Vacationgangster: "Basecamp" Trailer Build

Trailer Build: Version 2 now in progress.

Must haves:
Kitchen
Water for drinking
Hot water for showers
Solar
Power
RTT Mount
16-17" tires
3500 lb axle
Two spare tires
Mount for propane
Tongue toolbox
Maxcoupler

So this thread started with the first version of the build, which you will see below.

Most recent photo:


Here is how the new trailer sits as of yesterday










It started to get cold up here in flagstaff, so I took my old trash trailer, and put a new tongue on it, spray painted the old uprights black, put a new axle and wheels on it, rewired it and made a RTT mount for it. Then took it to California for the weekend! It’s a 4x8 with a 2000lb axle and no brakes. Proof you don’t need much to have a light duty camp trailer.

 

I love budget-build stuff like this. Looks like solid bones to start with, and a great build in the end! Is this going to be an ongoing upgrade, or are you going to keep it cheap-n-simple, as-is?

 

This was more like get it working for this trip, then address building the ideal. My parents still use this as a trash trailer, so I will give it back after I remove the cvt mounts. And work on putting my own together.

 

Update to the new trailer build,

New trailer will be based on a 4x6 build size as the 4x8 was just way too long and had lots of empty space.

Here are some pics of the goodies that have showed up so far.

 

Very nice build. Flagstaff you would need that, been through there on my bike a few times...never know what you'll get for weather. Beautiful area for sure.
Jeff

 

Got some stuff done this weekend, trailer brake lights mounted, trailer wires ran, and finished up swapping hubs and shortening the axle.

 

Word of caution, those rear leaf spring hangers are too far back. The bottom of the shackle should be more in the 7 o'clock position once it's all loaded up, and with that as your starting point, it's not going to get there.

When the suspension cycles, it needs the shackle to be beyond vertical so it deflect out. With it inwards, it's going to bind.

 

Awesome, thank you for the heads up. I will relocate accordingly.

 

It’s looking good though, it’s very rewarding to be able to build your own setup.

Have you considered adding shocks? Looks like your plans include water and such, so gonna get some weight going and from personal experience, shocks will make it the best handling trailer you’ve ever towed, especially off road.

I added some shocks to mine and the outcome was impressive for the extra ~$100 in parts.

 

I definitely am considering it, especially now that I have the steel for the sides and bottom here.

 

What brand of shocks did you use?

 

I just got the $20-$25 Monroe (?) ones from AutoZone. Meant them to be temporary, but they’re doing well and were priced right. When it comes time to replace them, I might try some better ones.

My suspension setup is entirely from a Jeep CJ-7; leaf springs, shackles, shocks, shock mounts, axle perches, etc.

I do believe etrailers.com has trailer shock kits though.

 

I was able to make it out to the shop to work on the trailer today and got a bunch of stuff done. I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

First I fixed the rear shackle angle, and supported the frame with 3/16 plate where the hangers weld up.

Mounted the free to me rims and tires and checked fitment.

Routed the wiring through the tongue to
The third cross member, grommeted, heat shrunk and mounted wire holsters to keep things in check.

Then got to fitting the floor and sides, and tac welded everything up.

Hoping to get to making my fenders this weekend. We’ll see.


Oh and pulled the RTT and rack off the old trailer to see if it’ll work or if it’s gonna be a total redo.

 

Nice progress man

 

Got the old RTT rack mounted and hooked her up and pulled her outta the garage.

Tounge is long because I have plans on shortening it up later to accommodate a max coupler, for the mean time the normal hitch will do.

Still have lots to do but she’s moving forward!

Once I got it outta the garage it looked so much smaller.

 

This is shaping up to be an awesome trailer. Sub'd for inspiration!

 

Thanks!

 

Long tongues seem like a bad idea, but mine has been great! Easy to back, will turn 90 degrees to the truck without hitting the bumper and I’ve yet to have an issue with length on the trails I run. Of course, it has limitations!

 

Nothing wrong with the long tongue...good place for a beer cooler! Might need a tad additional fab work though.
Cheers, Jeff