Where to begin phase 1? (newb)

[gottahot1]

I have had an M101CDN trailer for a few years but have done nothing with it. I am ready to take the first step and add a roof-top tent which I already have.

My issue is that all of the great build threads that I've read are for super awesome builds - I'm not there yet. What I want to do is mount my tent to the open trailer and use it for a while to see what I like and what I don't, and go from there.

Is there such a thread on this forum that you can point me to? I really don't know the best way to mount the tent; a Yakima or Thule type rack? Weld, bolt, rivet, duct tape the rack to the trailer?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

[The Swiss]

Weld, bolt, rivet, duct tape the rack to the trailer?

I strongly would suggest zip-ties :elkgrin:

I assume that you still want to be able to use the trailer for gear and that it does not have a tailgate. You will need a mechanism that let you tilt the tent, which means that most likely you will not get around some kind of custom rack. If you draw up some plans, some local fab shop should be able to make you a rack that probably does not cost you a lot more than buying one of the brand racks.

BTW, welcome to the Expo Portal

 

[TacoDell]

I really don't know the best way to mount the tent; a Yakima or Thule type rack? Weld, bolt, rivet, duct tape the rack to the trailer.

U forgot to list the modern replacement for duct tape...

Super Glue !

Far as keeping it simple/basic...

did you look at my M 100 trailer build ?

Expo Portal = M 100 trailer build thread...

TTORA=(primary location) M 100 build thread <-- more pictars at this local...

 

[Mr. Leary]

There are lots of simple trailer built threads on here.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40086

My simple one. For your mounting system, you could use 1 1/8" cold rolled steel bars or some heavy duty conduit. The mounting brackets on most RTTs will fit this easily. I used long tangent u-bolts to secure the bars to the existing rack on the trailer.

Just poke around for a bit. There will probably not be a build exactly like the one you have in mind, but there are bound to be ideas that you can borrow and adapt from several of them.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

 

[womacje]

for simply, cheap, try it out, no fab skills needed, the pipe fittings rack that is a cube that sits in the tub and gets strapped to the outside of the trailer, albeit ugly and utilitarian, is a great proof of concept and gets you out there quick. This can also be done with a little more skill and wood or a bit more skill and welding... so many options.

I like to sit down and sketch out the trailer and the tent, then draw lines connecting the two, next thing you know you are building it on paper and the actual construction is a breeze.

JEremy