Here is mine. It hauls my quad and lets me camp too.
My Tj sized camper
Also have a TJ sized camper
My Tj sized camper
Also have a TJ sized camper
A TJ sized camper
- Thread starter whitrzac
- Start date
I've been dying to build a nice compact trailer I could use for off-road some. I've been looking at Dinoot for the body type stuff. https://www.dinoot.com/
I'm so torn between the different styles. Ideally the teardrops seem like they make the most sense imo, just because camp is annoying mainly for the towing part, setup and break down. If the last 2 are negligible, then I would think it would make the towing part less of a concern.
Of course teardrops are very expensive IMO and a bit more complicated DIY, but I do really want to build the utility style and the teardrop.
I'm so torn between the different styles. Ideally the teardrops seem like they make the most sense imo, just because camp is annoying mainly for the towing part, setup and break down. If the last 2 are negligible, then I would think it would make the towing part less of a concern.
Of course teardrops are very expensive IMO and a bit more complicated DIY, but I do really want to build the utility style and the teardrop.
I've been debating getting a little guy trailer and lifting it, and putting matching wheels and tires to my TJ on it!
Agreed as well! I really like the idea of a trail rig, especially if I can mock up some sort of system to hold my door as well, as well as spare parts, but I guess I need to just finish diesel swap first and then I'll jump onto my trail trailer next!
-Grant
This one is a little heavier than I'd like, but the price is really good for what you get!
Good idea on the doors. I've been thinking of going to the half doors and I thought someone had some pretty basic AL half doors and I was thinking maybe they would fit on top of the rack.
That's a neat trailer but too small for me, being 6'5" has it's downsize, I'm probably going to end up building my own extended teardrop trailer to fit my size!
If you can find something close to what you want, the resale on campers is typically low, if you don't mind waiting or modifying stuff.
I still think building a teardrop would be a lot of fun, but at the moment my version of glamping is the truck bed underneath the topper and the wife is cool with that except during the sub 20F days and the summer.
I still think building a teardrop would be a lot of fun, but at the moment my version of glamping is the truck bed underneath the topper and the wife is cool with that except during the sub 20F days and the summer.
You're right, using your muscles is good thing otherwise they won't be there when you need them!
To save face from my previous post, I found some pop up trailer lift system parts that you can look at.
Obviously you'd need more than just a motor, but not much more.
Lift System Parts
I have to admit, on this stuff, I think I like designing the stuff more than just using a quick setup tent or tarp. A buddy and I did model some stuff to look at the tire width vs the Jeep width, vs the length of the trailer and the length from the ball to the axle and were trying to design something that would track really well with the TJ. I don't know where that stuff is at now.
I did have some concern though for situations with rocks and obstacles, that the tire placement being different than on the towing vehicle that in some situations this would be frustrating, but I never built a test rig to see what really mattered and if we even modeled everything correctly. It would be super easy to build a basic axle that we could vary the width and the distance from the hitch.
I did have some concern though for situations with rocks and obstacles, that the tire placement being different than on the towing vehicle that in some situations this would be frustrating, but I never built a test rig to see what really mattered and if we even modeled everything correctly. It would be super easy to build a basic axle that we could vary the width and the distance from the hitch.
Mine was homemade based on a cheap landscaping trailer. I let the trailer company design the trailer then I or really the PO installed the crossbars and the tent on the top. I did add things like the tailgate changes and the battery and lighting. I added power outlets, and charging posts and also a shovel on the front. It also has gas for a heater and a bbq.
So I don't think there is any harm in buying a small existing even used trailer and building off of that. That would at least get you started. Also I always have such interest in mine if I ever get tired of it or need something bigger I can always sell it and build a new one. I have the same concerns about the trailer tracking straight also. Mine does very well. I can tow it 70+ mph with the quad in it on the freeway.
Honestly the only thing is it doesn't have trailer brakes so I can feel it back there when I stop, other than that the Jeep tows it really well.
The one thing I've learned in all my research is your really need a 360 degree hitch and receiver, not your standard ball hitch/receiver combo, you really want something that can articulate well with the terrain. I was also looking to go with a axle-less suspension something like this:
Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - 4" Lift Spindle w/Flange - Off-Road Tires - 2.2K
That way with trailer can articulate at each wheel unlike a solid axle to keep the entire rig more stable.
Looking into all of this again I'm getting excited about building my own off-road overlanding trailer!
-Grant
I agree with the muscles stuff, until you can't use them. I have been on very light duty for months and only sneaking in fun and it's annoying when you want to do something and you're not supposed to. My grand dad, though in his late 90s still wants to do everything the hard way, but now he simply can't and I think he'd rather do stuff the easy way vs staying indoors with little to do.
Just something to keep in mind if you're thinking of big purchases that you will use for decades. So often we don't plan for not being able to do stuff when we're healthy. However if you can do something, then do it until it's gonna hurt you.
I get so excited when I hear stuff about off-road trailers and campers. We had a truck bed camper when I was in high school and when we hunted we'd stay in it and I loved that setup.
Just something to keep in mind if you're thinking of big purchases that you will use for decades. So often we don't plan for not being able to do stuff when we're healthy. However if you can do something, then do it until it's gonna hurt you.
I've been looking at the Timbrens. I did see where someone that does some major expedition stuff didn't like a certain type of axle-less suspension, but I don't remember the problems they ran into. I do like the price of the solid axle, if you're designing something very basic and easy to modify while you're figuring out the rest of the build.
I get so excited when I hear stuff about off-road trailers and campers. We had a truck bed camper when I was in high school and when we hunted we'd stay in it and I loved that setup.
Never got to pull it with the TJ, but I built this little camper several years ago. Always liked the woody look. Nice and warm in winter and a/c in the Texas summer. Weighed in at 680lbs empty.
That's so freaking cool? You have any build plans? Advice, preferences, etc?
I bet my wife would prefer that over the truck bed.
I bet my wife would prefer that over the truck bed.
BAPilot2
Member
I too have always wanted to build an expedition style teardrop trailer, or something similar. Any info regarding plans would be welcome.
Thanks
Basic design came from plans I purchased on ebay.
Do a Google search for homemade teardrop trailers and decide what you like.
The cabin has a queen size mattress.
I have all the info, but it is all packed in storage because I am retiring and relocating to Fort Worth to be closer to the kids and grandkids.
Be warned, these teardrops always get a lot of attention at the campground and on the road.
I'll be happy to explain things further just pm any questions and/or an email.
If I could do it anyone can.
Basic design came from plans I purchased on ebay.
Do a Google search for homemade teardrop trailers and decide what you like.
The cabin has a queen size mattress.
I have all the info, but it is all packed in storage because I am retiring and relocating to Fort Worth to be closer to the kids and grandkids.
Be warned, these teardrops always get a lot of attention at the campground and on the road.
I'll be happy to explain things further just pm any questions and/or an email.
If I could do it anyone can.
Ain't that the truth! I had a 1968 Scad-A-Bout teardrop that we towed behind our '90 Toyota 4X4. Folks in big, beautiful Class "A" RVs would come up to us quite frequently to ask about it. They're a lot of fun, to be sure. Ours was affectionately called "The Conception Wagon". We did a 3-day camping trip, and 9 months later welcomed our son into the world.
Still building but happy with the outcomes so far.
