off road expedition camper

Popup camper frames and axles are barely adequate for the job they're designed to do, your typical "normal" size popup will have a 2000lb axle rating, larger might have 3500lb,

the frames are typically light gauge stamped C channel, using the wooden structure of the box for rigidity and strength. None of which will do well in a rugged off-road environment in stock form.

I have a large popup myself, it's own weight carrying capacity is barely adequate for itself, I've up-sized the tires to handle the load, next step (maybe) is to go too a heavier axle and a bit of lift to clear yet larger tires, 16" wheels and tires matching my towing junk would be ideal, but that brings other modifications to be made.

I think you'll find that trying to modify an existing camper may be more trouble and expense than it's worth.
 
For what it is worth, I one hundred percent agree with the above statement. I have camped in and my father and friends have owned about ever configuration and build type available in mass produced camping equipment. Canvas tents, slide in campers, pop ups, and travel trailer of all varieties. Even a motorhome or two. They are all sub par for sustained use unless you spend mega bucks, and exactly zero percent of them will survive unless built by a very pricey specific market group...........unless you build your own. Which has the potential to get really cool or crappy. At the very least a lot heavier than you expect without a lot of planning and creativity. All camper stuff in modern units have been so weight shaved in recent years I really pay attention too what I am interested in. I currently own a 37 ft. Surveyor Select and one of my hobbies with the wife is playing pick apart the new units on various lots and camping shows throughout the year. I like the whole industry from certain standpoints but a lot of stuff is plain junk.
My ideal trailer would consist of very rugged bare bones components that would for the most part level up tent camping a bit and haul your gear deeper into the woods.
Ideal wants:
100 gal. water
gas cook top and burner
Dutch oven cookware set up like a wagon train
small awning to cover cooking area
twelve volt pump for water
small sink, plumbed to take down shower
led lighting
several water proof side boxes that double as prep area and cooking surface for gas
gas fridge or large efficient cooler (yeti) haven't pondered enough
Flip out deck surface tent sleeping arrangement and or anchor set up for three season hammock (the later intrigues me more since my son pretty much gave up his tent for a hammock)
35 inch tires on a link built ifs spindle arrangement. EDIT that would be a pain in the butt. Leaves it is.
roof rack and kayak provision (I believe the whole unit will still be shorter than the tow vehicle)
over all length roughly the same as a stock sami
 
I've always wanted to make a Cherokee trailer. Spare rear axle and suspension, fuel tank, pump, ect. Plenty of room to make a level floor and probably got a queen size bed in it.

Part the motor, trans, front axle and front end to fund most the project too.

image.jpg
 
RatLabGuy said:
Maybe I'm crazy, but I'd want a trailer that has a frame...
Click to expand...
Although, now that it has a center pivot up front, the twist of the body structure (of the trailer) is pretty much eliminated.
The biggest issue is how to tie trailer Tongue into body structure and still have useful floor space. May not be an issue at all
 
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