One of the best things about overlanding expeditions is exploring far-flung places. The freedom of the open road is a draw that many of us have found irresistible in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I, for one, have found a passion in overlanding that will stick around long after the pandemic has run its course. If you’re reading this article, I’m assuming you’re in it for the long haul as well!
One of the things that makes overlanding expeditions so much fun is having an expedition trailer to call home base. A comfortable bed to sleep in, a kitchen to whip up some awesome meals, and a place to sit and relax with your buddies are all creature comforts that today’s expedition trailers offer.
But the best expedition trailers feature so much more…
From pop-tops that give you more interior space to air conditioning and heating to storage galore, the trailers we’ve listed among the best expedition trailers all have features and benefits that will leave you impressed – and longing to hit the trail!
Let’s explore each of our top picks in more detail.
Table of Contents
- Best Expedition Trailers: Turtleback Expedition
- Best Expedition Trailers: OBi Dweller 15
- Best Expedition Trailers: Offtrax Feenix
- Best Expedition Trailers: FORT Campers F-6
- Best Expedition Trailers: Turtleback Trailers Getaway
- Best Expedition Trailers: Lobo Adventure Trailers Elite Explorer
- Best Expedition Trailers: TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear
- Best Expedition Trailers: Beaver Built Wapos and Mahkesis Trailers
- Best Expedition Trailers: Sunnyside Offroad Bunejug
- Best Expedition Trailers: Sparks Overland D2
- Best Expedition Trailers: Conqueror Off-Road UEV 490
- Best Expedition Trailers: Patriot Campers X3
- Best Expedition Trailers: Patriot Campers X1
- Best Expedition Trailers: Bruder EXP-4
- Recommended Overlanding Gear
Best Expedition Trailers: Turtleback Expedition
I picked up a Turtleback Expedition trailer in 2020, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From top to bottom, tip to tail, this trailer is loaded up with features that make my adventures a fun, organized, and comfortable experience.
Let’s start with its off-roading capabilities…
The trailer rides on a Timbren axle-less 3500HD suspension. The chassis is constructed of welded 2×3 galvanized steel tubing for strength without added weight.
Speaking of weight, the aluminum body kit and steel framing ensure the trailer is lightweight and has the ability to flex, yet still offers superb strength and durability on tough trails.
The trailer comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in all-terrain 265/75R16 tires. In back is a swing-out tailgate spare mount with a flip-down table.
You’ll have plenty of water on your trip, too, since the Turtleback Expedition features a 42-gallon BPA-free water tank. Paired with the tank is an on-demand 12-volt water pump.
As for the electrical system, you get Blue Sea Marine-Grade components paired with a single-group 31 AGM deep-cycle battery. There’s an 8-circuit Blue Sea control panel, too. If you upgrade your trailer, you can opt to include additional electrical goodies, like:
- Prowatt 1000-watt inverter
- Red Arc Manager 30
- Zamp Obsidian 100 W. Unregulated Panel
- Charge Port (12v & 2 Side By Side USB Ports) On The Back Of The Control Box
- Charge Port ( 12v & 2 Side By Side USB Ports) On The Back Of Pass. Side Box
The top-of-the-line Turtleback Expedition trailer offers these electrical components:
- Xantrex Freedom X 2000 Watt Inverter
- 110v Outlet In Back
- Dual AGM Batteries
The kitchen area is one of the most important items in an expedition trailer, if you ask me. After all, there’s nothing quite like coming back to camp and making some killer food!
The Turtleback Expedition trailer gives you full Birch kitchen, complete with a Partner Steel 18-inch stove, a deep well Dometic stainless steel sink, and a tempered glass top for the sink to give you additional prep space.
You get an 11-pound propane tank to run the stove and the Dometic 6-gallon water heater as well.
In terms of other upgrades, Turtleback Trailers gives you loads of options for customizing your rig to your liking. You can add the following to the Expedition T2 Series:
- A secondary propane tank (5-pound)
- Upgraded Roof Rack With Storage Box For Tables And Gear
- 7-Pin Protector
- Nose Box Rock Guard
- Side Box Rock Guards
And if you opt for the top-of-the-line T3 Series, you get these options:
- Treadplate Side Box Toppers
- Swing-Out Shower Mount
- Corner Steadies
- Molle Panels
- Water Filter System / UV And Carbon Filter
- Arc Wheel Jack
- Pole Storage Tube
- Main Compartment Charge Port
- Dual Zamp Obsidian 100 W Unregulated Panel
- Rigid Reverse Lights
- Cruisemaster Hitch w/Handbrake
- Signature Suspension With Icon Remote Res Shocks
- Topo Decals
In other words, the Turtleback Trailers Expedition series is tops on our list of the best expedition trailers for a reason. This trailer is chock-full of specs and features that make it a highly-capable trailer for all sorts of on- and off-road adventures.
See my Turtleback Expedition trailer setup in the video just above!
Learn more about the Turtleback Trailers Expedition Series
Best Expedition Trailers: OBi Dweller 15
Getting off-grid is relatively easy these days with ultra-capable off-road vehicles and similarly capable off-road campers.
But not all off-grid camping experiences offer the same level of comfort and luxury. In some cases, you might be roughing it in a ground tent or a rooftop tent. In others, you might have a very basic off-road trailer that offers little more than a place to sleep.
But the OBi Dweller 15 allows you to get way off the beaten path and do so while also having a luxurious hard-sided camper to call home.
Outside, this camper features loads of amenities that make heading off-road a breeze. There’s 16-inch wheels and all-terrain tires to tame the trail, mudflaps to minimize debris hitting the trailer, and black diamond plating on the lower portion of the trailer nose to deflect rocks and other debris.
The OBi Dweller also comes with dual propane storage areas, a front toolbox, and an articulating towing coupler. All this rides on a hot-dipped galvanized chassis with independent coil suspension and dual heavy-duty shocks and springs.
In addition to these utilitarian components, OBi has included some luxury items you don’t often find in expedition trailers.
For example, the trailer is equipped with exterior speakers, a fridge/freezer slide-out, and a kitchen slide-out with a sink and a two-burner stovetop. Best of all, the top of the camper pops up, giving you additional headroom inside.
Speaking of the inside, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious cabin for your off-road expedition trailer!
The OBi Dweller includes high-end laminate cabinets and flooring, a folding queen mattress, and a dining table. Add to that an en suite shower and cassette toilet, a combi heater and hot water unit, and a TV with a DVD player and stereo.
This camper even has a skylight, day or night window shades, and an under-bunk air conditioning system to keep you cool on those hot summer nights (which is a first-of-its-kind technology!).
The amenities don’t end there, either…
OBi includes a 2,000-watt inverter with three 100AH batteries and three 100-watt solar panels to keep you powered up for the duration of your trip. You’ll also find a 21-gallon fresh water tank, a 31-gallon city water tank, and a 21-gallon gray water tank.
All of this is wrapped in a camper that has a 5,070-pound dry weight and a 6,405-pound GVWR. Being 17.9-feet long and 6.8-feet wide, the trailer gives you all the room you need without being too big to tackle tough trails.
In other words, if you’re looking for an expedition trailer with tons of storage, luxurious amenities, and killer off-road capabilities, look no further than the OBi Dweller 15! Of course, if this trailer is a bit too big for your needs, check out the OBi Dweller 13.
From the perspectives of design, functionality, and capability, it’s easy to see the folks at OBi care about your overlanding experience. You should expect nothing less from a family-run company full of camping enthusiasts!
Learn more about the OBi Dweller 15
Best Expedition Trailers: Offtrax Feenix
Going on an expedition is all about adventure, getting off the beaten path, and exploring new areas.
To do that with a trailer, you need a highly capable rig that can get up and over obstacles with the same level of ease as your tow vehicle.
The Offtrax Feenix certainly fits the bill…
Just one look at the chassis and suspension components on this trailer, and you’ll see why this is one of the most capable expedition trailers available today:
- Central beam: 100x100x6 mm
- Main rails: 100x50x4
- Cross & Stiffener members: 100x50x4 mm
- Outriggers: 100x50x3 mm
- CruiseMaster XT 1.6T independent suspension w/ dual HD shocks
- CruiseMaster 12″ electric drum brakes (rated to 2.5T)
- CruiseMaster Do25 off-road coupling w/ integrated hand brake
- 3x 17″ fuel vapor black alloy wheels
(139.7 PCD – “0” offset) - 3x 265/70R17 Nitto trail grappler MT tires
- Alko HD jockey wheel
- 2x Alko rear stabilizer legs
The chassis is made of Australian Bluescope steel and is hot-dipped galvanized to the Cruisemaster XT suspension.
On top of that, the body and doors are made from 5005 3mm aluminum, all of which is laser cut and CNC bent to ensure the most accurate fit.
The body is assembled with welds, automotive structural flexible adhesive, rivets, and stainless steel bolts to give the trailer the utmost in durability and strength while also maintaining flexibility.
In other words, this sucker is built for the toughest trails!
But going on expeditions isn’t just about the rough-and-tumble aspect of navigating difficult tracks. You want to be comfortable when it’s time to set up camp, too.
Again, this is where the Offtrax Feenix shines.
You get a spacious slide-out kitchen with a stainless steel drop-in sink and hot water, plus a two-burner stove and a Weber Q1000 grill.
The kitchen also boasts a Weber under-slide bench, a Weber storage slide with tie-down points, and a fridge slide. You even get two large pantry drawers and a Rimex benchtop!
The electrical system is worth mentioning as well.
The Offtrax Feenix comes with the REDARC RedVision and Manager 30 (which I have in my rig…it’s fantastic!), dual AGM batteries, and various input and output plugs for powering devices.
Better still, the trailer comes with an ALP 1000-watt propane generator for off-grid camping. I have two of these generators in my kit, and have been extremely impressed with their portability, power output, and quiet operation.
On top of all that, the Offtrax Feenix has a large stainless steel camping table, two 65-liter water tanks, a Shurflo water pump, and gas plumbing.
All of these features are wrapped in a trailer that’s 2,116 lbs. Dry, 6.2 feet wide, 12.4 feet long, and 4.9 feet high – it’s the perfect size for navigating narrow trails!
Offtrax gives you loads of options you can select to customize your Feenix as well.
For example, you can add one of several rooftop tents, awnings, and racks. In the kitchen, you can opt for a stainless steel camping table with an under-drawer slide or a 60-liter National Luna dual-zone fridge and freezer.
Other options include:
- Korr 200w solar mat w/ 5m extension and inverter
- 10w flood light – set of 3, mounted
- Power to tent (if tent is selected)
- Plug & play rock lights and undercarriage rock lights
- Pre-wired Anderson plug
- Two lithium batteries
- DFG en-suite shower enclosure (shown above)
- Eezi awn instant en-suite shower awning
- 33″ 285/70R17 Nitto trail grappler MT tires
As I said earlier, Offtrax has devised one of the most capable expedition trailers on the market today. And with its specs, features, and a long list of options, it’s the custom off-road trailer you’ve been looking for!
PLUS, for every trailer sold, Expedition Trailers, the U.S. distributor for the Offtrax Feenix, will work with the National Forest Foundation to plant 100 trees!
Learn more about the Offtrax Feenix
FORT Campers F-6
I saw a lot of trailers when I was at Overland West last month. Some were big; others were small. Some were pretty “meh”; others were absolutely outstanding. Some were older models; others were brand-new.
One of the campers at the top of the “absolutely outstanding” list is the brand-new FORT Campers F-6.
When you’re looking for an expedition trailer, you want something that’s small, lightweight, and highly maneuverable. The F-6 ticks all those boxes.
But…you also want a trailer that offers functionality, convenience, and amenities. Again, the F-6 obliges.
Let’s dive into what makes the F-6 a top option for your next expedition trailer!
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
- Length: 150 inches
- Width: 75 inches
- Height: 58 inches
- Ground clearance: 16 inches
- Departure angle: 40+ degrees
- Brakes: 12-inch electric
- Storage: 50+ cubic feet with weatherproof interior storage slide-outs and a 46-inch slide-out storage drawer (that can house an optional refrigerator)
So, from the get-go, FORT Campers sets you up for success with a trailer that’s purpose-built for tough trails. Its size and weight make it easy to tow and navigate on backcountry tracks, which is made even easier with standard features like a Cruisemaster DO-35 articulating hitch and a Timbren axleless independent suspension.
In terms of power, the F-6 comes with Victron 220 Ah AGM batteries, a 1,200-watt pure sine wave inverter, and a 200-watt solar panel with a solar charge controller. Add a power cluster with USB and power ports to the mix as well!
The trailer has a 42-gallon water tank and a water port with a shower hose and nozzle so you can clean off all the dust from your days out exploring.
But, if you ask me, the star of the show is the incredible kitchen that FORT Campers has devised…
Not only do you get a counter area with LED work lights, but you also get a pantry, a sink, a utensil drawer, and a two-burner stove.
On top of that, the kitchen drawers and slides are made from eco-friendly bamboo, which is lightweight, durable, and looks absolutely incredible. As someone that really enjoys woodworking, I love the way that the bamboo kitchen is put together!
I’ve seen many different trailers over the years, and FORT Campers has, in my opinion, devised the most exquisite kitchen of the bunch…
I’ve never seen anything like it! It’s a huge space, offers plenty of storage and prep area, and gives you all the amenities you need to store food, organize kitchen supplies, and whip up incredible meals. Plus, the aforementioned 270-degree awning provides protection so you can prepare and cook meals even if Mother Nature is being a bit nasty.
It’s also worth mentioning that this trailer is quick and easy to set up. The folks at FORT Campers used their decades of backcountry experience to design and develop a trailer that gives you all the resources you need and want while also making it something that negates all the fuss and muss of getting a trailer ready at camp.
I haven’t even mentioned the options with this trailer yet:
- Dometic fridge/freezer
- 6-gallon water heater
- 2000-watt inverter
- Custom exterior color
I had a long discussion with the founders of FORT Campers when we were at Overland West, and it’s an understatement to say that I was impressed with their knowledge of overlanding and their passion for outdoor adventures.
They have put their money where their mouth is when it comes to this trailer – no shortcuts were taken and no substandard materials were used. This trailer is impeccable from top to bottom, and is chock-full of amenities. It is simply one of the best expedition trailers out there!
Better still, FORT Campers isn’t done yet…
The F-10 is a hard-sided, expandable trailer that has the same awesome kitchen design and rugged build as the F-6. But, you get the added advantage of a pop-top trailer with a sleeping area and bathroom inside.
No matter if you opt for the F-6 or the F-10, I think you’ll find that the FORT Campers motto – “found on real trails” – is very appropriate.
These trailers were designed and built by experts who know what it takes to get well off the beaten path – and it shows in the quality of the finished product!
Best Expedition Trailers: Turtleback Trailers Getaway
The next entry on our list of the best expedition trailers of 2022 is the Turtleback Getaway.
With a starting price of $18,995, the Getaway is a smaller, lighter option if you don’t want to opt for the Turtleback Expedition series. But don’t think that because it’s less expensive that you don’t get a ton of amenities…
There’s a rear slide-out solid maple-topped Baltic Birch kitchen with an 18-inch Partner Steel stove, an extra-deep Dometic stainless steel sink, and a tempered glass top for the sink.
You get a 21-gallon BPA-free water tank, an on-demand 12-volt water pump, and an 11-pound primary propane tank as well.
As for the electrical system, you get a single Trojan group 31 deep-cycle AGM battery, a 12-volt socket, and dual USB charge ports. There’s also interior and exterior lighting on the trailer and a Passport battery charger.
The trailer is built on a welded 2×3 galvanized tube steel chassis. You get 16-inch Pro Comp steel wheels with 265/75R16 tires (plus a spare mount single swing-out tire holder), a max coupler, and a trailer breakaway brake activation switch. There’s a 7-pin trailer connection, dual towing safety chains, and a nose jack rated to 2,000 pounds.
You can also add a rooftop tent or mounts for your adventure gear on the Getaway roof rack.
As if all that isn’t enough, you can expand the functionality of your Getaway series trailer by upgrading to the T2 or T3 package. The T2 package features:
- Spare Tire
- ProWatt 1000 Watt Inverter
- Red Arc Manager 30
- Nose Box Charge Port
- Composite Kitchen
- Upgraded Roof Rack
- 7-Pin Protector
- Nose Box Rock Guard
And the T3 package adds:
- Swing-out Shower Mount
- Corner Steadies
- Rear door MOLLE panel
- Water filter system / UV and carbon filter
- Rock Lights
- Arc Wheel Jack
- Pole Storage Tube
- Add Water Heater (On-Demand)
- Accessory Propane Tank
- Added voltmeter to rear
- Zamp Obsidian 100 W. Unregulated Panel
- ProWatt 2000 Watt Inverter
- Dual AGM Batteries
- Cruisemaster Hitch w/Handbrake
- Signature Suspension With Icon Remote Res Shocks
- Topo Decals
So, whether you want a streamlined trailer that you can customize yourself or you want a fully-loaded adventurer, Turtleback Trailers has you covered with their series of Getaway trailers!
Learn more about the Turtleback Trailers Getaway Series
Best Expedition Trailers: Lobo Adventure Trailers Elite Explorer
We featured the Elite Explorer from Lobo Adventure Trailers in last year’s best expedition trailers article, and it’s back again in our 2022 feature, and for good reason! If you want an ultra-tough trailer that’s purpose-built for difficult off-road travel, look no further!
But this trailer is much more than an aluminum box on a beefy off-road suspension. Instead, you get a huge variety of features and amenities that make it one of the best-equipped trailers on this list.
It makes sense that this trailer is trail-ready because “Lobo” stands for “Living Our Best Outdoors.” If you want to get out of town and into the peace and quiet of the wilderness, there’s no better way to do so in a trailer that’s purpose-built for living our best outdoors!
For example, the Elite Explorer comes with a four-person rooftop tent with a queen mattress to make snuggling in for a good night’s sleep all the easier. Before you hop into bed, you can use the shower room to get all the dust, dirt, and grime off from the day’s adventures.
You can also whip up a nice dinner in the slide-out kitchenette, which features a sink and a two-burner stove that puts out 18,000 BTUs. Tell Lobo Adventure Trailers what fridge you’d like, and they’ll include that as well.
The amenities don’t stop there, though. This trailer also features a robust onboard power system with dual solar panels, dual 300-watt batteries, and an inverter. There’s an 18-gallon water tank to feed the sink and shower, plus a 12-volt water pump and either a Geyser or Joolca hot water system.
One of the best features, though, is the 270-degree awning that comes with walls and a hard-shell annex room. This gives you loads of protected space for cooking, eating, and hanging out, even if the weather isn’t exactly cooperating.
When it comes down to it, this isn’t just an expedition trailer – it’s a complete base camp…
With more than 2,500 liters of storage spread out in 10 different compartments, you can easily access your gear, head out for a day-long adventure, and come back to a well-appointed trailer that gives you all the comfort and convenience items you could hope for!
Of course, being an expedition trailer, you’ll be able to get way off-grid and set up your base camp thanks to its superb list of off-road features. The trailer rides on a galvanized steel frame and a dual independent suspension. There’s also electric brakes to help slow you down on steep descents, a Lock N Roll 360-degree hitch coupler, and you can choose premium wheels and tires to match the ones on your tow vehicle.
When you plan a multi-day off-grid trip, you want to know that the gear you’re taking is functional and durable. Those adjectives certainly apply to the Elite Expedition trailer. They also apply to the other models available – the Alpha, Beta, and Omega – which are named after the hierarchy of males and females in a wolfpack. After all, “lobo” means “wolf” in Spanish.
No matter if you want a top-of-the-line trailer with all the luxuries, a more basic and customizable trailer, or something in between, Lobo Adventure Trailers has what you need!
Learn more about Lobo Adventure Trailers
Best Expedition Trailers: TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear
When you head out on an expedition, you want a trailer that offers you a nice blend of features, options, and off-road prowess. If your trailer is too big or too heavy, for example, you can’t explore some of the off-road areas on your must-see list.
At the same time, if the trailer doesn’t have the features you need – like a kitchen and a place to sleep – then your expedition will be much less comfortable.
So, the question is, how do you blend those features together? The answer is the TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear!
As you can see above, this trailer comes equipped with a spacious galley that gives you all the food storage you need. You also get tons of prep space with the stainless steel countertop. Add in a cooler slide-out that can fit up to a 45-quart cooler, under-galley storage for your cooking items, a Birch plywood kitchen organizer, and LED lighting for good measure!
The TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear also comes with a battery box sized for a Group 24 battery to run the kitchen LED lights, underbody LED lights, and cargo LED lights so you can find your gear at night. Likewise, there’s various 12-volt and USB power points for charging devices and running 12-volt appliances.
The Woolly Bear also shines in the storage department…
The trailer features six locking powder-coated steel cabinets and a locking 51.5″L x 16″W x 30″H main storage compartment for keeping your gear organized. There’s even a 32″ x 15″ wet storage bay for separating your damp gear from the rest.
On top of the trailer is a 91.7” x 33.25” laser-cut steel cargo deck that’s an ideal spot for your two or three-person rooftop tent. Alternatively, the cargo deck can accommodate up to 600 pounds of gear if you don’t need a rooftop tent.
When it comes to trailworthiness, the TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear shines with a Lock ‘N Roll trailer hitch (501/508) to accommodate the rough-and-tumble nature of off-road travel, 12 inches of ground clearance, and 15-inch steel wheels with 235/75R15 all-terrain tires (plus a full-size spare).
And at 1,270 pounds dry, less than 11 feet long, and just over five feet wide, the Woolly Bear can easily traverse narrow, winding trails behind your vehicle. Speaking of which, even if the Woolly Bear is fully loaded, its GVWR is still just 2,100 – light enough for a small four-cylinder vehicle to tow.
You can add accessories to the TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear to make it an even more accommodating rig for your adventures.
For example, you can add THULE ProBar EVO 175 Adjustable Load Bars and a THULE/TEPUI 3-Person Rooftop Tent to get up off the ground and away from potential predators. Likewise, you can add a five-pound propane bottle and mount, an awning, and a mosquito room, if you wish.
As you can see, the TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear is the ideal blend of off-road capabilities and functional amenities for your camping adventures. All that’s left is to customize one and get it ordered!
Learn more about the TAXA Outdoors Woolly Bear
Best Expedition Trailers: Beaver Built Wapos and Mahkesis Trailers
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Some expedition trailers are simply too heavy for the likes of two-door Jeep Wranglers to tow. So what do you do if that’s your off-roading vehicle of choice?
It’s simple – you get a smaller trailer!
The problem is that there aren’t many lightweight expedition trailers on the market – at least not many that I think are worthy of inclusion on our list of the best expedition trailers of 2022.
The Beaver Built Wapos trailer is certainly worthy of being on this list, though…
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
At just 1,050 pounds dry, this trailer is easily towable with a small 4WD vehicle like the two-door Wrangler.
But don’t think that because it’s small and lightweight that it doesn’t have the amenities you demand!
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
The trailer is built on a galvanized steel frame, a Cruisemaster CRS² 1.60T Dual Shock Suspension, and is fitted with 31-inch Yokohama A/T tires wrapped around 15-inch Vision wheels. You get a full-size spare, a one-year warranty on the trailer, and a 10-year warranty on the frame.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Aside from being an ultra-lightweight trailer, Beaver Built gives you tons of customization options. Start adventuring with the standard Wapos Trailer, and as your needs and wants change, add bolt-on options.
You can add anything from a kitchen management system to a custom electrical system. Armor protection, a D035 Coupling with integrated hand brake, and 33-inch Yokohama X/AT tires with 17-inch Vision wheels are further options.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Many of the bolt-on accessories you can get give you more storage and organization. You can get a front box with locking side doors, an extended roof rack, and a box divider with a shelf. You can also opt to add side storage boxes that give you eight cubic feet of storage each. Once you do that, your Wapos Trailer transforms into a Mahkesis Trailer.
Of course, you don’t have to add all these things until you’re good and ready. In fact, the standard trailer will suit you just fine when you’re starting out. That’s because you get features like:
- A roof rack
- Powder-coated fenders
- A powder-coated tongue deck
- A two-inch ball coupler
- A rear-mounted hitch receiver
- A rear aluminum storage compartment
- A large rear door with a food-grade aluminum countertop
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
One thing in particular that I’d like to note is that the fenders and tongue deck are meant to be stood on, cooked on, or whatever else you might need them for.
These areas were designed to support the weight of a person, that way you have a place to stand to set up your rooftop tent and basecamp.
Since these trailers are designed and built in Canada, they’re put through their paces to ensure the components work well, even in the harshest conditions (like river crossings in the dead of winter when the temperature is -26 degrees Fahrenheit). Even in those conditions, the anti-slip powder coating on the fenders and tongue deck give you the traction you need to get your camp set up quickly.
So, Beaver Built gives you an impeccably designed and built standard trailer, plenty of must-have features, and tons of customization options that you can add whenever you need them.
This is truly a trailer setup that can evolve with you as your off-roading and overlanding needs change. Not all expedition trailers can do that – which is why Beaver Built is one of our picks for the best expedition trailer.
Learn more about the Beaver Built Wapos Trailer and Mahkesis Trailer
Best Expedition Trailers: Sunnyside Offroad Bunejug
Going on an expedition necessitates that you have a trailer that can handle everything from asphalt in the city to narrow two-tracks in the mountains. The Bunejug from Sunnyside Offroad does just that.
This trailer is made in the USA in Reno, Nevada, and is designed, engineered, and tested in some of the most challenging terrain in the United States. As a result of the hard work of this family-owned company and all that real-world testing, the Bunejug will be your off-roading home on wheels for years and years to come.
Not only is this trailer impeccably built, but it includes all the basics you need to have epic outdoor adventures.
For example, the trailer is 48″ x 48″ x 15″ when closed and weighs just 650 pounds, so it’s towable by a range of vehicles, from compact trucks to Subarus to UTVs. Heck, tow it behind your electric vehicle and get to your far-flung destination without much of an impact on your vehicle’s range.
But this small package has a lot to offer…
When open, the dimensions balloon to 48″ x 96″ x 44″, including a 5’ x 5’ annex that gives you tons of space. Up top, you’ll find space for a range of optional rooftop tents also offered by Sunnyside Offroad. For example, you can choose a two-person tent with a three-inch high-density foam mattress, a washable poly-cotton mattress cover, and a rainfly that’s made of 420D polyester Oxford material with PU coating and taped seams.
You can keep the bugs out with no-see-um mesh mosquito screens, and you can rest assured that the one-inch aluminum frame will stand up to wind, snow, and other elements.
The Bunejug has more tricks up its sleeve, too.
For example, this trailer offers the ultimate towing experience. It’s smooth and balanced thanks to the long travel independent trailing arm suspension that’s custom fabricated for the trailer.
In other words, whatever trails you throw at this thing, it’ll happily come along behind your tow vehicle and do so in a well-mannered way.
For me, the best feature has to be the price. With a base price of $9,625 (without a rooftop tent), the Bunejug isn’t just one of the best expedition trailers of 2022, but it’s also one of the least expensive!
With this set of features, off-road prowess, made-in-the-USA quality, and price, this rig is tough to beat!
Learn more about the Sunnyside Offroad Bunejug
Best Expedition Trailers: Sparks Overland D2
When you look at expedition trailers, you often see rigs that look basically the same. What’s more, you often find that from one rig to the next, you get very similar specs, features, and capabilities.
That’s not the case with the Sparks Overland D2…it’s in a class by itself!
Let’s start with how this trailer looks…
When you pull into a campground or hit the trail with one of these bad boys, you’ll have one of the best-looking trailers out there. The fact that you can get your trailer color-matched to your tow vehicle helps in the aesthetics department. You can outfit it with wheels that match your vehicle, too.
The customization options don’t stop with how it looks, though.
Sparks Overland offers a host of options and upgrades that allow you to build a bespoke trailer specifically for your needs. From a chuck box kitchen to LED work lights to a water filtration system, you can pick and choose what features come with your trailer.
Other options include:
- Trailer rack system
- Independent axleless suspension
- Max coupler hitch
- 4×6 locking slide-out
- Shower room
And that’s just the start! You can also add a rooftop tent and an awning to the trailer. Better still, these aren’t third-party accessories – Sparks Overland designs and manufactures their own awnings and rooftop tents to ensure you get the highest-quality accessories for your D2 trailer.
I have to mention the weight of this trailer, too. The base model tips the scales at about 700 pounds, so you start with a trailer that’s ultra-lightweight. This is great for your tow vehicle’s gas mileage, but it also helps future-proof your camping setup. If you invest in an electric vehicle in the coming years, you’ll have a trailer that has less of an impact on your EV’s range.
Sparks Overland is a family-run business that builds its trailers here in the U.S. (Colorado, to be exact). Using their pedigree in the automotive industry, the folks at Sparks Overland have truly built one of the best expedition trailers on the market.
Their expertise shows in the engineering, too. For example, the water tank is mounted inside the frame to keep the trailer’s center of gravity low. This is an ingenious solution to the ever-present issue of a trailer being top-heavy.
With loads of features (it comes with two 10-gallon propane tanks, tons of storage, and a solar power system, among many other amenities), unique engineering, and a price point that starts at just $11,000, the Sparks Overland D2 is the ideal combination of capability, durability, and price.
If you’re ready to hit the trails in style in a highly-capable rig, look no further!
Learn more about the Sparks Overland D2
Best Expedition Trailers: Conqueror Off-Road UEV 490
If your camping expeditions require you to go WAY off the beaten path, you’ll need a trailer that has superb off-road capabilities – something that can take the bumps and bruises of off-road travel.
For that, the Conqueror Off-Road UEV 490 is an excellent option.
The body of the trailer is made with a combination of aluminum and galvanized steel with all parts on the body being powder coated to help improve durability.
Body components on the UEV-490 are modular, so on off-road trails when the unexpected happens, they can be easily replaced. And in terms of durability, this trailer is at the top of its class. There’s no wood or fiberglass anywhere!
In fact, the design and assembly of this trailer are borrowed from the aeronautics industry. The result is a trailer that has superb body flex and reduced metal fatigue for long-lasting performance on tough trails.
But that’s just the start…
The UEV 490 has a patented fully independent suspension with coil spring, trailing arms, and torsion bar, the result of which is vastly improved handling whether you’re on tarmac or a rough trail. Likewise, this setup provides better articulation over obstacles and increased ride height.
This trailer is also equipped with 16-inch rims with 245/70/R16 tires, large-bore heavy-duty shocks, and a hot-dipped galvanized boxed A-frame and chassis.
The exterior of the UEV 490 has loads of features. For example, the kitchen boasts:
- Retractable kitchen drawer with dedicated refrigerator
- Two plate gas burners
- Dual basin sink
- External table
- Dedicated cutlery and crockery drawers
Additionally, there’s a grocery cupboard, a water-resistant AC plug, and dedicated bottle storage.
This unit also features an external shower with hot and cold water, a retractable stainless steel wash-basin with storage compartment, and a vanity. The shower and sink are fed by low center of gravity water tanks and an auto shut-off water pump. There’s an instant hot water geyser and integrated plumbing for the kitchen and bathroom as well.
You won’t have a lack of storage space in this trailer, either…
There’s two storage bins at the rear of the trailer as well as two Jerry Can holders at the rear. There’s a storage rack, dedicated gas bottle storage, and a storage compartment at the nose of the trailer as well. You even get an awning to provide shade at camp!
The list of features keeps going inside the trailer, too.
There are two deep-cycle batteries and a 12V Anderson plug for DC charging either from your vehicle or solar panels. The integrated 24A/14.7V intelligent charger is mated to an easy-to-use power control panel with an infographic display.
Get a good night’s sleep on the front foldout double bed (which has an optional bed extension). Bring your kids or friends along, and they can sleep in the rear double bed, which also configures to two single beds if you wish. The rear bed also converts into a dinette area.
The interior of the camper has 12 cupboards and six shelves, so you have plenty of space for storage. There’s a vanity with additional storage as well.
Add a camping table, interior LED lights, and an optional media center to the list of amenities!
The UEV 490 is rugged, impeccably designed and built, and ready for tough off-road travel – as it should be! After all, the team at Conqueror Off-Road has been in the business for more than three decades. If you want the ultimate off-road expedition trailer, give the UEV 490 a good, long look.
Learn more about the Conqueror Off-Road UEV 490
Best Expedition Trailers: Patriot Campers X3
As you’d expect from Patriot Campers, their X3 model has everything you need for off-road travel and live-in comfort.
This rig is 12-feet long, 6-feet wide, and 5.7 feet tall. With a dry weight of just 2,590 pounds, it’s a lightweight, yet rugged trailer worthy of inclusion on our list of the best expedition trailers of 2022!
The Patriot X3 comes with a CS3 integrated tent that allows you to walk in, have a seat and relax, eat dinner, or take a nap. You can enjoy a warm space, too, by using the standard diesel hot water and tent heating system!
As if having a comfortable tent as your base camp isn’t enough, Patriot offers options like a Pop Up Cafe, Pop Up Power, and an indoor dining table to add to the luxurious accommodations.
When it comes time to hit the sack, you can do so on an oversized double gel top mattress that’s 1100mm thick. There’s a lounge platform that you can extend to create a secondary bed space, and if you upgrade to the Lifestyle Pack, the trailer comes with a double swag for the kids. This gives you enough space to sleep 3-5 people.
Up top, the Patriot X3 features an integrated EXORACK™ SYSTEM that’s compatible with a host of outdoor adventure accessories. The rack gives you plenty of options for mounting canoes, jerry cans, bikes…you name it!
All of this rides on a RIGILITE™ galvanized chassis and an X-Cruise™ 1.60T Dual Shock Airbag Suspension. Having airbags is a Godsend when you’re off-trail, as it allows you to adjust the trailer to level much more easily.
The trailer has PCOR 16-inch wheels with 33-inch mud-terrain tires and electric drum brakes. There’s an underbody steel spare wheel with tire, too.
Other amenities include:
- Redarc TVMS
- 1500 Watt Inverter
- Internal 110V Power Outlets
- Twin AGM or Gel Batteries Total 300 AH
- Remote Lighting Zones
- Twin Water Tanks 130L Capacity
- Slide-Out L-Shaped Kitchen with Twin-Burner Gas Stove & Grill, Stainless Sink, Rimex Benchtops, Spice Storage, and Cutlery/Plate Storage
- 5-Ton Rear Recovery Points
- Rear Hitch Receiver
- Rhino Coating
- Bottle Jack
- Gas-Assisted Awning
And that’s just a sampling of the standard features! There’s even more goodies that come with the trailer both as standard features or as options.
Patriot has made a name for itself as one of the best expedition trailer companies in the world. These trailers are designed in Australia and built to withstand the toughest tracks in the toughest environments.
If you want a go-anywhere, do-anything trailer, it’s hard to beat this one!
Learn more about the Patriot Campers X3
Best Expedition Trailers: Patriot Campers X1
According to Patriot Campers, the X1 is their most popular model. Once you get a load of its specs and features, you’ll see why.
First of all, this trailer is super simple to set up. In fact, it takes just 10 minute to get this bad boy ready to rock for a fun weekend. If you want a no-fuss, no-muss trailer that’s fast and easy to pack up and set up, this is a great option.
What’s impressive about the quick setup time is that the trailer includes options to have a change room connected to the main CS3 tent or you can add an optional zip-on kids room. In other words, you get loads of space in no time!
The X1 is equipped with a REDARC Manager 30 electrical management system with a switch panel. Other utilities include dual gel or AGM batteries, gas hot water service, and over 40 gallons of fresh water.
The kitchen area is worth mentioning as well…
If you like to cook, the functionality of this space will impress you. The L-shaped kitchen boasts slide-out shelving, an integrated spice rack, and a Dometic stove and grill.
There’s stainless steel bench tops, a large sink with hot and cold water taps, and a large dry food storage drawer. You can add an optional swing-away BBQ platform to the mix if you like!
Of course, this trailer is packed with storage to keep you organized for those long expedition trips. You’ll find a large rear drawer with dividers, a utility slide-out RHS option, and additional storage space in the RHS, complete with an inverter and charging shelf. There’s even a man cave with utility shelf option!
The trailer has an X-Cruise coil 1.60T dual shock suspension with 10-inch electric drum brakes. The trailer rides on 16-inch PCOR wheels and 33-inch mud-terrain tires. The X-Cruise airbag suspension and Rigilite™ Chassis are further benefits. The 40-degree departure angle ensures you can get your trailer to even the most remote locations!
Like the X3 discussed earlier, the X1 is designed in Australia and built to stand up to the harshest of environments. This trailer is a tried-and-true expedition trailer that will give you years and years of reliable service.
Learn more about the Patriot Campers X1
Best Expedition Trailers: Bruder EXP-4
Like several other trailers on this list, the EXP-4 is designed and built in Australia, so you get the battle-tested ruggedness of an Australian trailer to depend on for years to come.
The EXP-4 tips the scales at just under 2,100 pounds. It’s just over 16 feet in length and 5.6 feet wide.
The trailer rides on an independent, air-tight, and sealed chassis with air suspension that Bruder designed. The system not only allows you to level the trailer when you get to camp, but it also gives you a superb trailering experience both on and off the trail.
You also get 12 inches of adjustable wheel travel, four remote canister rose joint monotube shock absorbers, and 450-grade tensile circular hollow section tapered suspension arms. There are two recovery points, an optional Warn winch, and a departure angle of 42 degrees. The 2.83-feet of ground clearance isn’t bad, either!
The body of the trailer is engineered to handle up to 10 times its body weight. This rig has been tested in all sorts of environmental conditions from temperatures above 120 degrees and down to -4 degrees.
Despite its rugged build, the EXP-4 offers loads of creature comforts, like:
- A comfortable, luxurious cabin
- Insulation R-value that exceeds 5.1
- Storage throughout
- Ability to add a rooftop tent
- 26-gallon water tank
- 200-amp lithium battery
- 200-watt solar panel
For what it’s worth, this trailer looks absolutely incredible, too!
Learn more about the Bruder EXP-4
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