Truck camper on a trailer

[DDavisIAMT]

I came across a thread that had quite a bit of information regarding mounting a TC on a trailer to make a toy hauler. I have seen this done before by modifying a boat trailer, which worked smoothly.

I would like to do this, but I do not need the toy hauler part, I just need it mounted on a trailer so I can disconnect my truck.

What kind of weight can I expect from a 1970-1980's TC?

How large of a trailer will I need to mount this on?

My biggest concern is stability of the camper on a smaller trailer while turning, etc. I would like to use the smallest trailer possible and keep the costs down as much as possible.

My plan is to find a cheap old TC and gut it leaving only the bed and counters. I will be using my Coleman stove for cooking, I am not to concerned about water, toilet, etc. I have managed w/o those for years while camping out of my truck bed topper.

I am getting tired of the cramped quarters of my truck bed topper and would like something hard sided I can stand up in as well as camp year round in.

Thanks!

[DDavisIAMT]

Yeah, I think with a bit larger trailer it can be done. I don't feel I really need a double axle trailer for this. I would prefer not to have a double axle trailer actually....

You see 18-21ft fiberglass boats weighing 2000-2500lbs on single axle trailers. I understand the new ones have brakes, but a surge brake setup would not be hard to install. I also question the necessity of brakes when the whole setup will most likely weigh less than 2000#.

I have been hauling an aluminum boat that weighs close to 1500# w/o brakes and my 1/2 Ton Silverado has never had an issues.

[Reddog1]

What do you plan to pull with?

We haven't even touched on the requirements for camping year round.

[DutchmenSport]

One of those light weight trailers from Lowes would never work. More than likely you'll be over the weight the trailer can handle, and second, those small trailers usually don't have brakes. In Indiana, if the entire trailer, cargo and all, is over 3000 pounds, the trailer must have brakes. A truck camper you're looking for in those year ranges will be quite heavy.

Your idea should not be totally tossed out the window with the baby. You just need to think about a heavier trailer. Here's a link to a Bing search. It can be done ... yes ... just need a heavier trailer:

Click here

Edit:
From the Bing Search:

[DDavisIAMT]

Wow, ok, I wasn't expecting a slide in camper to weigh this much. I may look into a smaller bumper pull camper. I was thinking I could mount at TC to a single axle 1900lb capacity trailer from Tractor Supply Company or Lowes. It doesn't appear that way...

[Super_Dave]

Trailer weight plus camper weight might also put you in a trailer with brakes situation.

[Super_Dave]

I would look for a short, dual axle flat bed trailer.

[Reddog1]

Is your intent to just have a gutted TC?

The questions you ask require a little more info. The gutted TC would probably weigh anywhere from 1000 to 2000 pounds, depending on the TC. There are some that could weigh less. After gutting the TC, you then need to find its center of gravity, front to rear. This is the first step in determining the trailer length. In my opinion, you would best be served with a tandem axle trailer, due to stability.

As cheap as possible, would be to simply buy a small travel trailer, as previously suggested.

Wayne

[DDavisIAMT]

I would, but the cost of even an old travel trailer is close to $1000 more than what it would cost me to do this. I could also remove the camper and use the trailer if needed.

[Jaxom]

Why reinvent the wheel? Just get a small travel trailer.