Saw this (picture is the actual unit, illustration is my idea spawned from the picture...)


Found the original unit at http://www.tentrax.com
It opens up to expose a full length sleeping platform that's roughly 48" wide. Unfortunately the base model starts around $2k w/out accesories!:z: <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

I saw this for $149 at northern tool online. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />


Can it be modified to use a full sized tire w/ a 6x5.5 bolt pattern?

Any suggestions on making a setup similar to the unit above it? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Will it have enough structural integrity to put 500lbs on it and handle rubicon like stresses?

TIA.

Not with that puny hitch tongue.

Plus the fact that every time I see one of those it's usually attached to a yuppiemobile at Lowe's packed down with a 1000 lbs of tile and ready mixed thinset... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think you may be more money in modding it to do what you're asking than buying a trailer of similar overall dimensions at a local manufacturer. For example, I paid $900.00 (tax, license, everything) for a 6.5' X 12' utility trailer. I later bought an enclosed 6' X 8' for my business for $1200.00. Both are great quality, never fail. I would imagine that you could find a 5' X 5' or 6' X 6' for about $400.00 with 15" wheels, etc.

Mike

I agree that this trailer is not a good starting point. I saw this one up close too. It couldn't handle the stresses. They are bolt together kits. By the time you spend the time and money modding it to handle the stresses, you will have blown your budget. I don't think even the axle is up to the challenge. Just my .02c

Thanks, not knowing much about trailer design, I figured I'd better ask before buying and building my very own money pit... I already have one of those...

well, it's a pit I do enjoy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Agreed on that trailer. To say the least, I'll bet you can't fit bigger than about a 24" tire on that thing.
I have a golf cart trailer that I keep looking at for a pattern to build an offroad camp trailer. It is about five feet wide by maybe eight feet long. Still pretty small. My thought was to build it to open up sideways on both sides. I'd build it so the opened footprint is the same as a commercially available car camping tent. Then just cut the floor out of it and set it up. It would provide about the size of a double bed in the middle with a twin on either side. I have two kids, but it could be designed to have storage or kitchen or something on at least one of those sides.
I'll try to draw someday soon.

LOL. I've been doing alot of trailer thinkin too. Its a shame the available stuff out there is so expensive.

I've contemplated making that tentrax tub and top using thier same fiberglass methods. But I'm leaning more toward all metal. Will probably be my summer long project.

Here's one a little heavy on the over complicated/under-engineered side. At least the U.S. mass producers are seeing there may be a future in a more offroad capable trailer though - Fleetwood Evolution

This company was assembling a line of trailers designed and made in South Africa. They've since designed and are producing thier own - only one model: adventure trailers

Lots of other cool stuff out there - if you live in Oz <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

BTW if you dig around that tentrax site they have some CAD of thier chassis and suspension. I emailed them a while back and they sent me some additional CAD drawings. If you want them I will try to find them. I also remember seeing somewhere on another website forum the owner discussing the axle he uses - I can try to find that too if you're interested.

A friend of mine is going to build up a camping trailer using a ford pickup bed and a utility bed from a small work truck, the kind with doors that open out on the sides of the bed. He is going to put tires on that match his truck (31's I think) and will have a pintle hook as well. It will need to be welded here and there, but that might be an option.

What about military surplus?

Thanks all. With everyone's advice I'm leaning more and more towards a mil surplus trailer...

although I'm gonna have to find a way to modify it to accept a wheel with a 6x5.5 bolt pattern which is what my Mitsu has. Anyone have any idea's on that?

This post might be late but what the hell. gut out a Toy rear axle. it has the 6x5.5 bolt pattern that you`re looking for. it`ll be easier to hang that axle under your trailer than to modify an axle to fit your wheel and there are tons of them in wrecking yards. I`m building my trailer out of the back half of a Toy that I found in a junk yard with add-a-leafs for extra lift and a set of 33-12.50-15`s to get to some of the more difficult areas where we camp out during the elk season. the bed on my rig is chopped and it`s only big enough for my toolbox and my spare so I definately need the space for camping gear.

I've toyed with this too--- stay away from the little bitty tire stuff; use REAL tires. You see a lot of those little ones off boat trailers smoking along side the road up here in the summer.

If I had the money, it would be with a rolling frame; put a dump kit under it, and have removable rails, so you could use it for more than just one application.

A friend of mine also has a winch on the front of his; VERY handy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Don't forget a spot for the trailer spare and jack/leveling equipment.