New member here, but been off grid vehicle camping since before it was referred to as Overlanding. I started with a 34' Ford Coachman in the 80's, then a conversion van in the 90's. Made due with trucks after the turn of the century, and transitioned into SUV's mid 2000, with ground tents. I decided I was tired of ground tents, and the packing/unpacking, then long camp setup times. So I decided to start building an off road trailer ready to go at a moments notice. Packing clothing and food/drink only for a trip will make it easier on this old man.
While I still prefer the roughing part of camping, (compared to an RV style), I also want it to be easier on myself. I would rather find an off grid camp sites that require 4wd low range, over commercialized asphalt road camp sites. So that meant, keep the modified SUV, and build a small off road capable trailer, to haul the luxury items. I have been in construction all my life, and have always worked and modified my own junk. So I slowly worked up an idea of what I wanted vs needed. From there, the vision of the end result was but a rough idea. I decided to just jump in, build what I knew, and just went with the flow as the build happened. Changes here, changes there, and new ideas formed as I went. By staying flexible, but keeping the overall final product in mind, it helped me color in the lines, and on track to the final goal.
It has been 2 years in the making from a DYI frame build out of a stack of 2"x3" tubes, to what it is today. It is no means a light weight trailer, but it is built to withstand the harsh trails for longer than I will be alive. It's mostly all steel, with all stainless hardware. Flooring was the exception. It's made from treated 3/4" decking. Reason being, all trailer flooring, no matter the substrate used, will eventually need replacing. Aluminum might be the exception to the rule. I built this a little at a time as funds allowed, and as a hobby. Some materials was out of my reach if I ever wanted to get this thing done before I croak, so I stuck with what I could afford and do. I can weld steel, but not aluminum/stainless, and work was done at home by me, with tools already owned.
I am a member of a large forum for the tow rig, and have documented this trailer build there from start to current day. The aspect of off road camping is not a very big interest on that forum, so I decided to branch out to places that are. If you want to see any of the build details, you can by following this link... It's a long detailed read, as I wanted to be able to share as much as possible, and hopefully help others with ideas or a how to. Since I already have a dedicated build thread for this trailer, I decided against making another, and just sharing the link for anybody interested.
Rated "I/A" for Immature Adult content! Stop, and close this page if you can't handle Silly, foul, and obnoxious adult content! Intro: This is not a common build here on this forum, but this build is part of another long term build, that has been going on for 10 years now. I feel it is fitting...
www.explorerforum.com
Trailer is about 90% done. I will be working on it all winter long, getting it ready for next years adventures.
General specs:
2" x 3" x 3/16" tube frame & 2.5"sq x .250" wall full length tongue beam
4'x8' overall with 4'W x 6'L x 3'H cabin
Full length fenders with tube rock sliders
BAL-C 31" stablizing jacks in rear
3500# Timbren suspension w/electric brakes
35"x12.5" Goodyear MTR tires (Matches tow rig )
Lock N Roll hitch
Swing out Tongue box for spare tire access, with Marine switch control panel
Front cabin section with side doors, and rear section with rear door
Side mounted storage boxes with ready welder 2, first aid, tools/parts, recovery gear, etc...
Adjustable height roof rack with 3 person RTT/annex & 270* awning
3500# wireless remote winch with synthetic rope
LED Lights galore... In/out of cabin front/back, Top, sides, front, rear, & underneath. Heck, even the awning has built in Led lights.
100w slide out hidden solar panel- 20 amp shore charge, soon to have 40 amp DC/DC vehicle/solar charge, dual group 31 MAGM batteries
150 psi Onboard air
30 gal fresh water tank- 3 gpm auto on pump- Instant hot water heater
Dual 10# propane tank mounts- Jerry fuel can
Slide out Kitchen/storage in the rear cabin
Front side fridge slide
Cabin has Upper inside storage shelving front & rear with strap down system
PPG Black Automotive Paint. Raptor Liner on the fenders.
Hasn't been weighed yet, but as it currently sits, my best guess is right under 2000# loaded, dry. Yes it is heavy, and I expect a lot of the seasoned trailer owners to give me grief over it, but it is my first build, and I have learned a lot along the way. To compensate for the weight, the tow rig has also been modified more to handle it better.
Remember if you want to see more, click the link above!
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Thanks for looking!
