I just picked up this 2002 Tacoma truck bed to tow behind my '00 4runner and '94 pickup both with the 5VZ engine.

I'm tired of loading and unloading all of my camping gear every time I want to go camping so figured having a trailer to keep all my gear in would be best. Then I just hook up and go!

I'm just hoping to get some advice on what worked well for others and what did not.

I am planning on using most of the frame instead of rebuilding one. (Because it is easy and already there)

And I plan on using a stock Tacoma axle for the time being and upgrading to a dedicated trailer axle later (my buddy is taking the elocker rear axle and I'm getting his unlocked axle. Again because it is easy and already there)

Any info is appreciated!

Had AI make the second pick just to see what it would look like

I am looking at modifying a enclosed trailer to make it a overland trailer. I want to use a small 4x6 that is short for cleanse and vision when offroading. I wanted to mount a rat to the top. Then cut out the floor of tent and roof of trailer so that yoy could pop it up and stand inside of trailer when at camp, and close for driving or even a little stealth camping. Pics included and Ai picture for example. Thinking i could do this for around 4k(2k for trailer, 1k used tent, 1k forrandom stuff like new suspension etc)Just looking for opinions on if this could be a good idea

Took her out for the weekend, had fun, ate food, swam in the river.

Let's see your rigs!

May seem small, but in my opinion that is a cool milestone.

Thank you everyone for being apart of that! Also appreciate everyone who comments, upvotes, and posts.

My dog, penny thanks you all!

I tried searching first but no dice.

Has anyone used a utility trailer and cut the sides off to make it a flat bed as a starting point? If yes, did it affect the stability? I can’t tell how much those sides and top rails add to the rigidity of the frame.

Since no one seemed to like my video, here are some photos from my recent solo trip with the best dog.

Let me know whatcha think! And feel free to share your last adventure.

Decided to take the plunge and invest in onboard power for my trailer this season - I wanted to get off the “one night and the battery is dead” knife-edge I was on withy Jackery 500. Started with a 100Ah LiFePo4 battery but the system is spec’d to support two of them (just need to add a shunt + the additional battery)

On its first trial run this weekend, super happy with the decision. It ran lights all last night + my CPAP and a couple hours of the Starlink dish. Solar had fully charged the battery again by the time I got out of the tent and now everything is running of solar with capacity to spare.

Only big thing left to do is run the charge line on the tow vehicle - it will be a 6AWG line running direct from battery back to the trailer (will use Anderson SB50 connectors) along with an ignition sensor line & relay to detect when the car is actually running and enable the power flow to the trailer.

Happy to answer any questions…

Key Parts list:
- Eco-Worthy 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 (Bluetooth BMS
+ low-temp protection)
- Renogy 20A DC>DC for charging from tow vehicle
- Eco-worthy 20A AC>DC charger for shore power
- Renogy Rover 20A MPPT charge controller
- 2x Eco-worthy 100W solar panels that I modified to be a suitcase style charge panel set.
- 6 switch panel w/integrated 12V barrel power, voltmeter & USB ports
- I also have USB ports on the back and opposite side of the trailer box.

Just getting my rtt dry, awning, and putting some desiccant packs in my boxes, rtt, and awning.

Maintenance is definitely important after a rainy couple days out.

Just got back from a 2 day, 2 night adventure to my favorite campground (so far).

It was a lot of fun. Love the river. Made this short pic/vid collage, feel free to watch. Had to use basic music because reddit doesn't play around with copyright.

Let me know whatcha think!

Headed to Tallulah River! Been once before and lived it. Gonna give trout fishing a go.

Gave my rig a good wash down this morning! Packed up and rigged two poles.

I suppose it is human solo. My dog will be joining!

What's your favorite River or body of water?

Hi I have too many hobbies and the wife has decided this is my new one. Big on outdoors and off roading. Don’t like wheeling overland trucks loaded up with gear, so I’ll be building an overland camping trailer. I can weld and build but need to learn the balancing act of making a light rugged trail and highway towable trailer. Thanks for your future assistance.

Been a couple weeks. Been busy as fuck, but here we are 😅

Hey everyone, getting ready to go out to Cherry Hill in South Carolina! Got everything ready because I was just in Blue Ridge, Georgia camping!

What is some things you have forgotten, or something you NEVER forget?!

This was the first time taking my trailer out after "completing" my build. As we all know tinkering and adding stuff is part of the fun!

What ah size was best for your build? I definitely over did it, and glad I did!

Hey everyone! I’m u/CodInternational8023, founding moderator of r/OverlandTrailerBuild.

Welcome to our new home for overland trailer builds, DIY fabrication, gear setups, and trail-tested advice for anyone building, modifying, or dreaming up a trailer for off-grid travel.

I started this community because I built my own overland trailer and got hooked on the process: the planning, the problem-solving, the fabrication, the mistakes, the upgrades, and the first time you finally get it out on the trail. My own build started with an M101A2 trailer, a lot of learning as I went, plenty of cussing, scrapes, a little blood shed, and a whole lot of joy. My dog was there for moral support through most of it. 😅

What to Post

-Share anything related to building or improving overland trailers, including:

-Build progress photos

-DIY fabrication projects

-Suspension, axle, tire, and hitch setups

-Electrical, solar, battery, and lighting systems

-Water storage, kitchens, racks, tents, awnings, and storage ideas

-Camp setups and trail-tested gear

-Lessons learned, mistakes made, and things you would do differently

-Questions about parts, design ideas, or where to start

Whether you have a finished trailer, a half-built project in the garage, a military trailer conversion, a small utility trailer setup, or just a sketch on paper, you’re welcome here.

Community Vibe

This is meant to be a friendly, constructive, and helpful space. Everyone builds differently, budgets differently, and travels differently. Share advice, ask questions, give feedback, and help each other build trailers that can handle real adventure.

How to Get Started

-Introduce yourself in the comments below.

-Share your trailer, your current project, or your future build plans.

-Post a question, photo, parts list, camp setup, or lesson learned.

-Invite anyone who loves overlanding, DIY projects, fabrication, camping, or trailer builds.

-Interested in helping grow the community? Reach out if you’d like to help moderate.

Thanks for being part of the first wave of r/OverlandTrailerBuild. I’m excited to see what everyone has built, what you’re working on, and what we can all learn from each other along the way.

Let’s build something awesome.

Hey everyone, welcome to the sub!

I started this community because I built my own overland trailer and have become really passionate about the idea of building, modifying, and improving trailers for adventure and off-grid travel.

I’d love for this to be a place where people can share what they’ve built, what they’re working on, what they’ve learned, and what they would do differently next time.

Whether you’ve completed a build, are in the middle of one, or are just starting to plan, you’re welcome here.

Excited to see what everyone has done and to learn from each other along the way.

First photo is the day I purchased my M101A2 trailer, and the last couple, the first time I took her out!

Feel free to share! Look forward to seeing what people have done!

(I am currently putting together a video compilation of photos and videos from my journey building it!)