SylvanSport has made a name for themselves with ultralight adventure trailers that can turn into whatever you need them to be. From cargo to camping, their modular design makes it easy to convert them for your next adventure. Here’s how they’re made…
The video above has Tom, their founder, walk us through the factory for a detailed look at the entire process. Below, a few photos and highlights, plus a sneak peek at a new product…
The original GO trailer sits outside their North Carolina headquarters, along with a rotating cast of their latest models, including the GO All-Terrain and this GO with their pop-up camper.
The GO All-Terrain comes with bigger tires, more ground clearance, and additional mounts for spare tires, fuel tanks, and more. One of their unique features is the ability to collapse down when you don’t need so much space underneath (the pop-up tent model shrinks the same way!), improving fuel economy.
They also had their new Vast full-size camper trailer out here, but let’s head inside first…
Immediate inside is a small showroom, where they have a lot of accessories and options to build your trailer however you need it.
Their Loft Rooftop Tent can mount on top of their smallest GO Easy trailer or your vehicle’s crossbars. There’s a newer version than what’s shown here…keep reading.
All models are made in house, from start to finish. Each model has its own assembly station, but all welding is done in the back:
The trailer frames and structural elements are assembled in a jig, then welded together.
After the frames and structures are complete, they’re sent out for powder coating, then brought back for final assembly.
The storage box accessory is rotomolded by a third party, then delivered for installation. It’s a clever design that lets the lid slot onto the base without hardware. So, there’s nothing to rust or wear out, but it’s still lockable to keep your belongings yours.
The GO models start with just the frame at the back of this lineup, getting more panels, the floor, and pneumatic telescoping poles installed along the way.
The really cool thing about the GO Pop Up Camper is that the entire tent is contained inside the roof section. The bottom of it folds down to create the back wall and the tent drops down. Attach it to the side panels and fold those down to create the sleeping platform, then set up the interior however you like…it can have a table, or central sleeping to create one giant bed for the whole family.
The VAST Travel Trailer is their first RV-style trailer, with a full kitchen and bath, seating, sleeping, and storage. Check our detailed coverage of this model here.
The VAST’s walls are a custom made EPS foam sandwiched between glass fiber sheets that create a hard, durable wall that’s also lightweight. The inside wall is covered during installation, and the outside can be ordered in green or gray.
They’re a lot bigger, so there are usually only two or three of the VAST in progress at any time.
BTW, all that wood? That’s for internal testing of fitments or just storing parts…they don’t use wood in their campers or trailers, they’re all metal, plastic, and composites.
The VAST’s rear hatch opens all the way up with a custom two-stage hinge that makes it really easy to lift and lower under control. This toy hauler design lets you stow bikes and other gear in the back by sliding the couch forward…or bring the couch all the way back for maximum living space.
The queen-sized bed lowers from the ceiling, but tucks up high enough for most people to easily walk under it when not in use.
An L-shaped couch folds into a bed to create more sleeping space.
The most clever feature is a slide out kitchen station with sink, electric cooler, and stove. It slides downward at an angle so that it’s at a comfortable working height when you’re outside, but can also be used inside the cabin.
The bathroom is separated into two compartments, the toilet room, and the shower. The shower is revealed when the kitchen is slid outside, a design compromise that makes the best use of the space, especially since SylvanSport thinks most people are going to want to cook and hangout outside. An awning makes that possible even in the rain.
Parked next to the VAST was this new LOFT 2.0 rooftop tent. It’s slimmer than the original, and upgrades to a rigid aluminum frame and shell. Weight is about 147lbs, and it can carry an additional 150lbs on top with optional cross bars. Check it out:
The LOFT 2.0 is available for pre-order with deliveries in November 2024.
Huge thanks to Tom and the SylvanSport team for showing us around! Swing by their HQ to see the trailers in person.
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