i need ideas for an offroad/camping trailer
- Thread starter trailhogg
- Start date
Have you considered a Sankey as the 'base' for your project? Sankeys were designed to be pulled behind Land Rovers (and go to war). The hub pattern is the same as on both series Rovers and coilers. Plus, they are designed to float along behind on river crossings - if you remember to put in all the drain plugs.
Cheers
Cheers
apg said:
that sounds like a downright bad ass trailer!
ive always been curious what the best way to hitch one up would be. surely a standard ball hitch wouldnt be the best option? some sort of hitch that will tilt all sorts of ways and never come loose would be best....
The Sankeys use the the military-style lunette coupler. (The added benefit is that big "lobster claw" keeps folks from tailgating too close...and it inflicts major carnage to the tailgate-ee without damage to the tailgate-or.) Both sides of the coupler (trailer as well as tow vehicle) rotate, so there is full articulation.
These also have 'surge' braking that works surprisingly well - mine's only 35+ years old. They tow so well, you hardly know something's following you....
There are several variants - the smaller, "half-tonne" version is referred to as an ammunition carrier. The folks at OVLR refitted one as a huge beer cooler. Those clever Canadians....
These also have 'surge' braking that works surprisingly well - mine's only 35+ years old. They tow so well, you hardly know something's following you....
There are several variants - the smaller, "half-tonne" version is referred to as an ammunition carrier. The folks at OVLR refitted one as a huge beer cooler. Those clever Canadians....
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Old one......sold
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g165/POshaughnessy/DSC_1252.jpg
and the new build........
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g165/POshaughnessy/Disco%20bumper/DSC_1867.jpg
For decent trailer build info......checkout the expedition forum..trailer section
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g165/POshaughnessy/DSC_1252.jpg
and the new build........
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g165/POshaughnessy/Disco%20bumper/DSC_1867.jpg
For decent trailer build info......checkout the expedition forum..trailer section
Links to build threads....then take a look at the whole trailer area...there's a large selection.http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12092
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9489
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9489
apg said:
although they seem quite capable they are not in my budget...i plan on building my trailer from scratch
thanks
Look for an M416 or a Canadian M101. They are the 1/4-ton Jeep trailer that is equal to a Sankey, but there are more of them here since they are US surplus.
This is what I have and it is a good base for a project. Like the Sankey the pintle eye on mine swivels.
This is what I have and it is a good base for a project. Like the Sankey the pintle eye on mine swivels.
ptschram
Well-known member
When I consider such a project, I start with a list of what I want to include, how much space it will take up, how much it will weigh and go from there.
Do you want a kitchen, refrigerator (electric, propane? If propane, how big a tank. Remember, propane tanks can't go on ferries on through tunnels), how big a sleeping surface?
Pintle hook is probably the most flexible hitch, ball hitches will require a hitch assembly that can swivel, complicating things.
If you're not gonna be too heavy, a Harbor Freight trailer frame might just be a good place to start, many have used them as a platform for tear-drop trailers.
I wanted to build a trailer to haul tires and a compressor, then my truck began to need its own trailer
Do you want a kitchen, refrigerator (electric, propane? If propane, how big a tank. Remember, propane tanks can't go on ferries on through tunnels), how big a sleeping surface?
Pintle hook is probably the most flexible hitch, ball hitches will require a hitch assembly that can swivel, complicating things.
If you're not gonna be too heavy, a Harbor Freight trailer frame might just be a good place to start, many have used them as a platform for tear-drop trailers.
I wanted to build a trailer to haul tires and a compressor, then my truck began to need its own trailer
ptschram said:When I consider such a project, I start with a list of what I want to include, how much space it will take up, how much it will weigh and go from there.
Do you want a kitchen, refrigerator (electric, propane? If propane, how big a tank. Remember, propane tanks can't go on ferries on through tunnels), how big a sleeping surface?
Pintle hook is probably the most flexible hitch, ball hitches will require a hitch assembly that can swivel, complicating things.
If you're not gonna be too heavy, a Harbor Freight trailer frame might just be a good place to start, many have used them as a platform for tear-drop trailers.
I wanted to build a trailer to haul tires and a compressor, then my truck began to need its own trailer
great info, thanks
what i have in mind is:
1. something simple and rather light
2. my main reasons for wanting a trailer are more storage and to have an elevated, dry(er) place to tent, must big enough for 2 adults and 2 kids, sleeping area should be no smaller than 4x6, no larger than 6x6
3. i do not want/need a kitchen nor a bathroom
4. propane? yes, but i wonder about your tunnel comment...does this aply to all states? there may be tunnels for this trailer in the future
5. electric? refrigerator? would be nice to have, but again not absolutely neccessary
6. the harbor freight frame may be stout enough, but i will have to see one in person before i decide (i have a store near me)
7. i am actually leaning toward a standard ball hitch incase a friend or family member wanted to borrow the trailer, and i dont see it being pulled through terrain rough enough to need the pintle hook
again, basically what i want is addtional storage and a dry place to setup a tent
ptschram
Well-known member
trailhogg said:
I'm not sure of current regs, but in the recent past, many tunnels (larger tunnels, NYC, etc) had big signs that said 20# tanks of propane were prohibited. Might not be the case any more. A coupla years ago, my wife took a ferry across Lake Michigan. One of the prohibited items was 20# propane tanks.
Sounds like you're well on your way to designing what you want. Time to grab a pencil and some paper! Get to it!
"the harbor freight frame may be stout enough, but i will have to see one in person before i decide (i have a store near me)"
Cheap chinese folded sheet steel...........pick up one corner and the whole thing flex's.
Cheap chinese folded sheet steel...........pick up one corner and the whole thing flex's.
ptschram
Well-known member
UK 4X4 said:
OK, maybe one of the utility trailers from the home depot/lowes type places. I have one from Lowe's and it's held up well for me, mine is probably bigger than you need, but they have quite the assortment.
The HF trailers are crap, total junk and only good for (maybe) hauling leaves and trash to the dump.
As far as the propane issue - get a DOT approved automotive type tank and there shouldn't be any issues.
I too have thought about a trailer for my adventure this fall/winter/next spring all over the US and Canadia but I think I will make due with custom storage in the rear (no rear seats at all) and a roof tent. Of course I will be alone for 95% of the trip. That said it would be nice to be able to "set-up camp" and be able to explore a bit without all the stuff in the truck. Then the issue of the campsite being secure while you're gone etc etc etc .......
As far as the propane issue - get a DOT approved automotive type tank and there shouldn't be any issues.
I too have thought about a trailer for my adventure this fall/winter/next spring all over the US and Canadia but I think I will make due with custom storage in the rear (no rear seats at all) and a roof tent. Of course I will be alone for 95% of the trip. That said it would be nice to be able to "set-up camp" and be able to explore a bit without all the stuff in the truck. Then the issue of the campsite being secure while you're gone etc etc etc .......