Low Budget adventure trailer

[Big Daddy Chia]

So I had an Idea and you guys might think I am cazy, but I can afford an AT right now, nor can I ever seem to find a military trailer I dont have to drive hundreds of miles for. So I was thinking of getting this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94564 and then using the frame as a platform and changin out the springs and axles adding on electric brakes and larger tires and then using truck boxes as storage. I am not putting an RTT on it because I like the big cabin stylke tents. What do you guys think.

 

[toy_tek]

I think your end goal is commendable: an economical alternative solution. It sounds like you're interested in the frame only and will plan to scrap the remaining hardware on the HF trailer. My opinion is that you'd be further ahead to have a local welder fab up a frame with similar dimensions and heavier duty steel. A frame of that style isn't complex, and doesn't use much material: I'd be surprised if you'd pay much more than $300.

Also, if budget is of concern and your trailer is under 3k total weight you could probably get away without brakes. Of course, they would be nice to have though.

 

[UK4X4]

Don't do it, the steel sections are just bent tin plate, if you put a battery on one end and a large cool box on the other it would bend in the middle......


Any trailer that has small wheels, even if it has the same bolt spacing...larger wheels won't fit as the frame is to wide for the back spacing required.

If you have any handworking skills, a basic trailer frame is pretty easy to make, just need a friend with a welder and a garage

if you buy a standard small wheel trailer you would have to heavily modify it for standard wheels and tyres, and even more for off roading,

Military trailers are shippable and if its from a major army surplus dealer...they seemingly have a network of trucks that funily deliver to your local army base.......

 

[Maximus Ram]

maybe keep an eye out on craigslist in your area. I did a quick check for the Austin area and found this
http://austin.craigslist.org/for/544016997.html

seems like a better starting point.....
good luck in you search....

 

[Rezarf <><]

FWIW,

I would keep a close eye on your local craigslist and keep watching for any kind of trailer that migh work well.

I think that you could have a frame done up for about $300 from a local fabricator, but you then need to add, suspension, hitch, lights, fenders, and a real axle.

I say find something that works well for you and star modifying. I love the truck box idea. In fact, I looked for a utility truck box for a while without much luck...

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

Thanks guys. Those are the things I needed to know. I have always wanted to learn to weld I guess this as good of a time as in to do it.

 

[oldcj5guy]

Cost list for last trailer I built for someone:

Steel for frame - 120
Tongue - 25
Axle 2500lb - 75 (craigslist)
Fenders - 40 (craigslist)
Lights&wiring - 40
Title -55 (if I remember)
He had the tires and rims plus a set of front opening truck side boxes that we used.

It was an 8ft setup with side boxes that he carries 2 dirt bikes on and sleeps on when out and about.

 

[CYi5]

Eventually I want to find a 01-04 Tacoma with a front end collision and cut it from the end of the cab back. Weld on a tongue and turn the 6' bed into a trailer. I'll then move my can-back to it for covered storage on the matching bed. Someday.

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

hmm wonder if this would work. Gonna call the guy in the am see if he still ahs it http://austin.craigslist.org/for/536221671.html

 

[cowboy4x4]

You can also pick used boat trailers all over the place, they are very easy to modify to whatever you want. Sometimes you can even find them galvanized, just grind off the galv. wherever your going to weld. After your done welding spray it with Spraygalv.

 

[PhulesAU]

keep an eye out for Jet-ski trailers. single space models rated for an 850# ski are really a good size to start with. Did this in 2 days for a run to Moab.

http://picasaweb.google.com/sandmaggie/200701JeepAndTrailer

 

[JeepN95YJ]

keep an eye out for Jet-ski trailers. single space models rated for an 850# ski are really a good size to start with. Did this in 2 days for a run to Moab.

http://picasaweb.google.com/sandmaggie/200701JeepAndTrailer

Very nice for 2 days work. Also very inexpensive for those of us that already have some of these type storage boxes laying around.

Good Job.

 

[hojhauler]

well I have been thinking about making an offroad trailer out of the back half of a '71 Bronco to match my '77 Early Bronco. The frame is boxed and has leaf springs that could be considered a little heavy but overall I think it will work.

My question is what are most adventure trailer/ offroad trailers using for the hitch assembly? I know there are some expensive, very specific options but which kind of basic hitch assemblies offer the best in offroad rotation and movement, pintle hitch? bullydog hitch? standard hitch? What are you guys using on your custom built models? and how are they working?

 

[JeepN95YJ]

well I have been thinking about making an offroad trailer out of the back half of a '71 Bronco to match my '77 Early Bronco. The frame is boxed and has leaf springs that could be considered a little heavy but overall I think it will work.

Like this?:

I don't know any details about this trailer or Bronco. I saved the pics some time ago because I thought it was well done.

(just like I save the two pics of the Jet Ski trailer above )

 

[hojhauler]

that is what I am talking about right there. Very clean but I think I would make it a little larger front mounting (longer) without as much tongue, but I could be wrong