Fully Custom Trailer...Need suggestions on what you would include/do :)

[drpete12]

Hi Guys,

I am working with Nuthouse Industries on a custom off road trailer. Will keep everyone posted as this project progresses, but despite my months and months of research, it feels like I forgot 90 percent of the "i need to do that" ideas I had.

Would like to create this thread as a running list of ideas for those who want to DIY or custom build something. So no idea is too small or too big. If anyone has photos or sketches please post that as well.

So please have the ideas coming in and I look foward to discussing them...Thanks again

 

[s.e.charles]

the biggest mistake I ever (always!) make is "this is going to be perfect and include Everything!!!

after too many years, I mow take the tack that "i'll give this a shot and if it proves valuable, I can work it into something better looking and more permanent". *

* in his book How Buildings Learn, Stewart Brand writes about temporary is permanent & permanent is temporary. it's a good read if you're so inclined and the principles apply to anything we build, not just skyscrapers.

How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built: Brand, Stewart: 9780140139969: Amazon.com: Books

How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built [Brand, Stewart] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built

www.amazon.com

or if you have a long commute:

 

[drpete12]

Very good point and interesting video. Thanks. I agree about the "perfect trailer" and "everything" but am looking for stuff like, "If I did it again, I would change this" or "should have added that". There is a great wealth of knowledge and experience here. So many have great little tips/tricks that when you see them, you are like, great idea. This is kinda what I am looking for.

While the gas (propane) lines are being run, I want one extra run to a quick connect to be able to connect a gas grill should I get one in the future. This would also allow for future generator hookup ( really like this new dual fuel inverter generators) but this will be in the future as well. The cost of plumbing one more line now is negligible so I figure why not. Not gonna change trailer weight and cant really think of any negatives.

Thanks for the video, and as always, I am looking forward to ideas, even if they are to remove or not do something, those are still great ideas.

 

[s.e.charles]

… The cost of … one more … is negligible so I figure why not. Not gonna change trailer weight and cant really think of any negatives. …

you have worded my caution perfectly. "one more" Will cost time, money, weight. none of those may pertain to your circumstances, but they Will impact the final product.

now, just like writing a speech, you need to build (or write) addressing your audience. is this a 'one-off' product, or are you intending to market?

obviously only You can provide those answers. but by asking for advice you may slip into the horse designed by committee!


ps: the second one will be so much easier.

 

[drpete12]

Not doing production for others. This will be just for my family...It is a tough balance as it must accomidate 6 people (2 adults/4kids) and must still have some amenities for the wife as she is not into "roughing it" too much. A tent and a fire would probable take care of 90 percent of the time but it definitely would put a strain on her and the kids (some are still younger). I dont really want to argue wether the trailers like turtle back or patriot fall into "glamping" because this will be a endless debate, but I fell that with proper thought and planning, a final product can be attained with an equal balance of off road capabilities and still have many amenities.

I can tell you that whatever I load up on this thing it will still be alot less weight and more accomodating to off road travel then any fifth wheel trailer or even something like the conquerer (big one dont know the model name). It will be pulled with a ram 2500 so wether its 3100 pounds or 3300 pounds it is still relatively moot (at least to me).

Do not take this as me being unappreciative of your information...I do appreciate it and will keep it in mind. The next few weeks will be alot of give and take as we decide what we want, what we cant have and what we want but cant affordf

Still listening...thanks

 

[s.e.charles]

not to worry. keep in mind:

#1. this is an internet forum and the advice will be worth what you pay.

#2. forum posting is an imperfect method of communication.

#C. you will receive good, bad, & otherwise advice as the process continues.

#IV. you are paying for and will be using it, so in the end You are the one who needs to be happy.

#5. put in at least one extraction fan! - optional low intake vent to encourage air flow on "beans 'round the campfire night"

 

[ottsville]

D

While the gas (propane) lines are being run, I want one extra run to a quick connect to be able to connect a gas grill should I get one in the future. This would also allow for future generator hookup ( really like this new dual fuel inverter generators) but this will be in the future as well. The cost of plumbing one more line now is negligible so I figure why not. Not gonna change trailer weight and cant really think of any negatives.

Do inverter generators run on the same pressure propane as everything else in your camper does?

 

[drpete12]

D

Do inverter generators run on the same pressure propane as everything else in your camper does?

I believe that some of the aftermarket conversions of gas generators to propane come with their own pressure regulator. Others that are factory made seem to be able to just be hooked up to a propane tank. Some also have an inline regulator built into their proprietary hose. Hope this helps.
Hutch mountain makes a nice conversion for the honda 2000. I havent decided on which generator/invertor as I am still researching but reviews are really good on harbour freight predator models. I'll post more once I decide on which one .