I give up. I have searched Utility trailers, cargo trailers, trailer builds and who knows what else and cannot what I am looking for. There have been a couple of threads here in the truck camper forum about small trailers being built. Like the one PHOTOMIKE is pulling or the one like Jefe 4X4's.I am in the process of refurbishing an old trailer for a support trailer while on the beach. I have installed a new axle and springs and am ready to start getting the new wood for the floor and sides. I would like to look at these build threads to see if I am missing anything or maybe a different idea. As for rust issues, OSPHO at the local hardware is what all of the oilfield offshore people use.Since I posted this I guess I am going to have to post some pictures of this thing.Thanks to all for your help.Cliff

I'll post your PHOTOMIKE Utility trailer for you - Have it handy...With all the can't do without supplies and PLAN B things I would bring along this is probably what I would build up.Certainly would be a big downer for me using a Truck Camper and losing my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer front deck and truck bed storage space...I always thought I would ended up with a Truck Camper but never did do it. I love the Truck Camper idea for camping off the power grid places... Just the right amount of wheels on the ground haha...Roy Ken

Try on goggle: cargo trailer camper(I have an 8x10 v-nose I'm setting up as a camper now).

Go take a peak on the jeep forum. Lot of trailer builds over there that might give you some ideas.

I am on the road right now (without trailer) but a few thoughts that I have learned:1) Don't use screws or nails. Use bolts with either a lock nut or lock washer2) Paint the boards BEFORE assembling, easier and you get the ends covered3) Have seen a number of builds (will look when I get home for the links) that used fiberglass on the corners / seams. Would either do this or run a corner of stainless or aluminum for strength if using off road a lot.4) I am in the process of recoating the trailer with bedliner as the paint was being an issue with pealing in the hot sun or with rocks or wear and tear. The bedliner was a good price ($100) for the kit and will do the entire trailer.5) (this one I am still struggling with) I think I would / should have gone bigger. I love my trailer but can see a lot of benefits of a walk in, especially in bad weather or as a guest house.6) I do love the fact that I used 2x4 & 2x2 for a frame as I can drill into and hang from the frame7) Find a good idea for the lid if you are using a front like mine to open. This is the only place water gets in and in a torrential downpour driving for 8 hours I do get some water inside.8) Remember that you are using this as a mobile unit and standard stay in one place construction may not work. The back door on the trailer is amazing but it would sag when used offroad so I have since put a board under it to stop that and it works so much better.9) Measure what you will be carrying and even lay it out in the basement or garage for a test fit. I have done a lot of extra mods for things that I could have built into it in the first place like a attic for the lawn chairs and paddles10) Have fun, actually we had a lot of fun building it and would do it again just for that experience with the boys.

Thank you PHOTOMIKE for the reply. I look forward to your links when you get home. I will check out the jeep forums and see what they have.Thanks to all that looked.Cliff

Utility/Support Trailer Builds (Pictures added)

trail-explorer
Explorer
Aug 05, 2015
fatmanobx wrote:
xxxx

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fatmanobx
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
xxxx
nycsteve
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014
I’ve been fiddling with my trailer for a couple of years . Its basically ready. Painted. Grit on the ramp for traction. All tiedowns and straps ready. Theres a 12 watt solar panel, a metal cabinet that holds an agm house battery, alarm brain with all doors wired and a motion sensor with a remote notification device, a separate battery wired led interior light, vent with fan. The 2 kyaks are strapped to the wall on hangers. Theres mounts for 2 bycycles in the front, a third would be easy to add. Motorcycle in the center. Its been a slow deliberate project. Now I just need the time to take it out ?
-Kevin
Explorer
Jun 19, 2014
Built this one a few years ago.
Steelhog
Explorer
Jun 10, 2014
I'm not convinced that going small is required. Last summer I made a run from Rocket City(HSV), Alabama to Road America, Wisconsin with my 16 tandem axle enclosed trailer behind my F250PSD with 845 Lance Lite. I maybe was down 1/2 to 1 mpg over TC solo. I didn't set any speed records but paced traffic well enough. (GVW police need not comment,I know!!)I figure the trailer was "drafting" and the slight step down from TC to trailer in height made a better transition for the airflow. Got worse mileage on a trip to Sturgis sans TC so the trailer/TC combo may be synergistic. I'm seeing more semi's with an aero package (skirts and tapered false rear doors) so the extra length may not be a big issue if you can "taper" the drag.
DougE
Explorer
Jun 10, 2014
Here's two quick exterior pics. I've added a battery to the tongue and an electric jack since these were taken.
garryk6
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014
Here's my home made trailer. Holds two ATV's well. Contemplating stretching it a bit to fit three...

Here is the underside shot at dawn of my home build from scrap trailer.
Old boat trailer axle with new hubs and bearings, Dodge 1/2 ton truck front leaf springs, Ford F150 front Coils, tongue and tail-light panel are a scrapped commercial kids jungle-gym main beam. Deck is a former C-130 loading platform that has built in tie-downs. I "z-ed" the tongue to match the deck-over height and still match my hitch. Top of flat bed seems high, but is the same height as my F350 bed...

Makes a nice table when unloaded and disconnected from the truck.

Trailer is 7' wide and 9' long on the bed.

Rides well and handles two bikes well. I may have to beef the springs or insert air-bags in the coils to keep it from bottoming if I add a third bike... We have three bikes, but only take two if camping. If we are just going riding the camper comes out, and the third bike rides in the bed of the truck.

I like to scrounge and re-cycle stuff, so even the rims and tires were left-overs from a junked jeep. The only new items that i purchased was two pieces of 2x2 angle iron, the coupler, jack and tail-lights. And a kit of bed-liner roll-on non-skid.

Garry in Kodiak, AK
deltabravo
Nomad
Jun 09, 2014
DougE wrote:
Here's the interior of my just completed 6x10 V-nose

Do you have any exterior pictures?
deltabravo
Nomad
Jun 09, 2014
My first trailer was a 6x10. I had it for 17 years.
DougE
Explorer
Jun 09, 2014
Here's the interior of my just completed 6x10 V-nose with A/C, 12v power, sofa/bed, TV and shelving. I will be trying it out soon and seeing if more mods are necessary.
Click For Full-Size Photo.