M1102 expedition trailer build

[sgthawk]

Nice build. These trailers are sensitive to tongue weight and being level. When I want to work on the underside, I just throw the spare tire near the tailgate, lock the brakes, then stand it up. Unfortunately they dont have a lot of tongue space to put stuff to help balance the load. I would move the spare inside the bed and up front.

Did you have the trailer parked, then it tipped when you swung out the spare tire? At least it looks like you had the brakes engaged

With your rear bumper, are you able to use the rear stabilizers?

Yes I am still able to use the rear stableizers with the rear bumper. I use one of them for my license plate but it has a removable pin to allow me to remove it when I need the stableizers.

 

[RagnarD]

Looking good. Once you get your rtt, you will have a rolling home away from home. Will keep an eye out for you around town .

 

[spikemd]

Cool build. I bought an M1101 as well earlier this year. Still deciding if I want to build it up or get a smaller trailer. They are HUGE but solid. Mine is basically brand new with the nobs still on the tires. Nice to have an enclosure already mounted to the trailer.

I have an RTT from Tuff Stuff. It is the same tent as the Tepui Autana but about 4 to $500 less. The only difference is the ladder (sliding vs extending) because my buddy bought a Tepui 6 months ago and we compared them side by side this weekend camping. I bet they are made in the same factory with different logos attached before they are shipped out. Tepui has great customer service though and really supports the overloading community. The awning is nice for extra shelter and protection for the ladder. Remember, just like any tent, a 3 man is really a 2 man and maybe squeeze in a small child.

 

[Box Rocket]

Cool build. I bought an M1101 as well earlier this year. Still deciding if I want to build it up or get a smaller trailer. They are HUGE but solid. Mine is basically brand new with the nobs still on the tires. Nice to have an enclosure already mounted to the trailer.

I have an RTT from Tuff Stuff. It is the same tent as the Tepui Autana but about 4 to $500 less. The only difference is the ladder (sliding vs extending) because my buddy bought a Tepui 6 months ago and we compared them side by side this weekend camping. I bet they are made in the same factory with different logos attached before they are shipped out. Tepui has great customer service though and really supports the overloading community. The awning is nice for extra shelter and protection for the ladder. Remember, just like any tent, a 3 man is really a 2 man and maybe squeeze in a small child.

There's a few more differences than the ladder that probably aren't something you'd notice right off. They are definitely not the same with just a different logo on them. Not knocking your Tuff Stuff tent at all, but there are quite a few differences with the Tepui in terms of materials used and finish quality. There are other threads on that if you care so I won't worry about going into them here.
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@sgthawk, I saw your post in the RTT section and came over here to check out your build and try to get a clear understanding about what you're after. From what you've described I would probably suggest the Tepui Gran Sabana Ruggedized for your trailer. It would probably be the best size option for your large trailer and help to enclose the rear part of the trailer like you described when the tent is deployed. The Ruggedized version of the GS is not listed on the Tepui website but the standard version is so you can see all the dimensions etc. Maybe the standard version will be adequate for your needs but there are many upgrades to the Ruggedized version that will improve its durability and long term use, as well as comfort.
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I'm happy to answer any questions or talk through other options with you if you like. Feel free to PM me or I'm happy to chat on the phone as well. Drop me a line and I can get you my number.

 

[tribeof5]

Here is our tent mounted on top of the frame we built. It has the same foot print of the Tepui GS but is not of the same build quality and does not have the option of the annex. We will be upgrading to the Tepui GS very soon.

 

[RagnarD]

Which awning is that?

 

[tribeof5]

It's the 8' Bunduawn by BundutecUSA. We really like it and it provides great coverage. It does have guy lines for securing to he ground when needed but we have only used them once. Profile is about 3" thick by 12" tall when all collapsed in the storage bag for travel.

 

[Rubifyde]

My m1102

 

[sgthawk]

Looking for opinions should I paint the trailer black, tan or carry on woodland camo or go old school OD green?

 

[Titanpat57]

I like the black to match the Hummer...maybe silver tanks and other accessories connected to the side.

 

[TwinStick]

Black would prob look best with your set up, but black sure does attract heat. I say rock the tan/sand color. I have got to get me one of these trailers some day. Sure would keep my mind & me busy after retirement ! LOL

 

[sgthawk]

View attachment 300535

Here is our tent mounted on top of the frame we built. It has the same foot print of the Tepui GS but is not of the same build quality and does not have the option of the annex. We will be upgrading to the Tepui GS very soon.

Man that is an awesome Awning. Have you had any issues with water back splash on to the tent when it rains?

 

[sgthawk]

O

There's a few more differences than the ladder that probably aren't something you'd notice right off. They are definitely not the same with just a different logo on them. Not knocking your Tuff Stuff tent at all, but there are quite a few differences with the Tepui in terms of materials used and finish quality. There are other threads on that if you care so I won't worry about going into them here.
.
@sgthawk, I saw your post in the RTT section and came over here to check out your build and try to get a clear understanding about what you're after. From what you've described I would probably suggest the Tepui Gran Sabana Ruggedized for your trailer. It would probably be the best size option for your large trailer and help to enclose the rear part of the trailer like you described when the tent is deployed. The Ruggedized version of the GS is not listed on the Tepui website but the standard version is so you can see all the dimensions etc. Maybe the standard version will be adequate for your needs but there are many upgrades to the Ruggedized version that will improve its durability and long term use, as well as comfort.
.
I'm happy to answer any questions or talk through other options with you if you like. Feel free to PM me or I'm happy to chat on the phone as well. Drop me a line and I can get you my number.

Box rocket what are the dimensions of the Grand sabana? How far would it hang over the end of the trailer? How long is the annex from the floor of the tent to the ground?

 

[Box Rocket]

O

Box rocket what are the dimensions of the Grand sabana? How far would it hang over the end of the trailer? How long is the annex from the floor of the tent to the ground?

Closed footprint of the Gran Sabana is 48"x72". Opened footprint (internal dimensions) is 72"x96" not counting the overhang for the annex which extends out another couple feet. The annex height has a bit of adjustment to it but ideally you want the base of the tent mounted somewhere between 6' and 6'8" to use the full height of the annex. You could go another 12" higher with an optional annex extension.

If you have it open off the back of the trailer the tent would be 6' wide and extend out off the back of the trailer between 5-6' if it's mounted flush with the back of the trailer. The annex footprint is much larger since it flares out at the bottom. The bottom footprint of the annex is almost 10'x10'. The entire back wall zips open to allow full access to the trailer from inside the annex.

Hope that answers your questions. Let me know what else I can do to help.

 

[F250sd21]

This is my M1102 with a bedslide with a grill / Stove and cooler Rootop tent

I built this trailer this summer to pull behind my JK 2DR its really cool to camp in tent is the only way to fly kitchen works well I plan to put AC power inverter in over the winter with 2 deep cycle batteries and some solar charging.