4x6 Camping Trailer - can it be done? (1 Viewer)

[rjinga]

Ok, here's the deal - I'm "frugal". I already own a 4x6 utility trailer. I'd like to build a teardrop-style camper unit that I could put on, and take off, the trailer, so that I still use the trailer for hauling other stuff too.

I know that weight is always a factor, so the main function of the camper unit would be a sleeping area for the wife and me. I'm envisioning storage inside the frame rail, and the sleeping area above it, extending a few inches in each direction so that we have a (close to) queen-size bed. And, if the trailer could handle the weight, I'd have the standard cooking area in the back.

Has anyone ever seen, or built, something like this on this size trailer?

 

[greentruck]

I presume you and the wife are 5'10" or under, or it will be hard to sleep. This assumes that the front and rear walls are thin, too.

Whatever you do, it's gotta be light. Assuming you'll pack it with 300 pounds of gear, food, fuel, water, etc, whatever you build will have to total less than 1,000 pounds.

If you plan on making it removable, then it has to be built heavy enough to support itself, as well as resist any stresses needed to get it on and off the trailer. Most of the heavier structure would be in the floor, if removable. One way to save weight would be to make it permanent, rather than removable.

 

[ntsqd]

I'm seeing an R&R'able tear-drop type of design. You could gain some length by coming up and over the front rail a short distance and turning the volume below into a "basement storage" area. I would not ever permanently extend out the rear. Could extend to the rear as some sort of "pop-out" type of arrangement that is only extended while camped.

Might have a look at this forum for ideas:
http://www.tnttt.com/

 

[e9999]

you're starting with a light duty trailer. That will be a limitation.
If you're talking a heavy hard sided teardrop I can see it becoming unstable in particular due to the narrow axle and the needed height.
On a little guy like that, I'd start with a platform and a good waterproof tent that could be collapsed with the bedding inside. Then a couple of flex stays at camp and you're set up. Way easier, lighter and likely cheaper than a teardrop for basically the same functionality.
Personally, I would go with a bigger and heavier duty trailer. You could sell yours towards a bigger cosmetically-challenged trailer to stay frugal.

 

[ntsqd]

I don't like tents, they're noisy. But that's just me.

There is a build thread of an ultra-light trailer done entirely with fitted and bonded wood that was 'glassed over either here or on Expi that would serve as a good model to follow in construction technique. Made a monocoque trailer body that should be every bit as strong as needed and much lighter than any steel fabrication of comparable strength. It was eventually painted the same burgundy color as the Jeep tow rig.

 

[myquestoyota]

Or something like this?
http://www.costco.com/Lifetime®-Camping-Tent-Trailer.product.11752397.html

 

[snobdds]

Sometimes it's too expensive to be cheap...

 

[rjinga]

Or something like this?
http://www.costco.com/Lifetime®-Camping-Tent-Trailer.product.11752397.html

That's a neat idea, but I don't think it's $2,400.00 neat.

 

[TXLX100]

Sometimes it's too expensive to be cheap...

Reminds me of "Buy once, cry once."

I'd say build something permanent on that trailer and buy a second light duty trailer to do your hauling. Seems like it be worth it, versus moving whatever you build on and off of it. Those trailers like you have can be had around here for $300 or less, used of course. Or just buy a second, bigger trailer to build on, so you can be comfortable.

(And don't be so frugal.)

 

[titanpat57]

here's something you could modify...heavy enough to handle anything, and won't have to worry about any weight issues..


http://athensga.craigslist.org/grd/4257700120.html

 

[christover1]

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=33928.new;topicseen#new

I'm a "frugal" sod too. Disability pensioner with lots of time, but no money.
Above is a link to my 4wd camper trailer to 4wd teardrop build, if it helps.
And my photobucket below.

http://s129.photobucket.com/user/christover1/library/teardrop build?sort=2&page=1&postlogin=true

 

[christover1]

Mine is not made to be removeable, but it may still help

 

[Coastline]

Study these : CoastlineRVandOffRoad.com

First things I would consider before proceeding is what creature comforts does your wife want. She can be a driving force in your own satisfaction on the trail. I reference her because I am reasonably certain that you don't have any qualms with sleeping on rocks or eating cold MREs at 8:00 AM. But, a good bed warmer is sometimes a must.

Tear Drop trailers as referenced above are, in my opinion, a cute little coffin on wheels that have been trendy for about 50 years. Personally, I don't get it. I have friends who own them, they play with them and are happy. Once in a while someone brings one in to be fitted for a privacy enclosure or a shower stall; the good Lord alone knows why they would want such things. SoCal Tear Drops is just a few miles from my Guasti Trailers facility and they build a really fine, high quality, coffin with a camp stove attached to the back side. That's all, folks !

Back to your wife: how is she with cooking in the cold and rain? Got kids? Do they need to bathe or interested in pooping behind that rock over there? What kind of shelter do you want and, especially this, what weather conditions will stop your wife from going with you or, worse, keep you at home because she won't go? What is your budget and how soon do want to go on the road. Hitting the trail doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have a finished rig.

Plan around your real needs on the trail, take your time and have fun with the project. If you have any questions or need sourcing for parts, email me. Maybe I can help.

Mitch

 

[FJC Scout 1]

Saw this at Expedition Portal. May give you some ideas or such!

"TrailTop" modular trailer topper building components http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=121184

 

[gabepari]

SoCal Tear Drops is just a few miles from [me] and they build a really fine, high quality...

Mitch

Thank you Mitch... We can't build them fast enough.

Guess people don't like sleeping in tents

Gabe

 

[ntsqd]

I rabidly dislike sleeping in most tents, particularly one on the ground, and especially one that flaps in the wind and makes noise all night - no matter where it is located.

I snorted in sad amusement at the likening of a trailer to a coffin.