Off Road Worthy 6x10 Cargo Trailer Camper Build
- Thread starter Jmanscotch
- Start date
Jmanscotch
is wandering
It’s been a busy summer of traveling and events, so haven’t gone camping too much, but have gone a few times and the camper is doing great.
Only issues we’ve had is the self tapping screws holding the fenders on. On our last trip, several of them worked themselves loose or out completely.
I had planned to build some rock rails around the trailer and mount the fenders to those, but in the name of saving time, effort and weight, had talked myself out of it. With the new development, I decided a modified approach would split the difference yet give me sturdy fenders and a step to help reach and clean the solar panels.
Base framework built from 12 gauge, 1.5” square tube.
Added some expanded metal to the step platform that’ll be on the leading edge of the fender.
I didn’t grab a picture, but welded on two fender mounting tabs to each support so I could drill and bolt the actual fenders to the supports.
Drilled and bolted them through the trailer frame.
Really the only notable things I have left are the ceiling and the slide out kitchen. I’ll probably try to get to those later this fall.
Only issues we’ve had is the self tapping screws holding the fenders on. On our last trip, several of them worked themselves loose or out completely.
I had planned to build some rock rails around the trailer and mount the fenders to those, but in the name of saving time, effort and weight, had talked myself out of it. With the new development, I decided a modified approach would split the difference yet give me sturdy fenders and a step to help reach and clean the solar panels.
Base framework built from 12 gauge, 1.5” square tube.
Added some expanded metal to the step platform that’ll be on the leading edge of the fender.
I didn’t grab a picture, but welded on two fender mounting tabs to each support so I could drill and bolt the actual fenders to the supports.
Drilled and bolted them through the trailer frame.
Really the only notable things I have left are the ceiling and the slide out kitchen. I’ll probably try to get to those later this fall.
Jmanscotch
is wandering
I replaced the grade 5 bolts on the fender mounts (for mounts to the trailer frame, not fenders to the mounts) with larger 5/16” grade 8 bolts as the 1/4” grade 5 bolts were allowing a little flex when I stood on the fender mounts.
Figured I’d grab a quick photo of the fender mounting tabs I previously forgot to show:
Figured I’d grab a quick photo of the fender mounting tabs I previously forgot to show:
Jmanscotch
is wandering
You really just have to be honest about how you plan to use the trailer. We’re not living out of it or trying to do 1-2 week adventures in it, also we don’t cook inside, so if we’re inside the camper we are sleeping or just chilling out of bad weather. We don’t need to stand up.
I need to measure how the interior height actually came out, but I will say it drives my wife nuts that she can’t stand up in it. Maybe I should’ve gone for 1-2” taller, but really I’m trying to get her to realize she doesn’t need to stand up to put her shoes on in there, so she needs to adjust her perspective (but of course, as someone who is, and would like to remain married, I’m just telling you all this and wouldn’t ever actually suggest that to her lol).
I’ve got no complaints on how the interior height worked out.
Jmanscotch
is wandering
Went for a quick little fall color weekend trip. Got pretty wet and cold and I do have to say, we’re really enjoying the Propex propane heater. It sips propane and does a great job of keeping us toasty.
New fender setup worked out well too.
New fender setup worked out well too.
Jmanscotch
is wandering
As happens, we’ve been busy with life, raising a kid, spending time with family, working and traveling. I haven’t been working on finishing up the camper, though I’ve tinkered on a few little things.
That said, over Christmas break, the wife and kiddo went to visit with family and my father and I decided to make a point to spend some time together and do some winter Christmas camping.
We spent 4 days around Colorado, mainly the Buena Vista area, camping, fishing, exploring, freezing.
Elephant Rock
The Arkansas River
A little river fishing (with some failed attempts at fly fishing) and some improvised ice fishing.
We also found out that surprisingly, Colorado did once have huge redwood trees…and thanks to some volcanic mud flow, many of them has their trunks petrified.
The awning I had got damaged in the wind (set it up and a wind gust folded it over before I got to staking it down) so I found a new in box FSR 180 degree awning for a steal and installed it.
We got down to about 0-5 degrees at night and stayed plenty warm in the camper. Evenings were pretty bitter around the fire, but we managed and enjoyed out time together.
That said, over Christmas break, the wife and kiddo went to visit with family and my father and I decided to make a point to spend some time together and do some winter Christmas camping.
We spent 4 days around Colorado, mainly the Buena Vista area, camping, fishing, exploring, freezing.
Elephant Rock
The Arkansas River
A little river fishing (with some failed attempts at fly fishing) and some improvised ice fishing.
We also found out that surprisingly, Colorado did once have huge redwood trees…and thanks to some volcanic mud flow, many of them has their trunks petrified.
The awning I had got damaged in the wind (set it up and a wind gust folded it over before I got to staking it down) so I found a new in box FSR 180 degree awning for a steal and installed it.
We got down to about 0-5 degrees at night and stayed plenty warm in the camper. Evenings were pretty bitter around the fire, but we managed and enjoyed out time together.
Jmanscotch
is wandering
We explored some ghost towns, old mines and random trails.
We ended our trip at some hot springs to melt the chill away and headed home.
The trailer performed great, despite still not being finished. It was a great trip with dad.
We ended our trip at some hot springs to melt the chill away and headed home.
The trailer performed great, despite still not being finished. It was a great trip with dad.
Kingsize24
Well-known member
Looks like some fun times... And they are never truely done. But it's fun to use them as you go with the family, find out your changing needs, and build to suit.
Great pics BTW.
Great pics BTW.