Desertdude
Expedition Leader
Kurt - I dig your trailer nice and compact with plenty of ground clearance. I have watched it grow - hope to see you and the trailer at Moab06 :jumping:
What about expedition trailers?
- Thread starter DaktariEd
- Start date
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Desertdude said:
They will both be there again this year...
Last year I just chained it up in camp and it didn't see pavement again until we hit the road for home. However, this year a group of us are considering camping off of the main grid (downtown Moab
), so we might move camp everyday?
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
expeditionswest said:
Cool, can't wait!
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
To answer a bit of the actual question, what about trailers?
I have been slowly writing a trail trailer article that covers not only the design/build of a capable trailer, but also the additions & advantages of using one. The article is going to appear in an upcoming U4WDA Compass (quarterly magazine) but I will post the info on my site (as well as links on the net) when it is complete...
But a breif synopsis...
For me the choise was simple, I dread preparing for any camping/wheeling trips. I either pack too much or too little, and I wast far too much precious time preparing for trips. I get out on overnighters at least 3-4 times a month during the spring/summer/fall months, not too mention the 3-4 extended trips I try and do a year. That all adds up to ALOT of load/unload/inventory time.
Option 1: No action, continue to load up, make sure I had everything, and unload when I get back. For obvious reasons this was killing me...
Option 2: Leave the Landcruiser loaded. The Landcruiser is my primary camping/wheeling vehicle so leaving it completely loaded works. However, I don't like the idea of having thousands of dollars worth of equipment in my Cruiser that I drive all over town in... just too easy to lose ALL of it. In addition, will it all fit in the Cruiser? Surely I can make it, but not comfortably as I have added so much "required" and redundant gear over the years. Sure I could add a roof rack, but there exists many trade-offs as well. I have my top off most of the summer season, many of the trails I frequent are in alpine setting with lots of low trees, off camber in rocks, etc. I hit my cage & hardtop enough as is, a rack would most likely get destroyed quickly. This option also allows for zero security back at "base camp". I don't care to do anything hard with my truck completely laiden, nor do I care to leave loads of gear unattended back at camp. On of the biggest deciding factors however was the ability to take my Tacoma rather than the Cruiser, this would mean transfering all the gear from one rig to the other and finding suitable mounting, etc for the truck.
Option 3. A trail of some sort. After much delegation and headache, I decided that a trailer was the way to go in my situation. Not only could I leave everything loaded with the exception of fresh food, it would offer a secure way to store my gear both at home and at camp. It can be easily attatched to whichever vehicle I choose to tow with, and it does surprisingly well in the trees, rocks and on the highway.
I have been slowly writing a trail trailer article that covers not only the design/build of a capable trailer, but also the additions & advantages of using one. The article is going to appear in an upcoming U4WDA Compass (quarterly magazine) but I will post the info on my site (as well as links on the net) when it is complete...
But a breif synopsis...
For me the choise was simple, I dread preparing for any camping/wheeling trips. I either pack too much or too little, and I wast far too much precious time preparing for trips. I get out on overnighters at least 3-4 times a month during the spring/summer/fall months, not too mention the 3-4 extended trips I try and do a year. That all adds up to ALOT of load/unload/inventory time.
Option 1: No action, continue to load up, make sure I had everything, and unload when I get back. For obvious reasons this was killing me...
Option 2: Leave the Landcruiser loaded. The Landcruiser is my primary camping/wheeling vehicle so leaving it completely loaded works. However, I don't like the idea of having thousands of dollars worth of equipment in my Cruiser that I drive all over town in... just too easy to lose ALL of it. In addition, will it all fit in the Cruiser? Surely I can make it, but not comfortably as I have added so much "required" and redundant gear over the years. Sure I could add a roof rack, but there exists many trade-offs as well. I have my top off most of the summer season, many of the trails I frequent are in alpine setting with lots of low trees, off camber in rocks, etc. I hit my cage & hardtop enough as is, a rack would most likely get destroyed quickly. This option also allows for zero security back at "base camp". I don't care to do anything hard with my truck completely laiden, nor do I care to leave loads of gear unattended back at camp. On of the biggest deciding factors however was the ability to take my Tacoma rather than the Cruiser, this would mean transfering all the gear from one rig to the other and finding suitable mounting, etc for the truck.
Option 3. A trail of some sort. After much delegation and headache, I decided that a trailer was the way to go in my situation. Not only could I leave everything loaded with the exception of fresh food, it would offer a secure way to store my gear both at home and at camp. It can be easily attatched to whichever vehicle I choose to tow with, and it does surprisingly well in the trees, rocks and on the highway.
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
Another off road expedition trailer - Slee will be offering these
KingKamper
Pricey as all get out :smileeek:
I dig the swing arm coil suspension
KingKamper
Pricey as all get out :smileeek:
I dig the swing arm coil suspension
blupaddler
Conspirator
Those KingKampers are really nice! Have you seen how big the awning gets? You would need a pretty big campsite to fully utilize the benefits of that bad boy!
However, I have a difficult time with trailers. I am and have been in a quandry for the last year or so.
I am tired of using my roof rack. It is just too heavy, and I haven't used it yet to the "fullest" extent. I loose use of my sunroof. And I loose precious MPG also. Yet, it seems that I am constantly berraded with advertisements and pictures of people with full-length roof racks. Like they are a necessary piece of equipment. I have a set of Yakima racks that I use to transport my surfboards and paddleboards. Additionally, it seems as though, that the main areas available to mount the "danger" items such as high-lift and shovel are on a roof rack. But you expose them to the elements at the same time. So, what do I do...I have a really nice, superbly built rack that sits on the side of my house, that I have been debating on selling for the last year. ARgggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!
:sport_box :smilies27
Trailers seem very nice. Especially for the ability to park and be able to explore without having to pack things back up. Also the benefit of having dedicated cargo space, and not using or losing any of my vehicle's load. However, you are really slowed down using a trailer. And my macho side says I should be able to fit all of my gear into my 80. After, it is an 80, I have good storage space. Especially compared to Kurt, who wheels in a 40.
So, actually a question for you Kurt...If you were driving something, "bigger", say a 60 or an 80, would you still use a trailer?
And a question for others with a trailer or who have used a trailer in the past...Why did you decide to go with a trailer? Or what made you decide to NOT use a trailer?
Thanks, sorry if I was on a bit of a rant/soap box. Just talking out loud. I guess always evaluating and re-evaluating.
However, I have a difficult time with trailers. I am and have been in a quandry for the last year or so.
I am tired of using my roof rack. It is just too heavy, and I haven't used it yet to the "fullest" extent. I loose use of my sunroof. And I loose precious MPG also. Yet, it seems that I am constantly berraded with advertisements and pictures of people with full-length roof racks. Like they are a necessary piece of equipment. I have a set of Yakima racks that I use to transport my surfboards and paddleboards. Additionally, it seems as though, that the main areas available to mount the "danger" items such as high-lift and shovel are on a roof rack. But you expose them to the elements at the same time. So, what do I do...I have a really nice, superbly built rack that sits on the side of my house, that I have been debating on selling for the last year. ARgggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!
:sport_box :smilies27
Trailers seem very nice. Especially for the ability to park and be able to explore without having to pack things back up. Also the benefit of having dedicated cargo space, and not using or losing any of my vehicle's load. However, you are really slowed down using a trailer. And my macho side says I should be able to fit all of my gear into my 80. After, it is an 80, I have good storage space. Especially compared to Kurt, who wheels in a 40.
So, actually a question for you Kurt...If you were driving something, "bigger", say a 60 or an 80, would you still use a trailer?
And a question for others with a trailer or who have used a trailer in the past...Why did you decide to go with a trailer? Or what made you decide to NOT use a trailer?
Thanks, sorry if I was on a bit of a rant/soap box. Just talking out loud. I guess always evaluating and re-evaluating.
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
I am kinda feeling the same way Robb - I think traveling with less is always a better solution - I am thinking of the African load bars to mount our Maggiolina - but when in Moab or some-other slightly hard core wheeling spot the tent on the roof presents a too high center of gravity - which is where the trailer shines - show up at the central camp spot park the trailer set up the tent and viola you are set - no one answer seems to work...
60seriesguy
Adventurer
The *need* for a trailer is a very subjective concept, as it's influenced by people's budgets, comfort levels, type of trips, routes, and even geographical location. Having used both a trailer and a roof rack (and sometimes both), I can tell you that it's the terrain that really defines it for me. If you're going to be taking very rough trails, or very technical ones with tight switch backs or the possibility of having to backtrack (like when exploring old mining roads in AZ), you probably want to leave the trailer at home and just use a roof rack. On the flip side, if you're going on a very long trip with more than one passenger (besides the driver), or plan to visit a remote location and then use that as a base camp, or if your expedition rig is also your daily driver and you tend to go on trips on short notice, a trailer makes a lot more sense. Another situation where I see the trailer as an advantage is on long expeditions where you spend most of your day driving, and the trailer becomes a self-contained chuck wagon and "main campsite" that can be quickly prepped with minimal unloading of the rig itself.
I agree that traveling with less gear is probably the ultimate solution, but for some of us (and especially our spouses), rolling up your toothbrush and two Powerbars inside a t-shirt zip-tied to the rollcage isn't an option, even more so if you like to travel/camp with your family.
I think it was Kurt that mentioned this a while back, and I'll reinforce it. Before I had my trailer, I used to come home from a camping trip facing having to unload and store all of my gear in various places. Then, on the next trip, I had to go find all the gear in the various places (now forgotten), then load up the truck and hope that I didn't forget something important. Now, my trailer is a self-contained unit, I keep all of my gear neatly stowed in it, accounted for and centralized, and the only thing I need to add is the food box and other consummables, and I'm ready to go. That, my fellow expedition enthusiasts, is priceless!
Granted, I'm not going to go on some highly technical trail with the trailer in tow, but I built mine to follow the Land Cruiser and it's as heavy duty as the truck, I am confident that I could take this trailer around the world with minimum hassle (although I wouldn't want to be on muddy or sandy tracks with it).
For reference, it's a converted ex-military M416 trailer (with extensive modifications) that I tow with my 60 series Land Cruiser.
I agree that traveling with less gear is probably the ultimate solution, but for some of us (and especially our spouses), rolling up your toothbrush and two Powerbars inside a t-shirt zip-tied to the rollcage isn't an option, even more so if you like to travel/camp with your family.
I think it was Kurt that mentioned this a while back, and I'll reinforce it. Before I had my trailer, I used to come home from a camping trip facing having to unload and store all of my gear in various places. Then, on the next trip, I had to go find all the gear in the various places (now forgotten), then load up the truck and hope that I didn't forget something important. Now, my trailer is a self-contained unit, I keep all of my gear neatly stowed in it, accounted for and centralized, and the only thing I need to add is the food box and other consummables, and I'm ready to go. That, my fellow expedition enthusiasts, is priceless!
Granted, I'm not going to go on some highly technical trail with the trailer in tow, but I built mine to follow the Land Cruiser and it's as heavy duty as the truck, I am confident that I could take this trailer around the world with minimum hassle (although I wouldn't want to be on muddy or sandy tracks with it).
For reference, it's a converted ex-military M416 trailer (with extensive modifications) that I tow with my 60 series Land Cruiser.
BajaXplorer
Adventurer
Thought I would chime in behind the 60seriesguy with my two cents worth.
We just recently bought a Canadian M101 (similar to US M416) to satisfy our our goal of having a trailer option. The operative word here is "option" and the goal is to have several options.
I/We go frequently to Baja and Nevada with occasional trips to Utah and Colorado. We can carry plenty of gear in and on the Tacoma D/C, but we always have to decide what to take and what to leave because there just isn't enough room for everything we would like to take.
The "problem" has been that we, like most of you, have only had one choice of how we are going to go with regards to what amount of gear and what comfort level we want to experience.
The solution we have decided on is to have a trailer for those times we want to take a lot and the trip length and/or location warrants taking it. The trailer will slow our progress down some but it is capable of going most places we like to go. The rest of the times we will do as we have in the past and just load the truck up and go. Going bare bones, or the ability to haul sufficient food, fuel, water (hot showers), the BBQ, and the chaise lounge, having the option is good.
BX
We just recently bought a Canadian M101 (similar to US M416) to satisfy our our goal of having a trailer option. The operative word here is "option" and the goal is to have several options.
I/We go frequently to Baja and Nevada with occasional trips to Utah and Colorado. We can carry plenty of gear in and on the Tacoma D/C, but we always have to decide what to take and what to leave because there just isn't enough room for everything we would like to take.
The "problem" has been that we, like most of you, have only had one choice of how we are going to go with regards to what amount of gear and what comfort level we want to experience.
The solution we have decided on is to have a trailer for those times we want to take a lot and the trip length and/or location warrants taking it. The trailer will slow our progress down some but it is capable of going most places we like to go. The rest of the times we will do as we have in the past and just load the truck up and go. Going bare bones, or the ability to haul sufficient food, fuel, water (hot showers), the BBQ, and the chaise lounge, having the option is good.
BX
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
blupaddler said:
Absolutely...
I actually spend a good amount of time wheeling my X-cab Tacoma (plenty of gear space) or my 84' FJ60 (I also just sold my FJ55), which also has alot more room. But, as mentioned above, I hate having everything I own in the cab with me when I am wheeling... This of course is unavoidable in non "base camp" style trips.
That combined with the fact I hate the load/unload portion of a trip, and when wheeling 3 different rigs on a given weekend, it is a PITA to determine "what is where"...
One thing I havn't discussed much is the roof rack option... For some it is great, and I have been satisfied using it many times. But a good majority of my trips include some sort of alpline wheeling (low trees, tight trails) and or rock-crawling (narrow, off camber, tight trails), neither of which are too inviting for a roof rack. I rub the top of my cage as is, at a foot (if not more) and I am going to destroy it... A small rack would be great for my Tacoma as it doesn't see the rocks to the extent of the others... but at that I have an entire bed for storage.
There is obviously no "right" answer for everyone, but I think that for me the trailer was simply the best way to go. The only thing I regret is having too much gear with me... makes it very tempting for wheeling freinds to leave theirs at home :chowtime:
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
60seriesguy said:...I keep all of my gear neatly stowed in it, accounted for and centralized, and the only thing I need to add is the food box and other consummables, and I'm ready to go. That, my fellow expedition enthusiasts, is priceless!
AGREED :ylsmoke:
I am 30 minutes from being ready for a trip up to a week long, and that 30 minutes is spent loading the food/fuel, other than that I have a decent supply of goods.
:camping:
Mike S
Sponsor - AutoHomeUSA
I am a believer in expedition trailers.
I had one built to my specs a few years ago, and have used it all over the West. It has a spare tire, 40 gal. water tank, 4 5 gal. Blitz cans, tool box with marine batteries, charger, and water pump, hinged aluminum lid, and a very useful extensible tongue that can be pulled out to 5' in length for running in rough country. The lunette swivels for a little extra articulation. This is set up with the same hub to hub width as my FJ60, and uses the same tires and wheels. The tent mounts to the lid. I have towed this over 10,000 miles, and used it for up to three weeks at a stretch. I like being able to set up a camp quickly, detach the crusier and go... fishing, exploring, etc.
Adventure Trailers sells a nice unit. They supply most (all?) with tents mounted. If I was starting over today, I would probably buy one of these:
I had one built to my specs a few years ago, and have used it all over the West. It has a spare tire, 40 gal. water tank, 4 5 gal. Blitz cans, tool box with marine batteries, charger, and water pump, hinged aluminum lid, and a very useful extensible tongue that can be pulled out to 5' in length for running in rough country. The lunette swivels for a little extra articulation. This is set up with the same hub to hub width as my FJ60, and uses the same tires and wheels. The tent mounts to the lid. I have towed this over 10,000 miles, and used it for up to three weeks at a stretch. I like being able to set up a camp quickly, detach the crusier and go... fishing, exploring, etc.
Adventure Trailers sells a nice unit. They supply most (all?) with tents mounted. If I was starting over today, I would probably buy one of these:
atavuss
Adventurer
if anyone is looking for Canadian M101 trailers on the West Coast, Acme Truck Parts in Stockton California has a few of them. they are on pallets, wheels and lunette are in the trailer bed, there are no lights on the trailers so you will need to have a utility trailer or some other way to get it home. I have no interest with Acme, this is just a FYI. trailers are 999.00, you MIGHT be able to talk them down some as they have had these for a while now.
don't know if it is kosher to post a link to their Ebay trailer site but here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6527474420&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
I have a 04 Double Cab 4x4 TRD Taco and I use a 1946 1/4 ton Bantam trailer for camping trips. have been through some rough roads and it tows like it is not even there. I use the stock 16" wheels with NDT 7.00x16 tube type military tires which gives the trailer around 11" of ground clearance at the lowest point below the springs.
.JPG)
I have been wanting to fab a metal top so that I can lock all my camping gear in the trailer so it is already loaded and ready to go. I also am planning on installing a roof top tent as well.
don't know if it is kosher to post a link to their Ebay trailer site but here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6527474420&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
I have a 04 Double Cab 4x4 TRD Taco and I use a 1946 1/4 ton Bantam trailer for camping trips. have been through some rough roads and it tows like it is not even there. I use the stock 16" wheels with NDT 7.00x16 tube type military tires which gives the trailer around 11" of ground clearance at the lowest point below the springs.
I have been wanting to fab a metal top so that I can lock all my camping gear in the trailer so it is already loaded and ready to go. I also am planning on installing a roof top tent as well.
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Scott Brady
Founder
Adventure Trailer: Chaser Overlanding Model
I will be using an Adventure Trailer for my remote base camp option, and will be towing it for the first time on the El Camino Del Diablo trail this coming weekend. This is the new Chaser Model with long travel suspension, etc.
I will let everyone know how it does...
I will be using an Adventure Trailer for my remote base camp option, and will be towing it for the first time on the El Camino Del Diablo trail this coming weekend. This is the new Chaser Model with long travel suspension, etc.
I will let everyone know how it does...
Desertdude
Expedition Leader
Would you look at that chrome :elkgrin:
I look forward to seeing this beauty out on the trail this weekend :campfire:
I look forward to seeing this beauty out on the trail this weekend :campfire: