Bug out/Camping/Utility Trailer

[ekimatuan]

I posted some info and pictures of the trailer I recently built on a blog I contribute to. The trailer is meant to help get me and my growing family (4 and counting) out camping more often. I also wanted to be able to use the trailer to haul stuff as needed by removing the RTT and rack.

Ultimately, it should sit loaded for any given weekend so we only need to hook up and drive off for a weekend or longer of camping.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Bug out/Camping/Utility Trailer | Utah Preppers

 

[sirenmoses]

looks interesting, would like to be able to see pix in a bigger format.

do tell about the extendable rack, as I've been puzzling over that for a while now. I also need a trailer that can be a workhorse one week and a base camp the next.

any problems with weather or sneaky fingers getting in between the rack and the metal sides?

 

[ekimatuan]

looks interesting, would like to be able to see pix in a bigger format.

do tell about the extendable rack, as I've been puzzling over that for a while now. I also need a trailer that can be a workhorse one week and a base camp the next.

any problems with weather or sneaky fingers getting in between the rack and the metal sides?

I'll see about changing the photo viewer we are using on the blog. The previous one allowed you to see the full size picture, but had some downsides. If I can get another one set up and installed I'll let you know.

The sides of the trailer are IIRC 1 1/2 inch square tubing. The Rack is made of I think 1 1/4 or maybe 1 3/8 inch square tubing which just slides right into the vertical components of the frame of the trailer. There are pins that secure it in place. To raise it, you pull out the three pins and lift. Then put the pins back in and it is raised up.

To remove the rack you simply lift it all the way out, although removing the RTT makes this MUCH easier.

I imagine that weather may eventually be a problem with this set up, but I'll address that later if it becomes an issue. As for fingers getting caught, that shouldn't be a problem, there isn't enough space for fingers or other appendages to get pinched.

 

[ekimatuan]

I updated the blog post with a picture of the finished trailer. It is a little bigger in the post now, plus you can click it and see the full size picture. If you want any specific pictures let me know and I can post them or email then to you.

 

[titanpat57]

Really enjoyed the read...great job on the transformation!!

Have fun and enjoy

Pat

 

[ekimatuan]

Really enjoyed the read...great job on the transformation!!

Have fun and enjoy

Pat

Thank you! I look forward to more feedback as people take a look at it. This wasn't cheap to build so we'll be using it for a while no matter what, but it was no where near what an Adventure Trailer/Conqueror/etc. would cost, even used.

 

[sirenmoses]

I updated the blog post with a picture of the finished trailer. It is a little bigger in the post now, plus you can click it and see the full size picture. If you want any specific pictures let me know and I can post them or email then to you.

thanx, looking now. usta lurk on ZS until they switched forums. working in public safety and living 17m from fuel makes me a prepper by default, always lookin for good ideas to copy.

yr trailer re-assures me that some of my 'carry-over' concepts from the fire service will be useful.

how is the propane tank mounted? moving blanket obscures view.

 

[ekimatuan]

The propane tank is mounted with a bracket like this one: http://www.pacificrvparts.com/Image/19174.jpg

The bracket is welded directly to the frame and helps keep the large cooler in place. The cooler under the moving blanket just holds our drinks. Since we were in bear country we had to move the large cooler to into the truck. One flaw with the way it is built is that you can't open the cooler when it is on the rack. The propane mount keeps it secure in place, but there is no room for the lid to move up. Fortunately, the cooler has a smaller lid built into the top. That one works fine and keeps us from opening up the big one and letting in heat too often.