In recent years, the off-road and expedition trailer build market has exploded with all kinds of options. Trailers big and small with varying levels of capabilities and price points are available for overlanders and off-roaders with different needs for amenities, features, and capabilities. That’s a good thing!
But not all expedition trailer builds are alike…
So, what should you look for in an ideal expedition trailer build? I think I’ve found it…
The Offtrax Feenix ticks all the boxes as far as I’m concerned. It has off-road pedigree, rugged build quality, and smart designs that make it a functional and comfortable trailer for expeditions of all sorts.
Don’t take my word for it, though. Let’s take a detailed look at the Offtrax Feenix and explore why it’s one of the best expedition trailer builds on the market.
Table of Contents
- Offtrax Feenix Chassis, Suspension, and Body
- Offtrax Feenix Mechanicals
- This Trailer Has a Great Kitchen (and Lots of Storage, Too)
- What About Options?
- Recommended Overlanding Gear
Expedition Trailer Build: Offtrax Feenix Chassis, Suspension, and Body
When talking about an expedition trailer build, one of the first things to examine is the foundation of the trailer – the suspension, chassis, and such.
You obviously want a trailer that can handle tough tracks and is built to withstand the rigors of constant use in difficult conditions. That’s what Offtrax Feenix delivers.
This trailer has a CruiseMaster XT 1.6-ton independent suspension with dual HD shocks. It’s also equipped with CruiseMaster 12-inch electric drum brakes (as opposed to the more common 10-inch brakes) which are rated to 2.5-tons.
Additionally, the Offtrax Feenix features:
- CruiseMaster Do25 off-road coupling with integrated hand brake
- 17″ Fuel Vapor black alloy wheels (139.7 PCD – “0” offset)
- 265/70R17 Nitto Trail Grappler MT tires
- Alko HD jockey wheel
- 2x Alko rear stabilizer legs
The trailer also comes with a heavy-duty chassis-mounted spare wheel swing arm with a wheel and tire to match.
The chassis and drawbar continue in the spirit of rugged build. It’s made of Australian BluScope Steel and is hot-dipped galvanized to offer supreme resistance to corrosion.
The continuous full-length design of the chassis and drawbar offers vastly improved strength that’s supplemented by the 100x100x6mm central beam that runs from the hitch point to the suspension. This helps prevent the drawbar from twisting while also accommodating tray-back SUVs with barn-style doors that need a longer drawbar.
Riding on this chassis and suspension is a body that’s made of 5005 3mm aluminum. The aluminum panels are laser cut and CNC bent to ensure a precise fit.
To assemble the body, Offtrax uses a variety of techniques, including automotive structural flexible adhesive, welding, rivets, and stainless steel bolts. The result of using these materials is a trailer that’s lightweight, flexible, and super strong.
For durability, the body is fully powder coated inside and out with an exterior UV stabilized Dulux powder. To prevent damage from rocks and debris, there’s an anodized, laser-cut stone protection aluminum checker plate.
In other words, from top to bottom, inside and out, the Offtrax Feenix is designed and built with tough off-roading adventures in mind.
Expedition Trailer Build: Offtrax Feenix Mechanicals
Of course, having an expedition trailer build requires more than just a rock-solid chassis, suspension, and body. You also need mechanical systems that support your expedition needs.
The Offtrax Feenix comes with dual 65-liter water tanks with plumbing that’s internal to the trailer to prevent damage on rough trails. Both tanks have a 150mm maintenance port to make cleaning a breeze.
Mated to the tanks are a Shurflo water pump, three water-grade quick-connects for the Joolca gas hot water system, and a shower hose.
The trailer also has two 4-kilogram gas bottle holders in a dedicated gas bottle locker. For added safety, the locker is vented.
As for the electrical system, the Offtrax Feenix includes one of the best battery management systems available – the REDARC RedVision Total Vehicle Management System.
I have this system in my rig, and it has completely changed how I’m able to charge and maintain my batteries. It’s easy to install, intuitive to use, and superbly functional. You can control interior lighting, exterior lighting, and power sources right from your smartphone.
The electrical system includes 10 output circuits, a 15-amp 110V input plug, three 12V sockets, and two dual 2.5-amp USB inputs. There are Anderson plugs for charging batteries and an Anderson plug output as well. If you add the optional rooftop tent to the package, power runs to the tent via an Anderson plug and is wired into the REDARC RedVision.
On top of that, Offtrax Feenix throws in the ALP 1000-watt propane generator for added off-grid power. I happen to have two of these generators and have been utterly impressed with their ease of use, power output, and quiet operation. They’re small and easily portable to boot!
Expedition Trailer Build: This Trailer Has a Great Kitchen (and Lots of Storage, Too)
One of the most important components of an expedition trailer build is the kitchen. After all, you need to be able to refuel your body after a long day on the trail!
The Offtrax Feenix doesn’t disappoint with a slide-out kitchen that features:
- Two-burner stove
- Weber Q1000 grill
- Stainless steel drop-in sink with hot water plumbing, a glass lid for extra prep space, and an integrated swing-up/fold-down tap
- Large Rimex benchtop
- Fridge slide
- Two pantry drawers
- Weber under-slide bench
- Weber storage slide with tie-down point
In addition to a fully-featured kitchen, the engineers at Offtrax managed to squeeze an incredible amount of storage into this trailer.
In fact, there are nine storage compartments that offer a combined 2,500 liters of storage space.
The rear storage area has full-extension drawers on heavy-duty locking slides for easy access. There’s also adjustable inserts to aid in customizing the compartment to help you keep your gear organized.
Two large storage bays are found on the driver’s side of the trailer. These compartments are ideal for storing large, bulky items, like camp chairs and tables. Up front is yet another storage area that’s perfect for flat items like solar panels.
When it comes to the design and layout of this trailer, you can see how it is well laid out for functionality and usability. There’s a spot to store each and every item you bring along – and those items will be neatly organized for the duration of your trip.
Expedition Trailer Build: What About Options?
Clearly, the Offtrax Feenix is loaded from the start with features and amenities that ensure you have everything you need for your adventures. But, Offtrax ensures you have the capability of adding even more features to customize your trailer to your specific needs.
For example, you can upgrade the standard Nitto Grapplers with 33-inch 285/70R17 MT tires. You can also opt for an upgraded electrical system that includes:
- Korr 200w solar mat w/ 5m extension
- Two lithium batteries
- Inverter
- Plug & play rock lights
- Undercarriage rock lights
- Pre-wired Anderson plug
- Three 10w floodlights
Other options include a 60-liter Luna dual-zone refrigerator and freezer, a stainless steel camping table with an under-drawer slide, and a DFG en-suite shower enclosure with an EEzi awn instant en-suite shower awning.
But, if you ask me, the best set of options are those that go on top of the trailer…
You can take your choices of several hard shell rooftop tents and awnings to extend the functionality of the tent to include sleeping and living space. Upgraded mattress options, lift brackets, racks, and roof bars round out the possible options you can add to your Offtrax Feenix.
So, I think it’s easy to see that the answer to our original question – is the Offtrax Feenix the ideal expedition trailer build – is a resounding yes. This bad boy is highly capable, beautifully designed, ruggedly built, and includes a laundry list of specs and features that will make your adventures fun and comfortable at the same time.
Head over to Expedition Trailers to learn more about this off-road beast!
Recommended Overlanding Gear