Travel trailer / Camper Rigs

[Minty JL]

Regarding No. 6 on your list....

I'd suggest going with portable panels vs. fixed as you can't always park in a spot that provides optimum sun capture. The portable panels can be moved around, and they are small enough to stow easily.

Also, consider LiFE P04 batteries as part of a portable power station vs. fixed in your trailer. The advantages of these are 1) lighter weight, 2) longer life, 3) more charging cycles and, 4) safety. Lead acid and LI batteries have their drawbacks in all 4 of those categories. The portability of the power station also means you have a backup source at home if needed. Just make sure that you calculate the load you need to support all electrical devices used with your trailer (A/C, fans, stoves, fridge, etc...) and get the appropriately sized batteries and/or power station.

Good luck!

Perfect, thanks for the recommendations. I'm still in my planning before I purchase phase. Definitely a lot of point to consider or weigh

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[professorkx]

I’ve had a mix of both panels, fixed and portable, I dont always want to mess with portable panels unless I’m going to be in one spot more than 1-2 days. Even on our big motorhome now I have a mixture of both fixed and portable…

 

[Patrol65]

I built this few yrs back. I too got to get back into camping.

 

[RudeJeepin]

I've looked at those trailers and they are nice, but...I already had an enclosed trailer so I built out my own. Saved a mint.
It's a slow build and make changes/additions after each trip.
I have some info on it in my JTRD Journey thread. https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/rudejeepins-jtrd-journey.67318/post-1197132
I'll be adding some kind of sink setup this year. I'd love to do a portable shower I could use inside or outside. I nice hot shower after a long day of riding is nice. Mine is setup to haul our SxS, but can easily haul 3 or 4 motorcycles. I'd probably do it slightly different if I was only hauling a few motorcycles.
I have a Coleman Roadtripper BBQ for cooking outdoors and recently picked up a Blackstone Adventure 14" for using inside. Plus we can lave the bigger one at home if we want and just take the little Blackstone. It has a 12x14 griddle and a side burner for a coffee pot.

 

[danimal2000]

Since its an open trailer, I can use it for almost anything. Plus where its a camper there might be some tax benefits(refer to your CPA)

I'm not a cpa BUT according to my cpa tax guy, if it has a functioning kitchen and bathroom, it counts as a home. So if you finance, it counts as a mortgage and you can deduct interest from your income

 

[professorkx]

While you are correct, With the standard decision for singles at $14,600 and married at $29,200, the average American no longer has enough schedule A deductions to itemize.

 

[danimal2000]

While you are correct, With the standard decision for singles at $14,600 and married at $29,200, the average American no longer has enough schedule A deductions to itemize.

Yes for sure federal. Not sure on various states.
We used to laughed about deducting interest on our "vacation home"

 

[Blade1668]

A lot of good advice in this thread. I "went full-time" Dec 2010 until 2023 when I built my cabin. The ceiling being tall enough is a critical one. A.C. and way to cook inside too. Bathroom is a toss up depending on how or where you are. Some camping areas a definite necessity. Mine isn't a trail use model, before I move to Alabama I was building a teardrop trailer. To many years of sleeping in #####y places with no facilities, deployments and Army training areas. Plus was still working then. Another recommendation is avoid torsion axle if you plan on keeping it for years, that type has a average life cycle of 6-7 years in real world even if you block up off the wheels. $700 plus replacement cost, mine is $1000-1200 plus S&H. I converted over to LiPo battery last year and some other changes updates. Upkeep is same as a house but limited options. With the pitfalls of resale market vs new.

 

[Figmo]

 

[Minty JL]

A lot of good advice in this thread. I "went full-time" Dec 2010 until 2023 when I built my cabin. The ceiling being tall enough is a critical one. A.C. and way to cook inside too. Bathroom is a toss up depending on how or where you are. Some camping areas a definite necessity. Mine isn't a trail use model, before I move to Alabama I was building a teardrop trailer. To many years of sleeping in #####y places with no facilities, deployments and Army training areas. Plus was still working then. Another recommendation is avoid torsion axle if you plan on keeping it for years, that type has a average life cycle of 6-7 years in real world even if you block up off the wheels. $700 plus replacement cost, mine is $1000-1200 plus S&H. I converted over to LiPo battery last year and some other changes updates. Upkeep is same as a house but limited options. With the pitfalls of resale market vs new.

Yeah after 20 years in the Army and half of it deployed or in the field.....our requirements are pretty light compared to the average "camper"

That why I felt dropping this thread would be beneficial.......lots of experience to tap. It's all being well received. So again, thanks to everyone

 

[Blade1668]

Yeah after 20 years in the Army and half of it deployed or in the field.....our requirements are pretty light compared to the average "camper"

That why I felt dropping this thread would be beneficial.......lots of experience to tap. It's all being well received. So again, thanks to everyone

I "did" the Scamp 16ft Deluxe since I was jumping in full-time but a job and cutting away from house, garage and shop. Scamp barely tall enough for me to stand up inside (6'1") and within my 05LJ towing capacity. It would have the tail wagging the dog some when towing in some conditions. Many people end up buying more "RV" trailers than their tow vehicle should tow.

 

[Free2roam]

What kind of camper is that?

 

[Free2roam]

My set up.

 

[A 2]

Wife and I just used our DIY rig this weekend for a desert bug out trip. We love the versatility to camp or haul or both.

 

[A 2]

BTW @Minty JL , I just looked at the intech link. It looks like their trailers are aluminum frame construction. I think that’s great for weight savings and gas mileage, but we just drug our trailer through some rough stuff this weekend. Not sure an aluminum frame would have faired so well. Just a thought.

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