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In our opinion, winter overlanding is the most fun type of overlanding. The colder weather makes for fun muddy or even snowy trails and the perfect opportunity to get a campfire going.
However, winter overlanding isn’t a simple task to undertake. It requires preparation and the proper gear to be enjoyable. Otherwise, you will be wet and cold from head to toe, and no one wants that!
This article goes over a few tips that ensure your winter overlanding experience is a great one.
Table of Contents
- Advantages of Winter Overlanding
- Why You Need a Trailer for Winter Overlanding
- Beaver Built Off-Road Features
- Customize Your Beaver-Built Trailer to Your Specific Needs
- Winter Overlanding – Final Thoughts
- Recommended Overlanding Gear
Advantages of Winter Overlanding
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Winter overlanding has plenty of advantages. For us, the main one is – believe it or not – the cold weather. Sure, summer is fun, but it gets way too warm and uncomfortable in many areas. Everything you do leads to sweating, the truck is always hot, and the evening is filled with bugs and humidity. Furthermore, the trails are nowhere near as exciting as they are during winter.
You see, what is an easy dirt road in summer can turn into a multi-hour battle during winter – especially in the snow. Granted, many people prefer to stick to the easy trails (which is also possible during winter). However, if you love tough wheeling, this is the time to do it.
Finally, during winter overlanding, most campsites and trails tend to be far less crowded. Therefore, you will have the best spots to yourself and won’t have to worry about pre-booking. Organized campsites are also far quieter – especially during weekdays.
Why You Need a Trailer for Winter Overlanding
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
As we mentioned above, winter overlanding requires additional gear to be comfortable. That extra gear doesn’t need to be as extensive as a trailer, but having one certainly helps.
A trailer like the Beaver Built Wapos provides you with much-needed storage space, sleeping space, and even mounting space for a heating solution like a diesel heater. It is also a great place to mount an awning so you can have shelter during bad weather.
The best part is that you can arrive at a campsite, set up base camp, drive the trails around without having the additional weight of the trailer in tow, and then go back to a fully set-up campsite. This eliminates the need of setting up camp in the rain or cold. What’s not to like?!
Beaver Built Off-Road Features
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
A trailer that will be used for winter overlanding needs to have the appropriate off-road features.
First and foremost, the Beaver Built Wapos features CRS2 Cruismaster suspension, which is based on a single-arm design that reduces weight while providing a strong platform to support the Wapos through on and off-road terrain. Also, to ensure that the trailer is reliable and durable, it has improved cable management that protects its cables from large obstacles off-road.
Details like the above are important as they ensure that the trailer will be easily controllable over rough terrain while also being able to take the punishment of thousands of miles of off-road use.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Aside from the suspension, a trailer used for winter overlanding must come equipped with capable tires. The Wapos uses 31 Inch Yokohama All Terrains wrapped around 15-inch Vision wheels. The all-terrain tires are a great choice as they have less drag and better cold weather and snow performance when compared to mud terrains.
One important detail many people overlook when buying a trailer is the wheel bolt pattern. The Wapos can be spaced with wheel patterns that fit the most famous car brands. This enables buyers to swap wheels between their truck and trailer in case of a puncture.
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
The Beaver Built trailer also offers a roof rack for additional storage space. The roof rack can accommodate a variety of rooftop tents or camping accessories. In the summer, you can store larger items like surfboards or paddle boards on or under the roof rack.
The additional storage space offered by this system will be useful during winter overlanding as it provides more space for recovery gear or other recreation items. Winter clothing and bedding take up much more space; therefore, such a setup will be helpful.
Customize Your Beaver-Built Trailer to Your Specific Needs
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Beaver Built trailers come well equipped as standard; however, with a few bolt-on options, they become even more comfortable and usable for winter overlanding.
For example, you can add a front box with locking driver and passenger side doors with an extended roof rack. Add a front box divider with a wall shelf to make this space even more usable.
In the galley, you can add a kitchen management system and a kitchen drawer pull-out to keep your kitchen essentials neatly organized. You can add loads of storage, too – dual side boxes and a rear drawer with dividers and a storage deck. Just what you need for all your bulky winter overlanding gear!
Photo by Vill Van Der Merwe #geoscoutadventures
Other amenities include:
- D035 coupling with integrated hand brake
- 2-inch tongue deck receiver
- Spare tire carrier
- Armor protection
- Rear C Jacks
- Custom-designed electrical system
- 17” Vision wheels with Yokohama X/AT 33” tires (set of 3)
As you can see, the above options add even more utility and convenience for your winter travels.
This may be a small trailer, but it offers plenty of features. If you want to dive into more details regarding the available options and the trailer in general, head over to the Beaver Built website.
Winter Overlanding – Final Thoughts
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Winter overlanding seems intimidating, but it’s so much fun! It can lead to great memories and some unforgettable adventures. If done right, it is also comfortable!
That being said, you need to make sure that you’re prepared with the proper gear and mindset, as otherwise, winter overlanding can get miserable.
If you have any questions regarding winter overlanding or anything else off-road or overland-related, head over to the forum section of our page to get answers!
Recommended Overlanding Gear