Base Trailer Platform? (1 Viewer)

[1973Guppie]

Hi Guys,

I really want to build an offroad trailer to my specific specs. I have a welder and know how to use it. I would really however like to start with some type of base platform that has trailer brakes, axle, etc all setup to build UP from. I already have an RTT, awning, RTT room and awning room on the way. I have a pop up tent trailer and plan to eventually clean that up and sell it to fund the build. I am tired of having all this stuff attached to my cruiser when I camp. It sucks to have to pack it all up to just go into town or whatever. I need to change that aspect of camping. Here's an example:

A Custom Camping Trailer from Tepuifest 2016

I would love to find a platform that I can build up from and custom spec everything to my needs. Ideally it would be able to run the same size tires, 315's as my 80 series and have some trailer brakes. It will mount RTT, awning, lights, outdoor shower, kitchen area, etc.

Thanks for any ideas on a base trailer that might be out there like this. I am thinking 2-3k for a base trailer with a decent axle with brakes and frame.

 

[ntsqd]

Pretty wide open, end result could be anything from a home-built Airstream with an RTT to a wooden Ox cart with an RTT. How about posting some pics of what you'd like it to look like when done? Or at least of aspects that you'd like to incorporate.

 

[1973Guppie]

thx, I am also bouncing around the idea of just keeping my pop up trailer and modifying it. I think I will most likely go that route. At this point the pop up is very functional but probably worth squat on the open market. I think I am going to SOA it, off road hitch, add electric brakes, build a rack for it, paint it and maybe add a few more things to it. If I can get it build to where I can pull it on fire roads to off road camping sites that would be perfect.

That being said, if anyone is looking for a good platform the M1101 and M1102 are indeed a good fit. I found one locally for $1500 in very good shape. The 1 and 2 are exactly the same dimensions. The brakes can be converted easily to electric and a 12v conversion is an easy mod. I have some great ideas on how to make a custom trailer but time and money are not there. Maybe someday.

 

[ntsqd]

To me a pop-up tent trailer makes way more sense than an RTT, no matter where its mounted. Easier ingress/egress, more room, possible indoor commode for SWMBO, indoor cooking in inclement weather, etc., etc., etc.

The only real down-side to them, and it's a biggie, is that they aren't really built for this use so they tend to shake apart faster than when limited to pavement. Put one on a real chassis with a good suspension under it (I'd go single or double converging 3 link live axle with coil springs & dampers myself) and make all new cabinets or just shelves to hold & retain various sized action-packer type boxes. Build them with rougher roads in mind & I think it's a winner of an idea.

If you're going to buy an axle, buy it not just with brakes but with a parking brake function as well.

 

[1973Guppie]

To me a pop-up tent trailer makes way more sense than an RTT, no matter where its mounted. Easier ingress/egress, more room, possible indoor commode for SWMBO, indoor cooking in inclement weather, etc., etc., etc.

The only real down-side to them, and it's a biggie, is that they aren't really built for this use so they tend to shake apart faster than when limited to pavement. Put one on a real chassis with a good suspension under it (I'd go single or double converging 3 link live axle with coil springs & dampers myself) and make all new cabinets or just shelves to hold & retain various sized action-packer type boxes. Build them with rougher roads in mind & I think it's a winner of an idea.

If you're going to buy an axle, buy it not just with brakes but with a parking brake function as well.

to your point I have looked at a few options via dexter, seems like there are some axles out there that will soften the bouncing around of the pop up. To be honest though, I am not sure if it is worth it to put that much $$ into a whole new axle? depends on cost. I am alloting about $1k for all the additional mods I am going to do to the trailer. The trailer really is not worth enough to put an expensive $1k axle into. I sorta like it being a rough trailer I can mess up with my family.

if anyone has any ideas of full setup axles I can swap in it would be appreciated. They would probably need to be sub $400 bucks to make sense.

also, any more info on adding shocks to the pop up? will this help with keeping things from rattling apart. Should be fairly easy to do. I have a welder.