Off-Road Trailer or Roof Rack with other vehicle mods

[Merlin2111]

Before I start down this road I am trying to decide what path to take. I am thinking of two options that I feel will be about the same price. Keep in mind that right now I am going to be doing very light fire trails and not much more. I have never driven farther off the road than the beach in Florida but I am hoping to change that.

1.) Buy a used trailer or an ex-military trailer and then add in the items I will need. I figure that would include mods similar to what I would do to the truck; spare battery, roof top tent, spare gas tanks ect.

Pros: I can leave it behind for the 95% of the time that I am not going to and from camping trips. I can also keep it for and attach it to any other vehicle including friends. Better gas mileage every day.
Cons: More tires, axle's ect. that can have issues, my all important street cred will be nonexistent most of the time. If I do get into more complicated trails this could be an issue.

2.) Modify my GX so I can drive the overland rig that I have been dreaming off.

Pros: When I drive around the mall all the mom's will know who to respect.
Cons: More issues with a modified rig down the line.

It seems to me that a trailer would be a better choice. What is your opinion?

 

[little_joe]

There are a lot of other considerations: do you have (or plan to have) a family? Do you anticipate being mobile/on-the-go? What kind of trails and trips do you plan on doing? Where do you plan on venturing? Do you intend to set up base camp and explore from there, or be on the move exploring and camping different places?

I am completely enamored with a trailer. However, I've seen what a PITA they can be on journeys w/r/t parking/finding a camp spot, and I've yet to see any real benefit in the environment I'm in/for my needs. (I acknowledge they can be entirely awesome and useful, just not for me.) The guys who do have trailers are always holding us up, whether on the trail or packing up to move along.

I've opted for a roof rack, ground tent, and if conditions are awful, sleep inside the GX. I travel alone (wife is not interested, no kids), usually with a group. I appreciate being quickly mobile: pack up in a few minutes and get moving, travel somewhat light, no artificial restrictions on where I can go.

 

[Bluetribal]

With a trailer a mild trail could turn into a touchy situation especially with no Offroad experience. I would say start out simple and get to know your rig. Make sure you actually get out off the road before you drop all this coin on either a tend or a trailer.

 

[Merlin2111]

Very good advice from both of you.

I dont plan on doing anything intense but I understand what you mean about a mild trail becoming challenging with a trailer. Is that not similar to the added weight up top from the tent? I am coming from sports cars so even towing is new to me. When the whole industry is new there is an overwhelming amount of information to learn which is fun and daunting.

I am a sucker for a RTT and I think it might be the best way for me to enjoy this hobby with my wife but I am not sure if the investment is worth it. I am hoping to find one used from someone else who already made the mistake of spending 2k+ on a tent lol.

 

[NMBruce]

I have a home build trailer (copied off an M416 trailer) that can follow my truck anyplace, uses the same wheels and size tires. I did the trailer because I had a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon and going to Alaska with my sister and brother-in-law, the trailer let us be comfort and carry cloths and the trailer carried all the camping gear. With my GX, I have a little more room, but the same applies if I have 2-3 people with me. The trailer has a slide tongue so the length of the trailer can be changed if need. I have not yet run into a problem of finding a camping spot.

I also made my trailer so that I can pull off the box and use it as a stake bed or flat bed trailer, which has come in handy. The trailer is build with 3500lbs axles and the bearings get serviced every spring and lube/grease moveable parts. Thinking of adding a RTT to the trailer.

I am also setting up my GX to be used alone, encase it is just me and the dog. I can put a roof top carrier on to carry the tent and other stuff, and I can also sleep inside the GX if need, but I like my trailer.

 

[little_joe]

You said the magic word - wife.

I don't know how to approach this hobby to make sure your wife wants to participate. I will say it would be kind of foolish to spend thousands on equipment, she goes one trip, and says never again. You have to consider: toilet/privacy, bumping along for hours, insects and animals, food, etc. I do not say this out of some sexist rage, but because there are different expectations; and forcing her to go will not be good for your relationship. On the other hand, she may be as excited about it as you.....

Perhaps do some half-day/day trips to see if she even likes being in the GX that long? Let her drive? then see how it goes?

I always asked my wife to come with me. Camping was out, non-negotiable. She finally agreed to come along on a day trip. 30 mins after getting on the trail, a guy rolled in a crevasse, it took us 3 hrs to recover his vehicle and get it running. In August in NC. She said never again, ever.

 

[Merlin2111]

I have a home build trailer (copied off an M416 trailer) that can follow my truck anyplace, uses the same wheels and size tires.

I also made my trailer so that I can pull off the box and use it as a stake bed or flat bed trailer, which has come in handy. The trailer is build with 3500lbs axles and the bearings get serviced every spring and lube/grease moveable parts. Thinking of adding a RTT to the trailer.

Do you have a build list or plans? I am trying to spec out the cost and yours looks similar to my plan but with a RTT. Those military trailers can fetch a pretty penny so I am not sure if building off of another platform would be better.

 

[NMBruce]

Do you have a build list or plans? I am trying to spec out the cost and yours looks similar to my plan but with a RTT. Those military trailers can fetch a pretty penny so I am not sure if building off of another platform would be better.

I do not have a build list, but I can tell you I have about $1700-2100 into mine. A friend build the trailer, I purchased the metal, springs, axles and lights, etc. Another friend help me build the box, I purchased the wood, we did the work at his house. I found wheels on Craigslist and the tires came from my Jeep.
Off road trailer

Last Oct, I had both springs break on me while out on a trip, so my friend installed air bags, about $400.

 

[Bamagirl]

I have a home build trailer (copied off an M416 trailer) that can follow my truck anyplace, uses the same wheels and size tires. I did the trailer because I had a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon and going to Alaska with my sister and brother-in-law, the trailer let us be comfort and carry cloths and the trailer carried all the camping gear. With my GX, I have a little more room, but the same applies if I have 2-3 people with me. The trailer has a slide tongue so the length of the trailer can be changed if need. I have not yet run into a problem of finding a camping spot.

I also made my trailer so that I can pull off the box and use it as a stake bed or flat bed trailer, which has come in handy. The trailer is build with 3500lbs axles and the bearings get serviced every spring and lube/grease moveable parts. Thinking of adding a RTT to the trailer.

I am also setting up my GX to be used alone, encase it is just me and the dog. I can put a roof top carrier on to carry the tent and other stuff, and I can also sleep inside the GX if need, but I like my trailer.

View attachment 1408416

This is just beautiful to me! I'd love to have a small trailer and this looks just like I was picturing in my mind. I have pulled a trailer for 20+ years and drive most days like I am still pulling a trailer. I don't feel like I'd struggle on the trails and things I do with a trailer of this size. Now if it was much bigger I'd be less likely to feel as safe especially on steep climbs and steep downhill. I don't want to take the kitchen sink but with 3 people in the truck and a dog the room the trailer allows is appealing. Less wind drag on the trailer than on top of the roof too.
Pictures are just great because I like the visual... although my GX is a 2008 it looks a lot like yours. GOALS!

 

[Merlin2111]

I was thinking of getting a simple trailer and building it up. I pretty much want a place for a RTT, 2 kayaks, and some random storage for camp gear to start. I am not sure where to start looking but That's the direction I am leaning right now.

 

[NMBruce]

The roof top carrier creates some wind resistance and cause about 1.5mpg less than without it. I think it has something to do with the rear deflector on the GX and the way the wind comes from under the GX, but there is a lot of turbulence at the front of the carrier. Without it, the wind flows a lot easier over the trailer. Tested this with some tape and paper, put in different spots around the trailer and carrier. I will travel without the carrier as much as possible.

 

[JLee]

One advantage that trailers have is the ability to carry a lot more stuff without exceeding the GVWR of the truck. If you end up with steel skids, bumpers, sliders and RTT, you'll run low on available payload (without exceeding the vehicle's rating).

I built a spreadsheet showing me GVWR relative to gear being in the truck or on a trailer - it's helpful to visualize how much payload space is safely available either way.

 

[Merlin2111]

One advantage that trailers have is the ability to carry a lot more stuff without exceeding the GVWR of the truck. If you end up with steel skids, bumpers, sliders and RTT, you'll run low on available payload (without exceeding the vehicle's rating).

I built a spreadsheet showing me GVWR relative to gear being in the truck or on a trailer - it's helpful to visualize how much payload space is safely available either way.

That is a good thing to note. Anyway you could share that spreadsheet?

 

[JLee]

That is a good thing to note. Anyway you could share that spreadsheet?

See if this works: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aeLexDqXqDQtE6eLww_g2XgikWj_BEbMJhb1_foSpsI/pub?output=xlsx

 

[Merlin2111]

Awesome thanks.