Darkside's Hiker Trailer 5x9 Offroad Build

Steve said:
I'm not @Darkside Overland but I too went with the side swing door on my Hiker 5X8 Deluxe. I'm only 5'8", but the upswing door would require me to duck when getting close to the trailer. The side swing door is also substantially larger. The side swing door is a $100 option.
Click to expand...

Big Thanks for the feedback Steve. I'm just over 6 ft. so sounds like the swing up door for me would be a problem. Or the trailer gets a full on lift kit. :laughing:

What I really like about Darkside's setup is the Alu Cab Foxwing with sides is a great piece for cold weather camping which is what we like.

Thanks again for jumping in on this.
 
Keith McAlister said:
I'm just over 6 ft. so sounds like the swing up door for me would be a problem.
Click to expand...
If you are looking at the Mid-Range or Off-Road Hiker models, they are on taller suspension than the Basic or Deluxe models. The roof of my trailer is only something like 5'5" tall. (I got my tape measure and headed for the door to measure before remembering that it is 150 mikes away in my brother's barn...)
 
Steve said:
If you are looking at the Mid-Range or Off-Road Hiker models, they are on taller suspension than the Basic or Deluxe models. The roof of my trailer is only something like 5'5" tall. (I got my tape measure and headed for the door to measure before remembering that it is 150 mikes away in my brother's barn...)
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would get the off road model for sure but it just sounded like for me to clear the swing up door, the trailer would need to go taller.

Sounds like to me the swinging barn door is the option I want to take.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TerryD and Steve
Keith McAlister said:
Yeah, I would get the off road model for sure but it just sounded like for me to clear the swing up door, the trailer would need to go taller.

Sounds like to me the swinging barn door is the option I want to take.
Click to expand...


Keith, the side open was recommended by Wes for two reasons, 1. It leaks at the hinge. 2. To have a door that does not interfere with the awning. The edges are sharp and would damage an awning over time with it open. Thanks for the compliments!
 
  • Like
Reactions: TerryD and Keith McAlister
  • Like
Reactions: TerryD and Corey Carrico
Hey, I met you all this past weekend at the swap meet at Blue Ridge Overland Gear in Bedford. Talked to my wife about a couple of different trailers I saw, and your solar setup. Looks like I’ve got some research to do. Thanks for sharing your build!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
  • Like
Reactions: Keith McAlister, Darkside Overland and TerryD
My setup from Cross Country Teardrops is so similar. You've given me some great ideas. The extra storage on the rear door is great. No problems getting the door closed?
 
Schmack said:
My setup from Cross Country Teardrops is so similar. You've given me some great ideas. The extra storage on the rear door is great. No problems getting the door closed?
Click to expand...

No problems at all, there are 2" between the door and the shelves. Thanks! Let see pictures!
 
Just picked it up a couple of weekends ago. Had a family emergency, so I haven't been able to take it out yet. I'm going to post a proper thread once I do! So far my only mod is to take the previous owner's vinyl off and load my gear in.



on3Dl6N.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kris022, tkt0912, Jimmy P and 1 other person
Keith McAlister said:
Darkside,

First State Overland has a YouTube video on his trailer that is excellent. Go to his channel "FirstStateOverland" and check it out. I saw his setup firsthand at Expo East and he did an awesome job.
Click to expand...

Keith, Chad and I are friends already. We are constantly exchanging ideas, watch this space to see the next addition to the trailers. ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Keith McAlister
Darkside Overland said:
Keith, Chad and I are friends already. We are constantly exchanging ideas, watch this space to see the next addition to the trailers. ;)
Click to expand...

Sounds good. Chad really sold my wife on the Hiker at Expo giving us the tour around his. We are planning a 3 week trip to Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and surrounding area next November and looking seriously at getting a Hiker off road to tag along.

Keep posting you upgrades as they offer us ideas as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pete Evans
This weekend was about heat, and adding it. The missus delivered an early present in the form of a Propex HS2121 propane furnace. With separate heating and firing chambers it is safe to run, and running off of 12V makes it an easy choice. I still have the ductwork to run, but here are some shots of the unit and the propane and exhaust lines.

T60.jpg

T61.jpg

T62.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rebel_Girl, Kent R, Steve Simpson and 3 others
Darkside Overland said:
This weekend was about heat, and adding it. The missus delivered an early present in the form of a Propex HS2121 propane furnace. With separate heating and firing chambers it is safe to run, and running off of 12V makes it an easy choice. I still have the ductwork to run, but here are some shots of the unit and the propane and exhaust lines.

T60.jpg

T61.jpg

T62.jpg
Click to expand...

Is there an equivalent word like Glamping for Overlanding? :laughing:

Humor aside, nice setup. Keep us updated to what you think, reviews, etc.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Darkside Overland
Nice work. My future plans includes a trailer. I've been looking at the Hiker; it seems tough and reasonably priced. I'd like to mod a basic model, but probably won't go all out like yours. I'd also like to see some photos of the interior.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom