Off-Road Camp Trailer Build (version: overkill)

[Herzog]

This is a build for a good co-worker friend of mine. He watched one too many videos about these campers and we got talking about how we could probably make one for small fraction of the price, and make it stronger too.

This thing is super overkill for what it is but I wanted it to be strong and able to hold a RTT and other gear (canoe or large kayaks and last a long time. I started with DOM (I had on hand) but realized that was dumb and expensive so when I get around to building mine it will be be normal HREW .120 for the main A-B structure.

Lower frame rails are 2x4 .120.

This one is going to be 11' long and 6' wide. I told him that's pretty big for a small offroad camper, but that's what he wants and the main tow rig for it is an F150 so it will actually fit that form factor really well... not to mention he's not really an off-roader but loves the idea of getting a camper into places where bigger ones can't. I have my pieces cut and off to the side in the shop that will be around 7' long and 5' wide to closer match the Project Taco-Cart

I've been done with my work on it since last November as I finished up the metal work and he drove it home to finish it up. So that said, this will mostly be photos with a few comments in between. I'm happy to answer questions and field criticism as needed.

2x4 .120 frame rails

Got them redneck square

Tiny home begins to appear

The axle he ordered ended up being too wide so we chopped it down to the width we needed.

 

[Herzog]

 

[Herzog]

 

[Herzog]

And off she goes to his home for finishing!

Door measurements for anybody's reference

 

[Herzog]

 

[Herzog]

 

[Herzog]

And that's basically where it's at as of today. He sends me progress shots every so often so I will keep this up to date from now on.

 

[Herzog]

That thing is awesome!

Thank you! I can't wait for him to finish it up and be able to try it out.

 

[dutchman]

Good work, that'll end up being a sweet trailer. It'll be interesting to see how the cost compares with what's already available.

 

[Bart]

Cool trailer

 

[glockman]

Good work, that'll end up being a sweet trailer. It'll be interesting to see how the cost compares with what's already available.

Well, since all the similar commercial options I've seen cost more than a 30ft toy hauler, I'd assume it would be pretty hard to not beat them by at least 75%. Seriously, I don't think there is a commercial equivalent for under $25k.

 

[Shawn]

Sweet! Nice job!

 

[N-Smooth]

So what do you "wrap" the whole thing with? Aluminum?

 

[Kevin B.]

So what do you "wrap" the whole thing with? Aluminum?

He could just stain those and that would be a really cool look. Have to find a way to waterproof the seams though.

 

[Herzog]

So what do you "wrap" the whole thing with? Aluminum?

Yes. He's going to use aluminum on the outside unless he changes his mind and uses a different material.

He could just stain those and that would be a really cool look. Have to find a way to waterproof the seams though.

When I do mine I am considering keeping the naked look with some kind of protecting stain. There's all kinds of interesting rv and roofing sealants that should work, but you'd have to check them often and maintain it.

 

[Kevin B.]

There's all kinds of interesting rv and roofing sealants that should work

That'll stick to both the wood and the metal tube and stay stuck as they expand and contract at different rates? I'm thinking you'd be resealing a lot more than you want.

Lemme know if it works though because it'd be a lot simpler than all that aluminum work and I think it'd look great!

 

[N-Smooth]

Yes. He's going to use aluminum on the outside unless he changes his mind and uses a different material.

When I do mine I am considering keeping the naked look with some kind of protecting stain. There's all kinds of interesting rv and roofing sealants that should work, but you'd have to check them often and maintain it.

I love the idea but I would be concerned about leaks with that many seams. I guess we'll see what he does first

 

[Herzog]

Few more pics came through my phone the other day. He's getting the back side setup pretty nicely. He went with a prefab door to help keep things sealed up better and dry... which I think was a smart move.

He's also got the back kitchen / storage area going. I'm loving this quite a bit

 

[Herzog]

More progress on this metal wagon.

This was by far the most difficult part. We ended up with 4 people to put the fiberglass roof and sides on. The glue was crazy, once it sticks it doesn't come back off. Hardcore stuff.

Once on, a multitool makes quick cleanup of the edges.

Sides put on:

That was as much as I helped again. The rest are photos from his progress again. I think it's turning out awesome!

Doorway cut back open and lower aluminum added:

He had another guy he knows do some aluminum trim work which is gonna get powdercoated black. I think it it's gonna look great!

Got these last two photos this week. Front ports for portable AC/Heat

Sideview with side doors installed. Love it. Looks like we may need to add a little more height on the springs after the extra weight but that's no problem.

 

[Herzog]

He's even got these handmade headrests made and ready to go. Different kind of 'bling'