare tire carriers, according to Motsmann. It's all easily visible and configurable on Motsmann's accompanying spec sheet.Availability and pricingMotsmann Engineering's Outranger camper trailer starts from $25,950 in base spec and can be had in White, Gray, Military Green and Sandstone for no extra cost. Options quickly add to the MSRP, but it still promises to be easy to configure a rig under $30,000.Motsmann Outranger Starts at $25,950 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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