Last weekend was what will probably be my last camping trip of the year. It was my 9th time out and all but one involved about 7 to 9 hrs. of drive time in my XJ. It ran, and towed, perfectly! I didn't experience any problems at all. This along with my MJ have been my only transport this year. I just finished the body and paint on my LJ and will be giving the other 2 a bit of a rest.

Man, that trailer with the pop-up tent looks nice. I've briefly searched online, but the new ones I saw were VERY expensive.

I'm now thinking about building one, but don't know what the total cost could end up being.

If you don't mind me asking, did you build that one or buy it?

Thank you.

They both have a pop-up tent, but I think you mean the second trailer pictured. I bought the first trailer and modified it. I built the second trailer based on a frame that I purchased for pretty much scrap value. You're right about the prices for what are generally referred to as expedition or adventure trailers. They can get very high. Many are over designed and built and have things you simply don't need. I tried to keep this one simple.

I've built a few trailers and never considered buying one of this type. I built this one to serve as an off road camper, ATV hauler (the RTT comes off about 15 minutes) and small utility trailer. It doesn't have any slide outs (kitchen, fridge, etc.) and for camping I just load it with what I need, and it holds a LOT for one person. The bed is 4' x 6' x 16". A lot of our camping equipment is used with both trailers, so I didn't want to make them permanent in either one.

It's hard for me to put a build price on it because I actually built it twice! I probably have about $3,500 ($2,600 - $2,700 US) into it. I was almost finished building it when my wife decided to go camping with me. This wasn't going to cut it for her, so we bought the tear drop trailer. I then restarted the build. We camp in the first trailer and I camp with the second one when I go alone.

Here is a thread which mainly focuses on the first build ... (3) PCO6's Off Road Trailer Build | OVERLAND BOUND COMMUNITY ... and a pic of what it looks like when packed up. I can also haul my kayak on it which is great.

I've also included a pic of the tear drop, or tear "pop" when it's opened up.

Yep, that’s the one.

Really nice work. The best part is that it’s multi purpose! I just can’t justify paying that much for it to only do one thing, but I do understand the labor involved... So it’s great to hear this can be done for around $3k.

I’ll definitely reference that thread if I decide to give it a go.

I've wanted an XJ for years, and I finally got one. I bought it already srt up like this. Enough lights on it to turm midnight to high noon.

Just bought my 1987 Cherokee Chief. Nothing special yet and needs a bit of TLC, but I'm looking forward to it.