To start choosing the best 4×4 trailer, decide what you are most likely to use the trailer for. Some people will haul gear into the wilderness with the 4×4 trailer, while others will use the trailer as a platform for camping once they reach their destination. Some campers feature pop-up camping structures, which are ideal for weekend campers or hunters. Think about the different ways in which you will use the trailer, and research different models that will accommodate your needs. Then decide how large of a trailer you will need so you can narrow down your search even further.
It helps to research the common costs of 4×4 trailer models so you can draw up a budget for purchasing one. Your willingness to pay a certain amount of money may end up narrowing down your search even further, so be sure to have an idea of how much you want to spend before you go shopping. Keep in mind that a 4×4 trailer may be more expensive than a trailer of comparable size that is designed specifically for on-road use, since 4×4 trailers need to be overbuilt to withstand the strain of off-road driving.
Look for a 4×4 trailer made from durable materials. The shell of the trailer should be made of steel, which is strong, durable, and malleable enough to be repaired if it is dented or bent. The axle or axles will need to be stronger than typical trailer axles, since this trailer is more likely to incur damage or impacts during off-road use. The tires will need to be larger and more aggressively treaded than typical trailer tires, both to raise the trailer higher off the ground for clearance, and for traction over difficult terrain. While this trailer is designed for off-road use, make sure it is legal for on-road use; this means it must feature brake lights, a place for a license plate, and other features required by local or regional laws.
If you intend to camp in the 4×4 trailer, consider a trailer that includes a pop-up sleeping area. These pop-ups act as a shelter for sleeping or storing items, and they are often mounted on a hinged platform that allows you to move the tent away from the top of the trailer so you can access items still stored inside the shell. Such pop-ups will be mounted fairly high off the ground, so it may be necessary to look for a trailer that includes a lightweight aluminum ladder that can be folded or stored when not in use.