Simple Tent/Gear Trailer

[clarkbre]

I am in the process of designing a camp trailer for my wife and I and want some feedback. I have been looking at teardrops for about a year now but still enjoy (and have the gear for) tent camping. My wife and I are expecting so I need room for a family and the teardrops are just a little small. I have come up with a trailer that might be a good comprimise between a tent and teardrop, still draw attention where ever it's set up, be very cost effective, and small enough for my Subaru Legacy to pull it.

Rooftop tents have intrigued me as much as teardrops have so I contacted Scott at Compact Camping Concepts. He has built an Explorer Box trailer that I would like to copy and modify for my own needs. So far, he has a trailer with a 55"x 94" rooftop tent. He also offers a 71"x94" family size tent that I plan on using.

My design would be based on a Harbor Freight trailer modified to a 4'x6' bed with a 48"x72"x18" box mounted on that. The folding tent would then be mounted on the box giving me a tent on top and a 36 cubic foot dry storage area below. The box would be big enough to store an awning, 2 coolers, a camp stove, lantern, small table, and any other camping gear needed.

At this point I'm just looking for more ideas and thoughts. I really like the idea of keeping it simple and always ready to go for camping. Here are a couple sketches I did to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Am I on the right track?

[SaGR]

Can you correct the missing images?

Did you see this thread? http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=29395

[clarkbre]

Ok. Pics are fixed. I have seen that thread and have emailed Scott numerous times about his cool little trailers. He is full of ideas and has been helping me in my design. This last weekend I went and bought the trailer and started putting it together. As of now, the frame is almost done, shortened and everything. Here are some pics of the progress.

[SaGR]

I found this link earlier today and it really tickled my fancy...

http://books.google.com/books?id=buQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA132&dq=chuck+wagon+trailer&as_pt=MAGAZINES#v=onepage&q=chuck%20wagon%20trailer&f=false

Now, take it up on the rear so it's level on the top and you could easily build a platform that folds out to support the tent.

Just one more idea for you. I had found some plans once for what you're trying but I'll be damned if I can find them now... I'll keep looking.