MadH8R Utility Transformer

[MadH8R]

First I was going to buy a new trailer. That was too expensive, especially when I figured out that what I really wanted was two new trailers. Then I was going to build (mostly have someone else build) one from scratch. That was expensive too. So I settled for updating my old utility and adding some features that will allow it to transform between hauling brush and bark dust and organizing gear for light off-road camping.

In the beginning:


This trailer was built by my neighbor about 15 years ago. It sits on a 3500 lb torflex axle. It is a dump/tilt bed. The subframe goes back just past the axle where it is hinged and attached to the frame for the box. The dump angle isn't steep enough to actually "dump" most things, but it is nice from time to time. The box measures 52" wide and a touch over 8 feet long. The floor is 2x6 planks.

More to come.

 

[MadH8R]

The first things that had to go were the wheels and tires. I had to learn a bit about lug patterns. I needed 5 on 5 wheels and found a sweet deal on 4 wheels off of a 2013 Jeep Rubicon. Zero out of pocket for those. I then spent a significant amount of time trying to find a tire that was low profile enough that I wouldn't have to mess with the fenders. (This was particularly difficult due to the fact that the fenders attach to the upper/box frame, so they move when the bed tilts).

When I test-fitted the wheels, I found that they would not seat over the hub. Solution: 1.75 inch hub-centric spacer. -$50 ebay. Once the wheel was mounted, I still couldn't find a tire that would make the fenders work.... bye bye fenders.

Three used tires 245/75R17 10 ply mounted and balanced -$99.

 

[MadH8R]

This was my next purchase: two 90 inch weather guard boxes. All latches and locks intact, keys included! No cash out of pocket. Being able to use these has driven the design since.

Given the boxes will restrict access from the side of the trailer, I couldn't resist this cargo slide:




1000 lb capacity, easy access to the center of the trailer. No cash out of pocket!

 

[MadH8R]

Now to get the fenders back on.



No matter how I would mount them, they wouldn't accommodate the tilt in their stock condition. I had some big time help with this. The solution was to cut, flip, reattach, and trim the ends to match. The result was a longer shorter version of the original.

 

[MadH8R]

So, how to mount the boxes to the trailer? I sketched out several ideas, and they all seemed very much like a lumber rack.... So I started shopping for a lumber rack. Ended up finding this one:



It is a much better quality and in much better condition than I expected to find for what I wanted to pay. $100!

The next challenge will be to cut down and mount the rack. We are planning a bracket to keep the rack outside the rails. This will allow the bed to be tarped and tied down inside the uprights.

That brings us up to date. More to come.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks good so far. Love the reuse of items too!

 

[Tysc]

I like where this is going. Sub'd

 

[matthewp]

I like where this is going. Sub'd

Ditto! I'll also following to see where this is going.

 

[CLynn85]

Love budget builds, can't wait to see what you come up with.

 

[MadH8R]

Update

Plastic for floor and sides came in. Cut to fit. Great product, but I will be putting in additional floor support.




Soooo, added additional floor support, then started fabbing the exo support for the rack.



Cut away all the extra stuff from the lumber rack, then narrowed it to fit.



Set a box on for the full effect.



Next: there is some welding and grinding to finish up. Locate and weld bracket for cargo slide. Build a bracket and wire up new tail lights. Throw down some primer and install floor and walls. Install boxes. Much to do, but it's nice to see some progress!

 

[AA1PR]

cant wait to see where this goes

nice work

 

[MadH8R]

Well, here it is. Gonna be heading out to put it through it's paces this weekend. I'm very happy with how it turned out, but I'm sure there will be some tweaks to be made. Still on the agenda: side doors and rebuilt tongue with spare carrier. Action photos next week.

 

[MadH8R]

Maiden Voyage





OK, so we cut the trip a little short, mostly due poor planning when it came to feeding ourselves compounded by failing to properly secure our food inside the cooler resulting in Shake damage and saturation with ice water. Still, we got about 70 miles on the trail.

What worked:



Weather guard boxes, CONVENIENT, especially on the kitchen side and no notable dust penetration!



Cargo-slide in,



Cargo-slide out.

What didn't work so well:



Tarp. I may need to get one custom made. We made the best size available work. It stayed on, but did nothing to keep dust out.



Cargo management. I either need some internal latching points, or more cargo to fill the gaps.

I hit a scale on the way home. 1900 pounds at the axel when on the hitch. 2100 pounds standing on the trailer jack. At that point I was loaded and still carrying about 30 gallons of water.

Assessment: Really too big for the trail, but I knew that. Handled well and offered the utility I was hoping for!



Props to this little guy: the Terra Wagen E Z Deflator.

 

[fast_suv]

Where did you order the Plastic for floor and sides; Cut to fit? Compared to a sheet of metal was the price a lot better?

 

[MadH8R]

Sorry, I didn't see this question earlier. I got the sheets through a local plastics distributor. I can't recall the maker. They were like $150 per sheet and I cut them with a table saw. They are slick. Awesome for unloading a stack of brush.