Budget Harbor Freight Off-Road Trailer Build. Episode 2. Making An Overland Trailer On The Cheap.

Let's build a budget overland trailer!
Today we are going to take this Harbor Freight overland trailer to the next level. Walls, a water tank, the works. But unfortunately, I make a huge mistake and break my best lens that I shoot these videos with...life goes on I guess lol. In any case I'm having a great time building this trailer so I hope you are enjoying watching it!
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Due to factors out of the control of Dirt Lifestyle, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Dirt Lifestyle assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Dirt Lifestyle recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Dirt Lifestyle. Be safe!
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#overland #overlanding #metalfabrication

[@shawnvergilia1609]

Build the ramps as your fender. Dual purpose and possible a cool look. Saved space.

[@jtdehaanjr]

I was thinking the same

[@paulsmith9341]

Yes, fenders that flip down and act as ramps. Also some kind of step to enter the tent.

[@marksommers6764]

Genius

[@robbanks7393]

Most guys use firewood as ramps/leveling blocks.

[@jamesdahan7265]

I was thinking the same thing. Great idea!

[@danielburgan3621]

For those of us who live vicariously through your builds, your loss is our loss. My condolences, Nate

[@JoeGarofaloII]

"If we drive onto a pair of ramps that make it taller, it will be taller." See, it's that kind of genius simplicity that we are missing in our advanced society

[@duncancameron3759]

A friend of mine built his own trailer as well. Had the same problems with the first design being too tall and tippy with the rooftop tent on. He used some electric trailer jacks and built it so the tent would lift about 1' with the push of a button. Works amazingly well and is super strong.

[@mattbarrett41]

Rooftop tents…..great idea when you’re under 35. When you’re over 50, you have the bladder of a toddler. I’m up twice a night. I’ll sleep in the trailer, thanks!

[@gerryhartung736]

Man cave, check, man tools, check, boy toys, check, what else....... oh yea, most humble, understanding wife. You gotta ❤ her!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol I'm very fortunate

[@SWBCrawler]

Great stuff. Sorry to hear about that lens. I can’t imagine what I’d do if I dropped my camera. And the whole rig isn’t worth even as much as that lens. Good luck with it.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lo dude it sucks. The repair estimate is 600 but we will see.

[@seancummings6379]

@@DirtLifestyle Fingers crossed that the lens can be repaired. Great build so far.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

The lenses are always the most expensive part. They add up fast!

[@michaelwillis1832]

@@DirtLifestyle Make sure you check the camera is ok, i did that with a really nice camera and didn't realise that the internals bent, all the shots it took for about 2 months were soft, on the other hand the $7k lens was fine.

[@1nvisible1]

*Consider mounting one inch u channel for a spring balanced guillotine door that doubles as a large animal trap for food and fur collection during the post Covid apocalyptic period. Also, waterproof forward mounting speakers for blasting cruelty free gender neutral attack music.*

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

RIP camera lens. You were a good friend, provided such clarity and depth to everyday life, nothing can replace you and your special ability to focus on what truly matters. It was great and you will be missed.

[@CharleyMcGee]

random thought ... why not mount an alternator to the axle's input shaft so that the input shaft spins the alternator as you drive along. That way, you'd always arrive at your camp site with full batteries.

[@mwilliamshs]

Lot of work and complexity for very little potential charging

[@brentheltsley7187]

I really like that idea but I don’t think the rpm off the pinion would be enough to charge with.

[@CharleyMcGee]

@@brentheltsley7187 It depends. I think he said he was using 35-inch tires. If so, then the if the axle has a 3.90 ratio, the pinion is turning right about 2700 rpm which is pretty ideal for charging. Also, if the gearing is the same in the trailer axle as in the truck, then yay for spare parts!

[@Ryan_Tidwell]

He'd use a lot more gas? Nothing is free bro.

[@mwilliamshs]

@@brentheltsley7187 wheel rpm x axle gears = pinion rpm. Can then multiply with pulley ratios. RPM isn't the issue

[@jameshall4385]

I love the trailer. It is a great project. I have two ideas for it. You could try to mount an alternator to the pinion yoke and you could charge the batteries as you drive down the road. Those easy ramps look like fenders or mud flaps, you could try to build a larger pair and mount them for fenders or mud flaps on the trailer. You could mount them with removable pins.

[@theomnipresent1]

I like your out of the box ideas. Seems like you would get about 2,000 rpm @ 60mph w/35" tires and a 3.54:1 final drive.

[@markjones3273]

I remember an article I read in Off Road or some such in the '70s that someone did the alternator thing. He used it to power a pump for custom hydraulics. A very efficient setup.

[@zarkov2324]

could also add an electric motor to move the trailer around xD

[@MS-kh2je]

Love how you explain your mistakes even when no one would notice, true sign of a teacher.🧐

[@TheRambler-pz1gx]

I saw a guy on Section 2 of the WABDR who had a small Offroad trailer. He had a very ingenues way of getting the RTT to rise. He found pneumatic struts that were rated for 80-100lbs ea.Then he did the square tube inside of square tube. With all 4 corners lifting at the same time it was a breeze. I asked him if it jammed due to trail dust. He said no because he drilled a bung at the bottom of each upright, and the vibration going down the trail would make it all fall out. Tolerance was key though. Good luck on the build. I was going to do the same thing last year with a 40x48HF trailer, but I ended up giving the trailer kit to someone who fell on hard times in the Snoqualmie Valley who needed one more than I did.

[@robguest700]

I'm Rob and I'm getting ready to build an off road trailer smaller to yours I've had given to me a wierd framed trailer with 14 inch wheels I need to re-do the frame maybe even build a new one, I like your design and thanks for your inspiration,love your show

[@peterf.4268]

Really sorry about the camera costs/breakage, keep your head up, seriously 1 of THE BEST KZbin channels out there.

[@jonathanconway7256]

When you know you are tough on things, you build it tough! Awesome

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol for sure

[@danielfitzgerald5959]

Just found this channel and truly is my loss. man I really enjoy these types of videos, seeing it come together is nice

[@homeslipper]

Those easy jacks are on point. Chunk of wood and a chainsaw or hatchet out in the field saves the day. Easy Jacks. I once saw a kid get his finger tips caught between a chok rock and a 1 ton dually tire on a hill. It's Easier than that. Easy Jacks.

[@JoeGarofaloII]

I always overbuilt things and I love that you do too Nate. You're giving me a ton of ideas for projects 👍

[@BenDurBenDur]

If you're concerned about the strength of the skeleton you could add in some triangulation. Even just gussets in the major corners would increase the stiffness significantly without a huge weight penalty

[@Bill-v650]

you misunderstood him, he wasn't concerned about the strength of the skeleton at all, he was concerned about it's durability to with stand impacts from rocks/boulders/ground, trees, etc. Gussets won't help keep the tubes from denting/bending when impacted really... As an engineer I think the weight savings would have been better doing the opposite, ie 3/16 wall tubes and 16ga skin... but then you have to ask yourself does it make sense to weld 3/16wall tube to a 14ga HFT trailer frame...

[@BenDurBenDur]

I don't think I did. He specifically talks about the likelihood of rolling it. I get that he is concerned with impacts. However, if you roll an un-triangulated cube there is a high likelihood of turning it into a rhombus, and he specifically expressed that he's worried about rolling it. But I was just trying to give a helpful idea, I wasn't saying anyone was wrong.

[@Bill-v650]

@@BenDurBenDur The skins will provide plenty of gusseting/triangulation

[@BenDurBenDur]

Great dude thanks for the insight

[@farmertylerranch4399]

Bummer about the lens man. On the bright side, the trailer is really looking great! You’re a hell of a fabricator can’t wait to see it done!

[@dare2nomad329]

I may go budget on many things, but not my insurance on my gear. You can get $30k of insurance for less than $75 a month, with a minimal deductible. Your work is inspiring. I am working on 3 vehicle conversions including a mobile studio. Escaping to the wilderness is one part of functional design, that and being flexible to design changes as in the midst of creating. Thank you.

[@brianmartin3669]

Always love watching you create, it is the number one reason I follow your stuff. You have a knack for the right balance of pre-planning and being flexible to potential issues or inspiration. Can't wait to see the progress on this build!

[@chriswhitehouse9764]

Take a good break DL. You’re rocking the channel and we’ll keep coming!

[@gerryhartung736]

The rails on top of trailer 👌 go good with rack on rover.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks!

[@tonytully4943]

So many people love to play Monday morning quarterback. Or are so much better than others. It's yours. I often use leftover, free, or cheap stuff for a lot of my projects. The materials usually come from projects I was paid to do. So it's good materials. just not a bunch out of pocket

[@samsanderson7159]

You know, I've seen someplace, don't ask me where, but they put a pulley on the axle yoke and ran an alternator off of it to recharge the batteries while you are traveling. Might be a good opportunity to try that with this trailer.

[@justinrawlings9354]

Would be cool to add an alternator to the axle that is driven by the pinion so anytime its going more than like 5-10mph it's charging your on-board batteries.

[@thetouringprepper8681]

Pretty great idea i would love to see that in action

[@timothyjamieson1282]

Seen that done on a horse float truck. Kept the house battery charging completely separate to trucks start batteries.

[@kieranrulz2]

I also love creating as you go, I find it so satisfying as you see it all come together

[@gearlist]

Looking solid Nate, super pumped to see how this continues to progress. Looking forward to ep 3 🤙🤙

[@jason.hartson]

I'm super stoked to see this build as it progresses. I'm not a fab guy so I love seeing this process. Sucks about the lens Nate, but good for you for calling it and regrouping.

[@noahmoore2907]

We appreciate the honesty and transparency. Good work Nate!

[@signdeals4972]

Super glad you’re doing this build. I’ve been planning one, but it’s nice to see someone go through it to see what I want.

[@MacsSpecialitiesMotorsports]

We appreciate it when you make a mistake and show us how you resolved the issue. Especially when you make the wrong cut then making it work in the end without wasting any materials! Well done Sir!

[@nickjtierney]

That drill, plasma, bend with crescents and weld on the water skid was awsome. Love this project so far! Great work man!

[@tedz74]

Sorry to hear about the lense, punch in the gut for sure. FYI, on my trailer, I use nested box tubing as you described to adjust the height. However I incorporated long travel gas struts at each corner to take the weight when raising/lowering. I also added RV style leveling jacks to the rear. This allows for a a perfectly level sleeping experience.

[@gregkrueger331]

The gas shock assistance lifting it up would be an awesome idea. How hard is it to lower back down though? I’d imagine 4 hood strut type lift struts would help out nicely.

[@Trap..house.]

That’s what I’m talking about ! Live this series! So cool seeing this transform! Can’t wait for part 3!

[@WeekendWrenchTurner]

Turning out pretty nice! Can't wait to see what you come up with for organization👍

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks man!

[@mrchevy1018]

While I was watching you talk about mounting 2 batteries, I was thinking if you could mount some kind of budget friendly alternator to the axle to charge the batteries any time you are driving. Good luck, and thanks for all the inspiration constantly for working on my own projects.

[@JoeGarofaloII]

That's a really neat idea!

[@joekennedy8411]

Funny, that’s what I came to say! “Free” power!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I've always wanted to do that but we will cover it in the axle video 👍

[@DANEMSPRINGER]

Great idea!

[@sideshow45]

Equipment batteries from tractor supply have an insane reserve capacity and are relatively cheap in comparison to multiple car batteries.

[@jenky1044]

Trailer looks great. From one photographer to a videographer, *I'm sorry for your loss* 😥

[@jasonholloway2476]

Nate, brother man...anyone who has done this kind of work/wrenching/fab/etc...we've all gotten to "that place" where a big mess up happens...and you wisely walked away for now. Sometimes, It is better to just stop for now and walk away. Take a break. I've been there too, many times! Stuff happens, it sucks, I feel for you!

[@jordanharris3749]

Look at timbren axles for the future, would save you a lot of space underneath for the tank and whatever else

[@frediefarmer]

Sucks for the lens. But you’ll keep pushing on. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@JuanLopez-vb6fq]

Its turning out amazing can't wait to see the final build

[@davidmoore5021]

Thanks for sharing

[@mygamertag2010X]

Someone start a gofundme for the lens?!

[@DirtLifestyle]

I feel like a D-bag starting a go fund me 🤦‍♂️ The repair cost is estimated at 600 bucks right now so hopefully they can repair it. Still in the mail...

[@mygamertag2010X]

@@DirtLifestyle the community will certainly band together and cover this repair if a campaign is started, I'll donate! We gotta keep you making videos, they're too good to miss!

[@jtdehaanjr]

@@DirtLifestyle love your humility Nate, but this community wants you to keep performing at your best, we'd all pitch in to help you out!

[@JakeTaylor1646]

I'm excited I love your design plan on this!

[@trentallmon5445]

Cool thing about the easy jack style ramps is they could potentially be used to level the sleeping surface as well. Cool build for sure

[@peten6445]

You make it look so easy. Great video!!

[@StormbornJKU]

Trailer is looking pretty darn good. Excited to see what comes next!

[@adamcurtis8907]

From a fellow fabricator and jeeper, love the work and channel. Sorry about the lens, I gonna check out some mercy. Maybe we can all help out.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thanks buddy, honored to have your support 🙏

[@scottbartlett4853]

Great work Nate!

[@DANEMSPRINGER]

Can't wait for the rest of the build videos Nate 🙌

[@xsailor1970]

Always love the Content totally get your pain with destroying expensive equipment. If you didn’t already know you could probably rent a Lens to save you an unexpected major expense there’s a number of companies that do it. Super excited about this build, it may be the first project I do since you inspired me to buy my own welder thanks so much for all your hard work!

[@mattpendley8057]

Really appreciate your videos and your transparency. Hate you lost the lens.

[@Hardknox701]

What an awesome project. Love watching these fabrication videos

[@sscott5340]

Next project, roll cage for cameras 📷

[@WYO-FAM]

Nate, I watched this video yesterday morning. After watching it I thought you should consider getting a stick of 3/8 cold roll and build a cage for around your camera and lens. This is pretty cheap insurance in case a tripod would tip and the camera came crashing to the ground. Have a great day.

[@canyonrunner]

Feeling your loss Buddy. Although I am a Nikon guy I can NOT imagine the loss of my Nikkor 14-24 f2.8 lens. Both your Canon version and my Nikon version are award-winning ‘’old-school’ glass. Hopefully you have a sympathetic partner. I would trade my 1993 Land Rover Defender 90 if necessary to obtain a good replacement copy of my lens. It truly IS that amazing in my humble opinion.

[@wyojim3994]

Looking good

[@TonyNotto]

Looks great!

[@DanTaff41]

Sorry about the lense, I feel we've all had that kind of situation where something bad happens and takes the wind out of our sails. This trailer is looking rad though, good job and I look forward to the rest of it. 👍

[@EvanAust]

I have around 10k worth of cameras and lenses, and I dropped my pre-ordered, just released 5DMkIV off a tripod onto hard tiles. It cost me an extra $1200 in repairs not more than two weeks after getting it. From then on I insured the gear. Canon offer insurance through a 3rd party. It's breadcrumbs in comparison to new gear, I highly recommend it.

[@xozindustries7451]

We used one of those big truck jack airbags that attach to your exhaust or a compressor on my friend roof top tents to raise it up on his army trailer

[@commbubba1990]

I know that feeling

[@bradleygoral8453]

Digging the build!

[@BlackdogADV]

Yes! Firearms!

[@lukefortenberry2998]

Love this idea love the repurposed parts love building with just a general idea and see what it turns into keep up the awesome content definitely one of my favorite channels

[@dsimpleman67]

Looking good Nate. Can’t wait to see your build ideas develop. I have a lot of respect for your work.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you buddy! Happy to have you along for the ride 🙌

[@mustanggun]

Gosh, I wish I had the tools this brother does. Looking good, love the project.

[@beerfrog_TheOriginal]

Option is to make the 45 degree plate in the back so that you can open in downward and have a slide out or fold out kitchen in the back ☀️👋🇸🇪

[@snicklefritzd3612]

I am so stoked to see the fire arm video. Heading over now.

[@cuda5194]

Love this build keep it up

[@scottc0510]

Hi, Nate! I just had what COULD be a pretty good idea you may want to consider for your trailer... Do you have an old (but good) alternator laying around? I think it wouldn't be too hard to design something to charge the trailer batteries while you're pulling the trailer on the highway. What I'm thinking is you could somehow attach a pulley to the pinion yoke of the differential and mount and connect it to the alternator that could be mounted adjacent to the differential. This would require some means to regulate charging the batteries, but I'm betting that's not beyond your skill level.... IMO. that would be a very interesting challenge.... By doing this, you could ensure that once you arrived at your camping spot, your batteries would be FULLY charged... and they would re-charge on your drive back home.... Even a SMALL alternator should be okay for this ... Just trying to think outside the box on this....and thought I'd share my idea.... I really enjoy your videos... Keep 'em coming!!! :-)

[@lyndonhamby7432]

Good job Nate 👍👊

[@Flitzer514]

That's a really cool trailer!

[@roamingwiththemilligans]

Love all your videos man, this trailer is exactly what Ive been looking for..

[@TJSport-my6kn]

Quality video, great build project!

[@chasteen9159]

Sweet build my guy!!

[@gerryhartung736]

I like the ramp/fender idea. If you remember train caboose, they had battery banks and a dynamo, or gen. driven by belts from axels.

[@shanelangton]

looking pretty awesome! Very jealous of your shop!

[@ElmoUnk1953]

Good Job 👍

[@bobbymulwee7641]

New hoodies and shirts look rad

[@jjansen987]

Nate keep it up I would love to have a trailer like yours. Great work.

[@joshsnyder5555]

I appreciate your efforts, love the content... Easier said then done, keep your head up.

[@anneleyba7419]

Hey Nate, You motivated me. I had a tire carrier with a sway to it. I ordered latch and bike brake handle from Amazon. I have a XJ Jeep that is not OEM. I had to custom make a support for my tire carrier. It works, thanks. Keep doing what your doing.

[@andrewgloverthiel5218]

Feels with ya for the lens loss - stoked to see the progress & am looking forward to seeing the design develop as you go :)

[@kylancook3477]

When I have made a major mistake at work I try to go let the boss know before my sick stomach tries to convince me to hide it. It's a terrible feeling that is never one I want to get used to having. This too shall pass, thanks for the perseverance on this stuff Nate, keep up the good work

[@Lukaslevanen1435]

Just because you broke your lens as well as cause I like your content I’m now subscribed. Keep up the great work.

[@krazynelson]

I have seen some trailers use a hinge system with small hydraulic lift shocks to raise and lower the roof top tent. and a pin to lock

[@chrisw9629]

Once again, nice work Nate! 👍🏻

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!

[@BIGfartActual]

Great video brother!

[@rangerdoc1029]

Love this idea. I want to make one that can either be gear storage, or carry an ATV.

[@damonmitchell1506]

Broke a similar lens and it was sent to Canon took several months but a very reasonable repair bill

[@CornHolePoker]

Just a thought, using a truck rearend. Put a 8'' pulley on the yoke driving a one wire alternator mounted to the diff to automatically charge any onboard batteries.

[@troycarlson5792]

Good on ya mate 👍 All your videos are great . Was the build stuff that got me watching in the first place.🇦🇺

[@vitor.buchli]

Love the Idea, But if you drive up the Ramp you also need to lift the whole car (or at least the rear axle) to the same hight, so that your tent stayes parallel to the ground. If you only lift the camper you'll tillt it at the same time because it is connected to the vehicle. :)

[@NWGarage]

Absolutely fantastic video series, I searched this topic looking for ideas on the lowered flat bed harbor freight trailer I plan to build to haul drift spares to the track , whole different ball park , but still highly appreciate and enjoy all the ideas , effort and creativity put into this build Fantastic content

[@chrisjimenez9902]

Good video

[@jordanwhipple9089]

Since there is a diff you should create a bracket to mount an alternator to the pinion so you can charge your batteries while your on the trails or in the highway

[@ratoncolorado7227]

Actually just got the steel for my frame for 139 after tax cut to length, add the axle for 250 still less than 500 for the trailer itself. Local harbor freights didnt have any trailers, and tractor supply or norther tool had them for well over 700.

[@JasonBuck2]

Towards the lens fund.