Camp trailer build on utility trailer

[Ksvette]

Good to see others are still pursuing this.
I was amazed to hear AJ say that he only had $2k in his trailer build.
I think most of the cost (beyond rapacious profit) of the commercial teardrops comes from built in this and that.
Entirely unnecessary, imo. Cooking out of the back of the Jeep on a <$100 propane stove, on a tailgate table, with a $15 7 gallon Walmart water jug with spigot works every bit as well.
I just need a 110 outlet, a couple of 12V led lights, a Fantastic vent on top, a door, and a couple windows.
Stereo? Nah. I got Bluetooth speakers. I might install a 5kbtu a/c unit up front if I expect to camp in campgrounds. $120 at Walmart.

I’m still inclined to make it a removable slide-in module, so I can still use my utility trailer as such, but would like to hear any thoughts regarding that.
I fear I may be missing something.
I’m covered up with projects right now, so I’m looking at this as a garage build next winter.
I’m grateful that others are thinking similarly.
$15-30k for a little teardrop trailer is just stupid.

I don't know if the 2k was in the build, and if that included the things like the actual trailer in price or not. Would have to ask him on that one. I can tell you I paid 3k, and am very happy with that. Especially since it came with a $1k generator at the time (cheaper now I think). Basically, I figured that the generator was 1k, the tent was about 1k, Not sure how he got it all done for under 2k lol. But, I paid 3k and am very happy with that, and it. I don't think I could have built it for much less than 3k to be honest, especially with the generator. And if I built it, it would have taken a ton of time, and not be nearly as well built as that is just not my strong suit.

Sure, the 20k plus trailers have more bells and whistles, but honestly, nowhere near enough to justify the price.

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[brazos]

I don't know if the 2k was in the build, and if that included the things like the actual trailer in price or not. Would have to ask him on that one. I can tell you I paid 3k, and am very happy with that. Especially since it came with a $1k generator at the time (cheaper now I think). Basically, I figured that the generator was 1k, the tent was about 1k, Not sure how he got it all done for under 2k lol. But, I paid 3k and am very happy with that, and it. I don't think I could have built it for much less than 3k to be honest, especially with the generator. And if I built it, it would have taken a ton of time, and not be nearly as well built as that is just not my strong suit.

Sure, the 20k plus trailers have more bells and whistles, but honestly, nowhere near enough to justify the price.

Considering the hours he put in, you flat stole that rascal. I’d buy it for $3k in a hot minute, without the genset.

It looks cool too.

(And yes, that matters!)

Edit: I forgot to mention I have 2kw Honda genset. I consider that almost a must. A 1k would be adequate for all but running an air conditioner, though.

 

[fat_head]

Might be time to make a move, girl.

Who knows, you might like Texas!

Texas does a lot of things right, but it's one of the worst states in America for outdoors lovers. We have a handful of crappy state parks and thats about it.

 

[Rahneld]

I’m just starting this thread without much hard information to share. Yet.

A few of us are interested in building minimalist, lightweight trailers in which we can at least sleep comfortably while traveling. Some may want more, some much more, but the “Overland” trailers are just ridiculous in their pricing.

I speak from decades of RV experience. Those folks are just ripping off rich yuppies. And good on ‘em. $26k for a little 4x8 teardrop?

Nice work if you can get it, i reckon.

I have a 4X7 Tractor Supply utility trailer for which I paid $600 new. It’s all welded up. No screws, no bolts.

The welds are decent, but if you go to buy one, look at all of them.

I would not have one of those Harbor Freight bolt-together trailers on a bet.

Anyway, I have lots of experience camping at levels from caught out overnight in a snowstorm while elk hunting and hoping to survive till morning, to many week-long backpacking trips, to living in an RV for several years.

Now I want to put a little camp trailer together to sleep in and drop to make a basecamp for more serious wheeling.

I know this topic is of limited interest here on the main page.

I assume the moderators may move it.

If you are interested, or have thoughts, please speak up, or look for the move.

Absent response, I’ll just look elsewhere. This stuff is discussed elsewhere, but I would like to discuss it from a JL point of view here, if there is interest.

Joe:

Just because the tow vehicle is a Wrangler doesn't mean you'll be camping in bumpy or rocky off road terrain. But that said, IMHO no good research is complete without at least checking out some of Jeff Scherb's trailer builds and fully articulating hitch design. : - )

Good luck.

e.g.

https://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f27...ss-jeep-tub-trailer-kit-1274811/index160.html

 

[brazos]

Texas does a lot of things right, but it's one of the worst states in America for outdoors lovers. We have a handful of crappy state parks and thats about it.

True, as far as you go with it.

Texas has very little public land. I think that’s because it entered the Union as an independent Republic, rather than as Federal possession, and had more leverage than others, which were owned territories before gaining statehood.

Not certain of that, though.

After working most of my life in Colorado and Montana, I dearly miss the public lands. And I go back often. But my roots are in Texas, and after growing tired of long cold winters, I came home to retire.

One can make do in Texas. I lease the trespass rights to about 2.5 square miles of Texas. 1500 acres. My fellow leaseholders and I know it is ours, and ours alone.

We can leave stuff there without worry. We make improvements. We stock ponds. The owners raise cattle, and are grateful for our presence.

We have a campground in a pecan grove, with electric power.

Just this last week, I discovered a year-old bull calf lying alone in a strange spot. He couldn’t get up.

I notified the rancher, and he was grateful. Calf died, but at least he had a shot to save him.

Caught this fish just this morning. Outdoors in Texas ain’t all bad.

 

[Arkewn]

The key here seems to be how you want to use and how much you are willing to pay for it. Still a bit of a future goal but my research for under $10k keeps getting me back to these 2 options...

For a very 4x4 capable camping trailer with RTT I would like something like the Smittybuilt Scout. Seems well built/reviewed and very capable. Lots of room for customization it seems and plenty of active builds online to follow. Clears 37" tires!


Not sure if the OP was focused on a trailer to have a trailer but JumpingJack is exactly that. I have need of a utility trailer for my rental properties and want a camp trailer big enough for my fam of 4. This JumpingJack appears to be the sole fit to that end goal. I haven't gone and checked one out in person yet but video reviews sure make it seem super flexible & functional for a multipurpose trailer.
http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/blackout.php

Of course I haven't figured out where to store the damn thing yet...

Following...

 

[Ksvette]

Considering the hours he put in, you flat stole that rascal. I’d buy it for $3k in a hot minute, without the genset.

It looks cool too.

(And yes, that matters!)

Edit: I forgot to mention I have 2kw Honda genset. I consider that almost a must. A 1k would be adequate for all but running an air conditioner, though.

Yes, I felt like it was steal as well. Jumped on it when I found it.

 

[RubenZ]

The key to Texas is to have your own land lol. Glad our family has a ranch! I too plan to build a camping trailer to head to the west.

 

[mywrangfirst]

This is what I have (credit: https://www.allmoparparts.com/sku/82209878.html). Have this for a year now and it is like an extension of my wrangler. There was a time when it was so freekin hot so I turned on the engine and sealed the doors so the air can flow to the tent.

 

[twisty]

I've got most of the framing done on my 4x8 pig trailer. lol Head room is about 64 inches, ten more then the dirt bike needs to fit in there. I need to find windows now and the search thus far hasnt yielded the white ones I wanted. Until I find them I will continue with the plywood treatment/painting/fitment.

I think I have $200 into the build thus far. Trailer was given to me. WIndows I've seen were about 150 with a sliding window and screen. Doors were 200-365.

 

[RubenZ]

I've got most of the framing done on my 4x8 pig trailer. lol Head room is about 64 inches, ten more then the dirt bike needs to fit in there. I need to find windows now and the search thus far hasnt yielded the white ones I wanted. Until I find them I will continue with the plywood treatment/painting/fitment.

I think I have $200 into the build thus far. Trailer was given to me. WIndows I've seen were about 150 with a sliding window and screen. Doors were 200-365.

You got pics?

 

[twisty]

As you can see some studs have been left out until I figure out doors and windows, some a few I havent gotten to yet. If you build your trailer outdoors I recommend painting it and either caulking it or use rubber on the end peices. I was painting mine before cutting it, then I tried painting it after it was in place. Painting it prior is the way to go.

The last pic is my other trailer. If I didnt have a dirt bike I would just use it and buy a RTT. It will go about anywhere, has a 23 gallon gas tank and 18 inches of ground clearance.

 

[LVJeepn]

I started a thread that has a few options for you. I also plan on building one from the ground up. I am currently messing around in solidworks designing the frame work. I have access to a cnc tube laser so I can notch and tab all my pieces in solidworks for easy assembly.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/posts/776634/

 

[Adventure.AS]

...

I have a 4X7 Tractor Supply utility trailer for which I paid $600 new. It’s all welded up. No screws, no bolts.

... or have thoughts, please speak up, or look for the move.

Sounds like a fun project, but here are some thoughts:

The tires and wheels on the utility trailer may not be adequate for a camping trailer. The speed rating would likely be 65 mph or less and wouldn't be able to carry much weight (1,675 lb). Is it possible to upgrade them from the 12" tires to 14" or 15"?

The axle also doesn't look like it has any suspension (springs or shock absorbers). This would also be a problem by transmitting road shock ( like a rolling earthquake) to your camper structure.

Be sure that after the build is completed and the trailer is loaded for camping that there is at least 10 to 15% tongue weight. Improper weight distribution can be a cause of trailer sway.

 

[twisty]

I started a thread that has a few options for you. I also plan on building one from the ground up. I am currently messing around in solidworks designing the frame work. I have access to a cnc tube laser so I can notch and tab all my pieces in solidworks for easy assembly.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/posts/776634/

Yeah they are cool. Sounds like your build will be impressive. Mine is more half arsed. Not even sure I will use it all that much and the reason I am going cheap and easy for now. If I do end up using it I might pony up some cash for an already done up nice trailer. However I havent seen many that cater to the dirt bike crowd. There was one I really liked, it had a lid on it that popped up. I could easily fashion some tent fabric and stand up in the thing which is my ultimate goal vs bending over with my 6'1" body in a 5'4" tall trailer.

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