Not long ago, Denver-based Timberleaf Trailers revealed one of the most stylish teardrops out there, a cozy camping trailer with thoughtful accents and details throughout. Now, the company has committed to making its trailer lineup a bit more rugged, offering an off-road package designed for venturing to rougher, more remote campsites. The new trailer remains every bit as modern inside, but with a tougher set of legs below.
Timberleaf rose to internet fame back in May of this year courtesy of its road-focused teardrop. At the time, it was also playing with an off-road design, which it previewed at Overland Expo West. We had hoped to learn more at the show, but company staff weren't around when we passed through. Timberleaf's owner Kevin Molick contacted us recently to let us know the off-road package is ready for market. So here she is.
Molick tells us he was originally hesitant to launch an off-road model because he didn't want to lose Timberleaf's classic teardrop shape or style in the process. But after some tinkering, Timberleaf came up with just the right combination of rugged construction below, timeless teardrop style above.
Less a completely unique model, more an off-road version of the standard Timberleaf, the trailer maintains its signature shape, sort of a classic teardrop with Kamm tail. It also maintains the same frame construction, as Timberleaf says it builds all its trailers heavy duty enough for off-road touring.
The off-road package adds a pair of 30-in off-road tires wrapped around aluminum wheels and keeps the ride smooth with the well-known Timbren Axle-Less suspension (the standard Timberleaf has leaf springs). That combination ups ground clearance to 14 in (356 mm), from 11 in (279 mm) on the standard model.
Ruggedized, Jeep-style fenders add toughness, allowing campers to step up and load/unload gear from the roof. Molick says that all its trailers now come with reinforced blocking capable of supporting a roof rack and roof tent, which many buyers have been asking for. One final upgrade is the Max Coupler on the tongue, allowing for stable, quiet towing, even across bumpy, uneven ground.
Beyond those changes, the off-road Timberleaf remains the same modernized classic teardrop we looked at in May. Molick is also the owner of a construction company (Timberleaf Construction) and brings his fine woodworking and interior trim experience to each trailer. Details like the large overhead skylight with pulldown shades, available handcrafted birch wood cooler with leather handle, and folding wood interior shelves make the Timberleaf a well-appointed caravan that performs at camp and looks good doing it. The insulated birch cabin is skinned in anodized aluminum roof and side panels.
The standard equipment list remains the same on the off-road model as on the standard trailer and includes a power center with 125 Ah deep cell marine battery, rear hatch galley with cold water sink and pullout stove shelf, cabin vent fan, LED lighting, vented windows, and 12-US gal water tank. Options include the wood cooler, a Partner Steel stove fit to the pullout shelf, solar power packages, heating and air conditioning, and roof rack cross bars.
The standard Timberleaf trailer now bases in at US$16,850, and the off-road package adds $2,000 to that price. The off-road model weighs in at around 1,400 lb (635 kg).
Source: Timberleaf Trailers