10 months and hundreds of man-hours later...

[Brettski]

And it's nearly complete. I want to thank this forum for endless ideas and shared knowledge, even if I didn't post a lot, I read a TON. Some almost done pics below. Build thread to follow.

 

[Brettski]

My buddy and I decided to build one. Our basic idea was an off-road capable trailer with the following requirements:
-Decent clearance
-Track close to our 4Rs (both have 'em)
-Fits full size mattress (54" across)
-Otherwise as compact as possible

So we designed this with Toyota wheels and track matching the 4R. This required putting the bed over the wheels in order to wide enough. Otherwise we'd have a wider track if we tried to fit the full bed between the wheels. That made it higher- which isn't necessarily a bad thing because it added clearance. We created storage between the floor for the interior and the floor which sits on the frame. So the bulk of the weight is just above the axle making the rig pretty stable even though it looks tall. More of this will be clear with some build pics to follow.

 

[Brettski]

You know it starts with steel. Welding is fun!

 

[Brettski]

Simple leaf spring setup, probably still a bit too stiff. Added some wheel wells, some primer and paint and got some tail lights/brakes wired up.

 

[Brettski]

Everything was to this point was fairly easy and straight forward. Then the hours and expenses started piling up. Ken for scale.


Welded walls out of 1x1, then got those bolted down to the frame with 1/2" grade 8 bolts. Then started added the subfloor.

 

[DanCooper]

Very nice! Looking forward to the rest of the build.

 

[Brettski]

With the cabin frame built and the subfloor in place (we used simple 1/2" ply for the subfloor, but glued FRP to the road side for protection from the elements. Then we used 3/4" cabinet grade plywood for the interior floor and the storage drawer, cabinets, etc.

 

[Brettski]

Ken designs fitness studios and is familiar with lots of cool materials. He sourced some translucent corrugated plastic sheeting 1/4" thick. We used this for the interior walls figuring the light won't come through the exterior but we can easily find frame members.

 

[Redline61]

Nicely done man! Looking good.

 

[calicamper]

Looks good! Now get out there and get it dirty!

 

[1Goat]

Nice one mate!
Please post some pics of the interior. How the bed fits, access to it, kitchen... etc.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Outside somewhere]

What kind of weight are you looking at? I'm talking fully loaded - water, food, gear, bedding, propane/batteries etc? Also what type of t4r do you have, are you going with air bags or adding a trans cooler? I'm 4runner shopping. Curious on its towing abilities.

 

[Brettski]

What kind of weight are you looking at? I'm talking fully loaded - water, food, gear, bedding, propane/batteries etc? Also what type of t4r do you have, are you going with air bags or adding a trans cooler? I'm 4runner shopping. Curious on its towing abilities.

Just got plates and it weighed in at 1380#. Add gear, water, battery, etc and it will still be well under 2000#. I towed it over 50 miles already (half highway at 60-65) and my '15 Trail Premium didn't seem to even notice it. Granted, I didn't drive any big hills where I'd expect the 4R to feel it. Trailer has electric brakes, so stopping is not an issue. Wasn't planning on any extra t-c cooling, etc than came with the truck.

 

[Brettski]

Looks good! Now get out there and get it dirty!

Seriously! Can't wait.

 

[Brettski]

We put in the normal foam 1" insulation between the steel frame. Then screwed 1/4" ply panel everywhere.



Cut out the window/door holes.