Steve & Deb's Hiker Trailer 5X8 Deluxe

[Steve]

Let us know what you install.

My 4Runner already has a rear view camera built into the infoeverything screen. A couple of years ago, I added a rear camera override so that I can have the rear on at any time, not just in reverse. Later, I added a video input switcher, and added a front camera. So, the rear camera on the trailer just ties into that.

Today, I’ve been fiddling with the trailer’s camera and wiring between rain showers. The camera is mounted above the rear door, and I’m temporarily getting power from the GoalZero Yeti 150. I will tie it into the trailer’s 12V system when I get around to doing that.

The camera came with a 6M video cable, and I bought an extension from Amazon. I will run the extension from the video switcher to the back of the 4Runner, and the camera’s cable to the trailer’s hitch wiring. So when I plug in the flat-4 trailer plug, I will also plug in the video cable.

So far in my fiddling, it works great. I am getting a tiny bit of video noise, probably from nearly 40 feet of cheap video cable. I have the camera tilted down so that the bottom edge of the view is six inches behind the back of the frame.

Next I have to bury the cable in the truck and trailer.

Here is the camera I have. I chose this one based on a review some guy on YouTube did, comparing about a dozen cameras, measuring noise, quality, brightness, flare, etc.


EDIT: Actually, that was the front camera. This was the rear camera that I bought:

 

[COBOUND]

I got out of a custom build a few years ago due to time, or lack of. I've been looking at these for some time now and your thread has me considering the Hiker over a couple others. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread, great read. Thanks for sharing all that you have!

B

 

[Steve]

I don't think this is gonna fit on the roof rack!

 

[COBOUND]

Aussie Santa came today!!!


Before:

View attachment 54892

After:

View attachment 54893

View attachment 54894

That jack looks pretty sweet, but where did you find it? I see it on sites that aren't US related...and a pretty hefty price :o

 

[Steve]

That jack looks pretty sweet, but where did you find it? I see it on sites that aren't US related...and a pretty hefty price :o

 

[COBOUND]

Nice, thanx...I’ll look into it! Should’ve mentioned, after two years of searching I happened upon a used 6x10 Escapade Summit and snatched it up! Much larger and heavier than my last trailer, so this jack greatly appeals to me.

Have you tested it on grass or just the paved spots?

After seeing the manufacturer vids, it looks so easy to move...just don’t want to drop that kind of coin if it’s not legit.

Thanxagain!

B

 

[Steve]

@COBOUND I have only used it on relatively level concrete and some cracked asphalt. It rolled easily on both, so I could spin my trailer around wherever I want. @Road was looking into getting the heavier model. He has an XVenture trailer, and I think he said they are standard on them now. Might check price and availability.

I can tell you that it is a seriously solid piece of equipment. It should last way longer than me!


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[Steve]

Per a request from @brien:
Here is a neat bit of gear I saw on a TearJerkers weekend outing. It is a leveling jack that slides around the low-side tire, and lifts to level the trailer. It works with 13", 14", and some 15" tires. Norco Industries part number BAL 28050 Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2oZ8t9z

I used it on this last weekend's trip, and it was a piece of cake to use. The included ratchet wrench is pretty low quality, so be sure to have an alternate if it fails. I store it in the Amazon recommended pizza transport bag to keep the rain and mud out of the vehicles.

[Google Images]

 

[brien]

Thanks @Steve! That looks pretty great, bummer they only work up to some 15" tires. My trailer will have 17" with 285/75/17s. The hunt continues, so far I think the Rapid Jack leveler is at the top of my list.

 

[Steph_and_Blake]

Hi, Steve.

You were kind enough to send me info on the tri-fold mattress you have in your Hiker Trailer. I have somehow managed to delete the email/message and haven't found it after a half-hour of searching. Would you please resend the info?

Many thanks!

Stephanie (and Blake)

 

[Steve]

Hi, Steve.

You were kind enough to send me info on the tri-fold mattress you have in your Hiker Trailer. I have somehow managed to delete the email/message and haven't found it after a half-hour of searching. Would you please resend the info?

Many thanks!

Stephanie (and Blake)

Stephanie,

It was not via email (although you might have received an email notification) but via the Overland Bound forum's private messaging feature. In the top right of the forum, you will see "inbox". Click that, and go to the conversation titled "Tri-Fold Mattress". The following link *should* work for you:
https://overlandbound.com/forums/conversations/tri-fold-mattress.34930/

I'm glad I could help,
Steve

 

[Steph_and_Blake]

I feel really stupid, but I don't see an "inbox". Help?

 

[1Louder]

I feel really stupid, but I don't see an "inbox". Help?

Top right left of search. Click on your username icon, then click on the envelope.

 

[Steve]

Ahhh! It is different on the forum’s dark theme than the default theme! Sorry for the confusion, and thanks @1Louder

 

[hansmatt]

love seeing the build!