My wife wants a trailer to help us have a more comfortable time camping. I like camping less than she does so it will be a compromise. I am 6'3" and 300lbs on a good day. Not fit, but not just fat, I still get around. I know a little about a lot and can probably build something better suited for me than I can buy based on what I am seeing. A RTT is probably out of the question, due to weight (mine and the RTT). I want to stay under 1500lbs loaded. My Jeep is slow enough already with a hard top and steel bumpers. That eliminates about anything I can sleep inside of as a "camper". Leaving us with a trailer set up to support a ground tent. This might not even get off the ground but I am looking at some options and opinions.
Some questions I have:
I have a Body Armor rear bumper with hitch insert. It is not tow rated per the manual I have from 2005 when it was installed, and I assume that is because it is sold as an "offroad" only part. It is heavy steel (3/16 I think) and has frame tie ins on the side. I don't think I will have any issues pulling 1000 - 1500lbs if I keep the tongue weight low, say under 150lbs. I need input here. What do you think?
I will upgrade my brakes, or add brakes to the trailer. I have 33's and stock brakes now. What would I need to be safe?
Here are some thoughts on what I want in the trailer.We would not be remote camping more than 1-2 nights at a time.
Water tank and pump 12-20 gals.
Portable toilet, had one on a boat a while back. Not to bad to use and maintain.
12v system to run water pump, lights and accessories.
Dometic or similar cooler. Have many normal coolers too. Maybe dometic is not needed.
Inverter / charger for battery.
2000w quite generator, probably a Honda or knock off to run AC and charge battery as needed. Solar is cool, but not practical for high demand AC.
Portable AC (I already have it and use it for tent camping, its humid here, and I don't like to be hot when I sleep)
Propane hot water shower, onboard propane system.
Storage tote for kitchen items would double as a basin, no sink needed.
I want a really nice tent, with underlayment for camping on rocks.
Separate air mattresses. The weight different between me and the wife makes it rough.
Storage space for awning or something to provide shade and sitting area, camp chair and misc.
Cook stove and grill.
Removable tables to attach to the trailer. I will build and design so they fit inside when stored.
Looking at small light trailers like these:
Or this one:
Give me some feedback. What am I missing? What am I assuming that is going to bit me in the ass? I want small and light. Not seriously off road capable, but the ability to ford a small creek and handle some abuse would be good. Not going rock crawling with this trailer. I can modify and increase ride height pretty easily. Just need a light weight base to build out. Looking at spending $5-6k all in. More if needed.
Some questions I have:
I have a Body Armor rear bumper with hitch insert. It is not tow rated per the manual I have from 2005 when it was installed, and I assume that is because it is sold as an "offroad" only part. It is heavy steel (3/16 I think) and has frame tie ins on the side. I don't think I will have any issues pulling 1000 - 1500lbs if I keep the tongue weight low, say under 150lbs. I need input here. What do you think?
I will upgrade my brakes, or add brakes to the trailer. I have 33's and stock brakes now. What would I need to be safe?
Here are some thoughts on what I want in the trailer.We would not be remote camping more than 1-2 nights at a time.
Water tank and pump 12-20 gals.
Portable toilet, had one on a boat a while back. Not to bad to use and maintain.
12v system to run water pump, lights and accessories.
Dometic or similar cooler. Have many normal coolers too. Maybe dometic is not needed.
Inverter / charger for battery.
2000w quite generator, probably a Honda or knock off to run AC and charge battery as needed. Solar is cool, but not practical for high demand AC.
Portable AC (I already have it and use it for tent camping, its humid here, and I don't like to be hot when I sleep)
Propane hot water shower, onboard propane system.
Storage tote for kitchen items would double as a basin, no sink needed.
I want a really nice tent, with underlayment for camping on rocks.
Separate air mattresses. The weight different between me and the wife makes it rough.
Storage space for awning or something to provide shade and sitting area, camp chair and misc.
Cook stove and grill.
Removable tables to attach to the trailer. I will build and design so they fit inside when stored.
Looking at small light trailers like these:
Or this one:
Give me some feedback. What am I missing? What am I assuming that is going to bit me in the ass? I want small and light. Not seriously off road capable, but the ability to ford a small creek and handle some abuse would be good. Not going rock crawling with this trailer. I can modify and increase ride height pretty easily. Just need a light weight base to build out. Looking at spending $5-6k all in. More if needed.