Enclosed Cargo Trailer for Offroad Use

[18seeds]

anybody done it? I am thinking of taking a 5x8 enclosed trailer and converting it into a camper/toy hauler. I've got some great ideas from thumpertalk and mikenchell but want to hear the EP POV.

 

[dirty Bakers]

I think is a great Idea, My uncle built one years ago and he had cabinets mounted on the outside. It worked out great.

 

[wesel123]

I've done it. This is a 4x6x4 carson trailer did and SOA and added shocks. Took it thru Mangle pass with no problems. I had this one for sale but now its the emergancy preparedness trailer. To many crasy earthquakes lately......

 

[18seeds]

that is sweet any pics of the inside

 

[Expedition Key]

I think it a great way to go, I'm surprised more people don't do it. 5x8 is a great size, I had one and took it off road a bit. You want to get a good quality trailer like Wells Cargo, make sure the sidewall framing is fairly close together, 16"oc is great, and that it has 3/8" ply screwed well. The weakest point imo of using a cargo trailer ofroad is the rear door(s) usually takes up the whole rear of the trailer thereby removing the lateral structural element needed to keep the trailer from racking. If I were to modify a 5x8 for offroad use, I would weld 1' wide shear walls from floor to roof on either side.

Add some long soft springs, and shocks, amulti axis tongue/hitch and you're good to go.



My .02
Kye

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I almost went that way... Never thought about reinforcing the rear door area. I guess that would be a good idea. Maybe just some diagonals in the corners?

-

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

I knew it was only a matter of time before I saw a thread about this pop up. We emailed back and forth a few time regarding your drawer setup on Denver CL.

Youve preobably seen this thread but if not ill link to it. This guy has a pretty detailed build up. You mentioned this to me in an email and the more I think about it, it might be a better way to go than trying to build an offroad teardrop style trailer on my own.

Here is the link: http://mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32431

 

[wesel123]

that is sweet any pics of the inside

Sure
This was after a 4 day trip so its really messy

Here's a soso shot of the suspension:

And one with and RTT (eezi 1800)

 

[dirty Bakers]

I think i am going to build one to sleep in, the family is getting bigger and we are starting to carry more items.

 

[nutpantz]

I think i am going to build one to sleep in, the family is getting bigger and we are starting to carry more items.

Isn't that a camper?

written in your mud with my stick

 

[cowboy4x4]

I'm building a 5x8 as well My side door just came in today so I will be moving forward with the build. The build is in here. (cowboy4x4 off road CT build)

 

[Jeff Wanamog]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/73403-Jeff-s-Cargo-Conversion
you could always try this.
jeff

 

[redaddiction]

Here is the planned layout for my cargo trailer when my suburban sells:
includes kitchen, lay down cargo door for a "porch", kitchen table that turns into bed,


5 x 8 Revision 2 by MarcusRyan, on Flickr

 

[bwaser]

Great pics. Did you have the roof rack custom made? If not, where did you get it? Brand, site, etc? I have a Wells Cargo 5X8 I want to put a roof rack on and can only find ladder racks. Thanks.

 

[kbahus]

Resurrecting an old thread as found this searching for cheap trailer options to put a RTT on. I can find 4x6 enclosed trailers all day long for a grand, seems like the perfect match for a roof top tent and a secure way to haul gear. Has anyone else done something similar?