Jeeper Jake's M416 Expedition Trailer Build

JeeperJake

Observer
Bumper on and some paint match for the tub! Finally getting somewhere

Bumper installed! Looks pretty good...notice that custom ARB air fitting I welded in there. :)
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Final coat of black on the underside of the trailer and the frame.
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Dialing in the trailer tow and making sure everything is perfect.
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Got some paint match toner for the Upol Tintable Raptor Liner. Billet Silver Metalic to try and match the Jeep.
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2 coats down.
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Time to add some black accents
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Drying in the sun
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JeeperJake

Observer
TeraFlex Alta Rack and 1st trailer tow!

I took a break from the trailer to add on my new TeraFlex Alta Rack. It is super sturdy and I love having the extra space!

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I mounted the tires up and took the trailer around for some general towing. Tracks amazing! So happy with how it turned out. Some side shots!
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Testing my jackknife capabilities with my MAX COUPLER... over 90 so we are good for now! My plan to add a tongue box would later dictate an extension. But this setup was great for the time being.
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JeeperJake

Observer
Once i got the trailer to this point I started to dig a little deeper and examine the components. I didn't like my tailgate as much as there was a lot of dents and damage to it. It was a little flimsy even with the reinforcements i put on. So I decided to make a new tailgate. it was the same design just made with a heavier gauge metal for the main tailgate and I welded the supports in more to my liking. Overall a big improvement.
 

JeeperJake

Observer
New tailgate!

Decided to re-do the tailgate to make it straight with no dents, and also fit a little better to the rear that was just a tad off of square due to the removal.

A simple frame that was a lot more square than the original.
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Marking the frame and drilling some holes to attach the plate to the frame.
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Plug welding the holes and grinding them flush for a smooth finish!
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JeeperJake

Observer
Tailgate latch cutout and some hinges.

Cutting a hole for the latch that i got off ebay. It was used for old school buses but was able to retrofit with little work.

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JeeperJake

Observer
Fenders!

In between the tailgate fab work, i decided i was in need of some fenders so decided to test my skills and attempt make some. Its was a pretty simple design, with only a flat top and rear guard. I used a tube bender and pretty much eyeballed the bends to a degree. Used a level, measuring tape, some steel tube, and some stainless steel sheets i had propped in the corner. Turned out pretty good, until i decided to sand blast them at work for too long. Oh well, they will do for now.


Bending the outer bar and welding on the transition tube support.
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I used some flange nuts i had to create a bolt on style the would bolt from the interior.
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Skinned up and ready for test fit!
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They were pretty much good to go and actually really stable.
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I thought I could get them prepped for paint by sand blasting them at work...that blaster is made for heavier metals, and that thin skin didn't stand a chance. They came out blasted, but very warped from the heat. Left them in a tad too long.
Oh well....live and learn. We were leaving for a camp trip that weekend, so I quickly threw on a coat of primer and black paint. they worked very well and will continue to be until I decide to re-make them.
 

JeeperJake

Observer
What kind of axle are you using?

Javy

I am using Timbren's Axle-less suspension. Here is a list of what I decided to go with.

1 Timbren Hd Axle-less Suspension - 4 Lift Spindle/wide Tires 1
1 Electric Brake 10x2-1/4 Rh Dexter Nev-r-adjust 3.5k/pair 1
1 Electric Brake 10x2-1/4 Lh Dexter Nev-r-adjust 3.5k/pair 1
2 Ez Lube Hub/drum 5 On 5 - 3500-lb 2
1 7-way 8 Trailer Wiring Connector 1

I purchased off e-trailer and everything went very smoothly.
 

JeeperJake

Observer
Rack for Tepui and the maiden voyage!

Some might be wondering what the poles are, standing upright in the trailer tub. Those are the tubes for the integrated rack. I am doing a less conventional rack that mounts on the inside of the trailer. I haven't seen it dont this way and wanted to see how it turned out. I built a simple rack this welded on "lega" to go into the uprights in the trailer tub. It turned out well and we were able to mount the RTT for our 1st camping trip last summer. It worked very well. Tarped off the rest of the gear and hit the trails. It towed amazing and i was very happy with it's maiden voyage.

"Sub-frame" welded and re-enforced
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Test fitting sub frame and measuring for correct height
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Making sure everything was level and the legs would go in straight. I will eventually have this adjustable
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Dropping the sub fram all the way down and fitting the tent on top. It worked out well but was not locked in place. It would not be raising this trip so I added a strap to secure it down and then tarped everything.
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I cut off the handle for the front jack i decided to add and welded on a nut. I can then use my impact to raise and lower quickly, or use my speeder handle that i will keep in my tongue box.
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Black Ridge Wilderness, camped on top of a mountain! It was epic.
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The Jeep finally getting to tow!
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Gassing up! Here you can see the Stainless fridge door (electrical box) mounted and locked. I will be replacing later with better locks but these will do for now.
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Cliff-side camping at it's finest. Pop the tent, hoist the colors and chill. Good times!
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A shot of the fridge slide in action, worked very well. Currently pack along a folding kitchen setup and will eventually update the kitchen area to be opposite the tent annex.
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