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Last year, we had quite the lineup of off-road teardrop trailers to present to you in our Best of 2021 list. This year is no different!
There’s some new players to discuss this year, as well as some old favorites that are still killing it in the off-road teardrop trailer market.
Whether a trailer is a new entry on our 2022 list or an old favorite, one thing is common to each entry on this year’s list – they are all highly capable off-road trailers.
Additionally, you’ll find that these trailers offer a level of comfort – luxury, even – that you might not find on every off-road trailer out there. I mean, it’s great to get off-grid and navigate tough trails, but it’s even better to do so when you have a comfortable place to rest and relax at the end of the day, right?!
With that said, let’s have a look at our list of the best off-road teardrop trailers for 2022!
Table of Contents
- Runaway Campers Venturist
- Ember Overland Micro Series
- TC Teardrops ORE Offroad Expedition Trailer
- Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
- BADAC Adventure Co SD-10
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- Sniper X.9
- Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
- Aero Teardrops
- HYK Outdoors
- Second Wind Trailers
- Valiant Expedition Trailers
- American Teardrop
- Sparks Overland Madcap
- Escapod TOPO2
- So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
- Recommended Gear
Runaway Campers Venturist
When I think of the features I want in an off-road trailer, I think of four things:
- Size and weight
- Customizability
- Made in the USA
- Price
Chances are you prioritize many, if not all, of the same things. Unfortunately, not all off-road trailers fit the bill. But the Venturist from Runaway Campers most certainly does.
Let’s break it all down…
First, the size and weight of this trailer are ideal for folks with smaller rigs, like a two-door Jeep Wrangler, or a small truck, like my 2020 Jeep Gladiator.
You can choose from two versions – a 4×8 trailer that’s just 850 pounds or a 6×8 trailer that’s just 1,050 pounds.
As you can imagine, these trailers are ideally sized for overlanding and off-roading adventures. They offer a small overall footprint that enhances maneuverability while giving you all the space you need inside to customize the trailer to your specific needs. This brings me to my second point – customizability.
When you get your Venturist trailer, it’s a blank slate for finishing it exactly how you want. Add a kitchenette where you please. Arrange your sleeping situation as you see fit. Add storage solutions to keep your gear organized. You can do whatever you want!
There are a lot of excellent off-road trailers, but few give you the ability to lay out the interior precisely how you want. That’s a huge advantage of the Venturist series of trailers.
I’ve been very vocal over the years about supporting U.S.-based and family-owned companies. Runaway Campers ticks both boxes.
Not only do U.S.-based companies create jobs here at home, but they also contribute to the local economy. Keeping our dollars and cents here at home couldn’t be more important!
I love working with family-owned brands, too. I’ve found that family-run businesses take that extra step of care in the design and development process. They also provide top-notch customer service. There just seems to be a much higher level of interest in your satisfaction than with some big companies.
It’s fun to get to know the folks behind the operation, too. The guys behind Runaway Trailers, Justin and his father Steve, focus on making good products for good people. They’ve been in business since 2012 and have been going strong ever since, focusing their efforts on happy customers instead of profits. What’s not to like about that?!
Of course, price is also important for many folks, and Runaway Campers is fully aware of that.
The 4×8 Venturist trailer starts at $9,050, while the 6×8 trailer has a base price of $11,145. That’s a phenomenal starting price that gives you the financial freedom to customize the interior as you see fit.
Plus, since this camper is so lightweight, there’s much less worry about pain at the pump, which, as you can see below, can be very painful right now here in California. The less weight you have to tow, the better mileage you’ll get, and the fewer times you’ll have to fill up.
Likewise, with electric vehicles emerging, it’s important to consider the impact that towing a trailer will have on EVs.
With a compact, lightweight trailer like this, the range of an EV tow vehicle won’t take nearly as big of a hit as with a big bumper pull travel trailer or even some of the larger off-road teardrops on the market today.
Of course, just because this is a compact, inexpensive trailer doesn’t mean that it isn’t ready for the trail. For example, you get features like:
- Air conditioning
- 17-inch Method Race Wheels wrapped in 33-inch BFG All-Terrain Tires
- Timbren 1-ton axle less suspension with a 4-inch lift
- Electric brakes
- Off-road frame with a full-length tongue, rear hitch tow point, a Max-Coupler, and large drop-down stabilizers
- Slim-line tail lights
- Black powder-coated fenders
You can also add options such as:
- Various lug patterns
- Wheels and tires to match your rig
- An awning
- A roof rack and roof basket
- A front cargo rack
- A rear door and rear window
- A propane tank mount
- A Rotopax Fuelpax with mount
- A shower and showerhead
In other words, the folks at Runaway Campers have quite the rig going. It’s an ideal size for off-roading, and offers the customizability you demand while also being a made-in-the-USA product with a low price tag. What more reason do you need for this being one of the best off-road trailers of 2022?!
Learn more about the Runaway Campers Venturist
Ember Overland Micro Series
I met the folks from Ember Recreational Vehicles when I was at the 2022 Overland West Expo. I have to say, I’m not sure what I was more impressed by – the folks from Ember or their trailers!
Not only is the Ember team passionate about all things outdoors, but they’re also passionate about giving other outdoor enthusiasts the best possible trailering experience. The dedication to innovation, functionality, design, and build quality is evident in Ember’s Overland Micro Series of trailers.
What’s unique about these trailers is that they blend some nice RV features into something the size of a teardrop, while still giving you that nimble offroad attributes. It’s the best of all worlds!
Let’s start with the Ember ROK…
ROK stands for “rear outdoor kitchen.” As you can see from the floorplan above, the kitchen boasts storage, a Camco DC 12V/AC 110V Portable 75-Liter Refrigerator/Cooler/Freezer with Bluetooth, and counter space. There’s also an entertainment center with a 12-volt HDTV and AV system and an optional griddle.
Other outdoor amenities include dual-pane windows with integrated shades, a Thule Outland Awning, and dual 20-lb propane tanks. You also get an outside shower, rear stabilizer jacks, and a detachable shore power cord with Faultsmart™ indicators and a Pullsmart™ handle.
Other exterior goodies include:
- A Go Power!® 190W rooftop solar panel
- Side and rooftop solar ports
- A fully adjustable triple solid step
- A manual marine swivel tongue jack
- A 26-gallon fresh water tank
- 12-volt tank heaters
- A backup light
- An enclosed radiant barrier underbelly
In terms of off-road capabilities, this trailer is ready to rock with Nitro-filled 16″ Goodyear Wrangler Off-Road Tires (Load Range E), including the spare. The tires are wrapped around custom aluminum rims, and you also get a tire pressure monitoring system.
The ROK also has a CURT independent suspension with heavy-duty coil springs, dual shock absorbers, and a heavy-duty off-road tube steel frame. Your off-road adventures will be easier with the VersaCoupler height-adjustable bolt-on hitching system, while the steel fenders and wheel wells will stand up well to the rigors of the trail.
Add in a lockable parking brake, wiring for rear and side observation cameras, and an integrated rear 2-inch accessory receiver, and this trailer is all set for overlanding and off-roading!
The interior of the ROK is well-appointed with comfort features like a futon sofa, a 3-speed 12-volt ceiling vent, and dimmable LED lighting.
You get luxurious features like Shaw flooring, seamless countertops, and hardwood framed cabinet doors and drawer fronts. There’s a 30-amp solar controller and a 1000-watt pure sine wave inverter as well.
All this is in a trailer that’s 2,215 pounds dry and measures 12’10” in length, 110” high, and 95” wide.
If an outdoor kitchen isn’t high on your list of priorities, Ember has you covered with their other Overland Micro Series trailer – the ROL, or “rear outside locker.”
As you can see below, this setup is ideal for overlanding and off-roading enthusiasts that need to maximize the available storage space.
Instead of the rear kitchen, you get a 68” x 25” x 55.5” storage locker for bikes, hiking gear, and other outdoor accessories.
You also have the option of adding powered accessories since there’s 120-volt and 12V power in the storage locker.
Otherwise, this trailer is just like its ROK cousin – it’s the same dimensions, same building materials, same frame, and so forth.
Whether you go for the ROK or ROL, you can choose to add many different amenities. For example, you can add a Thule Tepui Roof Top Tent, which integrates with the Thule roof rack that comes standard with the trailers.
You can also add a gear box or a J-cradle system for kayaks, a sidewall-mounted air conditioner, or a Truma Combi eco plus gas/electric water heater and furnace.
There’s honestly too many features and options to list! These trailers are simply beautifully made, expertly laid out, and customizable to meet your overlanding needs.
Learn more about the Ember Overland Micro Series Trailers
TC Teardrops ORE Offroad Expedition Trailer
In last year’s best off-road teardrop trailers feature, we had a great selection of options. But the feedback from some readers was that while it was a great list, some of the trailers simply weren’t budget-friendly.
We heard you.
This year, our top recommendation comes from a company that makes trailers that are highly affordable. That company is TC Teardrops.
There’s a lot to like about these trailers, too.
Let’s start with the price…
With a base price of $9,750, the ORE Offroad Expedition Trailer is far more budget-friendly than the options we recommended last year.
But don’t think that because it’s a lower price point that you don’t get a lot of goodies! You truly get a ton of value for the money.
For example, you get overhead LED lights throughout, excellent storage space, and a detachable rear table in the galley.
This model also has two doors (both with windows, screens, and locks), two additional windows with screens and locks, and two half-moon air vents.
There’s 200 different side colors, 12V outlets and USB ports for powering your devices, and a wheeled tongue jack, just to name a few basics.
But this model also comes with many off-road goodies. There’s 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Falken A/T 265/75/16 tires, and big, heavy-duty Jeep-style fenders.
You also get a diamond plate undercarriage, a Lock N Roll articulating hitch, and six 2-inch SIDE Receivers.
The 45-degree, HD 3,500-pound de-rated torsion axles and 10-inch electric brakes are a nice touch as well!
But more than all the great features and excellent price, TC Teardrops is a family-owned company. TC stands for Todd and Carol, the company founders, whom I had the chance to chat with and get to know a little bit.
What’s so striking about Todd and Carol is that you can tell they love what they do – and want to give you the very best product so you can enjoy the great outdoors.
They are so passionate about overlanding, camping, and other outdoor activities that you can’t help but want to grab your gear and go adventuring right then and there!
And if you’ve read any of my articles here on 4WDTalk before, you probably know that I’m a huge proponent of recommending American-made products. TC Teardrops fit the bill!
These trailers are made right here in the U.S. and provide good jobs for Americans. At the end of the day, you get a fantastic trailer while helping a U.S.-based company contribute to our economy. What’s not to like about that?!
Learn more about TC Teardrops ORE Offroad Expedition Trailer
Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
When you’re looking for a capable off-road teardrop trailer, you want something that’s tried and tested in the toughest environments.
That’s exactly what you get with the Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper.
Based in Reno, Nevada, Sunnyside Offroad has an abundance of wilderness in which to put its trailers to the test. Those off-road exploits are evidenced in the design and build of the Boony Stomper teardrop trailer.
For example, the suspension on this trailer is engineered to handle the roughest terrain. But Sunnyside Offroad goes beyond that and takes their trailers into the wild to test their designs and the quality of engineering.
What you get as a result is an ultra-lightweight trailer that can go farther than most teardrops on the market. In fact, with a dry weight of just 670 pounds with a tongue weight of 100 pounds, this trailer can easily be towed by a UTV. Now that’s how to get off-road!
Heck, if you have a small SUV, the 670-pound dry weight of the Boony Stomper will be nothing for it to tow. And if you’ve transitioned to driving an electric vehicle, the small size and weight of this trailer will have far less of an impact on your vehicle’s range.
Add the fact that the Boony Stomper has a custom fabricated, long travel independent trailing arm suspension with adjusting shocks, and you have a recipe for one hell of an off-road capable rig.
Inside, you’ll enjoy a finished cabin with cabinets that have self-latching doors, a linoleum floor, and carpeted walls with a carpeted headboard. There’s room for two people on the full-size bed, so you and your best adventure buddy can have a comfortable stay on your off-road exploits.
The exterior of the trailer is all business. It has a 2×2 steel frame, a Class-4 locking ball coupler, and DOT LED lights with running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. The 4-pin plug even has internal frame wiring to provide added protection from damage when navigating off-road trails.
At 119 inches from the tongue to the rear bumper and 74 inches at its widest point, this trailer is ideally sized for tough trails that have minimal clearances. Yet, Sunnyside Offroad has built it to be more than a utilitarian box. Instead, you get a capable off-road trailer with plenty of creature comforts that will make your adventures in the wild all the better.
I also appreciate that Sunnyside Offroad is a family-owned business. The company is based in Reno, Nevada, and its trailers are 100 percent made in the USA.
Perhaps even better is that this trailer starts at just $10,250, and the timeline to have one built is about 6-8 weeks. That price point is virtually unheard of, and the short timeline means you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on one of the best off-road teardrops on the market!
Learn more about the Sunnyside Offroad Boony Stomper
BADAC Adventure Co SD-10
When you think of an off-road teardrop trailer, the first thing that comes to mind is likely what the trailer rides on – the suspension, tires, and so forth. In the case of the SD-10 by BADAC Adventure Co, the trailer is ready for anything with a heavy-duty 3,500-pound axle, 17” black wheels with all-terrain radial tires, and an overbuilt and reinforced tube steel frame.
But BADAC Adventure Co takes it a step further by adding an industrial-strength powder coating that ensures this bulletproof chassis gives you years and years of durable service with less worry about corrosion or rust.
But the SD-10 isn’t just a beefy off-road machine…
One of the best features of this rig is the beautifully designed baltic birch cabin. You get a full extra-large sleeping area, big bulkhead storage compartments for your gear, and LED lighting throughout.
Likewise, BADAC Adventure Co includes a 12V accessory outlet, a four-speed MaxxFan to keep the fresh air flowing, and a fully insulated ceiling and floor to keep the cabin a comfortable temperature whether you’re camping in March, July, or November.
While we’re at it, it’s worth mentioning that the SD-10 comes standard with a locking gear storage compartment with heavy-duty fridge slide and a 100ah lithium battery with a charger and a shore power port. In other words, this trailer is off-road-ready and brings a slew of features to the party to make you comfortable, too. Nice!
Speaking of parties, if you want to host a little campground get-together, the SD-10’s galley gives you the space to get things cookin’. The stainless steel countertop offers a nice prep area, while the big overhead pantry cabinets give you all the room you need for foodstuffs and cookery.
The galley also features dual-color LED lighting, a magnetic knife holder, a paper towel holder, and a 30×12” under-counter drawer for your utensils. All this is enclosed under a water-tight galley lid, so you don’t have to worry about your chips and queso getting soggy!
Underneath it all is baltic birch plywood construction that’s lightweight yet stiff and strong enough to withstand your off-road teardrop trailer adventures. Adding durability is a Bullyliner exterior coating on the entirety of the trailer.
Other features include LED porch lights for illuminating camp, a custom heavy-duty roof rack for hauling extra gear, and dual 26×36” insulated doors with tinted glass and screened windows.
At 80″ W x 76″ H x 168″ L, this trailer is big enough for all your camping needs yet small enough to offer the extreme maneuverability and easy towing you demand from an off-road teardrop trailer.
BADAC Adventure Co was borne out of a love for the outdoors – and it shows. This family-owned Oklahoma-based company has developed the SD-10 with an attention to detail you don’t always find. What’s more, the standard SD-10 package comes with everything you need to immediately hit the road and enjoy the great outdoors.
With loads of available add-ons, from awnings to a cooking stove to an integrated solar panel (and more!), you can truly customize this trailer to meet your specific needs. That’s just what you want from one of the best off-road teardrop trailers on the market!
Learn more about the BADAC Adventure Co SD-10
TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
One of the things I find so interesting about the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is that it’s unlike any other off-road teardrop I’ve ever seen. That’s saying something because I’ve spent a lot of time over the years reviewing trailers.
Aside from the impeccable craftsmanship of this trailer, what truly stands out is the open design that makes the trailer seem like it has a much larger cabin than it actually does…
As you can see above, the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth has a huge side door that opens the cabin to the outdoors. Not only is this an ideal way of loading and unloading your gear, but as you can see above, it gives you unfettered access to the landscape around you.
Rather than being cooped up in a small cabin with one or two small doors, you can enjoy the great outdoors from the spacious cabin in the TigerMoth. Pop the side hatch open, get some fresh air and enjoy the view without worrying about getting drenched in a rainstorm.
Complementing the unique side hatch is a cabin space that offers loads of functionality and utility.
For example, there’s 12 cubic feet of storage space under the bed to keep all your gear neatly organized and out of the way – yet still easily accessible. Speaking of the bed, it accommodates two adults, and when you’re not sleeping, the bed converts into a lounge area, complete with a cafe table.
This kind of modularity isn’t rare in the trailer industry, but the way it’s applied here – with that huge side hatch – isn’t something I’ve seen before. It’s an ingenious design that makes you feel like you’re in a trailer twice the size without all that extra weight to tow!
But it isn’t just the side hatch and interior space that makes the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth a worthy addition to our list of 2022’s best off-road teardrops…
This trailer has a well-equipped slide-out kitchen that boasts plenty of counter space, a portable sink, and a two-burner stove. You even get storage space for your utensils and a cutting board for meal prep!
Likewise, you can add all sorts of amenities to the trailer that make it even more functional for your needs. Options range from additional exterior storage to a roof rack to a 3-person rooftop tent so you can bring your friends and family along on your adventures.
Other options include air conditioning, a five-pound propane tank with mount, and a soft goods package that comes with a Thule Tepui six-foot awning with a mosquito room and a mesh screen door for the side and rear of the trailer.
In other words, the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth is your ticket to adventures far and wide. With a dry weight of just over 1,300 pounds and a length of less than 13 feet, this trailer is compact enough for tight off-road trails, but its standard and optional features make it a comfortable option for camping on or off-grid!
Learn more about the TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
Sniper X.9
One of the first things you notice about the Sniper X.9 is its size. This trailer is small (just 13’2” in overall length and six feet wide), but the term “small but mighty” definitely applies here because this trailer is stuffed with incredible features.
Let’s start with the exterior of the trailer. The X.9 looks the part of a utilitarian off-road trailer. It has a stainless steel slide-out kitchen with a two-burner propane stove that’s protected by a huge 18′ x 6′ awning. You also get a built-in shower enclosure for those days that you come back from riding trails and are covered with dirt and mud.
The X.9 has other awesome exterior features as well – dual food-grade water tanks, large mesh stone deflectors that protect the trailer from rock chips, and a high-tensile galvanized steel chassis, to name a few.
Speaking of the chassis, you’ll also find a CruiseMaster CRS coil suspension with off-road shocks, 10″ electric brakes, and 16″x7″ off-road wheels with 33″ tires. You can add a full-size spare tire, an XO 750 tongue jack, and a McHitch 360-degree trailer coupling on the trailer as well. That’s not a bad set of exterior features!
Inside, you’ll find a cabin that has loads of space thanks to the pop-up roof. You can enjoy a queen-sized bed, bedside windows with insect screens and blinds, and canvas and mesh upper windows that allow additional light into the interior.
You also get a fold-up table with seating for two people, generous storage space, and touch-controlled LED lighting. There are bedside LED nightlights and USB ports, 12-volt power outlets, and you can even add heat and air conditioning if you like!
One of the nice touches that Sniper has added to the X.9 is the marine dust seals on the roof. These seals do an incredible job of keeping dust out when you’re traveling on dirt roads. And those rough roads inspired the fiberglass-reinforced composite walls and the aluminum subfloor of the X.9 as well.
You won’t lack power while you’re on your off-road adventures, either. The X.9 has a 200-watt roof-mounted solar panel that’s paired with a 100-hour lithium battery. There’s also a REDARC Manager 30 battery management system for good measure. The Manager 30 takes the worry out of monitoring the trailer’s electrical system, that way you can focus on having a fun trip instead of constantly worrying about battery power.
At the end of the day, the Sniper X.9 is full of surprises. Looking at the trailer in closed form, you can’t help but think that it’s a little tin can. But this trailer is far from that – it has feature after feature that makes it one of the very best off-road teardrop trailers on the market today.
If you want a compact, lightweight trailer that you can tow with a small truck or SUV while also having tons of amenities to make your trips more comfortable, the Sniper X.9 should be on your list!
Learn more about the Sniper X.9
Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
When I was at Overland West earlier this year, I saw a lot of awesome trailers. There are many innovative companies in this industry, and it’s always interesting to see how folks design and build trailers for outdoor adventures.
But there were a few companies that really stood out among the crowd, one of which was Zion Off-Road.
Their Base Trailer is simply a genius concept – they build the foundation of the trailer, incorporate a modular system for adding accessories, and you get to decide what accessories you add, when you add them, and where you add them.
It’s like getting a custom-built trailer, except the price starts at just $12,500!
Let’s dive into the Base Trailer’s specs and features.
As you can see below, this trailer has two doors, both of which feature tinted, sliding windows with bug screens. Both side doors are 24 x 34 inches and are lockable, as is the rear galley door which measures 45.75 x 38 inches.
Speaking of the galley, it offers loads of space for storage. The top shelf is nearly 1.5 feet deep and 50 inches wide, so there’s plenty of room for storing essential items.
At the bottom of the galley are a battery compartment (at left) and a cooler compartment (at right).
As noted earlier, the Base Trailer gives you the ability to choose accessories that best fit your needs. You can mount most accessories where you like because Zion Off-Road incorporated bolt patterns and T-tracks into the frame. So, add a Rotopax mount here, a jack mount there, and expand the functionality of the trailer with other accessories like:
- A front-mounted tongue box
- A front accessory system
- A roof rail system (shown above)
- A propane tank holder
- Off-road wheel wells
- An electrical box with a dual battery solar charger, a 1000-watt inverter, a battery shutoff switch, and additional fuses (battery is not included)
And that’s just a sampling of the accessories you can select!
Inside, you’ll find a comfortable cabin with LED lighting, multiple power points, and a 3-speed RV vent and fan.
As you can see above, the 75 x 58.5 x 43.5 cabin gives you room for a nice sleeping area, and with built-in shelving on the rear wall, you have a place to keep your essentials within easy reach.
With exterior dimensions of 155.25 inches long, 85.5 inches wide, and 82 inches high with a total weight of 1,380 pounds, this off-road teardrop trailer is perfectly sized for pulling on tough off-road trails with any number of vehicle types.
And the trailer can handle those challenging trails with ease thanks to a 3,500-pound axle and leaf springs, 27.1-inch tires, and 12 inches of axle clearance (you get 17.25-inches of frame clearance as well).
I think you can see why I am so impressed with Zion Off-Road. They have truly developed a product unlike anything else on the market.
As a bonus, Zion Off-Road is a family-owned company based in Utah, so they have an endless supply of incredible landscapes where they can design and develop highly capable trailers – and it shows in their Base Trailer model!
Learn more about the Zion Off-Road Base Trailer
Aero Teardrops
One of the best things about owning a teardrop trailer is that they’re compact and lightweight, which makes them incredibly easy to tow. You can hit the road in your car or SUV, tow your trailer behind you, and do so without needing a giant truck and taking a huge hit to your fuel economy.
The problem with some teardrops, though, is that they’re not much more than a tin can on wheels. And while some folks don’t need much more than that, it’s nice to have some amenities while you’re camping. That’s where Aero Teardrops comes in…
This family-owned company got its start back in 2015 on a camping trip. The goal? To provide affordable, beautifully made teardrops with robust standard features and extensive customization options. Borne out of that are two superb teardrop models: The Steel and the Burnside. Let’s have a look at the Steel first.
This 5×10 teardrop comes loaded inside and out with standard features that make it a fantastic out-of-the-box option for your camping needs. Inside, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with storage galore, a queen-size bed, and a stargazer window to catch the night sky’s view as you snuggle in for the night.
The cabin has many other features, too – doors with screens, cup holders, and phone shelves with USB ports. You’ll find a Fan-tastic fan, reading lights, and a complete RV power center, too. You can choose to add any number of options as well, including an interior table, window curtains, and a bunk for added sleeping space.
Outside, the Steel continues with the theme of having loads of standard features. The clear anodized aluminum siding gives the trailer a classic look, while the 3,500-pound Timbren axle-less suspension makes the trailer capable of more than just on-road travel. There’s a 12-volt deep-cycle battery, a 7-way trailer connector, and an under-mounted steel tire, among many other standard features.
You can customize the Steel with a variety of exterior options – powder-coated sides, rock sliders, and a rooftop tent, to name but three!
The Steel even comes with a rear galley with tons of storage, a nicely-sized countertop, 12-volt and 120-volt power, and a water jug. Of course, you can add many options to this area, too, including a cooler drawer, side tables, and a Bluetooth stereo with four speakers.
If you want something a little different, though, the squaredrop Burnside is a great option.
This trailer is 14 feet long like the Steel, but instead of the traditional curved rear galley, the Burnside has a square back with the galley hiding behind two large doors.
Inside, you’ll find a cabin that’s quintessentially Aero Teardrops – there’s storage cabinetry and additional storage space in the floor, a queen-size mattress, and a vent fan for circulating the air. Doors with window screens, 120-volt and 12-volt plugs, and reading lights are further standard features.
As with the Steel, the Burnside benefits from various interior options like an interior table, a Propex heater, and a bunk option for the kiddos.
The exterior of the Burnside features a diamond plate rock guard, a clear anodized white powder-coated roof, and beefy Jeep-style fenders. There’s a 12-volt 80Ah deep-cycle battery, a 3,500-pound Timbren axle-less suspension, and American Racing Baja 235/75R15 tires, too.
You can choose to add anything from a tongue basket to a solar system to a rooftop tent, if you like. That’s just the start of the exterior options, though! Aero Teardrops also offers:
- Premium off-road wheels
- Rock sliders
- Powder-coated sides
- Roof basket
- 270-degree awning
The aforementioned galley comes standard with LED lights, 120-volt and 120-volt power, and modern cabinetry with an upper shelf. You can add a cooler drawer, a stove with drawer, and a water jug pull-out if you like. Additional galley options include a stainless steel countertop, a side-mounted propane tank, and a two-drawer stack for additional storage. Click here to view the full list of standard and optional features.
In other words, the Burnside and the Steel are loaded up with standard and optional features that enable you to tackle your outdoor adventures in style. Though these trailers are compact, Aero Teardrops has wrested every bit of space to make both models as comfortable and functional as possible.
If you’re ready to hit the road and want to upgrade your camping experience, the Steel or the Burnside should be on your list of the best teardrop options!
Learn more about Aero Teardrops
HYK Outdoors
HYK Outdoors Trailrunner
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that being in nature is good for the mind, body, and the soul. But being outdoors doesn’t mean that you have to rough it. It doesn’t mean that you have to spend your life savings on a trailer or an RV, either…
That’s where HYK Outdoors comes in. This Missouri-based company makes handcrafted teardrop trailers that are at the intersection of comfort, off-road ruggedness, and affordability – three things that make these trailers worthy of a repeat appearance on our best teardrops list after debuting on our 2021 list last year.
HYK Outdoors Trailback
HYK’s mantra is “Convenient. Comfortable. Camping.” So, how do they pull that off?
It starts with offering multiple teardrop models that you can take off-road to explore rugged terrain. You can choose from two 8-foot models – the Trailrunner or Trailback – or the Summit 10-foot model, all of which start at under $20,000. In each case, these trailers ride on a chassis that’s ready for the tough stuff with features like:
- 2.5 x 2.5-inch welded steel frame with black powder-coated finish
- Timbren 3500-pound HD axle
- Off-road rhino-lined steel fenders
- 265/75R16 tires
- Two-inch receiver coupler
- Two-inch rear hitch
- 14 inches of ground clearance
HYK Outdoors Summit
In addition to those rugged off-road features, these off-road trailers also come with a two-bar roof rack mount that’s ideal for a rooftop tent or additional gear storage. The 6.5-foot Ironman 4×4 awning gives you protected living space while the two porch lights illuminate camp after dark.
These trailers also feature two 26 x 36-inch doors, each with vented windows and rain guards to let fresh air into the cabin, even in inclement weather. The dual interior-exterior cabin air vents assist in that as well.
HYK Outdoors Trailrunner
In back is a well-appointed galley with upper cabinets with sliding doors, a lower storage area, and a laminate countertop. The galley also has 110v power, a USB power outlet, and two hydraulic gas struts to keep the galley door up and out of the way as you cook. You can add options like a 30-liter fridge, a fridge slide, a stove, and a stove slide to the mix as well.
HYK Outdoors Summit
Inside, you get a 57 x 75-inch sleeping area (with the option to upgrade to a 57 x 80-inch sleeping area in the Summit trailer), a MaxxAir 4-speed fan, and two reading lights with ambient mode. There’s also USB outlets, a 12v power outlet, and a 110v power outlet.
HYK Outdoors Trailback
Additionally, these trailers have loads of storage that keeps your gear organized and out of your way. There’s two corner shelves, two cabinets with doors, and a center storage console inside, and outside you can keep your gear on the aforementioned roof rack or in the storage basket on the front of the trailer.
Add in a 100Ah deep cell marine battery (with the option to upgrade to a 120Ah battery), a shore power point, and a battery charger, and you have the makings of three fantastic trailers that offer you comfortable, convenient camping on and off-grid!
Second Wind Trailers
When some folks look at a teardrop trailer, they probably see a little tin can on wheels. And, honestly, some teardrop trailers aren’t much more than that!
But other teardrop trailers have an incredible level of detail, functionality, and luxury that make them an ideal companion for your overlanding adventures. And when it comes to conversation pieces – there are not many other trailers around that can compete with this line up. Each one of these works of art begs to be admired and explored.
The stable of models from Second Wind Trailers certainly fits into the “incredible level of detail” category…
First, a little context. Second Wind Trailers is a family-owned business that makes these trailers right here in the USA. Not only are they made in the USA, but these trailers are painstakingly handbuilt to extraordinarily high standards. With three sons in the family, it’s not likely to change anytime soon. With the limited lifetime warranty on all work you can rest assured it’s going to last you for a good long time.
The current lineup of models, dubbed “Freedom,” is designed to give you just that – the ability to be free and explore, yet do so with a level of comfort and refinement that you don’t often find in a teardrop trailer.
I don’t know about you, but I love a good teardrop trailer, not just for the possibilities they provide for quick getaways from the grind, but also because of the way they look. Second Wind Trailers has taken it up a notch with a military/aviation-inspired design that I think is absolutely beautiful (of course, I’m a veteran and a pilot, so why wouldn’t I like it?!).
The Freedom lineup of trailers isn’t just a pretty face, though. There’s an incredible array of features and amenities that make it a top choice for your off-road teardrop needs for 2022.
For example, each Freedom trailer has fully insulated walls and an insulated ceiling to make the cabin a comfortable place to relax, no matter what the weather is like outside.
You’ll find beautiful birch cabinets that offer plenty of storage, and the natural finish offers a level of elegance to the cabin that makes it feel warm and cozy like, well, a cabin!
You can charge your devices using one of two USB charging stations in the cabin (there are two more in the galley) as you relax on the full-size memory foam mattress under the LED lighting that offers RGB colors to suit your particular mood. The lighting runs off a deep-cycle RV 12-volt battery system that’s fed by a 100-watt solar panel with a 10-amp charger.
Other interior amenities include a three-speed high-flow top fan and dual side doors with 12×22-inch screened windows to let fresh air in while keeping bugs out.
The exterior of the trailer continues the theme of handbuilt perfection. The welded, weather-resistant trailer frame supports a weather-resistant sealed undercarriage and an aluminum roof and sides. The trailer rides on 14-inch radial tires and offers 12-14 inches of ground clearance.
There’s two rear stabilizing jacks and a front trailer jack support to help stabilize the trailer for a good night’s rest. And when you’re ready to cook, you can get organized in the galley that features LED lighting, a resin countertop, and the aforementioned USB charging ports. Add an optional refrigerator to the galley if you wish, or for an even more robust galley, you can upgrade to the Freedom EX or Freedom MAX models and get the following goodies:
- Fridge/cooler
- Sink
- Water supply pump
- 10-gallon onboard water storage
- 115-volt plug in the galley (plus two more in the cabin)
Likewise, the Freedom EX and MAX models offer upgrades like a Renogy 2000-watt inverter, standard RV electric and water hookups, and a large off-road tire and wheel package, among other features.
With four distinct Freedom models, all of which are handbuilt to your specifications, Second Wind Trailers has a trailer for every need. And with a starting price of $17,400, there’s a Freedom Trailer for every budget, too. Whether you stick to paved roads and RV parks or enjoy getting off-grid and into the wilderness, a Freedom trailer will suit you just fine!
Learn more about Second Wind Trailers
Valiant Expedition Trailers
The 2022 camping season offers loads of possibilities regarding where to camp and explore. Likewise, there are tons of options for the off-road teardrop trailer you choose for your adventures.
Obviously, the trailers we’ve listed in this guide fit the bill for being adventure-ready, off-grid capable rigs that make your trips all the better. Valiant Expedition Trailers certainly has a lineup of teardrops that take the idea of “off-grid-ready” to an entirely other level.
The Valiant XTD is a 2,100-pound (dry weight) teardrop that’s 176.5 inches long, 86 inches wide, and 89 inches tall (at the top of the cargo rack). That makes it big enough to pack a lot of features, but not so big that it makes off-road travel difficult.
In fact, the XTD is purpose-built for handling tough trails. It has a full powder-coated body and frame, a 3,500-pound Timbren HD independent axle-less suspension system, Dexter hubs with Timken bearings, and powder-coated steel wheels wrapped in 31-inch all-terrain tires. Adventure ready? You bet!
The base features of the XTD are definitely impressive, too. Inside, you get an insulated cab that accommodates a queen-size mattress and has tons of storage. Outside, you’ll find single-panel plates on top and bottom, plus single-piece exterior wall panels – all of which are made of lightweight, yet durable aluminum. Underneath is 1.5-inch R-tech insulation.
There are plenty of other base options as well, but what really makes the 2022 XTD shine are the optional packages. Get a load of this:
- The Weekender Package includes LED lighting, a galley with storage and a butcher block counter, and a Tern Overland Wildlands door on the driver’s side. Additionally, you get an electrical system with 110VAC and 12V power.
- The Adventure Package offers everything from the Weekender but upgrades the galley with a three-burner stove and a fridge/freezer. Add solar inputs, a furnace, a Maxxfan, and a solar shower system to the mix as well.
- The Expedition Package features everything in the Adventure in addition to a deluxe galley with a sink, hot and cold water, and under-counter storage. An upgraded shower box, custom fridge/freezer slide on the trailer’s tongue, and a 190W solar power system are added, too.
But I think my favorite option from Valiant this year is the Armageddon Package…
As you can guess from the name, this trailer is outfitted for seriously treacherous conditions and long-term self-sufficiency. For example, in addition to the furnace that’s available in the Adventure and Expedition Packages, the Armageddon includes a miniature wood-burning stove inside the cabin to provide warmth in case your propane runs out.
The Armageddon Package also includes a high-output ARB compressor in the galley in case you have a tire running low.
Additional features include:
- 100 Ah deep-cycle self-warming lithium batteries
- Two 200W solar panels
- A 2000W AC power inverter
- 24-gallon water tank
- Wilco Offroad spare tire swing arm (which also includes a drop-down table)
- Secondary 11-pound propane bottle and mount
As if that’s not enough, you also get two four-gallon Rotopax for extra fuel, a ROAM gear box on the passenger wall with a Molle panel for gear or rifle storage, and an OVS shower enclosure.
All this rides on an upgraded structure that includes a reinforced frame and a 5,200-pound Timbren axle that gives you an extra 2,600 pounds of payload capacity. Needless to say, that’s one impressive teardrop trailer!
But impressive is what you should expect from Valiant. These folks have cut their teeth living in Alaska, so they have an intimate understanding of what you need to survive in the harshest conditions for extended periods of time. Their trailers reflect that!
From a build quality standpoint, an innovation standpoint, and a ruggedness standpoint, there’s just not many off-road teardrops that rise to the level of the Valiant XTD!
Learn more about Valiant Expedition Trailers
American Teardrop
When shopping for a teardrop trailer, you often find that the selection from some brands is a bit thin. There might be one or two models or perhaps several trim levels, but, ultimately, you’re kind of stuck with a particular setup.
Now, if that setup is exactly what you want, there’s no problem! But, for most of us, having a nice range of models, packages, and options is essential for getting a trailer that fits our specific needs.
American Teardrop certainly gives you those options…
Let’s say you want a simple teardrop that’s ultralight, nimble, and budget-friendly. American Teardrop accommodates with two options: the ATD Osprey, which is less than 800 pounds and starts at just $6,000, and the ATD Falcon, which tips the scales at around 900 pounds and starts at $9,500.
Or perhaps you want a larger teardrop that has a queen-sized bed and a little more cabin space yet is still very lightweight at around 1,000 pounds. In that case, the ATD Merlin or ATD Eagle are right up your alley.
American Teardrop also offers larger units for extended adventures. The ATD Harrier, for example, is a 6×10 trailer that features an extra-wide galley, a California king bed, and storage galore, all starting at $13,500.
Or, if you have toys you want to bring, the toy hauler option adds a front deck on the ATD Harrier so you can bring your bikes, motorcycle, or ATV along for the ride. With a starting price of $15,500, even the biggest American Teardrop is still extremely budget-friendly!
But what sets American Teardrop apart from the competition isn’t just the sheer number of available models. You can also choose from various add-on packages to customize your teardrop even more.
For example, you can add the Off-Road Package to any of the American Teardrop models.
This package includes a three-inch lift, 235 75R15 off-road tires, and steel rims. Off-road trailers are also fitted with Brite Plate aluminum fenders, which are available in round or square with a step to make accessing the optional dual roof rack easier.
Additionally, the heavy-duty frame and skid plates that come with the off-road package ensure the trailer can take the abuse of tough trails.
Other packages are available, too. You can choose from the Classic, Deluxe, and Convenience packages, which offer an array of features:
- Classic – 6-inch mattress, ice chest slide-out, diamond plate sliding doors, 100-watt LT solar charger, tongue box, and much more.
- Deluxe – white aluminum exterior with your choice of adventure graphics, built-in stove, power LT fan, 12-volt/110-volt electric, and much more.
- Convenience – 6-inch mattress, deep cycle battery in tongue box, 12-volt/110-volt electric, and much more.
Like I said, American Teardrop is all about giving you choices!
When you invest in an off-road teardrop, you want something that has the features you need and want. But you also want something that’s well-designed, durably built, and backed by a long-standing reputation of quality. With American Teardrop, that’s exactly what you get!
These folks have been in business for over two decades, so they know how to design and build a trailer that offers comfort, convenience, and the freedom to explore. With budget-friendly models up and down the lineup, American Teardrop will help you hit the open road without breaking the bank.
Learn more about American Teardrop
Sparks Overland Madcap
When you’re looking for a teardrop trailer, you want something that has a small footprint yet offers tons of amenities and options.
Likewise, when you’re looking for the best off-road teardrop, the trailer needs to have the off-roading goodies that enable you to get way off-grid and enjoy the wilderness.
The Sparks Overland Madcap ticks all these boxes, and more!
For starters, this trailer weighs less than 2,500 pounds, so if you have a small SUV or even a Subaru, you can pull this trailer just fine.
Yet, despite its small footprint and small weight, this trailer can sleep up to six people. You and your family or friends can enjoy heating, air conditioning, four benches, and a dining table inside.
If you want to hang out and watch TV, there’s an LCD TV with Bluetooth and stereo speakers. Or, if everyone is tired from the day’s adventures, you can hit the sack. The table folds into a guest sleeping area, and above is the primary sleeping area, complete with a king-size bed.
Other amenities include:
- 35-gallon stainless steel water tank
- 20-gallon stainless steel gray water tank
- Outside shower room and toilet
- Slide-out kitchen with two-burner stove, sink, and refrigerator
Better still, there’s a 270-degree free-standing awning so you can enjoy the great outdoors but remain protected from sun and rain. The awning covers an enormous 150 square feet, so you’ve got plenty of room for hanging out, eating meals, and playing games.
As I mentioned before, this trailer is ready for the trail. It comes with an independent axle-less suspension, 24 inches of ground clearance, and a Max Coupler hitch. The trailer also comes with 10-inch off-road electric brakes, a one-piece hot-dipped galvanized chassis, and three 265/75 R 16 off-road tires with aluminum alloy rims.
In addition to all that, this trailer is super simple to pack up and hit the road. Just pull down the roof, tuck the awning away, zip it up, and you’re ready to rock!
In other words, this trailer has it all – amenities galore, space for you and your friends, off-road prowess, and it’s easy to set up. What more could you want?!
Learn more about the Sparks Overland Madcap
Best Off-Road Teardrop Trailers: Escapod TOPO2
The Escapod TOPO2 made an appearance on our list last year, and it’s back again on our 2022 list of the best off-road teardrop trailers – and for good reason.
The construction of this trailer alone is merit enough to be on our 2022 list. It’s built from a single-piece fiberglass shell. This means the trailer is supremely durable, lightweight, and there’s no concern about wood that molds or rots.
And because it has a PET core made from recycled milk cartons, this trailer is extremely rigid and stiff – just what you want for tackling those tough off-roading trails!
But it isn’t just the shell of the TOPO2 that’s impressive…
Supporting it is a laser-cut 2 x 1-inch hot-dip galvanized tube steel frame. The shell bolts directly to the frame to give the trailer an even greater level of structural stiffness.
The trailer also comes equipped with a proprietary shock-in-spring Freeride Suspension System, which means this trailer can hit off-road trails that other trailers simply cannot handle.
This trailer isn’t just about business, though…
In back is a well-appointed galley kitchen that gives you all the tools you need to make home-cooked meals in the wilderness.
It has a Ruvati sink, an ENO two-burner stove, knife and spice storage, and a spot for a 75L YETI cooler or an ARB 63-quart fridge/freezer combo.
The luxurious amenities continue inside the TOPO2.
The five-foot-wide stargazer window lets in tons of natural light and the LED lighting system ensures you have a bright space to relax.
There’s a true queen-sized 6-inch memory foam mattress where you can rest your weary head at night. As you can see below, there’s no lack of storage space, either!
This trailer offers 42.5 inches of headroom and two entry doors, both of which offer a heated mudroom space.
Other amenities include a 100AH lithium battery and a 140W integrated solar panel. There’s USB charging ports for juicing up your gadgets, a 21-gallon water tank, a MaxxAir exhaust fan, and a forced-air heating system, too.
On top of all that, these trailers are designed and built here in the U.S. – in Utah, in fact – by a family-run business.
As with the other companies on this list, the folks behind the TOPO2 are true outdoor enthusiasts that truly care about your overloading and off-roading experiences. In the TOPO2, you’re sure to have the time of your life while you’re off-grid!
Learn more about the Escapod TOPO2
So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
What’s so impressive about the So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS is that it’s built from the ground up for tough off-road trails.
For example, the 510 XS has a two-inch by three-inch .120 wall steel tubing frame that’s on top of Old Man Emu leaf springs and a 3,500-pound axle with 10-inch electric brakes. Additionally, the trailer boasts 9-way adjustable Rancho RS9000XL shocks. Not bad, right?
But there’s more! This trailer comes with hubs to match your vehicle’s wheels and tires, in addition to a reinforced rib system that helps counteract flex and other forces that you encounter on difficult trails.
As one of the first companies in the off-road teardrop market, So-Cal Trailers’ expertise certainly shows in the design and build of this trailer.
This isn’t just a utilitarian rig, though…
Inside is a cabin with a full-size four-inch-thick mattress, loads of storage for your gear, and an AM/FM/CD stereo for entertainment.
You’ll also find lots of interior lighting, a USB port, and a 12V outlet for powering your electronics.
In the rear galley, you get a two-burner propane stove that’s smartly mounted in a sliding drawer to save space. There’s a nested sliding utensil drawer as well.
The power system includes a group-24 Interstate deep-cycle battery with an onboard three-stage marine charger. The trailer also has shore power hookups.
In other words, this trailer has everything you need from moment one to hit the trails. Just bring some food and drinks, some bedding and clothing, and you’ll be all set!
And since each trailer is built specifically for each client, you can work with So-Cal Trailers to customize your 510 XS to fit your specific needs. Now that’s how to get an off-road teardrop trailer!
Learn more about the So-Cal Teardrops 510 XS
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