Backcountry Trailer

[Team1k]

Im not nearly as "expo" as the guys on here but thought i would contribute my .02. I had my old paintballing trailer and thought why not make it into an "expo" trailer. I absolutely love it. i do have a smaller jeep so for me it makes more sense to have a trailer than it would for those with pickups. That being said i think alot of the same principles apply. I love being able to just hook up and go. Almost all my stuff is already in the trailer: tent, wood, power hookups, etc... I then just thow in my action packer bin and go. In response to an earlier statement about does having a trailer really allow you to go more, well for me its an absolutely yes. my wife hated going camping mainly because of the time it takes to setup tents, sweep them out, then god forbid it rains and now i get to set it up again back at home. We do still have a large tent for when we stay places for extended periods, but for those last minute weekend getaways it cant be beat. we go way more now that its a 2 second setup and take down. Then when we get home its pull in, unhitch, and move on with the day. Plus with mine not only can it be used for camping but if i remove 4 bolts then the tent comes off and now i can haul loads to the dump, furniture, etc... I like that its multifunctional in what it can do plus it can be used by any vehicle with a hitch. Im into my setup around $850 but it could be done for cheaper i bet, particularly if you cut out the beadlocks and AC power. As for your question on suspension, if it helps my trailer is spring over and seems to flex fine as well as tow fine. No wierd sway or anything. I will admit my setup is not the ideal offroad setup and my rtt isnt the fanciest but it works fine.



P.S. I really need to pull off those stickers and take off those metal mud flaps

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...In response to an earlier statement about does having a trailer really allow you to go more, well for me its an absolutely yes. my wife hated going camping mainly because of the time it takes to setup tents, sweep them out, then god forbid it rains and now i get to set it up again back at home.

And that works fine and dandy for a dedicated camp-trailer, I get that. But if you plan to use it for the OP's needs, utility, haul motos, etc which means you likely won't leave it loaded or your have to unload it and possibly un-bolt a lid or RTT in order to load a dirtbike in the back no? So if your having to unload it to use as a utility trailer, I'm not seeing how it is any easier than just loading the back of a truck or unbolting a rack off of the truck? Again, I'm a fan of trailers, I've done thousands of miles with mine in tow, but not for dual purposes and not at an attempt to get out more rather to make my existing plans that much easier. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule but in this case I would gladly love to be proved wrong.

.. we go way more now that its a 2 second setup and take down.

If its a 2 second setup, you have most beat

 

[Skylinerider]

I went so far as to start a trailer just like you are thinking about. I realized that for my needs it was either too little (family, 2 kids, etc.) or too much (just me solo). I ended up with a little Skamper and did a springover on it for family trips and for solo stuff I just pack light in the Jeep.

 

[Team1k]

And that works fine and dandy for a dedicated camp-trailer, I get that. But if you plan to use it for the OP's needs, utility, haul motos, etc which means you likely won't leave it loaded or your have to unload it and possibly un-bolt a lid or RTT in order to load a dirtbike in the back no? So if your having to unload it to use as a utility trailer, I'm not seeing how it is any easier than just loading the back of a truck or unbolting a rack off of the truck? Again, I'm a fan of trailers, I've done thousands of miles with mine in tow, but not for dual purposes and not at an attempt to get out more rather to make my existing plans that much easier. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule but in this case I would gladly love to be proved wrong.



If its a 2 second setup, you have most beat

Ha ok maybe 30 seconds, my bad. I did debate before posting if what i would contribute would help. Gambled and lost it seems.

Edit: Although as stated my trailer lets me get out way more as in the past there had been plans i made and not went on due to the hassle of tents and figuring out how to stow my gear(small jeep). Dual purpose though you are still correct in that there is no difference really in a truck bed or a trailer if you end up having to remove the tent anyway.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I went so far as to start a trailer just like you are thinking about. I realized that for my needs it was either too little (family, 2 kids, etc.) or too much (just me solo). I ended up with a little Skamper and did a springover on it for family trips and for solo stuff I just pack light in the Jeep.

A solid option for many, if I had more space I'd love to have a small camper or pop-up for trips where it is appropriate. Skampers rock, I want to go stay at SeaBase just to rent a Skamper for the night

Ha ok maybe 30 seconds, my bad. I did debate before posting if what i would contribute would help. Gambled and lost it seems.

I don't know why you felt you didn't contribute, your setup seems to work for you and perhaps it would work for Cascadia too. Like I said, I'd love for him to prove me wrong

 

[Cascadia]

Camping gear wouldn't be removed too often. Yes, I did state that I would use it 50/50 but unloading a trailer a few times a year isn't a big deal to me. I unload my work trailer all too often. For instance, these 2 weeks I have 3 homes that I am framing. I'm obviously not camping these 2 weeks. I have an enclosed trailer for one crew, my truck for my crew, and it would be nice to send my other crew off with this small trailer that could easily fit enough tools for the job. But not bee too big that my guys get annoyed towing it. 3 jobs at once doesn't happen often but when it does it would be nice to have the option. Sometimes we want to go down to St. George and take the family and bikes. That's usually 6-7 bikes. But at the same time I want to take my quad or dirt bike to have my own time rather than being stuck with the in laws all day on their schedule. A small trailer like this would really be nice to be able to tow down there. Not much less mpg with something this small, and easy to maneuver and store while there. Especially since no trailers are allowed due to HOA's. These things may happen a few times a year.

Kurt, regarding trying to convince the wife of camping. When I met her she liked camping more than me as we did not go that much growing up in Tampa, Florida. Her family has converted over to the nice camper with a/c, heat, kitchen and bathroom. We enjoy that too but she has mentioned many times that she would like to get out more like we used to and see new things. We both get jealous of Steve on every trip he takes. But we have not had a setup that (WE) are happy with putting our kid into. I know that he would not sleep well on a noisy tent floor, no matter how many blankets. And on top of that my wife does not want to be on the ground either, same goes for me. I've been spoiled with our own bedroom in the camper. I see it as a great step to get back to what we once loved. I may be wrong and you may be right. But we'll never know until I try. This build would be a winter project anyways and not be done anytime soon. Just wanted to get ideas before I started the project so I can stick to that plan.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...Kurt, regarding trying to convince the wife of camping. When I met her she liked camping more than me as we did not go that much growing up in Tampa, Florida. Her family has converted over to the nice camper with a/c, heat, kitchen and bathroom. We enjoy that too but she has mentioned many times that she would like to get out more like we used to and see new things. We both get jealous of Steve on every trip he takes. But we have not had a setup that (WE) are happy with putting our kid into. I know that he would not sleep well on a noisy tent floor, no matter how many blankets. And on top of that my wife does not want to be on the ground either, same goes for me. I've been spoiled with our own bedroom in the camper. I see it as a great step to get back to what we once loved. I may be wrong and you may be right. But we'll never know until I try. This build would be a winter project anyways and not be done anytime soon. Just wanted to get ideas before I started the project so I can stick to that plan.

Can't argue with that, makes complete sense for your situation. Give it a go and see how it goes, I'll be curious to see how it works out... hopefully it does the trick and you find yourself out more often.

 

[Cascadia]

I know you're not trying to rip on me and you are speaking from a lot of experience and I appreciate it and I'm not trying to reject all of your experience and knowledge. Just trying to figure out what works.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I know you're not trying to rip on me and you are speaking from a lot of experience and I appreciate it and I'm not trying to reject all of your experience and knowledge. Just trying to figure out what works.

For sure man, I think your doing it right by deliberating with your fingertips rather than your checkbook. Assuming space isn't a big issue, perhaps a cheap as a true small utility trailer is (like this) and a more dedicated off-road trailer or even a small lifted camp trailer which would offer the most compromise to your current camping yet still allow you to get into some more remote places and 'camp'? Can't beat a small camp trailer with stove, bathroom, kitchen table and a place to play cards with the kids when its raining.

Come to think of it... you sounds like a great candidate of the Jumping Jack Trailers. Its not super ideal for your framing company needs (buy the $300 option and make one of your employees store it ) but they are a nice quality tent, off the ground, big bed and they let you haul quads, bikes, etc on top. My next door neighbor uses his quite a bit and really enjoys it. Something to consider:
http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/

 

[sixstringsteve]

I have a few ideas, all intended to help, not.criticize.

I swing both ways on the "gear helps.me.get.out more" statement. I personally don't.think gear helps me.get.out more, but some gear does make the experience all the more pleasant . What has made the biggest difference to me was simply getting out and trying it, then learning from each trip. Meals, preparation, sleeping gear, tools, vehicle, you name it we've found a way to tweak.it more.to meet our needs. If you really love camping you'll find a way to get out even without the gear. If someone took away my 4x4 and I had to drive.a honda civic to camp, id still camp. I would definitely miss out on some great adventures that can only be done in a 4x4, but we would still get out and camp.

I laugh about rooftop tents. I'm your typical rtt wannabe.. I am perfectly happy I'm a ground tent. I can set.up my.ground tent in under 90 seconds by myself. I think rooftop tents are neat, but.I doubt it'll be faster than my current setup. I don't think it'll make an ounce if difference with bugs or animals (except for snakes). Try as I may, I can't find a need.for a rtt. But I budgeted for it and bought it because I think its cool and I like trying.new.things out. So rather than try to create a need that it fills, I realize.it won't get me.camping more. It may be more (or less) convenient for my needs.

Sorry to hijack your thread. I don't think the lack of a trailer is what is preventing you from camping more. Borrow or rent a trailer for a week and see if it inspires you to go camping more. If it does, that's awesome that you found a solution.

My wife and I get out monthly because it's one of our top priorities. We both love camping together more than anything. So we schedule time and stick to our plans. We don't let anything get in our way. It has been such a reward at the end of a tough month to be able to spend time camping together out in nature.

For some people its running, or dining, or watching movies, or playing games. For us, it's camping. Find what you and your wife love to.do together and set time aside to do it and.don't let anything get in your way. Good luck.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Yikes, that was long. Believe me, I want.to see you on all these trips with us. I'm just trying to help.

 

[Team1k]

I wish my ground tent could be setup in 90 seconds

You know its not going to be easy when the instructions state you need "at least" 2 people. I love that ground tent though when i use it.

One other question for you guys that may be a little off topic. I go camping alot in the snow, basically going as far up a trail as i can, sometimes multiple feet deep, then camp where i end up. Not saying its always that deep, maybe i should say 6-8" to make the comparison better. Do you guys that use ground tents camp in snow alot? If so how do you like it? Better yet have any of you slept out in tents and now have RTT style trailers? Pros/Cons? Not sure if the OP plans on snow camping but if so it may be useful information to know.

 

[Unimog]

I've done a fair amount of snow camping in a tent. It's no problem at all as long as it is cold enough and you have a decent pad underneath your sleeping bag. The only time it gets nasty /messy is if it is warm enough to rain.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've done a fair amount of snow camping in a tent. It's no problem at all as long as it is cold enough and you have a decent pad underneath your sleeping bag. The only time it gets nasty /messy is if it is warm enough to rain.

X2

 

[Team1k]

I guess i was thinking about adding additional setup time for a tent if you have to dig out a camping spot versus just pulling up and folding out a RTT or similar. Do you pitch tents right on top of the snow? Been awhile since i was on a scouts snow campout and cant remember.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Depends on the situation. I've pitched mine right on top of the snow before. Depending on the campout, we aren't always allowed to drive our trucks in to camp.

 

[sixstringsteve]

One other idea Tyson,

Maybe have 2 trailers, one beater for work stuff, and a nice camping one that's ready to go at the drop of the hat.

 

[Unimog]

I guess i was thinking about adding additional setup time for a tent if you have to dig out a camping spot versus just pulling up and folding out a RTT or similar. Do you pitch tents right on top of the snow? Been awhile since i was on a scouts snow campout and cant remember.

Pitch right on top of the snow. It's best if you don't have a tent you need to stake too much and just tie it down to trees, etc. The snow is actually pretty comfortable and a pretty good insulator as long as you aren't laying directly on it.

 

[Cascadia]

One other idea Tyson,

Maybe have 2 trailers, one beater for work stuff, and a nice camping one that's ready to go at the drop of the hat.

That could be a possibility. I am actually trying to work a package deal. I was thinking of building and selling one as a regular trailer, not camp trailer.

 

[pELYgroso]

building one and then selling it? I say go for it....building and keeping it that is. Just find a deal like you always do, and if you don't like it, just sell it for a profit!