It's been many years since I've posted, heck it's been eight years since THIS thread has seen any activity, but I figured I would do an update on my OG Lifetime Tent Trailer. We still use it every summer and we still love it for what it is. I have modified it to fit matching 38" tires from my rig, which had some minor cascading issues, notably how it raised the tailgate so high that we now carry a platform to get up into the trailer. The platform supports are about at the end of adjustability but still work just fine, although I do carry extra blocks to put under them when the ground underneath is not level. We have had a couple of areas where the factory powder coating has flaked off of the top platform in large chunks, but that is an easy fix with some prep and a rattle can. We still have never put an ATV on top, we just never got around to getting one, but I have used the "utility trailer" config MANY times to haul stuff. When I finished my basement a few years ago, I put all the drywall in the back, and a several loads of 2x4s. It served well as my "pickup bed" before I had a pickup!
Underside still looks pretty good, no real issues with wood rotting. Although I think I will do some deck staining on all the wood this year.
At the end of every season, we take the bag off the trailer, take the tent out of it's bag and do a general clean/inspect. Takes an afternoon but it's good winter prep.
I found a great Waxed Canvas tarp at Tractor Supply and I use that to cover the trailer when it's stored outside at my neighbor's property.
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I am starting to see signs of the main center support bowing. Today, my neighbor and are are going to fashion up a cripple out of 2" boxed 1/4" thick steel to go under that center bolt, which should prevent any issues with it breaking. I'll post up some pics once that's done.
Overall, this has been a GREAT purchase for us! But, we are considering stepping up to something different going forward, like a teardrop or something equivalent.
