So this is meant more for just discussion than anything else, but given a budget of only, say, $7000 what would your choice for a trailer that can sleep 4 comfortably and be able to handle some rough roads. I'm not talking about crawling, but more forest service roads and high clearance roads. I'm going to run through my train of thoughts and hope to sort some ideas out.
I ask because I currently half own this
And its been pretty great for a young family since it has TONS of space
(Not my pictures)
As well as some niceties like a shower that doubles as a shallow bath, hot water heater, thermostat controlled furnace, huge awning, etc, etc. The trouble is that its LONG with a single axle thats rated EXACTLY the GVWR minus the tongue weight.
I mean, just look at how long that sucker is!
So - a quick pros and cons for this trailer
Pros
All the amenities
All the space
Still pretty light and tows okay
was cheap and in amazing shape
fully boxed steel frame all the way through
stainless hardware where it matters
sealed and treated wood floorboards
Can fit bigger tires, I was thinking these
Has lower shackle mount point to raise it up ~1 inch
Cons
Single axle already at max
HUGE overhangs front and rear
Some additional armor underneath to protect the watertank, water/fuel lines would be reauired
Some type of stone deflector would be required
Still no shocks to absorb the bumps
Part owners are wiling to help pay for upgrades that make it better, but probably have limits on what those upgrades are.
Questions for you:
Even with upgrades in clearance, tire capacity, armor, etc, would you take it on roads like this?
(about the limit of roads I hope to do with it)
Do you think going to radial is better for this type of thing? or Stick with Bias? (Bias wear faster but are supposedly tougher)?
Is it even worth it to consider modifying a trailer like this? or would it be better to try and find a more rugged trailer already made (hard to find in my price range)?
I welcome any thoughts on the matter.