Offroad/camping/utility-all in one trailer build
#1
Offroad/camping/utility-all in one trailer build
I started this project over a year ago. The goal was to build an offroad capable camping trailer that I could pull double duty with. Since I had sold my DD truck to help finance the build on my 86' 4runner, I wanted to build a trailer small enough to run trails, yet big enough to haul some lumber (or a sheet of plywood) home from the local hardware store.
The plan, make the inside dimensions 50"W x 72"L with the tailgate down around 96"L)
Also instead of using leaf springs I wanted to do a 3-link suspension with Jeep TJ coil springs. I'm using a 3500lb rated trailer axel, It's actually wider than the Toyota axel width (it's 63" from hub to hub) but I had to run a wider axel to get the 50" inside trailer width I was shooting for.
I bought some brackets from Ballistic Fab to mount the coil springs to the trailer axel and to the frame. I also bought shock tabs, and tabs to mount the links, and some poly bushings for the link ends.
I pretty much got the majority of the trailer frame built last year (minus the tongue/hitch) using 2x3" tubing.
^^^These are the 33x12.50" tires (gotta love the centerline directional rims!) I'm going to run for now, just scored them today I traded the 31"x10.50's that were on my 83' Toyota for these. Now I will have 2 for the trailer and a spare for the trailer and a spare for the 4runner. I have another set of 31"x10.50's that I'm going to put on my 83'.
The plan, make the inside dimensions 50"W x 72"L with the tailgate down around 96"L)
Also instead of using leaf springs I wanted to do a 3-link suspension with Jeep TJ coil springs. I'm using a 3500lb rated trailer axel, It's actually wider than the Toyota axel width (it's 63" from hub to hub) but I had to run a wider axel to get the 50" inside trailer width I was shooting for.
I bought some brackets from Ballistic Fab to mount the coil springs to the trailer axel and to the frame. I also bought shock tabs, and tabs to mount the links, and some poly bushings for the link ends.
I pretty much got the majority of the trailer frame built last year (minus the tongue/hitch) using 2x3" tubing.
^^^These are the 33x12.50" tires (gotta love the centerline directional rims!) I'm going to run for now, just scored them today I traded the 31"x10.50's that were on my 83' Toyota for these. Now I will have 2 for the trailer and a spare for the trailer and a spare for the 4runner. I have another set of 31"x10.50's that I'm going to put on my 83'.
Last edited by rustED; 07-01-2014 at 11:50 AM.
#2
I know I'm probably forgetting a lot of info since I started this project last year, so I will try to update and edit adding info as I remember it.
I have followed DIRTCO's camping trailer build and will be happy if mine turns out half as nice!
I am open to suggestions and have never attempted a 3 link setup before, but figure since I don't have to worry about axel wrap on a trailer it should be pretty forgiving, lol.
Here's a pic of my 4runner that will be towing the trailer, with the 302 V8 I should have plenty of towing power over the stock 22re.
I have followed DIRTCO's camping trailer build and will be happy if mine turns out half as nice!
I am open to suggestions and have never attempted a 3 link setup before, but figure since I don't have to worry about axel wrap on a trailer it should be pretty forgiving, lol.
Here's a pic of my 4runner that will be towing the trailer, with the 302 V8 I should have plenty of towing power over the stock 22re.
#3
Today I went and bought some steel, I got 8-1/2 feet of 1-1/2" square tubing .250 wall, to use for my 3 link. And I bought some 1" square tubing to use as the frame work for the bedsides. The shop only had one 20' stick, so I had to order the rest and will have to go back and pick up the other 3 sticks in a couple days.
The main reason I decided to use the square tube for my links instead of round tube was because I don't have a tubing notcher, I have notched round tube by hand with a grinder, but it was a pain, I just figured it would be easier to notch the square tube and keep both sides even.
I didn't get very much work done on the trailer today, I got one side of my panhard bar notched.
Here's a pic of the shock tabs I have and also the axel tabs that I'll bolt my links to
^^^This is the basic look I'm trying to achieve when I'm finished, hopefully I can come close, lol.
The main reason I decided to use the square tube for my links instead of round tube was because I don't have a tubing notcher, I have notched round tube by hand with a grinder, but it was a pain, I just figured it would be easier to notch the square tube and keep both sides even.
I didn't get very much work done on the trailer today, I got one side of my panhard bar notched.
Here's a pic of the shock tabs I have and also the axel tabs that I'll bolt my links to
^^^This is the basic look I'm trying to achieve when I'm finished, hopefully I can come close, lol.
Last edited by rustED; 03-25-2013 at 01:08 PM.
#5
Today I got the frame built out of 1" square tubing for one of the bedsides. It measures 73"Lx 24"H. The 1" tubing that I ordered was supposed to come in yesterday, but won't be in until Friday so I cant start on the other side yet.
I still need to order some Jeep TJ coils off Ebay, I will probably use the rear coils, they are a little shorter than the front ones.
^^^It looks kinda out of square in the pics, but it's just an illusion, lol
^^^I thought I'd roll a tire in and get a visual of how it might look, it will definitely sit higher than this once the coil springs are installed.
I still need to order some Jeep TJ coils off Ebay, I will probably use the rear coils, they are a little shorter than the front ones.
^^^It looks kinda out of square in the pics, but it's just an illusion, lol
^^^I thought I'd roll a tire in and get a visual of how it might look, it will definitely sit higher than this once the coil springs are installed.
Last edited by rustED; 03-25-2013 at 04:16 PM.
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chico Republic, NOR*CAL
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sweet! Can't wait to see it, sub'd.
Edit: I forgot to say nice 4Runner, that thing is pretty. I'd love to see under the hood, although I don't wanna derail this thread.
Edit: I forgot to say nice 4Runner, that thing is pretty. I'd love to see under the hood, although I don't wanna derail this thread.
Last edited by yotasavg; 03-21-2013 at 01:17 PM.
Trending Topics
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Chico Republic, NOR*CAL
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#11
Thanks Tom, I think I'm going to make the trailer hitch with a receiver end so I can switch back and forth between a standard ball/hitch for highway towing and change it out to an offroad style hitch for offroad use. I'm going to try to build my own version of the "Max Coupler" hitch. I just can't afford to spend $250 for one, lol.
Last edited by rustED; 03-22-2013 at 10:57 AM.
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: All over Canada
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think most of the offroad hitches are DOT stamped/legal, that's one possible issue.
The only other I could think of, would be the trailer wanting to wander a bit more due to wind or uneven pavement.
The only other I could think of, would be the trailer wanting to wander a bit more due to wind or uneven pavement.
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AZ to close to the border
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Tom, I think I'm going to make the trailer hitch with a receiver end so I can switch back and forth between a standard ball/hitch for highway towing and change it out to an offroad style hitch for offroad use. I'm going to try to build my own version of the "Max Coupler" hitch. I just can't afford to spend $250 for one, lol.
#18
Thanks Chickenman! I hope I can continue to make progress, but I fear once I pay for the 1" tubing that I ordered and buy the Jeep coilsprings, my funds are going to be limited for awhile
Ed check out this one http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f...4959&start=165 scroll down 2 posts don't know if it will help but somthing to look at.
Last edited by rustED; 03-22-2013 at 11:47 PM.
#20
No problem, sorry the pic was so small, I'm in the process of going back and editing some of my post and re-sizing and adding some pics. Yeah it has a lot of space on the sides of the engine, but not in front, it's really tight between the radiator and the waterpump, I had to trim a little bit of the core support to make room for the electric fans to fit.
Last edited by rustED; 03-25-2013 at 02:42 PM.