A tiny trailer build.

[NevadaBlue]

I hope to build a tiny trailer. Don’t laugh please, this is a low budget project and I’m old and SLOW.
So far, I found a boat trailer for 50 bucks (and it came with a workable Hobie Cat 16!) and my neighbor just gave me a fiberglass topper. I want this thing to be light enough to pull behind my Kubota RTV, yet capable of road travel too.
So far, it looks like this. I want it to be tall enough to allow me to sit up on my cot that will be my bed in this. Looks like the size will be 6’ wide by 8’ long and 80” high or so.


I am visualizing a divider between those slanted rear windows, creating the kitchen area under the lift hatch. I also found a suitable door, that I think may be from a 20 something REO. This will be unique to say the least.



I just got the camper shell this morning so design is very much in flux. At this point, it looks like the door will work in that location. The rear half of the left side window can be moved back (black line on side of shell) and the door opening cut. The top of the door opening can be the top of the existing window opening.
I think that a 32” tall ‘box’ will be built to set the topper on. The supports for the Hobie Cat pontoons look like they can become the floor supports for the box.


Having fun!

 

[billiebob]

This is why I'm here. Guys with $100K can get stuffed, you are the inspiration.... and I am intrigued.

The trailer makes it road worthy. What you build is limited only by imagination.
The door is AWESOME !! Great campfire stories, even if you invent them.
The trailer looks brand new !!
Check the "Bug Out " build.

I'd love to camp next to you.

 

[TantoTrailers]

Can’t wait to see this take life! Good luck and have fun with it!

 

[Wildcat]

subscribed

 

[motoboss]

Let's see it happen!

 

[CampStewart]

Your concept is sound but that trailer is not what you want to start out with. With that narrow axle it will wallow side to side and ride terrible. With the narrow trailer frame the floor will be cantilevered out to support the side walls, just bad engineering. That side door will never work unless you are a very experienced fabricator. Put the door in the back.

 

[NevadaBlue]

I have managed to collect some parts from a trailer being salvaged: lights, cargo doors, a window and the protective awning for the front window. I also got the old plywood stripped off the trailer and found a tongue box. The box is aluminum.



Those wide bars that supported the sailboat pontoons will be gone too. The ‘box’ will be just a few inches wider than the track of the tires. No worries.



The box was an electrical lighting kit for an army tent.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

That’s a super cool tongue box!

 

[jagular7]

To get an idea of your topper camper, check out Weiscraft campers. They have one with a 'topper' of sorts and call it Roghneck.

Roughneck Adventure Trailer - Compact Expedition Trailer - Outdoor Sports Cargo Camper

This Roughneck adventure camper trailer works for camping, cargo, climbing, hunting, camping for two, outdoor travel and adventure expedetions and camping for one or two people

www.weiscrafttrailers.com

 

[motoboss]

^^^^ Thats exactly the trailer I thought of when I saw his build!

 

[NevadaBlue]

I have been working on this. The floor is complete and installed and the front wall is built. 2 more walls to build and I can install the topper.







I removed the fenders... they weighed 8.6 pounds each! I’ll make something lighter to replace them.
I also bought a Kreg pocket hole jig to help with the build. What a magic tool. Made the wall and skinned it with 5/32 underlayment plywood.
I suspect the entire trailer will get painted with bed liner eventually.

 

[NevadaBlue]

Work continues. A lot of work. Here it is rolling as a test.



It has since been covered with a shelter so I can work on it this winter. I hope to finish the entry door frame tomorrow. A 1920 REO door is curved in all directions and a bear to mount, but I am winning.



The door window will be a Wiley. I found a tempered glass cutting board that is the perfect size. I also have fiberglass sheet to fill the remaining window openings.

 

[NevadaBlue]

The door works now. I’m working on the inserts for the window spaces (fiberglass) that remain from cutting the door opening.





I have a heater connected inside the trailer now, but need to do some work outside and it is just too cold and snowing. I’ll get there...

 

[motoboss]

Keep at it. A little makes a lot. ???

 

[jpat30]

so glad to see you making progress. I am loving this real world build!