Forum Discussion

Grodyman's avatar
Grodyman
Explorer
May 07, 2014

Support Trailer

Well with a family of 5 and a Lance 830 it became clear that to make the truck camper work I need a support trailer. I just picked up a Carry-on 5x8 utility trailer with wood floor and steel sides. There were too many things cluttering up the floor space of the camper (laundry bag, trash bag, duffle bags, toys, multiple pairs of shows (each), water bottles, etc.)

I can also carry more items like firewood, extra propane, barbq, additional chairs etc. to make the outdoors more comfortable.

I have come to realize that with a family this size I cannot carry everything I need only using hitch mounted cargo trays, and the inside clutter adds up making the camper feel even more crowded.

I believe the use of a truck camper is maximized with a small utility trailer or enclosed trailer as support. Hopefully photo soon.

Please post photos of your support trailers/experience.

Gman
  • On my list is a support trailer as well. I plan to have it have the usual rear ramp door, but have a door on the curbside with a Fastec RV-style locking handle to open (so it can always be opened from inside.) This, coupled with heavy barrel bolts on the inside of the curbside door will ensure anyone inside can get out no matter what, but someone wanting in has to open the rear door once the rig is all buttoned up for the road.

    This will give additional usable sleeping space. This also might be an idea for the OP, so the truck camper isn't as crowded, especially if a Porta-Potti is in the supply trailer. A vent (or vent set) and possibly a vent fan can't hurt either.

    Eventually, I want to add solar panels, both on the top as well as on the sides, ones that can flip up. That with the usual battery/charger/inverter will allow me to have enough power for everything but the microwave and A/C when dry camping.
  • Alum. 5x12 Cargo Pro . 990# dry wt.



    I used plastic conduit to mount the tarp grommets with stainless bolts. I then used hooks to attach it to the trailer roof rack tie-down hooks.


    This awning (tarp) is the smaller of two, I also use a larger 18x24 when it rains for days on end.


    E-Track was used on the walls to anchor supports for shelves.
    It can all be undone in a few minutes to be used as a full bed cargo trailer if I need it .
  • bka0721 wrote:
    Another advantage of having a trailer, is making it an apartment. Having an enclosed trailer is really the way to go, then you don't need to worry how dirty everything is, when you arrive and you don't need to leave one of kids with the Truck and Trailer, to guard everything when you go camping or to sleep at night.

    By using bins of equal height you can make them the base for a bed frame, by hingeing and lowering a sheet of plywood down for bed. Often older kids would rather have their own place, part of the time, and the enclosed trailer provides that opportuntiy and space. Oh, Yeah. You can carry a bunch of stuff in there too.

    Pic in my sig.

    b


    This is my thought too. I have a 22 ft enclosed that will be used for motorcycles, plan to get some windows and other necessary items and convert to a home made toy hauler (with greater capacity than most). Will also come in handy for dirt bike tracks were I may not bring the camper.

    1st step is converting it from a shed back to a trailer.
  • Last weekend we flat towed our Jeep TJ for the first time to Quemado Lake with the back seat removed (just me and the wife this time) and it was great to have a run around vehicle and an enclosed trailer also.
    We also have a 5x10 single axle trailer that can handle 2 enduros and gear or 1 4 wheeler and some gear but, the 5x12 Big Tex tandem with 3500lb axles and 1 brake axle allows for 2 4-wheelers, firewood, gear, ect ect ect without being overloaded and also serves as a dolly (perfectly) to get my camper into the shop (10ft door) for winter storage:)
    I don't think I'll ever leave without the Jeep again, just ordered a Smittybilt roof rack so I can load it with even more gear, 300lb capacity
  • Another advantage of having a trailer, is making it an apartment. Having an enclosed trailer is really the way to go, then you don't need to worry how dirty everything is, when you arrive and you don't need to leave one of kids with the Truck and Trailer, to guard everything when you go camping or to sleep at night.

    By using bins of equal height you can make them the base for a bed frame, by hingeing and lowering a sheet of plywood down for bed. Often older kids would rather have their own place, part of the time, and the enclosed trailer provides that opportuntiy and space. Oh, Yeah. You can carry a bunch of stuff in there too.

    Pic in my sig.

    b
  • We pull a Jeep Liberty when we go on longer trips. It gets filled with the excess stuff.
  • You got the idea, first a 5X8, then a 6X10, then a 8X12, it never fails,been there done that!!! LOL, good luck.