Lifetime Sahara...upgraded.

MarlinVX

Observer
Bought the trailer kit about 2 years ago and have slept in it maybe 40 nights or so on various wheeling/scout trips. Since then, added solar, upgraded axle to a 3500lb with brakes, lock'n'roll, and 6x5.5 lugs. Both of our Isuzus and the trailer will be sporting the same snowflake rims and tires. Makes it super convenient for trails, one spare to rule them all. I give this trailer 2 thumbs up, especially for the price point and versatility.
Camped in style this weekend. Lights and large fan ran all night on the battery, solar completely recharged it during the day. Expedition trailer success!

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Finally done with the axle. Damned near killed myself trying to get that axle under there by myself. Stacks of 4x4s to get it high enough off the ground to roll the axle underneath it. Still need to wire up the brakes,and add some mudflaps. Very sexy, matches the VX height perfectly.

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I finally finished putting together my Lifetime Sahara tent trailer. I will say, of all the DIY kits I have ever purchased, this is by far the nicest. High quality, great packaging and spot on directions.
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It is extremely tight, nothing like a Harbor Freight trailer. I still need to set the tent up on it and waterproof the seams and treat it with permethrin spray.
I will add a deep cycle battery with inverter and solar.
I picked up a set of Kelty aluminum tent poles on Ebay awhile back, those will replace the shorter fiberglass poles it came with. The primary support poles are already aluminum.
I am going to add a little 10 gallon RV water tank and pump over the axle for a convenient water supply if needed.
I have still have a set of 4 brand new 30" AT tires on 16" VX rims in my shed, so I am looking at getting some adapters and putting a pair on the trailer. That will raise it way up off the ground and make it overland friendly. Need to order one of those fancy tongue adapters that allows the trailer to flex behind the VX without binding on the hitch ball. That will be later.
I bought the deluxe kit, so it came with the ramp/bed extenders and the spare kit, which I probably won't need for long. Overall, I am very pleased with the product, some great design plans! It is obvious that some folks spent a lot of time on it. I wish it had a 3500lb axle with brakes, but that is a fairly easy and inexpensive mod to do later if I need to.
I will post some pics tomorrow with it set up.
I researched all the options, the jumping jack, lifetime, some of the really pricey tent trailers, and this was by far the most economical and practical option. Lifetime does not make the older jumping jack anymore, I tried to get one, no bueno. The new jumping jacks are much smaller and $6K. I paid 2700 for mine including shipping and the extras.
 

GDSQDCR

Adventurer
Very nice. I like it. I have one as well, running littl 235/75/15 wranglers.

Questions:
1. How did you mount your spare tire? Ease of removal when you get to camp?
2. Solar. How did you set it up on the trailer? I want to add it to mine as well.

We have towed this ~20k mile now and have probably 50 nights in it over the last two years. Also have a 3500lb axle under ours.

Anthony
 

MarlinVX

Observer
I bought he harbor freight tongue box with the hydro arm, not the really cheap one. Mounted a deep cycle battery, 750 watt inverter and a digital solar charger with auto shut off. Pick up the HF solar kit when its 149 and use 25% off coupon. Throw away the regulator and us the new digital one. Works like a champ. The spare is from etrailer, a horse trailer spare mount. Like 20 bucks and has multiple bolt patterns for various rims. I weled it to 1/8 inch plate and bolted it to rear tailgate through the top and bottom tubes. No problems. I just leave it on there. I cut the plate to go the entire width of the rim so it acts a little table for shoes drinks etc. I am going to contact lifetime bout a new tent. Looks like they are no longer offering the trailer. I have no problems with my tent but better safe than sorry in the future.
 

tbone1004

Observer
can you post a writeup about the tongue 7pin and extension cable by chance? looking to do something similar on my trailer.
Thanks
 

MarlinVX

Observer
The tongue is pretty easy. Just go to the Locknroll.com, take the measurements of your existing tongue and order away! As far as the wiring, I ordered two female 6 pin connectors from etrailer, along with the 6 pin male to male lighted extension cord. They make a non-lighted version, but I thought the cool factor was worth the extra 10 bucks:) Not sure what you want for a write up, it is a very easy modification. I had to drill new holes for the lock'n'roll on the trailer end, but that is no biggie. Other than that, it was some crimping and heat shrink! If you have specific questions, let me know, I am more than willing to help!:sombrero:
 

MarlinVX

Observer
No, other than it slings mud up the sides, hopefully the mud flaps will help with that, otherwise, it shouldn't be too hard to find some plastic ones that will fit over the tires.
 

MarlinVX

Observer
Called about the trailer, Lifetime is still making them, and the replacement tent is around 600 bucks including all poles and freight. Not bad actually, my Big Agnes tents cost almost that much. You have to provide a VIN for your trailer to order the tent, probably to prevent others from cloning the trailer and just picking up their tent package on the cheap.
 

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