Another trailer

[Sero]

Here's one to buy...or at least get ideas from.

http://www.tentrax.com/

[TheOtherSide]

Those look pretty nice...

[Sero]

Found another nice trailer set-up. Too bad their in South Africa.

http://www.bushmantrailers.com/index.html

[BigWhiteFord]

Found another nice trailer set-up. Too bad their in South Africa.

http://www.bushmantrailers.com/index.html

Awesome trailers. I love page on the available 'game fence'. It's a 7000V electric fence to protect against hippos, lions, hyenas, wild dogs, etc. Yeesh, I'll stick to bears and cougars thanks.

[TheOtherSide]

Found another nice trailer set-up. Too bad their in South Africa.

http://www.bushmantrailers.com/index.html

Nice!

[qcdavid]

I also came across these:

http://www.sierra4x4trailers.com/

Really wanted to get one built here in Quebec but had a hard time finding someone to do so. The one place I did find was charging too much for my budget so I had to settle for something a bit less cool. I found a trailer place close to my house and the guy was willing to make some modifications on his base model (slightly bigger wheels, closing cover, and rack for tent). It should be ready in a couple of months. Will post pictures when I get it.

David.

[qcdavid]

Hi Chris. Really love your trailers! One of those trailers was high on my wish list. Had I been closer to the west coast or had you been closer to the east coast, I would have taken a drive to see you! You don't have this on your site, but are these some of your trailers?

http://www.autohomeus.com/gallery/trailer.php

The one with the lid is the one that caught my eye. Again, kudos on some really nice looking trailers!

David.

[dockelly]

New to this forum. I noted the trailer talk, and wanted to suggest for anyone who hasn't seen them the Adventure Trailer line. Originally in California, but now in Arizona, with a connection in Salt Lake City (Equipt Expedition Outfitters, the NA distributor of S. African Eezi-Awn tents).

Having looked at a number of trailers, including the fiberglass based Tentrax (think Forest road flying gravel...), I went for an AT Chaser. Very similar to the Military boxes, but with very beefy trailing arm suspension and air/shock suspension, electrical, and off-road hitch, it pulls behind my 105 hp diesel Pajero like a dream. I'm looking forward to really testing it, but with propane mounted, electrical, a 4 man roof tent, and tons of capacity it is an impressive machine.

This sounds like an ad, but I am fussy and although they are not cheap (start around $5000), the build and service from AT's Martyn Davies and Paul at Equipt was superb. And they meet Canadian RIV requiements.

I suggest checking Adventure Trailers website if seriously considering a trailer and not inclined to build it yourself.

[Cody1771]

so many cool ideas out there. personnaly i would love to get a jumping jack. so awsome. petersons just did an article on the tentrax

[qcdavid]

Yeah I saw the Jumping Jack trailers in a review on Overland Journal, summer 2008 edition. Actually they reviewed a number of off road trailers. Very interesting article. You can download the summer 2008 edition for free here:

http://www.overlandjournal.com/journal/

Looks like a cool magazine. I'm certainly going to keep an eye open for it.

As for the trailers, they're all pretty expensive. But then I imagine there's a lot that goes into these trailers and you end up paying for what you get. If I was able to weld, I'd tackle building a trailer but I'm not so I have to buy one...

[The Adam Blaster]

Overland Journal is a great magazine, chances are not too good you will catch it at a local news stand though. I bought a subscription about a year after they started up, and after I read my first issue, I bought all of the back issues as well. :D

AT does make excellent trailers, and I think if you traveled with just one other companion, and did a significant amount of miles off pavement, they would be a great investment. But, they do charge top dollar for their units, and I think if I bought one I would feel very guilty if I had to stare at it just sitting in my driveway 99% of the time.

That sierra4x4 company looks like they produce a less complicated, and much less expensive but still very capable trailer.

For my personal uses I would need a unit that could have sleeping accommodations for 2 adults as well as 2-3 kids. My wife and I only have one child right now, but planning on at least 1 more in the not so distant future.
I've actually just started thinking about building a trailer based on a pickup bed/box and mounting one of those Flippac's that AT sells on top. I could build a sleeping platform in the box and have the kids sleep in the tent portion up top.
Other than possibly looking a bit "ghetto" and be on the larger side I think it would fit the purpose of getting my family and I out and enjoying remote camping areas.
And to be honest, to get out there I need to cut through the crap of "I need this and this and this before I can enjoy the outdoors" and instead just do it.
I need to focus on a sufficient method to getting out there, not the coolest bling-bling method. ;)

[dockelly]

All good points. The Sierra trailer looks to be much the same box and similar frame as the AT Chaser. The axle suspension is obviously different, but that depends on what you want and think is better. I do know the independent trailing arm on my Chaser, aside from being bombproof, has shown no tendency to bob or bouce, even in the rough.
If you add in all the features you want or need, such as a top (unless you want you camping gear to walk away) and tent, the price difference does narrow, albeit the Sierra does appear cheaper. I think either way, if you want a trailer-top tent, you could get a large one with a side room for extra space that would provide all the sleeping space you want. You aren't stuck with just a four man tent.

I would caution, I am not sure of this, but have heard that homemade pickup-bed trailers will not get licensed anymore, the trailer has to be built to certifiable standards. Something to check on before building your own.

Bottom line is, get whatever you want that will help you get out there.

[The Adam Blaster]

I would caution, I am not sure of this, but have heard that homemade pickup-bed trailers will not get licensed anymore, the trailer has to be built to certifiable standards. Something to check on before building your own.



Thanks for that tip, I will check on that before doing any more research.
I've got to head down to the registry office and get a new sticker for my wife's car this week, so I'll ask there.
I will also ask about home built trailers and see what they say on that issue.

[qcdavid]

Adam Blaster, I know what you mean about having to get this and that. We've been camping as a family for about 10 years now and have accumulated our gear over time. Every year we spoil ourselves and buy a new piece of gear based on what we find would make our lives easier such as light weight cooking set, kitchen shelter instead of tarps and rope, etc... This year we went all out and I purchased a trailer onto which I'll be mounting a roof top tent. I really wanted a trailer that looked like the AT or Sierra but they were out of my price range. I ended up finding a local fabricator who was willing to build me one with a lid and roof rack to mount my tent. I don't have it yet but sure am looking forward to it.

As far as homemade trailers go, I'm not sure how it works elsewhere but in Quebec I've been told that in theory, homemade trailers are not legal (or at least may not be) if they leave the province. Since we like to travel all over Canada, this was not an option for me.

David.

[The Adam Blaster]

I don't know David, if you had it registered with a valid plate in Quebec, how would a police officer in another province challenge the fact that it is not a legal and safe trailer to be towed on the road?
Unless of course there is something stated right on the registration that says the trailer is not to be on a roadway outside of Quebec?
As well, unless the trailer is inspected/tested, how could they say a home built trailer is less safe or adequate than one bought at a store?
(I've seen some pretty flimsy "professionally built" trailers out on the road!)

Seeing as how we don't have the information right from the Ministry of Transportation's mouth, the discussion is merely an intellectual exercise, and we won't glean any definitive answers. But it's always fun to speculate. :)

When I'm at the registry office later this week, I'll see what they have to say about it, and hopefully be directed to some web-based info that answers some of these questions...

[Piet]

My 2 favorites

http://www.australianoffroadcampers.com.au/our-campers/eclipse-off-road.html

http://www.safaricondo.com/alto/indexeng.php

[gasman]

i saw the campa usa in person last year.. nice nice nice .. but its like 25,000 bucks fully loaded

http://www.campausa.com/

http://www.tracktrailer.com.au/

[Lone Ranger]

I love page on the available 'game fence'. It's a 7000V electric fence to protect against hippos, lions, hyenas, wild dogs, etc. Yeesh, I'll stick to bears and cougars thanks.

I would like to build one for my setup, good for black and grizzly bears, cougar.... drunk strangers :D

[Landy_Andy]

http://www.overlandjournal.com/journal/

Looks like a cool magazine. I'm certainly going to keep an eye open for it.



I think you'll find it's virtually subscription only.... I've never seen it on a magazine stand shelf here or anywhere else.

[qcdavid]

Since all those fancy overland trailers were a bit out of my price range and I can't weld, I had a local trailer fabricator customize one of his trailer designs so that I could use it for camping with an RTT. I had him put bigger wheels, build a lid with a roof rack, and paint it to match my tow vehicle. I think it turned out pretty good.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50993725@N04/4686945850/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50993725@N04/4686946578/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50993725@N04/4686947084/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50993725@N04/4686314201/

(Sorry, not sure how to add the pictures directly)

[bcghosttowns]

That looks awesome.Mind if i ask what it cost to put that together?

[qcdavid]

Sure. It cost me a bout 2K plus tax (not including the Camping Lab tent). Not too bad compared to the real deal.

[bcghosttowns]

Thats not bad at all.A canadian tire trailer is about 14+tax and thats not painted to match and the little wheels and tires.Plus yours looks beefier.I think you got yourself a nice little trailer there.
Might i suggest converting it to Pintle? Not only is it the "Expedition" thing to do but its harder to steal because very few people have pintle hitchs and those who do are generally like minded and wouldnt steal it.

[qcdavid]

I think it was a pretty good deal, especially when I saw how it turned out. As for the pintle hitch, the thought is in the back of my head. I figured I'd see how it handles this summer and where I end up taking it to see whether I go that route. For now I've got a hitch lock to discourage anyone taking it and also got a motorcycle lock that I can put through one of the wheels and around the axle if I need to leave for a while.

[bcghosttowns]

That should work just fine.The pintle hitch isnt required till your vehical is pretty Built up.Anywhere i would take my truck a typical ball will be fine.

[TheOtherSide]

Very nice... and a very clean look!!

As much as I want an Overland trailer... I think I have enough space inside the burb... I think I need to stick with a roof rack only and I'm set!

[Piet]

Click Free

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4686945850_f7e9089b51.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1276/4686946578_fd0f902c91.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4686947084_08573eb8ed.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4686314201_9f4df01647.jpg

[Waytec]

Piet is that one yours?

[RamRod]

I like your little red trailer!

I have plans to go a similar route if I can’t find a M101 Military Trailer for a decent price.
My biggest problem is that I don’t have anywhere to work right now. I recently moved into the City to be closer to work and am now left with out a garage and its driving me nuts!!!

I have the Welding tools and Skills, but the only place I have to work is at my parents house or out at their cabin (in the grass) where all my tools are currently being stored.

I have watched a lot of builds on various sites on the net and have come to a few conclusions:

-Too many people way over engineer their trailers, making them weigh twice as much as they need to.
-A tail gate along with a gas shock assisted lid that can be opened independently of each other would be very valuable
-I want to have a battery set up to run various appliances that can be recharged via solar panel or a 120V plug in
-I want to have a Fridge/Freezer set up to slide out of the tailgate on the side that the lid opens to be easily accessible
-I want to hook up a water tank/ pump assembly on the hinge side of the trailer lid at the very front; with a cover on it so things can be stacked on it without worry of pulling out a wire or something.
- I want to have the dual batteries mounted on the tongue in and external storage compartment so if the worst happens to the batts then it want harm the stuff in the trailer.
-In the battery storage area I want to set up the switches that operate various controls, as well as have some additional storage of things that always stay in the trailer such as tools and straps.

The list goes on, But those are the major points.:eyes:

[qcdavid]

The lid on the trailer is gas shock assisted and the tailgate does open when the lid is down (handy when the tent is up). The only concern is how water tight that setup will be (where the tailgate mates with the lid). I guess I'll find out when we hit out first downpour.

The inside is just empty space, but like you, I'd like to put in some sort of battery with solar panel setup in order to recharge cameras and cell phones and install some type of dividers so that the gear doesn't fly all over the place when we're travelling. Part of future projects I guess.

[qcdavid]

Oh, BTW, thanks for inserting my pictures Piet! Much appreciated!

[Waytec]

Can we get some pics of your tail? Gate that is.:D
I am going to be building a trailer as well this coming winter. I am taking to a friend about getting metal cut and shaped so when it is welded together it will look like a M101. I don't know if I will put a tail gate on it at all. It is just to carry camping gear and I have no use for a RTT. So one will never go on. Also if I decide a access door is needed it wouldn't be that hard to modify everything.:camping:

[Piet]

Piet is that one yours?

No... just making the pics click free.
I have a 1977 Bonair... that's about to meet Mr. Sawzall!

[Waytec]

Is that the one you had last Aug long with NA4WDA

[Piet]

That was boggerswap's. I trailered my rig that time. Stayed in bogger's trailer ... It's large.

[Landy_Andy]

Since a few of us are working on our designs for this coming winters trailer building projects..... how about a group 'Trailer Design & Ideas' thread that's sticky'd..... good for those late night discussions and then the ideas can be made into reality in each seperate build thread...

Just a thought.....

Andy

[TheOtherSide]

Since a few of us are working on our designs for this coming winters trailer building projects..... how about a group 'Trailer Design & Ideas' thread that's sticky'd..... good for those late night discussions and then the ideas can be made into reality in each seperate build thread...

Just a thought.....

Andy

Start it up... and I'll sticky it!

[Waytec]

I have been talking to a couple fabricators I know about building a kit trailer that will look like a M101 once you weld it all together. You will have do the assembly and build the frame and get the axels where we will have the shell pieces.

[Jeremy]

I am also toying with the idea of making an off road trailer.

I will start a design thread for this.

[TheOtherSide]

Thx Jeremy.... thread is started here: http://www.overlandcanada.com/forum/showthread.php?t=790

[qcdavid]

Hi guys, I'm not ignoring the request to see the tailgate. I checked through my pictures and realized I didn't take any showing how the lid and tailgate open. I'm planning to take it out and do some "camping" (actually back yard at my parents' country place) this weekend for a trial run so I'll try and get some good shots showing how everything works.

[gowshika]

Thanks for sharing:party:

[The Adam Blaster]

Any pics yet David? :)

EDIT: Nevermind, I just saw the other thread and your pics.

[qcdavid]

Actually I put them in the "Overland trailer designs and ideas." thread as that seemed to be where it should go. If you want to see all the pictures, you can view them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50993725@N04/

Take care!

David.

[qcdavid]

Just a bit more info on the trailer since the time I posted the pictures. I drove it out to PEI last summer and it handled great, fully loaded, on the highway and small country roads. It did however make a dent in my gas mileage ;-)

The tailgate seal turned out not to be that water proof but I fixed that with a 3-4"strip of rubber I glued to the lid and let hang over the edge of the tailgate.

I just recently got a lift and bigger tires for the Jeep so I'm not sure if I'll need to lift the trailer a bit to get it level. I'll find out this spring when I take it out. I would like to get bigger tires on the trailer and go to 15" (it has 14" now). It depends on whether I need to lift the trailer or not.

I'll let you guys know how it turns out...