Cheapest Overlanding Trailer Setup

[Tyler.W]

Hi All,

I want to get into overlanding and the only way for me to do that would be a trailer since I have a Jeep TJ. I do not have much money for this so I am trying to do some research and hear from all of you about the cheapest trailer setup. I was thinking I could either do something like a military trailer with a rooftop tent or a teardrop trailer that I could store some plastic crates in while I am on the move.

I think that the teardrop would be a cooler idea, but I am not totally sure. Any suggestions from you trailer owners? :)

 

[Tyler.W]

Found Dinoot trailers a while back and their M416 trailer kits are cool. Of course it is DIY but the kit with pretty much everything you'd need and a RTT isn't too bad of a price. Has anyone had any experience with this company/trailer?

https://www.dinoot.com/models/m-series-model/

 

[trfkcop]

Are you rock crawling, hard core off road, r just off the beaten path? There are some pretty nice cargo trailer conversions with axle flip (think square teardrop) with roof top tents. Just an idea.

 

[Tyler.W]

I would think I would define it as off the beaten path. Nothing too crazy, maybe some rocks and stuff here and there but I'm not planning to rock crawl with a trailer. Moderately tame stuff, but if the road gets rough I'd like to be able to continue rather than turning back.

To me it seems the M416 trailer builds with RTT are the most stout and maneuverable for the price.

 

[vegasjeepguy]

The cheapest trailer is the one you build yourself. How much of a build depends on your skills and resources. With no fabricating skills I found a 1992 CDN M101 trailer locally on Craigslist for $1000 almost 9 years ago. At the time that was more than I wanted to pay, but the trailer was in great shape and I later came to realize I did get a very good deal.

As a work in progress I have spent almost 9 years improving and modifying so that now it is a very capable expedition trailer. Attached is my build thread so I don’t take up too much of your post...

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/cdn-m101-in-vegas.1422/

Without building a trailer from scratch, I recommend starting with a very solid foundation like a military trailer which will be a little more initial investment, but save money over time.

 

[Tyler.W]

Thanks for your link. I will read through it when I get the chance. I unfortunately don't have fabrication experience and am living in an apartment right now so totally DIY is off the table unless I find someone that has the know how and desire to help me.

Are you able to fit everything you need for say a one week trip off the grid in your trailer?

 

[vegasjeepguy]

One of the great things about online forums is the ability to network and meet people in your area. I have made quite a few friends on Jeep forum to include a buddy who builds off-road racing trucks. With no fabrication experience myself, he has helped me out on a few projects that required welding, metal work, etc. I know some who post a request for help on a project and the Jeep community is full of people generous with their time and skill because we remember we’ve all been there.

Are you able to fit everything you need for say a one week trip off the grid in your trailer?

I am...

 

[Tyler.W]

Awesome! That's quite a bit of stuff as well. I must keep looking for trailers on Craiglist to see if anything pops up there.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Tyler.W]

I found this trailer listed in our classifieds. Looks like a good price for something similar to a military trailer. What do you all think? Also, how much do you think it would cost to make some kind of hard lockable cover for the trailer?

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/for-sale-1200-obo.11284/#post-176910

 

[Bob (Fishingbob)]

FYI another option you Might want to consider a Morris Mule trailer (see my Avatar)- I have added a RTT, larger custom wheel, full extension drawer system, battery, water, propane, up front triangle storage holding potapottie, 2500 awning, two burner stove, Toad Charger, inverter, LED light, recovery boards, kayak or float tube storage and a bike rack up front. Comes standard with 15" tires. I added adapters so I could use rims that matched the Jeep (17"). Morris Mule has a website, if you call talk with Morris.

 

[Road]

Hi All,

I want to get into overlanding and the only way for me to do that would be a trailer since I have a Jeep TJ. I do not have much money for this so I am trying to do some research and hear from all of you about the cheapest trailer setup. I was thinking I could either do something like a military trailer with a rooftop tent or a teardrop trailer that I could store some plastic crates in while I am on the move.

I think that the teardrop would be a cooler idea, but I am not totally sure. Any suggestions from you trailer owners? :)

I just sold a decent M416 for under $500 dollars. Needed a new floor and went to a fellow who drove 11 hrs to come get it.

I still have a nice Bantam T3-C for sale for under $1000. It's been pretty will restored and is ready to go, other than a tailgate if you want one and cover/rack. Here's more on that: Bantam T3-C Trailer and here, a recent post I put on insta:


What most guys do with these is put a hinged top on the tub, then a simple rack that supports a rooftop tent. There are a ton of threads here and on expeditionportal.com showing what others have done.

They're out there, if you poke around. I can imagine there are more than you think, of both military and usable civilian trailers within a couple hundred mile radius of Nashville for you.

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