Jeep tear drop trailer idea

Maloppa

Observer
Now that my Jeep build is almost complete, I am wanting to build my trailer. I would like to get some opinions on if the idea I have would work. I have this donor that has pretty much been stripped except for the frame, tub and hardtop/doors.
IMG_2182.jpg

My idea is to cut the frame just in front of the tub and put a tongue on it. I want to extend the back of the frame just enough to balance the trailer if needed and make a platform for hauling other misc. stuff. Anyway, the inside would be set up with bed and some cabinets. Only need to sleep 2 inside. The positive is anthing that works on a wrangler will work on this. Roof racks, etc. Roof tent will come later for when the kids go or more than 2 people. I have never built a trailer so opinions would be appretiated. The springs are 4 inch lift so it would have some lift and I would cut the floor of the tub and flatten it. Tons of ideas.
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1leg

Explorer
I'm not here to tell you not to do. But you should really look into how heavy it will be. I'm sure it will be more then you think.

I truly wish you good luck. And you get an A+ for thinking out of box. :luxhello:
 

Maloppa

Observer
1speed said:
Go for it. With the two piece hardtop you can pop the lid and look at the stars! :Astrologist:
Or crawl up into the tent that is on top through the floor hole.
BC Explorer, exactly. Are you still running the actual rear end that came with that jeep? Good way to keep spare parts around. I want to utilize the entire tub though. As 1leg mentioned, I am worried about weight. What kind of weight do the adventure trailers that I have seen on the forum run? I thought if I rebuilt the frame using a lighter tubing would drop some weight.
 

TheGillz

Explorer
Maloppa said:
Or crawl up into the tent that is on top through the floor hole.
BC Explorer, exactly. Are you still running the actual rear end that came with that jeep? Good way to keep spare parts around. I want to utilize the entire tub though. As 1leg mentioned, I am worried about weight. What kind of weight do the adventure trailers that I have seen on the forum run? I thought if I rebuilt the frame using a lighter tubing would drop some weight.

Horizon around 1100 lbs, mine comes in at around 950 dry.
 

roadkill

Adventurer
if your insistent upon using the old tub you can shave weight by fabbing up a new lighter frame and then ditiching the rear end for a std trailer axle. also I bet you'll be really top heavy compared to an M416 or AT trailer and RTT
 

deepmud

Adventurer
Seems like you'll need more a Scrambler back end to balance the load - or if you have the skills, you can move the axle and wheel arches forward. All the trailers I've seen using the Jeep rear half ( about 4, only one in person, not a huge sample) have not used the front floor pan at all.

Given that a lot of the trailers seem to have an empty-weight of 800 to 1000 pounds, you may have a viable option there. I doubt the frame itself will be the major source of weight. It's just a couple of large pieces of C channel steel.
 

Maloppa

Observer
I agree a scrambler tub would be the best option. The plus is the hard top and doors for the camper part. There would be room for 2 just with the box. Then tents could be used for more individuals if needed.
 

motomech

Adventurer
I found this one for sale and i was thinking of buying it, to pull behind my suburban didn't care about the weight.Different vehicle same idea!



 

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