OAUSA Net - May 28, 2020 - Outdoor Adventure Trailers

DaveK · Post by **DaveK** » Mon May 25, 2020 12:30 pm

Outdoor Adventure Trailers

The net this week will be all about the trailers we use for our outdoor adventures. While there are a number of companies that make these trailers, there are many amongst us who prefer to build their own. So whether its for camping in a remote wilderness location or to your favorite established campground, the topic is wide open. Here are some suggested topics that we hope to cover during the net:

objectives and reasons for building/buying a trailer

benefits of travel with trailer

downsides of traveling with trailer

good brands to consider

good features to consider

size recommendations

maintenance recommendations

storage recommendations

your experiences with trailers

cost

activities that are suitable and non suitable for trailer use

off road use recommendations

tow vehicle recommendations

your building plan (if you are comfortable)

and, another topics that you feel are relevant

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:05 am

I am currently building a multi-use trailer capable of light off road use. It has been in the design and construction phase for almost a year now due to my work schedule and other family activities.

I intended to build a welding trailer when I was young but never did.

Fast forward to my involvement with OAUSA and my interest in a trailer was renewed. I need a trailer for some professional endeavors so I started to think about what features were necessary and what option would be great to have.

: This is a legally registered trailer in California. You need a rolling frame with Lights, fenders, approved hitch and safety chains with retainers. That’s it!!!; 86559706-7A65-4D81-A9AC-8ECF62C6DE5C.jpeg (22.94 KiB) Viewed 477 times

The following posts will highlight many of the ideas I am incorporating and why.

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:07 am

What will the trailer will be used for:
The trailer will be of a multi use construction and configurable to the particular event including Professional activities support, Camping, General purpose use and OAUSA events- Field Day, Borrego Springs.

What is it designed to carry:
Generator, deep cycle batteries, propane, welder, plasma torch,
Various tools. 77qt ice chest(Fridge/Freezer), water, dry goods, tent. Ham radio gear including radios, antennas w/masts and a kitchen with propane stove and oven. A full compliment of electrical receptacles in and out. Not all at the same time.

: My goal is to eliminate this!; B2C7046F-5210-42A0-96E8-F997BC4FB14B.jpeg (623.4 KiB) Viewed 477 times

: No room for passengers or pets.; 73B751F8-AB83-4195-9A79-4DAA0FC68980.jpeg (37.95 KiB) Viewed 477 times

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:09 am

: There are no formal drawings for my trailer as I new it was going to evolve over the course of the build. I did however make a few sketches and took copious notes on my phone and then taped out the basic dimensions and features on the floor of my garage to get an idea of what was going to fit. This first “try” changed drastically in both size and configuration.; 2B0237FC-DD83-4DCC-AA7D-33BE4CD711AA.jpeg (847.72 KiB) Viewed 477 times

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:14 am

The specifications are as follows:
Main box is 4’x6’
Tongue rack and box assembly adds another 4’.
Trailer frame rides 20” off ground with current
Tire/wheel setup
Axle clearance is 13”
Tires are ST205/75D15 with frame mounted
spare... For now.
Trailer weight- unknown at this time.

[attachment=0]CA96F917-B7CA-4001-84B9-9D7F18632102.jpeg[/attachment

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:20 am

Key features:

: Two 5 position, swing out cantilevered side tables lock into the vertical supports and fold flat for transport. Tables will adjust from Dining table to bar counter height. Ice chest or fridge/freezer slide out has room for one more drawer underneath.; 133B7F97-2C1A-4C57-A7A8-172B02EF1D3B.jpeg (27.14 KiB) Viewed 417 times

: Tongue box- will be mounted to a bolt on tray to extend the storage space and will also support the trailer tongue.; B27FE580-E7D6-4A16-BAA4-1DDE7723A5D8.jpeg (85.25 KiB) Viewed 444 times

: Rear Drop down tailgate will lock in horizontal position and then telescope out and include Inserts for a low work table or an expanded metal Dutch Oven cooking surface. This pic just shows the intent, not the actual mechanism.; A476E339-ED79-4A02-884A-8C678CD1EF58.jpeg (39.54 KiB) Viewed 417 times

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 10:36 am

Future trailer additions or modifications:
Hinged hard top
33” tires with integral fenders
Roof Top Tent or an expandable lightweight sleeper.
Awning for each side
Frame mounted water tank with pump
Hot water heater
Mast mounted lighting
Task lighting
Outriggers for antenna mast support.

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 11:47 am

Other build pics:

: Sub frame.; 044D40BD-B900-45ED-8681-88922BBA59E1.jpeg (1.16 MiB) Viewed 447 times

: Subfloor and side supports.; A6C65D0F-F30A-4F2A-90F4-A4ACA6628E5D.jpeg (29.31 KiB) Viewed 447 times

: The underside will receive a full anti chip coating. The in and outside will receive an specialized satin finish clear coat.; 075EF397-57A4-4B74-A3B5-F471D27E9A6A.jpeg (31.72 KiB) Viewed 447 times

: The wiring is extensive and runs through the tubular frame to reduce possible damage from rocks and brush.; 60FFF846-1283-4FD5-8708-156E9AA853F5.jpeg (1.28 MiB) Viewed 444 times

KAP · Post by **KAP** » Tue May 26, 2020 2:50 pm

Final thoughts:

Knowing what I know now, would I do it again or would I
buy one?:

I would still choose to build and do have plans to help build another. Maybe.