"Expedition" 3/4 M101 Cargo Trailer Build

[film842]

So I've got a disco with an arb bumper and winch just like you and I've been on this forum for a while trying to find out how the disco will handle a trailer of this size off road. I saw that you took it out and gave it a try. Can you add anything else to what you posted? For instance, were you able to pull it on the freeway and how did it do and so forth?

Also curious to see if you're going to replace the axle and add brakes? Thanks.

 

[getlost4x4]

I got a bit more done last night. I built a rack that will hold the roof top tent. I built it out of 1x1 square tube. It should be strong enough to support all the weight. I'm not quite done with it yet. I want to add some gussets for added rigidity.

This is where I stopped last night.

 

[getlost4x4]

I plan on keeping the stock axle and wheels. I kind of want to keep it as original as possible.

I've pulled it around the neighborhood and a little around town to test it out. My Disco doesn't seem to mind it too bad. I think a 4.6L swap will be in my future though. As soon as I have some trailer lights, I'll give it a go on the freeway. When I bought it I hauled it home behind my Ford F350 at freeway speeds and didn't have any issues.

I would like to add surge brakes to it, but I don't know if it'll happen or not. I'm trying to keep it as light as possible.

So I've got a disco with an arb bumper and winch just like you and I've been on this forum for a while trying to find out how the disco will handle a trailer of this size off road. I saw that you took it out and gave it a try. Can you add anything else to what you posted? For instance, were you able to pull it on the freeway and how did it do and so forth?

Also curious to see if you're going to replace the axle and add brakes? Thanks.

 

[film842]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to follow your progress since I might be doing something very like what you are doing. The only real difference is that I'm not a fan of RTT's. I think I would like to fabricate some sort of fold up hard sided enclosure (which would keep my wife happy) and it would be great to have all the room in the M101 to work with.

It's either going to be an M101 or a 5x8 cargo trailer conversion for me and since I own a discovery, weight will be somewhat of an issue. Good luck with your build.

 

[RagnarD]

You have some metal working skills. I like your half rack idea.

 

[getlost4x4]

You have some metal working skills. I like your half rack idea.

Thanks appreciate it!

 

[shack]

I've got a full surge brake setup off my 101a2 I'd like to get rid of if you decide to proceed. Axle, lunette, brake line… all for free.

I plan on keeping the stock axle and wheels. I kind of want to keep it as original as possible.

I've pulled it around the neighborhood and a little around town to test it out. My Disco doesn't seem to mind it too bad. I think a 4.6L swap will be in my future though. As soon as I have some trailer lights, I'll give it a go on the freeway. When I bought it I hauled it home behind my Ford F350 at freeway speeds and didn't have any issues.

I would like to add surge brakes to it, but I don't know if it'll happen or not. I'm trying to keep it as light as possible.

 

[getlost4x4]

I'll take it

 

[shack]

Great. Come get it!

 

[getlost4x4]

Did some test fitting yesterday. All seems pretty good. Think I'll start painting the metal work on the rack. Then fix the rest of the rust holes in the bed.

And don't try to give me crap about not using a pintle hitch to move it around. I have one on the back of my disco. I just pulled it out of the garage to try out the tent with my truck since it was parked in front of the trailer. nothing dangerous occured. isn't it so damn dumb i would even have to say that.

 

[RagnarD]

Looks good. Any pics with the tent deployed? The rest of the bed is like a porch.

 

[getlost4x4]

Ahhh, so I got disctacted.........again........:drool:

And bought this old thing. 1984 BMW 733i

I'll get back on the trailer when it warms back up.

 

[getlost4x4]

Got a bit more done. I finished up the bathroom I was working on, so I can work on this again.

I started removing more crap off the frame and bottom side of the trailer. Still have a few more bits to remove. Then I'll remove the bed and start sand blasting and painting the frame.

 

[getlost4x4]

So I removed all of this crap. Then cut out some rusty areas. I shall now be ready to start patching up the holes.

 

[getlost4x4]

Some More rust repair. Luckily this thing is "square" and pretty easy to patch up.

My buddy came over and lended a hand. First time cutting with a grinder. He did a good job.