[Fox Mulder]

Hi redpoint5, I don’t think we can quite do it with a hitch carrier. I looked at the Thule, Stowaway and other boxes, and I don’t think they are quite big enough. We camp for a couple weeks at a time, and the Forester doesn’t have a ton of space, and honestly, we like to put the dog in the far back. I did consider a box like that though.

Angel and the Wolf- thanks for the link! I’m hoping to spend way less than $3000! The only trailers I’ve found that seem to be close to what I’m looking for are that much, and I haven’t had luck finding a used one. I will take a look at the boat trailer you linked. I’ve been thinking a boat, PWC, or a single place snowmobile trailer could be a great platform. I even thought about upgrading my welding unit to include aluminum, but its sounds like welding aluminum maybe should be left to the pros. I’m fair with steel, but I have zero experience with aluminum.

For the template, ideally, I’d also keep the width inside the template as well, right? I know in my reading of other threads there was talk about placement, but it seemed like the centerline of the vehicle ended up being the correct placement? For the apex, would I like it up with the side template so the sides and top ended in the same place, or would I like it up with the widest part of the body?