Lord Al-Sorna's 5x8 Cargo Hut

[rnArmy]

Sometimes the noise you hear is the lunette ring pivoting up-and-down inside the receiver tube. What I did (and it made a huge difference) was had a nut welded between the end of the tube and the hitch pin (that's where you want it on the trailer) so I could run a nut up and keep it from moving (like a set screw). If you want to do something similar to the tow vehicle's hitch, you want the welded nut forward of the hitch pin (i.e. between the hitch pin and the front of the tow vehicle; NOT between the hitch pin and the end of the 2" receiver on the vehicle).

And as you found out, this pintle hitch/lunette ring set-up makes it super easy to connect and disconnect.

 

[rnArmy]

A before shot of when I was putting the "set screw" on the front of my trailer's tongue.

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

Sometimes the noise you hear is the lunette ring pivoting up-and-down inside the receiver tube. What I did (and it made a huge difference) was had a nut welded between the end of the tube and the hitch pin (that's where you want it on the trailer) so I could run a nut up and keep it from moving (like a set screw). If you want to do something similar to the tow vehicle's hitch, you want the welded nut forward of the hitch pin (i.e. between the hitch pin and the front of the tow vehicle; NOT between the hitch pin and the end of the 2" receiver on the vehicle).

And as you found out, this pintle hitch/lunette ring set-up makes it super easy to connect and disconnect.

Awesome idea (and reminder, I know I have heard of this trick before but forgotten it). Im doing it!

 

[beardus supremous]

Looking great! Interested to see how you build up your 5x8. In the process of redoing mine again after living in it all summer as a camper.

 

[jeffe]

Beautiful! Can't wait to see what you do interior wise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[repo]

very nice start. I too cant wait to see how this turns out. Im messing with a 5x8 cargo also.

 

[ACFaulk]

Following this too...thinking of doing this as well...with 5x8 or 5x10

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

I have been in crazy fabrication mode for a while, and getting things close to wrapped-up in for this phase. Modifications included:
1) Welded 1x1 framing in the walls for windows / door / fantastic vent
2)Welded backing for top of fender mounts
3) Purchased some off-the shelf jeep style trailer fenders from local supply place. Cut and welded three of them to make two wide ones. Also lengthened fenders 3". (this was a lot of fab work, and turned out a little wavy but I like the rounded edges and overall finished product a lot)
4)Installed door, fan in ceiling, and 2x window.
5) Instlled 2x2 angle iron around lower corner as protection and base mount for fender fabrication. Through-bolted to frame
6) Welded a pickup truck style recessed spare tire carrier up underneath. This brings the tire up into the top plane of my planned floor system, and gives a low center of gravity and out-of-the-way storage option. Takes away a little ground clearance but this trailer has PLENTY on tap. I will post a finished photo of the clearance as I get the floor on and underside coated. I used all-thread and fabbed a giant wing nut for attachement. I then drilled the all-thread through so that I can stick a hitch pin clip through for safety.
6) Currently welding supports for extended side skirts running length of trailer and an angle iron and 1x1 "slider" assembly that runs around the back. This will also incorporate 2 crank-style leveling jacks at the rear corners.
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[uscg2008]

Subd for another cargo trailer build

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

Welded a support gusset to end of lower frame rail, which lent itself perfectly to this task. I then finished the support structure for the side skirts. This will be capped with a piece of sheet metal, then caulked-in with polyurethane caulk for a nice finished appearance. It passed the official ASTM LMSJOF 0235 testing protocol. (Large Man Standing / Jumping On Fender) :ylsmoke:

I am thinking a heavy texture bed liner to finish the fenders out and match the front diamond plate piece to this as well. This would be durable against the barrage of rocks that are about to start flying at it. Then a silver color on the rest of the body... Still a while to think that through though.

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

Been a long time since I updated this, but the trailer has been GREAT! We absolutely love it. Tows great, light enough I can lift the tongue and move it by hand if needed, though I am a big guy.
After completing all the structural and suspension work, I insulated the walls and installed interior paneling like other builds you see of this type. I then framed the bed platform and rear wall divider out of 2x3 and plywood. (Will post photos of how interior lays out. Works perfect for 2x adults and 2x large dogs on floor). Painted the front and fenders with Raptor Liner, and the rest with the budget automotive paint from NAPA auto parts.
Fridge was installed in the rear, installed ARB awning for a "living room"

We camped in it for three seasons last year and it was perfect! Zero problems, lots of spoiled moments.

 

[jgaz]

It looks great! I would be very interested in seeing your interior set up. Nice work!

 

[bamabrock]

Need inside pics!

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Wait! You teased us with all this great work you did, left off with it having a metal frame with no floor and jump to, "we camped in it for three seasons last year and it was perfect!"

Good for you but I think you broke a bunch of forum rules about leaving all of us hanging without the details, info and, most importantly, PICTURES!

 

[Lord Al Sorna]

Wait! You teased us with all this great work you did, left off with it having a metal frame with no floor and jump to, "we camped in it for three seasons last year and it was perfect!"

Good for you but I think you broke a bunch of forum rules about leaving all of us hanging without the details, info and, most importantly, PICTURES!

I know, I know. I am a busy guy and pushed really hard to get this on the road. Lots of late nights in the shop and off my PC. That has changed...

Interior Shots:





Full queen memory foam bed from Amazon. LED Lighting by Ikea. Coat rack and hooks, and two metal wire baskets to hold personal items. Shades on the windows for full cave-mode... Strategically placed suction fan in ceiling directly over dog sleeping area.

These next ones are actually recent progress photos. I built a home-brew fridge slide last year that died on the last trip. Replaced with a nice Tembo Tusk unit. Fridge is an Engel MT60 that is more of a low / wide unit that worked very well for this layout.


You can see how the back area works out for storage. Marine battery in a plastic RV box is located behind fridge.

This season I will be adding and tweaking things based on the first season out, and I will post those changes. Will be adding a water tank and pump, building a big rolling drawer for kitchen and camping gear, and modifying the awning room back wall to better work with the trailer side door. I need to fabricate extensions for the jack feet at both rear corners so I can use them to stabilize the trailer. THinking about an epoxy coating on the floor inside just for giggles. Also considering a way to either seal rear doors better or build interior "dog door" at storage area to help keep the dust out.