I posted a while back about starting a build for a trailer design that I think is extremely unique and -- from my research across American and Australian trailer companies -- hasn't been done before (ie. going to try and patent the concept if necessary). If all goes according to plan with the prototype, then hopefully I can market it and build these on the side as a hobby for supplemental income but I won't be quitting my job anytime soon.
Well, I finally got around to starting it two weeks ago on my spare time. I'll keep this thread updated as much as possible but feel free to follow along on Instagram: @nervefoundry.
As a precursor, I am just a dude with sub-amateur fabrication skills that likes to make ********. I'm mostly a keyboard warrior by day as a work-from-home full-time software engineer. To add, due to my love of making random ********, I also made a free web app a few months ago that helps people document their builds; check out my Tundra's build page here:
http://buildprint.io/builds/3.pluto?v=m
Goals:
- Handle real offroad abuse apart from dirt roads.
- Standing room yet low-profile to address wind resistance.
- Multiple functions, such as using it for camping, hauling things around town
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Solid construction and no fabrics to tear.
- Targeted toward the more "DIY" owner that wants to make the trailer "their own" via modular mounting options both inside and outside of the trailer.
The last item means that as a requirement the design has to be simple, strong, and spacious. The idea was, like the Go Fast Campers or Vagabond Outdoors truck campers, be an outdoors utility that can be taken anywhere yet withstand rugged abuse.
Amenities:
- Filtered water system inclusive of an interior sink and shower.
- Solar electric system.
I wanted to keep the trailer free of other items, such as a kitchenware, to keep costs low while letting people outfit those themselves; also will be minimal on excessive shelving/storage but modular add-ons are accounted for in the design.
Design:
- 5'x10' Enclosed box with swing down/up ramp/door.
- Steel frames and aluminum walls.
- Interior full-size bed roughly 5' wide and 6' long.
- Plenty of benches and tables inside (ie. rough sketch shows fitting 6-8 adults comfortably and based off me at 5'9" at 165lbs)
- Roof rack.
- Frame built out of structural shapes, such as channel, angle, and tee, for some weight savings but mostly to help with rust management.
- Tongue box with miniature roof rack ..though the electric system would take up most of the space.
- Water tanks under the frame.
- Optional interior storage boxes.
- Optional "slider" storage boxes.
The best part of my design will be unveiled in the future but it's hopefully patentable. Again, I haven't seen any trailers yet with my idea but there is one company that shares the general vision but are a step or two away. They were at Overland Expo West and seeing their trailer in person definitely gave me a boost of confidence in realizing my idea was very much possible.
Third-party products planned:
- Timbren half-axles with electric brakes.
- AT Overland coupler
I plan on modifying the half-axles with a long-arm type augmentation with optional dampening shocks for more clearance, travel, and handling boosts.
The prototype will be a little "extra" compared to what a basic version of the trailer might be because it's going to be pulled by my Tundra that's on 40s. So, naturally, the trailer will have matching 40s.
For those curious about my Tundra; check out my Instagram: @spvrtan
Well, I finally got around to starting it two weeks ago on my spare time. I'll keep this thread updated as much as possible but feel free to follow along on Instagram: @nervefoundry.
As a precursor, I am just a dude with sub-amateur fabrication skills that likes to make ********. I'm mostly a keyboard warrior by day as a work-from-home full-time software engineer. To add, due to my love of making random ********, I also made a free web app a few months ago that helps people document their builds; check out my Tundra's build page here:
http://buildprint.io/builds/3.pluto?v=m
Goals:
- Handle real offroad abuse apart from dirt roads.
- Standing room yet low-profile to address wind resistance.
- Multiple functions, such as using it for camping, hauling things around town
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Solid construction and no fabrics to tear.
- Targeted toward the more "DIY" owner that wants to make the trailer "their own" via modular mounting options both inside and outside of the trailer.
The last item means that as a requirement the design has to be simple, strong, and spacious. The idea was, like the Go Fast Campers or Vagabond Outdoors truck campers, be an outdoors utility that can be taken anywhere yet withstand rugged abuse.
Amenities:
- Filtered water system inclusive of an interior sink and shower.
- Solar electric system.
I wanted to keep the trailer free of other items, such as a kitchenware, to keep costs low while letting people outfit those themselves; also will be minimal on excessive shelving/storage but modular add-ons are accounted for in the design.
Design:
- 5'x10' Enclosed box with swing down/up ramp/door.
- Steel frames and aluminum walls.
- Interior full-size bed roughly 5' wide and 6' long.
- Plenty of benches and tables inside (ie. rough sketch shows fitting 6-8 adults comfortably and based off me at 5'9" at 165lbs)
- Roof rack.
- Frame built out of structural shapes, such as channel, angle, and tee, for some weight savings but mostly to help with rust management.
- Tongue box with miniature roof rack ..though the electric system would take up most of the space.
- Water tanks under the frame.
- Optional interior storage boxes.
- Optional "slider" storage boxes.
The best part of my design will be unveiled in the future but it's hopefully patentable. Again, I haven't seen any trailers yet with my idea but there is one company that shares the general vision but are a step or two away. They were at Overland Expo West and seeing their trailer in person definitely gave me a boost of confidence in realizing my idea was very much possible.
Third-party products planned:
- Timbren half-axles with electric brakes.
- AT Overland coupler
I plan on modifying the half-axles with a long-arm type augmentation with optional dampening shocks for more clearance, travel, and handling boosts.
The prototype will be a little "extra" compared to what a basic version of the trailer might be because it's going to be pulled by my Tundra that's on 40s. So, naturally, the trailer will have matching 40s.
For those curious about my Tundra; check out my Instagram: @spvrtan
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