Dirtco’s Camping Trailer - Version 1.2

[Dirtco]

I've been working on the slide out as time allows, mainly between home projects. Here is where I left off, the stove and kitchen box are in place, along with the rear cargo box.



It's been like a game of Tetris figuring out how to get everything organized on the slide out, not only to I have to find a place for everything, I also have to organize it based on how often the item gets used and in what what order.

Towards the rear of the slide out I made a general purpose tray that holds my camp chair, step stool and wheel chocks, along with some random other stuff. I installed carpet since they will be sliding around a little.





Next up was the dry food box, I started by glueing down some carpet and building a divider to keep the heavier canned items from beating the crap out of softer items, like chips, bread, etc.

 

[Dirtco]

With all the cargo boxes in place there was still a small spot left, perfect for carrying adult beverages! I built another divider and installed carpet, it also made a nice spot for the cable I use to lock the trailer up.

 

[Mr.Rick]

But where does the trasharoo go?? I mean beer case slots are cool and all but unless you get a 3rd trasharoo this is all for naught...:flipoff:

 

[chasingmagiclight]

Did you ever come up with any tent customizations to deal with the wind? I have an ARB RTT and it gets pretty darn loud as well. I'm always on the lookup for a well sheltered camp spot.

 

[Dirtco]

But where does the trasharoo go?? I mean beer case slots are cool and all but unless you get a 3rd trasharoo this is all for naught...:flipoff:

Come on Rick, you should know better...

During transit it will set on top of the camp stove

 

[Dirtco]

Did you ever come up with any tent customizations to deal with the wind? I have an ARB RTT and it gets pretty darn loud as well. I'm always on the lookup for a well sheltered camp spot.

Just some little stuff, I would really like to set the tent up in my driveway on a windy day and experiment a little. Maybe I'll get time this summer.

I installed set screws along the lower frame and into the fabric to keep the wind from separating them again.



I also installed some tie down points on the side of the trailer where the tent opens, the last time I was in Moab the wind blew so hard it literally raised the ladder up off the ground and almost closed the tent, even with my gear inside. This will allow me to tie the tent down, without stumbling around in the dark looking for a good spot.



Like you said, I put more thought into where I'm setting up camp and what the weather is doing. I also packed some headphones in my camping bag so if the wind is shaking the tent around I can listen to some music and hopefully fall asleep.

I've been looking at this too. It would be great for crappy weather, but I don't know if it would do much for wind.

WeatherHoods | Roof Top Tepui Tents | High Quality Roof Top Tents

 

[Dirtco]

A little more progress...

I had a table built into the rear tailgate, but it was something I threw together several years ago and it wasn't very sturdy. I was never happy with the end product, so I removed the table (along with the brackets) and started over.



I figured while I was starting over this would be the perfect spot for a small removable sink.

 

[Dirtco]

Progress is going good on the trailer, I'm excited! It doesn't seem significant, but all these little details will change the whole process of camping out of the trailer. Everything has a home and I no longer have to rearrange the trailer several times to get everything to fit; with the slide out everything can stay where it is, no more loading and unloading the trailer to get to that one thing thats in the back.

The two totes on the right side of the slide out are bolted down; the one with the silver lid is kitchen and cookware, the one behind it is spare parts, general repair stuff, and set up gear.



The tote on the left is my dry food box, because of that I wanted to be able to remove it (so I could bring it in the house to pack everything). There was very little clearance for a strap, and I needed to get in the tote without much work. I looked around the garage for a solution and found this, a Toyota lap belt. It's quick and easy to get into the tote, but it also keeps the tote secure.



I have LED strip lighting under the awning, but I felt the need for more direct light right above the stove when cooking at night. I stumbled across this rechargeable reading light that looked promising, so I gave it a shot.







The drop down sink / table is done, I just need to cut a hole in the sink basin and plumb the facet.

 

[Dirtco]

I finally got the fuel transfer system plumbed and operational! This has been on my list for years, I just never got around to it. To get everyone up to speed, I installed a factory Toyota fuel tank in the trailer when I first built it. I plumbed the filter and in line pump assembly, but thats as far as I got.





I originally planned to have a hose that would disconnect and be stored in the trailer, but as the trailer has progressed I decided I don’t want gasoline fumes inside the cargo area, and around my food. Instead, I installed a “fuel filling station” on the underside of the firewood box lid. I used a soft sided tool bag to store the hose and there is a shut off valve on the end of the hose.



It easily reaches the 4Runner, along with anything else that’s somewhat close to the trailer. I made a trip into town and filled the trailer with gasoline, I was able to get 17.5 gallons before the pump shut off. That’s more than the 4Runner’s tank holds, so I’ve more than doubled my range!

 

[Armair1]

That trailer is sick! Have you weighed it fully loaded?
Liking the rechargeable light also- link? Awesome build.

 

[BigBluePile]

Outstanding man, beautiful build!

 

[Mr.Rick]

Jeremiah, just when I think you couldn't possibly impressed the hell out of me anymore than you have, you go and pull a stunt like this... the level of detail and fore thought in your entire set up in incredible... and just because you're Dirtco... a fuel cell wouldn't cut it... had to be a factory Toyota fuel tank. I think you need to change your handle to @OEMWHORE... just saying. Nice work dude! Only thing you're missing now is solar power and a 4G signal booster for your phone.

 

[Dirtco]

Jeremiah, just when I think you couldn't possibly impressed the hell out of me anymore than you have, you go and pull a stunt like this... the level of detail and fore thought in your entire set up in incredible... and just because you're Dirtco... a fuel cell wouldn't cut it... had to be a factory Toyota fuel tank. I think you need to change your handle to @OEMWHORE... just saying. Nice work dude! Only thing you're missing now is solar power and a 4G signal booster for your phone.

Your too nice Rick, thank you! I had the fuel tank, so that's why I used it. If I was building another trailer from scratch I would buy a fuel cell, or make one. Oh, and I do have a solar panel, it's mounted by the tent on top of the trailer. As for the cell booster, no thanks. I prefer the peace and quiet of the backcountry, next to the glow and crackle of a nice campfire!

 

[Dirtco]

That trailer is sick! Have you weighed it fully loaded?
Liking the rechargeable light also- link? Awesome build.

Thanks man! No I have not weighed it yet, hopefully this summer I'll get around to it. Here is a link to the light; as long as the battery holds up, and it keeps working like it should, I'll be happy.

Innoo Tech Book Light for Bed Reading Rechargeable 2nd Version Clip on Music Stand Light AC Charger 8 Softest Led Bulbs with 2 Lighting Modes Eye Care for Performing, Bedtime, Camping - - Amazon.com

 

[CO4running]

Dirtco, Awesome Build and Details as always!

I am also building a trailer to pull behind my 3rd gen and I have read through your build tread and the more detailed one over at yotatech, but I can't find how wide you built your axle width to. Is it the same width as your runners axles? or..., and are you happy the way it tracks? In your next revision would you use the same specs? Thanks again for the in depth build thread. And if I over-looked the measurement in both threads I apologize for that, but I see how it happens with so much information.

 

[habskater11]

This is one hell of a build. Great job.

 

[Dirtco]

I am also building a trailer to pull behind my 3rd gen and I have read through your build tread and the more detailed one over at yotatech, but I can't find how wide you built your axle width to. Is it the same width as your runners axles? or..., and are you happy the way it tracks? In your next revision would you use the same specs? Thanks again for the in depth build thread. And if I over-looked the measurement in both threads I apologize for that, but I see how it happens with so much information.

Yes, it's the same width as the 4Runner. Back when I built the axle I had my old 86' 4Runner, I was planning on going with a Tacoma rear axle (or Diamond) so I built the trailer width to match. The nice thing about that is when your going through snow and mud the trailer follows the 4Runner's tracks. I'm extremely happy with how well the trailer tracks both on and off road.

 

[77Bronc]

Yes, it's the same width as the 4Runner. Back when I built the axle I had my old 86' 4Runner, I was planning on going with a Tacoma rear axle (or Diamond) so I built the trailer width to match. The nice thing about that is when your going through snow and mud the trailer follows the 4Runner's tracks. I'm extremely happy with how well the trailer tracks both on and off road.

I am still in the design phase on mine and track width is one variables I have not decided on yet. I am considering going wider as I like to look in the side mirrors and get a good assessment of the trailer behavior, for lack of a better word.

I am using the bed of my T100 as a good size model. I have been looking for a Toyota bed but that is not going to happen, cant find any donor vehicles around here.

77

 

[Ol'Blue]

So when can I place my order for one?

 

[Dirtco]

I am still in the design phase on mine and track width is one variables I have not decided on yet. I am considering going wider as I like to look in the side mirrors and get a good assessment of the trailer behavior, for lack of a better word.

I am using the bed of my T100 as a good size model. I have been looking for a Toyota bed but that is not going to happen, cant find any donor vehicles around here.

77

The only problem with running a wider axle is navigating it through rough terrain. Even when running an axle the same width as the tow vehicle the trailer will cut corners and not follow the same path as the truck, on tight trails with trees or rocks that can be an issue. It really depends where you plan to take the trailer.