Overland Vehicles

The best overland RV is designed to travel beyond pavement without beating up occupants or equipment. It starts with a strong chassis, protected underbody, and suspension that controls mass over rocks, washboard, and ruts. Ground clearance, short overhangs, and thoughtful departure angles keep the body off obstacles. Inside, systems must be simple to service and efficient to run for days away from hookups.
Overland rvs also emphasize smart storage and tiedowns. Heavy items stay low and centered to reduce roll and pitching. Ventilated battery compartments, accessible plumbing, and repair friendly fasteners matter more when you are miles from a shop. Reliability is a feature, not an accessory, so components should be widely available and field replaceable.
A dual axle off road trailer spreads weight across four tires, improving stability and braking on rough terrain. Two axles provide a larger contact patch and reduce the load per tire, which helps when crossing corrugations and ledges. With electric brakes on both axles and the right controller, you gain confident modulation on long descents.
Compared with a single axle, a dual axle can increase payload and interior volume, useful for moto carriers, spare fuel, or water. The tradeoffs are added weight, more tires to maintain, and a larger turning radius. For tight, technical trails a short wheelbase trailer can still be preferable, but for mixed travel a dual axle off road trailer often delivers the best balance of capability and comfort.
Look for a fully boxed or stout C channel frame with reinforced crossmembers. Independent trailing arm suspensions with coil or air springs offer great articulation and ride quality, while heavy duty leaf packs remain simple and tough. Long travel shocks with remote reservoirs manage heat on washboard. Skid plates, rock sliders, and a raised coupler protect critical points when cresting berms or exiting creek beds.
Off grid systems should support your travel style. Battery banks with lithium chemistry deliver deep cycles and faster charging from alternators or solar. A modest inverter runs induction cooking and tools. Water storage should be baffled and low in the frame, with quick service filters and an easy drain. Diesel or gas air heaters paired with high altitude kits keep cabins warm without draining batteries.
The best off road cargo trailer is more than a box on wheels. It should carry its weight without sway, track smoothly, and protect gear from dust and water. Start with load range E or higher tires, a full size matching spare, and wheels that share bolt pattern with your tow rig. A multi axis articulating coupler reduces binding on uneven terrain.
Interior build outs benefit from modular rails and L track so you can reconfigure for bikes, kayaks, or totes. Ventilation, 12 volt lighting, and weather sealed doors improve livability and security. Externally, choose recovery points, a swing out rear for bikes or spare, and a tongue toolbox that does not interfere with jackknifing during tight turns.
Proper tongue weight matters. Aim for roughly ten to fifteen percent of total trailer weight on the hitch to reduce sway. Balance cargo over the axles and avoid heavy items high and aft. Tire size should mirror the tow vehicle as closely as possible to simplify spares and improve trail grip. Dual axle electric brakes tuned with a quality controller give smooth stops on gravel and steep grades.
When an overland RV pulls a trailer, think of the pair as a single system. The tow vehicle handles propulsion, cooling, and charging while the trailer expands storage, sleeping, or workshop space. The most capable set ups keep center of gravity low, wiring neat, and recovery gear accessible. Regular torque checks on suspension hardware and wheel lugs prevent problems far from town.
If you are still choosing between a single and dual axle, map your routes and payload. Tight, forested tracks favor shorter, lighter trailers. Desert two tracks and longer hauls reward the extra stability and braking of two axles. Either way, invest in quality shocks, a dust proof cabin, and serviceable bearings for long life.
If you want a purpose built platform that suits your routes, explore our overland rigs. For tailored upgrades like suspension, power, or storage systems, see our custom overland upfit. Curious how we work and why travelers choose us for long range builds, visit why choose OZK Customs.
OZK Customs designs complete custom builds and targeted upfits for overland rvs, dual axle off road trailer configurations, and towable adventure setups. We listen first, blueprint a system that matches your payload and terrain, then fabricate and test so your first trip feels like your hundredth. Share your goals and we will shape a rig that carries them confidently.
Ready to spec a rig that fits your routes and your gear list? Share a few details and our team will map a build plan, timeline, and budget options. From complete custom builds to targeted upfits, OZK Customs designs and delivers trail proven rigs that feel dialed on day one.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com