Another Off Road Trailer Build

DanStew · 08-01-2008, 07:48 PM

I finally got all my steel together and with motivation from another member i am going ahead with my trailer build. I am making mine loosely based on a M416. It will share the width of that trailer but it will be a foot shorter. The sides will not angle out on the top of the tub and the rear will have a tailgate. I am going to make a complete and seperate tub for it. I was goingto make a wood floor but i have enough sheetmetal for a complete tub. I found some examples of homemade sheetmetal brakes so i will make one this weekend and start bending sheetmetal next week.

Here is the frame. I still have to weld on spring mounts but i do not have the springs yet and i will probably use a pintle hook setup. The lights will be mounted on the rear of the fenders. The frame is made out of 2x2 1/4 thick angle iron and the main tongue is 3x3 square tube. Still got alot to do, but it is at least started

pepsibluefloat · 08-01-2008, 07:53 PM

how many sq ft is that? Looks kinda small, maybe its just the pictures.

Looks good though, cant wait to see it finished. U gonna run a toyota axle under there or what?

DanStew · 08-01-2008, 08:02 PM

It is 5 foot long by 41 inches wide. I have a 2 inch tube that i will use weld on spindles to make an axle. I didnt want to use a full axle housing because of weight concerns. I jsut have to save money up to get the spindles and bearing hubs for the axle part to be done.

DanStew · 08-10-2008, 05:43 PM

Well i got a bit more done on the trailer.

I have the tub tacked together in the front, and i test fitted the rest of the sheet metal and clamped on the tubing to the sides.

I still have to mount the springs and such, not quite finsihed by a long shot. Worst thing is i will get most of it done but i still have to save up $$ for the axles and pintle.

***Corey*** · 08-10-2008, 05:45 PM

Nice start.
Are you going to put a roof top tent on top?

DanStew · 08-10-2008, 05:49 PM

Not right now. It is possible in the future, but the top will be removable. The traielr will also be a hauler for things. I am going to design some mounts on the sides to support some type of rack to have stuff higher up above the bed.

DanStew · 08-16-2008, 06:54 PM

Here is tonights update.

I got the tailgate done, right now i jsut need to make the hinges and brackets to holdthe chains. I have to say doing the weld to attatch the tubing to the tub sides was frickin tedious. But the sides are welded up, i need to hit it with a sander to smooth it down. After i get the tailgate brackets and hinge done, all i have to do is go underneath and weld on some mounts to mount the floors to the frame. Next will be fenders but i have to really wait till i get the parts to make the axle and tires, so i can fab the correct width fenders. Here are some pics.

DanStew · 08-17-2008, 06:20 PM

I got the tailgate done, finished all my welds and grinded and sanded down the sides. The tailgate comes off by sliding it to the side.

idayota · 08-18-2008, 03:25 PM

wow...looking good. cant wait to see more.

Colemanfu · 08-20-2008, 01:44 PM

Like your work. Very cool. What do you plan to haul with it?

DanStew · 08-20-2008, 02:09 PM

Pretty much just camping gear, heck it probably wont see much trail time, but it gets stuff out of the 4runner ot jeep so i can fit more of the family inside

dirtoyboy · 08-21-2008, 10:41 AM

not bad!

I guess you never made a metal brake?

Is that galvanized steel? it looks funny

DanStew · 08-21-2008, 11:16 AM

I did make the brake but it was not wide enough, and i even knew that when i did it. Yeah the frame is galvanized metal. The body is sheet metal from technical cabinets we have at work. probably about 18 gauge.

zlathim · 08-21-2008, 11:22 AM

I like everything except for the chains. They look like they will swing around a make a heck of a racket. Have you thought about trying to acquire some tailgate cables from a pick and pull yard? They might be less likely to make noise, but I'm not sure how you would mount them.

It is a cool project. Thanks for sharing the pics.

dirtoyboy · 08-21-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zlathim

I like everything except for the chains. They look like they will swing around a make a heck of a racket. Have you thought about trying to acquire some tailgate cables from a pick and pull yard? They might be less likely to make noise, but I'm not sure how you would mount them.

It is a cool project. Thanks for sharing the pics.

great thinking! I would use some steel (maybe) aircraft cable and clamps like these...shouldnt cost more than a few bucks...just make a loop on each end and clamp them down...we just made some limiting straps for a rig out of this same material....should be plenty strong!

DanStew · 09-13-2008, 09:26 AM

Still havnt done that much BUT I did get my spindles and hubs in and wheels. I welded the axles up, i have it sitting on the trailer, i just need to tack weld the perches and then weld it fully and paint and i should have that part done

Then have to make fenders.

Oatmeal · 09-13-2008, 01:00 PM

Cool! Trailers are THE way to wheel/camp....you can take along the kitchen sink without being crowded in your rig

You should consider using Toyota parts like, springs, wheels.....etc. in the build so you'll have spare parts in an emergency and so your spare will fit both tow vehicle and trailer. I built a trailer to tow behind my early Bronco and used Bronco rear springs and 35" tires (same as the Bronco) on Ford pattern wheels. A rotating lunette eye (pintle ring) will prevent hitch bind (and breakage over rough terrain). I added electric brakes to help with steep down hills and stairsteps to keep the trailer behind the vehicle

Good luck with your build and enjoy the space it frees up in your rig as well as the fun and challenge of wheeling with a trailer.....I've been doing it for years and now pull it behind my Toyota

been on the Rubicon, Dusy/Ershim...... Here are a couple of pics (the only ones I could find) of mine--------Hans

Oatmeal · 09-13-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oatmeal

...... Here are a couple of pics (the only ones I could find) of mine--------Hans

Oops! Forgot the link: http://rockoma.com/Web4.htm ---------Hans

awareness · 09-13-2008, 01:37 PM

Is very impressive work and looks great but wouldn't it have been easier to just bob the bed off of a pickup and have used that?

DanStew · 09-13-2008, 01:38 PM

Very nice traielr OAtmeal!! I likew that pintle setup, you say it is custom, how did you make it? I tried to make it have spare parts for my rigs, but since i have a jeep and Yota, it was one or the other, and go figure i ended up using wheels that are differnt than both of them. BUT $$ was dictating alot of the build. I was originally going to try and use Jeep spindles but i didnt have time to really make a flange to weld onto the axle tube, and wutie frankly i do not think i could have gotten it true enough to be straight. There are not many trails i will be bringing the trailer with me, but it does allow me to get my camping gear out of the rigs on the way to go camping

08-01-2008, 07:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Another Off Road Trailer Build I finally got all my steel together and with motivation from another member i am going ahead with my trailer build. I am making mine loosely based on a M416. It will share the width of that trailer but it will be a foot shorter. The sides will not angle out on the top of the tub and the rear will have a tailgate. I am going to make a complete and seperate tub for it. I was goingto make a wood floor but i have enough sheetmetal for a complete tub. I found some examples of homemade sheetmetal brakes so i will make one this weekend and start bending sheetmetal next week. Here is the frame. I still have to weld on spring mounts but i do not have the springs yet and i will probably use a pintle hook setup. The lights will be mounted on the rear of the fenders. The frame is made out of 2x2 1/4 thick angle iron and the main tongue is 3x3 square tube. Still got alot to do, but it is at least started __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-01-2008, 07:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
pepsibluefloat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 333	how many sq ft is that? Looks kinda small, maybe its just the pictures. Looks good though, cant wait to see it finished. U gonna run a toyota axle under there or what? __________________ 1988 4runner::SAS\|3vze\|A340H\|5.29's\|Aussie Front\|LockRight Rear\|Longfield axles/Hub Gear\|4"Rear/3"Front springs\|Marlin High Steer\|Custom CV rear driveshaft from High Angle Driveline\|Rear D/S shortened and made into front D/S \|35" Goodyear MT/R My 4runner n stuff

08-01-2008, 08:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	It is 5 foot long by 41 inches wide. I have a 2 inch tube that i will use weld on spindles to make an axle. I didnt want to use a full axle housing because of weight concerns. I jsut have to save money up to get the spindles and bearing hubs for the axle part to be done. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-10-2008, 05:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Well i got a bit more done on the trailer. I have the tub tacked together in the front, and i test fitted the rest of the sheet metal and clamped on the tubing to the sides. I still have to mount the springs and such, not quite finsihed by a long shot. Worst thing is i will get most of it done but i still have to save up $$ for the axles and pintle. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-10-2008, 05:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,819	Nice start. Are you going to put a roof top tent on top? __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

08-10-2008, 05:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Not right now. It is possible in the future, but the top will be removable. The traielr will also be a hauler for things. I am going to design some mounts on the sides to support some type of rack to have stuff higher up above the bed. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-16-2008, 06:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Here is tonights update. I got the tailgate done, right now i jsut need to make the hinges and brackets to holdthe chains. I have to say doing the weld to attatch the tubing to the tub sides was frickin tedious. But the sides are welded up, i need to hit it with a sander to smooth it down. After i get the tailgate brackets and hinge done, all i have to do is go underneath and weld on some mounts to mount the floors to the frame. Next will be fenders but i have to really wait till i get the parts to make the axle and tires, so i can fab the correct width fenders. Here are some pics. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-17-2008, 06:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	I got the tailgate done, finished all my welds and grinded and sanded down the sides. The tailgate comes off by sliding it to the side. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-18-2008, 03:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
idayota Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 511	wow...looking good. cant wait to see more. __________________ *Wherever, Whenever, However...Tread Lightly!*

08-20-2008, 01:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Colemanfu Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DAYTONA USA Posts: 155	Like your work. Very cool. What do you plan to haul with it? __________________ Colemanfu DAYTONA USA 2004 4Runner sr5 v6 4x4 3' Revteck lift, 275/70/17(32.5x11) Lightforce 170's, reflector mod, spoiler, super tint 00' KTM LC4 640

08-20-2008, 02:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Pretty much just camping gear, heck it probably wont see much trail time, but it gets stuff out of the 4runner ot jeep so i can fit more of the family inside __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-21-2008, 11:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	I did make the brake but it was not wide enough, and i even knew that when i did it. Yeah the frame is galvanized metal. The body is sheet metal from technical cabinets we have at work. probably about 18 gauge. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

08-21-2008, 11:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
zlathim Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,013	I like everything except for the chains. They look like they will swing around a make a heck of a racket. Have you thought about trying to acquire some tailgate cables from a pick and pull yard? They might be less likely to make noise, but I'm not sure how you would mount them. It is a cool project. Thanks for sharing the pics. __________________ Do you think Einstein walked around thinking everyone was a bunch of dipsticks? Idiocracy (edited for family friendly viewing)

09-13-2008, 09:26 AM	#16 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Still havnt done that much BUT I did get my spindles and hubs in and wheels. I welded the axles up, i have it sitting on the trailer, i just need to tack weld the perches and then weld it fully and paint and i should have that part done Then have to make fenders. __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner

09-13-2008, 01:00 PM	#17 (permalink)
Oatmeal Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Covina, California Posts: 75	Cool! Trailers are THE way to wheel/camp....you can take along the kitchen sink without being crowded in your rig You should consider using Toyota parts like, springs, wheels.....etc. in the build so you'll have spare parts in an emergency and so your spare will fit both tow vehicle and trailer. I built a trailer to tow behind my early Bronco and used Bronco rear springs and 35" tires (same as the Bronco) on Ford pattern wheels. A rotating lunette eye (pintle ring) will prevent hitch bind (and breakage over rough terrain). I added electric brakes to help with steep down hills and stairsteps to keep the trailer behind the vehicle Good luck with your build and enjoy the space it frees up in your rig as well as the fun and challenge of wheeling with a trailer.....I've been doing it for years and now pull it behind my Toyota been on the Rubicon, Dusy/Ershim...... Here are a couple of pics (the only ones I could find) of mine--------Hans __________________ Redneck trapped in a brown man's body Last edited by Oatmeal : 09-13-2008 at 07:48 PM.

09-13-2008, 01:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
awareness Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pitt Meadows, BC Posts: 83	Is very impressive work and looks great but wouldn't it have been easier to just bob the bed off of a pickup and have used that?

09-13-2008, 01:38 PM	#20 (permalink)
DanStew Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 335	Very nice traielr OAtmeal!! I likew that pintle setup, you say it is custom, how did you make it? I tried to make it have spare parts for my rigs, but since i have a jeep and Yota, it was one or the other, and go figure i ended up using wheels that are differnt than both of them. BUT $$ was dictating alot of the build. I was originally going to try and use Jeep spindles but i didnt have time to really make a flange to weld onto the axle tube, and wutie frankly i do not think i could have gotten it true enough to be straight. There are not many trails i will be bringing the trailer with me, but it does allow me to get my camping gear out of the rigs on the way to go camping __________________ Dan Stewart 1952 CJ3a 1989 4Runner