Tentrax, the North Carolina-based specialist in lightweight, expedition-ready trailers, has officially launched its flagship model, the Ascend, expanding its range of off-road micro campers. Engineered for extreme terrain, the Ascend brings a rugged yet compact solution to overlanders seeking extended travel beyond the beaten path.
At just 600 pounds dry weight, the Ascend is towable by nearly any vehicle, transforming it into a versatile partner for weekend adventures or extended backcountry excursions. Built atop a powder-coated 2-inch square-tube steel chassis and sheathed in a reinforced fiberglass body, this trailer offers durability while maintaining a compact footprint, approximately 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. Despite its modest size, it includes 35 cubic feet of sealed, lockable storage and a full-size, foam-padded sleeping platform measuring 48 × 96 inches.
The crown jewel of the Ascend is its integrated tent system. Crafted from 280-gram rip-stop poly-cotton, this pop-up tent delivers waterproofing (rated to 1500 mm), UV and mold resistance, and reportedly withstands up to hurricane-force winds (~75 mph). The tent deploys from the trailer’s hinged fiberglass lid, offering sheltered sleeping for two and protecting the interior space and stored gear from the elements.
Under the hood, the Ascend rides on a 1,800-pound Dexter Torflex torsion axle, paired with 30-inch all-terrain tires on steel rims. High ground clearance, excellent approach and departure angles, and optional Timbren axle-less suspension underpin this trailer’s ability to traverse rugged environments. Indeed, the Ascend has been tested on Moab’s slickrock, the Rubicon Trail, and Appalachian rock gardens. For extreme terrain, Tentrax offers an Off-Road Articulation Package featuring an articulating hitch, extended wiring, tongue extension, and additional enhancements.
Additional standard features include LED tail lights, a steel rear bumper with a 2-inch receiver (rated at 100 pounds), a four-pin wiring harness, a removable jack, and front and lid-mounted racks. Optional extras include kitchen slide-outs, 12-volt electrical packages, articulated hitch systems, and solar-powered camping showers.
As the overlanding community shifts toward smaller, more agile setups, the Ascend may represent the future: rugged enough for red-rock canyons and mountain trails, compact and light enough for effortless towing, and intelligently designed to elevate the camping experience. With modular add-ons and customization, it adapts to diverse adventure styles while maintaining a solid foundation of rugged performance.
With a base MSRP of $11,995, the Tentrax is not the most affordable trailer on the market. However, if it does what they say it can, the trailer will likely be ideal for those hardy overlanders who seek out the most challenging trails.
Read More: Overland News of the Week
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
