Overland Trailer Build – Part 1

As some of you know we sold our overland camping trailer several months back. There were several reasons for selling it, mainly weight with it coming in at 1800+lbs, and that I had also built a sleeping platform in the Jeep.

But there was still a desire for a smaller lightweight trailer to be used for haul all our gear during extended camping excursions. Sleeping in the jeep was great, but it was a hassle to remove all our gear while sleeping.

With that in mind I started looking for a small platform trailer to use as a base. I wanted something small, light, and able to store gear out of the elements and securely.

After seeing one other person start a similar build off the same platform I knew this would fit the bill nicely.

It’s a construction light tower. This particular one is an Terex / Amida AL4000. I was able to find a used one from United Rentals for a decent price and in good condition.

For some specs on the trailer.

Frame (main cabinet) 41″ x 70″
Total length 124″
3500# axle
62″ wide
5 x 4.5 bolt pattern on hubs
Lift up doors on both sides for cabinet access
30 gal diesel tank mounted under frame
6kW generator and Kabota Diesel engine

The first order of business was to get it cleaned up and stripped down for the conversion. The unit was still operation so the motor/generator, tower, and lights would need to be pulled. I was able to sell those and recoup some of the purchased price!

An axel flip kit was installed to give the trailer a little more ground clearance and will allow me to run larger tires. I would also be welding on a new leaf hanger to give another couple inches of clearance.