Darkside's Hiker Trailer 5x9 Offroad Build

[jim lee]

How are your solar panels working out? I notice that you have bars of your rack going over them. From my boating days, we were taught that any shadow was a complete no no because the slightest shadow could 1/2 the output of a panel. Hopefully panels are better than that today?

Neat setup though!

-jim lee

 

[Darkside Overland]

How are your solar panels working out? I notice that you have bars of your rack going over them. From my boating days, we were taught that any shadow was a complete no no because the slightest shadow could 1/2 the output of a panel. Hopefully panels are better than that today?

Neat setup though!

-jim lee

Jim, I have no idea. That said, they are working well and providing what I need.

 

[jim lee]

Jim, I have no idea. That said, they are working well and providing what I need.

Well, then I wouldn't give it another thought. I was just wondering.

We went to a bunch of nonsense trying to design solar systems for boats that minimized shadow issues. Sailboats have all that rigging throwing shadows everywhere.

-jim lee

 

[Kris022]

I'm loving the rig and trailer man. May I ask what tent/shelter are you using during that RTT rally in the second and third pic. I need something like that. Thank you.

 

[Darkside Overland]

I'm loving the rig and trailer man. May I ask what tent/shelter are you using during that RTT rally in the second and third pic. I need something like that. Thank you.

The tent is a Lightspeed Stratton 2 person. Which is no longer available. The Awning is an Alu-Cab with the sidewalls. The sidewalls really help in windy situations.

 

[Kris022]

Thanks for the info, the tent really compliments the trailer. It looks great

 

[Steve Simpson]

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.

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.

 

[Steve Simpson]

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.

Where did you get the mounting box for the propex? Nice install. Have you noticed any hot air getting sucked back into the inflow tube?

 

[Darkside Overland]

Where did you get the mounting box for the propex? Nice install. Have you noticed any hot air getting sucked back into the inflow tube?

Thanks Steve, I am confused a bit by your question. What do you mean by mounting box? If you mean the galvanized unit as show, that is the HS2121, it comes that way. No, issues with direct recycling.

 

[Steve Simpson]

Thanks Steve, I am confused a bit by your question. What do you mean by mounting box? If you mean the galvanized unit as show, that is the HS2121, it comes that way. No, issues with direct recycling.

I see that now. I’ve been looking at the hs2000 model and was worried about space. This looks like it might be a good solution.

How has it worked?




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Darkside Overland]

I see that now. I’ve been looking at the hs2000 model and was worried about space. This looks like it might be a good solution.

How has it worked?

It is great! Plenty of heat on a thermostat, with no fear of CO2. Over the new years holiday, did a weekend at 9F, and it was terrific.

 

[Steve Simpson]

It is great! Plenty of heat on a thermostat, with no fear of CO2. Over the new years holiday, did a weekend at 9F, and it was terrific.

On another note, how happy are you with that suspension setup? Considering bags on the hiker or timbren on another rig. My experience with leaf springs can best be described as “bouncy.”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Darkside Overland]

On another note, how happy are you with that suspension setup? Considering bags on the hiker or timbren on another rig. My experience with leaf springs can best be described as “bouncy.”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, very happy. First, it is not bouncy due to the pro comp shocks that dampen very well. Secondly, parts (if you do have a problem) are easy to find. Going timbren would have you stuck for at least a day or two, unless you carried spares.

 

[HikerT]

On another note, how happy are you with that suspension setup? Considering bags on the hiker or timbren on another rig. My experience with leaf springs can best be described as “bouncy.”


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Going with Timbren will give you way more bounce than the long leafs on a stock extreme hiker. Plus the ease of repair on the hiker is worth its weight in gold. Rob


Sent from my SM-G955U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Steve Simpson]

Last weekend we added some extra fuel storage, matching wheels and tires to the 4Runner and a folding shelf for the rear door. Ready for a trip to Bedford, VA to attend the Blue Ridge overland gear flea market.

Love the stainless tray. Where can you find them?

 

[Steve Simpson]

Going with Timbren will give you way more bounce than the long leafs on a stock extreme hiker. Plus the ease of repair on the hiker is worth its weight in gold. Rob


Sent from my SM-G955U using OB Talk mobile app

Rob, What is the suspension setup on the midrange?

 

[Be Prepared]

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.

Which color did you get? Is that the Pewter or Charcoal or ???

 

[HikerT]

Rob, What is the suspension setup on the midrange?

It's a 3500 lb torsion derated for a better ride.. at a fraction of the cost as a timbren in both materials and labor. If you want to chat about the difference send me a note.

Sent from my SM-G955U using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Schmack]

Which color did you get? Is that the Pewter or Charcoal or ???

Honestly, I'm not sure since I bought it used. Looks charcoal to me.

 

[flmike911]

Great looking Hiker! My wife and I are going to Noblesville in June to talk with Wes about a 5x9 Offroad. I see you have the forward 3rd roof rack bar. Is that for the awning? I have pretty much decided that is the awning I am going with and just curious if the standard 2 bars will support the awning?