Because We're Not North Enough To Be NOVA, We're Just Stuck Between the North and the True South

Yeah he mentioned Fairfax in a pm and I was like, nope. That’s 3 hours away lol

 

Yes sir, was able to chat with @TacoFMS and he squared me away...just tryin to make new friends as well.



thanks

 

I don’t consider it a mod.. but a soft topper is on order.

 

Kewel... damn thing is on it’s way.

 

Yes its worth a day trip. Very pretty. You'll need a hunting license, fishing license or a day pass to be on the WMA

 

The Mrs. and I drove down to Glen Allen last night to hang out with some folks from the RVA Toyota gang. Pretty good turnout. Had about 20 Tacomas and 4Runners.

 

Sold my Corolla show pony today. Details in my build thread.

 

OK.

A question for all of you fart smellers, uh, I mean smart fellers.

I'm starting to explore the idea of getting some kind off-road trailer. My ultimate plan is to make a solo trip out west on the TransAmerica Trail, but that's a discussion for another time.

For the literally past two years I have been doing my research and the bottom line is that purchasing a trailer, be it a teardrop, or a metal one to mount an rtt is just too expensive for my blood. Which means I am probably going to have to build one.

So what to start with? First I am not a welder so building something from scratch using steel stock is a nonstarter. Outside of purchasing a used one (rather not) I'm pretty much stuck with the idea of purchasing a basic trailer frame and going from there. Or a small Lowes-type equipment trailer as a platform. Then I would need a heavier axle with bigger wheels and tires. If it can be bolted on, I can do it. Again, welding is a no-go.

I could begin with something like this for about $700:


Or this, which is "farther along" than the one above for about $1800.


Both would require axle upgrades so while I was at it I figured I'd go with like a Timbren system or similar. I'd need to have a lid or cover of some kind made along with a rack for the rtt. I'd install some slideouts to mount kitchen equipment and for general storage. I could probably do all that for about $3500 including the cost of the trailer but not the rtt.

But then I also stumbled upon a big welding shop in Louisville, KY that can custom make one of these guys. The base price is $3995. I could have them make a hinged lid for a couple hundred more and I'd be almost all there.



With the tent an a few more accessories I could be all set for about $7500.


Thoughts, please.

 

Sounds like you are trying to reinvent the wheel just to save a few dollars. My opinion, either don't be a cheap ass or don't set your hopes very high as you will be learning quickly why others charge more for proven results.

If you can't weld or don't want to pay someone to fabricate something that knows what they are doing you are going to take an absurdly long trip down an extremely expensive and frustrating road trying to turn a utility trailer into something that will survive offroad, let alone perform properly and not just be dead weight or an anchor when offroad.

But hell, that's just my $.02 and I'm a dumbass that doesn't know anything...

 

I agree with Justin..

I know you don't want to purchase a ready to go set up, but sometimes it's worth the hassle in the short/long run.

About the cheapest gear hauler you can get is the Morris Mule. People run 'em fine. I've looked at them many a time for a basic off road style trailer. Prices have gone up over the years, but He will also do additional custom mods if I remember correctly. https://www.morrismule.com/the original trail grade

Going up from there is the Ruger trailer.. Another good one in my research over the years. https://www.rugertrailers.com/ I see they have added more options now.

Then, the Taxa Woolly Bear. Have seen this in person several times as well. I personally prefer this one for a gear hauler. Like a dummy, I should have purchased a few years ago when they were a little cheaper. https://taxaoutdoors.com/gear/woolly-bear/ A Guy up in Orange county carries these at times. His web site is https://roadtripcamping.com/inventory/ I've been up there a few times, just haven't pulled the trigger. @Casper66 bought his Taxa, Tiger Moth from there.

There are many others out there. these are a personal preference for myself.

 

Some of the best customer service I have ever recieved. I am still in contact with Warren occasionally just emailed him today trying to pick out the best remote solar panels for our trailer. The Wooly Bear is awesome and Warren does/ can do some really cool mods to it like an elevating tent platform.

 

Warren!! That's it. I cannot remember his name for crap.

 

Do a little more research there are several offerings out there for sub 5k and they are built to do what you are wanting to do. There are even a few sleep in models available , very basic but something to build on. @TacoFMS is correct, without welding abillities starting with something like what you pictured will be a very deep rabit hole. Just as a for instance, you mentioned Timbren suspension. For the timbren axleless 2" lift or 4" lift medium suspension you are still looking at $1200 with the hubs. By the time you pay a welding shop to beef up the storage area and build a rack to mount a RTT you just jumped it considerably more. With the white trailer you posted you would be ahead but still have to get somebody to fab up a rack to mount the tent. A small sleep in model may be more advantageous and you can store quite a bit inside. These is just my thinking but i have looked at quite a bit of this stuff as well

 

I read back through to see what y'all were discussing. If you have a welder, mechanical skills, and understand what is needed out of the trailer as far as ruggedness and suspension it would be a fun project to build. If I had to rely on others to do it and pay them not so much.

 

I like that Morris Mule. That would be do-able and in my price range.

 

I know it's corny, but it's a good, fun, 10 min. time killer. The latest race.

https://youtu.be/NVdkXtcLk0A

 

Hahaha , I watched it last night. The "taking a beamer to the face" was hilarious

 

I did a double take on that. Was totally Awesome!

 

What do you-all think about this?

 

That's a harbor freight trailer frame with an aluminum tub SCREWED to it. Not bolted, but screwed. It's the exact same situation you were asking about before.

I say buy it because you obviously have money to spend and this will help you use it all up.