First build.....here we go

[Vantage]

I like the canopy idea, looks great. You could also very easily add an awning to it and have a RTT opening to the other side if wanted.

 

[tacksman]

Looks like it's coming along nicely.

On a side note, how you like the outback for expedition/travel stuff? I was going to get a 4runner, but now that I've got another little one on the way, the subi seems a better choice to do safety and mpg. I figure it will handle all I need it to until the little one is older and get out there for a little bit more serious stuff.

We love our 2.5 CVT Outback. It really does well for our needs off road. We dont do the Rubicon or anything. I really have got into the backcountry with it though, Stream crossing's and even had it on three wheels in an off camber decent. There is a company that make underbelly skid plates armor, paired up with some Geolander tires and its good to go. Towing wise, i've towed roughly 2200 lbs from Arizona back here to Southern California without any issues avg'ed 25'ish MPG.

Where they shine is in the snow, not mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY2JWHeSMVI


Mine at Ice House, CA

 

[tacksman]

Day 4 Welding

Today I spent the day Welding(fixing) all of the areas that needed attention. Most things on this frame were just held together with tack welds. Lots of holes were welded closed. Nothing to exciting but much needed.
Some before and after pictures of some of the welds today. Honestly there was just too many to take photos of. Good to go now! :beer:

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks good!
My only concern is when you use the top as a canopy and it rains the water would run off into the uncovered trailer.

 

[tacksman]

Day 5 trailer coupler replacement

Today i plasma cut(removed) the M-100 trailer coupler, boxed in the frame and replace the landing with a much more user friendly crank.
Below are a few pictures of before and after.

(If anyone want the M-100 coupler, send me an email and we can work something out)

 

[Mark Harley]

New safety chains!
Those dog leash claps wont hold anything when it drops.

 

[tacksman]

New safety chains!
Those dog leash claps wont hold anything when it drops.

Agreed. Just needed something to get it home from my welding shop.

 

[tacksman]

UPDATE

After a long pause for work and life, I finally got back at it. Ended up replacing all axle bolts, wheel studs and misc. things.

Found a set of wheels and tires that offered a little more curb appeal (happy with the ride height with 31"'s).

Mounted the front tongue box that will be used later for batteries and fuse box(still need to order the Solar Panels and parts).
Started the fabrication of the swing gate for the spare tire.

Utilized the right side fill cap and fabricated an onboard holding tank for water(work in progress).

Still looking for ideas and parts as we go. Thanks for looking.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice work my friend!
Two suggestions..........
1. a guard around the water spout.
2. Polish the top to match the tongue box.

Looks great!

 

[Hitman76]

Some ingenuity, 5/8" Aluminum rod, and some TIG welding....and Boom! we have a use for the cover. This will eventually become the cooking area. I'll try and get some better photo's of the connections tomorrow.

Looks good. Looks like a start of a good beer tent!!! Cheers Brother!