Full size truck expedition overland trailer?

[rebar]

I think jeeps with their little expedition trailers definitely have their place. But what about a trailer for people who are willing to trade off some off road ability, for more space and ability to haul toys? What would a good setup or length be for a full size truck? I'm seriously thinking about a short 7' wide gooseneck/flatbed combo.

Or what are you full size truck owners pulling?

Thanks!

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Interested in this as well, particularly those in the 1/2 ton class. Seven foot wide is a good width but does limit you on narrow trails. When you say short how short are you thinking about?

 

[HayStax]

Buy a huge cab over camper + gooseneck flatbed = redneck toyhauler. I’m only half joking because I’m 2/3 there. Just can’t bring myself to pay for a big nice cabover. Also have plans for a 20’ shipping container home that can be winched onto said trailer.

But the best bet is to get a new sheep camp built to spec, if you want to really get into tight places and rough country

 

[flipmachine]

I am in the design phase of working on a 14.5 foot expedition style unit... if you know how I build, it should look pretty nice once finished.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

That is in the good range of 14-18 feet that can be towed by any 1/2 ton. The short length will allow it to get to those out of the way places. I would guess that at 14.5 feet it would be single axle.

 

[Vogold]

I pull a Schutt XV-2 with my Silverado 1500, it works well for us.

 

[rebar]

I am in the design phase of working on a 14.5 foot expedition style unit... if you know how I build, it should look pretty nice once finished.

Cool.. Any updates or drawings flipmachine?

Im still looking for a narrow track 7x14 or 16 enclosed trailer to convert..

 

[rebar]

I'm really diggin these motostar pro series trailers.. Aluminum pop tops and 7.25' wide, easily repurposed into a adventure trailer..

Figures there made in australia..

 

[Victorian]

Not uncommon in Europe.

 

[Grassland]

As much as the pop top or my preference the tip out bunk adds leak points or complexity, the ability to get a breeze or ventilate in hot weather is worth it.
One of the few good things I can say about our pop up Palomino is it is tolerable in hot weather due to wall the ventilation.
Its possible a composite box would be different as it can have a much higher R value than a framed with 1" studs trailer, but after walking into an RPOD this summer when it was 30C outside, and noticing it was probably 40C in the trailer, my wife and I questioned the viability of an enclosed trailer without AC (Don't get power sites, don't really want a generator)

 

[Victorian]

As much as the pop top or my preference the tip out bunk adds leak points or complexity, the ability to get a breeze or ventilate in hot weather is worth it.
One of the few good things I can say about our pop up Palomino is it is tolerable in hot weather due to wall the ventilation.
Its possible a composite box would be different as it can have a much higher R value than a framed with 1" studs trailer, but after walking into an RPOD this summer when it was 30C outside, and noticing it was probably 40C in the trailer, my wife and I questioned the viability of an enclosed trailer without AC (Don't get power sites, don't really want a generator)

You can't compare a typical travel trailer or RV with a proper insulated camper with 3" walls. Biggest difference is that the materials don't heat up and wont retain the heat (or cold) from the sun. Even on the hottest days, you can touch the roof on the inside and you will be impressed that it doesn't feel hot. Add the white color and you will be miles ahead of any "fancy looking" trailer/RV. Our camper doesn't have A/C and we have been in Utah , Arizona with it. Open, the windows for airflow and you are good.

 

[Grassland]

You can't compare a typical travel trailer or RV with a proper insulated camper with 3" walls. Biggest difference is that the materials don't heat up and wont retain the heat (or cold) from the sun. Even on the hottest days, you can touch the roof on the inside and you will be impressed that it doesn't feel hot. Add the white color and you will be miles ahead of any "fancy looking" trailer/RV. Our camper doesn't have A/C and we have been in Utah , Arizona with it. Open, the windows for airflow and you are good.

I am an HVAC technician and have a good understanding of heat gain and loss. The lack of conductive framing ie thermal bridges in a composite camper such as your own helps immensely. This however works both ways, as internally generated heat will be retained, and this goes in the summer as well as winter. Two people generate heat, so do electronics. My concern is how do you cool the trailer/camper once you have gotten it warm?
Insulation only retards transfer of heat, it doesn't eliminate it.