I want to build or probably have built an off-road trailer. I see many awesome trailer builds here. I'm curious if some were to build one again, are there things you would do different or leave out completely? I am hoping for a low budget build so no 60" flat screen TVs or anything extravagant. It would be nice to have a useful trailer that could be used a few times a year and not have to spend $10K-20K. The idea of a roof top tent doesn't appeal to me. I guess I'm afraid of taking a tumble after a night of drinking, LOL. Did you install something that you thought was a waste of $$$ after a couple of trips? Did you wish you build it bigger or smaller? Do you think bolting some stuff on the trailer would have been better than welding or the other way around? Enough water? Too much water? Stronger, lighter? Any thoughts, ideas, criticisms or input you would like to contribute is welcomed and appreciated.
Some of my requirements:
- low and wide (same trackwidth as tow vehicle if possible)
- low with a rack on top for bikes and canoes. I like to see out the rear window of the tow rig and see traffic behind me.
- Dexter Elec brake with manual parking brake
- solid axle with leaf springs, 10" ebrakes. Regardless of trailer weight, Electric brakes are a must IMHO.
- 15g on board water
- Shurflo (or similar) on demand pump
- Eccotemp L5 Propane water heater if desired. Chicks dig hot showers.
- Articulating hitch receiver. Good for wheeling and to leave the trailer behind and hard to steal.
- Tongue long enough for jack knifing more than 90° if needed. Handy on tight trails.
- Tongue long enough so that if you cross a creek bank, the back of the tow rig doesn't come into contact with the trailer tongue box or propane bottle while climbing out. Think extreme angles!
- Mild AT tires and moderate size rims - keeps trailer weight low.
- LED lights everywhere for area lighting- I prefer the warm white vs cold white LED strips. Having couple under the chassis is a good way to light up the camp spot indirectly.
- Small solar charging panel to top off the battery (if needed). Mine is hard mounted to the top of the tongue box.
- Switch panel for area lighting located inside the sleeping quarter (turn off lights before turning in)
- means to attach an awning of some sort (sun and rain shelter)
- A little tongue heavy in case you want to sleep in the trailer and not worry about flipping over (if not attached to tow rig)
- Have the capability to pull over on the trail and make lunch w/o taking everything out. A simple pull out drawer, fold down tailgate should do. Having running water for lunch prep is nice (a must with kids!)
- Install reverse/backup lights on the trailer so that they come on Automatically with tow rig in reverse or in manual mode with a switch.