How big is to big for a trailer?

[Broncogearhead]

keep in mind i wont be taking this to moab or the rubicon.
my truck is a 04 f350 4 door with 4" lift. i'd like to be able to take a trailer where ever the truck could go. no real "hard core" off-roading is planned. however i'd like to be able to go places you wouldn't ever think of taking a regular travel trailer.
i was thinking of building something. i have welders, torches, saws etc.
would something in the 5'x10' range be to big? to small? anything shorter than that would be no fun to try to back up with.
i have kicked around having a roof top tent, to bedding inside. slide out kitchen, fresh water, 12v power etc.
there would be me, wife, 2 kids, 200+ pounds of dogs.
anybody ever seen a big expedition trailer?
oh, and i'd like to do this on a budget.eepwall:

 

[TheGillz]

Too big is whatever you can't get down the trail you are going...I don't think there is a formula, however I am keeping the track width on the trailer we are building 2" narrower than the tow vehicle per some advice I read around here.

 

[jagular7]

Best start with sleeping arrangements. Layout on paper where everyone will sleep and how. You can 'stack' sleep areas in bunk layouts. Next, determine what you/wife want in a camping trailer inside and/or out. Kitchen, eating area, bathroom, shower, entertainment, etc. What would your 'camping' consist of: weather shelter, sleep area, changing area, etc. Based on all this information, you can look at an expansion camper or a rigid camper. Rigid is basically a box exterior where interior is 'adjustable'. This leads to a many problems with aerodynamics for towing, overall exterior size of the camper, and weight considerations.
If you find yourself looking for an expansion camper, there are many levels where the camper can expand into living areas, storage, privacy, sleep, eating, entertainment, etc. The vast majority of the expanded campers are fabric covered shells. This keeps them lightweight, aerodynamic, smaller in size, etc. compared to the rigid designs. Many attributes of the expandable camper can be associated together. Example, take the flip-pac camper shell. Its a rigid design with a flip top for bedding and standing room based on a truck bed camper shell. Along with the standing room, if you situate a table/bench correctly, then you have eating and another sleep area along with lower storage.

All this will come to decide to purchase a readily available commercial camper or build one yourself. You could rent something that might work for your particular situation if you come to a deciding factor. Or you could modify a commercial product to save time and money compared to starting off fresh with raw materials. Lots of things to weigh and prioritize.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[system-f]

I started to build a 9'x5' Expedition trailer, but it is turning into an off-road utility trailer. For my rig 9'x5' is too big length wise, but it looks small behind my friends F250. I can post up some pics if you want, right now it is just a frame with axles, leaf springs, and shocks located but not entirely connected.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I tow one of the King Kamper trailers that would be on the high end offroad sizing. With independant suspension, a treg hitch and good ground clearance, this works great on anything up to moderate off road trails. Definitley not for the Rubicon. It also weighs about 2200 LBS when fully loaded so you need a strong tow vehicle when towing up steep rough roads.

The one positive is the tire track is identical to my tow rig which really helps picking and driving your preferred lines.

Dimensions
Overall closed body length 14' 4"
Overall body Width including Guards 6' 5"
Exterior height of closed Kamper without boat loader 4' 7"

 

[BigAl]

Everytime I see this pic I wonder what it looks like deployed? can you post a pic of the tent set up?:chowtime:

 

[Tucson T4R]

KK with tent and quick awning set up.

You don't want to see the full blown set up with all the exterior canvas...looks like a Mash unit.

 

[BigAl]

Sorry I asked:drool: The rest of us are just pretending to camp! Full canvas mode looks awesome.

 

[Broncogearhead]

thanks for the replies.
i have drawn out a few ideas on paper.
i have no means of making anything outta canvas myself. that means i'd have to pay somebody. i dont mind that, but i think it would be costly.

originally i was thinking of making the box 10' long, 5' wide and 5' tall.
the total length would be about 15'. the hitch on my truck is right at 24" off the ground. i was thinking of making the trailer between 18 and 24". with 35's and a torson axle on the trailer, it would be about as tall as the cab of my truck.
i'm not worried about weight so much. i want it stout, but not overkill.
i was thinking of making most the frame in 2x2x3/16. 2x4x1/4 for the very front from the hitch back to the axle. basically how i have seen car haulers and other trailers built. the sides and the roof i was thinking of using 1/8" alum diamond plate. it would be relatively strong and light.

i want to be able to pack everything, even the kitchen sink.
i figured a slide out for a sink, stove, and all kitchen related items.
i want to have room inside for the kids bike, a 4 wheeler, or what ever might come up later in life.
there would be room inside for a couple of bunks. would not be near as comfortable as a travel trailer. but it would be dry if the weather let loose.
i was thinking of one of those small portable shower stalls so we could have a bathroom area.
the trailer would be tall enough to anchor a canopy to one side, and just use poles on the outer edge of it.
i was planing on having water, and 12v electric.

so that covers having sleeping, could still have a roof top tent if needed. covers having a kitchen. shower and toilet area. and a covered outdoor area.

what am i missing? what else should i try to fit into this?

 

[TheGillz]

I would read Martyn's suspention article for advice on using a tortion axle.

 

[Tucson T4R]

thanks for the replies.
i have drawn out a few ideas on paper.
i have no means of making anything outta canvas myself. that means i'd have to pay somebody. i dont mind that, but i think it would be costly.

originally i was thinking of making the box 10' long, 5' wide and 5' tall.
the total length would be about 15'. the hitch on my truck is right at 24" off the ground. i was thinking of making the trailer between 18 and 24". with 35's and a torson axle on the trailer, it would be about as tall as the cab of my truck.
i'm not worried about weight so much. i want it stout, but not overkill.
i was thinking of making most the frame in 2x2x3/16. 2x4x1/4 for the very front from the hitch back to the axle. basically how i have seen car haulers and other trailers built. the sides and the roof i was thinking of using 1/8" alum diamond plate. it would be relatively strong and light.

i want to be able to pack everything, even the kitchen sink.
i figured a slide out for a sink, stove, and all kitchen related items.
i want to have room inside for the kids bike, a 4 wheeler, or what ever might come up later in life.
there would be room inside for a couple of bunks. would not be near as comfortable as a travel trailer. but it would be dry if the weather let loose.
i was thinking of one of those small portable shower stalls so we could have a bathroom area.
the trailer would be tall enough to anchor a canopy to one side, and just use poles on the outer edge of it.
i was planing on having water, and 12v electric.

so that covers having sleeping, could still have a roof top tent if needed. covers having a kitchen. shower and toilet area. and a covered outdoor area.

what am i missing? what else should i try to fit into this?

Sounds like you have all the key comforts identified. I second the comment about the Torson axle. Invest a little more in the suspension and it will pay for itself with it's ability to handle the back roads.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Sorry I asked:drool: The rest of us are just pretending to camp! Full canvas mode looks awesome.

Hey, you asked. :sombrero:

The full canvas mode is only used if I plan to stay someplace in cold, bad weather for several days. Not worth the effort otherwise. Pretty fun though having all the set up options to flex with the weather and length of stay. :arabia:

My friends threatened to paint a white cross on the roof since it looked so much like a Mash unit. :jump:

 

[highlandercj-7]

Your already wheeling a titanic, 4dr f350, I would think that a large trailer is not gonna be a problem. A 16' trailer is gonna look small in comparison lol...

 

[jagular7]

Just remember that your camper will be adding structurally to the frame itself so keep the frame lightweight enough. Boxing the frame will add weight. Most TT frames are not boxed but 'C' channel.

Your plans sound great. Look at the new campers that haul toys for layout and design. You may be able to reverse engineering. For canvas applications, you'll be amazed at costs. Some stitchers are very reasonable, but then others will price shock you. Boat cover stitchers are your friends. They will usually have the proper canvas material and will understand your intentions.

 

[Broncogearhead]

I would read Martyn's suspention article for advice on using a tortion axle.

is there a link to this?
i searched, but must not be using the right key words. didnt find it.


are you guys recommending running airbags or coils? independantly?