ideas/concerns

[JBailey]

I am new here but have found so much great content that I feel comfortable asking this question.
I built a trailer for everyday use that I could also use off road

The inside deminsions are 48.5" wide x 6' long x 19" deep. with a tailgatge.

My idea is to build a slide-in style camper arrangement. Since I use this trailer for other tasks it seems like a good Idea.

Any comments or suggestions? I have alot of fab tooling so most I could do at home.

Anyone already done it? if so pics please to give me inspiration.

[detailbarn]

I had a similar idea with this camper. www.tent-trailer.com

look under truck.

Lightweight Truck Camper - "Lil Diamond"
A Lees-ure Lite Product - Designed for Import & Light Duty Trucks

Specifications
¨ Total dry weight - 225 lbs (104 KG)
¨ Queen Size sleeping area
¨ Spacious dinning/sitting area
¨ Storage Space - 30 cubic feet (when closed!)
¨ Top - 66" wide x 78" long
¨ Base - 40" wide x 17" high x 78" long
Standard Features
¨ Sleek body design with low profile for complete visibility while driving
¨ Lightweight for Quick and Easy set-up & take-down
¨ Truck performance remains unchanged - designed from minimal wind resistance
¨ Water repellent Polyester tent fabric will not rot or shrink like canvas
¨ Vinyl roof for year round camping - Waterproof !
¨ Soap & water clean up on tent fabric
¨ Screened Door
¨ Four large screened windows
¨ Great air flow & visibility inside camper
¨ Lightweight yet heavy duty roof rack
¨ Dinette cushions with removable, washable covers

Options
¨ Zip-on 8 foot awning (complete with poles, pegs & ropes)
¨ Velcro on Pockets - for keeping belongings in place
Smalls - 2 Styles to choose from
Medium
¨ Portable table for dining area
¨ Portable toilet
¨ Convenient Aluminum Tail-Gate Steps
2 steps
3 steps
4 steps
¨ Queen Size Mattress with removable/washable cover
¨ Carpeted Sleeping area
¨ Curtains for two windows
¨ 4 Stacking stabilizer jacks

[Grim Reaper]

The problem is weight. If you make a slide in tray you now have two foundations. You have doubled that weight of the base trailer. You can make a removable top but then it will not be as quick to change but it will save the weight. Just sides and top. Might be able to make them fold flat to store easy.

I had thought about doing similar and in the end I found that just having a small light enclosed cargo trailer was the simplest solution. The down side is height. I am confined to the size. For me If it is just me that will camp out of it I sleep in it. If the kids start coming I will just get one of those SUV tent additions. The trailer will be just for the gear at that point but it does give better security for it when you leave base camp. I'll be able to carry nicer cots and gear to make the stay more enjoyable.

Some of my trailer build in my signature. With a little luck (read money left after bills paid) early next week a bunch of work will be done and wrap up most of the build.
Welcome to the forum!

[JBailey]

Thanks for your help!

[ntsqd]

If I understand correctly you're thinking of building a small version of a Lance or similar type of pick-up bed style camper specifically to fit your existing trailer?

FWIW, It seems like a mini truck 4Wheel Camper would fit that trailer. Then you wouldn't have to build something, just get one and go.
I know, sometimes the journey (building it) is far more important than the destination (using it).

My first thot echos Grim's re: duplicate structure. I think that can be mitigated to a large extent with some thot. If the trailer sides can handle the loads, then the camper structure inside the trailer need only be strong enough to support the unit when it is not loaded into the trailer.

[JBailey]

Well I wasn't really considering a slide-in camper per say. But building something like a camp module, to load into the trailer. I guess it would be like taking the Chaser style trailer and setting it inside my trailer box.
I know it sounds like I am duplicating structures but really would only be the sides and floor to line my current trailer. Everything else would have to be added anyway.

I use this trailer for multiple things and thought I could come up with something to slide in that would be camping/exploration specific.

[endo]

What he should do is sell that thing and build a new one. He has a pickup and access to a utility trailer......


Oh wait that kinda does not make me anonymous anymore does it. I really think you should start a new trailer project or let me build something for you. perhaps like this?

[JBailey]

I think you are just looking for an excuse to post a pic of your trailer

[endo]

I think you are just looking for an excuse to post a pic of your trailer

or to build another one......