DIY Trailer Supported Adventuring lifestyle with everything you need for a weekend full of overland cycling adventure. #VanLife #TeslaLife #spiritual #CampingASMR #Soundbowl #DIYAdventure #TrailerTesla
Welcome to the build series of my adventure trailer for overland gravel bike and cyclocross bike adventures. Overlanding is a rapidly growing trend, and with it, the demand for overland trailers. However, overland trailers can be expensive, so many people are turning to DIY builds. If you’re looking to build your own overland trailer, here are a few things to keep in mind:
This trailer was designed to tow behind a Tesla with minimal impact to the range of the car. I’m always on the lookout for off-road trailer ideas to add to my build. It’s important to me to keep the build video as comprehensive as possible.
Why did you decided to make a trailer? Let’s be honest, because a trailer is what spoke to me the most. I’ve always loved trailers, for me it was always something fun about them. My trailer is an adventure build that helps you make memories while not being limited by what you can bring to the trails or how long you can stay. My belief is that while you may not always drive the road less traveled, you sure can bike it with the right gear.
There are a few different styles of overland trailers to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Flatbed trailers are the most versatile, but they can be difficult to load and unload. Teardrop trailers are more compact and aerodynamic, but they have less storage space. Pop-up trailers offer the best of both worlds, with plenty of storage space and a comfortable sleeping area.
I, an avid crafter, grew up building and tinkering with electronics, wood, metal and bikes. If I ever needed something, my first idea was to build it for myself. Everyone around him knew if ever they needed anything, I was their guy. Still to this day I prefer to build it on my own even if it’s not the most pretty. Being a fan of the industrial style or Steam Punk this trial was the perfect start to steampunk camping.
I have always loved being outside, and working out, and when you combine the love to build and need to be outside. I can’t think of a better project than an adventure trailer. In high school took the AutoCAD class and became certified. I knew I wanted to weld, and work with wood. Even though building was my love it wasn’t quite my passion, that was reserved for technology and electronics. But with the move to modern technology while camping and the inclusion of battery tech. I found a way to make the perfect trifecta to get away and heal the soul.
- Our adventures will seek to heal our:
- Mind – Nature heals. Studies have shown that walking can actually grow your brain & affect your mental health.
- Body – Long hours of Exercise and recovery.
- Soul – Adventure travel is like a spa for your soul. It will refresh and revitalize your spirits and is natural meditation.
Step #1: Dreaming and Planning
The first and major step for me in any of my builds is to design the needs into the trailer so that the camping setup would be designed for the task at hand. On my iPad popped open Notability and got to building and dreaming. This system has to become a mini off-the-grid set-up that offers the amenities we humans need.
Build Factors & Needs –
- I’ve spent many hours on the bike doing day-long adventures and when you get done with a ride these are all the things you desperately want. Food, Water, Shower, and Comfort.
- I am not interested in overloading the Tesla with gear. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 5,302 lbs. This is the maximum allowed weight of the vehicle plus all occupants and cargo. This means that the Model Y has a maximum payload is between 700 and 886 lbs. I’m not going to mod my car for more storage, outdoor kitchen setup, tents and the like.
- So when going back to the drawing board. The first point I needed to address was weight and aerodynamics. I didn’t want the trailer to tow like a brick.
- Visibility I can see around and threw my trailer
- The trailer is base camp fully functioning on its own.
- No travel restrictions once camp is established.
- Why not teardrop? It’s not the answer to the problem I want to solve. So that being said the Teardrop isn’t as logical. It misses the point of gear, space and functionality. And prioritizes home like sleeping quarters and massive kitchen. It’s really just creating a mini bed room.
- It’s more sturdy than a car roof rack and doesn’t mess with car stability. and a trailer can be rated for as much weight and my steel can hold.
- I don’t have to pack and unpack the car after each adventure.
Step #2: Use plans to build structure –
This began with the structure for the tent because everything else would be built around that. I built a steel frame because I wanted to be nearly indestructible. This became a square box welded onto the structure of the trailer. The tents mounting system is how the box’s size was decided.
A custom built camper will need a frame. I chose a 3.5′ x 5′ because of the current dimensions of the trailer. The first video in my playlist is removing the old build that I had and beginning space for the future build. I put in new floor frame support, jack, coupler, taillights, reinforced tongue and toolbox mounted on the trailer as a battery box.
Step #3: Build the systems we will need –
I need to have a setup and space that is the kitchen. The entire left side of the trailer is dedicated to cooking and fridge.
Step #4: Hit the road
Once your trailer is finished, it’s time to hit the road and start exploring. With your own custom overland trailer, you’ll be able to go anywhere you want, whenever you want.
Here are some additional tips for building your own overland trailer:
- Use high-quality materials. Your trailer will be exposed to the elements, so it’s important to use materials that will last.
- Make sure your trailer is well-built. Your trailer will be carrying a lot of weight, so it’s important to make sure it’s built to withstand the rigors of off-road travel.
- Test your trailer before you take it on a long trip. Make sure everything is working properly and that your trailer is stable.
- Be prepared for repairs. No matter how well you build your trailer, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. Be prepared to make repairs on the road.
Building your own overland trailer is a great way to save money and get a trailer that’s perfectly suited to your needs. With a little planning and effort, you can build a trailer that will take you on your next adventure.
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