A new player has entered the European overlanding market with a product that draws its engineering roots from the battlefield, and it is giving us the fizz. Military-grade vehicles and trailers, at first glance, appear ideal for overland travel; however, many tend to be overbuilt and overweight. The Unit1 breaks the mold and offers a sturdy, lightweight, modular, and compact hauler with an adaptable design that will be an asset, not a liability, on the open road. Polish manufacturer Da Orffo Automotive introduced the trailer during the Abenteuer & Allrad show in Bad Kissingen earlier this year.
Founded in 2022, Da Orffo Automotive quickly established a reputation for blending utility with resilience. The company’s first project, the Life Chariot, was designed to evacuate wounded individuals from active combat zones in Ukraine. Built in collaboration with frontline medics and emergency response teams, the Life Chariot received international acclaim, including the Humanitarian Grand Prize awarded by Sir James Dyson. The trailer’s success not only demonstrated the company’s engineering capabilities but also its commitment to function-driven design under extreme conditions.
The Unit1 builds on this foundation, using the same proprietary suspension system originally developed for military and rescue applications. The suspension is based on trailing arms and features adjustable coil-over shock absorbers. According to Da Orffo, the setup offers superior shock absorption and stability over rough terrain, setting it apart from more conventional leaf-spring or torsion axle systems commonly used in European trailers.
Weighing in under 750 kilograms gross vehicle weight (GVW), the Unit1 complies with European towing regulations that permit use without a specialized driver’s license or overrun brakes. This classification not only broadens its appeal but also improves off-road handling by eliminating the resistance and complexity associated with braked trailers. The trailer’s compact 160-centimeter width further enhances its maneuverability on narrow tracks and forest roads.
One of the most distinctive features of the Unit1 is its modularity. The base trailer can be adapted for a range of uses depending on the customer’s needs. Configurations include setups for transporting motorcycles, electric bikes, or kayaks. More comprehensive expedition-focused builds are also available, such as the U1|XP model showcased at Bad Kissingen, which features a full kitchen module and a rooftop tent. These variations can be swapped in or out as needed, offering a level of customization typically reserved for far more expensive expedition rigs.
Despite being a newcomer to the recreational trailer space, Da Orffo has invested over a decade in developing its technologies. Since 2012, the company has tested its chassis and suspension systems in collaboration with Polish mountain rescue units and battlefield medics, ensuring the design could withstand real-world abuse in both alpine and conflict environments. The lessons learned during these trials have directly informed the construction of the Unit1.
With its military-grade underpinnings, low weight, and practical configurations, the Unit1 appears well-positioned to carve out a niche in Europe’s competitive overland trailer market. The base price starts just shy of USD 12,000.
Studio images by Tomasz Jędrszczyk and in the field images by Filip Tłuszcz.
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