Off-Road Camper

Rescue Wagon · 01-19-08, 06:50 PM

Well just like everyone else in this forum I am looking at building a trailer to pull behind my 55. I have done a lot of research and need a little help.

First off I am trying to verify what my 55 can tow. From what I found I should be no more than 3500lbs. and the rear axle is rated at 5000lbs so once I can get it on some scales I can verify what tongue weight I can run. Please let me know if this sounds correct.

Next I am trying to decide on what to build. I have my old slide-in that has seen better days, but has a stove, refrigerator, heater, and toilet. From what I see in this forum a lot of people have gone with the RTT with that said after one interesting hunting trip last year I want to go with some kind of hard top. So I am looking for input from anyone who may have built a hard top camper to go off-roading with. One design that has caught my eye is the Teardrop.

Thanks.

James

Rescue Wagon · 01-21-08, 07:14 PM

over 100 views and not one post.

I thought there might be at least one person with an opinion on building a homemade off-road camper with a hard top.

REZARF · 01-21-08, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rescue Wagon

Well just like everyone else in this forum I am looking at building a trailer to pull behind my 55. I have done a lot of research and need a little help.

First off I am trying to verify what my 55 can tow. From what I found I should be no more than 3500lbs. and the rear axle is rated at 5000lbs so once I can get it on some scales I can verify what tongue weight I can run. Please let me know if this sounds correct.

Next I am trying to decide on what to build. I have my old slide-in that has seen better days, but has a stove, refrigerator, heater, and toilet. From what I see in this forum a lot of people have gone with the RTT with that said after one interesting hunting trip last year I want to go with some kind of hard top. So I am looking for input from anyone who may have built a hard top camper to go off-roading with. One design that has caught my eye is the Teardrop.

Thanks.

James

James I think you have a great idea, I looked through pages on ExPo just now trying to find a pic that had a FWC slide in mounted to a trailer bed. Here it is, could be a good place start. I would fill the gaps down low with truck boxes!

As for what you can tow, Overall weight is very important, the 2f is a good tractor motor but leaves a little to be desired when towing a load. I bet you'd be fine with how you are calculating your weight.

Hope that helps a bit!

Rescue Wagon · 01-21-08, 08:03 PM

Thanks.

The slide in camper I have has seen its better days and with all its leaks I am a little concerned about the condition of the wood frame. That was why I was looking at canibilizing it to build a homemade camper.

Thats why I love posting hear because a lot of these discussions create some great ideas.

RHINO · 01-21-08, 08:04 PM

i like a hard top also,,,, but i want a very compact trailer when towing. i am running through all kinds of ideas and designs trying to come up with a pop-up design that i can build efficiently. the 55 can tow a decent amount of trailer,, i wont try to school you but i will say i have towed a few different trailers with mine and it handles them all just fine.

Rescue Wagon · 01-21-08, 08:37 PM

Thanks Rhino, I plan on changing to either a 4.56 or 4.88 gear when I go to 35's so I think it should be pretty close to where it would have been before the 35" tires.

sseaman · 01-21-08, 10:02 PM

try googling "teardrops & tiny travel trailers"

REZARF · 01-21-08, 11:04 PM

search for the Australian Tvan Trailer too. it is ubber cool.

Rezarf <><

Rescue Wagon · 01-21-08, 11:05 PM

I have done a lot of research on the Teardrops but all the applications I have found have been for towing behind cars and none for an off-road use. So if you know of any I would greatly appreciate it.

Tools R Us · 01-22-08, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rescue Wagon

I have done a lot of research on the Teardrops but all the applications I have found have been for towing behind cars and none for an off-road use. So if you know of any I would greatly appreciate it.

Outback Teardrop Trailer

RHINO · 01-22-08, 07:26 PM

my problem with teardrops (and Tvan) is the towed size,, its just too big and tall. i am running through designs that i have not seen anyone use before, i will effectively double the size of the trailer when unfolded for camp. i am keeping it hush for now because it could turn into something, but to give you a very loose idea of what i'm doing on a much smaller scale check this out.

Lightweight easy towing expandable travel trailer that tows like a pop up trailer-Trailmanor

rusty_tlc · 01-22-08, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rescue Wagon

Thanks.

The slide in camper I have has seen its better days and with all its leaks I am a little concerned about the condition of the wood frame. That was why I was looking at canibilizing it to build a homemade camper.

Thats why I love posting hear because a lot of these discussions create some great ideas.

I'd save the appliances and fittings, sinks etc.
Also scavenge the DC converter and fuse/breaker panel, as well as the DC lights. If it's clean hold on to the foam from the beds/seats.
Pull the windows and vents, save at least the door latch if not the whole door.
Probably save the table and it's hardware, cabinet hinges and latches too.

Pull the skin off , and yank the wiring, take them to the re-cycling center.

So that leaves you with the frame and paneling.

I met up with a guy who was towing a nice teardrop behind a lifted FJ40 out by the Black Rock Desert one time. He loved it. He built his to match the lift on his 40, they looked sweet together.

doesn't like teardrops because the sleeping area is kind of close. Otherwise I'd build one in a heartbeat.

Rescue Wagon · 01-22-08, 11:14 PM

I met a guy up in Blackhawk, CO who claims to make a living by stripping down old campers for parts and scrap metal.

This is going to be interesting if I can come up with a good concept to sleep all 5 of us.

sseaman · 01-23-08, 09:35 AM

try this link

Offroad Teardrop Camper

rusty_tlc · 01-23-08, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rescue Wagon

I met a guy up in Blackhawk, CO who claims to make a living by stripping down old campers for parts and scrap metal.

This is going to be interesting if I can come up with a good concept to sleep all 5 of us.

There use to be a guy here that did that. He striped out the appliances and stuff then trashed everything else and made flat bed trailers out of the frames.
These guys would be a great source for stuff like two burner cook tops and three gallon water heaters. Things you can't find at Home Depot and are hella expensive to buy new from the RV places.

phlyfish · 01-28-08, 03:21 PM

I plan on doing a modified version of this.

Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: View topic - My offroad Camper

I am going to build a 4x8 version w/ heat/water/12v and 120v/cd player and tv.

Plan on running 33's and pulling it w/ a SOA 40 on 35's.

should be a great hunting base rig.

Atoyot1031 · 01-28-08, 03:26 PM

I'm planning on picking up a Starcraft 10rt this Spring. With a little lift, a new hitch, and a couple other mods, I'm hoping the whole family will be able to eat, sleep, and weather the storms comfortably.

Rescue Wagon · 01-29-08, 08:39 PM

Phlyfish,

Thanks that is what I was looking at doing as well. I just need to figure out the interior height and figure out if I can do bunk beds to fit me, the wife, and three kids.

I plan on pulling the Hot Water Heater, Heater, Stove/Oven, and Refrigerator from my old slide in to make a nice kitchen area.

Thanks again.

James

boss73 · 01-30-08, 06:31 PM

try this site Teardrop Trailers by Camp-Inn. I believe these guys are somewhere in the mid west. A friend of mine has one of these with the off road package and it got almost everything you wold need for camping.

phlyfish · 02-04-08, 05:36 PM

I am gong to run this for heat.

RV Hydronic Heating System

A six gallon water heater along with a 12 gall.

water tank Valterra Products, Inc. ABS Water Tanks & Accessories

phlyfish · 02-04-08, 05:51 PM

this is what I am thinkinig. it will be 5ft wide, 10ft long, 5ft tall

sseaman · 02-04-08, 08:14 PM

I had run the same ideas, and was going with a drop floor to have room to stand up inside

lx450landcruiser · 02-05-08, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlyfish

this is what I am thinkinig. it will be 5ft wide, 10ft long, 5ft tall

ahhhh sketchup

Rescue Wagon · 02-07-08, 12:09 AM

I am looking at running a 6ft x 13ft x 6ft trailer, I am going to place two 52" x 72" beds on the floor with a 24" x 72" walk way in between them. I am going to place a bunk bed above the forward bed with about 36" of space between them. This will allow me to sleep the entire family of 5. I will also be running a Galley off the back as well.

I need to make some drawings of this.

James

chappysfj40 · 02-13-08, 08:15 AM

is this trailer going to be wheeled off road road too, and if so what kind of trail you thinking, sorry if i missed that.
cheers chappy

brownbear · 02-13-08, 10:40 AM

That upper bed is kinda funny looking. Could two not sleep down low? It is 5 feet wide. My wife would never sleep up top like that. Claustrophobic comes to mind...

I like your sketch up though. But I would use the upper part for storage.

FJ40-GARAGE · 02-13-08, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brownbear

I like your sketc

01-19-08, 06:50 PM	#1
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	Off-Road Camper Well just like everyone else in this forum I am looking at building a trailer to pull behind my 55. I have done a lot of research and need a little help. First off I am trying to verify what my 55 can tow. From what I found I should be no more than 3500lbs. and the rear axle is rated at 5000lbs so once I can get it on some scales I can verify what tongue weight I can run. Please let me know if this sounds correct. Next I am trying to decide on what to build. I have my old slide-in that has seen better days, but has a stove, refrigerator, heater, and toilet. From what I see in this forum a lot of people have gone with the RTT with that said after one interesting hunting trip last year I want to go with some kind of hard top. So I am looking for input from anyone who may have built a hard top camper to go off-roading with. One design that has caught my eye is the Teardrop. Thanks. James __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-21-08, 07:14 PM	#2
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	over 100 views and not one post. I thought there might be at least one person with an opinion on building a homemade off-road camper with a hard top. __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-21-08, 08:03 PM	#4
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	Thanks. The slide in camper I have has seen its better days and with all its leaks I am a little concerned about the condition of the wood frame. That was why I was looking at canibilizing it to build a homemade camper. Thats why I love posting hear because a lot of these discussions create some great ideas. __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-21-08, 08:04 PM	#5
RHINO IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: valley of the sunstroke, AZ Posts: 2,876	i like a hard top also,,,, but i want a very compact trailer when towing. i am running through all kinds of ideas and designs trying to come up with a pop-up design that i can build efficiently. the 55 can tow a decent amount of trailer,, i wont try to school you but i will say i have towed a few different trailers with mine and it handles them all just fine. __________________ 75 BDJ55- biopig

01-21-08, 08:37 PM	#6
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	Thanks Rhino, I plan on changing to either a 4.56 or 4.88 gear when I go to 35's so I think it should be pretty close to where it would have been before the 35" tires. __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-21-08, 10:02 PM	#7
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,372	try googling "teardrops & tiny travel trailers" __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 141k---SOLD 98 Avalon 149k 04 Sequoia 74k

01-21-08, 11:04 PM	#8
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	search for the Australian Tvan Trailer too. it is ubber cool. Rezarf <>< __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

01-21-08, 11:05 PM	#9
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	I have done a lot of research on the Teardrops but all the applications I have found have been for towing behind cars and none for an off-road use. So if you know of any I would greatly appreciate it. __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-22-08, 07:26 PM	#11
RHINO IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: valley of the sunstroke, AZ Posts: 2,876	my problem with teardrops (and Tvan) is the towed size,, its just too big and tall. i am running through designs that i have not seen anyone use before, i will effectively double the size of the trailer when unfolded for camp. i am keeping it hush for now because it could turn into something, but to give you a very loose idea of what i'm doing on a much smaller scale check this out. Lightweight easy towing expandable travel trailer that tows like a pop up trailer-Trailmanor __________________ 75 BDJ55- biopig

01-22-08, 11:14 PM	#13
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	I met a guy up in Blackhawk, CO who claims to make a living by stripping down old campers for parts and scrap metal. This is going to be interesting if I can come up with a good concept to sleep all 5 of us. __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-23-08, 09:35 AM	#14
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,372	try this link Offroad Teardrop Camper __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 141k---SOLD 98 Avalon 149k 04 Sequoia 74k

01-28-08, 03:21 PM	#16
phlyfish IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boise ID TLCA# 18000 Posts: 245	I plan on doing a modified version of this. Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers :: View topic - My offroad Camper I am going to build a 4x8 version w/ heat/water/12v and 120v/cd player and tv. Plan on running 33's and pulling it w/ a SOA 40 on 35's. should be a great hunting base rig. __________________ "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing..." Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It 72' 40 and 92' 80 TLCA #18000

01-28-08, 03:26 PM	#17
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,051	I'm planning on picking up a Starcraft 10rt this Spring. With a little lift, a new hitch, and a couple other mods, I'm hoping the whole family will be able to eat, sleep, and weather the storms comfortably.

01-29-08, 08:39 PM	#18
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	Phlyfish, Thanks that is what I was looking at doing as well. I just need to figure out the interior height and figure out if I can do bunk beds to fit me, the wife, and three kids. I plan on pulling the Hot Water Heater, Heater, Stove/Oven, and Refrigerator from my old slide in to make a nice kitchen area. Thanks again. James __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

01-30-08, 06:31 PM	#19
boss73 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, CA TLCA# 16404 Posts: 116	try this site Teardrop Trailers by Camp-Inn. I believe these guys are somewhere in the mid west. A friend of mine has one of these with the off road package and it got almost everything you wold need for camping. __________________ 1970 FJ40 2007 FJ Cruiser MTA4X4.com norcalfjs.ning.com

02-04-08, 05:36 PM	#20
phlyfish IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boise ID TLCA# 18000 Posts: 245	I am gong to run this for heat. RV Hydronic Heating System A six gallon water heater along with a 12 gall. water tank Valterra Products, Inc. ABS Water Tanks & Accessories __________________ "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing..." Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It 72' 40 and 92' 80 TLCA #18000

02-04-08, 05:51 PM	#21
phlyfish IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Boise ID TLCA# 18000 Posts: 245	my trailer this is what I am thinkinig. it will be 5ft wide, 10ft long, 5ft tall Attached Images __________________ "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing..." Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It 72' 40 and 92' 80 TLCA #18000

02-04-08, 08:14 PM	#22
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,372	I had run the same ideas, and was going with a drop floor to have room to stand up inside __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 141k---SOLD 98 Avalon 149k 04 Sequoia 74k

02-07-08, 12:09 AM	#24
Rescue Wagon IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cheyenne, WY TLCA# 15626 Posts: 189	I am looking at running a 6ft x 13ft x 6ft trailer, I am going to place two 52" x 72" beds on the floor with a 24" x 72" walk way in between them. I am going to place a bunk bed above the forward bed with about 36" of space between them. This will allow me to sleep the entire family of 5. I will also be running a Galley off the back as well. I need to make some drawings of this. James __________________ 1990 FJ62 + 1983 FJ60 =

02-13-08, 08:15 AM	#25
chappysfj40 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: PORT HUENEME , CA TLCA# 9188 Posts: 518	is this trailer going to be wheeled off road road too, and if so what kind of trail you thinking, sorry if i missed that. cheers chappy __________________ - Iam home now from the SUCK !!!!!!! VJ60 700R4 33's 203 doubler, ARB's 4.56, OME and just a awesome truck!!!!!!!!!! - RUBITHON 2008 TESTED GOD ASKED FOR 10 DAYS TO CREATE EARTH, CHUCK NORRIS GAVE HIM 7..

02-13-08, 10:40 AM	#26
brownbear Mod in Hibernation Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Where diesels purr and turbos whine TLCA# 15584 Posts: 6,179	That upper bed is kinda funny looking. Could two not sleep down low? It is 5 feet wide. My wife would never sleep up top like that. Claustrophobic comes to mind... I like your sketch up though. But I would use the upper part for storage. __________________ -84 BJ60, Finally on the FN road! -91 FJ80, wife's ride Iron Butt award winner of the Cruise Moab 08 !