Overlanding Trailer Comparison: Is an Expedition or Teardrop Trailer Better for You?

If you’re in the market for a new trailer for your overlanding adventures, you might have noticed there’s a dizzying array of options. Choices are nice, but the more choices you have, sometimes the more difficult the decision is to make regarding which one to buy.

That’s where this guide comes in!

We stock several popular types of trailers, including off-road-ready expedition units and teardrop-style units that are fit for on- or off-road travel. Let’s do a quick comparison between these types of trailers, check out a few examples of each, and get you on the road with your new overlanding trailer!

What is an Expedition Overlanding Trailer?

When you think of an expedition trailer, you probably think of something rugged and off-road-ready. And you’re not wrong!

These trailers (like the Sherpa Trailers Expedition shown above) are capable of traveling over rough and difficult terrain. With an expedition trailer, you aren’t limited to camping in established campgrounds or traveling on good roads. Instead, these trailers often come with features like ample ground clearance, a heavy-duty suspension, and an articulating hitch that make rocky, rutted, and steep terrain more easily navigable.

Speaking of features, expedition trailers usually offer the following:

• Lots of storage space for off-grid travel, including interior storage for food and gear that needs to be kept dry and out of the elements. Some expedition trailers also offer water and fuel storage.
• Sleeping quarters, either inside the trailer or in a rooftop tent.
• Durable build that can withstand harsh elements, from cold and snow to rain and mud to rough roads.
• Customization options that allow you to create a bespoke trailer for your specific needs. Depending on the manufacturer, you might be able to add anything from a galley to an outdoor shower to a roof rack, and more.

Who it’s for: Expedition trailers are a perfect choice if you want to get way off-grid or if you want the most control over the trailer’s features and amenities.

What is a Teardrop Overlanding Trailer?

Teardrop trailers became popular decades ago when road-tripping became a popular pastime. Teardrops are ideal for road trips because they’re small, compact, aerodynamic, and easy to tow. Furthermore, folks who typically stick to paved roads (or at least well-maintained dirt roads) enjoy teardrops because they offer good on-road manners and typically have more creature comforts than an expedition trailer.

But teardrops have come a long way over the years…

Today, you can find teardrops with all manner of features, from those specially designed for on-road travel to those like the Escapod TOPO2 shown above, which could give any expedition trailer a run for its money in terms of off-road capabilities. Still, there are some common features to most teardrops, regardless of their on- or off-road readiness:

• A rear galley, so you can prepare meals on the road. Some teardrops have very simple galleys with a sink and a portable stove and not much else. Others have full-on kitchens with running water, electricity, and a fridge.
• Interior sleeping quarters, often with a full-size or queen-size bed for two people.
• Electrical systems, with DC power, USB ports, solar panels, and batteries.
• Customization options, like awnings, heating, and air conditioning.

Who it’s for: Teardrop trailers are great if you’re on a solo trip or with an adventure buddy and you don’t need a ton of space. Short trips, like weekend getaways, or longer trips with access to water, power, fuel, and so forth along the way, are also ideal for traveling with a teardrop.

Examples of Expedition Overlanding Trailers

A good example of a highly customizable expedition trailer is the Sherpa Expedition unit mentioned earlier. 

At 4 feet by 6.5 feet, this compact trailer is purpose-built to halt a lot of gear. Up front is a full-width storage area with doors on either side that are perfect for smaller items. Then, in the back, is a larger area accessed by a three-foot rear fold-down door where you can keep larger gear.

So, where do you sleep? Well, the Sherpa Expedition comes standard with a heavy-duty three-bar rack that easily accommodates virtually any size of rooftop tent. From there, you can add just about any amenity or accessory you want after your purchase - heating, cooling, a bed, solar power - you name it!

The Expedition trailer runs on 31-inch tires and a straight Dexter axle. At just 780 pounds with a 60-pound tongue weight, this trailer is ideal for towing with a Jeep or another off-road-capable small SUV.

Want more options? Check out Sherpa Trailers’ other models.

But, let’s say you want an expedition trailer that has a few more bells and whistles. For that, the SNO Trailers Alpine is a prime choice.

At just over 12 feet long, 6 feet wide, and nearly 6 feet tall, this trailer is a big boy compared to the Sherpa Expedition. But, don’t think that its size makes it any less capable off-road. In fact, these trailers have an optional Fabtech suspension, full-size spare tire and wheel with a carrier, and a 3M rock guard. The chassis is made of powder-coated steel for strength, and for added durability, it has a SNO Trailers proprietary anti-rust coating. Not bad, right?

The SNO Trailers Alpine is no slouch in the kitchen department, either. You get a stainless steel kitchen pullout with a stainless steel sink, tons of storage, and a slide that accommodates up to a 75-liter cooler or fridge. This trailer even has a water heater for doing dishes and showering!

As for electronics, the Alpine has everything you need for extended off-grid expeditions. It comes with a 100ah Renogy AGM battery and battery monitor, a waterproof solar charge controller, and a NOCO Genius battery charger, too (among other goodies).

So, needless to say, this expedition trailer is a great blend of off-road capabilities and creature comforts. Throw your rooftop tent up top, pack up your gear, and you’re ready to hit the wilderness for days on end!

SNO Trailers has more where that came from, too. Explore the other models we have in stock!

Examples of Teardrop Overlanding Trailers

As we recently discussed, the Escapod TOPO2 mentioned earlier is a different kind of teardrop. At home in an RV park, the wilderness, and points in between, this trailer combines off-road features like a freeride suspension and all-terrain AT/X tires with amenities like a Truma Combi Eco Plus heater, a 12-volt air conditioner, and an ARB 63 fridge/freezer.

Inside, this teardrop trailer has a heated mudroom for a more comfortable experience taking off your shoes, a Stargazer window above the head of the bed for an incredible view of the night sky, and a six-inch-thick queen-size memory foam mattress for getting a good night’s sleep.

Outside, this trailer has a galley with a full-size sink, a two-burner stove, and tons of storage (including a spice drawer, modular shelving, and hidden knife storage). This trailer also has a 21-gallon water tank, a 140-watt solar panel, and a 100ah lithium battery.

You can add rock rails and rock guards to the list of exterior features, too - must-haves if your adventures will take you off-road. All this is in a slick-looking trailer that weighs 2,000 pounds dry, making it easy to tow with virtually any vehicle!

Which Type of Overlanding Trailer is Better for You?

So, we’re back to our initial question - which type of overlanding trailer is better for you? An expedition trailer or a teardrop trailer?

Ultimately, the better option for you comes down to your unique needs. Before investing in a trailer, think about your past outdoor experiences, your goals for future ones, and your budget, as those three elements will drive your decision-making process more than anything. Taking time now to figure out your needs and wants will make it a lot easier to find the perfect overlanding trailer.

And, hey, we’re here to help you, too! We’re in this business because we love getting out there and living better. We want the same for you! So, drop by our facility off I-20 in Abilene, shoot us a message, or give us a call at (325) 274-8389. A better life outdoors awaits, and we can help you make it happen. That’s why BTR - pronounced better - is in our name!