My DIY Overlanding & Camping Trailer

[Benbean66]

Figured I'd start this to keep a record of my build. Some of you may remember my first build, which worked great and we used the heck out of it. I wanted to get a small enclosed trailer for something more secure, weatherproof, and to make it easier to load/unload (or eliminate that part of it, actually).

This is the first build. It worked good but it was a pain to unbox everything wherever we went.

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[Benbean66]

Then I found this 4x6 Homesteader trailer, and my brain started working... My plan was to keep weight down to a minimum, while still having everything we'd need for at least a week out in the mountains, or wherever we were headed. I knew I wanted solar with backup battery bank, water, shower/hot water, and an awning to keep us dry and/or shaded.

 

[Benbean66]

After some planning, I decided to spray it with "Raptor" liner. I got the tinted kit, because I wanted subdued that wasn't too flashy. I also primer the interior in white to help brighten it up.

 

[The Crusader]

That looks like a good platform to start with. I'd upsize tires for ground clearance. If the rear deck isn't very solid, I'd weld on some skid plates. I'd put fold out window platforms on the side and mount a stove on one for a fold out stove. Mount a propane tank at the front of the trailer. A cart full of firewood or other heavy gear will roll out a back ramp easily. Use those interior walls and ceiling to mount stuff. Extra fire extinguisher. Solar panels and batteries. RTT and awning are no brainers. Concentrate on a low COG where possible.

 

[Benbean66]

That looks like a good platform to start with. I'd upsize tires for ground clearance. If the rear deck isn't very solid, I'd weld on some skid plates. I'd put fold out window platforms on the side and mount a stove on one for a fold out stove. Mount a propane tank at the front of the trailer. A cart full of firewood or other heavy gear will roll out a back ramp easily. Use those interior walls and ceiling to mount stuff. Extra fire extinguisher. Solar panels and batteries. RTT and awning are no brainers. Concentrate on a low COG where possible.

Thank you, all great ideas, and you're way ahead of me. Those pictures are from a few months ago, and it's come a long way since then. Stay tuned!

 

[NC_Overland]

Do you need to do any additional re-enforcement for a rooftop tent on a trailer like that?

 

[Benbean66]

Next came the modifications. I knew I wanted a Timbren axle-less suspension setup since my previous trailer. I ordered one of their HD long spindle 2,200lb kits with brakes, and found some YJ wheels to go with them. Since the frame on the little trailer was "lacking" to put it nicely, I extended the 3" C-Channel from the tongue all the way around the base of the trailer, and mounted the suspension to that.

 

[Toyfrog]

Thank you, all great ideas, and you're way ahead of me. Those pictures are from a few months ago, and it's come a long way since then. Stay tuned!

Well don’t just tease us, set the dang hook and show us more already. Lol

 

[Benbean66]

So after it was up on its new wheels, I reinstalled the aluminum drawer that I had removed from the old trailer into the new one. It fit like a glove after modifying the 1/4" thick aluminum deck I had previously built. The sink pictured was an idea I had, which has changed since...

 

[Benbean66]

(as you can tell I'm playing "catch-up" and not really building it this fast, lol)

Next was the roof. I bought a SmittyBuilt RTT from a good friend of mine and ordered an Overland Vehicle Systems 270 awning and needed some way to mount it. I didn't want to mount it to the roof of the trailer because it was not strong enough to support the weight. I fabbed up an aluminum rack, and mounted it to the internal frame of the trailer.

 

[Benbean66]

Good choice. I had Timbren’s put on my teardrop after destroying two different torsion axle setups.

I hit a pothole in Ohio and bent the axle on my last trailer. I knew I would need/want something beefy for my next build, and this setup is a beast!

 

[Benbean66]

After that came mounting the awning and tent. The awning is huge!!! I have it on uprights because I'm 6'5" and I didn't want to have to duck under it.

 

[Benbean66]

So I wanted to be able to reach the RTT easily (and my son and girlfriend are not as tall as I am) so I made up some steps that are going to go the whole way around the trailer. I also installed a hitch in the rear C-Channel for a bike rack and also in case I need to pull it out if I was ever in that scenario.

 

[Benbean66]

Next comes the fun part. So I wanted to utilize every possible bit of room inside the trailer, and not have to climb inside for anything. So on the drawer I created a hinge system and made two swing out sections. The shelf on the left side will hold my Dometic 75 fridge, and the right side will obviously be the sink, countertop area. The tool box on the drawer is for utensils, tools, supplies...

 

[Benbean66]

One more set of pictures, although they're terrible, lol! (I'm not a photographer, and my shop (a.k.a "The Lab") is a nightmare of a mess. I installed my O.V.S shower/privacy stall. It fits perfectly on the driver's side and will be protected from above by the tent when it's unfolded. I'll take a better picture next time I pull the trailer out of the garage.

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