No longer dual purpose or AKA how to improve a 400 dollar lowes trailer

[oscar the grouch]

Update: I completely abandoned dual use idea. see later posts for current build up.
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I wanted something modular that I could use for the occasional dump run and haul my gear to just about anywhere i wanted to pitch a tent.

I started with the el cheapo trailer from lowes.
Ripped out the expanded metal floor.
New wood deck.

I have a old us navy shipping container that fits perfect and is weather resistant that will carry most my gear and be able to slide out loaded if i need to use the trailer for something else.

First thing we did was a SOA lift on it.
2015-05-01 18.54.24 by Oscar da Grouch, on Flickr
next we ripped the floor out and welded in some extra support and fixed all the factory welds. Whole frame would flex before we did this.... Now solid as a rock.
att_143074624660471 by Oscar da Grouch, on Flickr

bye bye expanded metal crap.
att_14307462379119 by Oscar da Grouch, on Flickr

testing the articulation on the 1 7/8 ball. I was going to build the multi axis coupler but I may just run the ball for awhile and see what happens.
2015-05-01 19.02.44 by Oscar da Grouch, on Flickr

Coming this week axle stretch and big tires.

 

[tgreening]

If I recall where the ball runs into trouble is not the side to side articulation, but rather front to rear. Like if you're crossing a wash with a narrow semi steep drop in and climb out, and trying to fold in the middle. The hitch interferes with itself. I've never run one off road so I can't swear, but I believe that's the issue.

 

[calicamper]

Oscar where are you located? I ask given i think your old wheels / tires will fit my trailer when you have your larger treads on the trailer. My rig

 

[oscar the grouch]

trying to pick a tire size.....

285/70r17 or 315/70r17

 

[oscar the grouch]

Oscar where are you located? I ask given i think your old wheels / tires will fit my trailer when you have your larger treads on the trailer. My rig
View attachment 283336

Im in georgia. think it wouldn't be cost effective to ship

 

[oscar the grouch]

2015-05-06 19.36.26 by Oscar Indy, on Flickr

axle is tacked in. need to find some better tube to make the 8in stretch permanent. any suggestions on some fenders. the tires are 14in from the edge of the frame.

 

[indiedog]

Hey Oscar, liking this build, very utilitarian. Are you thinking of adding an RTT or pitching a ground tent?

 

[oscar the grouch]

I have a ground tent from cvt. But I usually hammock it.

 

[oscar the grouch]

So Im looking for a better hitch setup than the ball. Im not looking to pay for a max coupler and gathering the parts for diy multiaxis from Jsherb is daunting. 1in bolts are hard to find.

I was thinking of using a large heim joint. or some of the leftover control arm joints ihave to make a dog bone setup. Is there any super simple setups out there on the cheap. Dont like pintels. used them too much in the military.

 

[oscar the grouch]

Started fitting fenders last night till the power went out

Finished today
Fenders painted

Wheels painted and loaded for first trip.

 

[oscar the grouch]

I also added a drop jack to the front. I need to find stabilizers that will extend 24 inches next

 

[RagnarD]

Trailer looks good. Clean and simple. Does cargo get in the way of cranking the landing gear?

 

[oscar the grouch]

no i set it just so that i will clear the lid of the cooler and still allow it to hinge freely. I plan on extending the tongue some too i think.

 

[oscar the grouch]

Finally was able to work on the trailer some more. Here is how she will sit until i find something else i need to do. Everything is mounted but easily removable.
box is an old navy shipping container and it is water proof which I needed for the places I explore.
between the cooler and box is perfect size for some jerry cans and water jugs. All my camp gear for 2 people easily fits in the container

2015-06-10 21.41.07 by Oscar Indy, on Flickr

2015-06-10 21.41.56 by Oscar Indy, on Flickr

2015-06-11 07.10.07 by Oscar Indy, on Flickr

2015-06-11 07.09.57 by Oscar Indy, on Flickr

 

[oscar the grouch]

All loaded. Add food and beer.