Building a camping trailer.

I have a used but nice 5'x8' trailer that I haven't used in a few years. With a GSD & nowhere to go locally there is little room inside for storage and a nice roof rack is a lot of money with minimal weight capacity.
I could mount an 8' awning & room off the trailer while using the trailer for food, fuel, water etc...
Anyone have any pro's or con's about this idea? I figured we could lock the trailer up for a day trip & return to it all ready for us.
Not sure how it took me 2 years to think about this.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
Ryan.

I can always modify the trailer for my needs. Obviously need better springs etc...

 

If it will fill the bill for you and your needs. Go for it. The one pictured is a good looking setup.

 

Go for it! I’m in for the build.

 

You know me, couldn't help myself and googled this - " off road open trailer plans " all kinds of ideas popped up - some with plans. If you want, go through the menu selection at the top of the page because there's so much more.

EDIT: Here too " https://www.pinterest.com/pin/486529565964890737/ "

 

That is way beyond what I was thinking. I imagine a trailer full of gear that could sit inside (out of the UV rays) then be filled & ready to be our "base camp". The trailer will never see major trails. Just to get us into the backcountry. Then, find a good place to camp. Lock it down for off road fun & come back to her @ night. I would hope no one would steal from it but I have a GSW that proves the worst in humanity.
I guess I could tuck it into a wooded area & "hide" it during our away periods.
Having an 85# GSD in the back takes up a lot of space. I could use the trailer just for the
loss of space & keep the 4Runner looking stockish daily as to not draw attention to it.
My F-250 with 20" wheels was an easy target @ the zoo and we learned our lesson! A mid grade stereo system with sub & the wife's purse along with credit cards and keys were gone.
Security is paramount! I will add a battery, cameras & GPS if I really build it out. The options are endless when you think about it... I could easily mount 2x batteries on the trailer just for redundancy. Plus another completely detachable segment of the truck that doesn't need to be broken down for times of non use. Just clean her up & put it back in my shop.
Long rant. Just thinking out loud. Please advise me with ideas. A shower on the other side of awning for the wife is essential. I could carry a compressor and water to make it a week with showers! Space for food, fuel & everything...
Ryan

 

Just presenting ideas. We all know to some degree what we think we want and generally make adjustments from there. At least I do.

Showering and hot running water for the kitchen. Something like this may or may not work for you. It fit the bill for me.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011TRLWIG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8

 

Haven't seen one before! That is a great idea. I would have plenty of room. It seems I maybe turning the trailer into a small camper but I guess that is the idea.
Find a location & disappear for a few days with everything we would need!
Great find,
Ryan

 

For our kind of use a trailer really needs to be nothing more than a support vehicle. Like you said initially. Roof racks look promising until the reality of their limitations hits home. Then the work begins.

 

Totally down for the idea a few years ago
Still kinda am I've gone to a few overlanding expos and gotten some gr8 ideas for a build
Consider lookin up a local expo yourself maybe
If nothing else you'll have a good time

 

With an open trailer concept all rain dust mud and debris will have a chance to find any openings in your gear.

 

I figured that would be the case. Most of the stuff on the trailer should be able to get wet & dirty. Awning on one side; shower on the other, gas & water cans, coolers with food & drinks, small grill, chairs etc.
We would still have the portion between the front seats & the pet barrier for clothes & items that must stay dry. I could also buy a few Pelican (or similar) cases with gaskets for more trailer storage if needed.
The trailer is probably a bit big but @ 6'4 I need a 2500 size room for sleeping. I also have a cutting torch & welder to make what I may need.
This is in the pre planning stages @ the moment. Just getting ideas of what to do & what not to do.
Ryan.

 

Not much to overland around here so not sure about expos either. That is a great idea & one I will look into.
Thanks,
Ryan

 

@4Runner fun, here's my set up:

 

That's a townhouse!

 

That is a dream setup for sure! I am just trying to get my wife further into camping. With the dog we need a trailer for anything more than air bnb with day trips etc.

 

Okay, I have a question that there is only preferential answers available for.
RTT or camping in an awning room?
Points - We have a dog & this will be built on the trailer that I have (I hope).
I see little advantage to a RTT...
Change my mind; I guess.
Ryan

 

You're saying you'll be off the ground? Just lower?

 

I am saying that a RTT cannot fit 2+ a dog (especially @ 85#). I see no way; especially with a GSD who wants to be close (doesn't sleep in our room). Camping is different.
Ryan.

 

I’ve been playing around with my 6x10’ tool trailer. Not really set up for “off roading” but working on it keeps me out of trouble. Just added one window and have another to add.

 

Looks great & keep us posted! Careful with the build out as weight will add quickly (especially if using the 4Runner to tow).
Ryan

 

I’m going to weigh it when done it should be lighter than my camper.

 

Here's my setup, it's pretty minimalist, it started as a small Lowe's trailer.

 

Thank you.

It started out as camping gear storage hauler trailer, with a kitchen area with on aboard water. Then came a rtt and toilet for middle of the night bathhouse trips. Next thing I k ow I'm adding hot water and shower capabilities with the 270 awning. Solar, lights, and bigger wheels. It is definitely a comfortable place to relax at camping. Just done plan on moving everyday, it takes a while to set up, but it's nice when it's setup.

To address your question about rtt or awning room. The rtt is nice, your high up and gives you a sense of security. As we have gotten older with more aches, climbing up and down to sleep is getting less desirable. I have plans to build a new setup that uses an enclosed trailer. We would sleep, store our gear and the kitchen would slide out. Ill be using awnings for extra living room, kitchen area and showering. Showering is only we camp remote.

 

I wonder what the ratio of people who use RTT vs a small off road trailer.. There are obviously pros and cons to both options!

 

As avid campers and outdoorsy family, we do a lot of tent camping, backpacking and portaging. Back pains and all are taking a toll nowadays, so now we are no longer sleeping on the ground, we used sleep in the 4R.
Last year we got a second dog, we don't fit in the 4R anymore. We looked at roof tents, family tents with cots, RVs, self made trailers...we decided to get a small aluminum enclosed trailer and make it ours. It will get a heavy duty suspension and probably 33" tires to match the 4R. I will never take it on those ridiculous trails, but can still hit the "off the grid" roads. Pics when we get it, still being built.

 

Anyhoo I'm in Georgetown TX
Selling ARB RRT $1300 anyone interested come pick it up