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In this episode of the RVing with Joe & Kait podcast, we sit down with Chris Hudak, co-founder of Escapod, the company behind the Topo 2 off-road teardrop camper. Chris shares how he and his wife Jen started building campers in their garage and grew Escapod into a brand known for rugged, go-anywhere teardrop trailers. We dig into the design behind the Topo 2, what sets it apart in the overlanding world, and why durability and comfort are non-negotiables for them.
Chris also shares insights into the production process at their Utah facility, their commitment to quality, and how Escapod empowers adventurers to explore with confidence and style. Whether you’re an overlanding enthusiast or just curious about off-road teardrop campers, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!
We want a trailer that will actually inspire you to use it in that aspirational way rather than hold you back.
Chris Hudak, Co-founder of Escapod
Escapod Teardrop Campers
Where to listen
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Amazon Music
- Listen on iHeartRadio
- Listen on Pandora
- Listen on Podcast Addict
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Episode Guest
Chris Hudak founded Escapod with his wife, Jen, in June 2016. The Escapod mission exemplifies his beliefs that enjoying the outdoors can be comfortable and limitless. The Escapod journey started with a crazy idea, a beer or two, and a sketch drawn on a napkin. Chris and Jen were always traveling and adventuring — their summertime passion was to jump in the car after the work-week and hit the road in search of the best mountain biking within a 12-hour drive. When they got sick of packing cars with tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, coolers, water, 2 dogs…you get the point…they decided they needed a faster, more comfortable way to travel.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- Escapod Topo 2 Teardrop Camper Tour
- We’re the Russos YouTube Channel
- Newsletter sign up
- Book 1: Take Risks
- Book 2: Tales From the Open Road
Key Highlights
- Chris and his wife Jen began Escapod after realizing that no existing campers met their needs. They built their first camper in their garage, which eventually led to the creation of Escapod.
- The Topo 2 was designed for durability and versatility, featuring a fully composite shell, galvanized steel frame, and 32-inch tires. Chris emphasizes that this design lets adventurers explore even the most remote areas with confidence.
- The Topo 2 offers essential off-road and four-season capabilities, like ground clearance, a queen-size bed, and heat on board to ensure comfort and durability across various terrains and weather conditions.
- The outdoor galley kitchen is perfect for making camping a communal experience, bringing people together much like a campfire does.
- Escapod’s dedication to quality shows in their choice of marine-grade materials, high-density polyethylene interiors, and custom suspension. Chris discusses how they focus on creating a product that can withstand tough conditions without losing value over time.
- Chris shares stories from Escapod owners who have taken their trailers to extreme environments, including the Arctic Circle in winter.
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