There’s a fast growing trend among outdoor enthusiasts to ditch conventional travel trailers for ones that are far more compact and built with suspensions and hitches designed for backcountry roads and Jeep trails. Even though off-road camper trailers are relatively small in overall size and weight, they are outfitted with everything one needs to be self-sufficient camping off-grid.

Undoubtedly, many readers of Off Road Xtreme may already have an expedition-style off-road trailer they use as their basecamp off some remote four-wheel-drive trails deep in the deserts, mountains, and other locations where the typical pavement-pounding RVers would never dare to tread.

But for those new to off-road camping, rest assured there’re lots of trailers built just for this type of use.

Off-road camping trailers vary greatly in looks, design and price. Their bodies ride on robust frames with raised suspensions and strong axles often fitted with tires and wheels the same size as the vehicle doing the towing. Bodies vary from the basic utility trailers to teardrops to tent trailers to hard-sided.

Pricing, like the vehicles that tow them, can be anywhere from under-$15K to more than $100,000 depending on make, model and features. This means there’s an off-grid camping trailer that fits nearly Off Road Xtreme reader’s budget.

It is also important to know that “options” can add upwards of $10,000 to the base (MSRP) price of many of the lower-priced off-road/expedition trailers. For example, adding a rooftop tent to an expedition-style, off-grid-camping trailer can easily add between $2,000-$4,000 to the base price of the trailer.

Whatever the body style, they all focus on maximizing the small space to carry everything from camp stoves to fuel to freshwater to provisions in a variety of slide-out, fold-out, pop-up compartments and configurations. Yet the majority of these off-grid camping trailers have a gross vehicle weight rating of 3,500 pounds or less, which makes them light enough to be towed by many of today’s cross-overs, small SUVs, and mid-size pickups.

The best off-grid camping trailers are the ones that feature accommodations for sleeping two or more people via a roof-top tent (RTT) or inside on a bed/mattress. Sleep-inside models often have an RTT as an option, which makes them quite “family” friendly.

Most of the lower-priced expedition/overlanding-style trailers have options such as awnings, lights, 12-volt refrigerators, higher capacity 12V battery systems, propane stoves, generators, solar power, hot-water heaters and external showers. Many of the larger, more expensive off-road camp trailers include a long list of convenience items as standard features along with an inside bathroom with shower, a large freshwater storage tank, and a nicely equipped exterior kitchen.

There’s no shortage of off-road camping trailers, either. Coast-to-coast there are several dozen manufacturers that offer such trailers along with a few of the larger, more expensive expedition-style camper trailers imported from Australia and South Africa.

(Note: Availability and pricing of all trailers at the time of this writing is subject to change related to the ongoing tariff situation as parts and accessories often come from overseas suppliers.)

Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers (BRX) X2 off-road camper trailer sleeps two and is designed to take on the remotest backroads in style and comfort.

Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers BRX2

North Carolina-based Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers (BRX) takes great pride in crafting one teardrop expedition-style trailer at a time. The BRX2 model is the most popular. It sleeps two and is designed to take on the remotest backroads in style and comfort. It is built atop a heavy-duty steel frame with 22 inches of clearance courtesy of rugged all-terrain tires and a Timbren axle-less suspension. It uses a Max Coupler multi-axis hitch with 360 degrees of rotation. Not only does the aluminum-bodied basecamp come with a Dometic heating and A/C system, but it also carries a 24-gallon undercarriage water tank, on-demand hot-water system, and slide-out cabinet for generator, and external plugs for both shore and solar power. In the rear is a galley with stainless steel counter and sink, wood cabinets and 55-liter Dometic cooler. The roof cargo rack is standard, as is LED lighting and 32-inch all-terrain tires (with spare) on Ultra 18-inch wheels.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 2,450 pounds
GVWR: 3,500 pounds
Length: 16.75 feet
Width: 7.0 feet
Height: 6.1 feet
Base MSRP: $30,350
Contact: Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers / www.brxtrailers.com

The TerraDrop Alpha from Oregon Trail’R has a very nice galley in the rear to handle everyday cooking needs on the trail.

Oregon Trail’R TerraDrop Alpha

Oregon Trail’R is a small family-run camper trailer builder in Eugene, Oregon, headed by brothers Jon and Sawyer Christianson. Of the three OT model off-grid campers, the TerraDrop Alpha (TDA) is the go-to for those with a passion for off-grid exploration and tow with a smaller vehicle. The interior and body are built from the finest quality marine-grade Baltic Birch using cabinetmaking and boat-building fabrication techniques. The exterior is covered with a special Rhino Lining that’s makes it more durable than those built with aluminum. The interior is warm and bright, with a comfortable queen-size mattress. Under the rear hatch is a full galley. It rides on a reinforced steel frame with a Timbren axle-less off-road suspension and all-terrain tires. OT also offers a wide range of options to outfit the TDA for each individual family camping needs including a RTT system.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 1,640 pounds
GVWR: 3,500 pounds
Length: 13.0 feet
Width: 6.5 feet
Height: 5.8 feet
Base MSRP: $32,500
Contact: Oregon Trail’R / www.oregontrailer.net

Schutt Industries XV-2 Deluxe Plus

Jim Schutt’s Wisconsin-based company, Schutt Industries, are masters at building durable, innovative trailers. So, it’s no surprise they have a big military contract building trailers. One model, the Xventure XV-2, has been “civilianized” to give off-road adventurer’s comfortable nights at a basecamp deep in the mountains, desert, or backcountry. The mid-level XV-2 Deluxe Plus package is the most popular model. It’s both rugged and well-equipped, and the aluminum frame is one of the strongest, lightest, and most durable of any trailer in its class carrying a 10-year warranty. This model is outfitted with on-demand hot-water system, external shower, roll-up hard tonneau cover, LED lighting, aluminum galley table with sink, and a torsion axle with 37-inch tires. Options abound, including the choice of either Cascadia, Eezi Awn or James Baroud USA rooftop tent systems to place on the elevated rack.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 1,200 pounds
GVWR: 3,500 pounds
Length: 12.5 feet
Width: 6.3 feet
Height: 6.1 feet
Base MSRP: $30,350
Contact: Schutt Industries / www.schuttindustries.com

The Patriot Campers X2 Tourer design was focused on the only things that matters when exploring off-road—light weight, comfortable, well equipped.

Patriot Campers X2 Tourer

The Patriot Campers X2 Tourer design was focused on the only things that matters when exploring off-road. Off-grid: light in weight, exceptional in comfort, and ultra-capability. It utilizes a fully integrated A-Frame style hard shell roof top tent integrated into the body of the camper trailer. The integration of the canvas from the tent and side walls seamlessly blends into the robust construction. For owners camping in cooler climates, an added benefit is the lid’s ability to allow condensation to breathe through the canvas, evaporating out through the top. This dual functionality ensures comfort and adaptability, enhancing the camping experience across various environmental conditions. The X2’s L-shaped kitchen is exceptionally practical and functional. Featuring a durable and scratch-resistant stainless-steel countertop, you can confidently prepare meals directly on the surface without any concerns.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 1,874 pounds
GVWR: 3,527 pounds
Length: 12.1 feet
Width: 6.1 feet
Height: 5.6 feet
MSRP: $44,900
Contact: Patriot Campers / www.patriotcampers.com.au

Adventuresome couples who want to camp off-grid in comfort, while exploring in a smaller 4×4 or AWD, will find Forest River’s 2025 No Boundaries18.1 Beast Mode model a nice match.

No Boundaries 18.1 Beast Mode

Adventuresome couples who want to camp off-grid in comfort without having to tow a larger hard-side camper trailer will find Forest River’s 2025 No Boundaries 18.1 Beast Mode model a nice fit. It’s among the smallest of 18 No Boundaries camp trailer floorplans with a dry weight of 3,000 pounds. It’s also one of the nicest equipped. Inside is a Queen bed, 15K A/C system, both indoor and outdoor kitchen, and a full bath. The $3,335  Beast Mode package adds Lippert’s Curt independent suspension system and a nice solar upgrade. “The ground clearance and articulation of this suspension sets it apart in a category all its own, but the absence of vibration and rattles on long trips and over various terrain offers a level of comfort and confidence not currently found in any other towable product,” says Cody Shade, NoBo product manager.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 3,019 pounds
GVWR: 4,500 pounds
Length: 15.0 feet
Width: 8.0 feet
Height: 10.9 feet
MSRP: $34,500
Contact: No Boundaries / https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/no-boundaries

Arkto Campers G12

Canadian RV manufacturer Arkto Campers builds a sweet off-grid, expedition-style camper trailer called the G12. This off-grid trailer is a multi-functional hybrid melding traditional camping trailer with overlanding luxuries that appeal to young families. This pop-top is furnished with a Queen bed, 6-foot 8-inch headroom, interior/exterior accessible toilet, lounge seating, axle-less independent off-road suspension, 33-inch all-terrain tires, 21 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and a composite body. The combo makes a nice basecamp. Among the many features is a handy 12-cubic-foot external pantry not found in most off-road campers, a long aluminum slide-out kitchen on the rear, and another slide-tray forward that carries the 79-quart freezer/fridge. The trailer’s aluminum cabinetry has an abundance of interior drawers and compartments, plus lockable exterior storage.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 3,600 pounds
GVWR: 4,600 pounds
Length: 19 feet
Width: 7.2 feet
Height: 7.9 feet
MSRP: $53,000
Contact: Arkto Campers / https://ca.arktocampers.com

Boreas’ XT off-grid expedition camper stands apart from the majority of other “teardrop/off-grid” trailers on today’s market because of its zero-wood construction.

Boreas Campers XT

Boreas’ XT off-grid expedition camper, which are built outside Pueblo, Colorado, stands apart from the majority of other “teardrop/off-grid” trailers on today’s market because of its zero-wood construction, and it comes standard with a long list of features that are optional on competitors’ models—including a fully equipped galley. It’s a very well thought out design. This trailer is a completely turnkey backcountry basecamp, equipped with everything you need to enjoy your next camping trip. Another nice aspect is this fully equipped camper comes with a lifetime chassis warranty. Exterior storage bins are powder-coated for durability, and they have lockable compression latches that keep dust out. The XT is light enough that it can also be towed by a wide variety of today’s smaller 4x4s and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 2,200 pounds
GVWR: 3,500 pounds
Length: 16.0 feet
Width: 7.0 feet
Height: 7.2 feet
MSRP: $44,990
Contact: Boreas Campers / https://boreascampers.com/boreas-xt/

The BlackSeries HQ21 is one of the most spacious “hard-side” off-road capable camping trailers to tow behind a full-size 4×4 pickup.

BlackSeries HQ21

If interior spaciousness is a primary buying factor, in addition to being off-road capable, and you want a camping trailer to tow behind a full-size 4×4 pickup, the BlackSeries HQ21 is hard to beat. There’s not another hard-sided camping trailer of this size with finer off-road chops. Of course, it’s another of those teethed-in-Australia RVs that are designed to endure the worst the Outback can dish out and do it in style. It sleeps four, sports a private Queen-size bedroom, full-featured kitchen, a big U-shaped lounge up front, and an exterior slide-out kitchen with 13-foot power awning to take the bite out of sun and rain. The steel and aluminum body is nearly bulletproof, and the independent tandem suspension is state-of-the-art. If your ½- or ¾-ton 4×4 pickup can handle the terrain, the HQ21 will have no trouble following in its tracks.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 7,200 pounds
GVWR: 8,200 pounds
Length: 21.0 feet
Width: 7.0 feet
Height:  10.0 feet
MSRP: $59,900
Contact: Black Series / https://www.blackseries.net/

Patriot ST5 Finke Edition

Very few purpose-built expedition-style off-grid camping trailers compare to the Australian-built Patriot Campers ST5 Finke Edition. This full-featured, 5,732-pound (GVWR), carbon-bodied Australian-built “Super Touring” camper is fully self-contained with both bunks and a queen bed, inside bathroom/shower, and big L-shaped external kitchen, along with cutting edge features to easily accommodate a family of four for a week at time camping anywhere off-the-grid. It comes with 800 watts of solar power, heating and A/C, dual lithium batteries, and a fast-activating pop-up roof. Underneath is a race-tuned independent Trinamic suspension with adjustable Fox Racing shocks. The interior is designed to maximize living space and comfort. If you are looking for the best off-road-capable camper towable by full-size SUVs and mid-size pickups, this is it.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 3,858 pounds
GVWR: 5,700 pounds
Length: 17.0 feet
Width: 6.9 feet
Height: 7.2 feet
MSRP: $140,140
Contact: Patriot Campers / https://patriotcampers.com.au/

Turtleback Trailer Expedition T2

Veteran-owned and built in Tennessee, Turtleback Trailer’s  Expedition Series T2 sits atop a galvanized steel chassis with independent suspension and all-terrain tires. The 24-inches of ground clearance makes it easy to handle tough terrain while the body provides ample storage with modular drawers and roof racks. The slide-out kitchen with a stove, sink and two pantries makes serving fresh-cooked meals outdoors an easy do. This model comes with Front Runner roof rack; Cruisemaster hitch; Colorado 4×4 Nimbus Tent with Bush Company 270XT Awning; single lithium battery. A long list of options makes the Expedition fully customizable to suit any off-road adventure.

Basic Specs
Dry Weight: 1,600 pounds
GVWR: 3,500 pounds
Length: 12.8 feet
Width: 6.3 feet
Height: 5.5 feet
MSRP: $50,581
Contact: Turtleback Trailers / https://turtlebacktrailers.com/expedition-trailer/