Most budget campers cut out extra features to hit a low price, but Earth First Campers Tag-Along goes the other way. It stays small, light, and garage-friendly, yet still packs in a bathroom, hot water, storage, a sink, a cooler, and even a propane fire pit. That mix is why the Tag-Along gets called the “Swiss Army Knife” of campers.
In the video at the end of this post, the team from Playing with Sticks covers what makes it stand out, where it cuts corners, and why it may be a good fit for campers who want more functionality without a $30,000 price tag.
Why the Earth First Campers Tag-Along feels bigger than it looks
Joseph Carpentier of Earth First Campers built the Tag-Along around a steel frame with composite sides, not wood. That matters because it avoids the usual rot and mold worries that follow many small trailers. It also helps keep weight low, with a dry weight of about 600 to 850 pounds and tongue weight around 65 to 85 pounds.
That matters here because the trailer’s appeal is simple. It fits in a garage, tows behind almost any vehicle, and still opens into a setup that covers the basics most campers add later with separate gear.
The bathroom and utility layout are the clever parts
The front bathroom is the most unusual feature. A flexible door and fold-out steps open to an elevated shower and toilet area, with a curtain for privacy, a light, and a USB port. Hot and cold water come from a 13-gallon tank and feeds both the shower and the sink.
That setup solves a real problem. It keeps the toilet and shower attached to the trailer, off muddy ground, and ready at night. Up front, there is also room for gear storage. On the side, the trailer carries battery access, an AC/DC converter, a master switch, shore power, solar input, and low-draw LED lighting. Power demand stays modest, with the system pulling only a few amps even when the pump and lights are running.
The rear kitchen packs a lot into a small space
At the back, the Tag-Along opens into a compact outdoor kitchen. One side slides out a propane fire pit with a quick disconnect and built-in safety. Nearby, there is dry storage, USB ports, and 110 power when plugged into shore power.
The other side holds a sink with hot and cold water, a removable gray tank, trays for soap and small items, and a large cooler drawer with a drain. Above it all, a 6’x8′ awning adds a lot of covered space.
Pros, cons, and final thoughts
It’s important to note that the actual sleeping tent is not included with this rig, so budget accordingly. The trailer shown used a hard-shell Roofnest Sparrow, though the platform can also take options like the Yakima SkyRise rooftop tent.
The biggest win is how much the Tag-Along does without getting heavy or complex. The bathroom, storage, kitchen, and tent platform all feel modular, but not fussy. Since the tent stays on the trailer, camp can stay set while the tow vehicle heads into town or out on trails.
The trade-offs are smaller. The finish looks more builder-grade than premium. The rear doors could work better as tables with simple supports. Also, the tongue-mounted bathroom means no normal tongue jack, and some rooftop tents may be harder to close depending on the fold direction.
Base pricing was said to start at $5,000, or $5,500 fully equipped minus the tent. Paired with a budget rooftop tent, it can still come in under $6,000. For campers shopping light and cheap, that is the point. The Tag-Along is not fancy, but it is smart and that is what makes it memorable.
Learn more about this unusual camper here.
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RVDT2878
Very clever, but what do you cook on? Why would you want a propane fire pit, but eliminate a cook stove?
The bathroom is still too “open air”, in my opinion. Can you imagine having to use it in the middle of the night in a thunderstorm? A fully enclosed bathroom is one reason my wife and I upgraded from popups to a small hard-side camper.
What a crick you’d be in when the slides fail when attempting to head out from the campsite in the morning. Carry a “Wide Load” sign in your toolbox?