I needed to downsize my vehicle and my tow rating came down with it. I wanted a light, comfortable platform for my wife and me to camp in while traveling. My design criterion were that it had to weigh less than 1,100 lbs (my Subaru Forester’s tow rating is 1,500 lbs and I want to keep a safety margin), my design needed to have room for 2 comfy beds, plenty of storage, easy to set up, and room for a porta-potty with beds deployed. After viewing available options on the web, I settled on a hybrid trailer of my own design, that wouldn’t break the bank. I already had a 5’ X 10’ utility trailer and planned my project around that base.
I designed the camping modifications so they can be removed easily to retain the utility trailer function (many people like to use my utility trailer, I’m sure you can relate.) This approach creates a stable, roomy platform for a tent that adds interior height and equipment storage while on the road.
The folding “wings” that extend out from the top of the trailer are constructed with 1” square tubing and ½” plywood panels. These are hinged and supported on their outer edges with EMT poles, mounted to the trailer base with knob screws. The tent floor was cut and heavy duty tarp material was used to form the fitted floor liner. The tarp and tent materials were joined with Velcro that was hand stitched all around. The resulting interior is large enough to walk around in and there’s room for a dining table, chairs, and a porta potty.
Estimated weight (loaded w/camping gear) is ~1,000 lbs.