Just finishing my Exped trailer

[ketcat]

I friend of mine and I built a couple of these and then displayed at SEMA. We were originally thinking of selling a few if it worked out but the cost is probably prohibitive for most people. No big deal I wanted it anyway. Basically we deigned and built the frame, rack around tub and front basket. We used an aluminum tub from Canada and the rest is mostly off the shelf. I have not had the chance to use it for an overnight yet but it tows good and will be using it soon.

 

[ketcat]

Couple more with tent open:

 

[Martyn]

I saw them at SEMA, you had a couple of premium locations for the trailers.

I think everyone is surprised at how costly trailer are to build. That is until they build one of their own, or really look at what goes into making one.

 

[048642]

Very Nice!

 

[kai38]

"Just finishing my Exped trailer"

You're never finished there's always something new you want to add.
Looks great though.

 

[Xtreme XJ]

I remember drooling over that trailer at SEMA...

Curt

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I saw them at SEMA, you had a couple of premium locations for the trailers.

I think everyone is surprised at how costly trailer are to build. That is until they build one of their own, or really look at what goes into making one.

You could say that again, Martyn...

 

[Box Rocket]

Very nice looking trailer. Goes very well with the Jeep. Is there a specific reason for the tent rack being so high? Is it just to allow the lid to open without a tent mounted to it? Just curious as it seems like the COG isn't ideal with it mounted that high.

Any shots of the front box/rack?

As for the cost.....a fully "kitted out" expedition trailer is definitely a costly endeavor whether you buy one built or try to build it yourself. I'm building mine myself because there is no way for me to afford the cost of an AT, or Conqueror etc without going into debt for it and I'm not willing to do that. For the lucky ones that can afford to buy one outright it's an excellent way to go because you get excellent quality and immediate ability to use the trailer to its full potential. For me it will just be "peace-meal" as I slowly pick away at the list of expedition mods. Eventually I will get there but it allows me to do it as a pace that I can afford, even though I have to put up with not having some of the conveniences for a while. When all is said and done however, I'm confident I'll still be cheaper than if I had bought one.

I think with the increased popularity of expedition type travel, or more accurately "vehicle based camping" the trailers have really found some solid footing in the market. With that popularity more an more people are seeing what it takes to set one up properly and the cost involved. That knowledge will only grow as well and as a result I think fewer people will be so shocked at the cost of these trailers. My wife and I were looking at several "pre-built" trailers on the market and her comment regarding cost was, " geez, why don't you just buy a motorhome?" She makes a good point, since that is what we are essentially doing. The difference being that it's a motorhome that can actually make it down the trails with us and allow us to get to places we otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Again, nice looking trailer and while you may not sell a ton of them, you'll still find people that are in fact willing to spend the money.

 

[jsmoriss]

Really nice. :Wow1: Great idea using an Al. tub to start with. Out of curiosity, what were you planning on selling these for?

js.

 

[1leglance]

Hey I know that area by Saguaro Lake....very nice.
Looking foward to hearing your thought on the trail once you are able to do some extended travel with it.
I have been trying to hold off on buying/building a trailer until Adventure Trailers has the new folding trailer on the market but it gets tougher and tougher to wait!

I saw these at SEMA , you have great traffic around them.
Enjoy them regardless of how many you sell or don't sell, and post lots more trip pics!

 

[Honu]

great looking trailer especially for jeeps

some very nice looking work their

 

[Titanpat57]

Looks like a nice, well made unit. Are there any goodies built in to the inside bed? Can you share a dry weight? Extremely well matched with the tow rig, good luck!

 

[LakeNorman_FJ40]

Looks really nice and thought out. Guess you are using Aqualu 1/2 tubs and if so they make a quality product...that's probably $1.5K alone of the cost.

 

[Rev]

:drool: That my friend, is a thing of beauty. Instantly jealous.

 

[ketcat]

I’ll see if I can answer all the questions here:

Martyn: Thanks for the note, I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA, in the Pizza Hut as I recall. You are right, these trailers are expensive but it’s worth it.

Box Rocket: Our original plan was to make the tent raise and lower but we ran our of time (kai38: I guess your right, they are never done) so we just mocked up the tent at the proper height to allow for the ARB awning and screened in room. In addition my friend has an ocean kayak and wanted to mount it below the tent. One way or the other I will be changing mine so it is at the top of the bed when traveling.

Titianpat57: I haven’t weighted it yet but when I do I will post. One of the reasons I built this instead of buying one is because I can use it as a utility trailer so the only thing in the bed is Rhino Lining. I thought about putting a hinged hard cover on it, slide our drawer, battery etc… but utility was the final deciding factor.

LakeNorman FJ40: It’s the 71 7/8” box from Aqualu. Great quality product! Almost could have polished and left unpainted.

Now for the big question, price. Like I said, I’m not sure we would sell them now but two prices I just got of the internet are below:
Tub $2,637.00 plus shipping.
ARB Tent, Awning and Room $2,039.97
As you can see just those two items take you to $5k with shipping so like Martyn said it makes the pre built or used trailers look like a good deal.

Thanks for all the great comments! I am looking forward to really using it.