Overland Utility Trailer Build

[loren85022]

Utility Bed Trailer: Stove Placement

Just to add 2 cents to the stove placement planning......

My first thought was to have stove be apart of one compartment too. As PDSFTW explains, have it sitting on the fold out door. But after some trial runs, the cook doesnt like it this way. She much prefers to either on the very back of the trailer or on the portable table. Mostly because she wants it to have extra table top near by for setting plates.

When I built the frame, I noticed the util-bed had a slot cut out beneath the double doors. So above the frame I adder a sub-frame that has two channels on the sides (probably 5/8" L stock). The table (aka 1/2" plywood) slides into the channels. Pushed far enough, it drops down slightly behind the rear bumper.

To retrieve it, I grab the handle and pull up, then out. It will come all the way out (great for cleaning), but to use it, I just have it cantilever over the bumper.

This photo just happens to show the two options we use for stove. Rain and wind tend to dictate where we cook. The pullout is also great for quick meals.

Sorry to be hijacking. And I am working on my own build thread - someday.

 

[pdsftw]

There you go....throwing a wrench in my well laid (in my head) plans. Looks pretty functional. I am planning on having at least one table on the rig - perhaps stored on a slide under the roof rack. We'll see.

 

[jeeps4fun]

Just to add 2 cents to the stove placement planning......

My first thought was to have stove be apart of one compartment too. As PDSFTW explains, have it sitting on the fold out door. But after some trial runs, the cook doesnt like it this way. She much prefers to either on the very back of the trailer or on the portable table. Mostly because she wants it to have extra table top near by for setting plates.

When I built the frame, I noticed the util-bed had a slot cut out beneath the double doors. So above the frame I adder a sub-frame that has two channels on the sides (probably 5/8" L stock). The table (aka 1/2" plywood) slides into the channels. Pushed far enough, it drops down slightly behind the rear bumper.
View attachment 175378
To retrieve it, I grab the handle and pull up, then out. It will come all the way out (great for cleaning), but to use it, I just have it cantilever over the bumper.
View attachment 175379
This photo just happens to show the two options we use for stove. Rain and wind tend to dictate where we cook. The pullout is also great for quick meals.
View attachment 175380
Sorry to be hijacking. And I am working on my own build thread - someday.

That's a good looking idea. Since I'm building a service bed with Wildernest on top the rear is my point of entry. not a huge deal but there will be that ONE time we are in the middle of cooking and need to get in the trailer and can't lol
Sorry pdsftw, for cluttering up your thread! But, at least there are some ideas flowing.

 

[loren85022]

The beauty of the utility bed is you have all kinds of options. And by and large, you can 'remodel' anytime you want. My wife rolls her eyes whenever we go to Home Depot and one of the guys asks if I'm working on the trailer. It reminds me that I'm living good these days.

 

[pdsftw]

One cool idea might be to do something similar to what was done on the Expeditions West Tacoma - basically a drop down table off of the rear swing out:

 

[jeeps4fun]

So, I've been scouring Cl and found a couple nice, already converted trailers. One is from a smaller truck (ranger, S-10 etc) so dimensions inside and in the boxes are smaller, but on the trail this might be beneficial. Also found a full size 8' bed that looks to be ~12' tip/tail, so interior/exterior room would be awesome. But I'm pulling *for now* with a Tundra CrewMax and I'm worried about the tighter wooded trails and the longer trailer.

What length are you shooting for over all and what are you gonna be towing with? Where will you be running this setup? I see you are in Dallas, after all is said and done we need to meet for a K-trail run and compare your nice trailer to my POS lol

 

[loren85022]

Mine is from the 'mini-truck' era. Its basically a foot shorter and narrower than the full-size boxes you can find on CL. It is the ideal size for our ventures. For sure, a too-big trailer can get you in a jam. Keep in mind that shorter is not always your friend when it comes to reversing. Short trailers can sure make you look intoxicated when trying to back up. To me thats half the fun, but I can back up the 22' toyhauler much more gracefully.

Whats difficult about utility-bed shopping is the transportation. Unless its already on a semi-functional trailer frame, you need a flat bed and some muscle to retrieve it. Add that to the price, and they tend to get out of bounds.

I see quite a few refrigerators on the very back of trailers. I often wonder how it looks when you open a beer or soda once you get to the end of the trail.

 

[jeeps4fun]

But, since I'm using a WilderNest Topper (vs a RTT) I will have access to the bed of the truck as "living quarter" aka.. where the kids will sleep. So the bigger definitely feels better from that standpoint.

 

[jeeps4fun]

One cool idea might be to do something similar to what was done on the Expeditions West Tacoma - basically a drop down table off of the rear swing out:

Depending on the size of your side doors you could add one there as a drop down from the inside of the open door (if you keep the kitchen on the side)

 

[pdsftw]

Got some good progress to report on from the weekend. Finished up the metal work on the rear swing out. Got storage for a space, two jerry cans and a jack:

Here it is as it sits now - just need to paint:

Worked on modding the rack. Narrowed it from stock a bit (to fit my Thule cross bars and the RTT more easily) and then added a storage area up front and left the back open so I can stand up in the back of the trailer for easy loading/etc. Need to play with the balance but RTT will sit on the front or back of the rack depending...

Got the rack back on the trailer for a fitting and to test the awning:

Really happy with the results. Now it's on to the final stretch. Here is what I have left more or less:

- Wiring - gonna take a sec: lights, fridge, 110 and 12v outlets, battery switch, solar charger, brakes, etc
- Gas line for grill and hot water
- Finish painting....ugggg...the worst part is cleaning
- Install lighting: LEDs in all boxes, reverse lights, flood lights, etc

 

[jeeps4fun]

Awesome! I've never been one to "follow" builds until now. Especially helpful since we are looking at the same thing in the long run. Ask a little favor... Be as detailed and picture heavy as you can be on all the stuff you still have left!! . Looking good sir.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nice man, looking awfully kool. Love the rack/awning and the rear swing out stuff.

 

[loren85022]

Double impressive! That awning is great.

 

[pdsftw]

Got some work on the slide out storage for food/fridge/table done over the weekend. Cut some long angle iron to about the width of the trailer and tacked it down. Then mounted my drawer I had built a few weekends ago. Seems fairly sturdy - I wouldnt want to jump on the end once it's fully extended 6', but it will work for now (may add some fold out legs). Got some tie down railings to secure the fridge/cooler. Now it's really down to wiring and finishing the paint - rolling out around Labor Day weekend for a trip to Moab and back down through Crested Butte and Taos....can't wait. I figure I will have it about 90% done and the trip will help me figure out what I need/want/etc. Will post pics of the maiden voyage.

It's hard to tell in the pic below, but there is a wood top that swings up. Top for eating/prep and storage for dry goods below.

 

[loren85022]

Love the addition.

We went from Moab to Crested Butte by way of Kebler Pass. Stunning. Perfect trailer trail


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