Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I currently have a basic utility trailer that is lifted on 31 's that I use to haul my dirt bikes and dump runs etc that is getting worn out that I would like to replace.

So here is where the questions and your opinions come in.
I would love to have a camper for the winter camping skiing etc. Ideally id love a hard sided camper. So I've been thinking of converting a enclosed cargo trailer to have some basic camping things. Bed heater a couple cabinets etc, would like to throw some bigger tires and a brake axle under it. But then it starts to get really tall which makes it a gas eater. Not gonna do any hardcore trails with it so im not too concerned with the top heavyness. i woukld use a 6x12

that brings me to my next idea. Build a new utility trailer and add a fwc type truck slide in too it for camping.
do you guys think a cargo trailer will be though enough to handle rough roads? Im trying to do a low cost and as light as possible. Guess I just want your opinions on my ideas. I can always just build my own but the cargo just seemed like an easier starting point.

here is the current trailer
probably 5-600 lbs, angle iron and plywood, built in 1962, a couple welds have cracked (only on the walls, the frame and spring hangers etc look good), appears to have a home make axle made from who knows what. its making me a bit nervous putt 10k of dirtbikes in it and doing 60 on the freeway.



this is what id like, sort of, fold down bed, little galley in the font, but dirtbikes still fit.




pics form B@tt's [url="http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=43778&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0"]build[/url] on TTT

Do you guys with CTC's think they would hold together with roung dirt road use? ideally id do a small lift to run larger tires and shocks to help with the off road factor.

TIA im trying to come up with the perfect trailer so these are still ideas....

Before I added all the conversion pieces to my enclosed trailer I would tow it over some pretty rough roads through the hills of Idaho with a full size ATV, a youth ATV and a Dirt bike along with all our camping gear loaded in it. I never had a problem with anything breaking or even dragging. I am considering adding a slightly larger tires, but only because I dont care for the look of the bias ply tires that came stock on the trailer. Probably will pick up some wheels and tires from a 4x4 Ranger or BroncoII as the lug pattern is the same.

Good Luck with your build.

-B@tt

B@tt wrote:Before I added all the conversion pieces to my enclosed trailer I would tow it over some pretty rough roads through the hills of Idaho with a full size ATV, a youth ATV and a Dirt bike along with all our camping gear loaded in it. I never had a problem with anything breaking or even dragging. I am considering adding a slightly larger tires, but only because I dont care for the look of the bias ply tires that came stock on the trailer. Probably will pick up some wheels and tires from a 4x4 Ranger or BroncoII as the lug pattern is the same.

Good Luck with your build.

-B@tt

thanks! thats about what i have planned so we will see i guess. need to sell my other trailer then i have the go ahead from the wife.


one more question, are there any brands that have a little higher ceiling? im 6'2" so a 6'3"-4" ceiling would be awesome. they all seem to be 6'

Every trailer MFG I've seen allows you to add height so a 6'6" interior shouldn't be that hard to come by.

If your going to take it off road I'd suggest you get it built 16" on center for everything along with a triple beam tong. And maybe look at adding a stiffer roof. I know Stealth trailers has a translucent roof that's pretty rigid.

vtx1029 wrote:Every trailer MFG I've seen allows you to add height so a 6'6" interior shouldn't be that hard to come by.

If your going to take it off road I'd suggest you get it built 16" on center for everything along with a triple beam tong. And maybe look at adding a stiffer roof. I know Stealth trailers has a translucent roof that's pretty rigid.

your thinking the 24" OC would just be too flexible?

java wrote:your thinking the 24" OC would just be too flexible?

I'd say you would be less likely to pop screws and stuff. Your only talking about 3 more bars on a 12' trailer to go from 24 OC to 16 OC well worth the extra weight and $ IMO.

I'd also go with the 3/8 ply wood walls vs the white walls being they are usually thin and add no structural support.

vtx1029 wrote:

java wrote:your thinking the 24" OC would just be too flexible?

I'd say you would be less likely to pop screws and stuff. Your only talking about 3 more bars on a 12' trailer to go from 24 OC to 16 OC well worth the extra weight and $ IMO.

I'd also go with the 3/8 ply wood walls vs the white walls being they are usually thin and add no structural support.

ply on the exterior? i am planning to insulate and cover the inside myself, and could do the 3/8 there

thanks for the input!

Hey Java,
I mostly lurk here more than post, however, when I read your post 1 thing came to mind.

Horse trailer......

OK, OK, i know everyone is laughing , but they are dirt cheap, dual axle, built to take dirt roads all day with a very heavy load. Some of those are made kind of like toy haulers. Space for horses and a place to sleep. I know they are not the lightest trailers around, but that would give you two, 3k lb axles, room to sleep, light tongue weight......
Just an idea,

I know around here in the nw you can get a 2 horse for about $600. For a handy person from this forum it shouldnt be too hard to convert one!

Hope this gives you something to think about, or a good laugh!

Doc

DocandRedcoat wrote:I know around here in the nw you can get a 2 horse for about $600. For a handy person from this forum it shouldnt be too hard to convert one!

Stop at your local hardware store on the way home from picking it up to buy a fly swatter and a clothes pin for your nose.

I've never owned one, but did read the sales literature for new ones and they point out design features for channeling corrosive urine across the floor and other things that would make me think twice about converting a used one.....

yeah thought about a horse trailer but im trying to go as light as possible. my truck already doesnt like to drag its own big tires and heavy bumpers up passes. also trying to keep it a single axle. if i found one really cheap i might try but the ones around here arent real cheap or they are huge and rusty as all get out.

I know what you mean with the hills Java!

and thanks for your $.02 vreihen!


Jon

arrg im still really torn between building a new utility trailer and a CTC....

the single axle Wells Cargo I found used is a single axle 6x12 the one in my AV. I'm still sorting through what I'm goin to do with it.
the previous owner hauled motorcycles and camped in it but had nothing done to it really. they added insulation in side walls and a window for a window AC; but that was it.