Escapod, creator of off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventurers, was granted patent protection this past month in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia around the design and engineering of its innovative TOPO 2 trailer body and doors.
The design has also garnered international acclaim, including a design award in December from Design MasterPrize, an award that highlights exceptional product design in a variety of sectors. In recent years, Escapod has earned other design honors, including the Red Dot Design Award and the IF Design Award in 2023.
The TOPO2, Escapod’s flagship model, represents the pinnacle of the commitment to innovation, combining aesthetics, performance and durability to set a new standard in the recreational vehicle space, the company said.
The TOPO2 was conceived after five years of building Escapod’s original TOPO trailer, with the goal of creating the ultimate compact, easy to use camping trailer. The design journey began on paper with hand-drawn sketches, progressed through 2D and 3D digital renderings, and evolved into 3D-printed models for physical refinement.
Using advanced AutoCAD software, the design was engineered for production, culminating in a full-size prototype and master molds. Over the course of the first year of development, Escapod’s team refined the structure and insulation to achieve a lightweight yet robust design, offering unmatched performance and industry-leading insulation.
The TOPO2’s single-piece composite fiberglass body, featuring a recycled PET core, exemplifies the meticulous approach, the company said. Unlike traditional RVs that rely on flimsy walls joined by edge trim, Escapod’s design eliminates seams that could lead to mold or rot. The trailer’s hot-dip galvanized steel frame and proprietary Freeride Suspension System — a patented shock-in-spring independent trailing arm system — ensure ultimate durability and performance on any terrain.
“The TOPO2’s aesthetic and functional excellence is reflected in its polyurea-based paint finish, applied with a base coat and textured dropcoat in stylish, contemporary colorways. These creative finishes stand out in a traditionally uninspired RV market. Inside, the TOPO2 offers a premium cabin experience with a Baltic birch finish, a queen-sized memory foam mattress, and ample storage. The fully equipped galley includes a full-size sink, ENO stove, and modular shelving for customizable functionality,” the company said.
“Our untraditional approach to design and engineering has redefined how things are done in the RV industry, which has long been dominated by outdated manufacturing practices,” said Escapod founder Chris Hudak. “The TOPO2’s performance engineering and design-forward ethos have not only pushed the boundaries of innovation but also earned the respect of the global design community. These accolades affirm Escapod’s role as a leader in the outdoor and RV spaces. We are committed to delivering products that inspire and elevate every adventure.”
