Dirtco’s Camping Trailer - Version 1.2

[Dirtco]

And here are a couple pictures of it out on the trail

 

[Dirtco]

I guess that pretty much gets everyone up to speed on the trailer (basically a crash course), I skipped a lot of details so if you have a question just let me know.

I have a lot of little stuff that I want to complete, or change around on the trailer, and some larger projects too. Updates might be a little slow, the trailer is really just a hobby and I'm really busy this time of year.

 

[Kurtis]

Yes, all from scratch. I don't know how much time I have in wiring the trailer but it's got to be at least 40 hours, probably a lot more. All the wiring exposed to the elements is double heat shrunk and loomed. There's two different electrical systems that come into play; the truck, and the trailer. Some accessories have the ability to be switched between the two.

That's really impressive, most people don't even attempt wiring something like that. If you don't mind me asking what is that you do for a living and where did you learn about electricity and how to weld like that?

 

[Dirtco]

Sweet build, I dig it. Do you like the Tepui? Have any pics of it set up?

I love the Tepui tent! It makes camping so nice!

Here's some pictures of the tent and trailer set up in Moab. The trailer does not normally set so tall, I stacked rocks/wood to level it and the stabilizer bars unweight the suspension which makes it taller.

And some night shots

 

[4ever4running]

I followed your build on YotaTech and I didn't think your trailer could get any better...but you have truly outdone yourself. The trailer looks amazing! I am especially impressed with the wiring, I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that was and how long it must have taken you. Very nice work man!

 

[KidVermicious]

Thanks for the pics, those are great.

 

[CedRunner]

When are you taking orders...because my wife just peeked over my shoulder and said "how come we don't camp like that?" Great trailer.

 

[Dirtco]

That's really impressive, most people don't even attempt wiring something like that. If you don't mind me asking what is that you do for a living and where did you learn about electricity and how to weld like that?

Thank you Kurtis. My day job is fleet maintenance, mainly working on Ford Econoline vans. I'm in charge of 70 plus vehicles with one other mechanic, it keeps me really busy! As for the wiring and welding, I taught myself. We didn't have shop or welding classes at my school. So I bought a welder when I was 18, read a couple books and practiced.

For the wiring, I was always into loud car stereo's and lights in high school. I did hack jobs on my first couple cars, but I learned and the quality got better.

Building my last four rigs, and two trailers, has been the best practice I could ask for. Reading though other peoples builds on the internet is also a huge resource! This trailer has really made me step up in my metal fabrication and wiring, there is no choice when your building something from scratch. Thanks again!

 

[Dirtco]

I followed your build on YotaTech and I didn't think your trailer could get any better...but you have truly outdone yourself. The trailer looks amazing! I am especially impressed with the wiring, I can't even begin to imagine how difficult that was and how long it must have taken you. Very nice work man!

Thanks man, it's nice to see you over here! I really appreciate the kind words, it's been a huge project but it's worth it. It gets a lot of attention when it's out on the road, trail and even the gas station!

 

[Dirtco]

When are you taking orders...because my wife just peeked over my shoulder and said "how come we don't camp like that?" Great trailer.

Thanks! Haha, my wife thinks it's ridiculous, she says "You know, we could just put a tent on the ground, do we really need a trailer on 35's?". I beg to differ, why wouldn't you want this!

 

[Dirtco]

The first project on my list was to lower the trailer a little. When I first built the trailer I used the Superlift 4” leaf springs that were on the truck, I pulled out the overload and removed a leaf to soften the ride a little. The Superlift springs only have a total of three leafs, so removing the one leaf reduced the weight carrying ability and led to problems; the trailer leaning to one direction or another, and it bottoming out hard when going through high speed off road conditions. I reinstalled the leaf, which helped with the above problems, but it also lifted the trailer a little.

Here is a picture before I installed the leaf; the trailer has a good stance and decent shackle angle.

Here is an after picture, you can see how it sets taller and the shackle angle is almost vertical.

 

[Dirtco]

I really didn’t want to buy new springs for it, so I decided to shorten the shackles to factory length. They are 5” Trail-Gear shackles.

A couple bottle jacks come in handy for removing the shackles

I shortened them down to 3.5”, which is factory length

Reinstalled

 

[Dirtco]

I forgot to measure but according to my calculations I think it dropped the trailer around an inch.

 

[CedRunner]

You should let her know that sleeping off the ground keeps things like ants, snakes, raccoons etc from visiting. And it also preserves heat as the earth is not cooling you down.

 

[cbielat]

Wow, great build. I wish I had the tools and the knowledge to make myself one of these.

 

[Antman]

Congratulations! That's quite a trailer you have there, VERY impresive, to say the least. Great job- I love it!

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Maybe I missed it, but I know you said you had a lot of stuff laying around that you used for this build. If you were to estimate what it would cost to build something like this having to purchase parts, what do you think this would cost?

Could be a pretty nice little side job for someone with pretty sweet fab skills. *cough* Dirtco *cough**cough*

 

[blcktpgsr]

I don't know which one I like more now, your truck or the trailer.:ybrick: But seriously your dedication to building is truly inspiring. Serious serious props to you man and keep it up!

 

[Dirtco]

You should let her know that sleeping off the ground keeps things like ants, snakes, raccoons etc from visiting. And it also preserves heat as the earth is not cooling you down.

She knows, but still likes to give me a hard time!

Wow, great build. I wish I had the tools and the knowledge to make myself one of these.

Thanks! It’s been quite the project.

Maybe I missed it, but I know you said you had a lot of stuff laying around that you used for this build. If you were to estimate what it would cost to build something like this having to purchase parts, what do you think this would cost?

Could be a pretty nice little side job for someone with pretty sweet fab skills. *cough* Dirtco *cough**cough*

Thanks man!

I would have to go through my receipts and see what I’ve spent so far. The other issue is that if I were to build another trailer I would do things differently, which would change the price. It’s kind of hard to know without designing another one and adding up the materials, but I will tell you I have a lot less than what it would cost to buy a manufactured trailer.

I would love to build a couple of these (redesigned with a built from scratch frame) but I really don’t have the room to do that at this time. I don’t have a garage; I use the shop I work at after hours. At this time they are cool with that, but if I start a side business I don’t think it would go over very well!

I don't know which one I like more now, your truck or the trailer.:ybrick: But seriously your dedication to building is truly inspiring. Serious serious props to you man and keep it up!

Thank you, that’s a huge compliment! They have both been big, but fun projects. I would love to see what you would come up with if you ever built a trailer!

 

[cbielat]

If you don't mind, about how much did you invest to get that trailer to where we see it today?