UTV hauler/camper enclosed trailer

[mcseal2]

This last hunting trip we drove up to 4hrs a day getting from the hotel to where we unloaded the UTV and back. We have good lightweight camping stuff but aren't against being more comfortable when we can carry more weight. I'm thinking of getting a trailer that can both be a camper and haul the UTV. I priced some smaller trailers designed for this but they are way fancier and pricier than I think I need. I don't own a camper and taking a small camper trailer and the UTV would require an extra truck going on each trip, so I'm eliminating that idea.

Anyone know anyone who has made an enclosed trailer into camp and a UTV hauler? I think the mobility would be awesome if it's done simply, much quicker than setting up and taking down a wall tent.

My plan is much easier to draw than write out but here is my initial plan (started 20 minutes ago so its far from complete)

-8'6"x16' enclosed trailer
-racks built on interior wall to hold 2 Cabelas big cots folded down
-removable wall tent style wood stove near a front corner with a metal plate heat shield/reflector under and behind the stove, held 1" off the floor and walls to allow air to circulate behind.
-camper style screen door and hard door on front corner opposite the wood stove
-2 windows cut near rear corners of trailer, screens on them and capable of being covered
-12V lighting
-12V water pump and 55 gallon barrel of clean water
-plastic shop style sink (fits 5 gallon bucket) with simple hose rigged up to water barrel with 12V sprayer pump to run water
-possibly a simple removable shower set-up. Thinking real simple, like a plastic tub with a PVC frame to hold a shower curtain and a solar shower bag bolted on. Fill the solar shower bag and hang it near enough the stove to warm up before the shower.

Outside the trailer on nose
-55 gallon drum on nose to hold dirty soapy water
-12V battery, wiring to charge with my 3 Goal Zero 20 panels

Coolers, sleeping bags, all the other items I think could be carried in the truck until needed. To move camp you just make darn sure the stove is out, clean, and cold. Take the pipe down and cover the hole, hang up the cots, and make sure the water is all shut off and stored. Load the UTV and strap it down.

If we get a trailer the right size and built pretty heavy I think my hunting buddy and I can build the rest over the winter in our shop.

Am I crazy?

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

There is a great thread started in Jan 2012 on this very subject. Lots of different styles and lots of pictures. I re-entered on the original post, can be found under General Hunting-"Enclosed Cargo/Hunting Trailer Conversions.

The only thing I would recommend is a longer trailer than 16'. Mine is 20' and it is just about right.

 

[mcseal2]

Thanks I'll hunt up the old post.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

http://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/1930-Enclosed-Cargo-Hunting-Trailer-Conversion?highlight=Enclosed/

Here ya go

 

[Musket Man]

Another option would be a truck camper and a trailer for your UTV. You can find older campers pretty cheap. I just got one and was pretty happy with it on my antelope hunt!

 

[buckykm1]

This last hunting trip we drove up to 4hrs a day getting from the hotel to where we unloaded the UTV and back. We have good lightweight camping stuff but aren't against being more comfortable when we can carry more weight. I'm thinking of getting a trailer that can both be a camper and haul the UTV. I priced some smaller trailers designed for this but they are way fancier and pricier than I think I need. I don't own a camper and taking a small camper trailer and the UTV would require an extra truck going on each trip, so I'm eliminating that idea.

Anyone know anyone who has made an enclosed trailer into camp and a UTV hauler? I think the mobility would be awesome if it's done simply, much quicker than setting up and taking down a wall tent.

My plan is much easier to draw than write out but here is my initial plan (started 20 minutes ago so its far from complete)

-8'6"x16' enclosed trailer
-racks built on interior wall to hold 2 Cabelas big cots folded down
-removable wall tent style wood stove near a front corner with a metal plate heat shield/reflector under and behind the stove, held 1" off the floor and walls to allow air to circulate behind.
-camper style screen door and hard door on front corner opposite the wood stove
-2 windows cut near rear corners of trailer, screens on them and capable of being covered
-12V lighting
-12V water pump and 55 gallon barrel of clean water
-plastic shop style sink (fits 5 gallon bucket) with simple hose rigged up to water barrel with 12V sprayer pump to run water
-possibly a simple removable shower set-up. Thinking real simple, like a plastic tub with a PVC frame to hold a shower curtain and a solar shower bag bolted on. Fill the solar shower bag and hang it near enough the stove to warm up before the shower.

Outside the trailer on nose
-55 gallon drum on nose to hold dirty soapy water
-12V battery, wiring to charge with my 3 Goal Zero 20 panels

Coolers, sleeping bags, all the other items I think could be carried in the truck until needed. To move camp you just make darn sure the stove is out, clean, and cold. Take the pipe down and cover the hole, hang up the cots, and make sure the water is all shut off and stored. Load the UTV and strap it down.

If we get a trailer the right size and built pretty heavy I think my hunting buddy and I can build the rest over the winter in our shop.

Am I crazy?

This was my answer. my age is sneaking up on me, and needed to give up my Wall Tent, 27' wedge nose 7 1/2' wide all aluminum weight 2800 pounds, works great for a couple of people.
I bring a 12 cu. ft. freezer, to bring Elk back in. basically roll my ATV out, level the trailer, and set the Cabela's cots and dinner table up.

Kevin

 

[nv-hunter]

I would forget the wood stove and go the Mister Buddy heater route, buy a shower enclosure off craigslist and get a propane fired shower with pump. You'll have gas for the utv so grab a generator

 

[mcseal2]

I might forget the wood, it seems everyone is going with the Mr Buddy from what I've read. I have plenty of propane bottles around we use with a weed burner to light fire with when doing controlled pasture burns in the spring. I like the idea of wood heat and 12V/solar power so I can stay out indefinitely but the propane makes a lot of sense.

Does anyone use a heater with a thermostat to keep water in the trailer from freezing or are you using them that cold? I wasn't sure if I would need something more for an early November elk hunt in Wyoming, the season usually runs up to the 5th or so where I hunt.

Some of the trailer brands I looked at will add a camper style door up front for around $200. I might end up buying a new trailer built the way I want it with heavier axles and more clearance, and the door up front maybe a couple windows instead of getting a used one. Then I'd just have to do the interior myself.

I have a good Honda Generator but it's a bigger 10k output model that can run my house during an ice storm. 2 guys can still put it in the back of truck it's just louder.

Thanks for the help, giving me lots to think about.

 

[mcseal2]

Another option would be a truck camper and a trailer for your UTV. You can find older campers pretty cheap. I just got one and was pretty happy with it on my antelope hunt!

I thought of that too but my truck I take out west is a flatbed. I have a shortbed 4 door 2012 F350 I use on the ranch that I take to hunt out west. It has a 6ft flatbed with a Triple C toolbox and 40 gallon reserve fuel tank that takes up most of the space in front of the gooseneck hitch.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Did you get a chance to look at the other thread on hunting trailers?

 

[buckykm1]

I don't know where you live, but I highly recommend R&R Trailers in Three Rivers, Michigan.
they build all Aluminum Trailers, in about any size you want. single, double or triple axel.
I also recommend going with the 5' wedge nose, they pull a lot better, and help on fuel mileage.
they can add RV style doors, windows whatever you want.
and they are extremely reasonably priced compared to others.
I did a lot of shopping around before I ordered mine, they beat everyone hands down on price, and the quality is excellent. IMHO.

Kevin

 

[WapitiBob]

A truck camper and atv trailer sounds good on paper, that's what I have. Pain in the rear in actual use. Camper is too small and the trailers are an overall pain. I haven't hauled one to Wyoming yet that didn't require some repair or tires on the trip.
Cargo trailers seem too small and by the time all is said and done I could have bought a used toy hauler. But, with the toy hauler, I'm back to towing a big trailer.
No easy solution that I've found yet.

 

[buckykm1]

A truck camper and atv trailer sounds good on paper, that's what I have. Pain in the rear in actual use. Camper is too small and the trailers are an overall pain. I haven't hauled one to Wyoming yet that didn't require some repair or tires on the trip.
Cargo trailers seem too small and by the time all is said and done I could have bought a used toy hauler. But, with the toy hauler, I'm back to towing a big trailer.
No easy solution that I've found yet.

Man you sure have some bad luck.
in 30 years of pulling one kind of Trailer or another out west, I have only had tire issues twice.

Kevin

 

[mcseal2]

Did you get a chance to look at the other thread on hunting trailers?

Yep, thanks for sending me to it. It was very helpful.

I'll check out the R&R trailers too, sounds like it might be just what I want.

I want axles that will run at least 15" preferably 16" tires. I had a boat trailer with smaller tires I pulled to the river 40 miles of Interstate away and grew to hate it. The wind pushed the jon boat around I think and the bearings wouldn't take the side pressure. I'd end up putting bearings in every year. With 15" tires and the bigger bearings in the new axle I have no issues. I would like to have a single or tandem 7000lb axles like our stock trailers that take 16" tires. Overkill for weight probably but the roads at home make a person like a 10ply tire.

 

[dustin ray]

There are RV salvage places around where you can get parts cheap windows ,water tanks fold down couch -bed converts chargers

 

[Musket Man]

I thought of that too but my truck I take out west is a flatbed. I have a shortbed 4 door 2012 F350 I use on the ranch that I take to hunt out west. It has a 6ft flatbed with a Triple C toolbox and 40 gallon reserve fuel tank that takes up most of the space in front of the gooseneck hitch.

I cut a hole in the floor of mine for the gooseneck ball. lol!! I saw a guy on my trip with his camper on a trailer and ATV in truck. The only thing i dont like about the camper is its a bit top heavy and have to go slow on rough roads. There are alot of options. I choose the camper because I didnt want to pull a trailer or have more tires to worry about.