Hard Side or RTT type Off Road trailer? whats your take?

[newimage]

As a builder of not only off road trailers www.offroadtrailerz.com but custom trailers www.newimagedetail.com I have been dogged by friends to build a enclosed kinda tear drop trailer that would be comfortable ,light and would with stand winds.
I am starting a build by these specs and pics to follow.
5'wide 7'long 4' high
Extended tongue to hold a ice cooler or a ARB fridge
Interior large enough to accomadate a Queen Bed but also keep the wife happy.Side entry door and a rear entry door. So I can still use as a enclosed trailer for carrying stuff around.
I am looking for the Lil Buddy R/T reverse trailer as a base but not as slanted and have more clearance to accomadate 35" tire and a independant torsion bar suspension system.
I have built the Off road trailer with the RTT for several here on the board but need to keep the wife happy on extended trips.
What do you guys think?

 

[Philberto]

I'm a big fan of the enclosed sleeping camper with the rear kitchen a la teardrop, but in a different shape than the traditional teardrop design. Bonus features include awnings, propane storage, and jerry can provisions. I don't like the idea of cannibalizing potential rear storage by using it as an entry door, but that's just me.

That said, it's certainly your trailer, so build it how you need and want it!

 

[Titanpat57]

Go for it!!

I see more people gravitating to enclosed builds. I don't think they work as well as there lighter,open counterparts on the heavy trails, but seem to make capable base camps...and lets face it..creature comforts are sometimes where it's at, especially when the Mrs. is involved

Best of luck with your build, Pat

 

[walking eagle]

humm.... I think already designed that trailer.... if only I had time to build that trailer.

 

[newimage]

I'm a big fan of the enclosed sleeping camper with the rear kitchen a la teardrop, but in a different shape than the traditional teardrop design. Bonus features include awnings, propane storage, and jerry can provisions. I don't like the idea of cannibalizing potential rear storage by using it as an entry door, but that's just me.

That said, it's certainly your trailer, so build it how you need and want it!

I see your point but the mattress will be cut in half and will fold up for storage. So then I could carry my storage boxes. Rubber Maid Tuff Boxes
The trailer will also have a Roof Rack system as any inside storage boxes will be stowed on top at camp.
I have played around with this and realized if you have a rear storage you end up carrying around more crap than necessary.
And do you need a rear kitchen? I camp with just a few essentials.
So the rear kitchen is out for me but looks cool.
I have also found at Walmart they have a 10x10 EZ up type tent that you can buy Zippered in Mesh sides like a tent, So now I have a dining room, changing room, evening potty room for the wife.
and it will stow inside.
The roof racks are there also if I wanted could support a RTT if you needed more space,especially if your 18 yo daughter comes along!

 

[GroupSe7en]

storage boxes

In some ways, having to unpack the trailer and remake the bed defeats some of the advantage of a hard sided trailer - IMHO.
A lot of the reason to go with one is that when you arrive - you've arrived! Crack open a beer and fire up the BBQ - not unpack the trailer and unfold the mattress, etc, etc. With this style trailer you are already forced to put up a sunshade/bug shield anyway. Why make more work?

I would also build it as wife-friendly as possible, which means forget about making it do double-duty as an enclosed trailer.

Post some of your design drawings - Id love to see them.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[newimage]

Crack open a beer and fire up the BBQ
My favorite part!

I would also build it as wife-friendly as possible #1

Post some of your design drawings - Id love to see them. wORKING ON IT

Cheers,
Mark

Good points as I do take that in consideration. But Even with my off road trailer with a RTT there is some set up.
I could even with the over rack system just load it with low profile boxes to keep it kinda aerodynamic. Jeep is like a flying brick anyways.
But yes need to keep it simple.

 

[newimage]

Base design

The tongue and base are goig to be a boat frame design not a A frame so that the frame and all rails are the same height
Also the front tongue will be extended and covered in diamond plate

The interior frame work will be light wall 1x2 like this one we did
for a customer.

But this one is 5Ft tall and I will only be at 45"-48" tall

The roof will be able to support a RTT or a Roof rack system.