Offroad trailer

[Vinsil]

Been looking at these for a bit to put my RTT on and gear. 3 boys and a doggo makes a Runner tight.

I’d love a cool turtle back. I don’t love the 20k buy in or more. Looked at the Smittybilt Scout. Lots of trailer for the money. Bolt on tongue bothers me and I want hubs the same as the runner without adapters. Still in the running.


Then I found these:

https://bendtrailers.com/bend-trailers-4-x-6-sut4006xxa-sport-utility-trailer/

Now you don’t get drawers or a lid but optioned out its $3500. Add some wheels tires and some locking storage...under $5000.

I have looked at used and it is so much work bringing a M416 into this service if you can find a decent example...

Anyone bought from them? They are 1.5 hours from me.

 

[Vinsil]

No one? Well I’m going to buy one so maybe if there is interest I’ll post up about it.

 

[WallyT4R]

Seems like a nice trailer to start a build with, even though it is expensive for what it is. As a reference I brought a M416 back from the dead, bought it for $600 in 1967 tank ammo hauler status. Stripped it all down and had it all sand blasted, powder coated, stainless steal hardware, tires, rebuilt axle, led lighting and complete rewire, etc., etc....

All said and done I have about $2300 into it. Now the expo build begins :decision:. It's at the fabricators shop now......so starting off with the trailer you are looking at is pretty smart in my opinion. It's all new and a blank canvas. Please post a build thread about your trailer when you get the build going.

 

[Vinsil]

Seems like a nice trailer to start a build with, even though it is expensive for what it is. As a reference I brought a M416 back from the dead, bought it for $600 in 1967 tank ammo hauler status. Stripped it all down and had it all sand blasted, powder coated, stainless steal hardware, tires, rebuilt axle, led lighting and complete rewire, etc., etc....

All said and done I have about $2300 into it. Now the expo build begins :decision:. It's at the fabricators shop now......so starting off with the trailer you are looking at is pretty smart in my opinion. It's all new and a blank canvas. Please post a build thread about your trailer when you get the build going.

For sure. If I could locate a M416 for $600 that wasn’t full of holes and needing so much work I’d jump. They are $1000+ in my AO..and junk.

I’ll do a build out on it for sure.

 

[sn_85]

If you're going to spend around $5000 I'd look into the Anchor Mountain trailers. Its basically a modern take on the M416. More importantly you know it's going to holdup to off-road use. There's plenty of options you can add to it to make it to your liking as well but even the base model will be plenty capable and you can slowly mod it over time. The Bend Trailer you posted seems more like a utility trailer for hauling weekend projects rather than a true "off-road trailer".

https://anchormtnoverland.com/collections/overland-trailers/products/overland-utility-trailer

 

[Vinsil]

If you're going to spend around $5000 I'd look into the Anchor Mountain trailers. Its basically a modern take on the M416. More importantly you know it's going to holdup to off-road use. There's plenty of options you can add to it to make it to your liking as well but even the base model will be plenty capable and you can slowly mod it over time. The Bend Trailer you posted seems more like a utility trailer for hauling weekend projects rather than a true "off-road trailer".

https://anchormtnoverland.com/collections/overland-trailers/products/overland-utility-trailer

Thanks for the link. I like what they are doing!

A few points. Same frame material. If you opt for the 6’ model it’s over 5k. No front box, torsion axles are still optional and so is the lid and no boxes. Add the lid and they don’t offer boxes and your at $6200 without rails for RTT, axle upgrade, d rings, etc.

You have to add the options to see its more than a utility trailer. I thought the same until I added the options.

 

[Cymon]

Been looking at these for a bit to put my RTT on and gear. 3 boys and a doggo makes a Runner tight.

I’d love a cool turtle back. I don’t love the 20k buy in or more. Looked at the Smittybilt Scout. Lots of trailer for the money. Bolt on tongue bothers me and I want hubs the same as the runner without adapters. Still in the running.


Then I found these:

https://bendtrailers.com/bend-trailers-4-x-6-sut4006xxa-sport-utility-trailer/

Now you don’t get drawers or a lid but optioned out its $3500. Add some wheels tires and some locking storage...under $5000.

I have looked at used and it is so much work bringing a M416 into this service if you can find a decent example...

Anyone bought from them? They are 1.5 hours from me.

I’m in the same spot and looking at all of the similar options, just on the opposite side of the country. There aren’t a lot of options down here in terms of off road capable trailers. Very interested to see what you go with. We’ve been looking very closely at the CVT trailers as they have their east coast store in Chattanooga. Only a 12 hour drive but the closest I’ve found that builds something close to what we are looking for. I’m also looking into buying a used utility trailer and taking it to a fab shop to turn it in to what I want, but out the door cost will likely be close to $5-6k anyway once you upgrade axel/suspension, build a rack and top with hinges add the wiring, matching hubs and wheels...etc.

Edit: I’m also contemplating selling my RTT and going with an off-road pop-up like the Forest River ESP 1640. With the sale of my RTT, I could likely get into one for not much more than an off-road utility trailer. My main concern is how it would hold up over time even on light to moderate off road trails.

If anyone has experience towing a pop-up like this off-road and how it holds up I’d love to hear it. I’ve already read about 30 threads on Expedition Portal on pop-ups with lots of conflicting opinions.

 

[Vinsil]

I’m in the same spot and looking at all of the similar options, just on the opposite side of the country. There aren’t a lot of options down here in terms of off road capable trailers. Very interested to see what you go with. We’ve been looking very closely at the CVT trailers as they have their east coast store in Chattanooga. Only a 12 hour drive but the closest I’ve found that builds something close to what we are looking for. I’m also looking into buying a used utility trailer and taking it to a fab shop to turn it in to what I want, but out the door cost will likely be close to $5-6k anyway once you upgrade axel/suspension, build a rack and top with hinges add the wiring, matching hubs and wheels...etc.

Edit: I’m also contemplating selling my RTT and going with an off-road pop-up like the Forest River ESP 1640. With the sale of my RTT, I could likely get into one for not much more than an off-road utility trailer. My main concern is how it would hold up over time even on light to moderate off road trails.

If anyone has experience towing a pop-up like this off-road and how it holds up I’d love to hear it. I’ve already read about 30 threads on Expedition Portal on pop-ups with lots of conflicting opinions.

It’s tough for sure. The industry has a niche market if people willing and able spend 10k so or more on these off-road trailers. While I totally understand the money and effort I wish more places offered a bare bones option to build upon. I’m super curious about bend trailers and I’m suspicious that they might make CVT’s trailer for them. If that is the case I’m excited if they can add the lid. If not I’m going to build it myself.

As for the pop up. I used to build RV’s back in the day and have owned many over the years. This past year I sold my last one and here I have. I briefly looked at the pop ups offered but typical of the industry, they are built for pavement. Even the off road models are just made to maybe go down a fire road or similar. If that is all you plan to do, it is a good option. Good luck and keep us informed!

 

[Cymon]

It’s tough for sure. The industry has a niche market if people willing and able spend 10k so or more on these off-road trailers. While I totally understand the money and effort I wish more places offered a bare bones option to build upon. I’m super curious about bend trailers and I’m suspicious that they might make CVT’s trailer for them. If that is the case I’m excited if they can add the lid. If not I’m going to build it myself.

As for the pop up. I used to build RV’s back in the day and have owned many over the years. This past year I sold my last one and here I have. I briefly looked at the pop ups offered but typical of the industry, they are built for pavement. Even the off road models are just made to maybe go down a fire road or similar. If that is all you plan to do, it is a good option. Good luck and keep us informed!

They have the specs and diagrams of the trailers on their website. It looks like CVT sources then from Hartfield Engineering and Manufacturing. Now where they get there stuff from I have no idea.

 

[Swede71]

This is a bit out of the budget you are talking about, however it is worth just knowing these are out there. I have one and used it last weekend and am prepping all 3 trailers in the garage to go out and test and enjoy in the Rockies tomorrow. Basically it is more money however it comes from a company designing and selling these since the 80's that makes a phenomenal product that is ready to go the day you buy it, a perfect bug out trailer.

Tec2 off-road camping trailer from S Africa
990lbs
includes:
independent suspension(it goes where my heavily modified 4-runner goes)
Full kitchen
Dometic 75L DZ fridge/freezer
Electrical panel that can be charged from solar, generator, shore power, offers four 3.1A USB charging ports, two 110V charging ports and several hella ports(will get converters to CLA for these, have not had time yet)
Over run brake system
Sleeps up to 7 people, tent/awning are modular so can set it all up or just part of it
Huge I mean Huge storage capacity
120L(32 gallon) water storage with pump that runs off of the electrical panel.

Something to consider is all for a complete lightweight package that has everything.

Also if a jeep can tow it then you know it is lite weight and you can actually get not bad fuel economy with it.

 

[Vinsil]

This is a bit out of the budget you are talking about, however it is worth just knowing these are out there. I have one and used it last weekend and am prepping all 3 trailers in the garage to go out and test and enjoy in the Rockies tomorrow. Basically it is more money however it comes from a company designing and selling these since the 80's that makes a phenomenal product that is ready to go the day you buy it, a perfect bug out trailer.

Tec2 off-road camping trailer from S Africa
990lbs
includes:
independent suspension(it goes where my heavily modified 4-runner goes)
Full kitchen
Dometic 75L DZ fridge/freezer
Electrical panel that can be charged from solar, generator, shore power, offers four 3.1A USB charging ports, two 110V charging ports and several hella ports(will get converters to CLA for these, have not had time yet)
Over run brake system
Sleeps up to 7 people, tent/awning are modular so can set it all up or just part of it
Huge I mean Huge storage capacity
120L(32 gallon) water storage with pump that runs off of the electrical panel.

Something to consider is all for a complete lightweight package that has everything.

Also if a jeep can tow it then you know it is lite weight and you can actually get not bad fuel economy with it.

M
Love it!!! How much more out of my budget are we talking? If it’s 8k, I’ll do that right now. It looks more like the 20k ones I’ve seen and the quality and features show that money. Awesome setup man!

 

[Swede71]

M
Love it!!! How much more out of my budget are we talking? If it’s 8k, I’ll do that right now. It looks more like the 20k ones I’ve seen and the quality and features show that money. Awesome setup man!

Pricing for this one is about US$22,850.00 or so, depends on exchange rates. They are built very well, we just went out again this weekend in very heavy rain so lots of greasy mud and bumps, and it towed perfectly.

 

[Vinsil]

Pricing for this one is about US$22,850.00 or so, depends on exchange rates. They are built very well, we just went out again this weekend in very heavy rain so lots of greasy mud and bumps, and it towed perfectly.

Very nice man! Yes a bit out of my range but it looks like it will last forever!

 

[greatape]

Vinsil, keep an out below as you may find one that fits your needs and budget pop up. I've seen some nice deals posting up lately. Good luck!

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/forums/expedition-campers-and-trailers.99/

 

[Cymon]

[MENTION=140851]Vinsil[/MENTION] My patience paid off with this bad boy we found and towed home from Jacksonville yesterday. Found it on CL. Took us a year to find one at the right price and in decent condition. Fully restored m416. The color is hideous because the owner painted it to match his Jeep. Oh well I guess it matches my Seahawks gear. Toyota hub/wheel conversion coming followed by a custom rack for our tent. Good luck with your search, hope you find/build you unicorn soon.

 

[Vinsil]

[MENTION=140851]Vinsil[/MENTION] My patience paid off with this bad boy we found and towed home from Jacksonville yesterday. Found it on CL. Took us a year to find one at the right price and in decent condition. Fully restored m416. The color is hideous because the owner painted it to match his Jeep. Oh well I guess it matches my Seahawks gear. Toyota hub/wheel conversion coming followed by a custom rack for our tent. Good luck with your search, hope you find/build you unicorn soon.

Real nice score man!!! I’ve got cash, none for sale anywhere near my AO. Gr at setup, super jealous!!!

 

[Jetboy]

IMO the trailer you mentioned is a great starting point. If you want Toyota hubs - it's usually very inexpensive to swap to a 6 bolt pattern. If it's all new stuff - most trailer shops would do it for less than $100. If you wanted to use Toyota wheels - you'll need to use cheap wheel spacers. The trailer lugs won't work with Toyota lugnuts, and Toyota wheels are not 0 offset like trailer wheels. So the spacer solves both problems. Works great. I have them on my camper for that purpose.

If you're willing to wait - ask them about a custom axle width if you want one. Should cost about $150 for a new custom axle. Just so you can get exactly what you want. I built my trailer to match my 4runner track width. (minus 3" for spacers to match WMS width).

I'd bet if you bring your own wheels/tires they'd do all the swap around in trade for the ones on the trailer.

On top of that you can build yourself or hire a shop to mount any mix of boxes and racks you want for storage. IMO you should be able to put together a fantastic offroad camp trailer like that for under $5k. Especially if you already have all the camping gear for it. A full size slide out cargo tray is ~1,000. 6 foot cargo boxes for each side would be about $900 more. Then add a rack that could be pretty basic for the RTT made from 8020 aluminum. And some type of cover for the stuff on the cargo tray. And you're in business.

I plan to do something very similar with my 4x8 utility trailer in a year or two. I already have a 10' camper with hard sides, but it's not ideal for heavy offroad use.

 

[Vinsil]

IMO the trailer you mentioned is a great starting point. If you want Toyota hubs - it's usually very inexpensive to swap to a 6 bolt pattern. If it's all new stuff - most trailer shops would do it for less than $100. If you wanted to use Toyota wheels - you'll need to use cheap wheel spacers. The trailer lugs won't work with Toyota lugnuts, and Toyota wheels are not 0 offset like trailer wheels. So the spacer solves both problems. Works great. I have them on my camper for that purpose.

If you're willing to wait - ask them about a custom axle width if you want one. Should cost about $150 for a new custom axle. Just so you can get exactly what you want. I built my trailer to match my 4runner track width. (minus 3" for spacers to match WMS width).

I'd bet if you bring your own wheels/tires they'd do all the swap around in trade for the ones on the trailer.

On top of that you can build yourself or hire a shop to mount any mix of boxes and racks you want for storage. IMO you should be able to put together a fantastic offroad camp trailer like that for under $5k. Especially if you already have all the camping gear for it. A full size slide out cargo tray is ~1,000. 6 foot cargo boxes for each side would be about $900 more. Then add a rack that could be pretty basic for the RTT made from 8020 aluminum. And some type of cover for the stuff on the cargo tray. And you're in business.

I plan to do something very similar with my 4x8 utility trailer in a year or two. I already have a 10' camper with hard sides, but it's not ideal for heavy offroad use.

Thanks for the advice and insight! Truly helpfu! I drove all the way to Bend without calling them (first mistake). Knowing I’d have to order one, I figured I’d check out their facility and see the quality. Turns out, they don’t make any in house anymore and only offer the iron eagle trailers. No Offroad options just plain utility trailers. My wife was pissed and wanted me to just buy a basic one and be done with this. I know I won’t be happy with a $1500 trailer and would beat it to death dragging it down trails.

So the search is still on. A local m416 just popped up but the guy won’t email or call me.

I’m about ready to go buy a welder and just build from scratch. I don’t have the time for it but this is proving harder than it should be.

 

[Jetboy]

Personally - I'd pass on the 416. I think it's too small for what most of us want.

If there are any trailer manufacturers near you - it may be worth a phone call to see if they can just adjust the size of what they're making to what you want. I've built a handful of trailers. They're pretty easy to fabricate. And for a manufacturer - they're super easy and very modular so they can adjust for all the variations they sell.

If you do build your own, I can send you a few drawings of how I like to build small trailers. If you don't have a good band saw - get all the main tube parts pre-cut at the steel supplier. It costs me $2 per cut. (I have a band saw so I do it myself, but next time I'll probably just get a pre-cut batch of parts ready to go). The main goal for me is just making them very easy to build. I can usually build one ready for paint in a day. Parts cost about $750 for the basic flatbed version. More now with tariffs on all the steel and stuff.

I've simplified my design to use only 6 pieces of 2x3 rectangular tube, an axle kit, premade fenders, and about 30 feet of 1.5x1.5 angle. Goes together quickly and makes a really solid small trailer platform. You can customize to your needs from there. Mine has all removable sides so I can also haul flat stuff. I normally just use it for hauling trash to the landfill. When I'm done with a project I'll usually sell the trailer and build a new one in the future as I need it.

This trailer should cost around $1,000 without brakes. Maybe $150 more with brakes. I don't see any reason to want or need long travel suspension. I could see the value in upgrading to torsion axles for more ground clearance with smaller, lighter weight, tires. (add another $200ish) But if you're using matching tire size for your truck - any axle setup will have more clearance already, so I'd go with a regular cheap one.

A sheet metal shop should be able to make a really nice top cap that will fit on a set of tool boxes around the edges. I'd have to price it out. My guess is something like $250 for the top cap. Or you could design it to match a specific truck bed size. Then you'd buy an off the shelf taneau (I dont' know how to spell it) cover. No reason to reinvent the wheel for this. Use stuff you can already buy if possible. It'll save a lot of headaches and money.

Just a few more thoughts from my experience. Hope they help you find what you're looking for. If you want some drawings of cut lengths and such shoot me a PM. They're about as easy to build as I can imagine. Or we should do a group buy and I'll build a dozen of them.

 

[Vinsil]

Personally - I'd pass on the 416. I think it's too small for what most of us want.

If there are any trailer manufacturers near you - it may be worth a phone call to see if they can just adjust the size of what they're making to what you want. I've built a handful of trailers. They're pretty easy to fabricate. And for a manufacturer - they're super easy and very modular so they can adjust for all the variations they sell.

If you do build your own, I can send you a few drawings of how I like to build small trailers. If you don't have a good band saw - get all the main tube parts pre-cut at the steel supplier. It costs me $2 per cut. (I have a band saw so I do it myself, but next time I'll probably just get a pre-cut batch of parts ready to go). The main goal for me is just making them very easy to build. I can usually build one ready for paint in a day. Parts cost about $750 for the basic flatbed version. More now with tariffs on all the steel and stuff.

I've simplified my design to use only 6 pieces of 2x3 rectangular tube, an axle kit, premade fenders, and about 30 feet of 1.5x1.5 angle. Goes together quickly and makes a really solid small trailer platform. You can customize to your needs from there. Mine has all removable sides so I can also haul flat stuff. I normally just use it for hauling trash to the landfill. When I'm done with a project I'll usually sell the trailer and build a new one in the future as I need it.

This trailer should cost around $1,000 without brakes. Maybe $150 more with brakes. I don't see any reason to want or need long travel suspension. I could see the value in upgrading to torsion axles for more ground clearance with smaller, lighter weight, tires. (add another $200ish) But if you're using matching tire size for your truck - any axle setup will have more clearance already, so I'd go with a regular cheap one.

A sheet metal shop should be able to make a really nice top cap that will fit on a set of tool boxes around the edges. I'd have to price it out. My guess is something like $250 for the top cap. Or you could design it to match a specific truck bed size. Then you'd buy an off the shelf taneau (I dont' know how to spell it) cover. No reason to reinvent the wheel for this. Use stuff you can already buy if possible. It'll save a lot of headaches and money.

Just a few more thoughts from my experience. Hope they help you find what you're looking for. If you want some drawings of cut lengths and such shoot me a PM. They're about as easy to build as I can imagine. Or we should do a group buy and I'll build a dozen of them.

Thanks again for the insight and thoughts. I’ll think if over some more and add things up. I just want to store all my gear in a organized and ready to go solution and leave it in my garage. I’m not after fancy really, function over form here. My main concern is getting it turned around as I explore. Which is why I had a 416 in mind in the first place. I don’t want a 8 foot box and 3 foot tongue otherwise I’d be pulling off the ball to move it by hand.

I’ll let you know and thanks for the offer!