After writing multiple articles about overlanding vehicles, I started looking into trailers suitable for this type of activity. I soon stumbled upon the brand-new Tribe Trailers Expedition 500, which the company claims is “the ultimate camping trailer.” Today, I’m doing a deep dive into its features to see how good they are.
Tribe Trailers is an Arizona-based, family-owned company born from a passion for adventure. The company currently has three available products: the Basecamp and the Expedition 500 are camping trailers, while “El Cap” is a truck camper.
The Expedition 500 was designed, as Tribe Trailers says, “to accommodate off-roaders in every aspect.” So, I’ll start with the most valuable information regarding whether it’s a good fit for your off-roader: dimensions and weight.
This trailer tips the scales at 3,660 lb. (1,660 kg), which means you can tow it with a standard off-roader or overlander, and it has an ATM (Aggregated Total Mass) of 4,100 lb. (1,860 kg). What’s more, the rig measures 207 inches (almost 5.3 meters) in length, 117.7 inches (3 meters) in height when extended, and 86 inches (2.2 meters) in width. Its compact size allows you to garage it, which is a big bonus.
So, what components enable this rig to go off the beaten path? The Expedition 500 is built on a heavy-duty off-road galvanized chassis and rides on 16″ aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in 31″ off-road tires. Moreover, it’s equipped with an independent suspension with dual air shock absorbers, coil springs, and 12″ electric brakes.
Photo: Tribe Trailers
Let me first tell you more about the trailer’s exterior features. In the front, you’ll find a sizeable storage box. It houses a slide-out tray, an electronic jack, and a control center for the front leg, airbags, and more, enabling you to raise and lower the trailer. A switch also allows you to raise and lower the body.
The electrical system is also integrated at the front of the trailer. It consists of two 100 Ah AGM batteries, circuit breakers, fuses, a solar controller, and a 3,000 W inverter. On the opposite side, another compartment hides a water heater, two propane holders, and a diesel tank connected to a heater inside the rig.
One popular feature of camping trailers is an outdoor kitchen. Trice Trailers fitted it on the passenger’s side of the trailer. Pull it out, and you’ll discover a sink, a flip-up table, a single-burner portable camping stove, a storage compartment, and a Dometic CFX fridge box.
You have all the basics to cook a nice meal, and a large awning above will protect you from harsher weather. Other notable elements on this side of the trailer are two windows, Molle panels, and traction boards, a must for off-roading.
Photo: Tribe Trailers
On the opposite side, the trailer features two storage compartments, which can also be accessed from the inside. What’s more, one of them comes with an outdoor shower. And finally, we have the trailer’s rear, where you’ll find the entrance. Around it, Tribe Trailers fitted a Molle panel and steps for the door.
The door is made from two parts, so you can leave one open for better ventilation. As soon as you step inside, you’ll discover yet another kitchen on the left side. This is very useful for those days when the weather is too unfriendly for spending time outside or when you’re simply too tired to leave the tiny home on wheels.
This kitchen features an aluminum countertop, a single-burner gas stove, a tiny sink, and even a vent to ensure you don’t smoke up the interior. Most of the interior controls are integrated into the counter, including gauges for the three water tanks and switches for the lights, fridge, and water pump. You can use drawers for storage, and the single cabinet underneath the countertop is directly connected to one of the side compartments I mentioned earlier.
Step further into the interior, and you’ll be in the seating area. It consists of two benches, one on each side, and a detachable, flip-up table in between. It’s a simple setup that does the job. Tribe Trailers went even more creative with this setup – you can raise four brackets under the benches, attach the table to them, and create an additional sleeping space by rearranging the cushions.
Photo: Tribe Trailers
Most people would like to have a bathroom in their tiny home on wheels, and Tribe Trailers knew this. So, they devised a compact space opposite the kitchen. It’s fitted with a sink, a toilet connected to a black water tank, a ceiling vent with lights, and a shower.
And finally, we have the bedroom area, which is very spacious, 78 inches (198 centimeters) long and 52 inches (132 centimeters) wide. The mattress sits on lightweight aluminum, which can be lifted up and removed. You can directly access the outdoor kitchen when it’s not extended, and that’s where you’ll find the vast storage compartment, which is also accessible from the outside. Other notable elements in this area are controls for the A/C and diesel heater.
As you can already tell, in spite of its relatively compact size, you get a bunch of storage space on the Expedition 500. The last ones I haven’t mentioned are four overhead cabinets above the bedroom.
Before I wrap up this trailer tour, I’d like to mention two other things I really like about it. First, there’s tons of natural light shining inside. You get six windows that can be fully opened, complete with bug screens and black-out shade. There’s also a skylight above the bed, so you can stargaze while lying down and relaxing.
Photo: Tribe Trailers
And second, you can’t even tell the Expedition 500 has a pop-up roof when you’re inside. What’s more, there’s enough room even for taller people, as the trailer boasts a 6’10” interior (208 centimeters) height.
Of course, all this is offered for an appropriate price. The Expedition 500 is now for sale at various dealers across the US for $55,000 (€49,830). All in all, it offers a premium experience with many creature comforts.
