Hello All,
I'm new to trailer builds. While have the basic electro/mechanical skillset, I don't have all the tools or time, so much of this build will be a mix and match of self performing and other service providers. I Recently acquired a "new" M100 1/4-ton trailer. Planning to convert it, tranformer/swiss army style, into a general utility/camp/canoe trailer. I'm looking to keep all features connected and compact. I want to carry only one spare so I need to change the trailers wheels and tires out. One option is to replace the axle and hubs, but I loose the hand brake. For whatever reason I kind of want to keep the hand brake. Another option is to pick up a pair of 5x5.5 to 5x5 wheel spacer/adapters off ebay. I've seen one other post using these, but that guy seems to have disappeared. Has anyone used these spacers on their M100? I'm not yet confident of their quality, considering there'e been only one post referencing them. Another source stated that they cannot make a 5x5.5 to 5x5 adapter. Also, thoughts on keeping the stock axle and suspension versus upgrading to a 3500 lb Dexter with matching leafs.
In addition to figuring out specific issues for the build I'm curious to hear ideas for options and improvements (e.g. it's a 1/4-ton do I really need surge brakes? I don't think so.)
Current plan is to:
-match 2013 JK wheels (to carry only one spare)
-extendable tongue to convert from light (rough but not rock crawling) off-road to canoe hauling.
-the coupling will be one of those multi axis deals
-rear receiver hitch for bicycles or additional cargo cage.
-two tier detachable/retracting/folding canoe storage
-water/fuel cans
-Paint it Jeep black
Wishful adds might include:
-gimbaled-LED light tower(s)
-solar powered USB charging bank
-Swing-out/fold-out kitchen
-front and rear gates for hauling longer items (future mod)
-I love to have a 4 person trailer top tent and still be able to have the canoe racks
...and yes I want to do it all and maintain the rough and ready look of the M100
Any thoughts?
I'm new to trailer builds. While have the basic electro/mechanical skillset, I don't have all the tools or time, so much of this build will be a mix and match of self performing and other service providers. I Recently acquired a "new" M100 1/4-ton trailer. Planning to convert it, tranformer/swiss army style, into a general utility/camp/canoe trailer. I'm looking to keep all features connected and compact. I want to carry only one spare so I need to change the trailers wheels and tires out. One option is to replace the axle and hubs, but I loose the hand brake. For whatever reason I kind of want to keep the hand brake. Another option is to pick up a pair of 5x5.5 to 5x5 wheel spacer/adapters off ebay. I've seen one other post using these, but that guy seems to have disappeared. Has anyone used these spacers on their M100? I'm not yet confident of their quality, considering there'e been only one post referencing them. Another source stated that they cannot make a 5x5.5 to 5x5 adapter. Also, thoughts on keeping the stock axle and suspension versus upgrading to a 3500 lb Dexter with matching leafs.
In addition to figuring out specific issues for the build I'm curious to hear ideas for options and improvements (e.g. it's a 1/4-ton do I really need surge brakes? I don't think so.)
Current plan is to:
-match 2013 JK wheels (to carry only one spare)
-extendable tongue to convert from light (rough but not rock crawling) off-road to canoe hauling.
-the coupling will be one of those multi axis deals
-rear receiver hitch for bicycles or additional cargo cage.
-two tier detachable/retracting/folding canoe storage
-water/fuel cans
-Paint it Jeep black
Wishful adds might include:
-gimbaled-LED light tower(s)
-solar powered USB charging bank
-Swing-out/fold-out kitchen
-front and rear gates for hauling longer items (future mod)
-I love to have a 4 person trailer top tent and still be able to have the canoe racks
...and yes I want to do it all and maintain the rough and ready look of the M100
Any thoughts?