Topic: Off road Trailer

[Toro]

   I know what I would want in a full blown off road trailer.
   I'm curious what others would be looking for in an "entry level" off road trailer?
   -Rough dimensions
   -Tire size
   -utility
   -amenities

Realistic price expected to pay for something like this?

A clearanced, not to cumbersome, base trailer with big tires and lots of utility/space is easy...but what else are your minimum requiremnts?
   

[JFanaselle]

I'm certainly not a trailer expert. But for me, the main reason I'd ever own a trailer would be to give me the convenience of quick camp setup (like the RTT discussion recently) without having to be tied directly to my vehicle, which also serves as a recreational tool while out and about. So for me, the minimum requirements would be:

1) Would need to hold a fair amount of potable water (at least 13 gallons), propane (at least 5 gallons), and possibly a deep cycle battery
2) Would need to be able to go wherever I want to take it
3) Would need a decent amount of storage to hold/store things I couldn't/wouldn't otherwise bring if I only had my X
4) Would need to be able to serve as a fully functioning campsite - Some things would be more necessary, and some would be more of a luxury. Example: 12v water pump would be nice, but gravity fed system would be fine. On board water heating system would be nice, but cold water would be fine. But at a bare minimum, I'd need to be able to use it to cook, clean and hold everything I'd bring.

As far as dimensions and what not... I'd say the smallest package that can successfully accomplish all of the objectives is best. Width for me would have to be the same as the truck, or less. I certainly wouldn't want a wider trailer, but I don't think I'd want it too much more narrow than the rig either for stability. Once I had all of the "essentials" worked out into a size, I'd weigh the non-essentials (luxuries) against how much bigger/more expensive they would make the trailer, and decide which ones I'd want and which ones I wouldn't based on that analysis. But that's just how I am... I always consider the overall value of any item or feature against all of the other specifics... I don't necessarily "need" anything, it's just a matter of how much I'd want vs. how much I'd be comfortable spending on them.

I think maximization of space and having things be able to serve as many functions as possible would be key (like a multi-tool or a swiss army knife). It could take some extreme engineering to utilize every square inch in a productive way, but it would be totally worth it in the end. Basically, you should make this trailer, but without the $45K US price tag



Needs to be able to serve as a fully functioning camp-site, so that my vehicle coul

[Ghost65]

Extra storage of stuff would be priority #one.

Saw this...





...while we were camping in Sedona.

This application would suit my needs perfectly.

-spare tire storage
-fuel storage
-propane storage
-gear storage
-flip top

And future RTT ability if that's where you chose to go.

I visited this companies website and their trailers were spec'ing out at around $5K for this base model.

I gotta think you could replicate this for half that with your skills and sourcing Danny.

Good luck....we will be watching and taking notes the whole way.

Btw...there's an M416 in San Diego on expo for $2K.


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[Toro]

Thanks for the input guys.
   The main reason I didn't go with an "M" trailer is because I believe they are over sprung at about 3-5k lbs. My plans are for this trailer to tip the scales at around 1.5-2k lbs fully loaded with full tanks....maybe less
  This will allow the suspension to cycle and actually work.
   Think of an Xterra with 750lb springs that 3 wheels over speed bumps.

[JeffBett]

I have always wondered what is was like to off road with a trailer.  Seems pretty straight forward if you are overlanding on dirt roads but what happens if you get in to tight spaces and boulders and ledges.  Is is still easy enough to back out of a bad track and how often does the trailer end up in a spot that inhibits the truck from moving easily enough like in a pit or behind a boulder on a tight turn.  It would be quite a luxury to have all the stuff it can carry, more showers and plenty of beer.  I also like the idea that you can setup camp and daytrip from there and not have a vehicle full of gear, if the trip supports that kind of camping.  At least its mechanically pretty simple so adding a lot of complexity for breakdowns is not really the case.

[Ghost65]

I personally love this discussion...been researching for a looooong time.

Jeff...good questions!  I wouldn't take my trailer rock crawling...but from what I've seen, those that do wheel very  proactively. Meaning, not putting the train down an irreversible track. Or, disconnect and re-angle if a rough spot arises.

I agree with you, that it should be something you take overland, park, make camp, and use as a base. Carrying all the stuff that clutters your rig and makes camp a more comfortable base.

Larger stove with propane. Some type of water storage. Possibly a roof mounted solar panel. Room for an ez-up or awning.

My thoughts on this topic are endless...and my wallet is not.


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[Toro]

John, Joe,
   How important is water and how much of it? 10-15 gallons sounds reasonable but if a shower is to be used, we should be looking at 20+.

[Ghost65]

15-20 IMO.

"Shower" is a relative term.

Depends on if you want that to be the main drinking water supply or a combo of potable/washable/cooking usage.

I would stick with 15-20 and bring extra gallons of water per person depending on where/how long you're camping primitive style.

During my practice marriage, "we" used all 25 gallons of our trailers storage water taking "one" shower while camping in Yosemite.

Reason #1,263 why that one didn't work out.



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[JeffBett]

I have a little portable water heater and found a shower usually used 2-3 Gal.  We usually got ~2 showers per 5 gal. plastic jerry can.

[CAWoody]

Like you I've been thinking of a trailer.  Most of the Offload trailers I've seen have been nothing more that a storage space.  I would like something a little more.  I looked at the Off-road teardrop and found it nice but lacking in storage.  I'm working on a design that will give me storage and the ability to open up to a camper much like a tent trailer. I'm stealing ideas from the Adrenaline trailer (built in sink and Stove) and adapting to fit within a Frontier or Tacoma standard bed or on the tongue.  One thing I have noticed is that the serious trailers are sitting on nothing less than 33" with an fully articulating hitch. I've estimated my build to be in the $2,500 to $3,000 hoping for the lower end.

[JFanaselle]

In my case, 13-15 gallons would be plenty. I've taken 11-12 gallons with me on the last few Mojave trips and didn't even use half of it. But we were also blessed with some cooler weather, and it was only my wife and I. And, we didn't use it to shower - just to drink, cook and clean up. Plus we usually bring at least a few smaller bottles of drinking water in the fridge. So in your case, with the kiddos and all, John's suggestion of 20+ is probably better for you. I'd estimate that you'd need 2-4 gallons for a couple of good showers if you're conservative enough about it (such as washing down all the kids at the same time, for example). I actually researched road showers pretty extensively because I was (actually still am, but more long term) planning to install a fresh water system on the X. Overall volume of water is far less important than using the water the correct way. Basically, a good pressure pump (45ish PSI) with an automatic pressure shutoff (that will kill the pump as soon as you shut of fthe nozzle), along with a proper nozzle/showerhead is what you'd need. In my research, it looks like most overlanders end up converting hand spray nozzles for kitchen sinks because most actual showerheads (even ones for RVs and trailers) are designed for 2-3ish GPM, which is far too much. Some guys end up with very good pressure at .75 or 1.0 GPM, which is ideal.

But again, if you're building it on a budget, you should look into tanks and see what you can get on the cheap. There are a few relatively common RV/camper tank sizes (most are larger - 35-50 gallons), and a few different shapes. They're all over eBay and Amazon for well under $100 shipped, and there are usually some good used deals on Craigslist from guys who salvage parts from trailers. Here's a good deal on a 25 gallon cubed tank: http://www.ebay.com/itm/25-Gallon-RV-Concession-Fresh-Water-Tank-camping-outdoor-motor-home-25TK-/201552033361?hash=item2eed6ff651:g:BroAAOSwQjNW~CQ7&vxp=mtr

The shape of the tank is something to think about along with the overall size. The design of the trailer will determine the shape of the tank (or maybe visa-versa?), and the shape of the tank will significantly determine how the weight of the water impacts the trailer. A tank with a large surface footprint (like a very flat and short tank) will lower your center of gravity (if you mount it low in the trailer), but a smaller footprint with more vertical volume (like a taller, more cube-shaped tank) would slosh less in turns and when the trailer is angled. I wouldn't be too concerned about the overall weight of the water. The difference between 13 gallons and 25 gallons is only about 80 lbs. But again, where and how that weight impacts the behavior of the trailer when wheeling could be a concern. All things considered, I wonder how much of an issue it really is with water sloshing around anyway. It's easy to think it would be a big problem, but Xterras have over 20 gallons of fuel on board and the weight of that fuel sloshing around in the factory tank doesn't really effect your wheeling much if at all. Heck, huge trailers that haul thousands of gallons of fuel don't even have baffles, but commercial drivers who haul tankers do need a special endorsement to do so because of the way the shifting weight behaves.

I like the ABS food grade water tanks because you can "weld" fittings and drains wherever you want. But they tend to be far more expensive, smaller in size and aren't nearly as durable (if mounted under the frame for example, that ABS will bust up in an instant if impacted by a rock where the traditional style tanks would hold up fine). Here's what I am looking at using for the Xterra eventually. It would tuck up nicely where the spare tire goes, but I'd need to design some kind of skid plate for it too:

http://www.amazon.com/ABS-Water-Tanks-Motorhome-Tank/dp/B004QDPHLO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1464899452&sr=8-5&keywords=abs+water+tank

Actually, something like this one isn't nearly as expensive as when I looked into this about a year ago: http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-R8060-16-ABS-Tank/dp/B0006MRSRA/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1464899452&sr=8-15&keywords=abs+water+tank

And here are a bunch more sizes: http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-R8030-ABS-Water-Tank/dp/B0006MRSMK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464899907&sr=8-1&keywords=abs+water+tank

[Ghost65]

Whatever you do...don't click HERE >>>> Rabbit Hole




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[JeffBett]

Dang, that is a deep and dangerous rabbit hole.    I really like the idea, but I think I need to find a smaller light weight travel trailer with a bathroom to get my wife to want to take extended off road trips like to Moab and San Juans, etc.

[JeffBett]

Looking over the MANY trailers in that rabbit hole, one question comes to mind is how dirty does everything get in the storage compartments.  Many are using things like truck tool boxes and I would think the dust kicked up by the tow vehicle would just coat everything.  Its hard to keep things clean in the sealed toppered bed of a pickup and its not in the direct dust cloud.

[Toro]

Lol....I've devoured those threads. Too many ideas.
   It's a lot like going to Vegas. Pick your budget, and your requirements...and stick to them.
1. Ability (ground clearance, weight, size and length)
2. Utility (basic kitchen, propane, water and electrical)
3. Amenity  (awning, rtt, water tanks and plumbing)

Loving the feedback