Xrunner's Montero Expedition Trailer build

[Xrunner]

-----------Start of the build-----------

My latest project is also my first venture into building an expedition trailer. She's a 1988 Mitisibishi Montero that the previous owner made into a utility trailer for transporting paintball gear...

(please ignore the date on the photos, it's incorrect)

A few Benjamins and a very smooth 45 minute tow later she arrived home. It was imperative that my new project fit in my garage so as my HOA isn't exactly trailer friendly. I push my luck enough already with my shop setup and welding habit.

So far I'm thinking of a quasi-teardrop build with a bunk area inside and a cargo section up front where the engine bay used to sit. I'm planning to have it functional for a basic shakedown run in early June and continuing the build-out as time allows. Future plans include a roof rack, water tank, hot water setup, power system, awning, bigger tires, etc.

Phase I is a serious diet for the interior...

 

[jeffryscott]

Great find, that has a lot of potential.

 

[Taildragon]

Thats cool, I thought about doing the same to a fj 40 I have. After giving it some serious thought I was worried the Landcruiser community would burn me at the stake for doing so!

Look forward to seeing your build.

Justin

 

[greentruck]

Montero! -- Makes a great Trailer!
:coffeedrink:

 

[Xrunner]

First off I pulled the seat brackets and a few other screwed down anchor points and trim pieces along the edges...

Next removed all the carpet followed by the insulation...

Most of the brown stuff in the picture above is dirt and not rust. Surprising for a 1988.

My original plan had been to remove the dash intact but that didn't work out as I would have had the spend a good chunk of time taking apart the air vent system to access the bolts. So out came Mr. Sawzall... :sombrero:

I was planning on saving the vin plated in the picture above and attempting to use it for the homebuilt ID number but the dash piece ended up in the trash and gone before I realized it was still attached. Ooops

Assorted dash pieces and components resting on top of the rear cargo cage the previous owner built...

And my stopping point for the day...

 

[Xrunner]

Life happened and the June shakedown run just didn't happen. But things have settled down and it's time to pick up the powertools again!

Next step involved the cage in the back. Great for paintball gear but not so much for sleeping on...

So I made proper introductions to Mr. Sawzall again...

A few small battles required a trip to Lowes...

But in the end Mr. Sawzall prevailed...

And overall I was surprised at what good condition the floor is in for it's age.

 

[WyoExplorer]

Interesting idea...subscribing :sombrero:



mike

 

[Xrunner]

Interesting idea...subscribing :sombrero:



mike

Thanks Mike!

I'm slowly building my fab skills and someday hope to tackle a from-scratch build like your Utility Trailer. :Wow1:
It was the original thread that got me hanging around ExPo.

 

[Xrunner]

Hauled all the junk parks out and gave it a good vac and quick wipedown to get some of the loose grime off.

The front footwells are covered with a rubberish bedliner-type material. Unfortunately over the last 20+ years it had melted to the carpet and insulation in spots and wasn't salvageable.

So out came the putty and heat gun to get the majority of the bedliner off. I'm planning to use Goop Off or similar on the remaining residue when I prep the floor for new paint or bedliner.

The previous owner had welded up this rack for a planned battery system below the tongue cargo storage. It hung a little low for my liking so it I removed it.

Spent the next hours with Mr. Sawzall removing the assorted mount tabs and leftover scrap, and then grinding the remaining stubs down and cleaning up the welds. Still need to do some finish grinder and wire wheel work before paint though.

.

Last project of my weekend (I work Wednesday to Sunday) was to remove the gas tank...

While I was underneath I also spent some time unbolting extra mounting brackets that held all the thingamajigs and whatchmacallits , along with the fuel and brake lines.

Swept out the garage, wheeled the Montero back into it's corner, and decided to call it a day.

 

[Mark Harley]

That is a great build! This is going to be a cool blog to follow.
I would refab the tongue work and make it cleaner, some diamond plate on the front cowl,
and a tongue box and it would look great.

Sell all the extra parts on craigslist or ebay and make some money back.
change the axle to a matching one for your tow vehicle and lose some weight.

The best thing I see, is if you get HOT you can roll down the windows.

Keep the pictures posted.
Mark Harley

 

[upcountry]

I love it. Reminds of the second mad max movie. Very creative!

 

[Xrunner]

Well it was a bittersweet day as I sold the Montero trailer (before it was finished) to a nice young couple who wanted a budget offroad trailer build. They intend to finish the design and buildout this year and put it to good use.

On a plus side, this followed me home not too long after...

 

[Mark Harley]

116A2? Looks great let's build!

 

[Xrunner]

116A2? Looks great let's build!

Thanks Mark, yes... it's an M116A2 that started out as a generator trailer. I'm hoping to get a slow start on it soon and intend to start a build thread as soon as I do.

 

[DonBeasley]

Or if it rains you can roll them up.

Great start. I subscribed.