So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
Getting off-road and spending some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is a great way to recharge. And for someone like me that also has a passion for photography, getting away from the beaten path allows me to explore new areas that might be ripe for the picking for gorgeous photos.
And I don’t know about you, but when I go overlanding or off-roading, I don’t necessarily want to leave all the creature comforts of normal life behind. I can’t exactly hook up a fifth wheel and drag it into the desert or the woods, though, so a trailer purpose-built for off-road use is in order.
What’s so great about off-road teardrop trailers is that you can have a place to seek shelter, to cook, to recharge your phone, and so forth, without the size and weight of a traditional travel trailer. Their small form factor and lightweight design mean you can tow them with much greater ease than many on-the-road trailers as well.
But, the question is, what are the best off-road teardrop trailers currently available? Let’s find out!
Editor’s Note: Check out our list of the best off-road teardrop trailers for 2022 to see the very latest options!
Table of Contents
- So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
- OverKill Campers S.O.5.10
- Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
- Bean Trailer Mean Bean and Meaner Bean
- Beaver Built Wapos and Mahkesis Trailers
- Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- HYK Outdoors
- Aero Teardrops
- Valiant Expedition Trailers
- Second Wind Trailers
- Sniper X.9
- Runaway Campers Venturist
- Vorsheer Extreme Overland Camper
- Escapod TOPO2 and Original TOPO
- High Altitude Trailer Company GEN IV XT50
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
So-Cal Teardrops has been in the business for 17 years. As one of the first companies to enter this market, they have established themselves as the premier option for teardrop trailers.
When you look at the 510 XS, you can see that So-Cal Teardrops’ engineers aren’t messing around…
This rig’s frame is built from two-inch by three-inch .120 wall steel tubing, which is set on heavy-duty Old Man Emu leaf springs and a 3,500-pound axle with 10-inch electric brakes.
The trailer sports 9-way adjustable Rancho RS9000XL shocks, hubs to match your vehicle’s wheels and tires, and a reinforced rib system in the cabin that helps combat the flex and other forces of off-road use. In other words, this bad boy can tackle the nastiest of trails!
The 510 XS has a well-appointed cabin with a full-size four-inch-thick mattress, interior lighting, plenty of cubbies and shelves for storage, a 12V outlet, a USB port, and an AM/FM/CD radio for a little entertainment. The galley has a two-burner propane stove that’s smartly mounted in a sliding drawer to save space. There’s a nested sliding utensil drawer as well.
For power, you get a 12V system that relies on a group-24 Interstate deep-cycle battery with an onboard three-stage marine charger. There’s shore power hookups to charge the battery when not in use as well.
This trailer is well-designed, impeccably built, and offers you everything you need to hit the road right out of the gate. In fact, without adding a single option to the trailer, all you need to bring is some bedding and a cooler (and your friends, of course) and you’ll be ready to go!
But perhaps best of all So-Cal Teardrops builds each trailer specifically for each client. If you have particular needs or wants, So-Cal Teardrops can accommodate you. This being the case, you can see why we’ve ranked them as the top option on this list!
Learn more about the So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: OverKill Campers S.O.5.10
A list of the best off-road teardrop campers wouldn’t be complete without this bad boy – the OverKill Campers S.O.5.10.
As the flagship teardrop from OverKill, this camper has all the best pieces and parts of every custom camper that OverKill has ever made. We’re talking features like a compact queen bed for two adults, a 48-inch settee that converts into a bed for Junior or Fido, and an articulating table that gives you a place to chow down or play games when you need it and folds out of the way when you don’t.
This rig comes equipped with a 32-gallon water tank – more than enough for your adventures – and a 2.8g per minute water pump. There’s dimmable LED interior lighting, exterior lights to illuminate camp, and snake lights underneath so you can see if any critters have come to visit in the night.
You also get handy features like keyless entry, loads of cabinets and Zarges boxes for storage, and a slide-out kitchen prep area complete with a sink and a folding faucet.
But perhaps the best feature of this teardrop camper is the slide-out. The slide-out features two FUAT windows and a 4-inch-thick compact queen mattress. You can crash for a nap without being in the way of your travel partner, who can sit on the settee and read a book while you snooze (and without the two of you being in each other’s way).
All of this is in a compact 5’ x 10’ form factor that’s set on a Timbren 3500HD suspension. As OverKill Campers says, this camper is “contained, not constrained,” and they aren’t kidding! You get the benefit of having a compact off-road camper for your adventures, but you won’t be constrained by tight spaces thanks to the genius addition of the slide-out.
In a word, this trailer is badass. Thus the reason it’s on our list of the best off-road teardrops of 2021!
Learn more about OverKill Campers S.O.5.10.
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
When you’re on the hunt for a teardrop trailer that’s off-road capable, you probably find a lot of options that have most of the features you want but don’t quite tick all the boxes.
That’s because most off-road teardrop trailers are already specced out. Sure, you can choose a few options or packages, but the bulk of the trailer’s features are often already set in stone.
That’s not the case with the Zion Off-Road Base Trailer…
What you get from Zion Off-Road is a base model that uses bolt-on accessories. That means you can build the trailer according to your specific needs and wants, and most importantly, according to your budget.
Think of it like a choose your own adventure book – you get to decide between many different alternatives and arrive at a conclusion that suits your interests.
So, the question is, how is this modularity accomplished?
The Base Trailer has custom T-tracks and uniform bolt patterns in the frame. This enables you to bolt accessories in virtually any location you desire.
What’s more, as your needs change, you can move accessories around. This is a fantastic feature since no two off-road adventures are ever the same.
On top of that, you can order different accessories over time and as your budget allows. So, this modular trailer is something that you can fine-tune over the course of months or even years.
You can add a roof rail system, a Rotopax 4-gallon mount, or a tongue box for added storage. Other accessories include:
- A vertical accessory system (for mounting items like jacks to the side of the trailer)
- An electrical box, shown above (which has a dual-battery solar charger, a 1000-watt inverter, a battery shutoff switch, and extra fuses, though the battery is not included)
- A ladder to access the roof
- A Maxtrax mount
And there’s yet more accessories you can add to the trailer!
The point is that Zion Off-Road has you covered for many different types of adventures with accessories that extend the utility of the trailer, help you stay organized, and keeps your gear safe and sound.
All this is wrapped in a trailer that’s 155.25 inches long, 85.5 inches wide, and 82 inches tall. And with a base weight of just 1,380 pounds, this teardrop trailer can be pulled by a wide range of vehicles.
Best of all, the Base Trailer starts at $12,500. For that price, you get tons of features:
- Insulated exterior walls, roof, and floor
- 3-speed, 2-direction RV roof vent and fan
- Two lockable doors with tinted sliding windows and bug screens
- Storage shelving
- Built-in cooler compartment
- Built-in battery compartment
- Multiple power points and interior LED lighting
The trailer also rides on a 3,500-pound axle and leaf springs with 205/75/R15 tires on 6-lug wheels.
In other words, Zion Off-Road gives you everything you need in their Base Trailer to build out a killer teardrop for your outdoor adventures.
This trailer is highly capable, super functional, and gives you the freedom to customize it to your specific needs.
It’s also well built, smartly designed, and budget-friendly.
What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about the Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Bean Trailer Mean Bean and Meaner Bean
We get a twofer from Bean Trailer, the “Mean Bean” and the “Meaner Bean,” both of which are highly capable off-roaders that are ideally suited for your next foray down the trail.
These trailers are actually nearly identical, the primary difference being that the Meaner Bean version gets a Timbren 3500 HD Independent suspension in place of the 10-degree pitched torsion axle (which is also a 3,500 pound axle, so just as robust as the Timbren) that comes on the Mean Bean.
In addition to the different suspension, the Meaner Bean has frame reinforcements, 1 ½ additional inches of ground clearance (at 17 inches), and is two inches taller. The Meaner Bean also has a removable max coupler and a fully articulating hitch.
There are plenty of common features between the Mean Bean and the Meaner Bean that make them two excellent options for your off-roading needs.
Both trailers have a 60” x 80” floor size with 54 ½ inches of interior headroom. You get a 58” x 78” mattress that’s a cozy four inches thick. If you want to sit up in bed and read, you can do so in comfort with a backrest and overhead lighting. Plug your phone into the USB port, crack open the window to get some fresh air, and turn on the MAXX fan to exhaust stale air and bring fresh air into the cabin.
The sleeping space transforms into a couch with a removable table that you can use to chow down or play cards. With storage in the floor, an overhead cubby with accent lighting, and access to storage compartments from inside the cabin, there is no shortage of space to keep your gear organized and out of the way.
Aside from a wealth of practical features, the interior of these trailers is simply outstanding…
When considering the trailers that would be featured in this article, the things that drew me to Bean Trailers is the level of detail, the impeccable craftsmanship, and the materials that are used.
In some cases, you can get a trailer like this that’s durable, but is so utilitarian that it lacks comfort. On the other hand, some trailers offer the lap of luxury, but lack the durability and functionality you need for off-roading.
This is not the case with Bean Trailers. These guys are paving their own path and creating off-road teardrop campers that are not only durable, but offer you a comfortable place to relax, too.
Think about it like this – you’re out on the trail, you’re dirty, sweaty, and tired. Your trailer needs to be able to accommodate that kind of rough-and-tumble travel, which these trailers most certainly do.
Yet, at the end of the day, you want to have a trailer that also has a level of refinement that allows you to be comfortable, to have the amenities you need to sleep well, prepare meals, and carry needed supplies for your trip with ease. Again, these trailers do that, and they do it well.
Bean trailers come with tons of additional features too. You get a Thule roof rack and a front storage rack for additional space for gear, an 18-gallon water tank, Pro Comp 51 Series wheels, and a kitchen space with a stainless steel sink, folding faucet, plenty of counter space for meal prep, and pull-outs for the stove and a cooler or refrigerator.
Bean Trailers really has thought of everything with these models. They have everything you need and nothing you don’t in a package that’s easy to tow and makes your off-road adventures that much more fun!
Learn more about the Mean Bean and Meaner Bean trailers.
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Beaver Built Wapos and Mahkesis Trailers
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
How often do you come across a trailer that ticks some of the boxes? Or perhaps even most of the boxes? Yet, there’s a bunch of features that you don’t want or need, or there’s options you wish the trailer had?
It’s a common occurrence for me as I scour the market for the best trailers.
What you don’t often see is a trailer that allows you to pick and choose features and components and add them as you go, thereby allowing you to create a custom trailer that perfectly fits your needs.
The Beaver Built Wapos Trailer is one such example of this…
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
This trailer is 144” long and 79.75” wide. With a dry weight of just 1,050 pounds, a two-door Jeep Wrangler can easily tow it.
And since this is an expedition trailer, it has the off-road pedigree to get you way off-grid: with the standard wheels and tires, the departure angle is 37 degrees, and with the upgraded 33-inch tires, the departure angle increases to 40 degrees.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
The Wapos Trailer rides on a Cruisemaster CRS² dual-shock suspension with a single-arm design that minimizes weight. Likewise, the Cruisemaster platform has a cable management system to protect delicate cables from the rough-and-tumble nature of off-road driving.
The trailer itself is also built to last with features like anti-slip powder-coated fenders and tongue deck, an aluminum body, and a galvanized steel frame.
You get features like a roof rack, a rear hitch receiver for hitch-mounted accessories, and a large rear door that reveals a food-grade stainless-steel countertop. Other features include standard 31-inch Yokohama A/T tires and 15-inch Vision wheels with a matching full-size spare.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
What really sets this trailer apart for me, though, is that you can add bolt-on accessories as you need them.
You can add a front box with locking side doors and an extended roof rack to give you even more storage.
Then you can add a kitchen drawer pull-out that can accommodate a 75L Yeti cooler or a 75L Dometic fridge/freezer, so you have a place to prepare and cook meals in the wilderness.
Rear C jacks, a custom-designed electrical system, and a spare tire carrier are additional add-ons, among many other options.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
You can even add a pair of side boxes that add eight cubic feet of storage per box. Once this is done, your Wapos Trailer becomes a Mahkesis Trailer. Additionally, with the side boxes in place, you can add a kitchen management system to hold all your cooking utensils, pots, pans, and stove. There’s even room for bowls, plates, spices, and cooking oil!
So, if you want to simply dip your toes into the overlanding and off-roading scene and want a budget-friendly trailer with just the essentials, the Wapos is a great entry point. If you find that overlanding and off-roading are things you want to be more serious about, you can purchase the options listed above and outfit your trailer precisely as you see fit.
Again, this isn’t something you typically see in the off-road trailer market. But that’s exactly why Beaver Built is on our list of the best off-road teardrop trailers of 2021!
Learn more about the Wapos and Mahkesis Trailers from Beaver Built
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
Outfitting yourself with a capable off-road teardrop trailer is all about the freedom to go virtually anywhere you like.
But, let’s be honest – some off-road teardrops are so expensive that you can’t afford to get out on many adventures! That’s not the case with Sunnyside Offroad’s Boony Stomper.
Perhaps the best feature of this off-road teardrop trailer is its starting price of just $10,250. With a price like that, you can actually afford to put fuel in your vehicle and take time off work to enjoy all those off-grid locations you’ve been dreaming about! Plus, the timeline to have one built is just 6-8 weeks, so you’ll be out adventuring before you know it.
And I know what you’re thinking…
For that price, you probably just get a metal box on wheels, right?
Wrong!
This trailer has all the essentials you need for off-road exploration and then some.
The suspension, for example, is of the long travel independent trailing arm variety (that’s custom fabricated!). The trailer has load-adjusting shocks, too. You won’t find these features underneath many teardrop trailers!
By the way, the suspension is designed, engineered, and tested at high speeds and on the roughest terrain. That means the Boony Stomper will pull like a dream on the highway and pull like a dream on off-road trails as well.
Riding on that suspension is a 2×2 steel frame with a 2-inch SAE-rated Class-4 locking ball coupler. The trailer weighs just 670 pounds dry (or more, depending on options), and has a tongue weight of just 100 pounds. It’s so light, in fact, that you can tow it with a two-door Jeep, a Subaru, or your UTV! And as EVs become more mainstream, this trailer is a great option that won’t destroy your EV’s range
At 119 inches in length and 74 inches at its widest point, this teardrop is small enough to handle even the tightest and roughest of off-road tracks.
Inside, you’ll be pleased to find a host of features that make it a comfortable living space.
You get a linoleum floor for durability and ease of cleaning, tons of storage cabinets with self-latching doors, and a finished interior with carpeted walls and headboard. The full-size bed is a nice place to crash after a long day of exploring, too.
With a sleeping area that measures 46 x 77 inches, the cabin has all the space you need for a cozy two-person adventure! But, again, the trailer is small enough and light enough to maneuver even the tightest corners and most difficult trails.
Oftentimes, the biggest obstacle to getting out and going on more adventures is simply having a trailer that’s easy to hook up, easy to tow, and easy to maintain. Well, you’ve found that precise combination in the Boony Stomper – a trailer that’s made in the USA by a family-owned business. What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about the Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
There’s a lot of choices in the off-road teardrop trailer market. A lot. And what I’ve found is that, by and large, these trailers are pretty similar. Sure, there’s some small differences here and there, but you can basically get the same setup from many different manufacturers.
But TAXA Outdoors is different…
I was recently introduced to the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth teardrop trailer, and I’ve honestly not been this impressed by a teardrop in quite some time. Unlike many of its competitors, the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is a wholly unique trailer that really stands out from the crowd and makes you go, “Yeah…that trailer is epic!”
For starters, the TigerMoth is just under 13 feet long, so it’s storable in a standard-sized garage. Being able to keep your trailer under cover and out of the elements is a huge benefit, particularly for extending the life of its components, like tires, paint, and other features that can be damaged by constant exposure to the sun.
Secondly, this trailer is incredibly lightweight at just 1,310 pounds. Yet, despite its compact size, it sleeps two adults quite comfortably, with another three adults up top if you add an optional rooftop tent. That means you and four buddies can take off for an adventure in a trailer that you can tow with a Subaru. Nice!
One of my favorite features of the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is the pull-out kitchen. I love to cook while I’m camping, so having a fully-featured kitchen is a must. This pull-out kitchen has counter space, a cutting board, a sink, and a two-burner stove for whipping up awesome off-grid meals. And since it’s an outdoor kitchen, it saves the interior space for sleeping and lounging.
Speaking of which…
By far, the most impressive feature of the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is the open design that makes it feel much larger. As you can see above, the trailer has a unique side hatch that essentially opens the entire left side of the trailer up to the outdoors.
Just imagine lounging in your TigerMoth in your favorite camping spot, taking in the fresh air and beautiful views through this panoramic opening. It completely changes how you use the TigerMoth. Instead of being a traditional teardrop trailer that you have to crawl into and make do with a small side door, this bad boy gives you far easier access.
Not only that, but the interior of the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is a modular setup that quickly changes from sleeping to lounging.
For example, the full-size bed transforms into a lounge with seating and a cafe table where you can enjoy games or a meal with family or friends. You can keep all your gear organized and out of the way with 12 cubic feet of storage under the bed, too.
In other words, TAXA Outdoors has thought of everything with the TigerMoth trailer. It’s compact and lightweight to make your off-road adventures easier, yet it offers amenities like a side hatch and a modular cabin that make it so much more functional than many other trailers on the market.
If you’re ready to upgrade your camping experience, the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is a great option!
Learn more about the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: HYK Outdoors
HYK Outdoors Trailrunner
If you have outdoor adventures planned that require you to traverse moderate or extreme terrain, you’ll need a teardrop trailer that’s purpose-built for that kind of hard work. That’s precisely what you’ll find at HYK Outdoors.
Unlike some teardrop trailer companies that minimize the number of options you get, HYK outdoors gives you no less than three off-road-ready trailers, each of which can tackle the tough stuff (they even have three on-road models if that’s your thing!).
Let’s have a look at what these trailers bring to the party…
HYK Outdoors Trailrunner
HYK Outdoors offers two 8-foot off-road trailer options: The Trailrunner and the Trailback.
These trailers are virtually identical except for the rear portion of the trailer. The Trailrunner is a classic teardrop shape while the Trailback is HYK Outdoors’ take on an off-road square-back camper.
In both cases, you get a premium Baltic birch interior with low-VOC polyurethane, a spacious 57×75” sleeping area, and a MaxxAir 4-speed fan. These trailers also have an incredible amount of storage, including:
- Two corner storage shelves
- Two cabinets with doors (which have hold-open struts)
- Center console storage
HYK OutdoorsTrailback
Furthermore, the Trailrunner and Trailback trailers come with a fully-featured galley that includes a laminate countertop, upper galley cabinets with sliding doors, and plenty of lower storage (which can be configured in one of three layouts).
The galley also features a 110v outlet, a USB outlet, and two hydraulic gas struts that lift the galley door and hold it in place. When you’re done cooking, you can lock things tight with two T-handle latches.
HYK Outdoors Trailrunner
Of course, this just scratches the surface of what these 8-foot trailers have to offer. For example, both trailers have a power system with a 100Ah deep-cell marine battery, a NOCO battery charger, and a NOCO shore power point.
Likewise, the Trailrunner and Trailback have a roof rack, an awning, and dual 26 x 36 doors with vented windows and rain guards. You even get porch lights, a front storage basket for your gear, and two interior/exterior cabin air vents.
HYK Outdoors Trailback
These trailers ride on an off-road-ready chassis that includes some impressive features. The 2.5 x 2.5” welded steel frame has a black powder-coat finish to ensure long-term durability. The Timbren 3500-pound axle, 265/75R16 tires, and off-road rhino-lined steel fenders make these trailers ideal for exploring extreme terrain, too. The 14 inches of ground clearance helps as well!
HYK Outdoors Summit
Of course, if you need a little more space, you can get all those features in the 10-foot Summit trailer. Like the Trailback, the Summit is a squareback design that gives you the flexibility of two extra feet of interior space. You can opt to use that space for a larger sleeping area or go with the standard 57×75” bed and use the extra room for storage, lounging, or whatever else you need!
There’s a host of optional features you can add to the Summit (and the Trailrunner or Trailback, too). From a lock-n-roll articulating hitch to a larger awning to a stove slide in the galley, HYK Outdoors has all sorts of goodies you can add to customize your off-road trailer.
HYK Outdoors Summit
Despite some unique features and differences, what these trailers all have in common is that they’re hand-built to perfection in Missouri. These trailers don’t roll off an assembly line at a big manufacturing plant. Instead, the HYK team dedicates long hours to the small details while maintaining affordable prices (all of these models start at less than $20,000). That makes these trailers worthy of inclusion on our best teardrops of 2021 list!
If you’re ready to upgrade to a trailer that offers convenient, comfortable, camping, look no further than HYK Outdoors!
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Aero Teardrops
When you think about camping, you think about adventure, family, and nature, right? That’s what the team at Aero Teardrops thinks of, too! Their dedication to helping you experience the beauty and wonder of nature with your family shines through in every teardrop trailer they build.
As a family-owned business, Aero Teardrops isn’t some assembly-line-driven corporation. They take the time to get to know each client and each client’s needs, then create a customized teardrop trailer that ticks all the boxes, is beautifully built, and is affordable, too.
So, what are Aero Teardrops’ trailers like? Let’s have a look!
The flagship model of the Aero Teardrops lineup is the Steel. This 5×10 teardrop weighs just 1,500 pounds dry, and with an overall length of 14 feet, it’s compact and maneuverable. You can choose from two variations – the regular Steel or the Steel HC, which boosts the overall height to 72” while maintaining the same cabin size.
In both cases, you get an interior that is second to none in the industry…
For example, these trailers come with loads of storage in cabinets, shelves, and even under the floor. You can sleep on a folding queen-size mattress, catch the view out of the Stargazer window, and enjoy a good book with the integrated reading lights, to name but a few standard features. Add an optional TV with DVD player, a bunk, or an interior table to further customize the space.
The Steel model is well equipped outside, too. For example, your trailer comes with a 3,500-pound Timbren axle-less suspension, a 12-volt deep-cycle battery, and LED lighting. Add two rear stabilizer jacks, a tongue jack, and clear anodized aluminum siding (among many other features) to the mix.
Again, there is a laundry list of options you can add to the exterior of the trailer. This includes a 78-inch awning, a roof rack, and an exterior shower. There are simply too many amenities to list! (Despite that, you can actually click here for a full list of standard and optional features.)
Of course, you need a place to cook while you’re traveling, and the Steel doesn’t disappoint. The rear galley includes 12-volt and 120-volt power outlets, upper and lower cabinets, and LED lighting for cooking after the sun goes down. You can add a cooler slide-out, a sink, and a stove, too.
So, you likely sense the theme here…
The Steel is a well-equipped trailer from the get-go, but because the team at Aero Teardrops are avid campers themselves, they understand the need for varying levels of customization that allow you, the customer, to create something truly unique to fit your needs.
No matter if you want a trim and slim trailer for quick jaunts on the weekend, something that’s outfitted to the nines for extended overlanding trips, or something in between, Aero Trailers has what you need to make your adventures happen – and happen in style with the Steel trailer!
But, hey, if you’re looking for something a little different, perhaps a squaredrop trailer design, be sure to keep tabs on the Aero Trailers website for details about their new upcoming model, the Burnside.
I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag, but the Burnside will be a well-equipped model with room for the whole family. As you’d expect, Aero Teardrops has many exciting standard and optional features on tap that will make the Burnside another worthy option for your camping adventures.
The Burnside will be released in 2022, so stay tuned for more information about this exciting new option from Aero Trailers!
Learn more about Aero Trailers
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Valiant Expedition Trailers
There are a few critical features to consider when looking for an off-road teardrop trailer. You want something that’s designed well and built to perfection. You also want a trailer with the proper off-road capabilities so you can get way off the grid whenever you like.
Of course, an off-road teardrop trailer should provide you with comfortable living quarters year-round, tons of options to choose from, and it should look killer, too.
Well, that’s precisely what you get from Valiant Expedition Trailers!
For 2021, Valiant offers an XTD model that’s packed to the gills with features that enable you to camp just about anywhere, anytime.
The XTD is 176.5 inches long, 86 inches wide, and 89 inches tall (at the top of the cargo rack). With a 2100-pound dry weight and a 120-pound tongue weight (equipped as shown), this trailer is perfectly-sized for a compact truck or SUV (or a full-size rig, for that matter).
The exterior has just what you want in a rugged off-road teardrop trailer. On top and underneath, you’ll find single-panel ⅛-inch 5052 aluminum plates that ensure weatherproofness. The exterior wall panels are single-piece .080-inch 5052 aluminum. All that aluminum covers 1.5-inch R-Tech insulation that keeps the cab warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
In back is a rear compartment door with hydraulic props, while up front is a heavy-duty swivel tongue jack. The trailer also includes submersible LED stop, turn, tail, and marker lights in case your next river crossing gets a little hairy. There’s a big platform on the trailer’s tongue for added storage, too.
All of these features ride on a fully powder-coated body and frame with a 3500-pound Timbren HD independent axle-less suspension system. Add Dexter hubs with Timken bearings, 31-inch all-terrain tires, and powder-coated steel wheels to the mix as well.
Inside, you’ll find a main compartment that’s 82 inches long, 62 inches wide, and 55 inches tall at the high point (the low point is at the front of the trailer and is 45.5 inches tall).
As I noted a moment ago, the cab is fully insulated for a more comfortable camping experience. Adding to your comfort is the fact that a queen-size mattress fits perfectly inside! There’s also all sorts of space for storage to keep your gear neat, organized, and out of the way.
Of course, there are plenty of options in terms of how you have your XTD trailer built. Add a full galley in the back, a solar power system up top, or a shower outside. Add a storage box on the tongue to hide your fridge/freezer, an awning to give you covered outdoor living space, and choose from a variety of exterior colors, too.
At the end of the day, buying an off-road teardrop trailer is an investment. You don’t want to waste your money on a trailer that doesn’t fit your needs. You also don’t want to waste money on something that won’t stand the test of time.
With the Valiant XTD, those won’t be concerns…
This trailer is impeccably built and backed by a transferable lifetime warranty. If there’s ever a problem with craftsmanship, you’re covered!
More than that, Valiant Expedition Trailers is a family-owned business whose owners, Jordan and Katie, have extensive experience in off-grid camping. As native Alaskans, they know how to build an off-road teardrop trailer that can handle the harshest weather and terrain.
In other words, you benefit from their experience, their commitment to quality, and their dedication to constantly evolving their products based on customer feedback. That’s why Valiant is on this list of the best teardrop trailers of 2021!
Learn more about Valiant Expedition Trailers
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Second Wind Trailers
Since 2013 Second Wind Trailers has earned its place in the market from years of R&D from building Traditional style Teardrops like the one above to Off-road teardrop trailers. Every trailer you could have built by Second Wind Trailers is a fantastic investment. These marvels of engineering and fabrication allow you to get away from it all without having a ton of stuff to pack or a big trailer to tow. These light weight trailers are a breeze to use, and start at just 1200 lbs or less.
Instead, you can keep your nimble teardrop trailer at the ready, so you can quickly pack, hook up, and hit the road when you want. A quick weekend getaway doesn’t get much easier.
But a last-minute camping trip doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, nor do you have to leave the creature comforts of home behind. At least that’s not the case with the lineup of Freedom trailers Second Wind Trailers!
For starters, Second Wind Trailers gives you four different options for your trailer build: the Freedom Flight, Freedom Max, Freedom SE, and Freedom EX. Each option gives you a different set of features and amenities so you can tailor your teardrop camping experience to your specific needs and wants.
No matter which Freedom trailer you select, you’ll get a host of interior and exterior amenities that make the trailer well worth the price of admission.
Outside, the trailer sits on a welded, weather-resistant frame with a weather-resistant sealed undercarriage. The trailer rides on your choice of 14-inch 215/70/15 tires or upgrade to jeep style fenders and off-road style tires and wheels. Custom wheels and tires to match your tow vehicle is also an option. Each trailer is encapsulated in an aluminum roof and sides.
In back is a generous galley space that offers two USB charging stations, LED lighting, and a durable resin countertop. On top of the trailer is a three-speed high-flow fan and a 100-watt solar panel with a 10-amp charger. Want something extra special for the countertop finish. They specialize in custom epoxy countertop finishes with an artistic quality that is unique to the brand.
In front, you’ll find a front trailer jack support and a battery box with a custom-etched logo lid. Inside is a quality deep-cycle RV 12-volt battery system to power the trailer’s electrical components. The standard setup lets you enjoy off-grid living for up to several days. If you need more, just ask. Second Wind Trailers have what you need to be off-grid for weeks at a time with their premium power systems. All you need to do is ask.
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable cabin with a fully insulated ceiling and insulated walls. The interior is a beautiful natural birch finish, including the cabinets that offer ample storage space.
You can kick back and relax on the full-size memory foam mattress, charge your devices using one of two USB charging stations, and get some fresh air by lowering the 12×22-inch screened windows in the two side doors.
Other base features include:
- Switch-controlled LED porch solar lights
- LED RGB cabin lighting
- Dual rear stabilizing jacks
- 12-14 inches of ground clearance
Of course, that’s just what’s included in the base price of the trailer. You can add all sorts of additional options to fit your specific needs.
For example, if you want to get way off-grid, you can add a rear welded two-inch receiver to make rescue and recovery situations much easier. You can also add a Jerry can and mount and a rack with cross beams for additional storage space. That’s just for starters:
Other Freedom options include:
- Fridge upgrade in the galley
- Built-in two-burner countertop in the galley (with a propane tank mounted side or front)
- A propane water heater and shower unit
- A 6×8-foot or 4×6-foot awning
Of course, we haven’t touched on the upgrades and amenities you can get when you opt for a Freedom EX or Freedom MAX trailer…
These trailers are ready for an off-road party with a large off-road tire and wheel package, a rear welded two-inch receiver, and a Renogy 2000-watt ‘Pure Wave’ inverter.
The EX and MAX models also benefit from a sink in the galley with a water supply pump and a 10-gallon water tank. You get 115-volt plugs in the cabin and galley, a fridge/cooler in the galley, and standard electric and water RV hookups as well. These trailers even come with beautiful etched Air Force Star side logos! Custom logos can also be etched, or go with no logo for that traditional, timeless look. It’s completely up to you.
Aside from all the superlatives we can throw around about these trailers, what’s really impressive is that each trailer is hand-built right here in the USA. The folks at Second Wind Trailers take great pride in their work and want each customer to feel like they’ve had the individualized experience they deserve. Each finished trailer is truly a work of art.
I don’t know about you, but one look at these military and aviation-inspired trailers makes me want to hook up and head out for a long weekend! If you’re ready to upgrade your camping experience, give Second Wind Trailers the opportunity to help you make your overlanding dreams a reality.
Learn more about Second Wind Trailers
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Sniper X.9
The Sniper X.9 is the epitome of “good things come in small packages.” When you first look at the trailer in its closed form, it’s hard to believe that it contains so many top-tier features. Yet, when the trailer is fully set up, the list of features and amenities is as long as your arm!
That’s what makes this trailer unique – it’s compact and lightweight, yet it has an incredible number of features that you don’t typically see in a trailer of this size. In fact, at 13’2” in overall length and six feet wide, this trailer is just the right size for pulling behind your compact truck or SUV either on or off-road.
The hidden feature of the Sniper X.9 is the pop-up roof that covers a generous interior compartment with a queen-sized bed. The roof has marine dust seals to keep the interior tidy, even if you’re on difficult dirt tracks. The fiberglass-reinforced composite walls offer durability without adding a ton of weight, and the same is true of the aluminum subfloor, which is covered with commercial-grade vinyl flooring.
The sleeping quarters are also outfitted with canvas and mesh upper windows, bedside windows with insect screens and blinds, and a custom entry door.
There’s even storage space and a fold-up table with seating for two people! You can add cabin heat and air conditioning as options.
The interior electrical components include touch-controlled LED lighting, 12-volt power outlets, and bedside LED nightlights with USB ports. You also get LED lighting on the exterior of the trailer.
Powering the electrical system is a 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel that’s connected to a 100-hour lithium battery. A REDARC Manager 30 battery management system takes the fuss out of keeping tabs on your electrical consumption, so you can focus on having a good time with your mates.
The outside has the rugged look you’d expect from an Australian-designed off-road trailer. And while the trailer has a distinctly utilitarian vibe, there’s tons of features that make it a functional and comfortable base camp.
For example, the X.9 comes with a stainless steel slide-out kitchen, a two-burner propane stove, and an 18’ x 6’ awning to protect you while you cook and give you abundant outdoor living space.
Likewise, you get a built-in shower enclosure for cleaning up after long days of exploring, two food-grade water tanks, and large mesh stone deflectors to protect the trailer when you’re on rough roads.
All of this rides on a high-tensile galvanized steel chassis with cruise master CRS coil suspension, off-road shocks, and 16×7” off-road wheels fitted with 33” tires and 10” electric brakes. The trailer has a McHitch 360-degree trailer coupling, a full-size spare tire, and an XO 750 tongue jack as well.
In other words, the Sniper X.9 is ready for any adventure you throw at it. And while it has that rough-and-tumble side, it also gives you all the amenities you need to be comfortable when you’re exploring off-grid. It’s the perfect combination!
Learn more about the Sniper X.9
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Runaway Campers Venturist
Off-road trailers have many different features and options, but at the basis of a good off-road trailer are several things:
- A size for off-roading
- Customization options
- Price
Now, the trailers on this list offer tons of customization options. All of them are sized just right for off-roading and overlanding, too.
But not all of them share the same price point. That’s where the Venturist from Runaway Campers comes in.
Let’s tackle the size first.
One of the things that caught my eye with the Venturist is that the smaller 4×8 model is just 850 pounds. The larger 6×8 version is just over 1,000 pounds.
If you’re like me, you might have a smaller truck, like a Jeep Gladiator, or a small SUV, like a Jeep Wrangler. Towing capacity for vehicles like this isn’t exactly off the charts, so a small, lightweight trailer like the Venturist is a perfect option. This is true on two different fronts…
First, you don’t have to worry about exceeding the tow rating of your vehicle. Second, a compact trailer like this is highly maneuverable. You can easily take it on tight trails to get to your favorite off-the-grid camping spots.
And since this trailer is completely customizable – it comes as a blank canvas, shown above – you can outfit it however you like.
Add a kitchenette or a bed. Put tons of storage inside or do a combination thereof. With a blank slate to work with, the sky’s the limit for how you arrange the interior of the trailer.
I won’t say that I’m picky, but my wife certainly describes me that way! If you like things to be in a particular way, the Venturist trailer is the ideal off-road teardrop solution for you.
So, that brings us to the price component…
Some of the trailers on this list are very expensive, and not everyone can afford their price point. The Venturist is a great budget option because it starts at $9,050 for the 4×8 model and $11,495 for the 6×8 model.
With a low price point, you have the ability to customize your trailer as you see fit without busting your budget.
What’s more, if you’re on a really tight budget, you can add features to your trailer as you go!
Now, I don’t want to make the Venturist out as a glorified box, because it’s much more than that. The folks at Runaway Campers have packed a ton of goodies into this thing, including:
- Off-road frame with a full-length tongue, rear hitch tow point, a Max-Coupler, and large drop-down stabilizers
- Timbren 1-ton axle less suspension with a 4-inch lift
- 17-inch Method Race Wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFG All-Terrain Tires
- Black powder-coated fenders
- Electric brakes
- Slim-line tail lights
- Air conditioning
There’s a laundry list of options you can select for your trailer as well. This includes:
- Wheels and tires to match your rig
- Various lug patterns
- A roof rack and roof basket
- An awning
- A front cargo rack
- A propane tank mount
- A Rotopax Fuelpax with mount
- A rear door and rear window
- A shower and showerhead
Remember – all of this is possible in a trailer that costs a fraction of what other rigs will set you back!
One last point…
As a veteran and a small business owner, I love to work with brands that are U.S-based and family-owned. Runaway Campers is one such company.
The folks at Runaway Campers couldn’t be nicer, and their passion for providing their customers with the best product and customer service is apparent the first time you meet them.
It seems to me that family-run businesses are more interested in the individual customer’s experience. You aren’t a number or an order to be filled – instead, you’re a valued member of the family!
If all that sounds good to you, I suggest you give Runaway Campers a visit!
Learn more about the Runaway Campers Venturist
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Vorsheer Extreme Overland Camper
When you think of the features that an off-road teardrop trailer should have, you likely think of maneuverability, ruggedness, and ground clearance (among others, of course).
The Vorsheer Extreme Overland Camper (XOC) ticks all those boxes – and in beautiful form, too.
These made-in-the-U.S.A. trailers tip the scales at 2,600 pounds, so they are a lightweight option that you can tow off-road with your Jeep, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, or another off-roading rig.
At 16 feet in length, 7.4 feet wide, and 7 feet tall, this trailer is a perfect size for towing off-road yet it gives you ample space for tons of features and creature comforts inside.
But let’s discuss the exterior features first…
This trailer rides on a Timbren axle-less independent suspension with 17-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The frame is rolled at 30 degrees, which gives the trailer improved durability (while also giving it a unique, eye-catching look, too).
At the back of the trailer is a full kitchen space. There’s room for a sink with hot and cold water, a refrigerator, a freezer, and a high-output stove. There’s plenty of galley storage as well!
Additionally, the base model of this trailer comes with a roof rack, a gear box, and a tongue box, as well as a safari ladder, a hatch rack, and a 2-inch ball hitch. You also get a full-size spare tire that rides on an adaptable spare tire carrier. The 23-inch ground clearance is worth noting as well!
Inside, Vorsheer provides a comfortable cabin experience that will be a welcome sight after a long, hard day on the trail. Sleep soundly on the queen mattress that gives you 59” x 80” inches of sleep space while the Fan-tastic fan helps control the temperature in the cabin. You can also opt to add heating and air conditioning to make your XOC an even better-equipped cabin for getting some sleep in total comfort.
Speaking of options, Vorsheer offers a laundry list of features you can add to the XOC to customize it to your particular needs. This includes:
- A 30-gallon water tank, a tankless water heater, and a high-volume water pump
- An external shower
- A sink package and a fridge/freezer package
- Upgraded electrical with under trailer lighting, rack flood lights, and dual batteries
- An ASTC bike carrier
- An under rack table
- A spare tire swing table
And that’s just a partial list!
The point is that Vorsheer is on our list of the best off-road teardrop trailers for a reason. They have a high-quality product that’s beautifully designed and well-made. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the base model, yet you have the ability to add specific features as you see fit. They even offer custom fabrication, custom modes, and a custom powder coat if you like.
Learn more about the Vorsheer XOC
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Escapod TOPO2 and Original TOPO
TOPO2
There are plenty of reasons why Escapod is on our list of the best off-road teardrop trailers of 2021…
Their trailers are intelligently designed, impeccably built, and made in the USA in Utah.
But more than that, Escapod is a family-run business that has become a major player in the teardrop trailer industry. A look at their new TOPO2 trailer and Original TOPO trailer demonstrates their commitment to giving you the best off-road trailering experience possible.
TOPO2
TOPO2
Escapod has a new TOPO trailer – the TOPO2 – that I think you’ll agree is quite impressive…
In fact, this thing has the power to convert overlanders who thought they would never own a teardrop trailer…
Combining the best off-road features with supreme comfort and amenities, the TOPO2 is a top-of-the-line trailer that’s constructed of a single-piece fiberglass shell. There’s no structural wood in this trailer, which means there is zero concern about mold and rot.
TOPO2
But don’t worry – this trailer offers supreme rigidity and stiffness because of the PET core made from recycled milk cartons. You can hit the toughest trails and be environmentally conscious at the same time!
Supporting the TOPO2 shell is a laser-cut 2 x 1-inch hot-dip galvanized tube steel frame. The floor mold of the shell bolts directly to the frame providing even more structural stiffness while still being lightweight. There’s also the proprietary shock-in-spring Freeride Suspension System that allows you to take this trailer where other off-road trailers can’t go.
TOPO2
And while you’re out adventuring, you can whip up some incredible meals in the well-appointed galley kitchen.
The kitchen features an ENO two-burner stove, a Ruvati sink, storage for knives and spices, and a space for a 75L YETI cooler or an ARB 63-quart fridge/freezer combo, among many other amenities.
TOPO2
The interior of the trailer is like coming home to a luxury hotel room. There’s a true queen-sized 6-inch memory foam mattress, a five-foot-wide stargazer window, tons of storage space, LED lighting, and 42.5 inches of headroom. There’s even two entry doors, both with a heated mudroom!
TOPO2
TOPO2
Of course, we can’t forget the 100AH lithium battery, 140W integrated solar panel, USB charging ports, MaxxAir exhaust, forced-air heat, and 21-gallon water tank, either!
TOPO
Then there’s the original TOPO series trailer, which has a 5 x 9.5 ft. wood and aluminum body built on a hand-welded 2 x 2-inch powder-coated steel frame.
The trailer’s cabin features aluminum exterior walls and roof (all of which are insulated, along with an insulated floor), plenty of storage inside, and a 5-inch Utah queen mattress where you can lay your head down and catch a breathtaking view of the sky through the 9 x 42-inch stargazer window.
TOPO
There’s even recessed LED lighting, 2 dual USB chargers, and a 4-speed exhaust fan for climate control. You get two doors, both of which have windows and screens as well!
Outside you’ll find a stunning galley kitchen that’s constructed with waterproof HDPE and a stainless steel countertop for rugged and long-lasting durability. There’s a two-burner stove, an 11-pound propane tank, and space for a YETI Tundra 65L Cooler on 500 lb. locking drawer slides too.
TOPO
You’ll appreciate having two drawers and spacious rear cabinets for storing all your kitchen necessities. The cabinet faces even double as your dining table and cutting board, so you get tons of functionality in one space.
Add a standard 3,500-pound Torsion axle suspension (or upgrade to Escapod’s proprietary Freeride Suspension System), 31-inch all-terrain tires, 17-inch wheels, and 20-inches of ground clearance to the mix and you can see why this off-road trailer is ready to rock! And with loads of options available – a solar power system, a water heater and outdoor shower, an air compressor, and a fridge among them – you can off-road in style!
There are simply too many amenities to list for these trailers, but I think you get the point – Escapods are among the best off-road teardrop trailers for a reason. These trailers represent the pinnacle of quality and functionality, and either model will elevate your off-road adventuring to new heights.
Learn more about Escapod’s TOPO2 and Original TOPO.
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: High Altitude Trailer Company GEN IV XT50
If you’re looking for a rugged teardrop trailer that offers loads of amenities and an impressive list of options, the GEN IV XT50 from High Altitude Trailer Company is certainly worth a look.
It begins with 2″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel frame that sports a 2-inch ball hitch and a 3500-pound Rockwell American Axle with leaf springs.
If that doesn’t suit you, you can opt for the trailer brake frame option which adds a brake assist feature to the axle; the Lock ‘N’ Roll frame, which includes a Lock ‘N’ Roll trailer hitch; or a deluxe frame that gives you the brake-assisted axle plus the Lock ‘N’ Roll trailer hitch. There’s even two overlanding frame options with a Timbren 3500HD independent suspension.
And as impressive as the frame options are, what sits on top of the frame is even more impressive…
You get a well-appointed composite cabin that’s fully insulated, including the space-age composite floor.
The standard cabin features composite hardwood flooring, a 20,000 BTU camp stove, a galley with a stainless steel countertop, and a 4-inch queen mattress.
This rig has a 1200-watt inverter as well as a 100-watt Zamp high amp solar panel with an auto controller that feeds a 100AH lithium-ion battery. Again, this is just the start of the features!
You can add other amenities to make this off-road trailer the perfect option for your adventures. Do you want to go off-road but have some creature comforts? Opt for High Altitude’s Creature Comforts upgrade, which includes a plush 6-inch-thick mattress, a Dometic refrigerator, and a propane tank. Ready for off-roading in extreme weather? Opt for the Extreme Weather add-on that includes a diesel heater with a RotoPax diesel fuel container.
You can also choose from various spare tires and mounts, an outdoor shower, an awning, a lift kit, a motocross motorcycle mount…you get the picture! These guys will make you the rig of your dreams – you just have to let them know which options best suit your off-road adventures.
These trailers are made in the U.S.A., which as a veteran, I really appreciate.
In fact, the president of High Altitude trailers is a U.S. Army veteran that served his country on active duty for eight years plus an additional three years in the Indiana Guard. Those of you that know me know that I love to support companies that build their products here at home. You do that when you buy from High Altitude Trailer – and you also support a small, minority and veteran-owned business. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
To say that High Altitude Trailer Company gives you premier options, high-end quality, and impeccable craftsmanship is an understatement. In fact, demand for these rugged off-road trailers has grown by 500 percent in the last two years as word has gotten out about their high-quality, reliable design.
As one of the best off-road teardrop trailers of 2021, you’ll be well outfitted in this rig for whatever adventures await you.
Learn more about the High Altitude Trailer Company GEN IV XT50