Outside of a self-contained overlanding rig such as a truck-based camper or overlanding van, the next most popular option is often a trailer. But no ordinary trailer will do when heading off the pavement. An overlanding trailer has to have the right mix of ruggedness, utility, and comfort. A good trailer offers many advantages over a self-contained rig as well. You can keep it packed with your gear, so you only need to stock the fridge before heading out. Plus, once on site, they make a great base camp and free up the tow vehicle; set up camp, unhitch your car, truck, or van, and take off to go play in the dirt. For many reasons, a trailer is an excellent option.
There are a huge number of options on the market, so answer some questions to narrow your search when shopping. Do you need a fully enclosed trailer with sleeping quarters that can also haul a lot of gear and off-road toys like motorcycles? Or a smaller gear carrier stocked with provisions and a rooftop tent on top? Do you need a powered fridge? A hard-sided sleeping area for bear country? Winter hardiness? There are plenty of options on them market that can meet your needs or vision of exploration, and most trailer makers offer extensive options for customization.
Be sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity and choose a trailer on the conservative side of the weight rating since you’ll likely be adding weight with water, food, and overlanding gear to the overall weight figure. Then, get your trailer set up for your specific adventures and get out there!
Here’s our list of trailers that feature innovation, proven performance, and the toughness needed to go off the pavement and into the wilderness.
SasquatchXC Highland 60
Colorado-based SasquatchXC only offers two trailer models, but the Highland 60 stands out in any crowd. At under 2,000 pounds empty, it can be towed by a large number of vehicles, not just trucks. Loaded up, the Highland 60 rolls on independent suspension with nearly two feet of ground clearance and electric brakes for safety. The internal tank can carry 36 gallons of fresh water, and there are 70 cubic feet of configurable cargo space.
The rear kitchen requires essentially no setup, and a roof rack includes solar panel storage. Two campers can sleep on the interior queen bed that stretches to 80 inches; more travelers can bed down in a rooftop tent that can be mounted to the top. The Highland 60 features aluminum construction, LED lighting throughout, and a three-burner Furrion stove next to the stainless steel sink.
Power system options can supply 120-volt to multiple outlets. There’s space to mount two propane tanks, and MOLLE panels allow quick additions of traction boards, liquid storage containers, and more. Awnings with built-in LED lighting can also be easily mounted. Pick from 10 color options and three turnkey trims: Trail, Pro, and Pro-X.
MSRP: $49,500 – $59,000 Options can affect pricing.
Lifestyle Campers — Iconn E2/E2E
Lifestyle Campers makes our list again with the Iconn E2/E2E. Now available in an updated “E2E” or “E2 Elite” Next Generation package, the E2E features a total of three layout options. It can sleep up to four people in the “bunk” layout, which includes one queen bed and two bunk beds. A single bed option includes a spacious interior seating area with a table that can convert to a sleeping area to accommodate a third camper, or an internal shower/Thetford full flush cassette toilet setup will work well for two campers or a solo outing.
The pop-top design adds stand-up headroom and ventilation but with a hard roof over your head. A spacious dual-space ensuite folds out of the E2E’s back section and includes a cassette toilet and shower in two of the three layouts. Lifestyle says the chassis is galvanized steel with coil spring trailing arm suspension supported by four extra heavy-duty shock absorbers and 12″ electric brakes. The water capacity is 44 gallons across two tanks that include filters. Two 200-watt solar panels feed power into a 200-Ah battery that runs the 12-volt gear, including water pumps, lights, and more. Shore power connections are also included. Contact the company if you want 120-Volt inverter information.
A large awning provides cover and shade while cooking on the large slide-out kitchen module, which includes a two-burner gas stove and a 17-liter sink, plus a good bit of counter space. The trailer has space for two propane tanks as standard and features slide-outs for coolers and other gear, plus numerous storage spaces inside and out.
MSRP: Starting at $55,950
Kimberley Kampers — Ecotrek KUBE Teardrop Trailer
Teardrop trailers are typically more at home on paved roads and at the KOA, but that hasn’t stopped the team at Australia’s Kimberly Trailers from cooking up a well-rounded caravan you’ll be able to roll to your favorite secret spot far beyond the asphalt’s edge. Called the KUBE Teardrop, the shapely camper pod rolls on an adjustable air suspension system in Ecotrek trim that rises to the occasion for off-roading and then lowers for easier access once on site – all by remote control.
Wood-free construction means the Kube better withstands the weather and storage time, and once you arrive at your favorite spot, the large king-size bed, spacious slide-out kitchen, big 85-liter fridge, and 42 gallons of water across two tanks allow you to stay awhile and enjoy yourself. A private outside shower, diesel heat and on-demand hot water, solar panels powering dual lithium batteries, and a beautifully finished interior create a rugged yet comfortable home away from home.
Plenty of storage options, quick setup and take down, a light tow weight and that fun-friendly shape make the Kimberly Ecotrek KUBE a fun and practical choice for overlanding with a splash of style and luxury.
MSRP: $59,969
Off Grid — Pando 3.0
Off Grid Trailers takes its mission seriously, but not so seriously that they forgot to add a bit of fun, color, and style into their overlanding capable teardrop trailer, the Pando 3.0. All-metal construction ends mold, mildew, and degradation problems while not in use, and the max tow weight of 3,500 puts it in reach of many modern smaller SUVs and trucks.
While Off Grid is happy to configure a Pando with typical exterior solid colors, they also offer a long, long list of colors and artful wraps and color schemes to bring a bit of eye candy to the classic shape. Inside, two campers can bed down on the spacious queen-sized bed, while more campers (especially the kids) can bunk in a rooftop tent that mounts easily to the roof rails. Come meal time, the rear exterior kitchen and copious storage allow for extended stays off the grid while still enjoying great food. The trailer also carries 33 gallons of fresh water in two tanks. Here’s a quick video tour of the Pando 3.0:
Tow it to your favorite spot with the stock 21 inches of ground clearance, or opt for the OGT Evolution Series suspension upgrade by Fabtech Motorsports to boost clearance to a soaring 25 inches. Off Grid offers a very long list of hardware, appliances, awnings, and other options so you can set up your Pando 3.0 to suit your favorite site – or be ready for new adventures, wherever they may lead.
MSRP: $36,750 and up, depending on options.
Opus Campers — OP LITE
Pop-up and pop-open campers have been around for decades, but the Opus OP Lite adds a modern twist to the tried and true format: air inflation. Once on site with the Opus Lite, you unpack a bit and then push a button to activate the inflation system. The roomy, six-window living space is up and ready to camp in under five minutes.
Once unfolded and inflated, Opus Lite campers get to rest easy on a queen bed and a comfortable lounge area with soft grey leatherette surfaces and a table which removes to create another sleeping space. An exterior slide-out kitchen features a large cooler-style electric fridge, a big four-burner stove, a deep stainless sink, and drawers for holding all your culinary tools. there’s storage inside and out for provisions, plus dimmable LED lighting for after sundown.
Towing weight is a reasonable 3,500 pounds fully loaded, and it can go just about anywhere on its long-travel independent trailing arm suspension backing the 235/75R/15 A/T tires. A Cruisemaster hitch is ready to take on off-road obstacles, and if you don’t get it perfectly parked, an optional onboard motorized movement system can skootch it into and out of that perfect spot sans tow vehicle. Gotta head home? Takedown is quick and easy, and the Opus OP Lite tows easily.
Opus offers a wide range of options for the OP Lite, including a large “Air Annex” covered area, solar power systems, bike carriers, expanded liquids storage – even a video projector setup for inside the camper.
MSRP: $20,000 and up, depending on options.
Rustic Mountain Trailers — Patrol XCT
Alabama-based Rustic Mountain Overland thinks overlanding is best kept simple, lightweight, and affordable. Its $12,995 Patrol XCT trailer epitomizes that approach, prioritizing suspension, storage and simplicity in design. Basically, they give overlanders a blank canvas of sorts to build their ultimate overlanding companion into as simple or as luxurious as the buyer’s dreams and budget will allow.
The Patrol XCT weighs in at a scant 1,250 pounds empty, allowing owners to add a literal ton of gear if they so desire. At a minimum, Patrol owners will want to add a rooftop tent (Rustic has some options), a cooler or fridge, and containers for provisions and gear. The XCT model adds a few worthy additions over the base XT, including a tongue box for added storage placed forward on the frame, which they say “is ideal for a kitchen or galley set up and is perfectly sized for your fridge, electrical, and other components.” The rooftop tent mounting rails sit on 16-inch risers above the trailer’s main bed. The XCT rides on 31-inch AT tires fitted to a Timbren HD 2200-lb axle-less suspension system. The trailer includes a rear tailgate, an articulating hitch, and a powder-coated finish.
Five colors are available, as are multiple options including armored construction and an up-spec suspension package. Rustic Mountain says it takes about a month to get your trailer built to order.
MSRP: $12,999 and up, depending on options.
TAXA — Mantis Overland
TAXA was recently purchased by van outfitter Storyteller Overland, but it doesn’t look like that has affected its efforts to design useful, interesting and innovative camping trailers like the Mantis.
Available in two trims, including a base and Overland trim with improved ground clearance and more aggressive all-terrain tires, the Mantis Overland trailer retains all of the utility of the regular trailer but can go many more places. For 2024, TAXA has made some overall improvements as well. Cushion thickness is nearly double for more comfort, under-bed storage space and access are improved, quick disconnect awning brackets make storage easier, there’s a new “lounge” interior layout option and updated multi-color LED lighting and power monitoring via Bluetooth through the Victron Smart Voltmeter. The trailer holds 20 gallons of fresh water, comes with air conditioning and a Truma heater, and is pre-wired for solar power. And don’t forget their “milk crate” kitchen storage system that uses actual milk crates!
The Mantis Overland is 19 feet long and just over 3,400 pounds. It has a pop-up sleep section/roof, a half dozen acrylic, Insulated windows with screens and shades, THULE load bars, non-slip flooring, and a powder-coated steel chassis. The $2,650 Overlanding package adds a Lock and Roll hitch, axle-less suspension with three more inches of ground clearance, 16″ alloy wheels with 225/75R16 all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty quad stabilizer jacks.
For more information and customization options, contact TAXA directly. TAXA also offers three other uniquely designed trailers.
MSRP: $48,400 and up, depending on options.
Turtleback Trailers — Expedition T3
What happens when military veterans design overlanding trailers? Predictably, they are infused with the toughness and exacting standards typically associated with military-grade field hardware, and that’s certainly the case with Turtleback Trailer’s Expedition T3.
Essentially a simplified and robust base of operations, the Expedition T3 appears to be a plain two-wheel tow-behind with space to toss some gear in. But kit it out right, and it’s a fully functional home away from home, complete with a carbon/UV filtered 42-gallon water tank with electric pump, dual batteries with 2,000 Watt inverter, uprated suspension, a full-size spare, cruise master hitch with handbrake, molle panels, a swing-out shower mount and corner steadies for a solid foundation when enjoying downtime in the rooftop tent of your choice. There is plenty of storage, including a nose box, slide-outs, and much more.
Turtleback’s team does more than build mil-spec trailers; they work with organizations like Homeboy Industries to help young people who may have gotten off the path learn new skills and see a better way forward. They also partner with Friends Life to help provide opportunities for teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities. Good people, good trailers.
MSRP: Starts at $43,000, contact Turtleback for build options and specific pricing.
Xpedition Trailers — Voyager Overland
For some overlanders, hitting out for that special spot is a chance to strip away the trappings of everyday modern life and get back to the basics. For others, they don’t see anything wrong with bringing a few of those comforts from home with them into the wild, especially when kiddos or novice campers are involved. For those outings, Expedition Trailer’s Voyager Overland has both ends of the spectrum covered.
Born from the isolation of the pandemic in 2020, Xpedition’s founders rolled their prototype all over the Western U.S. before going into production. Lessons learned from pulling the trailer down the road and very often off of it inform the design and features. Base weight is just 2,600 pounds, and 4,200 fully loaded, with a 16-foot length. All-terrain tires and 4.5 inches of suspension travel provide 18 inches of ground clearance. An internal tank holds 36 gallons of water, and you can add a rooftop tent, bicycles, water toys, or a mix to the 58″ x 94″ inch roof rack. Here’s a quick one-minute review of the Voyager Overland.
New features for 2024 include kitchen night lighting, more USB charging points, improved battery installation, lock-open kitchen door and more. An external hot shower facility, slide-outs and a complete kitchen with a large overhead shelter keeps the cook dry while whipping up a meal.
MSRP: $51,700. Contact Xpedition Trailers for build options and timelines