DIRTCO

After selling the Chief last year (build thread here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f88/...-build-186107/), I thought several times about building a new trailer. The main reason I sold the Chief is because I did not have a place to keep it and storage fees are very expensive around here. I also felt that the trailer was under built for where I wanted to go, it was also a little heavy, wide and time consuming to set up.

While at a visit to my Parents house they reminded me of a bunch of old parts I had in the backyard. They wanted everything gone so they could do some landscaping and remodeling. Most of it was just trash, then there was the frame (or what was left of it) of my first Toyota. It had been setting there for close to eight years and I never got around to cutting it up and recycling it. I spend some time looking at it, figuring out the best way to cut it and throw it away… then I thought “I can build a trailer out of this!” I know the idea sounds ridiculous, and I’m sure it is, but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. So I loaded it up and brought it to the shop.

The idea behind this build is to use what I have and spend as little as possible, while building a nice little camping trailer. I will have to spend some money on it but I am going to try to budget it as much as possible.

So here we go! This is how it looked when I got it to the shop; dirt, weeds, spiders and some surface rust. I pulled the exhaust off and threw it away; the tires are for rollers until I get something else.

Tofer

*subscribes*

broncrider

looks like the frame is in good shape. i would go for it. man you can build it how you want now. fuel tank would make for a good back up fuel. good luck on the build.

4RUNR FREAK

cool idea,

DIRTCO

The first step was to clean it up and get rid of the crap that I didn't need. I tore the wiring and brake lines out, then I pulled the gas tank and started the process of getting rid of all the dirt, weeds and spiders.

broncrider

you going to build the floor a little lower then the frame? was thinking that so you can get the weight a little lower.

DIRTCO

First I chopped the the front of the frame off, then the rear. This will give me a good starting point.





Then I removed the stock rear crossmember, I tack welded some steel to hold the frame in place.

DIRTCO

I know this looks like a heavy / large platform to start with but it really is not. This how I moved it around, without much effort.

DIRTCO

It will be an interesting project!

Thanks! The frame is in great shape, just a little surface rust. The fuel tank is going to stay. I'm going to clean it, get a new filter / lines and wire it to a electric fuel pump, I think it holds 15-16 gallons. It might take 15-20 minutes or so to transfer the fuel but that will be at camp so I really don't care. I also don't have to mess with Jerry Cans which can be heavy and messy.

With the stock gas tank the floor will have to stay in the stock location. It's a little tall but not too bad.

DIRTCO

Now for the real work! First up was the rear bumper, it's 2x4 rectangle tubing and I added a 2" reciever. I also added some 1/4" gussets for extra strength.

DIRTCO

Next up was the front of the frame, this is where things get a little tricky. The Toyota frame is not square, so I had to add shims to keep everything tight and level. I also added some plug welds for extra strength.

dannomite

Looking good Dirtco. But I have come to expect that from you. Looking forward to seeing the end result of you labour.

DIRTCO

I used the stock bed mounts for the trailer box, I had to drill them out a bit (Maybe 3/4"?) but I was able to use 4Runner body mounts.

broncrider

that was my thoughts with keeping the fuel tank. filling that is better storage then jerry cans. but looks good so far!!

Birdbrain

I like it so far! *subscribes*

chosenchange

I have a 1st gen toyota bed trailer Mounted a 55 gallon drum on the front tounge with a hand pump for fuel. Ran a lumber rack minus the cab over part and am currently trying to do the truck top tent set up!! I figure that I will eventually put trailer levelers on all four corners so that when you camp on a hill you wont roll out. Its got a four inch rear block lift and a fork style hitch so i can articulate without losing the trailer. I will watch where you are going with this I love to see peoples camp ideas

DIRTCO

Thanks guys! It's going to be an interesting project!

RiCh_90-yota

looking good!

DIRTCO

Once I got the body mounts figured out I could start on the frame work of the floor.

xxxtreme22r

subscribbled. man do I need to learn how to weld.