Runaway Campers, a Florida-based company established in 2012, has gained popularity in the American market for its affordable small camping trailers. Their latest offering, the Venturist XS, is a budget-friendly off-road micro-camper designed to serve as a versatile and lightweight base camp. With all models starting under $10,000, Runaway Campers provides one of the most cost-effective options in the market.
The Venturist XS, introduced earlier this year, is a smaller and more affordable alternative to the original Venturist, which has been a popular all-terrain squaredrop model priced at $9,650 and above for several years. Measuring just 10 feet (3 meters) in length, the XS is one of the most compact off-road trailers available, comparable to the SportsRig TrailStomper in terms of size, if not tire width. Weighing in at 750 lb (340 kg), the Venturist XS is remarkably lightweight.
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Despite its small size, the Venturist XS offers ample space for essential camping and cooking gear. The base trailer consists of an empty shell with a spacious storage compartment accessible through wide rear hatches and side doors. Load up the trailer with all the necessary equipment for your trip, and you’re ready to hit the road.
The Venturist XS features a boxy and spacious body mounted on a sturdy tubular steel frame. The frame extends from the tongue to the rear, creating a hitch receiver. Equipped with a Timbren Axle-Less suspension and 4-inch lift, the trailer rides on 17-inch Alpha wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. This combination provides an impressive 20 inches (51 cm) of ground clearance, ensuring that the Venturist XS can navigate various terrains effortlessly. The trailer’s rugged appearance is accentuated by robust step-on fenders that cover the sturdy tires.
To transform the Venturist XS into a fully-equipped camper, buyers can opt to add a rooftop tent. Runaway offers a $450 roof rack specifically designed for this purpose and also provides a selection of rooftop tents from 23Zero. Alternatively, buyers can choose their own rooftop tent model. Even with a more affordable option like the $1,200 Classic Softshell from Ironman or the $1,209 Front Runner, it is still possible to stay within a budget of under $10,000. The base Venturist model itself is priced at $7,845.
In summary, Runaway Campers’ Venturist XS is an affordable and compact off-road micro-camper that offers ample storage space and the option to customize with a rooftop tent. With its lightweight design, sturdy construction, and reasonable price point, the Venturist XS presents an enticing choice for budget-conscious camping enthusiasts.
