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Old 06-18-2013, 06:56 PM   #1
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Recommendations for hard side trailer

I've got a friend who wants to downsize from a fifth wheel. He's into offroading, and got himself a nice new jeep he's tricking out. We got to discussing it, and rather than go all toy hauler or trade the fifth wheel for a coach and use the jeep as a toad, he thinks maybe use the jeep and small trailer. The jeeps a 6 cylinder and can pull 4k max.

He kinda likes the interior of my van since it allows standing up, but he really would like to avoid the tent trailer or pop up route, realizing that might mean a weight sacrifice, and maybe offroad compromises. We do a lot of boonie camping, and big tanks for water and a toilet would be a plus. As would a complete drop down in the back (probably won't be toy hauling in it, but he's used to having a lot of gear storage). No more than two people in it, and he often solos (he'll keep the fifth wheel for bigger group outings).

We saw some nice r-pod trailers on our recent trip. And I saw some aluminum Camplite trailers that looked pretty nice as well. Anyone have any experience with these or some similar trailers?

I've seen Casitas and Scamps, but I'm leery of them for even regular dirt roads since they use a lot of rivets.

Or maybe give me some good arguments for the popups or tent trailers or teardrops (we already know they're better off road and lighter).

thanks,
Rob

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Old 06-18-2013, 07:10 PM   #2
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

If he likes Jeeps then this might be a good fit....
http://www.mopar.com/shop/camper-trailers/
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Old 06-21-2013, 07:49 AM   #3
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Burro and Casita made/make these light fiberglass trailers.

http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/
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Old 06-21-2013, 11:15 AM   #4
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Quote:
Originally Posted by Millerfish
Burro and Casita made/make these light fiberglass trailers.

http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/
Thanks, but as I noted I heard the rivets rattle apart even on washboard, let alone harder roads. Any experience with that?
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Old 06-24-2013, 07:10 PM   #5
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Sounds like a tough set of requirements to meet;

Less than 4000lbs
Off-road capable
Not a tent trailer
Not a pop-up
Big water tank
Toilet
Drop down rear door

Personally I'd compromise on some of those requirements, and go with a SoCal Teardrop, but you may want to check the following thread as well. All comes down to how mild or hard core off-road he wants to go.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10503&hilit=+trailer


Herb
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Old 06-24-2013, 11:12 PM   #6
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Seems the limiting factor is the Jeep itself. Sounds like he's asking for something a little large to be lugging around with a Jeep for off road purposes unless that is what he really wants. To get all of what he wants inside a trailer will require something the size of a microlite or a homebrew cargo trailer.
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Old 06-25-2013, 11:16 AM   #7
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Just like a SMB: compromises, compromises.

I really like those Micro-Lite Cargo-Lite Extremes, and the other trailers there. Look to be a bit customizable, and with the rear drop-downs they seem pretty roomy.

Rob
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Old 06-25-2013, 11:59 AM   #8
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

Those trailers are cool, but I wouldn't take them on any more than a fire road.

BTW, what's your friends Jeep weigh? Towing a 4000lb trailer with maybe a 4000lb, 6 cylinder Jeep, is asking for trouble in my marginally educated opinion. Both getting the two vehicles moving, as well as controlling them while driving, and stopping them.


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Old 06-25-2013, 02:18 PM   #9
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Re: Recommendations for hard side trailer

I don't expect they'll be on anything much worse than a fire road, sandy wash, etc. I'm more worried about washboard. The biggest of those MicroLites is only 1250 dry, so he's got oomph to spare.
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Old 07-04-2013, 07:37 PM   #10
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Recommendations for hard side trailer

Try http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-ge ... arket.html, designed by "Garrett Finney . . . senior architect for the Habitability Design Center", aka the international space station.


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