• If you are being asked to change your password, and unsure how to do it, follow these instructions. Click here

Flatbed Trailer - Tent Platform?

There use to be a company in Indiana that custom made tents for flatbeds. This has intrigued me to some degree since I now have a 16' flatbed for new Can Am Defender.

So has anyone DIY this? Know of a anyone that does this? Any pics of how you did it?

I have an old 10x12 wall tent that I am looking at to see if I can modify.

I have a RV mat that would be great for floor.

Pros? Cons?
You might enclose the trailer (trade flatbed on an enclosed model) to camp in, but still be able to haul ATV en route. Otherwise, why do you want to pitch the tent on the trailer? Aren't thinking of a mobile tent are you?? And, an elevated tent in very cold weather will probably be colder/windier than pitched on the ground, and you lose the trailer function of the trailer without breaking camp. You stated a flatbed trailer. Is the floor between wheels/fenders or a full floor over wheels? Modifying 10'x12' tent....because your trailer is maybe 8' wide?? Maybe, use two 2x14-12' rigged to quick mount/hinge outward (maybe mount in stke pockets on traiker?) to widen trailer to use full 8' tent width (fold down legs to ground or angle struts to support 2xs), with longer guy lines reaching ground. Pitch tent over fenders using fenders as low seats/tables/shelves inside tent?? Maybe the 2x14-12s double as trailer ramps for loading......tent floor extensions post-unloading/camping. Or, use your existing loading ramps as the floor extension...covered over if open rung type ramps. I've seen several rigs mount an in-bed pickup camper unit on a trailer with an ATV loaded/parked under the cab overhang section. Even seen a "tiny house" built for the trailer (with and without room for ATV) that sets off when not in use, similar to the in-bed pickup camper removal.
 
You might enclose the trailer (trade flatbed on an enclosed model) to camp in, but still be able to haul ATV en route. Otherwise, why do you want to pitch the tent on the trailer? Aren't thinking of a mobile tent are you?? And, an elevated tent in very cold weather will probably be colder/windier than pitched on the ground, and you lose the trailer function of the trailer without breaking camp. You stated a flatbed trailer. Is the floor between wheels/fenders or a full floor over wheels? Modifying 10'x12' tent....because your trailer is maybe 8' wide?? Maybe, use two 2x14-12' rigged to quick mount/hinge outward (maybe mount in stke pockets on traiker?) to widen trailer to use full 8' tent width (fold down legs to ground or angle struts to support 2xs), with longer guy lines reaching ground. Pitch tent over fenders using fenders as low seats/tables/shelves inside tent?? Maybe the 2x14-12s double as trailer ramps for loading......tent floor extensions post-unloading/camping. Or, use your existing loading ramps as the floor extension...covered over if open rung type ramps. I've seen several rigs mount an in-bed pickup camper unit on a trailer with an ATV loaded/parked under the cab overhang section. Even seen a "tiny house" built for the trailer (with and without room for ATV) that sets off when not in use, similar to the in-bed pickup camper removal.
Sounds like he wants to use what he has. Cheaper option for sure. Load the SxS after breaking down the tent and head home. I've used many camp options. Tents, enclosed utility trailers, PU camper's, fifth wheels, pull behinds. Today I use a PU camper and tow an enclosed trailer with my quad/SxS and gear in it. It's the ultimate hunting camp IMO for me today. Never pitched a tent in a flatbed trailer so can't say how cold it'd be. I've stayed in non- insulated enclosed trailers and was very comfortable. No insulation in the floor either. Very comfortable other than snow on the roof causes dripping from the inside roof being heated. We usually put 1" Dow board on top of the trailer so snow sits on that, not the tin roof. Stops that issue. I think the insulated tent idea is a good one. Love to hear the experience after it's use.
 
There use to be a company in Indiana that custom made tents for flatbeds. This has intrigued me to some degree since I now have a 16' flatbed for new Can Am Defender.

So has anyone DIY this? Know of a anyone that does this? Any pics of how you did it?

I have an old 10x12 wall tent that I am looking at to see if I can modify.

I have a RV mat that would be great for floor.

Pros? Cons?
Its real simple , how wide is your trailer, inside fenders. Get a tent that is that wide and set up on your trailer. I have see many like this in use here in Alaska during hunting seasion.
 
I've built hunting blinds out of 2x2s and corrugated plastic. Lightweight and very airtight (which seems to be the most important for holding heat when heated). Insulation of course is optional. The panels can be built independently and assembled on the spot. Not a real cheap alternative but it's lightweight and easy to assemble by one man. They can be stacked on there side on each side of a SxS in a trailer while hauling. Just another thought.
 
FF5BE8E6-01C7-4335-8E37-E6A372E1CCF0.jpeg

My set up. It was hard to find a trailer with enough roof/door opening height to accommodate my ranger crew with roof rack. 20' is long enough to hold 1 400qt grizzly cooler, 2 250qt pelicans, 1 150 qt pelican, 1 90 qt pelican, bows, climbing stands, all our hunt gear. And the ranger. I also have a clothes rod across the ceiling at the front of the trailer. Most of my hunting clothes hang there year round. Plenty room for air mattress's after unpacking.
 
My current one. Had the hybrid trailer built for my personal use. It doubles as a small sleeping cab in a pinch for short trips. Storage shelves double as bunks. I had the hybrid built so I can haul the quad, fuel, propane and other items outside so that they don't stink up hunting gear and clothing being inside when transported. Like I said, it's the best camp setup I've ever had so far. No amount of snow we've camped in keeps me from breaking camp and getting out of the woods. The tent camp was very comfortable also, just alot more work.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20201110-112648.png
    Screenshot_20201110-112648.png
    1,013.5 KB · Views: 211
  • IMG_20211024_183126690.jpg
    IMG_20211024_183126690.jpg
    1,019.8 KB · Views: 171
  • 20190330_133905.jpg
    20190330_133905.jpg
    293.7 KB · Views: 177
Last edited:
try Montana Canvas in Belgrade Montana - they have lots of options and will do custom stuff as well. they even do repairs on things…
 
try Montana Canvas in Belgrade Montana - they have lots of options and will do custom stuff as well. they even do repairs on things…
Not the cheapest option but it's an option. I own a couple and they are excellent canvas tents
 
I would build a hard top on the section of trailer that you want the sleeping quarters on with singing doors. You can lull the atv inside part of it while towing if needed. I would then insulate it and put a window or two and at least one roof vent. Then if it snows you are good. Also much faster to bug out in bad weather, faster to set up, and you can lock and store gear inside. You don't need to set up and clean m/dry a tent when you get home either.
 
Top