HEO: A New Chapter in Expedition Trailers

Tad Rogers & Jesus of HEO Talking

Built for the Wild, Now More Accessible Than Ever

For over a decade, Highland Expedition Outfitters (HEO) has been known for ultra-lightweight, aluminum-built expedition trailers—designed for people who crave adventure, but don’t want the hassle of heavy, hard-to-tow setups.

Founded by Jeff Oliver in 2013 near the Great Smoky Mountains, HEO was built with one goal in mind: to help more people access the outdoors. With an emphasis on quality craftsmanship, rugged durability, and a design that works just as well behind a Subie as it does a Rubi (Suburu, 4Runner, Jeep, Tacoma, Gladiator, you get our drift but NOT a Cybertruck), HEO trailers quickly built a dedicated following.

For nearly ten years, Jeff and his wife, Kate, grew HEO into a name trusted by overlanders, weekend warriors, and roadtrippers alike. When they decided to retire in 2023, the story could have ended there. Instead, it found a new home in the Rocky Mountains.

Tad Rogers and Gracie HEO

Meet Tad (and Gracie!)

From Law Office to Workshop Floor—A Different Kind of Career Change

I’m Tad—a mountain biker, off-roader, camper, and (formerly) a lawyer. And yeah, I’ll be the first to admit—this wasn’t exactly the career pivot I had planned.

Like many people, COVID gave me the chance to spend more time outdoors. I signed up for a series of multi-day mountain bike races and wanted to pair that with my love of dispersed camping—two birds, one stone. A rooftop tent on my Jeep seemed perfect—until I found myself packing up camp before dawn to hit the start line, then rebuilding it all after an exhausting day in the saddle, only to do it all over again the next morning.

“After my second experience with this “fun”, I had a moment of introspection…  there HAD to be a better way. I love a good adventure, but I also love making my life easier.”

That’s when I realized a trailer would change the game.

I first came across HEO and Jeff’s work, but instead of buying one, I went with a cheaper (in both senses of the word, it turns out…) Craigslist DIY option. Let’s just say that after one folded frame, a sheared axle spindle, and a small claims court battle, I found myself back on HEO’s site—only to learn that Jeff and Kate were retiring.

“I saw the opportunity immediately. I wasn’t going to let HEO disappear. So I called Jeff, talked him into selling me the company, and moved the entire operation to Colorado. Now, here we are.”

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Now operating from Denver, Colorado, HEO is still committed to what made it special:

  • All-aluminum construction—ultra-lightweight, durable, and rust-proof.
  • Easy towing—designed for Suburus, Jeeps, and small crossover SUVs, so you don’t need a massive truck to pull one
  • A minimalist approach—no unnecessary frills, just everything you need for a simple, efficient, off-grid adventure.


But we’re not stopping there. We’re making HEO even better.

“I’m looking forward to innovating, too—to introducing new models and new features based on what customers actually want. Because let’s be real: trailers should work for you, not make your trip harder.”

  • More options coming soon—including the Trail HErO 3 and 4 with expanded storage and more versatility.
  • Solar-powered upgrades—with integrated battery banks designed especially for HEO to make efficient use of otherwise “dead” space.
  • Partnerships with top-tier gear companies—from rooftop tents and awnings to modular camp kitchens and storage solutions.
  • Backwards compatibility—so existing owners can upgrade and modify their trailers as new features roll out.

“I really wish I had learned to weld years ago. Watching two pieces of metal melt together to become a single, stronger piece? That’s magic. And, let’s be honest—way more fun than drafting legal documents.”

Built for the Wild, Backed by a Community

One of the things I love most about HEO isn’t just building trailers—it’s the people who use them.
That’s why HEO is more than just a brand—it’s a community.

  • We’re committed to sustainable craftsmanship—using recyclable materials and designing our trailers to last.
  • Stay tuned for HEO Camp Meetups—bringing owners and like-minded adventurers together to explore new trails and share stories (and good whiskey) around the campfire.
  • And we’re making sure that adventure is easier and more accessible for more people.

So if you see an HEO logoed CrossTrek pulling into your campsite – don’t be alarmed.  It’s just me, excited to see a trail HErO in the wild and to meet a fellow traveler.  

Adventure Awaits. Welcome to the next era of HEO.

Join the Adventure
📍 Want to see an HEO trailer in person? Follow us on Instagram to see where we will be next
🛠️ Interested in the new features? Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates.
🏕️ Have an HEO trailer? Tag us @HEOTrailers in your photos—we might just feature you!

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