The Campers and Trailers of Overland Expo East

While there are loads of awesome vehicles and products at Overland Expo each year, few command as much attention as the campers and trailers scattered throughout the show. These capable platforms not only look cool, but have made overlanding more comfortable, and in many ways more accessible than ever before. They enable owners to park at the base of a mountain in a snow storm then sleep in a warm dry bed, drive across Africa in an air-conditioned and secure cab, or watch a storm roll outside while enjoying a hot coffee in their dinette. They are homes on wheels, gateways to adventure, and some of our favorite products to use and write about. Thus, we’ve taken the opportunity to give them their own article, “The Campers and Trailers of Expo East.” Let us know which is your favorite!

Two of the most popular campers at the event were produced by the German company Maltec. Based on both a 70 Series and 200 Series Land Cruiser, their camper conversions feature carbon fiber components, Scheel-mann seats, and a combination of off-road parts that ensure they’re ready for an adventure anywhere in the world. The 70 Series seen above is even U.S. importable, and has been updated with a new front end and interior. Look for an article on that truck in the coming weeks.

Main Line Overland certainly didn’t disappoint this year either, filling their booth with one of the coolest Tacomas we’ve seen, and an epic Toyota Tundra build with a custom fit and color-matched ARB bull bar. After inspecting their Woolrich edition Four-wheel camper and sleeping in their silver Hawk model, I’d say I’m hooked on these trucks and campers, and am itching to get my hands on one as soon as possible.

The Public Lands Project definitely had one of the coolest vehicle and trailer combos of the show. With a brand new Conqueror UEV-490 from Conqueror North America matching their tan FJ, we’d say they have good taste. Not surprising based on the duo’s excellent photography.

Adding to their already extensive list of North American products, Alucab unveiled their USA version of the Khaya camper on OK4WD’s Tacoma. While it’s the first one we’ve seen up close, we hope it won’t be the last. Find out more from OK4WD here.

In other big news, Winnebago had their four-wheel drive Sprinter on display, a solid entrance for them into the overlanding space. This cool vehicle features a highly versatile interior including a bed which can be lowered or raised to the ceiling to allow for storage of bikes, kayaks, or other equipment. Learn more about it here.

As usual, Global Expedition vehicles showed up with a fleet of amazing overland campers. These behemoths cost as much as most houses, or even more, but they are the epitome of off-road luxury. The RAM based camper seen above was of particular interest, and represents a new addition to their fleet.

The Goose-Gear Tacoma has always drawn a crowd at overland events, and upon further inspection it’s easy to understand why. Besides the overall excellent appearance of the truck, the interior build out and cabinets are beautiful in their efficiency and clean design. They take the AT Overland habitat from camper shell and tent to full home on wheels.  To learn more, check them out here. 

Exploring Elements has been wandering North America in their EEXP for several years now, and they’ve finally decided to sell. While they are currently off on a 3-week trip exploring the northeast, Bryon assures me they will return and be ready to move this awesome camper upon their return. For more information, take a look at his website here. 

Blue Ridge Expedition Trailers showed up with a well equipped teardrop for this year’s show. With multiple trim levels and a check list style build configurator on their site, they not only make camping easier than ever, but purchasing as well. Check them out on their website here. 

Creative mobile interiors definitely stole the show when it came to originality. Their Sprinter interior featured a retractable and movable bed with a 1500-pound capacity, a distressed wood theme, and some very cool touches to give it a totally unique flare.

Patriot Campers has quickly established a reputation as an industry leader in Australia, touting some of the coolest and best equipped 4×4 caravans on the market. They’re now looking to bring that same dominance to the American market, and have begun with trailers like this X-2 you see above. Complete with everything from a stereo to a hot water shower and slide out kitchen, these things are ready to take you anywhere with all the comforts of home. Learn more about them here. 

This homebuilt pop-top conversion was a personal favorite of mine from the event. It is packed with simple yet ingenious methods of making the vehicle comfortable, and will be appearing in its own featured article here shortly. A big thank-you to the owner Matt, who took the time to meet with me.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chris didn’t receive a real taste of the outdoors until moving to Prescott, Arizona, in 2009. While working on his business degree, he learned to fly and spent his weekends exploring the Arizona desert and high country. It was there that he fell in love with backcountry travel and four-wheel drive vehicles, eventually leading him to Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. After several years of honing his skills in writing, photography, and off-road driving, Chris now works for the company full time as Expedition Portal's Senior Editor while living full-time on the road.