Cheapo trailer overland worthiness?

[Gutarplaya39]

So I want to build a teardrop style camper on my Harbor Freight utility trailer frame I've had for years, but I'm concerned about taking it off highway on mild trails. Any suggestions for modifications or certain things I should look out for regarding offroad trailer use? It's totally stock with little wheels and I'd like to put some bigger wheels on it eventually. Trying to do this as cheaply as possible... Else I would find a better trailer!

 

[Demo1986]

Are you building the tear drop from scratch? Do you plan to upgrade the axle to a 5+ bolt pattern to put off road wheels and tires? What's the measurement of the trailer?

Ill be looking frwd to some updates on this build.

 

[SoCal Tom]

I would make the tongue, longer and stronger. Welding it would also be good. The little tires would be like anchors in soft sand, they will need to be bigger.
Tom


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[Demo1986]

Chk out my build thread, I just made it like 10 mins ago,lol. I found the exact trailer length and size to my application.
Will you be making the camper yourself?

 

[sburggsx]

Having put together one of the HF trailers last summer, I think the "worthiness" will come down to maintenance. If you aren't going to weld the frame up, you're going to have to be religious about checking all of the bolts. If that isn't a problem for you, then it might work out well. If you're like me and will put it off.....

 

[Weeds]

Check out the 4 Wheel Drive magazine website. They modified a HF trailer for offroad last year. It was a lot of work. I am not sure it works out economically. That would depend on you. Good Luck.

 

[M35A2]

I'm thinking 'no' - it does not make sense to use one of those light HF or Northern trailers as a basis.

It seems that most of those that do - including that 4WD magazine feature - end up swapping wheels, tires, axles, hubs, fenders and springs.

Add in the need to weld the frame and possibly modify the tongue and/or add strengthening to the frame.

By the time you're done, there is not much of the original piece of crap trailer left. So why waste the money purchasing it? Just weld up your own frame and be done with it.