So Ive been bouncing this idea around for a while and finally got some inspiration and a drawing.

I saw these trailers and really liked the upper deck
http://i56.tinypic.com/2ujjpfr.jpg

So I came up with this:

http://i51.tinypic.com/2pyoqhv.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/24o25h5.jpg


So I have an open 12 foot single 3500# axle trailer. Thinking about basically adding a top rack and a roof top tent.

I wasn't sure the best way to do the support beams, so that combined with my new introduction to sketchup is why the rack is floating.

Thoughts on feasibility? Anything I'm missing?

It looks like you have the thought of a jack in at least 1 corner in your sketch, but with as light as that trailer is going to be, and as high as the RTT is going to be if it is up on a platform, I would put jacks at all 4 corners at least. I would not trust 3 jacks (2 in the back and 1 up front). Then you could level it easily too.

Besides that, I say go for it. I would put some big metal tube (not necessarily thick, but a big section width to help with bending) up all 4 corners, build a platform and be done with it.

It looks like you have the thought of a jack in at least 1 corner in your sketch


Yeah, that was the plan, still learning how to manipulate sketchup so I only put it on one corner.


I'm going to talk to a fabrication buddy to get an idea of weight and cost. I cant imagine that rack setup weighs more than what 300 lbs max?

That 3500# axle should be fine right?

Can you get a pop tent that would have a door towards the front of the trailer so you could utilize the small "deck" space to the front of the tent?

Can you get a pop tent that would have a door towards the front of the trailer so you could utilize the small "deck" space to the front of the tent?

Im thinking of using that space as storage for whatever odds and ends we might need, I dont know if I would want to stand up on that platform. With it opening towards the back the back half of the trailer could be used as a deck once we set up camp.

no offense, but I don't exactly see the point in this. If you have a trailer that long, it's likely not going to some of the more remote locations that are generally associated with a RTT.

If you are thinking this route, why not enclose the lower portion, under the deck and having the 4wheeler behind and on the rack? Then you could leave stuff in the enclosure and have it be secure, still sleep in it, and when at camp, you'd have a "deck" to use and not have to be in the dirt right out of/down the tent. The only real drawback to this is that you would have a higher load when traveling, but like I said, I don't see that you would take a trailer that big many of the really remote places that it would be an issue. I'd almost be like a Tab toy hauler

Now, I know you are kind of into making your own, but why not follow the Jumping Jack trailer? It'd be smaller, but still give you what you need minus some of the storage, but that could be added in other ways, and still keep the trailer smaller.

http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/features.html

None taken! **Let me preface by saying that this wouldn't be used for any crazy expeditions or long travels, most of the ATV sites we go to have some rough bu manageable roads to get to camping. I posted this in here because I felt it didnt fit in the towrig section**

So the deal is, I currently have a 05 Grand Cherokee with the 5.7, but even that is limited to 7k towing. Most of the enclosed toyhaulers are quite heavy, and not that affordable. So my question is, how to get my gear and trailer out there in an affordable fashion.? I found the trailers by Jumping Jack (http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/) which was a pretty cool idea, but the price tag was a bit high.

So could I mount a RTT to my jeep? Sure, but I like the idea of being able to run to town or take the truck without breaking camp.

Could I just pitch a tent on the ground? Or Sleep in the truck? Sure...but id prefer to be off the ground.

Pike, I see you have seen the same thing.

I really like the JJ trailer setup, and would love if I could just buy the tent. I guess I could try to find the source. I thought a RTT would be a good alternative. Again, I dont camp in very remote areas so ground clearance isnt a big deal, most in our group are running 35+ foot goose neck toy haulers.

If you have the skills to make it for a good price, go for it. You may find on that small and light of a trailer that once you get that high up it is going to sway pretty good in the wind when you are camping and you will have to jack all four corners to get stability.

Your going to find that a decent roof top tent may cost about as much as that JJ trailer.

I know I paid over $2,000 for mine and that did not include the shipping from Australia.

Why not just put a decent roof rack on your tow rig and place the RTT on top of that?

I built my M416 trailer so I could take the RFF off and easily and place it on top of my Suburban for when I trailer my TJ.

ARB and a few others now make tents that are smaller and cheaper than the one I have.

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/13937/2844002670044626909S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2844002670044626909thwwhq)

Man what is with all this expensive tent talk? Get your woman behind the sowing machine and have her make you one!:homer:

The reason for not RTT on the tow rig are - gas mileage, and ease of breaking camp. For example, we go to the sand dunes in Rock Springs WY, if you need fuel or a part, you can run 30 miles back to town, id rather just leave my trailer and take my jeep rather than break camp. Also Im fairly sure with this design the tent wont be above the jeep so no wind resistance to worry about.

Also, when I get home I wont have to worry about taking the tent off to fit in the garage.


I agree on the 4 jacks, maybe even some sort of outrigger.

I saw the tents by Camping Labhttp://www.campinglab.com/carpatecho02.html With good reviews, their medium tent is around $800.

Only problem is that it looks like you're hauling kwads. Ugh. Please stay off the singletrack...

Only problem is that it looks like you're hauling kwads. Ugh. Please stay off the singletrack...

Dont plan on going on them. We do more dune riding than anything.

Just looking for an affordable way to sleep off the ground.

Just giving you a hard time. Looks like a solid idea, given what you want to do with it. Would be inclined to just enclose that whole front area myself. Even if you wanted to leave it open at the back, it'd offer a nice break from the weather. Depending on the size/shape, might even serve as a windbreak while towing?

Yea, Ive seen that sheeting people are using for their custom trailers, may not be a bad idea.

One of my co-workers just bought a RTT off some guy that had 2 of them mounted on an open trailer with space for ATV's. The seller bought them both brand new and had big plans... He sold them after 2 trips as it was just too much of a hassle, the RTT aren't that nice after you've been ATV'ing all day, they took up a lot of space, the trailer was tippy, etc, etc.

My co-worker did end up with a sweet deal - he is kicking himself for not buying both tents.. :D

Thats what I was afraid of. Ive done plenty of tent camping, but never been in a RTT. I suppose its worth mentioning that its this plan, or a ground tent/ sleeping in the truck. I would LOVE something like this http://www.livinlite.com/VRV-overview.php but they are retailing for over 20K. Most of the used ones that I can tow are around 10-12K. So I thought this would be a good compromise.

Ever consider buying or building a small enclosed trailer with a sleeping deck? A short tandem (16' or less) would easily be in your weight range. If you got/made something with a side door you could have steps/separated. Easy fab (I'd do wood), could be removable and you get a bonus storage shed. Just make sure you have ventilation! I bet you could get it done under $3k starting with used trailer...

I think my main concern would be loading the quads without smashing my brain :laughing:. Otherwise, it looks like a solid idea, I'd probably give it a go if I had the resources.


I do know that I camped this weekend next to a group of riders who arrived with a pretty large enclosed trailer. They didn't pitch a tent, they just crashed in the trailer. I don't know if you have considered that but it seemed like a good way to have secure storage for your equipment at home while also having a dry, possibly insulated place to sleep.

Looks like what I used to have for hauling the quad and jetski on years ago. The one I built was used on a 20 foot deck carhauler trailer since I already owned it and the quad and ski would fit on it at the same time. Mine would drop into my front six stake pockets and the get locked down with a bolt in each corner.

I also understand your concern about taking the top of your head off loading the quads. Platform on mine was about 5 1/2 feet above the deck and I always wished I had made it taller.

As to the tent part I just bought a tent from somewhere and made the platform to work with it. I had j-hooks mounted to the platform at each location a stake went and shallow holes for the poles to fit into.

As stated above put a leveling jack at each corner otherwise you'll get seasick at night. I had just plain old swinging trailer jacks at each corner. I kept a bungee cord at each corner to hold the handles out of the way when traveling.

Last thing is you'll know the trailers there even more with the platform on it. As I said above the tent was just a store bought so when traveling it road in the bed of the truck in it's bag. Even with it just being a platform with open legs I could feel the difference when towing on the highway and I was in a diesel F350.