Armadillo Trailers – A Complete Guide

Canadain-made and developed from a time-tested design of over a half-century, Armadillo Trailers are one of the hottest products in both the tiny home and the molded fiberglass trailer market.

But, are the Armadillo Trailers just trendy, or are they genuinely the right choice for you?

What is an Armadillo trailer?

An Armadillo Trailer is the molded fiberglass travel trailer version of a tiny home and was made to be an updated version of the Boler.

The Boler, although popular upon initial release, fell out of popularity due to its compact design, as big and spacious became the standard. Now, the Armadillo creators, Mike and Jason Jong, have given this old camping stalwart a new life in today’s very trendy and ever-growing markets for tiny homes and mobile living.

The Armadillo is both a contemporary tiny home on wheels and the ability to live the RV life compactly.

Where are Armadillo trailers made?

Armadillo Trailers are made in Armstrong, British Columbia Canada, approximately 3-hours north of the Washington State border, at the family-owned RV manufacturing and repair company that the Jong Family has owned and operated since the 1970s.

Armadillo trailer floor plan

Currently, the Armadillo Trailer offers essentially three-floor plan options, with some customization depending upon the model. At this time, there are only two models, the flagship Armadillo and the BACKPACK.

However, all floor plans include a dining table, cooktop, sink, small space/wardrobe, and a bed of some type. The Armadillo has a 12″ rear and door porthole window. The BACKPACK has flat front and rear walls offering a larger 21″ x 47″ rear window.

Armadillo camper specs and features

Standard on both Armadillo models are:

• Combination battery charger & 35-amp converter
• Deep cycle 12v battery and box
• Disconnect switch for the battery
• 12v LED interior lighting
• 12v LED porch light
• USB charging ports
• Water pump – 3.5 GPM
• 8L freshwater tank
• 12v outlet
• Two GFI protected 110v outlets
• Emergency exit window
• Smoke Detector
• LP gas detector/carbon monoxide detector
• Fire extinguisher

Armadillo trailers weight

Very similar to small trailers, both the Armadillo model and the BACKPACK model weigh in at:

• UVW: 1,800 lbs
• GVWR: 2,700 lbs

However, options will affect the final weight.

Trailer dimensions

Essentially built as a small trailer:

Armadillo model is 13.5 ft long x 8′ high x 6′ 6″ wide.

BACKPACK model is 14 ft long x 8′ high x 6′ 6″ wide.

Trailer interior

Both models have similar interior dimensions. They both provide 6 feet of standing room and are 6.5 feet wide, with an entry space of 58” in height and a 20” width. The Armadillo is 9 feet 10 inches in length and the BACKPACK has 10 feet 4 inches of interior length.

The interior offers an unobstructed area that provides free-flowing movement between the two-burner stove (with hood vent), stainless steel sink, the 12-vol DC refrigerator (3.5 cubic ft), and dining space/sleeping space as well as the storage and or toilet room. A small double bed (4′ x 6’3″) comes standard in both models.

Both models are built with 1″ High-Density Plywood for the subfloor on top of which is laid commercial grade linoleum. Nightshades, self-closing drawers, coat hooks, and fire-rated tapestry.

Trailer exterior

The exterior dimensions differ slightly with each model. The Armadillo is 13.5 feet long, 6.8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall. The BACKPACK is 14 feet long, 6.8 feet wide, and 8 feet tall.

The exterior of both models:

• Lightweight two-layer molded insulated fiberglass shell
• 1,000lb tongue crank jack
• Torsion axle
• Electric brakes
• Freshwater tank and outlets
• Rear stabilizing jacks
• 20lb propane cylinder with a mounting bracket
• RVQ quick-connect system
• Rock guard
• Durable gel coat finish on the exterior
• LED Dragon Eyes marker lights
• Rear 6″ LED taillights with chrome bezel
• Outside 110v outlet and cover -GFI protected

Storage space

For being compact, they are equipped with an impressive amount of storage space for two people. There are 4 to 5 ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing radius corner cabinets fitted with nickel-finished hinges and hardware, as well as extra space with under-bench storage.

Each of the overhead cubbies is an additional 4 cubic feet of space, and the accent shelves average 10” x 28”.

Customize the design

Both Armadillo models have more than 2 dozen options for upgrading your trailer.

They are:

• Color options for the exterior (white is standard), cabinets, countertops, tabletops, fabrics, and vinyl flooring
• Hot water tank
• Hot water on-demand
• Portable toilet
• Exterior shower
• Bunk beds (standard double bunk or triple bunk option)
• A king-size bed
• 16,000 BTU propane heater
• 13,500 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner
• 24″ 12v Flatscreen
• Onboard Bluetooth stereo sound system with remote control
• Wireless charger for mobile devices
• Upgraded propane cylinder
• Power tongue jack
• Front positioned propane and battery cover
• Under-frame stainless steel storage drawer
• Awning
• Aluminum wheels
• A spare tire with a carrier
• Power packages
• Battery upgrade
• Solar panels (rooftop or folding)
• An inverter
• Backup camera
• Equator LED light
• A trailer cover

In addition, the BACKPACK model offers these optional upgrades:

• Window with cover on the front wall
• Outdoor table
• Kitchen pantry slide-out drawer

Materials

Armadillos are built more like yachts than RVs; using marine-grade materials, metals, sealants, and glues.

The interior materials are stainless steel, vinyl, and the cabinetry, countertops, and tables are made from Arborite HPL.

Armadillo trailer reviews

Since these trailers are making waves in the industry, there are several customers, industry insiders, and RV / camper aficionados who are talking about them.

Debt Free RV calls the Armadillo one of the top 5 compact RVs in the game.

Sun Cruiser Media says the Jong Brothers have given the old Boler a “hip, modern twist“.

Tiny House Blog was impressed with the water-tight design that not only keeps the inside dry but insulates the trailer very well in both the summer and the winter.

RV Magazine says that these trailers are all about “[u]pdated technology, contemporary comforts, modern interiors, and trendy decor”.

And, Arborite calls these trailers, the “small armored one” of the compact RV world as they are “built to last”.

Armadillo trailer pros and cons

Are Armadillo trailers worth it?

Whether or not these trailers are worth buying greatly depends upon the individual. Armadillos are very well-made travel trailers and genuinely fit into the tiny home lifestyle. However, they do have some drawbacks as noted. It appears that the primary issues that could decide whether these trailers are right for you are the bathroom/wet bath issue and cost.

If you need your own fully functional wet bath-type bathroom; then no, these are not for you.

If you are fine with having to rely upon public bathrooms or having to use a portable toilet, possibly next to your dining table, then they are definitely worth considering.

And, with the average price for a travel trailer of this size being in the $8,000 to $23,000 (not including delivery charges and the non-refundable 75% deposit) range, these would be considered expensive investments.

Armadillo trailer alternatives

There are a few other compact options on the market, and the main alternatives are:

• Happier Camper
• Scamp Trailers
• InTech Luna Lite
• Travel Lite Falcon F-Lite
• iCamp Elite
• Airstream Sport

How much do Armadillo trailers cost?

Currently, according to the official site, Armadillo models have a $26,000 base price with a top-end of around $36,000.

BACKPACK models start at a $28,000 base price and end up around $43,000 fully equipped.

These prices are before taxes and are based on the current currency exchange rates for CAD to USD. In addition to this, a non-refundable deposit of at least $24,000 (around 75% of the price) is required. Also, shipping costs to the US are not offered or included.

Where to buy an Armadillo trailer in the US

Unfortunately, you cannot currently buy an Armadillo trailer in the U.S. The only way to shop and buy one is via the Armadillo Trailers website.