Budget offroad trailer build

[The_Lobbster]

Years ago, I built a teardrop to haul behind my TDI samurai. I had it about 75% finished, then decided to sell it before ever using it. Door and windows were sourced from an RV part out.

It's been almost 10 years ago now though, and I'm wanting some sort of trailer to haul behind my Yukon and Suzuki. I did a quick google search and see that some of these offroad "teardrop" campers are well over $20k USD. That being said, I'm super cheap. I don't see why a small build should cost more than $2,000.

Here's some requirements I have in mind, will update as I find more things I want/need
1. Queen size mattress, mainly because I have a good used memory foam mattress sitting around since we switched to a king size.
2. Sleeping area for my daughter, if she and my wife are both with me.
3. Diesel heater, 12vdc air conditioning if I can source a unit cheap enough, or build my own.
4. Independent suspension. Timbren makes a kit, but they're quite spendy. I've found some units in China I'm considering trying out. Or I'll possibly build my own like what is pictured below.

I've been looking around for pictures and ideas, I'm thinking that some sort of box with a used cheap or free pickup topper will be a good starting point. Here's a few pix of what I'm thinking. First pic is the old unit I built.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Here's the Chinese independent trailer suspension. I can't imagine it being terrible quality, seems like a huge majority of trailer parts are made overseas these days anyways. This would also probably be pretty easy to duplicate and build myself, but if the price is right, I think just ordering a couple from China would be the way to go.

 

[The_Lobbster]

Found some better looking timbren knockoffs


If price is right, perhaps I’ll order several pairs to test

 

[Gravy]

Let us know what pricing is on both if you can find out.

 

[Kevin B.]

Here's the Chinese independent trailer suspension. I can't imagine it being terrible quality, seems like a huge majority of trailer parts are made overseas these days anyways. This would also probably be pretty easy to duplicate and build myself, but if the price is right, I think just ordering a couple from China would be the way to go.



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I mean, there's made overseas and then there's made overseas. They generally do a good job of showing you pretty pics, but I've ordered stuff on Wayfair and Ali that would make your toes curl.

Be ready to deal with sending it back, is what I'm saying.

 

[The_Lobbster]

True. I’ve ordered enduro joints from China that seemed good quality.

I do know most trailer spindles, hubs, etc are made in China, so hopefully I could find a solid source.

 

[Hickey]

I mean, there's made overseas and then there's made overseas.

China makes all kinds of awesome stuff like IPhones and Xbox’s. They also make everything that comes from Temu (ok that’s a guess, but seriously Temu?) so be prepared for a new understanding of horrible.

 

[STAG]

I have a Timbren kit I bought and was going to build an off-road trailer with that I never got around to doing.

I’d sell the kit

 

[The_Lobbster]

Ah darn. Janey Wang no have the products.