I've been researching options for quite some time for a small, rugged and basic trailer camper that one can drag down the endless BLM and NFS roads in the western USA. Not talking about "overlanding" on hardcore back roads or jeep tracks. Looking for the smallest unit I can find that one can stand up in for basic camping for two people. Bathroom not required, but storage, bed and simple indoor cooking is. I won't be building it myself. Following various posts on this site I've found that I'm not the only one looking for options to fill this niche. As has been noted, some of the established manufacturing companies used to make small units and many of them have been discontinued. Of course, I don't even need to go there as far as the lack of structural integrity with many of these units and how they handle miles of washboard, etc. The few manufactured trailers I have identified that might meet my requirements are either too big, too far away, too much $$, or all of the above. I will add that I've owned 2 Four Wheel Campers over 20 years and still own a '71 Airstream that I've had for 15 years. The FWC was for places I didn't want to drag the Airstream. I had the FWC on an F250 and, at times, took it down roads I likely didn't belong on with a rig that size. I've had the AS down some longer stretches of gravel, but will no longer do that, as it rattles the hell out of it, even with new axles and shocks. I wanted to downsize from 3 vehicles to two and having a small trailer for the backroads and my AS for the paved (or close to paved camping) seems like the best combo and allows my current truck to fill both needs. Always trade offs with whatever one has, but I like being able to find a place in the boonies, set up camp and be able to drive away to explore, without having to pack it all up, as with a vehicle based camper.
I've found a trailer manufacturer in the Northwest with a focus on Cargo, Motorcycle, Toy Hauler, Horse, Livestock, Concession & Specialty trailers. Some very large and 5th wheel. Main frames are steel with aluminum upper framing and siding. Most of what they do is custom build to order. I'm leaning toward a 10ft box with a 2" V-nose for a 12' structure. With tongue, a total of about 15.5ft. Box width at 6'8" and height at 8' 11". A bit taller than I prefer but they offer a "HappiJac" powerlift bed that can be raised up. This opens up the space below when needed, including for my motorcycle should I want to take it with. For this width trailer the bed would be a shorter 72" L x 60" wide, which is fine for me and my wife. Other options include windows with screens, electrical (including solar), propane and water, metal cabinets and motorcycle wheel chocks. As far as I can tell, the configuration I've discussed with them has no wood with the exception of the floor. I'm checking to see whether they have a non wood floor alternative.
For this size trailer, I can go with either a single axle or tandem. I'm leaning toward tandem. While this increases costs and towed weight, I feel it improves stability and tracking. Also offer some safety margin in the event of a blowout. They offer tandem straight axles with leaf springs and can add Equaflex equilizers. Or, they will provide Torsion axles. Based on what I've read and my experience with the Dexter torsion set up with shocks on my Airstream, I'm leaning toward the straight axles with leaf springs and equalizers. The salesman also said that would be his recommendation for surviving off highway use on the backroads in the PNW. The straight axle set up offers 16" of clearance and they advise top mount springs will take it to 24". The Tandem axle configuration has 2-3,500# 5 lug axles with 15" tires, electric brakes and GVWR of 7,000#. It's unlikely I would ever approach that GVWR. This company does not offer Timbren suspensions for their trailers.
So, if anyone has any input on their experience with hauling smaller cargo type trailers with leaf springs and equalizers on miles of BLM/NFS dirt and gravel I'd love to hear about it. Any comments regarding single vs tandem axles are also welcome.
I've found a trailer manufacturer in the Northwest with a focus on Cargo, Motorcycle, Toy Hauler, Horse, Livestock, Concession & Specialty trailers. Some very large and 5th wheel. Main frames are steel with aluminum upper framing and siding. Most of what they do is custom build to order. I'm leaning toward a 10ft box with a 2" V-nose for a 12' structure. With tongue, a total of about 15.5ft. Box width at 6'8" and height at 8' 11". A bit taller than I prefer but they offer a "HappiJac" powerlift bed that can be raised up. This opens up the space below when needed, including for my motorcycle should I want to take it with. For this width trailer the bed would be a shorter 72" L x 60" wide, which is fine for me and my wife. Other options include windows with screens, electrical (including solar), propane and water, metal cabinets and motorcycle wheel chocks. As far as I can tell, the configuration I've discussed with them has no wood with the exception of the floor. I'm checking to see whether they have a non wood floor alternative.
For this size trailer, I can go with either a single axle or tandem. I'm leaning toward tandem. While this increases costs and towed weight, I feel it improves stability and tracking. Also offer some safety margin in the event of a blowout. They offer tandem straight axles with leaf springs and can add Equaflex equilizers. Or, they will provide Torsion axles. Based on what I've read and my experience with the Dexter torsion set up with shocks on my Airstream, I'm leaning toward the straight axles with leaf springs and equalizers. The salesman also said that would be his recommendation for surviving off highway use on the backroads in the PNW. The straight axle set up offers 16" of clearance and they advise top mount springs will take it to 24". The Tandem axle configuration has 2-3,500# 5 lug axles with 15" tires, electric brakes and GVWR of 7,000#. It's unlikely I would ever approach that GVWR. This company does not offer Timbren suspensions for their trailers.
So, if anyone has any input on their experience with hauling smaller cargo type trailers with leaf springs and equalizers on miles of BLM/NFS dirt and gravel I'd love to hear about it. Any comments regarding single vs tandem axles are also welcome.