The Anti-Trailer thread

[Pokey]

im thinking to push the concept beyond the normal cargo carrier for better departure like so:

sorta Unimog camper rear end-ish.

key elements would be good departure angle-
between tailights so as not to block-- on an 80 series this is 58" width.
height on an 80 in the pic below is almost 40"---leaving good rear visibility.
depth can be whatever is needed as far as cubic foot capacity..................eg. 58x40x13 with the slant cut removed is well over 15cu feet and would be equivalent depth as a 35"tire on the wheel carrier.

probably would need double hitch mounts on either end- to prevent rocking-
fully boxed with thin wall riveted alum.sheet-
doors/latches/lids for side and rear access.

weight- sub 100lbs. and 15cu ft of cargo space for lightweight bulky items to total under 350lbs (less than your avg aftermarket bumper/jerrycans/hilift/35" tire.

bonus- Can swing out and face under side awning and use the fold open hatch as table for cooking and food prep.

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

I'm glad this thread came up, I've been throwing around the idea of getting one of these for the future, but the more I think about it the more I'm convinced we don't need it. The thought first came up with our first extended camping trip in the FJ with the dog. There isn't a whole ton of room in the back of the FJ (at least not as much as others) and with a combo of all our crap and the dog not only did we have the back filled but the roof rack was loaded too..and it was still cramped. I kept thinking man, if only I had somewhere else to put our stuff the dog would be more comfortable and I could actually find what I was looking for!

Then I really started looking at the trailers and weighing the options. Since that trip each trip after has been an evolution of gear...taking only what we know we will use and trading big bulky gear in for smaller more efficient gear. We aren't done yet, but I'm pretty sure now that there is just no need for us to have a trailer. Aside from having to carry the extra weight, I have concerns about where we could take it and just having another thing we have to worry about breaking/getting a flat/whatever....the modifications to the truck keep us busy enough. I pretty much subscribe to if you can't carry it with you then you don't need it...if I can fit everything I need for a week in a backpack then I can fit everything I need for a month in the back and on the roof of the truck.

I'd really like to build a platform in the back with some drawers for extra storage inside the truck, but I don't quite have Josh convinced that we should take out the rear seats. We have an Engel fridge now and that fits nicely in the rear and we have been using rubbermaid boxes for the rest of our stuff, which is nice but I get tired of digging through those. One day, we will be organized I just don't think a trailer will help anymore than a rear built in cargo area, and for the price I'd rather try to box route first.

But I do have to admit, those trailers are pretty sweet! :26_7_2:

 

[teotwaki]

I've seen people have trouble driving on paved roads with those hitch basket setups. There's many parking lot/driveway entrances out here that because of the slope of the road down into the gutter, then curb and slope up of the entrance - most people would be dragging/damaging those carriers.

Agreed about the damage aspects but that is what Harbor Frieght is for!

They have the aluminum basket version with a steel tube into the hitch that is only $57

Also look at Thule if you have the bucks... about $500 (yikes) for a "whopping" 13 cubic feet in the Terrapin model

 

[TheGillz]

When weather permits :sunny: No-top-jeep + wife + two kids + dog = trailer for us.

 

[durango_60]

If you are traveling alone or with one passenger I do dare say you overpack if you need a trailer. However, throw in a couple of wee ones and dogs and I'm impressed with anyone who can bring everything you need even with a trailer.

 

[ntsqd]

It is funny how the addition of one person has quadrupled what I now 'need' to bring, and she really does travel light!

The stability thing is important to me. For one trip I used a pair of ratchet straps, one on each end of the 'wheeless trailer' up to the bumper. With both pulled tight the rack did not wobble. That is a short term solution.
Attached is what I'm going to try as a longer term solution. If it works on the bike rack then I'll build a heavier duty version for the M/C rack. BTW this design was blatantly stolen from a M/C rack mfg.

 

[Casper]

If you are traveling alone or with one passenger I do dare say you overpack if you need a trailer.

I would say I fit this catigory. Just me and the dog(he is 135 lbs, so thats like two wee children ) But I am dam comfortable at camp. Plus everyone I go with loves not having to bring as much water since I can.
I have doen the whole "live out of a pack" thing. Heck, as a whitewater guide I spent a tad over 5 years where I could fit everything I owned in the back of my truck including my house. Lived simple and loved it. Now however I like the idea of being comfortible while "roughing it". I also like the added challenge in offroading with a trailer(as if wheeling an Xterra isn't challenging enough ) I think it comes down to personal preferance. I have to say the design that you came up with seems to be a good one. If done right, it would make a good camp kitchen set up. Do you think you will end up building it?

Casper
:1888fbbd:

 

[theMec]

I'm aiming for the setup where I stop for the night and the 3 of us pile in the back of the truck w/ little hassle. Frequently we break camp daily on trips also. So less un/packing the better. I'm liking this hitch mounted cargo setup. Great departure angle. Just need to make it swingaway instead of a tilt down. Anyone know the brand?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7682973@N04/483484347/in/set-72157600230735421/

(Seems like flickr won't let you embed pics ...)

 

[ntsqd]

From the looks of the preceding pic I'm guessing owner/home/custom fabrication.

 

[Bergger]

It's what ever works for you. For us the trailer works great. If it does'nt work then I'm sure there are other options out there as mentioned above. Neither is better than the other for all applications.

 

[Doin_It]

So how come folks (even riding 2 up) are able to travel the world on their bikes, with just the stuff they can haul on a bike, but as soon as you move into a vehicle of some sort there isn't enough room? Always wondered that, as I'm guilty myself sometimes. On the 'ol Harley or Honda 650XL, 2 pants etc. will do, but once in the Jeep it isn't enough? Do tell.

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Along the trailer idea, has anyone on this forum used the teardrop style of trailer for mild off-road camping?
Visit: http://www.mikenchell.com/ & http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

Pete Wilson

 

[TheGillz]

So how come folks (even riding 2 up) are able to travel the world on their bikes, with just the stuff they can haul on a bike, but as soon as you move into a vehicle of some sort there isn't enough room? Always wondered that, as I'm guilty myself sometimes. On the 'ol Harley or Honda 650XL, 2 pants etc. will do, but once in the Jeep it isn't enough? Do tell.

I think there is a deep truth in human nature that says, "I have a motorcycle, it won't fit a fridge therefore I will not consider a fridge" and conversely "I have a 4x4 that can pull/haul XX amount, so by gosh I'm gonna fill it to XX amount with a fridge...ohh I bet I could fit another battery!, ohhh and that stove is Freakin Sweet!! dang I bet a nice bed would GO HERE! *salivate* etc. etc.

 

[CA-RJ]

Hey

Along the trailer idea, has anyone on this forum used the teardrop style of trailer for mild off-road camping?
Visit: http://www.mikenchell.com/ & http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/

Pete Wilson

I don't think a teardrop would withstand any kind of offroad travel. I don't think it would stay together very long.

 

[PCRover]

Since someone else brought this up, I thought this a good time to express my opinion on this.

I had a m101CDN and pulled it behind My Discovery II for three days in the dirt and desert of Nevada. It was one of the worst experiences I have had off road. Sold it as soon as I got back. Pulling a trailer in difficult conditions and terrain is not fun and not for me. I can see the advantages of trailers, but most seem to gloss over the drawbacks with them. Do your homework and make your decision based on your own situation. Maybe a trailer is for you, but then again maybe not...