I included the Turtleback Expedition Series overland trailer in our Best Overland Trailers of 2020 guide last year, where it received my editor’s choice selection in the category of minimalist overland trailers. But thanks to their use of industry-leading equipment, and due to the fact that Turtleback designs, builds, and tests their trailers in the USA, it’s high time that this pint-sized rig received its own feature.
With its robust set of standard amenities and features, Turtleback’s Expedition Series trailer is a compact single-axle (well, axle-less) overland trailer that can easily be towed by most four-door Jeeps, large SUVs, or medium-sized trucks. While many people are enamored with canopy-style campers, flatbed campers, and expedition rigs, trailers are the often overlooked reasonable option that can provide all of the comforts found in fancier setups, while allowing for enhanced vehicle performance once they are disconnected. Trailers offer the added benefit of allowing you to set up camp once, making quick trips down the trail or into town much easier.
Like all Turtleback trailers, the Expedition model is designed, built, and tested in Arizona by a dedicated team of skilled individuals. Everything from the CNC-cut steel tubes that make up the chassis (which are welded on-site) to the exterior finishes and graphics, it’s all constructed stateside.
The Turtleback Expedition Series Off-road Trailer
The Expedition Series trailer is Turtleback’s flagship model, combining 50 cubic feet of equipment storage with amenities typically found in campers costing twice as much. The T1 (base) build starts at $26,995 and comes standard with the following features:
Kitchen/Water
- Stainless steel Partner two-burner range with 10,000 BTU output
- 11-pound pancake propane tank
- Dometic 6-gallon hot water heater
- External shower hookup
- Deep well sink with tempered glass cover
- 42-gallon freshwater tank with on-demand water pump
General
- LED lighting
- Aluminum trailer skins
- Dual drop-down stainless steel tables
Chassis/Trailering
- 2- by 3-inch galvanized tube steel chassis
- Front and rear receivers
- 7-pin trailer plug
- 265/75/16 AT wheels and tires
- Tailgate with mount for a full-sized spare
- 2,000-pound tongue jack
- Breakaway trailer brake activation switch
- Timbren Axle-less suspension
There are two additional trim levels available, the T2 and T3 packages, which add $2,414 or $7,975 (respectively) to the base price. Highlights from these packages include Zamp solar electrical components, an Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension, a Max Coupler hitch, extra house batteries, and more.
For a comprehensive hands-on review of one of Turtleback’s earlier models, check out Chris Cordes’ article from 2017.
Learn more at turtlebacktrailers.com
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