Small Utility Camping Trailer?

[TonyB66]

I realize my search might not have been sufficient, but does anyone use such with their 3rd gen?

I sort of like the idea of a RTT on top of one of these instead on top of the 4Runner itself, or even having the option to do both...

Some that I found, that are not too pricey:

https://www.bluelineeo.com/collecti...ilt-84700-scout-trailer?variant=6696459534375

Surplus 1968 US ARMY Tank Automotive Command M101 Cargo Trailer in Barstow, California, United States (GovPlanet Item #906737)

Maybe the back of a Tacoma too... Curious to hear or see what others have done.

 

[JGrauman]

I realize my search might not have been sufficient, but does anyone use such with their 3rd gen?

I sort of like the idea of a RTT on top of one of these instead on top of the 4Runner itself, or even having the option to do both...

Some that I found, that are not too pricey:

https://www.bluelineeo.com/collecti...ilt-84700-scout-trailer?variant=6696459534375

Surplus 1968 US ARMY Tank Automotive Command M101 Cargo Trailer in Barstow, California, United States (GovPlanet Item #906737)

Maybe the back of a Tacoma too... Curious to hear or see what others have done.

Do you plan on taking it through trails? Just wondering the application. If you are using trailer to get to and set up camp THEN go wheel, or take it wheeling with you. If it's the first, a 5x8 enclosed trailer is what we use. I don't ha e an rtt, but we keep all our gear in the trailer year around. Then we hook up and go. You set up camp and can head where ever. A good used 5x8 can be had for under $1000 and has a lot more storage space. You could easily reinforce the roof frame for an rtt as well.

 

[Benski]

I was using a hitch rack and car camping in my 4Runner when I would go trail riding. It got kind of cramped with my gear, so I bought a new 6x12 enclosed v-nose trailer for $2,900. I sleep on a full sized cot and have a portable toilet. I unload the bike and lock it up and have plenty of room inside!

 

[TonyB66]

Thank you both for the input. Has been a busy weekend...

I very much like the idea of having the camping gear in a trailer, stocked and ready-to-go, minus perishables that can be added quite quickly.

The ability to set-up camp, then leave to either hit the trails, explore the environs or go into some nearby town is appealing. With a RTT, even some of the more desirable ones, IMO, that option becomes more labor-intensive and not so practical...

If I were to go the RTT route, the one i currently like the most:

https://www.ikamper.com/

Seems very well-conceived...

If venturing alone or with just one other, such a RTT would likely be my first choice. Actually if solo, I'd probably just stay self-contained in the Runner going the rear seats down platform route... Have two little ones, a family of four, so fair amount of stuff, which is quite contrary to my normally minimalist approach...

I am currently contemplating a roof rack, a "half" size, and if so, likely this one: https://www.rockymtnracks.com/shop/half-rack

I have plans for a Ham radio antenna on the roof, where the moonroof is currently. Yes, a moonroof delete is in the plans... That complicates the use of a RTT too, and has me ruling-out full length racks. So, thinking a half rack for those times when we have extra gear, or even a small RTT remains an option on such a rack...

JGrauman and Benski, do you know the loaded weight of your respective trailers, 5x8 and 6x12?

I'm thinking a 5x8 can be outfitted to suit our needs quite well.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Perhaps build your own using an old pickup bed and axel as a base. I think one of the most important things to consider is that you want the trailer to be as short as possible in California. The campsites here are usually long enough for two cars which means if you have a short trailer you can park in a standard campsite. RV sites cost a lot more. My parents have a 20 ft RV they trailer and unfortunately they can only stay at dedicated RV campsites which cost as much as $50-60 a night and in the national parks most sites are for normal camping not large RVs.

 

[Red October]

I tow a small trailer I built myself. I originally thought about buying a small trailer and modifying it to fit my likes. But I just ended up building the whole thing. Mine is 48"x65" and 20"deep. I also have a tray on the front for 2 Spectre gas cans a spare tire and a tool box. The tailgate is outfitted with a kitchen, and the bed has enough space for my RTIC 65 and 2 large action packers for gear. If I were doing it again I might go a full 72" long on the bed size tho, since my kitchen takes up quite a bit of real estate back there. I haven't weighed it, but I would guess <800 lbs, loaded and ready to camp, I can pick the tongue up and move the trailer alone.

I love the utility of it. You get the convenience of a roof top tent but its nice to be able to park it and set up camp and still be able to use the truck. It's also light enough to take most places, and it handles trails very well. And I don't have to drive my truck around with the tent installed all of the time. I think its a great solution.

There are some super cool trailer manufacturers out there. CVT has one. Manley ORV, Smittybilt, a little outfit called Trail Tested Manufacturing, Adventure Trailers, Compact Camping Concepts, to name a few.

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[JGrauman]

Thank you both for the input. Has been a busy weekend...

I very much like the idea of having the camping gear in a trailer, stocked and ready-to-go, minus perishables that can be added quite quickly.

The ability to set-up camp, then leave to either hit the trails, explore the environs or go into some nearby town is appealing. With a RTT, even some of the more desirable ones, IMO, that option becomes more labor-intensive and not so practical...

If I were to go the RTT route, the one i currently like the most:

https://www.ikamper.com/

Seems very well-conceived...

If venturing alone or with just one other, such a RTT would likely be my first choice. Actually if solo, I'd probably just stay self-contained in the Runner going the rear seats down platform route... Have two little ones, a family of four, so fair amount of stuff, which is quite contrary to my normally minimalist approach...

I am currently contemplating a roof rack, a "half" size, and if so, likely this one: https://www.rockymtnracks.com/shop/half-rack

I have plans for a Ham radio antenna on the roof, where the moonroof is currently. Yes, a moonroof delete is in the plans... That complicates the use of a RTT too, and has me ruling-out full length racks. So, thinking a half rack for those times when we have extra gear, or even a small RTT remains an option on such a rack...

JGrauman and Benski, do you know the loaded weight of your respective trailers, 5x8 and 6x12?

I'm thinking a 5x8 can be outfitted to suit our needs quite well.

Just a guess, but under 1000#. We have propane tanks, multiple tents, grills, sleeping bags, chairs, tarps, fishing gear, coolers, plus plenty of room for the 4 kids bikes, plus I have Yakima racks on the roof. I built a sliding shelf for more storage and put lots of mounts on the walls. Ive since moved on to an Fzj80 because of the family of 6 now, but my 98 4runner towed a fully loaded 5x8 that weighed much more with wire and a ton of tools and ladders for nearly a year on the job with no issues. The trail trailers are very cool, but just don't fit the bill for how much stuff it takes to get all 6 of us to the campsite. So much nicer to come home and not have to unpack, just unhitch and go inside. Good luck with it

 

[TonyB66]

I found what looks to be a very good discussion on this topic. I share here in case others might be interested...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/the-un-offical-off-road-trailer-pic-thread.213537/

I will set aside some time to start reading through those pages. I feel reasonably certain that I'll find some inspiration and direction... Thanks again.

 

[Dezerts10]

I tow this with my 1996 4runner

It’s also for sale if anyone’s interested. Home built but Works rad


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[TonyB66]

I tow this with my 1996 4runner

It’s also for sale if anyone’s interested. Home built but Works rad


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If there is a listing with details, or page here with details, please do share. May I ask the reason you are selling?

 

[ericfromspace8]

I purchased a 3.5 x 5 utility trailer from Lowes as a starting point. I plan on building a rack for a RTT. I want to keep it light as possible since our trucks aint exactly rocket ships.

That military trailer looks super heavy

 

[TonyB66]

I purchased a 3.5 x 5 utility trailer from Lowes as a starting point. I plan on building a rack for a RTT. I want to keep it light as possible since our trucks aint exactly rocket ships.

That military trailer looks super heavy

This would seem to be the one you got:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952

Do you plan to have a build thread for your trailer? Curious to see what you do with it...

EDIT/ADD: Yup, the M101 military trailer, empty 1,340 lbs...

From what I've been reading, most here will likely want an an axle rated at 3,000 to 3,500 lbs. I've read of several failures with much less, like 2,000 lbs. How we load and use it makes a difference obviously...

 

[ericfromspace8]

This would seem to be the one you got:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-Trailer-3-5-ft-x-5-ft-Wire-Mesh-Utility-Trailer/3680952

Do you plan to have a build thread for your trailer? Curious to see what you do with it...

Thats the one. I got mine for around 400 out the door. IIRC, it was on sale at the time.

No build thread yet as I havent had the time, but school is almost over.
First modification I did was to flip the axle. Gives about a 4 inch lift.

Next is to build a waterproof box out of marine grade plywood to keep gear out of the elements. Paint exposed wood with Herculiner.

Next I will mount a rack to the top of the box. RTT follows.

Reinfornce the trailer tongue by having my buddy weld in a A-frame

Cut out the stock fenders and slap on some old 265/75 r16 tires. Just need to find some hub adapters

Its pretty much a general idea of what I want to build. I got some insipration from another forum called https://tventuring.com/

 

[Dezerts10]

If there is a listing with details, or page here with details, please do share. May I ask the reason you are selling?

me and some friends built it together and want to maybe start a small trailer company so we want to put our design into CAD so its easier to reproduce and alittle cleaner / tube fitting alittle nicer.

Its got a 4'x4" utility bed / floor that we made so it can haul about a yard of material with a single 3500 lb axle and leaf springs on 33 x15 Baja project tires. The box in front holds some stuff we were going to use it for batteries and some of the wiring for some accessories we have spec'd out. the tent is an ARB tent. its big inside probably about the size of a full size mattress and 8 ft long.

 

[TonyB66]

Thats the one. I got mine for around 400 out the door. IIRC, it was on sale at the time.

No build thread yet as I havent had the time, but school is almost over.
First modification I did was to flip the axle. Gives about a 4 inch lift.

Next is to build a waterproof box out of marine grade plywood to keep gear out of the elements. Paint exposed wood with Herculiner.

Next I will mount a rack to the top of the box. RTT follows.

Reinfornce the trailer tongue by having my buddy weld in a A-frame

Cut out the stock fenders and slap on some old 265/75 r16 tires. Just need to find some hub adapters

Its pretty much a general idea of what I want to build. I got some insipration from another forum called https://tventuring.com/

Good stuff. This is why I started the thread... I'll be checking that forum out for sure. I actually just came across it when I found this DIY one moments ago:

https://www.dinoot.com/models/m-series-model/

Thanks again, and best to you in your studies, and likely final exams now.

me and some friends built it together and want to maybe start a small trailer company so we want to put our design into CAD so its easier to reproduce and alittle cleaner / tube fitting alittle nicer.

Its got a 4'x4" utility bed / floor that we made so it can haul about a yard of material with a single 3500 lb axle and leaf springs on 33 x15 Baja project tires. The box in front holds some stuff we were going to use it for batteries and some of the wiring for some accessories we have spec'd out. the tent is an ARB tent. its big inside probably about the size of a full size mattress and 8 ft long.

If it were not for about 5+ hours between us, I'd definitely want to check it out. Fabricating something like this certainly helps one to see addtional opportunities I bet. Best of luck to you and your buddies if you decide to venture down that path.

 

[tx_shooter]

Subscribing just so I can find this later. I should be starting on my trailer build within a month.

 

[TonyB66]

Unlike a vehicle, I never shopped for a trailer before. What are some things to check in-person? I suppose a test drive is mandatory? If so, I guess I'd need the correct size hitch... Maybe bring a floor jack and check that each wheel is free-spinning?

 

[Dropzone]

You don't want to use the older m101 trailers.
Towed them in the Army. Had one for several years. They are heavy as hell. The floor is 1/4" steel.
If you can find a 1/4 ton jeep trailer (getting pricey) that would work better.

Check out [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] 's trailer thread

 

[TonyB66]

You don't want to use the older m101 trailers.
Towed them in the Army. Had one for several years. They are heavy as hell. The floor is 1/4" steel.
If you can find a 1/4 ton jeep trailer (getting pricey) that would work better.

Check out [MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] 's trailer thread

Weight is indeed a consideration, so thanks.

Some guys have made their own from utility trailers, as referenced in this thread. Ideally, I'd like to build my own, but time is indeed a factor. Want to make sure I'm not buying a lemon, so-to-speak...

 

[Dezerts10]

Unlike a vehicle, I never shopped for a trailer before. What are some things to check in-person? I suppose a test drive is mandatory? If so, I guess I'd need the correct size hitch... Maybe bring a floor jack and check that each wheel is free-spinning?

At a very minimum check the wheel bearings, maybe jack it up and do the wiggle and spin test. Check lights function driving, blinkers and brake lights, and I’d look for any serious rust or signs of the trailer being bent or axle being bent.


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