Trailer build help.

[Spudy]

Hello all.
I am currently thinking about building an off-road trailer to pull behind my jeep. The thing i am torn about is whether to build a teardrop type or a standard trailer with a roof top tent on it. The one think i am going to say up front is i am not a wood worker by any means. If i was to build a tear drop style it would be a steel frame with steel sheeting on the out side.

Was wondering about some pros and cons of each. I really like the idea of just hopping into the tear drop style without having to set anything up and i am kind of scared of the cost of a roof top tent.

Thanks

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Welcome to the forum, Spudy. :victory:

<shameless_plug>
I'm only about 40 minutes away from you. I originally planned on scratch-building a trailer and have been accumulating parts, but am fairly certain I'm going to buy a used military trailer instead. Once you figure out for sure what you're going to do, let me know if you're interested in some discounted new parts. I have new 2" x 3" box-section steel, new Jeep CJ leaf springs, spring hangers, shackles, and misc. other parts (possibly a new 3500-lb. trailer axle, as well). You can shoot me an e-mail at craig.emenaker AT gmail DOT com if you're interested in chatting.
</shameless_plug>

Craig

 

[Spudy]

hey
I have seen you around on greatlakes4x4 a lot. don't remember if i every did any business with you or anything but i know you had a few projects i would have been interested in if i had more money lol.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

hey
I have seen you around on greatlakes4x4 a lot. don't remember if i every did any business with you or anything but i know you had a few projects i would have been interested in if i had more money lol.

I was just going to ask if you were the same Spudy from greatlakes. I remember seeing your CJ build-up a while back. :sombrero:

You know where to find me if you want to talk about some trailer parts. I'm interested to see what design you come up with. Good luck!

Craig

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I went through the same choices as you did... In the end I determined that the thing I liked best about the tear drop was the kitchen. Also, the tear drop was limited in the sleeping space that I'd need for my family (wife, 1 kid, 1 dog). I just figured that a trailer built with a RTT had more sleeping room and options, still has a kitchen area, and in the end would be more versatile. Haven't been camping with my new RTT, so ask me again in a few months.

I still may try a tear drop variant some day because I enjoy it (mostly), but it will probably be more complex and I didn't want to spend 3 years building something instead of camping in something now.

Those were my thoughts anyway..

-

 

[ntsqd]

I see two ways to look at this. Either stick with what you know and get it done so that you can use it ASAP.

Or expand your horizons by learning some wood-working skills and buying the related tools. More tools: :sombrero:

If you opt for the latter, there is nothing that says that a tear-drop has to be all wood. The fitted-out interior will likely be easier to make nice if it is wood, but there are other options out there. I see a steel frame as being a bonus for easy off road strength, but a well thought out and executed wood frame could be very strong. Look into wooden/composite boat building techniques. Some of this shows up in the large vehicles sub forum(s) as it has been adapted to building one-off large expedition trucks too. While you're looking, look up Rob Gray's "Wothahellizat" build. His building techniques might work well for a t-d build.
You'll likely find more t-d info than you can use here:
http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

 

[Spudy]

well i am leaning towards the trailer type but will have to see as money and time comes around. hey craig drop me a line on some prices for some of your things. I have some axles sitting out back and i looked at them today. i think they are 5x5. :-( was hoping to find 5x4.5 to match the jeep i have now (sold the cj got a zj now got to love fuel injection lol)