6 days ago
Escapod Debuts $54,000 TOPO2 MTB Trailer For Bike-Loving Overlanders
The Escapod TOPO2 MTB is purpose-built for hauling bikes and gear to riding areas untouched (or ... More seldom touched) by other riders.
Things are changing in the RV trailer market, and the key term is: Overlanding. Although there has always been a wide range of options for tow-behind sleeping spaces, the growing popularity of overlanding - traveling to remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations - has led many companies to start offering tougher, taller, and more versatile models designed to handle dirt, sand, snow, and muddy two-tracks that lead into the wilderness.
It's not exactly surprising that trailer maker Escapod would combine the charm of its popular small overlanding teardrop trailers with the appeal of mountain biking. The result is the Escapod TOPO2 MTB, a $54,000 compact camp trailer designed to serve as a base camp for your next big mountain biking adventure.
'Before Escapod was a company, it was a solution, something we built so we could race bikes all weekend and recover the right way,' Escapod President Chris Eckle told me via email. "The TOPO2 MTB gets back to those roots. It's built for riders who want solid sleep, smart storage, and everything they need to keep rolling no matter what the trail throws down.'
Escapod has partnered with bike rack maker Küat to equip the TOPO2 with it's latest offering, the Piston ION rack (below), capable of holding two bikes, including e-bikes weighing up to 80 pounds each. The TOPO2 MTB also includes a built-in $350 Feedback Sports Team Edition bike tool set with everything needed to keep your bike in top condition after a long ride. The Küat bike rack also serves as a repair stand, allowing you to work on your bike off the ground at base camp.
The Küat rack is robust enough to hold a pair of big e-bikes.
The teardrop trailer may appear small, but inside, it offers enough space for two to sleep comfortably, possibly with a small furry friend included. Not every trip goes as planned, so the TOPO2 comes equipped with a full MPA Supply WHACK Pro First Aid medical kit for those post-ride scrapes and scratches. It also holds 21 gallons of fresh water, features a built-in heater, a spacious front cargo box, interior storage enhanced by wood cabinetry, a large skylight that opens, and a top fan to cool things off without letting in bugs. Discreet and efficient LED lighting lets you drift off to sleep with a book or the sound of crashing ocean waves, without worrying about dead batteries.
The expansive toolkit should be able to tackle just about any kind of repair to keep you riding.
On the backside, the Küat bike rack swings out of the way using a special 'Switchback Hitch,' and a rear hatch reveals a sink, food prep area, the Feedback Sports toolkit, and extra storage spots, along with space for a large cooler. There's also an outdoor shower included and Thule rack rails on top of the trailer for adding an awning or rooftop tent for even more sleeping space. The TOPO2 MTB features one-piece fiberglass construction, so leaks are very unlikely. The trailer comes with a five-year warranty.
Big Grabber tires on wheels held by independent axles give nearly two feet of ground clearance.
The TOPO2 MTB can go just about anywhere, as the rear wheels lack a typical single through-axle, providing a massive 23 inches of ground clearance (as shown above). A specialized hitch system keeps everything connected even over the toughest terrain.
Copious insulation and effective ventilation make the TOPO2 MTB a true four-season escape module.
Once on site, a long list of standard features will keep you and a riding partner comfortable, including a plush, insulated interior (above) with numerous storage cubbies, a 240ah Lithium-Ion battery connected to a voltage inverter to power and charge all of your gear (and a blender if need be), a one-gallon RotopaX fuel container with mount, and the outdoor shower setup.
Escapod is currently accepting pre-orders for the TOPO2 MTB, and you'll need to put down a $500 deposit to secure your spot. Production is scheduled to start later this year. You can see the Escapod TOPO2 MTB and their other trailers up close at the Overland Expo PNW show in Redmond, Oregon, beginning Thursday.
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