DeMented Toys $500 Excellent Adventure Trailer Build

DeMented Toys

Adventurer
I like it. Really dug the idea of using a trailer as you started with. But your end product is so much better. Now I know all the work that needs done to make one lighter and working better, so I don't have to want one so bad. Well done sir.

I could have saved quite a few pounds by going with alluminum sheeting for the exterior instead of regular sheet metal. I'll probably strip it down and replace the exterior with aluminum this spring. I built it so that the top box could be unbolted and removed from the floor/frame. It pulls great but it's our duty as men to keep making improvements. ha!
 

huntsonora

Explorer
Yes, the AC is thermostat controlled. It runs off and on. So far I haven't ever drained the batteries down too much, even camping in New Mexico and Arizona in the summer.

I bet it keeps that little trailer cold! How long have you gone between recharging the batteries? How many days are you normally out at a time?
 

DeMented Toys

Adventurer
I bet it keeps that little trailer cold! How long have you gone between recharging the batteries? How many days are you normally out at a time?

160 watts of solar panels on the top provide the only charging when I'm away from home. I installed a solenoid near my truck battery and ran power back to the trailer plug to charge while driving, but still haven't actually connected it to the truck battery because it hasn't needed it. When it's at home in the garage I plug in a battery maintainer.


www.dinemetalworks.com
 

DeMented Toys

Adventurer
After much deliberation, planning and thinking, I just cant leave well enough alone! HAHA! So, I'm redesigning my camper for just a little more head room since I'm 6'3" tall. I figure it will be just as easy to frame and skin another box, rather than take this one all apart. It is just bolted to the trailer frame so I'm going to sit the top off the frame and put my new box on it. So the whole box is available. Wing doors on the sides and the back, and a tailgate. The box base exterior measures 54" wide by 82" long. As you can see the back is angled for better clearance off road. Above the angled back part the box is 92" long. Inside floor area is 51"x82". Make me an offer. You just need to bolt it to a frame and your ready for action. Woohoo!!! Pretty much a pre built trailer top, with 1-1/2" insulating foam in the walls. -$500 Located in Missouri
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Curtis in Texas

Adventurer
So are you going to build the new box tall enough to add your motorcycle inside, or did you give up on that idea.

I was going to build a similar trailer with similar goals of toating the DS Bike inside, but decided to go with a lighter bike and just build a 3 tube receiver hitch and carry the bike on the back of the Truck. Then pull my trailer with a receiver hitch ball from the center receiver.
So much simpler. Air shocks to balance the load.

But for now I'm using a 17 foot cargo trailer and just parking everything inside. Boy does that big trailer eat fuel!

I remember following you build from the beginning. Glad to hear it's still an ongoing project that is getting used. I, like you, prefer to sleep inside secure quarters.

Here's a thought about your next topper. Consider building a clam shell type top that has inner walls bolted to the trailer frame you have now then build a another cap that slips over the inner walls and is hinged at the front. This way you can raise the rear of the of the outer cap and still retain complete the solid wall integrity. A fold down panel at the rear will make up the space at the rear door.
This will give you the headroom you need for sitting up inside when camping and enjoy reduced wind drag when driving.

I hope that makes sense.
 
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