its a start

[frumpy]

Well I have wanted and been bugging my fiance for a while now to get an expedition trailer. We were out on a drive today and came across a decent looking utility trailer. Well turns out the guy selling it was a very old guy and he only wanted $400 so I was given the go ahead.

Main purpose is to pull behind our liberty (until it goes back on lease next fall and I get another wheeling vehicle). It will serve as a general utility trailer and for camping. It really wont see much more than fire roads etc as I plan on using it for a base camp.

Dimensions are 4.5'x6.5' with a 3.5' tongue. Its currently soa with tiny wheels and axle. Long term plan is to swap in a wider 5 bolt axle to get the tires out side of the box and run 34x9.5 swampers with pintle hitch.

I will have pics up tomorrow since it was too dark by the time I got back.

 

[tkahike]

You can do it. I built mine from an old boat trailer. Can't wait to see how it comes along.

 

[frumpy]

thanks, for now its just going to be the boring things (redoing bearings, wiring, new safety chain, a little paint, and collecting parts). The plan is for me to find a jeep LJ or cherokee next summer when the liberty goes in for lease so I plan to set it up for 5 on 4.5 (liberty pattern too).

I guess I have my first question, what width axle should I be looking for. I think the current one has a hub space width of 48". I would like to get the wheels out from under the trailer box completely. The local trailer place stocks 48", 66" and 72" axles. 48" is obviously too small, 66 may work with the right offset rims and narrow tires, and I have a feeling the 72" will be too wide (may may work with the right rims and tires).

Another option is to scrap the sides and bottom and start over. It looks like the trailer was only built to be 3.5" or so wide. The only problem is everything is thin metal bolted together. I have a feeling that welding on new sides would be quite the pain if not impossible (for me anyway). The current sides are low, maybe 12" but they are also sheet metal and quite sturdy. This trailer probably isn't the best platform for an expedition trailer but I'm going to see what I can do. The previous owner hauled a ride on lawn mower with it so it can definatly handle the weight I will need it for, just a matter of stuffing on some big tires without destroying it.

 

[RgrBox]

You can do it. I built mine from an old boat trailer. Can't wait to see how it comes along.

Nice chuck wagon.. well done..

You make and upgrades/Updates lately..?

 

[JKDetonator]

?

pics?

 

[frumpy]

not bad for $400. He put it out that afternoon and when I got to his house someone had left a note on his door saying they would buy it but I was there with cash in hand.

Tkahike, I really like your build, I read through the whole thing. I am tempted to do something like that but the only problem is I loose the "utility" of the trailer. I was thinking I could maybe rip off the box and do a flat bed and then make a camping style box that can bolt on.... might be my winter project.

 

[frumpy]

Any input on keeping the bed as is or ditching in favor of a narrow flat bed trailer with a "camp box" that bolts onto it?

Heres what the set up would be with the current box

and with a "camp box"

 

[tkahike]

Nice chuck wagon.. well done..

You make and upgrades/Updates lately..?

Thanks, it was a lot of fun to build. The one thing I have to do is replace the doors. I used 1/4 inch plywood that I had has scrap, which has now warped. I knew from day one I had to replace it, but I was holding off do to budget constraints and hoping I could lay my hand on some thicker scrap. But I think I will have to break down and spend some coin LOL

Other then that, not much. It has been running real good, have about 5k miles on it now, no issues.

 

[tkahike]

thanks, for now its just going to be the boring things (redoing bearings, wiring, new safety chain, a little paint, and collecting parts). The plan is for me to find a jeep LJ or cherokee next summer when the liberty goes in for lease so I plan to set it up for 5 on 4.5 (liberty pattern too).

I guess I have my first question, what width axle should I be looking for. I think the current one has a hub space width of 48". I would like to get the wheels out from under the trailer box completely. The local trailer place stocks 48", 66" and 72" axles. 48" is obviously too small, 66 may work with the right offset rims and narrow tires, and I have a feeling the 72" will be too wide (may may work with the right rims and tires).

Another option is to scrap the sides and bottom and start over. It looks like the trailer was only built to be 3.5" or so wide. The only problem is everything is thin metal bolted together. I have a feeling that welding on new sides would be quite the pain if not impossible (for me anyway). The current sides are low, maybe 12" but they are also sheet metal and quite sturdy. This trailer probably isn't the best platform for an expedition trailer but I'm going to see what I can do. The previous owner hauled a ride on lawn mower with it so it can definatly handle the weight I will need it for, just a matter of stuffing on some big tires without destroying it.

The first question I would ask myself is what your use for the trailer is? Is it just to tow behind you for light camping or more extreme, constant off road use?

You stated in a later post you wanted dual role? Then maybe just build a sleeve cover for it to protect your gear and upgrade your axle. The axle I would upgrade no matter what, check Tractor Supply, they keep standard axles in stock for a pretty good price. The axle you have currently on that trailer is not the best for weight or rough trails. I would want at least a 2000lb capacity axle. It doesn't take long to get to that weight.

 

[tkahike]

Any input on keeping the bed as is or ditching in favor of a narrow flat bed trailer with a "camp box" that bolts onto it?

Heres what the set up would be with the current box

and with a "camp box"

I would move your propane tank towards the front, in case you are rear ended, that tank is under pressure. If you can, get a bracket for the front V of the trailer, should be able to pick one up at any trailer supply store or fabricate one.

I like the box design. One of the reasons in the back of my head for mine was, I could always use it as a platform tent area if needed. I have the tarp that I carry with me, but if it was buggy, I could throw my tent up there.

 

[frumpy]

Thanks for the input, I guess I'm not 100% sure right now as I just got rid of my F150 and replaced it with a car. I didn't really "need" the truck bed much but it was nice to have once and a while. I forgot to mention, one of the main reasons I wanted a trailer was to also transport a canoe and gear for day trips as well.

 

[tkahike]

A canoe isn't hard to add, a rack that stands over what ever you build will handle that. You could even make on out of PVC, and one with rollers is even better LOL.

 

[frumpy]

rollers are a good idea, got any left from your boat trailer lol jk

 

[frumpy]

Ok, so after much thinking, measuring, examining, reading threads, etc I have come up with the game plan. The trailer is currently 4.5'x6.5' however, the frame is only 3.5'x5' (the exact size I wanted). I plan on doing a simple enclosed single box thats 3.5x5 and 2-3' high and a smaller box on the tongue up front (lots of room because the current "bed" on the trailer goes up the tongue quite a bit).

The main part will have a tailgate that drops down and a roof that lifts up to gain access to the bed. The front part I'm not 100% yet but would like it to hold a battery and the few electrical things (cd player, two flood lights, interior light, etc), as well as possible a water and fuel jerry can.

Right now I am just going to be gathering parts as I am waiting to hear if I am getting posted or not in the near future. I picked up a new safety chain tonight and a small extension for the wiring to reach the vehicle. Also picked up two 55w tractor lights that were on clearance for $10 each.

 

[tkahike]

The ones I had were shot, or I would have kept them LOL, I'm a pack rat that way.