I originally purchased a military trailer for my jeep but that thing was too heavy. I had a lightweight 5x8 trailer so I basically built a new frame under the angle iron using 2x1 steel. I put in new spring hangers but left the stock 2 leaf springs and put in a 3500lb axle with brakes and a spring over axle conversion.
The "tow rig" for this will be an 83 CJ5 with stretched front (rear stretch in the rear at the end of the year.). The CJ5 has a 2001 i6 from a Jeep TJ and 5.13 gears. With 35's I can only do about 55mph so after the stretch I'll be going back to 38"+ tires (that will get me 60mph at a descent rpm lol). If I'm going crawling the overland trailer won't come. If we are playing out in the woods or in swamp the jeep will tow. I don't have a tow rig or trailer big enough for both the jeep and camper.
I'm completely winging this as I complete other projects. I'm working on a Jeep TJ, repairing a fold out camper, and rebuilding a gator for my dad (carb/motor, broken steering, all plastic broken) so it's slow moving.
The goal is a base camp for kayaking and fishing. It needs to carry 3 kayaks and have an AC. No need for heat.
Done:
What do you think about using the existing side railing? It's obviously going to be warped and unlevel so it's going to make framing more complicated, but I would like the extra space. of having it outboarded.
Since my suspension has practically no flex, I'll be running the tires at a lower PSI to act as suspension. Total weight should be under 1k.
The "tow rig" for this will be an 83 CJ5 with stretched front (rear stretch in the rear at the end of the year.). The CJ5 has a 2001 i6 from a Jeep TJ and 5.13 gears. With 35's I can only do about 55mph so after the stretch I'll be going back to 38"+ tires (that will get me 60mph at a descent rpm lol). If I'm going crawling the overland trailer won't come. If we are playing out in the woods or in swamp the jeep will tow. I don't have a tow rig or trailer big enough for both the jeep and camper.
I'm completely winging this as I complete other projects. I'm working on a Jeep TJ, repairing a fold out camper, and rebuilding a gator for my dad (carb/motor, broken steering, all plastic broken) so it's slow moving.
The goal is a base camp for kayaking and fishing. It needs to carry 3 kayaks and have an AC. No need for heat.
Done:
- Reinforce frame with 2x1
- 3500lb Axle swap and flip
- 4' roof at galley and front. 5' roof in middle
- 35" tires on 16" 5x4.5" jeep wheels (2" spacers). I chose 5x4.5 16" since it matches my truck, while my CJ is 5x5.5. Long hauls will be with the truck! Already have 4 of the XD wheels in the picture.
- Wing the framing based on some sketches. I'm thinking I will reuse the existing railing and put a 1x1 piece the full length of the railing. Outside sheeting will be thin plywood with aluminum. There will be no bending.
- Propane tank
- Flip up door instead of swing out.
- Small rack mounted awning
- Small galley for storing grill, coolers, and gear.
- Solar system
- (2) 6gal water jugs. Additional water will have to go on the rack.
- Fold out queen bed
- Dual batteries
- Directional cell phone extender on tower (will flip up and have a remote)
- 30+ inch split screen monitor that will function as a TV.
- 5" sliders along the entire sides for protection
What do you think about using the existing side railing? It's obviously going to be warped and unlevel so it's going to make framing more complicated, but I would like the extra space. of having it outboarded.
Since my suspension has practically no flex, I'll be running the tires at a lower PSI to act as suspension. Total weight should be under 1k.
