Off-Road Trailer DIY Build Project Complete

[EMBronco]

So about a year ago I started an off-road trailer build. I have a 30 ft trailer that we use as a family to go camping, but I wanted something smaller that I could pull with my Bronco and take on more adventurous trips.

I like projects and learning to do new things, so I started completely from scratch. When I began the build I thought I’d have roughly 100 hours into it from start to finish. I just completed it this last week, and easily have 4 to 5x that amount of time into it.

Since I looked at a lot of other diy builds before I started, I thought I’d post this up with some pictures to maybe give the next person some ideas.

Pictures of the frame and box construction as well as axle mounting. I built the trailer to have the same track width as my bronco.

Next I worked on the exterior skin, trim, fenders, door and window. For the exterior trim I used aluminum composite panels. They were originally orange, but me and my son wrapped them with a matte metallic blue.

From here I added propane, outside shower/water heater, exterior drop down table and baggage doors.

Next was the interior. Working in the small space was kind of a pain. I put down lvl flooring, placed cabinets at the front, below the cabinets is the power center and converter. Not pictured, but there is also a 15 gallon water tank below the cabinets. Lastly I used pvc shiplap on the walls and ceiling.

The rear galley has cabinets, a small sink, two burner cooktop and a 3.3 cu ft refrigerator. I didn’t take a lot of pictures of this work. As the project went on longer, I was just focused on getting it done and didn’t take a lot of pictures.

After a few more odds and ends, the trailer is done. It was a lot of work, but I’ll enjoy it while out exploring trails. Finished pictures with my bronco.

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[Happycampinman]

That is an awesome build.

 

[Gtrekker]

Well done, looks nice and well thought out. What suspension did you use? Didnt see it in the pick, leaf springs?

 

[Imonamoose]

Very cool! Nice color match.

 

[EMBronco]

Well done, looks nice and well thought out. What suspension did you use? Didnt see it in the pick, leaf springs?

I used leaf springs. Since it was my first time building something like this I wanted to stick with something I was familiar with and would be straight forward for me to use. There are some other options out their like Timbren's and even coil overs that look like they'd work well for an off-road rig.

 

[scotman623]

Excellent build my friend…

 

[Buck N Bronc]

That is just plain awesome! That's sure to inspire a few folks.

 

[Gtrekker]

I used leaf springs. Since it was my first time building something like this I wanted to stick with something I was familiar with and would be straight forward for me to use. There are some other options out their like Timbren's and even coil overs that look like they'd work well for an off-road rig.

Nice!!! Well done...

 

[BD6G]

Outstanding OP! Love the build.

 

[indio22]

Nice work. What did you use for the axle?

 

[604Bronco]

That looks amazing - Well done to you and your son! I’m jealous I don’t have the knowledge to build something like this.

 

[EMBronco]

Nice work. What did you use for the axle?
[/QUOTE]
I used a straight axle rated for 3500 lbs. I ordered it from Southwest Wheel. They’ll build one basically any width you want, which made it easier for me to get the track width I wanted. Also added electric brakes to the axle.

 

[EMBronco]

That looks amazing - Well done to you and your son! I’m jealous I don’t have the knowledge to build something like this.

I have a total of five boys. Two of them are twins that are 7 years old. They wanted to help, so I had them help me pack the wheel bearing and put the brakes/hubs on the axle. I didn’t want them to get grease all over their cloths so I put garbage bags on them. It was a hoot having them help.

 

[Apollo]

Great looking trailer, when you get some pin striping it will be bright orange, defiantly look cool.

How did your determine the overall dimensions? Wheel width makes sense, did you then just figure out what was needed to fit your stuff or did you used some existing dimensions from trailers that you looked at?

 

[EMBronco]

Great looking trailer, when you get some pin striping it will be bright orange, defiantly look cool.

How did your determine the overall dimensions? Wheel width makes sense, did you then just figure out what was needed to fit your stuff or did you used some existing dimensions from trailers that you looked at?

I looked at quite a few online, and then looked at several in person at the rv show. Most seemed to be 5x8 or 5x10 or something close to that. I ended up building just shy of 5’ wide, 10’ long and 4.5’ box height.

For length I wanted to be able to have a rear galley, then a main cabin with enough room to have some storage and be able to sleep in it. When I added this all up, it came to 10’.

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