Hey guys,After many months of work and mooching ideas from this forum, have finally completed my trailer. Many thanks to all those who have taken the time to share their designs and ideas, from which I have drawn heavily. This has been a dream for me since I saw my first commercial built trailer, but could not justify the high cost.
This was started from a CL find locally which had been saved from a salvage yard by the guy I bought it from. Paid $325
for an M100 which had been used by TVA as a welding trailer with the addition of a 4' x 6' doghouse welded on top to house welder and leads/cords. Sorry, was in such a hurry to get started no pictures were taken. The trailer had been parked nose down with back door open and leaves and other debri had severely rotted the floor and front bulkhead. After cutting all the 1/8" plate from top I then cut tub from frame. All that was usable was the 2 side panels, which I managed to save after much work. Would have been better to start from scratch, but wanted to keep a little of the character of the old trailer. At this point close scrutiny of the frame, which was covered in undercoat, helped me decide to build my own frame out of 1 1/2" x 3" 11 gauge tubing for strength and additional features such as longer tongue. Since front and rear bulkheads would need replacing could also add 6" to the width. My neighbor became interested in my project, so gave him the frame to build his own trailer, which can be found on this forum under Hillbilly Hilton. He has proven to be the King of low budget builds.
Floor is 14 gauge bent up 2" on sides to allow overlap for spot and stitch welds. End panel is piece of 11 gauge left over from friends welding bed project [happily accept all donations even if its a little overkill]. Fuel can holders built out of 1 1/2", 2" flat stock and 2" angle. Rubber cushions are from Big Truck fuel tanks. Inside tub was sprayed with Sem pro left over from spraying inside of Bronco, and lid was shot with Raptor liner. Wanted olive green, but what I got was olive without the pit. Yeh, be careful what you ask for.
Having trouble loading pictures. Computer skills very limited. Other features included brackets made and welded to frame for Smittybuilt fuel can holders modified to hold water cans, at each corner. The tongue would allow for a 20lb propane bottle, 4 fuel cans in lockable brackets, and a box which will eventually hold a battery. A local fabricator built an aluminum
top which has been designed to come off if desired. For now 80lb struts are being used for lift. Have no plans for RTT, as we have a 10' x 10' Kodiak tent set up with cots, which is very comfortable. Have dome tent for backup if staking not possible. In addition, have brackets to mount cross bars for basket, bike racks, canoe, etc. as needed.
The overall design includes the spare being carried under the rear with a bracket which can all be removed if trail proves too extreme. Should slide over obstacles, but severe trails will probably be a small % of use, so will deal with problems as they arise. Water can holders can also be removed quickly as well.
Costs so far have been kept to under $2500, with which I am very pleased, considering all the features which are built in.
Trailer pulls well with the T100, and hopefully will one day make it out West behind my 76 Bronco. The weight turned out a little higher than expected at 1100 lbs, which will turn into 1700- 1800 lbs with fuel, water, gear fully loaded. I don't build things- I overbuild them! Am satisfied that all should perform as expected, even under extreme conditions.
A couple of friends have helped considerably with donations of tires, shop space to work in inclement weather, and motivation and ideas from time to time to help keep the project moving forward. Thanks Rob and Thomas.
Planning to make our first trip out locally, if we can find a campground that isn't filled up. The fall leaf and camping season is here in East TN, and it is a very desirable area for viewing the colors. Will keep you informed. Pictures should explain a lot, but will try to answer all questions if submitted.
