modifying Frame
I started off with a 4 x 8 trailer, which was a little biger than I wanted. So I cut off 2 feet, relocated the axle (after a lot of measure once..measure again...measure one more time...drill) and then reinforced the frame.
building the structure
My thought was to build a 4 x 6 x 2 box. At this point I wasn't sure what I was going to make it out of, I just knew the size. So I used a bunch of square tube and built the structure for the box to mount to. All the metal work was done with a simple angle grinder, a lot of cut off wheels, and a wire feed welder (FCAW).
the fenders
The rolled part of the fenders I bought as unfinished Jeep style metal fenders, then I built the front and rear of them out of some scrap heavy metal I had. They are set up so they can be unbolted from the trailer if needed, and the brackets are all heavy enough that you can stand of them and jump up and down without any issues.
tent support
For sleeping, I picked up a roof top tent. But to mount it, I ran out of enough single pieces, so a couple of the cross bars I ended up taking shorter pieces and welding them together. It went together pretty good.
building the box
When it came to the box I went through several options. I thought about metal...about fiberglass...about poly...but in the end I decided on marine grade plywood well coated in primer and oil based exterior paint.
Finished Product
It's not exactly finished, as I keep making little changes to it. I welded up some jerry can holders so put ones on each side (I have mil-spec water jerry cans and fuel cans). I put an awning on the side of it that can be raised and lowered. I added a battery box with lights under the box and under the tent (they will last all night when turned on). I put a lock-n-roll hitch on the front (which works great off road...maybe too well...a lot of the time I can't even tell the trailer is there).
