Starting a camping trailer business???

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AussieRedneck

AussieRedneck

Joined
Jul 14, 2010
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Location
Ulysses, KS
I am considering this. I think I can spin out a trailer at a decent price, say 3k cheaper than others fully decked out. My questions:
* Is there a market for a non-decked out trailer with a sealed bed, swinging tailgate and front platform; in other words you add your accessories?
* What accessories are non-negotiables on a complete trailer, ie. fully decked out?
* Are trailer leafs adequate for an off-road trailer?
* Is a bulldog tongue adequate for a production trailer of this type (don't want to step on patented toes)?
* What is a non-decked out trailer worth (you add your own wheels and tires) and what is a fully decked out trailer worth?
Also, any other input would be great. I am trying to find a niche in a market for something I am passionate about. I love camping and four-wheeling and these trailers are one place my hobbies find common ground. Also, a trailer is a "have to" since I have 5 kids. Why am I explaining myself to you guys, you understand or you wouldn't be trolling this section.
Thanks,
AR
 
Thank you for that link. That is a very cool trailer. I think I can beat that price, but I am still doing research. That trailer is a little different than what I have in mind but the concept is the same. Again, I am still in the planning stages and have not even knocked out a trailer yet. I may be totally wrong on my figures, but that is why I am here doing "market research". My product will of course be our own design, but at the end of the day, a trailer is simply a box or a bed with wheels and a hitch.
I don't mean any offense to them or any other trailer manufacturer, but I am a dad and a husband with a decent job and I can't afford that trailer. I have a $200 craigslist trailer and that was a business expense when I was doing carpentry. Now I want a better trailer for camping and my best bet is a lowes or home depot trailer but I want solid bottom and sides and an off-road stance. There has got to be a price point in between $900 and $3500 for guys like me. Just my thoughts. No way I could beat that price by $3000 either, but maybe by $1000... maybe. Still doing research, any other thoughts?
AR
 
I guess I'll throw in my 2 cents...

That and a buck will get you a cup of coffee, just an FYI....


Trailer business=seems like a tough road unless you offer a pretty unique product. Then most unique products cost a little more to make and outfit. I do like your idea of buying your own accessories though, that will give the new owner a chance to be part of the build. Again, fancy suspension, bigger bucks.

If you want to keep the working slug as your target audience, than reliability and cost are number one. There are tons of guys who think they can build a better mousetrap, and throw something together in the back yard (interject term known as a "backyard special") I fall into that category.

Once you design it and build it, some lazy bastard will copy it, relabel it, and sell it under another name. There probably won't be much you can do it about it unless you've taken the proper steps to protect your product. It will not be easy, and no matter how well it's made, some no-talent idiot will trash it.....it's just the nature of people.

But as with any other new adventure....you can't cross a chasm in two leaps...so good luck, plan well, and be prepared for setbacks and possibly failure, and by failure I mean it just won't take off.

One of my favorite quotes is "the only people that truly fail in life, are those that never try."
 
The short answer to your question is YES!

I think there is a potential market if you can bring a bare-bones minimal trailer to market that can be built up from there (read accessorized) If you take care of the fab work etc.

However, I think you will find making something off-road worthy, at the price most are willing to pay (under 1k for a m416) your profit margins may be slim to none.

I don't mean to discourage you, but if your target market is us dudes without much $$$ for a trailer, then you will always have a problem creating one cheap enough for the masses (as they will always want it cheaper). Build a few and see what happens.

For non negotiables...

Tub with lid
Front area for stowing gear
Options to match wheel both patterns
Wired
Articulating hitch
Modular to add accessories
 
You might want to contact Chris at Sierra 4X4, he's a nice guy and I'm sure he would share his experience starting the company with you. It doesn't sound like you would be in competition with each other.

From your forum name it sound like you may have connections in OZ. One thing you cannot get in the US is an OZ style tent camper. Something along these lines;
9ft Tent Size | Cavalier Camper-Trailers

It seems to me there is a lot of potential for that type of product here if the price could be made competitive with the cookie cutter pop-up trailers made by the big guys like Starcraft and Jayco.
 
rusty_tlc said:
You might want to contact Chris at Sierra 4X4, he's a nice guy and I'm sure he would share his experience starting the company with you. It doesn't sound like you would be in competition with each other.

From your forum name it sound like you may have connections in OZ. One thing you cannot get in the US is an OZ style tent camper. Something along these lines;
9ft Tent Size | Cavalier Camper-Trailers

It seems to me there is a lot of potential for that type of product here if the price could be made competitive with the cookie cutter pop-up trailers made by the big guys like Starcraft and Jayco.
Click to expand...

100% agree!
 
Thanks for all the feed back so far. Is the size what you guys like about the OZ trailer?

Also, for REZARF
For non negotiables...

Tub with lid: Is this necessary, could I offer a bare bones trailer without a lid and still sell it?
Front area for stowing gear: Could this be added by the buyer too??? My plan would be to add a "decked" are of expanded metal or diamond plate metal to the triangulated tongue are. The buyer could then add storage to this area. Boxes seem to be friggin' expensive!!!
Options to match wheel both patterns: Agreed.
Wired: Agreed.
Articulating hitch:This gets a little tricky not copying patented designs
Modular to add accessories: Agreed.
 
Also, about the OZ connections, I do have friends there but it is just a nick name I got. I am really from Four Corners Colorado. Live in OK cause my wife does...
 
AussieRedneck said:
I am considering this. I think I can spin out a trailer at a decent price, say 3k cheaper than others fully decked out. My questions:
* Is there a market for a non-decked out trailer with a sealed bed, swinging tailgate and front platform; in other words you add your accessories?
* What accessories are non-negotiables on a complete trailer, ie. fully decked out?
* Are trailer leafs adequate for an off-road trailer?
* Is a bulldog tongue adequate for a production trailer of this type (don't want to step on patented toes)?
* What is a non-decked out trailer worth (you add your own wheels and tires) and what is a fully decked out trailer worth?
Also, any other input would be great. I am trying to find a niche in a market for something I am passionate about. I love camping and four-wheeling and these trailers are one place my hobbies find common ground. Also, a trailer is a "have to" since I have 5 kids. Why am I explaining myself to you guys, you understand or you wouldn't be trolling this section.
Thanks,
AR
Click to expand...


Before jumping in head first build what you think is the best mouse trap and post it up with an expected price point and get some feedback. No matter what happens you will have something you think is great no what the outcome of your venture.
 
AussieRedneck said:
Also, about the OZ connections, I do have friends there but it is just a nick name I got. I am really from Four Corners Colorado. Live in OK cause my wife does...
Click to expand...

Its not the size, but the canvas! :D
 
Best of luck in your new adventure, watch out for the infamous Hey I should have thought of that, or I did this first. These will get you down in a heartbeat, knowing full well you can do it better. Price is not an option in this game. You build a better trailer people will come to you in droves. The post prior advising ia build up post up is the best advice. Good Luck.
 
Thanks again guys.

Its not the size, but the canvas!-The OZ trailer has a canvas tent? Not sure I follow you with the quote. What are you saying?
 
Any more thoughts?
 
btt??
 
An idea you may want to consider is to sell kits. Like 4x4labs sell bumper kits. You can then sell a trailer cheaper with out factoring in the labor taken to put them together.
 
That is not a bad idea. I'll consider that. I am still working out some details and brainstorming, but I hope to have a trailer prototype soon.
AR
 
I am Chris Dickerson owner of Sierra 4x4 Trailers LLC

If you want to can give me a call and I can tell you the pros and cons in the biz. The big thing is the federal laws for your trailer in every state is different on rules and regulations. That being said you have to make the design to jump in with two feet and serve the entire country, or just dip your toes in and serve your locals guys.

It's best to get a corporation going and insurance to cover your butt, and most DMV regulations will not let you operate out of your house. This is important if your are going to issue titles in house so the customer don't have problems registering their trailers.

Like I mention call me if you want more info
775-783-0700
 
air sierra said:
I am Chris Dickerson owner of Sierra 4x4 Trailers LLC

If you want to can give me a call and I can tell you the pros and cons in the biz. The big thing is the federal laws for your trailer in every state is different on rules and regulations. That being said you have to make the design to jump in with two feet and serve the entire country, or just dip your toes in and serve your locals guys.

It's best to get a corporation going and insurance to cover your butt, and most DMV regulations will not let you operate out of your house. This is important if your are going to issue titles in house so the customer don't have problems registering their trailers.

Like I mention call me if you want more info
775-783-0700
Click to expand...

Chris-

Great to have you over here man! I love your designs and I think they are super well laid out. I hope you have a long, healthy and wealthy career making these things!

Drew
 
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