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Best Expedition Trailers of 2023

Each year, we take a long, hard look at the expedition trailer market to see what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s worth your hard-earned cash. Our past lists in 2021 and 2022 featured a wide range of options for virtually any on- or off-grid needs at all sorts of price points. The same is true of this year’s list.

You’ll see some familiar faces in our 2023 rundown of the best expedition trailers. You’ll also see some new entries that we’ve never featured before but that have been in the industry for years designing and building reliable, durable trailers for your expedition needs.

So, without further ado, let’s see which companies made the cut for this year’s list of the best expedition trailers!

Editor’s Note: Bookmark this article and check back frequently, as this is a dynamic list that we’ll update throughout the year.

Table of Contents

Sno Trailers

sno trailers 2023 best expedition trailers

The SNO Trailers Alpine is the height of functionality yet retains a small footprint and a lightweight design, making it a highly capable off-road adventure rig. The question is, how has SNO Trailers accomplished this feat? 

Let’s start by examining the underpinnings of the trailer…

The trailer rides on a Fabtech fully integrated suspension with shocks and brakes and has 17-inch Method wheels wrapped in 275/70/R17 all-terrain tires (plus you get a spare) that can handle just about anything you throw at them.

The frame is powder-coated steel for long-term durability, and SNO Trailers enhances that durability with a proprietary anti-rust base coating. The trailer’s body is aluminum, which saves weight without skimping strength or the ability to stand up to the rigors of off-road adventures. Throw in a max coupler hitch, and you can see why the Alpine is ready to rock your favorite off-road trails!

sno trailers with awning

Now, what about the functionality component of this equation?

One of this trailer’s best features is how you interact with it at camp. It has distinct sleeping, kitchen, and storage zones that maximize the use of space and make it one of the most functional trailer layouts on the market.

On the one hand, you have a premium roof rack with integrated Prinsu accessory mounts for an optional rooftop tent, which you access from the left side of the trailer. The left side of the trailer also features one of two side boxes for storing your frequently-needed gear.

On the other hand, you have a kitchen area on the right side of the trailer with a fixed storage tray, a stainless steel kitchen pullout, and a second side box for additional storage. You can add up to a 75-liter powered cooler or portable fridge/freezer, a Dometic stove, and stainless steel sink to give yourself the best options for cooking meals in the wilderness.

sno trailers kitchen

From a storage perspective, the Alpine has you covered with the aforementioned side boxes, one of which has three internal drawers, two dividers, and a stainless-steel surface. It also has a Switch-Pros panel and a USB port.

The second side box offers much the same, though the drawers and dividers are omitted to accommodate bulkier items. The side doors on the trailer also have Molle panels for additional storage options.

If you need even more storage space, you can add a rear pullout to the mix. This pullout comes with a slide for easier access to your gear.

sno trailers kitchen 2

There’s another aspect of the functionality of the Alpine that we need to discuss – its electronics. Unlike some trailers in the expedition niche, the Alpine comes with a complete electrical system, including a 100aH Renogy AGM battery with a Renogy battery monitor. 

You’ll also find a Renogy waterproof solar charge controller, a NOCO genius battery charger, and an on/off battery switch. The Alpine has a solar plug and a protective SNO Trailers removable electronics cover, too. You can even upgrade the electronics with goodies like a second battery and an inverter.

Let’s not forget that this trailer has a Joolca HOTTAP essentials kit with a water tank and two 10-pound propane tank holders as well!

sno trailers deployed

So, the Alpine ticks the box for functionality with these unique zones, its base features, and the add-ons discussed thus far.

But SNO Trailers wants you to have the capability of making your trailer as functional for your specific needs as possible, so they offer a laundry list of other add-ons. For example, you can throw in MAXTRAX recovery boards and mounts, a shower with a shower mount, and RotoPaX mounts, too.

For me, the best optional feature is the 270-degree awning. When deployed, the awning offers protection over the rear and right side of the trailer. Better still, the awning is mounted high, so even us tall folks can stand up straight underneath it. Nice!

sno trailers on the trail

What’s amazing is that SNO Trailers has stuffed all of these features into a trailer that’s just over 12 feet long and 5’9” tall. And with a dry weight of just 1,600 pounds, the Alpine can be easily towed with a compact SUV or small truck.

Additionally, the trailer offers a departure angle of 40 degrees, so it’s ready to follow your Jeep or another trail-rated vehicle just about anywhere!

As you can see, SNO Trailers – which is a family-owned company that builds its trailers here in California – has figured out how to balance off-road readiness with ultimate functionality while maintaining a small footprint. When you’re looking for an expedition trailer, this is precisely the formula you want!

Learn more about SNO Trailers

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Sportsrig

sportsrig trailstomper micro trailer

When shopping for an expedition trailer, you definitely want a few crucial features: excellent towability, superb off-road prowess, and a budget-friendly price. SportsRig’s Trailstomper trailers certainly fit the bill!

In terms of towability, it doesn’t get much better than a trailer that weighs around 700 pounds dry. With a trailer this light, you can tow it with virtually any vehicle – four-cylinder Jeeps, compact SUVs, and even UTVs (but check the towing capacity of your rig first, of course).

sportsrig trailstomper best expedition trailers of 2023

The Trailstomper has an independent FOX coil-over suspension, beefy and aggressive off-road tires, and heavy-duty trailing arms, ensuring you can tow this trailer over virtually any terrain.

And while you’re exploring your favorite off-road locations, you can do so knowing that the Trailstomper’s fabricated steel frame will hold up to the rough-and-tumble nature of off-road travel. The trailer has a black powder-coated finish for added durability, Grade 8 hardware, and LED trailer lights, too.

blue sportsrig trailstomper

All the way around the Trailstomper, you’ll find evidence of it being a beautifully designed, well-built, highly durable trailer. For example, the trailer has aluminum storage boxes that are lockable and powder coated, that way, your gear is secure and protected from the elements.

The trailer also has a modular design that enables you to customize it to your specific needs. Add a fridge box, propane tanks, solar panels…you name it! What’s more, you can add these and other features all at once when you order your trailer or add them as your needs change.

sportsrig trailstomper aluminum side box

This modularity is one of the Trailstomper’s best features because you can build a truly personalized trailer…

Perhaps it’s just you and your significant other right now, and you don’t need extra storage boxes, trays, or other accessories. But if a little one comes along and you need added storage and amenities, you can add them to your Trailstomper as needed. 

sportsrig trailstomper ts1

On top of all that, there are two Trailstomper models to choose from: the TS1 and the Pro Package.

The TS1 features the amenities discussed above as well as a large aluminum chuck box that measures 43″ w x 40″ L x 26″ H. There’s more storage, too, with a 20” x 39” front cargo tray and an upper cargo rack that also accommodates a rooftop tent.

The aforementioned all-terrain tires ride on 14” steel wheels, and the trailer connects to your vehicle with a 2” coupler. The TS1 comes with a one-year warranty as well. Best of all, this trailer starts at just $7,995. You won’t find many trailers this well-equipped for that price!

red sportsrig trailstomper

The Pro Package kicks it up a notch with a few additional features that make it an even more capable off-road expedition trailer.

For example, you get everything from the TS1 package plus 37″ x 15 1/2″ x 12″ aluminum side boxes, a 30″ x 20″ x 20″ tongue-mounted gear box, and a 450-pound capacity pull-out slide tray for a chuck box. Needless to say, storage is not an issue with this rig!

The Pro Package also includes aluminum wheels, a spare tire, and a 2” rear hitch receiver for adding hitch-mounted accessories like a bike rack. You also get rear stabilizers and a leveling jack to give the trailer a solid foundation when you’re ready to set up camp. You get all that for $13,495. Not bad!

sportsrig trailstomper slide out

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the very best features of these trailers – they’re made in the USA by a family-run business. That’s how you know these trailers are so well-made! It’s also nice to purchase products that help local economies and keep jobs here in the U.S.

At the end of the day, you want your expedition trailer to be functional, durable, and reliable. It’s nice to get those things without breaking the bank, too. As I said earlier, SportsRig ticks all those boxes and more!

Learn more about SportsRig trailers

Rustic Mountain Overland

rustic mountain overland 1

I was at Overland West in Flagstaff not too long ago and was walking to an interview when I saw the Rustic Mountain Overland Anzac GFC Moto Hauler. It literally stopped me in my tracks! Why, you ask?

It’s simple, really. I had never seen a trailer like this before – an expedition trailer with a splash of toy hauler and a dash of rugged off-road camper all wrapped up in a tidy little package. Talk about unique!

rustic mountain overland 2

As you can see in the images, there’s a sleeping platform up top with a GFC tent for your sleeping comfort. Underneath that is a 48″ x 99″ tub for your motorcycle or whatever else you need to store. The tub has an integrated L-track tie-down system that allows you to secure whatever cargo you have inside.

And by inside, I mean that the storage area has locking doors on all four sides. Close them up and lock them to secure your gear when you’re not around. When you’re ready to kick back and relax at camp after a day of adventuring, deploy the upward-opening doors for easy access to your gear and the added bonus of sheltered outdoor space.

rustic mountain overland 3

BUT…this bad boy is actually so much more. Not only do you have access to the rooftop sleeping area from inside the trailer, but depending on how you have it set up, you can also use some of the indoor storage space to have a seat and sip your morning coffee. This setup, called a Go Fast Camper, expands the trailer’s functionality even further!

rustic mountain overland 4

The Anzac GFC Moto Hauler doesn’t stop there with the goodies, though…

You get a robust tongue box with upper and lower chambers. The lower chamber has a Tembo Tusk box slide and a Dometic CFX3-45 cooler with a Dometic PLB-40 battery to power it. The upper chamber is ideal for cookware, clothing, recovery gear – whatever you need!

And if this rig is a bit too big for your needs, Rustic Mountain Overland’s Patrol XCT might be up your alley.

rustic mountain overland 5

The XCT improves and expands upon the Patrol XC with a tongue box and cargo basket up front, a custom 16-inch-tall roof rack up top, and a Timbren HD 2200LB axleless suspension below. 

The trailer also comes with 31-inch AT tires wrapped around 15-inch wheels, a Lock-N-Roll hitch, and a textured powder-coated finish for durability (and good looks!). You can choose from a host of colors and optional features, too, including an armor package, a custom bed liner, a matching spare tire, and a Cruisemaster CRS2 suspension.

rustic mountain overland 6

In either case, you get a high-quality, well-built, made-in-the-USA trailer that has all the features you need and none of the extra weight you don’t want. When taking a fun-filled expedition this year, you can set yourself up for success with a trailer from Rustic Mountain Overland!

As if all that isn’t enough, this small family-owned and operated business is dedicated to a customer care experience like no other. Before, during, and after the sale, the folks from Rustic Mountain Overland will treat you how they want to be treated – as it should be!

Learn more about Rustic Mountain Overland

Turtleback Trailers

If you follow my adventures at all, you know that I have a Turtleback Expedition Trailer that I picked up in 2020. It has proven to be a rock star no matter where I’ve gone, be that to established campgrounds near my house, deep in the backcountry in the Sierra Nevada’s, or various points in between.

I spent a lot of time and energy researching off-road trailers, comparing models, and considering features. And after all that, I knew the Turtleback Expedition was the trailer for me.

turtleback-9

Turtleback’s Expedition Trailer is offered in two different packages to fulfill the needs of any adventure: the T2 & the T3. All Expedition models come standard with a welded 2 x 3 galvanized tube steel chassis, tailgate with spare tire and flip-down table, (2) 16” steel wheels with Mile-Star Patagonia All-Terrain 265/75R16 tires, and more mentioned in the next few paragraphs.

One of my favorite features is the HDPE composite kitchen. It has an 18-inch Partner Steel stove with a deep well Dometic stainless steel sink. There’s a tempered glass topper for the sink that gives you that much more prep space when you’re whipping up meals. Did I mention it also comes with a handy spice rack for all your cooking needs?

turtleback expedition trailer galley 2

The trailer comes with a 42-gallon BPA-free water tank and an on-demand 12-volt water pump. The 6-gallon Dometic water heater ensures you have plenty of water to do dishes or clean up after a long day on the trail.

As for the electrical system, you get a control panel with a Blue Sea 8-circuit breaker panel, Blue Sea marine-grade components, and a single Group 31 AGM deep cycle battery.

turtleback-2

Other goodies include an 11-pound propane tank, a Front Runner roof rack with a storage box, and plentiful storage with a nose box and side boxes. The aluminum body kit not only looks fantastic, but it’s also highly durable to stand up to the rigors of your explorations.

Of course, Turtleback offers a wide range of upgrades and optional features that enable you to create a truly bespoke adventure rig for your specific needs. But that’s to be expected from one of the leaders in the expedition trailer industry!

turtleback expedition trailer Joshua tree

Other amenities include a Prowatt 1000-watt inverter, a Redarc Manager30 battery management system, and a Zamp Obsidian 100W unregulated solar panel. The T2 also comes with nose and side box rock guards, the max coupler, and charge ports on the back of both control boxes.

The T3 Expedition trailer – which is what I have – kicks it up a notch further…

turtleback expedition best expedition trailers

You get everything in the T2 package, plus a swing-out shower mount, molle panels for storage, and dual AGM batteries. You also get two Zamp Obsidian 100W solar panels, a 2000-watt Xantrex Freedom inverter, and a 110V outlet in the rear of the trailer.

The T3 also gives you treadplate side box toppers, a Cruisemaster hitch with handbrake, and a signature suspension with Icon Remote RES shocks. Not bad, right?!

But that’s what you expect from a leader in the expedition trailer industry – a trailer that’s impeccably designed, beautifully built, and loaded with features!

Learn more about the Turtleback Trailers Expedition Series

Alcom Offroad

best expedition trailers of 2023 alcom offroad spur

Alcom Offroad is an innovative company whose expedition and off-road trailers are smartly designed, impeccably built, and offer all the features you need to get out and camp more often.

I want to specifically highlight The Spur, Alcom Offroad’s smallest unit at 135 inches long and 74 inches wide. But don’t think that because it’s a small trailer that it’s short on features…nothing could be further from the truth!

Let’s start up top, where you can add an optional CVT Mt. Rainier rooftop tent. This tent offers ample space for you and your significant other to get a good night’s sleep off the cold ground and away from predators. The tent is housed on a 65” Rhino Rack HD roof rack with 70” RTC tracks and three RLT legs. It’s the ideal platform for the tent!

alcom offroad spur 2

The trailer itself is made of aluminum using box tube construction, so it’s lightweight yet incredibly strong and able to withstand the tough conditions of expedition travel. The bonded .063 aluminum exterior sheets are powder coated for added durability.

Inside the trailer is a vast array of amenities you don’t often find on trailers of this size. For example, you get a locking slide-out kitchenette that’s 32 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and eight inches tall. The galley includes a two-burner cooktop/sink combo, and there’s a separate slide-out for a 60-liter Dometic fridge/freezer.

alcom offroad spur 3

Additionally, you get a 20-gallon fresh water tank and a 12-volt on-demand hot water heater that pumps out water at a rate of one gallon per minute. There’s a 42″ W x 21″ D x 21″ H driver’s side dry storage box, a 20-pound propane tank with a regulator, and three LED porch lights, too.

One of my favorite features, though, is the onboard power system. There’s a Zamp solar inlet for adding solar power and a DC volt meter for battery management. Speaking of batteries, you get two deep-cycle marine-grade batteries mounted in the trailer’s front storage box. You can upgrade the batteries to lithium if you like.

alcom offroad spur 4

The trailer rides on a 3500-pound Dexter axle and Black Mod 15-inch Apex wheels with ST235/75R15 6H tires. You get 17.5 inches of ground clearance and a 50-degree departure angle for those particularly difficult off-road trips. Wherever your tow vehicle can go, The Spur can go, too!

Alcom Offroad offers a host of upgrades you can select to make The Spur an even more functional trailer for your needs. You can add a spare tire and rim with stud patterns on all five tires to match your vehicle. You can also add a 1000-watt inverter and a solar panel for off-grid power.

alcom offroad spur 5

At the end of the day, The Spur is a fantastic example of an expedition trailer. It’s purpose-built for exploring and has a wide range of standard features (far more than I listed!) that give you a lot of bang for your buck.

But more than that, The Spur is built like a tank and gives you the peace of mind that it can handle just about anything you throw at it. When you’re exploring this big, beautiful world of ours, having trustworthy gear is a must – and that’s exactly what you get from Alcom Offroad with this made-in-the-USA expedition trailer!

Learn more about The Spur from Alcom Offroad

Twain Trailers

twain trailers mark I 7

Ozark, Missouri-based Twain Trailers is dedicated to three principles: durability, customizability, and affordability. When you’re shopping for an expedition trailer, those are three qualities you definitely want!

Twain Trailers delivers on these concepts with its Mark I and Mark II trailers, compact, lightweight, tough-as-nails rigs that you can use for adventures of all types…

Need to haul a four-wheeler? No problem! A canoe or a couple of kayaks? You can do that too! The spacious 49.5” x 80” loading deck offers a flat surface for whatever gear you need to haul.

twain trailers mark I 3

From a durability standpoint, it doesn’t get much better than ¼-inch steel construction. No matter the difficulty of the trails you navigate, this trailer is built to handle it. But to give the trailer even better durability, Twain Trailers coats it with an epoxy primer and a UV-stable powder coat. Nice!

Underneath the trailer is a standard 2,500-pound axle (or you can opt for a 3,500-pound axle) and 29-inch tires that give you a reliable means of hauling around 1,900 pounds of gear. With 14 inches of ground clearance, you can haul all that gear deep off-grid to your favorite dispersed camping spot to enjoy a little seclusion from the world.

twain trailers mark I 6

As noted earlier, Twain Trailers offer a level of customizability that allows you to tackle all sorts of outdoor pursuits. In addition, Twain Trailers has incorporated different steel hoop heights that you can order depending on the gear you’re hauling. Likewise, the cross rails move along the hoops so you can place them precisely where you need them for whatever gear you haul.

You can further customize your trailer with tires to match your vehicle and your choice of thousands of colors to match it to your tow vehicle as well.

twain trailers mark I 4

Likely the most important component of this trailer is its affordability. Unlike many expedition trailers, Twain Trailers are extremely affordable – The Mark I starts at less than $6,500, the Mark II starts at less than $7,000. With a trailer at this price point, you can hit the trails with less financial stress and more freedom to do what you want.

Ultimately, going on outdoor adventures is about exploring, enjoying the natural wonders around you, and spending time with your loved ones. Twain Trailers allow you to do all those things without worrying whether the trailer will stand up to the elements or break your bank account. If you’re ready for a budget-friendly adventure, you’ve found it at Twain Trailers!

Learn more about Twain Trailers

Sunnyside Offroad

sunnyside offroad bunejug

Next up on our list of the best expedition trailers of 2023 is the Bunejug from Sunnyside Offroad.

As you’d expect from Sunnyside Offroad, this trailer is ultra-capable for your expeditions and is loaded with features that allow you to set up a base camp quickly so you can do more exploring.

The Bunejug sits atop a custom-fabricated long-travel independent trailing arm suspension. Combined with load-adjusting shocks, this trailer has one of the best suspensions on the market that all but guarantees a smooth trailering experience on- and off-road.

sunnyside offroad bunejug suspension

The trailer is just 650 pounds, so it’s light enough to be towed by small vehicles, including UTVs. It offers a static weight capacity of 550 pounds, which is plenty for you, an adventure buddy, and an optional rooftop tent.

The sleeping footprint is 46″ x 94″. You get a peak internal height in the optional tent of 45″ so you can get up and move around. Add a 5′ x 5′ annex for additional protected space, and you have the makings of a solid setup for sleeping, taking off muddy shoes, showering, and so forth.

bunejug 4

The optional tent offers a 3″ high-density foam mattress with a washable poly/cotton cover for easy cleaning. The tent fabric is 280G poly-cotton rip-stop with a one-inch aluminum internal frame. The no-see-um mesh keeps the mosquitos out while giving you a nice view of your surroundings outside.

You’ll also stay dry in the tent thanks to the 420D polyester Oxford material that features taped seams and PU coating – a must for spring and fall trips when rain is more likely.

The Bunejug was designed and tested in Reno, Nevada, where the Sunnyside Offroad team has easy access to some of the most epic adventure areas in the world. The Bunejug is a reflection of that – a tried-and-tested expedition rig that can handle the toughest of terrain.

Perhaps best of all, the Bunejug is about as budget-friendly as it gets. Pricing starts at $9,625, which enables you to get into the overlanding and expedition groove without costing you an arm and a leg!

Learn more about the Sunnyside Offroad Bunejug

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SasquatchXC Smuggler

sasquatch smuggler exterior

If you’re headed out on an adventure, what better rig to have in tow than a Sasquatch?! The SasquatchXC Smuggler is every bit as tough as its namesake. You get a fast-moving, agile, and durable trailer that gives you the capability of going further off-grid for longer than many other trailers in this space.

But how?

Well, that’s easy! These made-in-the-USA trailers weigh just 1,340 pounds dry, so you can tow it with virtually any vehicle – even a UTV. And with 22 inches of ground clearance and a departure angle of 38 degrees, this bad boy can get up, over, and through the rough stuff with ease.

sasquatch smuggler chassis

This trailer comes standard with an advanced coilover independent suspension that is engineered by SasquatchXC, specifically for SasquatchXC. That suspension is paired with 32.5-inch BF Goodrich T/A K02 all-terrain tires, 17-inch black steel wheels, and a 4” x 2” powder-coated aluminum frame (which will never rust and comes with a lifetime warranty, by the way).

The trailer’s exterior has amenities from top to bottom, front to back…

smuggler right profile

You get cargo access doors on both sides of the trailer for easy access to your gear. These doors have weatherstripping and sealed compression latches to keep the weather out.

Up top is a custom aluminum roof rack with four R-track cross bars for adding gear or a rooftop tent. There is also room for storage underneath the roof rack, like the optional Squatch Box, a custom-designed storage box that fits perfectly in that space and accommodates two solar panels and a custom fold-up camp table.

smuggler left profile

The trailer also comes with four custom-made aluminum side boxes, each of which has independently-controlled LED lighting and the aforementioned weatherstripping and sealed compression latches. You can add optional adjustable shelves to the side boxes and an optional expedition rack system that installs on top of the side boxes to accommodate your recovery gear and RotopaX.

If you pull into camp late like I often do, you’ll be able to see what you’re doing thanks to four underbody lights. The Smuggler also comes with LED flood lights in the bumper that light up camp quite nicely (and also double as reverse lights that illuminate on a dimmer setting to not blind anyone behind you).

smuggler kitchen

One of the best features of the Smuggler trailer is the robust kitchen space in the rear of the trailer. You’ll find a three-bay kitchen cabinet system with shelves plus two drawers with dividers. There’s also an integrated shelf on the rear door that offers LED lighting and 12V power for a refrigerator.

The kitchen offers plenty of power options, too. There are 12V and dual USB outlets that are accessible outside the rear passenger-side box. You also get a GFI-protected 120V outlet. Of course, there is an LED light, so you can whip up some late-night meals as well!

sasquatch smuggler kitchen 2

Unlike many expedition trailers, the SasquatchXC Smuggler comes with a complete kitchen setup. You get a Furrion three-burner LP cooktop, a stainless steel countertop, and a stainless steel sink with a fold-down glass lid. There’s a 36-gallon water tank with a self-priming pump and accumulator to feed on-demand hot water to the kitchen sink (and to the shower). Add an optional ICECO VL65 fridge/freezer and a stainless steel fold-down prep table, and you’re ready to rock!

Inside, you’ll find more than 50 cubic feet of storage space for all your gear. As mentioned earlier, the interior spaces are independently lit with LEDs and secured behind locking doors. All told, this trailer has 90 cubic feet of storage – an industry-leading number! 

smuggler interior

The interior offers a bedlined aluminum floor for durability and the walls and ceiling are lined with ACRE, a water-resistant, sustainable, wood alternative that won’t crack, splinter or rot. You also get USB, 12V, and AC power access points for charging and powering your gadgets. Not bad, right?!

smuggler exterior drivers side

When you head out – way out – for an adventure, it’s crucial that you have gear that’s not only durable but also works for you in a way that makes your travels easier and more convenient. The Smuggler certainly ticks those boxes. After all, it was designed by innovative and experienced adventurers who have spent their lives outdoors.

These trailers are designed and built in Silverton, Colorado, home to some of the most epic landscapes you’ll find in the Lower 48. These trailers are built to a standard high enough to explore the rugged terrain in and around Silverton – which means the Smuggler can handle just about anything you throw at it anywhere in the world!

Learn more about SasquatchXC

Space Trailers

space trailers 2023 expedition trailer

Ask anyone who owns a trailer what the worst part of trailer ownership is, and my guess is that they’d tell you they take up a ton of space. I keep my trailer in a storage unit so it’s out of the way, but I have to pay for that privilege – not ideal! Other folks keep their trailers in their driveways or on the street in front of their house, which isn’t ideal either.

But what if I told you that you could have a trailer and the space you need for your vehicles, adventure gear, and so forth?

This might seem like a fantasy, but Space Trailers has done it. I had the privilege of seeing Space Trailers up close and personal at this year’s Overland West Expo, and I have to say that the photos included here simply do not do it justice. It is far and away one of the most innovative trailers I’ve seen in years.

So how has Space Trailers made giving you more space a reality with their lightweight trailer? You can store vertically. Yes – vertically!

Space Trailers vertical storageHow is this possible, you ask?

It’s simple, really. On the back of the trailer is a Space Bumper that offers a perfectly flat surface for storing the trailer vertically. As you can see in the image above, the trailer’s tongue adjusts downward to ensure the trailer has the smallest vertical footprint possible.

Additionally, the base trailer weighs approximately 625 pounds, so it’s super lightweight and easily maneuverable. The large Luv Handles on either side of the trailer and the wheeled tongue jack enhance the trailer’s maneuverability further.

space trailers on dirt road

Space Trailers come in various models, including the LowRider ST, HighRider ST, and HighRider XL. The difference between the LowRider and HighRider models is how the axle is mounted to the leaf spring. LowRider springs are below the axle while the springs are above the axle on HighRider models.

This, along with available 13-inch or 15-inch wheels, enable you to choose a trailer that matches your vehicle’s ride height. For example, a LowRider ST with standard 13-inch wheels has a tongue height of 14 inches, which is ideal for smaller vehicles. The HighRider XL, on the other hand, comes standard with 15-inch wheels giving the trailer tongue a height of 21 inches for taller vehicles.

space trailers with open canopy

No matter which model you go with, you get the advantage of having the ultimate functionality. Whether you need to use the trailer to carry camping gear, a few bikes, a kayak or two, or something in between, its ingenious design makes it easy to adapt to your specific needs.

What’s more, these sport utility cargo trailers have a low-profile, aerodynamic design that helps you save on fuel costs. The less money you spend on fuel, the more money you have to pay for your adventures!

space trailers cargo bed

While some small, lightweight trailers are little more than a metal box on wheels, Space Trailers offer loads of features and amenities that help you get your adventure on. For example, the base trailer comes with goodies like:

  • A 4×7 foot box with a non-skid floor to keep your gear in place.
  • A tailgate that flips open to 90 or 180 degrees.
  • A removable UV protectant .25-inch-thick HDPE canopy with an aluminum frame that is easily opened, even if you have gear mounted on top of it.
  • Gas cylinders on either side of the trailer that assist with opening and closing the canopy. These cylinders can accommodate up to 300 pounds of gear.
  • 13-inch Mod Black steel rims with highway-rated radial tires that can go off-road and up to 80 mph on the highway.
  • A 4-foot tongue that’s bolted to the frame which allows it to flip down for vertical storage applications.

space trailers backend

On top of all that, Space Trailers have bright LED lights on the back and the side of the trailer, a four-prong lighting receiver, galvanized steel frame, and six galvanized steel tie-down rings for securing your gear.

All Space Trailers also come equipped with a 2-inch ball and coupler, safety chains, and, as mentioned earlier, a wheeled tongue jack to aid in moving the trailer when parked.

space trailers with rooftop tent

But, like any good trailer company, Space Trailers gives you plenty of options for customizing the trailer to your specific needs. You can add heavy-duty gas cylinders that support 400 pounds – perfect for adding a rooftop tent to the mix. You can also add a kayak rack, a bike carrier, or a 6.5-foot awning, to name a few options.

In other words, Space Trailers give you the flexibility to add what you need without bogging the trailer down with a bunch of stuff that isn’t necessary. And since these trailers are made in the USA (in Red Wing, Minnesota, to be exact) by a family-owned company, you know that the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship of the trailer are second to none.

space trailers functionality

Lightweight adventure trailers are a dime a dozen these days. But Space Trailers stand out from the crowd because of their sheer functionality. Use it to haul your kayak one day, garden supplies the next, and take it camping the day after that!

As the cherry on top, these trailers start at just $4,999. Talk about budget-friendly! Not only does Space Trailers help you save precious space, but it also helps you save fuel, and save money. What’s not to like?!

Learn more about Space Trailers

Alpacamper

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The problem with some expedition trailers is that they don’t have the space, features, or amenities to enable long-distance travel for the entire family. But then there are trailers like the Alpacamper A1 that’s rugged, ready for the most challenging trails, and maximizes the capacity for your gear and other necessities – just what you want in an expedition trailer! 

This trailer is built on a hot-dipped galvanized frame with an off-road independent suspension with double shock absorbers, trailing arms, and coil springs. Having the lowest center of gravity of any similar sized expedition trailer, it is virtually impossible to roll-over over challenging terrain under appropriate speed. add in 32-inch off-road mud-terrain tires for good measure, and you have a recipe for a highly capable expedition trailer!

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The trailer has a host of features and amenities that you simply don’t find in many expedition trailers. For example, you get dual 20-gallon water tanks for a combined 40 gallons of water storage capacity – one in the front and one in the rear for the optimal cargo weight distribution flexibility. 

There’s also a portable cassette toilet, a slide-out kitchen, and a rotomolded cooler. You even get a 75L dual compartment, dual temperature freezer/refrigerator! You can also enjoy a 2000-watt inverter, a 2048wh fast-charging smart LiFePO4 portable solar generator. As I said…this trailer is purpose-built for long-distance overlanding adventures!  

But that’s not all this trailer has to offer…

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The A1 has a large rooftop tent for two adults and a child. When you aren’t snoozing away in the tent, you can set up a massive outdoor living area under the 180-degree awning (shown above). In fact, the awning has a floor, sidewalls, windows, and a front door, so it can be a completely enclosed and protected space when the weather outside is less than ideal. 

Such a large enclosed tent area can double as a playroom for the kiddos, meanwhile mom and pop can have privacy, peace and quiet in the roof top tent. You can also sleep up to 8 people with four double bunk beds inside the enclosed tent area! Not to mention with a low entry height to the roof top tent of just 4 feet, getting down from the roof top tent couldn’t be any more easier and safer. 

Other features include:

  • 20-pound propane tank compartment
  • 4 stabilizer jacks
  • 4 recovery hooks
  • Pass-through storage
  • 10” heavy-duty jockey wheel
  • Electric brakes plus a hand brake

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With a long list of features, you probably think this is a big, heavy trailer. You’d be wrong, though!

At 133 x 78 x 41 inches, this trailer is ultra-compact. And with a dry weight of 2,258 pounds, a tongue weight of 300 pounds, and a GVWR of 4,740 pounds, it can be easily towed with various vehicles. And that’s precisely what you want in an expedition trailer – something compact, lightweight, and capable of handling difficult terrain.

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Alpacamper is a U.S.-based company that has spent years perfecting its trailer designs – and it shows! It’s hard to build a trailer with this many features in such a small package, but these folks have done it and done it well.

And with a base price of $20,800, the A1 also represents incredible bang for your buck. Spend less money on your trailer while getting more features than you do with other rigs. What’s not to like?!

Learn more about the Alpacamper A1

Patriot Campers

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Another fine option for your expedition travel needs is the X1 from Patriot Campers. This trailer was designed in Australia, a continent with some of the harshest expedition travels you could possibly imagine. For those of us in the USA, these trailers are coming soon and offer off-road capability and luxurious accommodations in a small package.

If you’re like me and you enjoy cooking, the Patriot Campers X1’s galley will be a favorite feature. It has an L-shaped kitchen with slide-out shelving, a Dometic stove and grill, and an integrated spice rack. There’s also a large sink with hot and cold water, a large food drawer for dry goods, and stainless steel bench tops for prep space.

x1 kitchen

On the power front, the X1 has a REDARC Manager 30 management system with a switch panel and dual gel or AGM batteries. You can also enjoy gas hot water service and more than 40 gallons of onboard fresh water storage.

This trailer doesn’t skimp on storage, either. All told, there is around 70 cubic feet liters of storage space, including a utility slide-out with an RHS option, a man cave with a utility shelf option, and a large rear drawer with dividers. You also get increased storage space in the RHS with an inverter and a charging shelf for your devices.

x1-storage

The X1 features an X-Cruise coil 1.60T dual-shock suspension with 10-inch electric drum brakes. You get 16-inch PCOR wheels wrapped in 33-inch mud-terrain tires to attack just about any trail.

Additionally, there’s an X-Cruise airbag suspension and a Rigilite Chassis, plus a 40-degree departure angle. Not bad, right?!

X1-Setup

On top of all that, the X1 takes just 10 minutes to set up. Just pull into camp, get your trailer ready to go, and then you can commence with exploring the terrain around you.

With features like an optional kids room and a changing room that connects to the rooftop tent, the X1 gives you the flexibility you need to go on solo expeditions or trips with friends and family.

Learn more about the Patriot Campers X1