2018 SylvanSport GO Camper

Story and photos by Howard J Elmer

The SylvanSport GO trailer – well, it is a trailer, however at first glance I wasn’t sure what it was meant to be – that realization took a few minutes. By definition, it’s a pop-up camper but with a twist. The tent is housed in the hard-case that doubles as a roof while the floor, when in transit, is meant to carry whatever your outdoor adventures demand. Picture, an ATV, kayaks, mountain bikes, boards or whatever.

SylvanSport was founded in 2004 in Brevard, NC, for one reason (the company says): to make outdoor adventure accessible. What started as an idea to create the most innovative pop-up camper has evolved into a line of the best-designed camping and gear trailers ever made.

Once I circled the GO a few times, I got it. Yes, it’s an RV – a nice overnighter for two or even four – but in reality, it’s simply a means to an end – the end being whatever sport or outdoor activity you are really into. This unit will get you to where you want to play, with your gear, and then give you a place to sleep and a spot to call your base camp. Weighing in at just 840 lb, it can be towed by most any vehicle. As for capacity, it’s a workhorse carrying almost its own weight at up to 800 lb. The capacity of the upper rack (roof-top loading) is 160 lb.

I chose a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as a tow vehicle. With its interior cargo space and X-drive feature, the Subaru fits this lifestyle nicely. It’s about gear and access – off-road that is. You can negotiate rougher terrain with a combination like this, giving you access to campsites off the beaten path.

The key to this Houdini-like trailer are the four telescoping posts that raise the hard-shell roof – first to accommodate whatever you are hauling on the flat utility trailer bed. Second, once unloaded, open the case and set up the tent within the frame created by the posts and hard-shell top. Simple.

Unlike a pop-up tent trailer which is either open or closed, the GO can be configured three different ways to create various carrying options. In Travel Mode, GO can carry six bikes or kayaks, plus gear. In Transport Mode, GO can carry up to a dozen bikes or kayaks, even motorcycles or an ATV. When you carry your bikes on top, you can take advantage of the full 39 cubic-feet of storage capacity on the deck. There’s also a lockable, waterproof storage box with 9 cubic feet of capacity that doubles as a cooler on the front.

The trailer is built with a powder-coated, heavy-gauge aluminum frame, sprung on a single axle with wide tires and sports LED lights. The tent setup requires no more than 10 minutes and there are four blow-up mattresses included.

So, now that you get what the GO does, here is what it doesn’t do. It does not offer systems for water, propane, electrical or a toilet. However, the aftermarket does have options for those wanting to customize their GO. This is camping just one step removed from the ground – but it does have its place in the wide world of the RV lifestyle.

SylvanSport GO Camper Specifications:

Weight: 840lb

Interior floor space: 48×84-in

Standing height (when setup): 77-in

Travel Mode- size: 143x75x53-in

Transport Mode- size: 143x75x81-in

Camping Mode-size: 154x124x108-in

Front Storage Capacity: 9.3 cu.ft.

Price as tested: MSRP $15,900.00

Unit supplied courtesy of Can-AM trailer centre, London, ON.