JDeanP
Advanced Member
As a kid, they were always seen as a "redneck" (I don't personally consider that moniker derogatory) trailer, and not really something that was used for tasks more serious than dump runs. These days people are making some pretty slick looking conversions.
When I weigh the factors of intended use, cost, durability, upkeep, etc, the option that seems to best suit my needs is a truck bed trailer.
I drive a 96 F250 7.3 with an 8' bed. My 80 FWC Keystone sits in the back. The plan is to purchase a Kawasaki KLR650 sometime in the near future. There is also a large kayak in the equation, but that may evolve into a ~16' aluminum v hull (ladder rack?). Ideally, everything would be self contained and a long trip could be taken to various parks, BLM land, hunting camps, fishing waters, etc. I make no claims to being a well seasoned off-road driver. The limits of my vehicle far outpace my own as its driver, so it's not like I'm going to be hitting wild angles as I take shortcuts through the Grand Canyon or anything, but I do frequent unpaved places. If the original donor truck was close enough to mine, the same axle, wheels, and tires could be used and be an option for spares in a dire situation.
So,
1) Adequate off-road capability/durability
2) Room for at least a KLR650 and kayak, spare tires, misc. extras
3) Won't make driving on the interstate look like a trailer for the next Final Destination film (corny pun intentional)
4) Won't break the bank
Other forums have some good information on builds, etc., but I wanted to get some feedback from this community on trailer options while driving a vehicle with a pop-up camper. Is my thinking far off and ridiculous? Am I not considering certain factors or options? Let me know what you folks think.
When I weigh the factors of intended use, cost, durability, upkeep, etc, the option that seems to best suit my needs is a truck bed trailer.
I drive a 96 F250 7.3 with an 8' bed. My 80 FWC Keystone sits in the back. The plan is to purchase a Kawasaki KLR650 sometime in the near future. There is also a large kayak in the equation, but that may evolve into a ~16' aluminum v hull (ladder rack?). Ideally, everything would be self contained and a long trip could be taken to various parks, BLM land, hunting camps, fishing waters, etc. I make no claims to being a well seasoned off-road driver. The limits of my vehicle far outpace my own as its driver, so it's not like I'm going to be hitting wild angles as I take shortcuts through the Grand Canyon or anything, but I do frequent unpaved places. If the original donor truck was close enough to mine, the same axle, wheels, and tires could be used and be an option for spares in a dire situation.
So,
1) Adequate off-road capability/durability
2) Room for at least a KLR650 and kayak, spare tires, misc. extras
3) Won't make driving on the interstate look like a trailer for the next Final Destination film (corny pun intentional)
4) Won't break the bank
Other forums have some good information on builds, etc., but I wanted to get some feedback from this community on trailer options while driving a vehicle with a pop-up camper. Is my thinking far off and ridiculous? Am I not considering certain factors or options? Let me know what you folks think.