Tent Trailer, Need opinions and suggestions

[ratch3t]

I have an opportunity to pick this trailer up for REALLY cheap.. I want to eventually have an expedition trailer that will be able to go offroad with me.
Wanting any opinions suggestions on this trailer -- do you think it has potential and is worth picking up? It simply just pops up into a queen mattress tent and a 4ft extension..

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Looks like it has potential. Looks like aluminum (rivets) so its probably light. How sturdy is the frame? You will need a heavier axle and much larger wheels and tires that will have to remain under the box because side fenders would block access to the side doors. What are the dimensions?

 

[greentruck]

A package deal?

Hmm, depends on what's stashed inside

Really, the axle, from what can be seen, has gotta go. The box looks interesting, but depends on the frame under it, whether it's worth the trouble of replacing the axle.

This could go back and forth and the cost of significant improvements depends on your scrounging skills or pocketbook.
My view:

 

[HBFJ62]

Got to be worth it. Who still has the box for the old Coleman stove? Thats got to fall in the priceless category.

 

[SWITAWI]

Time capsule trailer indeed. If the frame's not a rust nightmare I say go for it. As long as it fits your needs for size/storage/sleeping area (it wouldn't fit mine, for example) that's too cool to pass up. The money saved versus buying a fully-finished trailer will more than pay for a new axle, etc. if that's the way you want to go with it. Good luck in any case.

 

[Living in the Past]

Got to be worth it. Who still has the box for the old Coleman stove? Thats got to fall in the priceless category.

Really I still have my Coleman white gas stove in the box (30 years?). Never been used. Someone gave me a propane one before I had a chance to use it. Also have a couple Coleman lanterns used but still in their original boxes. A trailer I bought years over thirty years ago had a Coleman single mantle lantern white gas and it's still in the original box. But considering I've had my first Land Cruiser for thirty-seven years this stuff really isn't that old

Unless you plan on towing this behind a monster truck I wouldn't bother unless you want to use it as is. By the time you put a new axle with new larger taller wheels/tires the bottom of that box is going to have to be close to three foot off the ground. Or you could redesign the doors on the side and put on wider axle and fenders. But by the time you do that you might as well have bought a different trailer. I don't know your location but the military 1/4 ton trailer are hard to beat as a base for a off road trailer. Stock they have 29" tires and a simple spring over and you can put on much larger tires. Best part they are already built to take off road. Tent trailers aren't.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

It's and old Apache, if you get it cheap just realize someone may be looking for one before you cut it up.

Pop-up Camper History

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Dont cut it up, yet, there is a serious market for this classic camping stuff

 

[AustinCruiser]

x3 on not cutting it up. That thing looks really cool as is. It would look even better behind a stock 1960's FJ40.

 

[Mace]

lol, dig the baby in the bin on page 3

Pop-up Camper History

 

[hudyhue]

So did ya get it any update that thing looks cool

 

[REZARF]

IMHO, this is a no brainer. You can use it today and build-up a base with a real axle and swap the box over no problem. If you can get it for $500 or less, I think you're way ahead.

Just my .02

 

[rusty_tlc]

No need to ditch the axle just swap the hubs out for a five lug then you can go to a 13" wheel and a SOA which should be plenty for most situations.

I wish those things were still in production, it's a great design. The new pop-ups are to friggin wide for a lot of trails.

@mace at least they left the door open.

 

[mgeiger]

Very cool. Wish I could find one of those.