Yaris Expedition Trailer

[Janviernes]

This is the first phase of my ultralight expedition trailer project, Echo Tango One.

The chassis is based on a utility trailer frame, built from a kit which was $600 from Westbrook Trailers. I added some 2x4 crossmembers. Framed some walls in 2x2s with thin plywood sheathing, on top of which is a plywood deck. There are some wood rails on the chassis for 3 bins (the black ones with yellow lids) to slide in. Blue spray paint and spar varnish.

Phase one functionality: the bins hold expedition gear, and on top of the deck goes a queen foam mattress wrapped in tarp. When parked, a tent is set up on top of the mattress.

Total weight of the empty trailer is about 300 lbs, a very rough guess. Still to be weighed with and without gear. Average loadout is about 300 lbs, so total weight of approximately 600 lbs which is quite nicely tow-able by the car.

Bit of a hack job, but does the trick! :)

[justanotherdrunk]

looks good paint the trailer wheels black to match the car

[Janviernes]

The paint is rust preventative and wood preservative, not for aesthetics. I'm not in the habit of spending unnecessary money. :)

The rims came with the car when I bought it used.

[grilled cheeseus]

Janviernes this is awesome! I'm excited to see where this project goes (and where you go with the project). What are the dimensions of the trailer frame?

I literally came here to post my own Yaris trailer project. I'll start my own thread so as not to distract from yours..

[Janviernes]

Thanks! It's a 4x6 frame. I got it from Westbrook Trailers.
I think the first major trip will be the Trans-Labrador Highway and Newfoundland.
Interested to see your project!

[grilled cheeseus]

Janviernes, as promised: https://www.yarisworld.com/forums/sh...d.php?p=820451

[Leegamer]

I'm moving soon to a house where I will need to make dump trips. I was considering buying a beater truck, but it might be cheaper and more fun to do something like this.

[dogsridewith]

I've towed trailers w/ 1971 VW type 3 (fastback), Mazda GLC (1979 rwd),and 84 Honda Civic wagon. All simple custom hitches. Yaris' super short rear overhang is an advantage. (No hitch yet.)

[Thirty-Nine]

Love it.

I have a Dinoot Trailer. It's a boxed, welded chassis with fiberglass sides. We started towing it with our 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, which by the way, made 95 hp at the flywheel, so less than the Yaris. It's very light weight and would work behind a Yaris, too.

http://www.subcompactculture.com/201...traveling.html