I love Samurais, but I've recently been sticking to Kicks because they have more cargo space. I've got a 4-door Sidekick I'm parting out, and I'm thinking of cutting off the front between the doors, and converting it into a trailer. The front part of the frame could be cut & shaped to become the tongue & mini-storage area. The rear gas tank can either become a "Jerry Can" holding 12 extra gallons, or converted to a water tank (would have to line it with something to prevent rust, or replace it with a plastic tank) for running potable water  If I extended the front out a little (foot or two) I could throw in an air mattress & sleep in it too! If I put in the 16V 4-speed in the Samurai, would it have enough power & weight to tow it safely?

Pic's worth a 1000 words. Vertical line is about where I'd cut it, and the horizontal is where I'm guessing the frame is, and the tongue would be:

i'd cut it right in front of the front doors. give it a nice shape.

http://www.k9rdj.co.uk/campingtrailer.html

that camper idea is bad ass!!

i'd cut it right in front of the front doors. give it a nice shape.

I would like to have enough room to sleep in it, but I'm a little worried about making sure i keep good weight distribution. Especially if I'm pulling behind a little Samurai  :'(

Done some stuff like this before, Jeremiah, and I think your proposed cuts look good. Unlike the other post, I'd do whatever I could to keep the center of gravity low, water/fuel ballast is a good idea. Check on the % "forward of center" to determine a good tongue weight compatible w/your tow rig. Putting an aerodynamic "nose" up front should give you some foot room too. Post a build-up I can't wait to see some welds! Good luck!

make it into a pickup