Outdoors

Gallery: All-terrain teardrops, mil-spec boxes and other camping trailers from Overland Expo West

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Trailers of Overland Expo West 2018
A peek inside nüCamp's teardrop trailers
A peek inside nüCamp's teardrop trailers
nüCamp highlights its Tag and Tab teardrop trailers
Available on both Tag and Tab models, the Boondock package is nüCamp's off-road kit with off-road wheels, pitched axle, Yakima roof rack and other upgrades aimed at rougher off-pavement driving/camping. That extra little lift at the tip of the rear overhang provides for a better departure angle versus the flatter edge found on some other models
The Living Vehicle from Hofmann Architecture isn't the typical Overland Expo trailer, but it certainly grabs your attention
Living Vehicle pass-through storage
Living Vehicle options sheet
The aluminum-skinned Living Vehicle feels like Airstream trailer meets tiny home
Living Vehicle outdoor shower
A peek inside the Hofmann Living Vehicle's door
Designed to be a full-time home, the Living Vehicle offers a suite of amenities you won't find on just any trailer, including a dishwasher, microwave, multi-zone A/V system, washer/dryer and towel warmer
The Living Vehicle is designed to sleep six people
Like the rest of the interior, the Living Vehicle's bathroom feels more like a home bathroom than a trailer
Hofmann offers queen bed and sleeper sofa options on the Living Vehicle
According to the literature we picked up at the show, the Living Vehicle starts at $150K, a bit north of where it was when we looked at it last year. Hofmann is also working on a $90K base model for release in 2019
The Living Vehicle makes a natural visitors center at an outdoor show
TetonX debuts its new flagship, the Hybrid trailer
TetonX told us it got its Hybrid show model ready hours before the start of Overland Expo so it didn't have time to set up the BBQ. That option will have a dedicated slide-out, separate from the main kitchen slide
Inside, the TetonX Hybrid has a convertible dinette. The company tells us it will offer both queen- and king-size cabin bed options
TetonX offers TV and entertainment options on its bigger trailers
The TetonX Hybrid starts at $17,995
TetonX Hybrid trailer
We looked at Borderland trailers several years ago, at which time they were called Base Camp. The company told us at Overland Expo it ran into some issues with Airstream trademarking when the latter put its long-idle Basecamp back into production, so it changed names to Borderland, which is more original, anyway (Airstream isn't the only other trailer maker to use the "Base Camp" name)
Borderland now has a lineup of three trailers 
One thing that pops out immediately about Borderland's trailers are the smart storage solutions, such as the magnetic spice containers and knife holder
Utah's Borderland trailers at Overland Expo West 2018
California's Bear Teardrops says its $16,995 Apache AT trailer is a four- to five-person off-road trailer (with optional roof-top tent)
A rugged SUV/trailer set-up
Inside the Bear Apache AT trailer
With people cleared away momentarily, we grab a full shot of the TetonX Hybrid trailer
California's Expedition Supply shows off its M11 off-road trailers
Expedition Supply's M11 trailers are based around the LTT military platform and designed for outdoor adventurers. The company believes they are the toughest trailer of their kind ... and they definitely look the part with imposing size (notice how small that guy at the right looks) and blocky design
We've seen a few camper vans with roof-top decks this year, and here we have the Expedition Supply set up for deck-top sunset viewing
Expedition Supply's M11 trailers aren't the most luxurious inside, but the minimalist, functional nature of the cabin follows their tough, military-based construction
Part of the Aussie invasion of rugged off-road trailers – Black Series Caravans
Much like Lotus or Bruder, Black Series is an Australian company that builds caravans ultra-rugged on the outside, but comfy and luxurious inside
Black Series HQ17
Opus shows off the Outback Air, an off-road-ready inflatable pop-up camper
Opus Outback slide-out kitchen
The Opus Outback has a particularly nice slide-out kitchen, complete with four-burner stove 
Boreas series off-road trailer from Colorado's Into the Wild Overland
Into the Wild cuts out the wood and makes the Boreas XT out of fiberglass composite panels
Into the Wild Boreas rear galley with multi-tiered slide-out
Another look at the Into the Wild Boreas galley
Inside the Into the Wild Boreas trailer
Trailers of Overland Expo West 2018
Another established Australian brand, Kimberley Kampers, on show at Overland Expo West
Kimberley Karavan with an impressive hard-sided expanding camper
Kimberley Karavan at Overland Expo West 2018
A proper Australian caravan has to have a grill (Kimberley Karavan)
A $22K version of GFA Trailers' XOR95 with multi-slide rear galley
Partner stove on the GFA XOR95
The XOR95 is the flagship trailer from North Carolina's GFA Trailers
Inside the GFA XOR95
An interesting feature of the GFA XOR95 - a push-button hydraulic lift bed that allows for storage below
A different type of trailer: Box Manufaktur module atop a flatbed 
Germany's Box Manufaktur living modules usually end up on truck backs, but this one was towed in on a trailer
Vangard Overland describes its Jeger trailer as the "ultra utilitarian evolution of the teardrop." It features a steel box frame, air-assist suspension, rear galley, tube fenders and more
We'd imagine those blinds on the Vanguard Jeger trailer get annoying after a few trips of bouncing down bumpy roads and being pulled up and down at camp, but they look nice on the show model
Texas-based Moosebilt Industries shows an intriguing trailer at Overland Expo West
One of the better-looking trailers at this year's Overland Expo, in our opinion
Moosebilt Industries shows off its trailers 
Moosebilt has created a galley as pretty as the rest of its trailer
Oregon Trail'R shows off its pint-sized but muscular Do-Drop Alpha trailer
Oregon Trail'R showed the black-and-red Alpha package on the Do-Drop last year and is expanding it to additional trailers
Oregon Do-Drop Alpha
Oregon gives its larger TerraDrop the Alpha treatment
Inside the TerraDrop Alpha
South African trailer maker Bushwakka shows its wares in the US at Overland Expo
Bushwakka specializes in adventure trailers that pop and fold out into large base camps 
The Bushwakka Safari Weekender is a compact off-road trailer that offers plenty of room via its selection of tent options
The Bushwakka Bhoma is a four/five-person off-road caravan with 360-degree awning
The Bushwakka Bhoma starts just under $40K
Inside the Bushwakka Bhoma
Sweet, little pop-top camper - Unfortunately we didn't see anyone manning it, and the "AREA-BFE" only leads us to an off-road park in Moab, so we're not sure who/what this one is. Still cool, though
Sweet, little pop-top camper at Overland Expo West 2018
Trailers of Overland Expo West 2018
Rugged flatbed camping trailers are gaining a footing in the US. Here Schutt shows the XV-F (flatdeck), which starts at $29,000
With its roof-top tent, awning and galley equipment, this Schutt XV-F runs $35,595
Slide-out kitchen equipment on the Schutt XV-F
Vintage Overland teardrop
Black Series makes its US presence known at Overland Expo West 2018
The 23-foot Black Series HQ15
Inside the Black Series HQ15 caravan
Black Series HQ15 kitchen area
The Black Series HQ15 includes a bathroom
Black Series heats up leftovers with a backcountry microwave
The bedroom area in the Black Series HQ15
Sometimes you want to cook under the roof, sometimes under blue skies. This Black Series HQ15 has both indoor and outdoor kitchens
Black Series Patron pop-up caravan
Black Series Patron pop-up caravan
We first spotted South Africa's Conqueror at Overland Expo East 2016 
Conqueror UEV 490 trailer
Inside the range-topping Conqueror UEV 490 trailer
The Conqueror UEV 490 starts in the high $40K range (that's how it's listed in the brochure we picked up or we'd be more specific)
Taking a small step down to the Conqueror UEV 440 trailer
Inside the UEV 440 
Conqueror UEV 390
Conqueror UEV 390 - if you're wondering what UEV is, it's "Urban Escape Vehicle"
A grill should be standard equipment on every off-road trailer - what fun is a backcountry camping trip without one?
The Conqueror UEV 390 Trailer pictured starts in the low $30K range, and the entry level 310, which we didn't see at OX West, starts in the low $20s
Utah's Western Range Camps specializes in larger "camps" (trailers), but it also offers the Summit for small teardrop lovers
Western Range works with customers to outfit the Summit for their specific needs, from a basic shell to a teardrop with all the bells and whistles
A solar panel comes standard on the Western Range Summit
Aero Teardrops shows off a lovely galley 
Aero Teardrops calls this overland build "Gunnar"
Unlike other teardrop interiors that are all mattress, Aero Teardrops has a convertible dinette inside 
Aero Teardrops sells and rents trailers
Overkill's trailer design includes a rear storage/prep area with pass-through
One of the more intriguing new brands of the show, Overkill Campers shows a large off-road trailer with slide-out
Overkill Campers at Overland Expo West 2018
Slide-out cooktop on the Overkill trailer
Inside Overkill's trailer
Arizona's Glass Action shows a different style of teardrop trailer
Inspired by classic Westfalia trailers, Glass Action's trailers haul luggage behind motorcycles. This $2,398 model includes the Lite Sleeper Tent Package, making it a proper motorcycle camper
Lead Dog Motorsports Extreme Off-Road trailer
Nuthouse Industries Hickory trailer
Compact little off-road teardrop from So-Cal Teardrops
Inside the Opus Outback Air
Inside the Opus Outback Air
Inside the Opus Outback Air
Taxa Cricket trailer 
A look at the Taxa Cricket's funky interior
Inside the Taxa Cricket
Trailers of Overland Expo West 2018
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We've taken a look at the camper vans, and one pretty damn cool Jeep camper, but many of the campers of Overland Expo West 2018 ride behind the main vehicle. Once again, the show was awash with rugged expedition trailers from established brands and newcomers – everything from lifting, sliding and popping shape-shifters, to military-grade blocks of run-flat, go-anywhere off-road destruction. If you want to explore the muddiest, dustiest and rockiest parts of the world and tow a temporary home with you, there's a trailer that's just right for you. And if not, there's a builder who will help you customize one.

We'll be looking at some of the interesting Overland Expo trailer debuts in more depth in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, we thought we'd give our readers a look at everything we saw, starting with a few models that really stood out.

The Living Vehicle shines

It may not be the hardiest off-road trailer of the lot, but the Hofmann Architecture Living Vehicle was one of the most memorable trailers at the show. It was also an easy-to-locate visitor's center thanks to its shimmering shell.

The Living Vehicle from Hofmann Architecture isn't the typical Overland Expo trailer, but it certainly grabs your attention

More an off-grid mobile home than a traditional all-terrain trailer, this aluminum-clad tiny home offers a very impressive living space for up to six people. At US$150,000, it had better, given it's priced more competitively with real estate than small adventure trailers.

But with a 100-gal (378.5-L) fresh water tank, lithium battery bank, 600-watt solar array, multi-room audio system, kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, trash chute, stainless three-burner cooktop, and washer/dryer among its deep features package, it also lives more like a real home than a small trailer. It seems like the type of place modern nomads will be plenty comfortable staying in a while – maybe indefinitely – as they wander from place to place.

Designed to be a full-time home, the Living Vehicle offers a suite of amenities you won't find on just any trailer, including a dishwasher, microwave, multi-zone A/V system, washer/dryer and towel warmer

The brochure we picked up at the show says there are seven available units left for the 2018 build schedule – although, if things went well at the show, that may no longer be the case. Hofmann is also working on an entry-level $89,995 model for launch next year.

The foreign invasion forges on

Back at Overland Expo East 2016, we noticed a lot of unfamiliar names as we looked around the field of exhibitors. More accurately, we noticed a lot of names familiar in foreign markets like Australia and South Africa but new to the US. Since then, brands like Conqueror and Patriot Campers have established what seems to be a solid presence in the States, capitalizing on years of experience building rock-solid trailers for African safaris and/or Australian Outback adventures.

The 23-foot Black Series HQ15

The overland import segment seemed like it was hitting another growth spurt at this year's show, where we saw a number of new entries from Europe, Africa and Australia. Black Series is one of the new trailer brands from Australia looking to establish a footprint in the US. Much like Lotus Caravans, its trailers are an almost artistic mix of rugged, galvanized construction and cozy, home-like interior appointments.

We spent the most time in and around Black Series' HQ15, a mid-sized, hard-sided 23-foot (7-m) three-sleeper with custom-designed, quad-shock trailing arm suspension. It includes both indoor and outdoor kitchens, a bathroom with shower and toilet, a hot/cool outdoor shower, roof-mounted solar, a cozy bed nook, and all kinds of other creature comforts you wouldn't necessarily expect to have in the boonies.

At a cool $50,000 base price, the feature-packed trailer doesn't come cheap, but it is an intriguing, Australian-proven design now available to tow across the American outback. Plus, for those with (much) tighter budgets, Black Series also offers simpler but equally rugged tent trailers starting at $9,000.

Camping and toy hauling, perfect together

A trend in the off-road trailer market that seems at least partially influenced by the growing number of foreign brands, the flatbed camping trailer is becoming a more widely available option. We didn't spot the Turtlebacker at the show, but we did look at its competition, the Schutt Industries XV-F (XVenture-Flatbed).

Rugged flatbed camping trailers are gaining a footing in the US. Here Schutt shows the XV-F (flatdeck), which starts at $29,000

Schutt builds on the versatile, solid design of its XV series with this new dual-axle flatbed trailer that features an upgradeable, forward-set storage/camping box. The XV-F can carry a four-person side-by-side OHV on its 16-foot (4.9-m) bed while providing a base camp via accessories like the roof-top tent and slide-out kitchen. The base $29,000 trailer comes with Schutt's military-grade, "severe-duty" aluminum construction, a 22-gal (83-L) water tank with electric pump, an on-demand water heater, lighting and a propane system with 20-lb (9 kg) tank. Options include roof-top tents, awnings, kitchen equipment and fridge/freezers. The model pictured in the gallery and above was listed at $35,595.

And if you're comparison shopping toy-hauling camping trailers, Australia's Patriot Campers told us at the show that it will be bringing its awesome TH610 and larger TH730 to the US. The trailers landed on US soil just a little too late to make it to the expo, so we don't have any photos, but the pricing sheet we picked up puts them at $47,990 and $49,990 to start, respectively.

Those models are just the tip of the iceberg, and we've photographed many other rugged trailer exteriors and neatly laid out interiors for you to check out. Whether you're in the market, looking for inspiration for a garage build, or just daydreaming about venturing out into the great wide open, there's likely something to catch your eye and tickle your imagination in our gallery.

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