malteserunner's multi-purpose trailer build
03-28-2012, 07:58 PM
#1
malteserunner's multi-purpose trailer build
I have been looking for a trailer for some time, to use for camping and hauling. It will be towed behind my 1st gen 4Runner, so I will make it light weight, and not too large. I originally wanted a 1/4 ton military trailer, but they were hard to find. When I did find one, it was always selling for more than I wanted to spend.
A coworker had an old trailer he used for hauling his bikes, that he wasn't using any longer, and offered it to me for $100. I liked that it already had 6 lug hubs, since I already had some extra 6 lug wheels I was saving for a trailer build. Also, the axle is a 4" drop, which I will flip to gain some ground clearance. I am going to cut the motorcycle ramps off, and build a 6' x 5' box for the trailer. The trailer also has a fiberglass storage box on the tongue, which I may use for firewood when we go camping.
I took the wheels and tires off, as well as the hubs, to grease the bearings. I am going to flip the axle before I reinstall the hubs, and add my other set of wheels and tires. Here's what I am starting with...
A coworker had an old trailer he used for hauling his bikes, that he wasn't using any longer, and offered it to me for $100. I liked that it already had 6 lug hubs, since I already had some extra 6 lug wheels I was saving for a trailer build. Also, the axle is a 4" drop, which I will flip to gain some ground clearance. I am going to cut the motorcycle ramps off, and build a 6' x 5' box for the trailer. The trailer also has a fiberglass storage box on the tongue, which I may use for firewood when we go camping.
I took the wheels and tires off, as well as the hubs, to grease the bearings. I am going to flip the axle before I reinstall the hubs, and add my other set of wheels and tires. Here's what I am starting with...
03-28-2012, 10:23 PM
#4
The spindles are regular 4" drop. There are box tube extensions welded to the top of the axle, to utilize longer u-bolts. Not sure why they made them that way, but I'm sure it won't negatively affect the axle. If anything, they should act as a gusset for the spindle.
Trending Topics
03-30-2012, 07:46 PM
#8
I got the bearings repacked, and the wheels mounted. I've got some seals coming tomorrow, so I'll pull the hubs again, and finish them up this weekend. I'm also replacing the lug studs and nuts, with some a little longer for the aluminum wheels. I like the way it sits now, with the axle flipped. It should be just about right for the 4Runner when the trailer is loaded. I measured the toe, and it is at zero. Thanks for the heads up, Jose.
I'm going to remove the fenders, ramps, tie downs, and the box. Then I'll plate the floor and add 24" tall walls. I plan to have a swing out tailgate, where I'll mount the license plate and lights. Also, a fold down table on the inside, to use as a cook top. This seems to be a popular way to go.
It's got a ton of axle clearance...
How it sits hooked to the 4Runner. I've got a 6" drop hitch in these pics. I'll probably use less drop when it's done, depending on how much it settles loaded...
I'm going to remove the fenders, ramps, tie downs, and the box. Then I'll plate the floor and add 24" tall walls. I plan to have a swing out tailgate, where I'll mount the license plate and lights. Also, a fold down table on the inside, to use as a cook top. This seems to be a popular way to go.
It's got a ton of axle clearance...
How it sits hooked to the 4Runner. I've got a 6" drop hitch in these pics. I'll probably use less drop when it's done, depending on how much it settles loaded...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RyanJ989
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
11
04-07-2021 09:41 AM
Bourbonblues
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
20
12-15-2017 05:43 PM
potatopants
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
4
09-15-2015 06:26 AM
