Overlanding continues to ramp up in popularity, as evidenced by the success of the inaugural Overland Expo SoCal, held March 15–16 in Costa Mesa, Calif., which saw an estimated 19,000 attendees. Featuring 303 exhibitors, 30 presenters and trainers, and 84 classes, seminars, demos, and activities comprising over 96 hours of sessions; it’s all in support of the overlanding community, those who wish to camp off the grid, often in more rural and rustic settings.
According to Overland Expo, the organization responsible for this event, attendees hailed from 46 states with the highest attendance coming from California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. There were also visitors from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, Mexico, and South Korea.
Though this is the first Overland Expo in Southern California, it’s part of an event series with four additional stops: West, in Flagstaff, Arizona; Pacific Northwest, in Redmond, Oregon; Mountain West, in Loveland, Colorado; and East in Arlington, Virginia.
What’s at the Overland Expo?
In addition to rows and rows of products and gear to support the overlanding lifestyle, a popular attraction is the custom builds. There are also a growing number of RV manufacturers in attendance to show off ready-made rigs designed specifically to address the needs of overlanding.
Beyond the exhibitor booths, attendees had access to a variety of immersive activities and expert-led sessions. Overland Expo veteran Chris Bradley shared insider tips in “How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo,” drawing from his experience attending every show since 2009. At the DIY Showcase and Creator Vehicle areas, the “My Perfect Rig” series gave attendees a first-hand look at overland builds and gear setups. Chef Corso led interactive cooking sessions at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion including “No More Deli Sandwiches,” inspiring attendees to elevate their culinary creativity when camping.
The weekend also included networking and social events, such as Women Who Wander Networking, which brought together female overlanders to share stories, tips, and inspiration. Subaru provided puppy adoptions and an in-booth party, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and checked out Subaru vehicles.
About the Overland Expo
“The turnout at Overland Expo SoCal far exceeded our expectations,” said Jessica Kirchner, Vice President of Consumer Events for Emerald, which organizes the events. “With 70% of attendees reporting SoCal as their first Overland Expo, exhibitors were particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with a new overlanding audience, eager to learn and begin building out their vehicles for adventure. Across the board, exhibitors considered the event a tremendous success, with many already securing their spots for next year based on the incredible turnout, strong sales and high engagement.
“Overland Expo SoCal appeals to seasoned adventurers and newcomers interested in exploring what’s next in overlanding. Overland Expo SoCal reflects our commitment to growing with the community and providing unforgettable experiences across the country.”
One of the objectives of the Expo series is to support the Overland Expo Foundation, which started in 2020, to help support the lifestyle with trail betterment programs and other benefits to the infrastructure and the people who support it. Part of the way the organization raises money is by raffling one-of-a-kind custom vehicles and motorcycles through vendor partnerships. In 2023, over $104,000 was raised through these raffles.
It’s no secret that campsites are more crowded. Indeed, a new breed of camper has emerged, according to a study by Modern Campground. These newcomers have embraced vehicle-based camping, they’re more cost-conscious, and they’re more likely to take part in activities like forest bathing and foraging rather than hiking.
The Rise of Vehicle-Based Camping
While tent camping continues to maintain steady interest, it was surpassed by vehicle-based camping in 2020, which has been gaining traction since 2015. Note that this growth did not extend to RV camping, which peaked around 2021 and has since returned to pre-2020 levels. The most dramatic drop, however, was seen in the number of backpackers, which has fallen over 25% since 2015.
Vehicle-based camping offers several advantages over traditional camping and backpacking – less physical exertion, better protection from the elements, to name a couple – while offering better access to nature compared to motorhomes and travel trailers. Interest in rooftop tents has grown alongside, whether for comfort or acceptance at campgrounds that do not allow visitors to sleep in their vehicles. The big game-changer, however, is the meteoric rise of overlanding in recent years, which eschews the traditional campground experience and has spawned an booming market of equipment and accessories to support and enhance off-grid excursions.
Cost-Consciousness Changing Booking Types
Part of the appeal of vehicle-based camping is its low cost of entry. Travel costs have risen every quarter since January 2022, and campers who using their everyday vehicle can avoid additional expenses associated with a travel trailer or motorhome: fuel, maintenance, or a larger campsite.
Conversely, budget-conscious campers are also looking at all-inclusive resorts and saving money through bundle discounts. These campers are not necessarily looking for a hotel-like experience; they mainly want to avoid unexpected expenses that they haven’t accounted for. The priority placed on planning and preparation can also be seen in their increased investment in equipment that improves their experience when going off-grid or dispersed camping.
A Shift in Outdoor Engagement
Another significant shift noted in the report is the change in the types of outdoor activities campers are engaging in. The number of campers interested in hiking has tumbled precipitously, down over 75% since 2020. According to the report, “guests are seeking deeper connections with nature, as evidenced by the increasing popularity of forest bathing and foraging. This indicates a shift from high-adrenaline activities to more reflective, purposeful engagements with the natural environment.”
The Future of Camping: Intention and Immersion
The data collected in the 2025 MC Hospitality Highlights report highlights that today’s campers are planning more intentional, budget-conscious trips, seeking immersive and meaningful outdoor experiences. As overlanding continues to drive the growth of vehicle-based camping, the industry must adapt to these evolving preferences. Campers are no longer just seeking a place to stay – they’re looking for ways to connect with the natural world in a deeper, more thoughtful way. This shift in mindset is shaping the future of camping, making it an exciting time for both outdoor enthusiasts and the campground industry alike.
Teardrop trailers have a larger taxonomy than their classic beginnings would suggest. Long before off-road teardrop trailers went overland, a teardrop was just a teardrop. With its iconic RV silhouette, the teardrop trailer was named for its unique look. Even today, walk around a few and you’ll find that these small RVs all share a similar layout. Typically, there’s a kitchen at the back under what amounts to a large hatchback. Up front is a space for a bed. And doors are on either side to access that bed.
This type of trailer started popping up in the 1930s as magazines like Mechanics Illustrated published plans for DIYers to create their own. Using commonly available parts, owners could build on the basic premise and customize it to their own requirements. (Some people still do this.) More recently, teardrop trailers remain popular because they’re typically small enough to be easily towed by a very wide array of vehicles. (Some are low and light enough to be towed by even some small SUVs.) Further, their size makes it possible to store them inside a garage. (Assuming you still have space in your garage.)
The Classic Evolves: Off-Road Teardrop Trailers
However, for many models, the teardrop of today has driven off the familiar path. And it’s those unusual teardrops — sometimes called squaredrops — that we’ll be looking at here. This style of RV has taken off because, thanks to their towability, they can venture way off the beaten path. Literally. Known as overlanding, this style of camping has gained traction with a lot of makers, who have introduced very capable tires and suspensions to enable owners to take their camping to new and sometimes uncharted places.
Here are five off-road teardrop trailers that have their roots in the teardrop ideology but have taken that design to the next level.
Taxa TigerMoth
Taxa is an RV company based in Houston and founded by a former Nasa team member. But, Houston, we do not have a problem here. The TigerMoth is an unusual trailer built with lots of exposed metal with holes drilled in it, designed to allow you to hang things you might need like nets for phones or that sort of thing. And that’s just the start.
On the side is a door that swings up on gas struts and amounts to about half the passenger side of this trailer. That is kitty corner to a back door that swings open. Out back is a pull-out kitchen with a unique wooden box that has moveable partitions and a second box with a cutting board lid on it. Above that, on the outside, is a five-gallon jug with a push-button spigot. This serves as the water system. Above the kitchen is an awning that covers the whole thing. (And Taxa offers a screen room option for this.) There is space on the tongue for a cooler.
Outside the Box
While not foldable, the Tiger Moth is about 2 inches shorter in height than most garage doors. So, it may fit into your garage. There are also options like a roof-top tent. Also, the Thule rack system offers a ton of choices for holding adventure gear including kayaks, bicycles, and more.
You don’t have a fireplace and a reclining couch to sit in if the weather goes South. But you can sit on the benches in the trailer that convert into beds. And there are even screens over the huge openings on the side and rear of the trailer. So, you could sit there and read a book. There is a table on a pole so you could sit there and write reviews of RVs or whatever pays your bills. It’s really well thought out. (You know: typical Nasa out-of-the-box thinking.)
Specs
Length: 12 feet 10 inches
Height: 7 feet
UVW: 1,800 pounds
MSRP: $19,650
Rockwood Geo Pro G14DA
Rockwood might not be a brand you’d expect on this list but they actually have two models that fit perfectly here: the Geo Pro G12SA and the G14DA. The Geo Pro G14DA stands out for having opposing bench seats and a folding portable table so you could legitimately seat four people for game nights or meal times. That same folding table can be brought outside to add to the kitchen counter space. The two benches can fold into a single 63-inch by 88-inch bunk. And there’s a smaller 63-inch by 24-inch bunk above if you’re bringing along the little ones or Fido.
There is also a furnace and an air conditioner. (Which you won’t necessarily find in all off-road teardrop trailers of this type.) Interestingly, it also features passthrough storage both at the very front and in the middle of the trailer.
True to type, however, the Geo Pro has a rear outdoor kitchen, this one with a 12-volt refrigerator and plumbed sink with pressurized water system. There’s an included flat-top griddle that slots into the side of the rig.
Even these smallest Rockwood trailers still feature the company’s signature components like a torsion axle suspension and tire pressure monitoring systems. There’s even a power awning – something most of the RVs in this group don’t have.
Note: This model is also available in the identical Flagstaff brand as the Flagstaff E-Pro E14DA.
Specs
Length: 14 feet 11 inches
Height: 7 feet 3 inches
UVW: 2,243 pounds
MSRP: $22,995
NoBo 10.7
The NoBo 10.7 under the bat wing awning
Another division of Forest River making these squaredrops is NOBO, or No Boundaries. The interior of the NOBO 10.7is essentially a big, open space with a folding cushion that can be a place to sit by day and a place to sleep at night. In some ways, the seat is rather futon-like. But something you may not expect to see is an electric fireplace. This can provide quiet heat at night if you happen to have hook-ups or one heck of a battery. If temps are at the other end of the spectrum, there’s also an air conditioner in here.
Out back is a kitchen with a two-burner propane stove and a larger 12-volt refrigerator. This also has a proper plumbed sink.
Something else to consider: There are two variations on this model — the standard and the Beast Mode. I have yet to see one that is not the Beast Mode and this makes sense. That option group includes Curt’s independent trailing arm suspension that features coil springs and dual shocks. It’s a great set-up. (Read more about it in this RV review.)
Another option is a roof-top tent which would elevate this from a two-person camper to one that can sleep four with two of those people having a view from above, which would be pretty neat.
Specs
Length: 14 feet 11 inches
Height: 7 feet 3 inches
UVW: 2,243 pounds
MSRP: $19,995
Encore RV RǑG 14RKB
There are two main variations on this trailer which have significant differences. There is the standard Adventure Series RǑG model and then the Survival Series. The standard version is a simpler affair without a fancy roof rack or many of the things you’d want if you were going deep into the woods to camp with Bigfoot.
Both of the variations feature an outdoor kitchen on a long sliding-drawer-style mechanism that consists of a two-burner propane stove and a round bowl sink. There’s a flip-up counter extension and this entire drawer mechanism is built of metal instead of wood. In fact, that’s a running theme in the entire build of this trailer: Not a single piece is wood. Anywhere. Cabinet doors are powder-coated aluminum and walls are fiberglass with Azdel substrate. The roof, too, is made of this same man-made laminate.
A flip-up side panel reveals two 12-volt bar-sized refrigerators which operate independently. There’s also more storage in this compartment.
Water Works
Surprisingly for a trailer of this size, the Encore RǑG 14RKB has a 42-gallon fresh water tank. That’s a pretty good size for a smaller trailer and feeds the two sinks in this trailer along with the shower.
Let’s talk about that shower. Hot water on this trailer comes from a portable propane-fired water heater. When it’s time for some hot water you remove the heater from its hanging position inside the bathroom and hang it outside the trailer. Then you connect cold and hot water taps to the water heater and turn it on.
Many people who have this style of trailer might already be familiar with portable water heaters so this could be a nice thing. I do appreciate that, should there be a problem with the water heater, it’s portable. You can fix it without having to disassemble half the trailer.
Specs
Length: 17 feet 4 inches
Height: 7 feet 3 1/4 inches
UVW: 2,283 pounds
MSRP: $30,368
Bean Squared
The look of this trailer screams off-road, and it has the credentials to back that up. The Bean Squared rides on 33-inch tires and uses a proprietary air suspension designed and built by Bean — an independent suspension that uses air bags for height adjustment along with Fox 2.0 air adjustable shock absorbers. There are two types of hitches available: the standard ball hitch and one that’s an articulated hitch for extreme mobility between tow vehicle and trailer.
Of course, the underside of this is designed to be forgiving of the kinds of stuff you’ll find on off-road teardrop trailers — including skid plates for the 25-gallon water tank. The corners on this trailer are aluminum with Armadillo coating, which is similar to what’s sprayed in pickup beds to protect them from damage. The walls are a honeycomb composite structure with the same coating.
The main body panels come in a whole rainbow of colors so there’s a good chance you could get this trailer in a color to match your tow vehicle. There are also several moly racks on the outside of the trailer to attach your whatevers and what nots to.
Storage and Space
There is a storage compartment at the front on the camp side and another on the road side. An additional storage compartment at the back spans the width of the trailer. Bean says that a fully plumbed kitchen will be available in this back storage compartment in time.
Up front inside the cabin is a flip-up table and couch so you have a place to eat or get some RV reviews done. That couch is one of two beds in here and the company claims it can accommodate two adults when folded down for sleeping. The other bed at the rear is wider than a queen. There is more storage at the back and two very large drawers underneath. You can also have them fit this with a portable toilet on a drawer slide under the bed.
Interestingly this is available with a pop top like your parents’ Volkswagen camper and this enables you to actually stand up inside this little trailer.
Specs
Length: 16 feet 7 inches
Height: 7 feet 7 inches
UVW: 2,595 pounds
MSRP: $69,975
Freedom on the Road and Overland
All these off-road teardrop trailers have outside kitchens so you’ll have to consider that as part of the adventure, and it’s inherent to the teardrop way of life. While many people who camp in a smaller trailer such as these might prefer RV parks with shower houses and other amenities, there are a good number of owners who see them as the ideal cabin for overlanding.
Beyond the ease of towing due to the lighter weight and smaller footprint, there are now many options to fully kit out a rig for extended trips off the grid, such as greater solar power capacity, advanced communications, and added creature comforts. A few choice upgrades can mean that even if you’re roughing it, things don’t have to get very rough at all.
So when the wilderness beckons, know that you can get away from it all with a trailer that’ll fit in most garages and is towable by a huge variety of vehicles. Nice.
