Dirtco
New member
I don't mind you asking, but I really don't know. I have not added up the receipts yet. One day I'll get around to it.
Dirtco’s Camping Trailer - Version 1.2
- Thread starter Dirtco
- Start date
I don't mind you asking, but I really don't know. I have not added up the receipts yet. One day I'll get around to it.
Dirtco
New member
Nothing too exciting but I ordered a few parts for the trailer. I wanted to make some upgrades to the Tepui tent when it comes to lighting and 12 volt power. The tent came with a small battery powered removable light, but I wanted something more permanent that I didn’t have to look for when setting up camp. Or, have to worry about the battery’s being dead.
I also wanted to install some kind of tent entry light that would light up the ladder, and the inside of the tent. Mainly it will be used for when I pull into camp at dark, or when I’m headed back to the tent after hanging out around the fire. This was tricky because I needed to have a switch on the inside and outside of the tent. I found my solution in the form of a remote control, it’s solid state so it should hold up to the vibration, and the added range makes it perfect for finding the trailer after a couple cold ones!:cheers:
Before last fall’s Moab trip I picked up a 12 volt heated blanket because the temps were going to drop below freezing, it worked awesome but I had to run the cable out of the tent and into the trailer where the 12 volt outlet is mounted. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue but one night I got too hot, and the only way to turn it off was to get out of the tent and unplug it (it’s on a set timer). I want one or two outlets inside the tent for the blanket and to charge a phone, etc.
For the inside lights, I chose warm white because it was easier on the eye’s and reminded me of a candle or lantern. They are super small and put out a good amount of light. For the outside ladder light I’m going to use the same waterproof flood light as the trailer, and trucks rock lights.
Here is the remote unit; it’s even smaller than I thought it would be when I ordered it. It will be installed in the wiring control box.
And most of the new stuff all together
I also wanted to install some kind of tent entry light that would light up the ladder, and the inside of the tent. Mainly it will be used for when I pull into camp at dark, or when I’m headed back to the tent after hanging out around the fire. This was tricky because I needed to have a switch on the inside and outside of the tent. I found my solution in the form of a remote control, it’s solid state so it should hold up to the vibration, and the added range makes it perfect for finding the trailer after a couple cold ones!:cheers:
Before last fall’s Moab trip I picked up a 12 volt heated blanket because the temps were going to drop below freezing, it worked awesome but I had to run the cable out of the tent and into the trailer where the 12 volt outlet is mounted. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue but one night I got too hot, and the only way to turn it off was to get out of the tent and unplug it (it’s on a set timer). I want one or two outlets inside the tent for the blanket and to charge a phone, etc.
For the inside lights, I chose warm white because it was easier on the eye’s and reminded me of a candle or lantern. They are super small and put out a good amount of light. For the outside ladder light I’m going to use the same waterproof flood light as the trailer, and trucks rock lights.
Here is the remote unit; it’s even smaller than I thought it would be when I ordered it. It will be installed in the wiring control box.
And most of the new stuff all together
Last edited:
Dirtco
New member
Just little stuff...
The paint was looking a little rough in places where I used Duplicolor bedliner; between the UV rays, and the 4Runner throwing rocks at the trailer, it was chipping and discoloring/fading. So I touched up the paint in area's, I will need to install some diamond plate (or something else) on the leading edge of the fenders. I also need to get a car cover for it when it's being stored and not in use.
I also changed my mind on the lights I'm going to install inside the tent. I went with these 40" Superbrightleds.com flexible, waterproof strips. One will be wired up to the remote for getting in the tent and setting up camp, and the other will have a switch inside the tent. That one will also have a dimmer in case it's a little too bright.
Dirtco
New member
After I installed the RTT I noticed the trailer moved around a lot more than I liked; both getting up into the tent, and moving around inside the tent, it was all a little “sketchy”. So I built some stabilizer bars (kind of like the out riggers on a back hoe) that unweight the rear of the trailer suspension, and plant it down where it sets.
They worked great! But, they took up valuable room inside the cargo area and beat the crap out of all the camping gear inside. I had planned on mounting them outside the trailer last season but I ran out of time. This was one of those things that really needed to be taken care of before I took the trailer back out.
First strut in place
Both in place
The struts have welded inserts for a tight fit, and to keep water out of them.
They worked great! But, they took up valuable room inside the cargo area and beat the crap out of all the camping gear inside. I had planned on mounting them outside the trailer last season but I ran out of time. This was one of those things that really needed to be taken care of before I took the trailer back out.
First strut in place
Both in place
The struts have welded inserts for a tight fit, and to keep water out of them.
zonedriven
New member
Thinking about a similar project. I'm taking a 5x8 trailer and building panels on the side and rear to accommodate a14'x9' tent. I plan to elevate it on the rails and use the area under for storage. I'm hung up on the panels. I plan to build the frame from metal but thought about using rhinolined plywood floors vs expanded mesh metal. What do you think? The whole assembly will be removable so the trailer can still be a trailer. I want to make it strong enough for an atv or golf cart to go on the middle panel. Thanks in advance for your help.
Dirtco
New member
I used plywood for my floor, mainly to save some weight and keep the sound down. I treated it with several coats of Kilz, I've found that some bedliner will not stick very well to wood (Duplicolor). If your not concerned about weather proofing I would go with expanded steel, it's light and self draining. But, you might need some additional bracing to keep it from deforming.
blk-4runner
Banned
Trailer looks amazing good, wish I could built something like this...
Dirtco
New member
Dirtco
New member
Nothing too exciting...
I have LED lights mounted inside the storage area for setting up camp when it's dark. I installed two lights on the center roof support, one on each side. The light output was great, but the light that faced the door was too bright and would blind me while using it. I decided to move it back behind the door so I did not have a direct view of the lights, just the output.
Before
After
I have LED lights mounted inside the storage area for setting up camp when it's dark. I installed two lights on the center roof support, one on each side. The light output was great, but the light that faced the door was too bright and would blind me while using it. I decided to move it back behind the door so I did not have a direct view of the lights, just the output.
Before
After
BigBluePile
New member
Still an awesome build!!!
Dirtco
New member
Dirtco
New member
BigBluePile
New member
Thanks! It's good to see you over here!
Teehee :cheers:
Ya, I need 3.4 and 4th gen tech
Dirtco
New member
I had to set up the tent so I could take some measurements for the awning. While it was set up I figured I would knock out the in tent wiring, I knew it was going to be a time consuming project and I really wanted to be done with it.
I started by installing the LED light strips, there is one on each side of the tent. The light on the ladder side of the tent will be controlled by a remote, it will also control the two under side lights that light up the ladder and surrounding area.
Picture of the under side tent lights, there is one in each corner
I started by installing the LED light strips, there is one on each side of the tent. The light on the ladder side of the tent will be controlled by a remote, it will also control the two under side lights that light up the ladder and surrounding area.
Picture of the under side tent lights, there is one in each corner
