Wilderness camping has a long-standing tradition among outdoor enthusiasts. Many, including myself, began with the simplicity of a pup tent, embracing the raw experience of sleeping on the ground in nature.
As time passed, personal preferences changed, and the discomfort of sleeping on the ground led to a transition toward recreational vehicles (RVs) with proper beds, a shift mirrored by many campers. Yet, this move toward conventional RVs often meant losing touch with the authentic bush experience.
The majority of traditional RVs are not designed for towing into remote backcountry areas, restricting camping activities to organized campgrounds and provincial parks. Despite these limitations, the urge to venture off the beaten path remained strong, and the market eventually responded to this need. Today, we examine a truly off-grid trailer designed to facilitate genuine wilderness exploration and provide both entry and exit from the bush.
Tactical Overland: Canadian Innovation for Adventurers
Tactical Overland, a Canadian company based in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, is dedicated to supporting campers who seek to immerse themselves in remote environments. Specializing in a range of compact “teardrop” style trailers, the company places a strong emphasis on customization, enabling owners to tailor their trailers to their specific requirements. Tactical Overland’s core design philosophy is succinctly summarized in their own words:
“Our goal is to provide a camper that is always ready to go, so that you spend more time camping and less time packing. Trailers have a short setup time and can carry all your gear for a weekend or an entire year-long adventure.”
Key Design Features of the HQ Series Trailer
Examining the photos of the HQ series trailer reveals several notable characteristics. One of the most prominent is its generous ground clearance, which is essential for navigating rough terrain and off-road environments. The trailer also features a short rear overhang, contributing to a steep departure angle. This design element helps prevent the trailer from making contact with the ground when traversing uneven surfaces or descending steep inclines, enhancing its capability for true off-grid adventures.
Suspension and Towing Capabilities
The HQ series trailer is engineered with an independent suspension system that eliminates the need for a traditional axle. This thoughtful design reduces the risk of getting caught on obstacles during off-road excursions, making it well-suited for rugged terrain. Outfitted with aggressive off-road tires, the trailer is prepared to handle a variety of challenging environments. Weighing in at a lighter class, the HQ can be towed by most vehicles, offering flexibility for a wide range of adventurers. However, when paired with a smaller 4×4 SUV or truck, you are fully equipped for a true off-road journey. The principle behind this setup is straightforward: if your vehicle can navigate a particular road or trail, your trailer will be able to follow with equal capability.
Superior Build Quality
The HQ series trailer stands out for its remarkable build quality. Notably, wood is completely absent from its construction. Instead, Tactical Overland relies on a combination of steel, aluminium, and composite materials to ensure durability and longevity. This choice of materials contributes to a robust structure that is well-suited for the rigours of off-road travel and harsh Canadian climates.
Standard Features of the HQ Series
The HQ trailer comes equipped with a comprehensive list of standard features designed to support comfort and convenience during wilderness adventures. These features include:
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- Engineered steel frame for enhanced structural integrity
- Timbren 3500 HD axle-less suspension with 6 x 5.5 hubs and electric brakes
- Aluminium constructed sleeping area for lightweight durability
- Front storage rack for additional gear
- 3-speed RV vent/fan to regulate interior airflow
- LED lighting throughout, both inside and outside the trailer
- Cell phone shelf and charging station for device convenience
- Stainless steel kitchen featuring running hot and cold water
- Dometic dual burner propane stove for versatile cooking options
- 72-litre freshwater tank to support extended trips
- Electric water pump to ensure reliable water flow
- Hot water on demand for added comfort
- External shower for cleaning up after outdoor activities
- 50-litre Alpicool dual zone portable fridge with pull-out tray for food storage
- Break away trailer activation switch for safety
- 7-pin trailer connection for secure towing
- Five T-bolt style roof racks to support rooftop tent (RRT)
- Solar-ready setup for off-grid power solutions
- 10lb propane tank holder for fuel storage
- Shore power connection for external electricity supply
- 54” x 75” x 4” memory foam mattress for comfortable sleeping
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These features collectively ensure that the HQ series trailer is ready for extended wilderness camping, providing both essential amenities and rugged performance for Canadian adventurers.
Customization Options: HQ Trailer vs Outrider
Tactical Overland provides two primary trailer models: the HQ trailer and the Outrider. Although these trailers are similar in size, each offers distinct opportunities for customization, allowing owners to tailor their trailer to specific needs and preferences. The company emphasizes this collaborative approach in their literature, inviting customers to work directly with the factory to design and build the ideal trailer for their adventures.
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Factory Collaboration for Personalization
The customization process is highlighted throughout Tactical Overland’s documentation, demonstrating their commitment to helping customers achieve a truly personalized experience. From functional upgrades to comfort enhancements, the options are vast. In fact, the company literature is full of references to customization – they want you to collaborate with the factory to build the exact trailer you need. For instance, a collapsible rooftop tent can be incorporated into the design, providing additional sleeping space and flexibility for outdoor exploration. Here is a link to the HQ series off-road trailer where you can build your trailer.
The Rise of Wilderness Exploration
The increased interest in venturing into the wilderness has been noticeably influenced by the pandemic. As people sought safe and meaningful ways to reconnect with nature, this shift in outdoor recreation was met by manufacturers who quickly adapted their offerings. The development of products such as the HQ series trailer is a direct response to this growing demand, providing solutions that enable RVers to fully embrace the experience of exploring remote destinations.
Although this trend remains relatively modest in size, it is firmly established and poised for further growth. As more outdoor enthusiasts discover the unique pleasures of truly immersing themselves in the wild, the appeal of specialized trailers and customizable features is likely to continue expanding.
For those who are drawn to this adventurous lifestyle, more information can be found by visiting www.tacticaloverland.ca.
Specifications:
Dry weight: 1,850 LBS
Max GVW: 3,500 LBS
Width: 84.75”
Length: 177.5”
Height: 79”
Wheel Base: 107”
Track Width: 71”
Departure Angle: 45°
Ground Clearance: 15”
Fresh Water Capacity: 72 Litres
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