PA Wilds 16 x 7 x 7 Bug Out Aluminum Trailer

[outsidezion]

P3220002 (360x640).jpg (107.05 KiB) Viewed 3328 times

P3220003 (640x360).jpg (100.86 KiB) Viewed 3328 times

P3220006 (360x640).jpg (93.83 KiB) Viewed 3328 times

[dustboy]

7x16 looks like the perfect size for a family. We got 4 of us crammed into a 6x12 sardine can, there's enough room for us all to sleep but not much else!

[Gonefishin]

I really, really like the looks of that interior! Simplicity at work. Light. Dickinson! I'm using a similar strap system on my ceiling for my fly rod cases. I like the use of the Cabela's camp kitchen, and am working on possibly integrating some of that in the nose of my 6x12.

If you want a little more padding/insulation on the floor, I'm loving my foam interlocking padding. My throw rugs go right on top of it nicely too and don't slide around.

[outsidezion]

7x16 looks like the perfect size for a family. We got 4 of us crammed into a 6x12 sardine can, there's enough room for us all to sleep but not much else!

dustboy: I really, really wanted a smaller unit. Putting pen to paper proved a 16 x 7 x 7 the minimum for our family. We did end up going with an aluminum trailer to help reduce weight but its still a big trailer out back. All in all, I think it will be the right unit for our needs.

[outsidezion]

I really, really like the looks of that interior! Simplicity at work. Light. Dickinson! I'm using a similar strap system on my ceiling for my fly rod cases. I like the use of the Cabela's camp kitchen, and am working on possibly integrating some of that in the nose of my 6x12.

From the master himself, this is a real compliment. We used your unit as our inspiration as your build aligned closely with our goals: Simple, no complicated systems to fuss over or break down, multi-use capacity (never lose the ability to haul stuff), light, and stress free. We want to pick up at a moments notice and go. And we want to bike, run, kayak, hike, and go when we get there - not fuss over our trailer. And, we wanted a happy, creek-side "feel" to the unit.

I like your insulated floor. If we find heat an issue in the shoulder-seasons, I would consider that option.

[wanabxtrm]

Do the bunks fold flat to the wall?

[outsidezion]

Do the bunks fold flat to the wall?

yes

[outsidezion]

23 degrees, snow blowing sideways, bitter winds.... Dickinson heater kept it around 60 with lots of in-and-out with the kids and dog.

I am going to cut some insulation to block the two roof vents - heat just pours out there. Also, to warm up a very cold trailer, I may just run the generator for an hour or two to start to power an electric room heater. Once the trailer "bones" were warm it was lovely.

IMG_20150328_074025 (360x640).jpg (105.2 KiB) Viewed 3158 times

IMG_20150328_074010 (640x360).jpg (125.01 KiB) Viewed 3158 times

IMG_20150328_073940 (360x640).jpg (108.53 KiB) Viewed 3158 times

[hankaye]

outsidezion, Howdy;

You may want to re-think the bit about closing off the overhead vents.
I live in an RV and from my own experience as well as that of some others,
it's a good thing to leave them "cracked" open a wee bit. It allows for the
condensation a way to escape before it can form mold. Five humans and perhaps
1 or more furry beasties can generate a larger volume than you may expect,
especially when the clothes/fur is wet or even damp...
Most electric heaters "suggest" an area of 18" between their warm face and any
flammables, do you have that much room to spare?
Just some things to consider ...

hank

[outsidezion]

Hello Hank,

That it very interesting input and I thank you for it.

Our days of truly cold camping will be limited both in quantity and duration. Maybe I'll just leave things "as-is". I suspect over summer the thing will be a solar oven with entirely different challenges.

Nate

[outsidezion]

Installed the Trimetric 2025 Battery System Monitor

0726150705_resized.jpg (215.39 KiB) Viewed 2773 times

Battery Minder 15 Watt Solar Charger/Maintainer/Desulfator With Panel

Panel.jpg (95.75 KiB) Viewed 2773 times

Junction box.jpg (220.1 KiB) Viewed 2773 times

[outsidezion]

Overhang wheels, screen panel on rear door, and sideboards for bed

Overhang Wheels.jpg (122.81 KiB) Viewed 2772 times

Screen.jpg (154.23 KiB) Viewed 2772 times

Side boards.jpg (248.75 KiB) Viewed 2772 times

[FIREBALL05]

Very nice! Do you know how much it weighs?

[outsidezion]

Very nice! Do you know how much it weighs?

I have not weighed the trailer. Base weight, before build-out, was around 2200 lbs (All aluminum). I would be surprised if the unit is much more than 3,000 lbs.... Part of the build goal was to keep it light. I tow with a Chevy 1500 and it pulls as well as my tandem axle, 18', steel, 9,000 gvw utility trailer which I think clocks in at 2200lbs empty.

[rebapuck]

Why do you have a sideboard at what appears to be the foot of the bed?