This thread will document the build of my trailer. The use will be general weekend camping. I am not expecting to take it on any long offroad treks....not to say that I wouldn't like to, but I just don't have that kinda time right now. It will be towed behind one of two vehicles. I should note that I plan to casually image it after the Outlander Sherpa series of trailers. I like their design in that the RTT is functional independent of the storage boxes. I also like the segregated storage compartments; everything has its own place.
The first vehicle is my 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It is being built more along the lines of a rock crawler vs an expedition rig; ie, no Gobi rack or over the top rear bumper with extra baskets, etc. I also have a full-time back seat for my 6 year old son. End of the story there is....no room for camping stuff.
The second vehicle and truly better tow-rig, is my 2012 Ford F-250 FX4. A trailer this size will barely be felt being pulled with this big diesel.
Which vehicle we use will depend on the agenda, destination, and my passengers. If there is no wheeling involved, my wife is going, and just a dedicated camping trip, we'll likely take the truck. If there is offroading and camping involved and the destination is not too far, my wife probably won't be interested, so we might take the Jeep. If there is offroading, a long distance to travel, and/or my wife is coming, we might just throw the Jeep and trailer on a gooseneck and haul both with the truck
I think you get the point....I have options.
I am still finalizing the general dimensions, but I am moving forward with material purchase since that needs to be done regardless.
The frame will be made with 2.5", 1/4" wall square tubing. It is possible that 1/4" wall tube is overkill for the entire base frame, but I think using a smaller material (dimension-wise) could stand some strength where possible. The upper frame will be made with 2.5" 1/8" wall. I think that will be plenty strong to support a RTT.
With all that said, I am open to feedback and other ideas. I plan to pick up the steel tomorrow.
I made a quick run to today to pick up a couple items. I grabbed a tongue jack and a wheel to swap in place of the flat foot. I grabbed the main wiring harnesses for the trailer. I got safety chains and the 2" ball coupler.
Tomorrow is steel and axle/leaf springs.
The first vehicle is my 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ. It is being built more along the lines of a rock crawler vs an expedition rig; ie, no Gobi rack or over the top rear bumper with extra baskets, etc. I also have a full-time back seat for my 6 year old son. End of the story there is....no room for camping stuff.
The second vehicle and truly better tow-rig, is my 2012 Ford F-250 FX4. A trailer this size will barely be felt being pulled with this big diesel.
Which vehicle we use will depend on the agenda, destination, and my passengers. If there is no wheeling involved, my wife is going, and just a dedicated camping trip, we'll likely take the truck. If there is offroading and camping involved and the destination is not too far, my wife probably won't be interested, so we might take the Jeep. If there is offroading, a long distance to travel, and/or my wife is coming, we might just throw the Jeep and trailer on a gooseneck and haul both with the truck
I think you get the point....I have options.
I am still finalizing the general dimensions, but I am moving forward with material purchase since that needs to be done regardless.
The frame will be made with 2.5", 1/4" wall square tubing. It is possible that 1/4" wall tube is overkill for the entire base frame, but I think using a smaller material (dimension-wise) could stand some strength where possible. The upper frame will be made with 2.5" 1/8" wall. I think that will be plenty strong to support a RTT.
With all that said, I am open to feedback and other ideas. I plan to pick up the steel tomorrow.
I made a quick run to today to pick up a couple items. I grabbed a tongue jack and a wheel to swap in place of the flat foot. I grabbed the main wiring harnesses for the trailer. I got safety chains and the 2" ball coupler.
Tomorrow is steel and axle/leaf springs.
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