Budget build. Cost sanity check ...

[BlackGX470]

So I'm trying to ballpark an overland trailer build
vs
buying one Set up
Vs
buying a good bones.

Based on this past weekend family camping trip where I was stacked to gills in my gx470 only 30in from home I need room and a roof basket isn't going to do it


I'd plan on 15" Rims to put AT tires solely for the sidewall puncture issue on areas I plan to go, not for traction
I might need to put heavier springs on my GX to account for the added tongue weight while towing

I also don't have a ton of free time

Scenario 1
4x6 used carry all trailer - 500

Strengthen Tongue - 250( pay a welder)
New HD axle 300
15 Rims 100 each x2
At tires. 87$. Goodyear AT trail runner 235 /75/15 Amazon
Weld the frame for the RTT to frame ( say 150?) have the metal already.
Pro I know the parts are new
Con- my time to put this together
Total 1500?

Scenario 2
Good bones scenarios
Buy this trailer with 15 rims

15" rim trailer
Weld RTT frame 150
New at tires 87 each x 2
Pros Less initial sunk money, can use at an earlier time
Tongue already strong
Already has 15 rims

Cons
May need to upgrade later to HD
Some prep on paint / rust
Could rims/ bolt pattern not match to AT 235/75/15 size ?


Scenario 3
Set up overland trailer used 1500 to 2000
Find something like this
Set up OV trailer
Pros. All set up minor updating needed no time on my end needed
Con- takes a while for one to pop up, would have to wait

 

[smritte]

Option 3 is your best bet. Option 2 looks like a pile of crap (photo).
If you want a box type trailer. Find a not too old utility trailer. You can get creative with Unistrut or something equivalent, build your own rack and bolt it in.
If your trailer doesn't come with brakes, eventually upgrade your axle. Size it to your current one and bolt it in.
Honestly, it sounds like you need more cargo space. A small box type will move all your gear out of the vehicle. If your happy with tent camping, spend the extra cash on a better tent.

Before I added an RTT then built a tear drop. My M-100's went everywhere. My issue was similar. Different Jeeps and no room for 4 people and a week of gear. Alone I could live out of a back pack but the rest of the family needed more. I want to say I used those trailer's from late 80's to 2015? ish?

I don't have many earlier pics but here's my first one before I started moding it and the last one before I retired it. The last one got a bigger axle with brakes, don't remember when that was.

Edit. I added the last one to show the RTT didn't mount high. Its actually on a lid. You could build a short frame, mount to that and still reach under as well as tailgate. Trying to simplify the build if you don't stay with a ground tent. I kept a low center of gravity because it went down hardcore trails.

 

[KonzaLander]

I also don't have a ton of free time

In this case, you will be happier if you buy a trailer set up how you like as in scenario 3. Otherwise you will start retrofitting a trailer, run out of time (or get burnt out on the build) and never get the chance to use it.

 

[BlackGX470]

In this case, you will be happier if you buy a trailer set up how you like as in scenario 3. Otherwise you will start retrofitting a trailer, run out of time (or get burnt out on the build) and never get the chance to use it.

Wait... You just described every project I've done lol

 

[Ebbs]

so I spent about 4k but I bought a HF 4x8 trailer (cut it down to 4x6) I did all the welding myself, but built a metal box (you could do wood) and got a custom width axle (to match the GX), 1600lb sprints, brakes, 7pin harness, used my old lexus wheels and tires, max coupler hitch... rino lined... then threw a iKamper Skycamp on top. definitely not budget by my definition, but compared to comparable trailers new it was.
look at the forum at Dinoot Trailers and Trailer Rack System they have several custom builds...

Ebbs' Harbor Freight Trailer

So at the time of starting this, I'm done with the initial build, just waiting on Raptor lining. So most of this will be in a single post, but thought I'd share and pass on some of the things I've learned along the way. For those just looking for pics, you came to the right place lol here's...

www.overlandbound.com

 

[Smileyshaun]

Before you go into a trailer build or shopping lay out all your camping gear and put a piece of blue tape on every thing you take with you . Take a trip with the fam and if you use an item take the tape off . When you get back home look though all the gear again and really decide if you need those items you didn’t use . Another good thing to do is find out if there is a smaller/lighter/more compact version of items you use camping . You might be amazed at how much room you can free up just by eliminating some items and getting things that pack together well .

 

[Ebbs]

Yes! I love my trailer for what it is and what is capable of (and especially that I built it) but I hate taking it tight now, because I haven't built out the inside and so it's all super disorganized and I rarely fill up more than 1/2 unless I'm bringing firewood. So I end up with the mindset of Why not bring it, I have room... And I bring to much shit.

 

[Sparksalot]

so I spent about 4k but I bought a HF 4x8 trailer (cut it down to 4x6) I did all the welding myself, but built a metal box (you could do wood) and got a custom width axle (to match the GX), 1600lb sprints, brakes, 7pin harness, used my old lexus wheels and tires, max coupler hitch... rino lined... then threw a iKamper Skycamp on top. definitely not budget by my definition, but compared to comparable trailers new it was.
look at the forum at Dinoot Trailers and Trailer Rack System they have several custom builds...
View attachment 279180

Ebbs' Harbor Freight Trailer

So at the time of starting this, I'm done with the initial build, just waiting on Raptor lining. So most of this will be in a single post, but thought I'd share and pass on some of the things I've learned along the way. For those just looking for pics, you came to the right place lol here's...

www.overlandbound.com

Why is your tongue so long? Make backing up easier or do you tote a canoe?

 

[Ebbs]

Why is your tongue so long? Make backing up easier or do you tote a canoe?

So I could jackknife if needed as well as clear the door when the tongue is loaded (I put a plate across the triangled area to carry fuel and water)

 

[ArkansasDon]

I done two trailers, the 1st is a entire build with Dinnot Tube, the 2nd was a new 2019 Runaway Range Runner which was taken part & gone through a major transformation. Both I budgeted both went over the budget. The 1st took 10 1\2 months from start to finish, the other was 5 plus years with using the trailer along the entire modifications. No matter how you look @ it, nice part building your trailer is fitting it to you & your wants & needs are. The 1st trailer I used a Harbor Freight frame that I modified building new tongue, reinforced the chassis, ran shock absorber's. The wife & I used this trailer until she couldn't climb the ladder any more. When I sold this trailer I had 3 people having a bid war over it, I sold it far more what I originally was asking (keep that in mind) it was a quality build. My 2nd trailer I shot over the budget mark "big time", I've own this trailer for 5 plus years & recently had a offer for 20,000.00 for it. I built this trailer around what I & the wife wanted & needed "for us." I did turn them down. Again it's a quality build & if you keep in mind "resale" value & keep a build log with list of the parts you'll be surprised how that only enhances the sale of it when the time comes. This summer I will be installing electric brakes which is the last of the add-on's. You don't have to finish the trailer in one shot, this way you can use it & still make decisions on what gear & items to install.

 

[Ebbs]

I done two trailers, the 1st is a entire build with Dinnot Tube, the 2nd was a new 2019 Runaway Range Runner which was taken part & gone through a major transformation. Both I budgeted both went over the budget. The 1st took 10 1\2 months from start to finish, the other was 5 plus years with using the trailer along the entire modifications. No matter how you look @ it, nice part building your trailer is fitting it to you & your wants & needs are. The 1st trailer I used a Harbor Freight frame that I modified building new tongue, reinforced the chassis, ran shock absorber's. The wife & I used this trailer until she couldn't climb the ladder any more. When I sold this trailer I had 3 people having a bid war over it, I sold it far more what I originally was asking (keep that in mind) it was a quality build. My 2nd trailer I shot over the budget mark "big time", I've own this trailer for 5 plus years & recently had a offer for 20,000.00 for it. I built this trailer around what I & the wife wanted & needed "for us." I did turn them down. Again it's a quality build & if you keep in mind "resale" value & keep a build log with list of the parts you'll be surprised how that only enhances the sale of it when the time comes. This summer I will be installing electric brakes which is the last of the add-on's. You don't have to finish the trailer in one shot, this way you can use it & still make decisions on what gear & items to install.
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those are some outstanding builds.