Camping trailer

Mods- was not sure what forum to post this in so please move it if needed.

I'm not sure what forum this belongs in but i'm looking to get a trailer to setup for camping. I'd like to put my RTT on it and have a grab and go setup. I'd really like to find an M-416 to use as a base but i'm not finding any.

I found this and was wondering peoples opinions on it?
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/trb/6197936402.html


A few i've found inspirational and want to pull concepts from

This one
And
another

 

there's a guy on here that converted one of these into an offroad trailer..

@Pirhett ?

or

@Shmellmopwho ?

 

A few more details about your intended use, terrain you intend to cross etc. Your RTT was mentioned and then we see an enclosed trailer so are your intentions to mount the RTT to the enclosed or scrap the RTT and go enclosed? Basically your post lacks and details or direction and absolutely no budget specs.

I myself have an enclosed that I carry my race bikes and sleep in. It is still in progress but how much of my setup and what I have learned along the way may be absolutely useless to you depending on your intentions. Your skills, equipment (welders etc) and the such may be limiting in what we suggest to you.

The more you fill in the blanks the more useful the responses will be.

 

Here is my trailer build. A little bit bigger than the one the OP is looking at though

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nclosed-expo-trailer-with-a-lot-of-bs.460158/

 

Yup. Was a quick post with a generic "hey what have you all done" my wish is to find a reasonably priced M-416. Since they seem to be hard to find I am open to other concepts. My intention is to add the RTT to whatever o but be it an open or enclosed trailer knowing I would have to beef up the structural portion of an enclosed.

As far as use it would be primarily a family camping setup. Very little off road but where I can I'd like to add some ability to go off the beaten path.


I've got a welder but haven't yet fired it up. I'll be learning while I plan for the build.

Re: budget if like to keep the trailer under 1500ish the throw another 800 or so at it.

Direction and ideas so far..

I want to have at least a 15 gallon water tank.
A grill (attached or just stored)
Place for a couple rotopax for water/gas
A fold out table would be nice
If I go with an open design if like to be able to raise and lower the tent.

More to come as I get time

 

Excellent. Enclosed trailers can be made into stellar "RV's". Check out Pinterest for ideas. I know it sounds prissy but there are some amazing builds from basic to insane. That said I wouldn't use an enclosed without major suspension mods for anything more than fire / logging roads. If you do go this route make sure you insulate the roof. Aluminum transfers every little bit of heat from the roof skin inside. It also sucks every bit of heat to the outside on cold nights. I am using Owens Corning 703FSK. It is a fiberglass semi ridged board with foil on one side. I friend of mine used foam 1" insulation on his. I didn't because I thought there wouldn't be enough flex but he says it flexed just enough to be perfect.

Get GOOD deep cycle batteries if you intend to use an inverter or 12v appliances etc. I went with golf cart batteries through Interstate. My friend went Optima blue top. GC batteries are the better long term solution but Optima's can be mounted any direction even upside down. So in some cases the Optima's mounting flexibility may be the deciding factor.

IF you don't go enclosed a good suggestion is to use hubs that use the same bolt pattern as your truck. That way you can use the truck spare if needed. A minor detail but it saves you from buying another rim and tire and storing it as well.

When building check out Amazon and eBay for led lighting. When using battery and inverter power you need to be as efficient as possible or carry extra batteries. I have some led lights that crazy bright and draw bugger all power.

Just this morning I was on Amazon and saw propane powered hot water on demand for $120. You might need a small pump to set up this kind of system but damn it is highly rated and adds some serious convenience. They also had filters designed to work with it so I think heater, pump and filter came up under $200.

Now this last one is more for an enclosed setup. I went looking for a futon style mattress for my 7x14. A local shop had a clear out on a Serta pillowtop twin mattress for $200. Screw the futon. I am living large now.

I am on the road at the moment but when I get home I will try and find a few more things for you unless others beat me to it. Good luck and plan plan plan then execute.

 

I used to work for TrailersPlus (in Oklahoma) and for that trailer at that price I'd probably shop around a little more. It's built about the same as many other manufacturers but a lot of times is more expensive. Just a thought, I mean it's a good trailer, you just might find a similar one for several hundred less.

 

Good to know,Thanks!
I've decided to keep hunting for a M416 or M100 Military Trailer or something similar

 

Wonder if something like this could work... It obviously needs work and the ford label removed from the tailgate but could be an ok start......

 

Anyone in the midwest looking for a new Glam-ping trailer?
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/rvs/6211048088.html

*not mine

 

Read your posts here...followed and studied the links provided.

As a couple of others have mentioned, refine your search/build based upon your intended travel.

We have been researching off road/teardrop/enclosed trailers for a few years now...and the choices are limitless.

Check out Dinoot Trailers if your going to head the DIY route...Scott Chaney has some amazing build plans and advice that I have studied countless times.

We are also looking at the RTT mount route, and if that is the choice you are making, IMO...skip the enclosed trailer. Unless you will be sleeping more than two people, this could be seen as a bit of redundancy.

Focus your goal by deciding the length of time you will be out camping without re-supply, as this helps to winnow down the features you will use the most.

1-2 nights, skip an elaborate electrical system, large water tank, shower, etc. Defnitely have some sort of galley plan, and as mentioned a comfortable sleeping platform. Go look at RTT's, REI sells them now and you can often get inside a set up Skyrise to really get the feel. That can be an impactful experience if you haven't actually spent any time in an RTT.

No matter what platform you choose, ample, secure, and if possible, dust free storage is a must.

3-5 nights and more...this is where the decision making becomes refined quickly. Water storage options, electrical/deep cycle/solar/hot water heaters/galley-cooking options/propane storage...etc. You can see where figuring out your end goal is a critical step in this process.

Finally, and getting back to your original question about the pre-built enclosed trailer...I suggest caution here if your true intent is to build an off road based trailer. The axles, hubs, and frames are not designed or built to withstand the rigors of off road driving, let alone a strong section of washboard long mileage fire road.

Spend some time on off road trailer forums and you will discover that one of the biggest reason for the expensive price tags of some of the higher end trailers is because of the stout frames and axle design (Adventure Trailers, VMI Off Road, etc.). Suspension is also a consideration depending on the terrain you will be tackling...solid axle, IRS, swing arm, shocked/no shock are all options, and leafs too.

One tip that we discovered and is (IMO) a critical upgrade: match your hub pattern on your axle/trailer to your tow vehicle, that way you can swap in/carry a couple of spares for that inevitable trailside puncture/recovery without that desolate Oh Sh!t moment with lug wrench in hand.

Also, consider the length of your tow vehicle/trailer combo, as that can shape the trails you will be tackling, as some NP and trail systems (specifically the North Rim of the Grand Canyon) restrict or even prohibit trailer based travel.

Finally, my personal tip...incorporate your spouse/GF/DP/SO in the process, as often the driving force for an off road trailer is more comfort on the trail. This is not only fun, but often helps loosen the necessary budgetary discussions that will take place. Getting a bright green light from your better half because they are involved is pretty cool.

Good luck man, feel free to PM me if you have any questions as you plan your build make your choices....you won't regret camping in comfort and style with an off road trailer.

 

I am!

 

You might want to scan through http://tnttt.com/index.php for ideas. You don't have to login to read or search but it's free anyway to sign up and ask questions. Many have built what you are looking to do.

 

You might also check out http://www.boondockcampers.biz/
Pretty high rated at a very reasonable price, does customizations to fit your needs.

 

So someone just posted on of THESE Locally on CL. I've been talking to him over text and hes got it listed for $1500 and its like new. Going to jump on it tonight if I can. Pretty busy with work so i've not spent much time to verify my Mt. Shasta Summit Extended will fit on it... does anyone know off the cuff?

 

You'll have to make a modified rack for it, but the trailer size will work for that size fixed camping tent. C-channel strut (uni-strut) is easy to work with and strong!

 

can you elaborate a bit on the modification? Can you get uni-strut at Lowes?
Edit: is this the stuff you're talking about or does it come in different sizes?

 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SUPERSTRUT...ctroplated-Half-Slot-Channel-Strut/1000192655


Mounted to the trailer body/frame.

 

I had a good conversation with the guy selling this last night. It looks like the rack cross bars are adjustable. Hopefully I don't have to do much! Going to pick it up this afternoon.
Funny thing I've never pulled a trailer or anything so this will be an adventure I'm sure it's fine just new to me.