So I had an idea (that may not be too original but it was to me) Since getting my TC, I have lost all of my room to take extra gear with me... shade canopy, BBQ, lawn chairs, ice chests, etc. I also need to find / build a platform to put my TC on when I want it off of the truck. So I thought, why not get a trailer like a Big Tex or similar that I can load all of my extra gear into and tow when I go camping, then when I get home, I can jack the camper off of the truck, slide the trailer under it and lower it onto the trailer! That way I have the support under it that is recommended, not just the jacks. And, I will be able to shuttle it around the yard too, if I need to move it out of the way.Is this an obvious idea that everyone already does or is it a dumb idea that won't work for "X" reason? I guess my fears / concerns would be getting it on the trailer with the correct center of gravity, so I don't dump it. and I guess I could / should also strap it to the trailer with the mounts. Other than that ??? good or bad idea?Thanks,

Just be sure to get a trailer rated for the weight of the TC and go for it. I don't see any problems other than that.

Google search for Redneck Toyhauler. Not exactly what you have in mind but may give you ideas.

Thanks guys. I have no intentions of hauling the TC around on the trailer, other than in my yard, under 3 or so MPH. so it would basically just be a trailer for towing gear, that I could also store the camper on. So if I needed to move it it would be easy AND so I get the support "platform" under the camper that I've read is important, instead of leaving it hanging on the 4 jacks. Oh, and would make getting the nose of the camper 4" higher than the tail for storing easy too, with a tongue jack! Think I'll start looking for trailer!Thanks.

That sounds like a good idea to me . I'll take a stab at it , just some thoughts : The trailer would need to be "beefy enough" to move it around your property w/o damaging it, even at slow speeds.I would not want to leave it parked like that, fully supporting the tc weight. I think in time you will stress the trailer if it's too light. If you compromise the axle suspension, you are going to feel every bump in the road when the trailer hits it . It's going to transfer to your trucks frame through the hitch. Do it right the first time. I would mark the camper COG as well as find the trailers COG, then match them up to be level. On an empty unloaded trailer,I would use two small jacks on each side rail of the trailer to find the approx COG. I guess you would need something low profile with a deck (lid) which would act as a tc platform. Make sure you support the bottom of the tc edges, where they offer the most strength. The deck would need to be a little larger than the tc bottom. A trailer that looks something like this with a flat lid added . http://www.keatrailers.co.nz/trailers/heavy_tipper_k85st_kea_trailer.htmA lot of H.D. trailers might be too wide (with tires) to fit between the tc jacks. If you find one thats narrow, it might be too light to support the camper.You might have to use the tc jacks to take some weight off a lightweight narrow trailer. You might have to fabricate one from a boat trailer ,narrow body with a H.D. axle. If you can't do it yourself, use a weld shop. Good luck with your project , would be interesting to see the results, Bob

I use a trailer to store the TC and although I don't use it to tow behind , I could . A few things to consider , the trailer needs to be rated for the weight . It needs to be narrow enough to get the wheels past the jacks , old camper frames usually have a narrow axle and are good candidates . Most utility trailers have the axle too far forward for a camper with an overhang , you might have to move the axle back or weight the tongue to compensate . Even with that it's a good idea to put a jack under the back so it doesn't tip when you try to enter . You may have to put some pallets under the camper to get it high enough so the jacks clear , trailers are much lower than truck beds . Good luck

Idea for camp trailer / TC storage platform? | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

bobndot
Explorer III
Apr 30, 2013
That sounds like a good idea to me . I'll take a stab at it , just some thoughts :
The trailer would need to be "beefy enough" to move it around your property w/o damaging it, even at slow speeds.I would not want to leave it parked like that, fully supporting the tc weight. I think in time you will stress the trailer if it's too light. If you compromise the axle suspension, you are going to feel every bump in the road when the trailer hits it . It's going to transfer to your trucks frame through the hitch. Do it right the first time.

I would mark the camper COG as well as find the trailers COG, then match them up to be level. On an empty unloaded trailer,I would use two small jacks on each side rail of the trailer to find the approx COG.
I guess you would need something low profile with a deck (lid)
which would act as a tc platform. Make sure you support the bottom of the tc edges, where they offer the most strength. The deck would need to be a little larger than the tc bottom.
A trailer that looks something like this with a flat lid added . http://www.keatrailers.co.nz/trailers/heavy_tipper_k85st_kea_trailer.htm

A lot of H.D. trailers might be too wide (with tires) to fit between the tc jacks. If you find one thats narrow, it might be too light to support the camper.
You might have to use the tc jacks to take some weight off a lightweight narrow trailer. You might have to fabricate one from a boat trailer ,narrow body with a H.D. axle. If you can't do it yourself, use a weld shop.

Good luck with your project , would be interesting to see the results, Bob
SuaveGato
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Thanks guys. I have no intentions of hauling the TC around on the trailer, other than in my yard, under 3 or so MPH. so it would basically just be a trailer for towing gear, that I could also store the camper on. So if I needed to move it it would be easy AND so I get the support "platform" under the camper that I've read is important, instead of leaving it hanging on the 4 jacks. Oh, and would make getting the nose of the camper 4" higher than the tail for storing easy too, with a tongue jack! Think I'll start looking for trailer!

Thanks.
Jaxom
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
Google search for Redneck Toyhauler.
Not exactly what you have in mind but may give you ideas.
robsouth
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2013
Just be sure to get a trailer rated for the weight of the TC and go for it. I don't see any problems other than that.

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Idea for camp trailer / TC storage platform?

14 Replies

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