rustED's Expedition/Utility- Double Duty trailer build
- Thread starter rustED
- Start date
rustED
Adventurer
Thanks for posting the link here. I've been reading through, alot of good info! I'm starting to rethink the idea doing the independent suspension, I think I would be getting over my head with all the camber and toe in/out adjustments, lol, especially the limited tools at my disposal.
Hello yj4trails. Everything on the tailgate was built from scratch except the T handle, I got the handle off an old canopy. The latch mechanism works really good, just a couple springs and bolts, some cable and clamps, it was pretty inexpensive.
*EDIT* I just realized that you were probably talking about the hinge that supports the tailgate when it's down, lol. Yeah it's off of an 83' toyota pickup, I had to modify it, I'm waiting on the other side, since I might change the tailgate a little, I might not have to modify it when I'm finished.
I keep going back and forth on leaving the trailer as is, or changing it. I want to run the same size tire as my 4runner (35x12.50) so that I can carry one spare for both. I have an idea that I might post up later that would probably be the easiest fix for running a narrower axel and keeping the tire size I want. I really wish I would have found this site before I started my build!
Thanks! Just read your build, your trailer is truly awesome, I might have to "borrow" some ideas!
Last edited:
GeoTracker90
Adventurer
Don't stress too much over the alignment of a trailing arm independent suspension. In the next day or two I'll get some tabs drawn up that take care of these issues. When I do I'll share the design with you.
Mike
Mike
rustED
Adventurer
Thanks that would be great, look forward to your update!
Not a problem, I'm glad one of my ideas was useful to you.
rustED
Adventurer
FRAME REVISION
Well I've been considering making some changes to my trailer frame. I want to reduce my wms to wms from 65" (with wheel spacers) down to 58" to match my 4runner. Here's what I'm thinking for the frame.
1. Cut out the crossmembers
2. Weld in the new lateral frame rails
3. Weld in the crossmembers, tie into the original outer frame. Once that's done cut and remove the portion of the outer frame where the tires will be. Cut out the tub to accommodate the tires. Build some wheel wells for the tub.
Well I've been considering making some changes to my trailer frame. I want to reduce my wms to wms from 65" (with wheel spacers) down to 58" to match my 4runner. Here's what I'm thinking for the frame.
1. Cut out the crossmembers
2. Weld in the new lateral frame rails
3. Weld in the crossmembers, tie into the original outer frame. Once that's done cut and remove the portion of the outer frame where the tires will be. Cut out the tub to accommodate the tires. Build some wheel wells for the tub.
Last edited:
GeoTracker90
Adventurer
I like it! Make sure that you post picture of your progress.
Mike
Mike
rustED
Adventurer
RTT alternative?
Has anyone used a truck bed tent for their trailer? My main goal is to get my trailer usable before summer. Most of my money will be ggoing to finishing it, I really want to get a RTT for my trailer when it's finished, but they are pretty expensive, I was thinking of possibly using one of these as a alternative since they are aprox 1/4th the price. What do you guys think, good idea or not so good? Have any of you done this, if so pros and cons, pics would be a welcome bonus, thanks!
Has anyone used a truck bed tent for their trailer? My main goal is to get my trailer usable before summer. Most of my money will be ggoing to finishing it, I really want to get a RTT for my trailer when it's finished, but they are pretty expensive, I was thinking of possibly using one of these as a alternative since they are aprox 1/4th the price. What do you guys think, good idea or not so good? Have any of you done this, if so pros and cons, pics would be a welcome bonus, thanks!
swashbuckler
Hooligan
Has anyone used a truck bed tent for their trailer? My main goal is to get my trailer usable before summer. Most of my money will be ggoing to finishing it, I really want to get a RTT for my trailer when it's finished, but they are pretty expensive, I was thinking of possibly using one of these as a alternative since they are aprox 1/4th the price. What do you guys think, good idea or not so good? Have any of you done this, if so pros and cons, pics would be a welcome bonus, thanks!
I think those truck bed tents are a solution looking for a problem. Most RTTs will pop open and cut down on camp setup and teardown time, that truck bed tent won't. It also won't be as weather resistant as an RTT, and you'll have to completely empty the trailer to use it.
You said you're putting a tonneau on it, right? I'm converting a Datsun truck bed for my trailer, I'm slapping an old 4Runner shell on the back and sealing it up for a sleeping space. Before I decided on that though I was considering getting a hard tonneau for it and sewing up some canvas to snap between the tonneau and the bed rails, turning the entire thing into a popup.
rustED
Adventurer
Thanks for the input swashbuckler, you make some valid points. The extra setup time is definately a draw back, as well as having to completely empty the trailer to set up the tent. I was also wondering about how weather resistant it would be, it seems like in the rain water would be able to pool up under the tent, maybe not...
I like your idea for making your trailer into a pop up. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to build my tonneau, I've thought about building a flat style one so when opened could double as a table top, but I haven't decided for sure yet. I'm probably getting ahead of my self thinking of RTT's, I probably should concentrate on finishing my trailer first!
rustED
Adventurer
Well its been over a year since working on the trailer last, alot has changed in that time. My wife got in another car accident and totaled our durango. She is ok, but her back is really bothering her (re-injured a previous injury from a prior car accident). Also I ended up selling my 86' 4runner that was going to be my trailer tow vehicle. My brother ended up buying my 4runner. With my wife's back injuries I don't really see us using the trailer as I intended, (she doesnt feel comfortable climbing a ladder to gain access to a roof top tent). So, I talked my brother into buying the trailer. So basically I'm going to finish building it for him.
I won't be making any changes to the frame like I was contemplating in the above posts, just going to run the wheel spacers I have.
What I have left to finish the trailer they way he wants:
◆ finish the trailer tongue with a receiver so he can swap from a ball/hitch to an offroad coupler
◆ finish the 3-link suspension
◆ Build some fenders
◆ Build a hinged lid with struts
◆ Build a couple jerry can holders (maybe)
Next week I'm going to get some metal to start the lid. I skinned the trailer tub with 14 gauge, but I'm thinking that might be overkill for the lid. I was going to build a frame out of 1" square tubing, do you think 16 gauge would be sturdy enough to skin the lid? I will have stringers, or crossbars going across to support the center of the lid, just don't want it to dent in, and might possibly be bolting a rack to it afterwards.
I won't be making any changes to the frame like I was contemplating in the above posts, just going to run the wheel spacers I have.
What I have left to finish the trailer they way he wants:
◆ finish the trailer tongue with a receiver so he can swap from a ball/hitch to an offroad coupler
◆ finish the 3-link suspension
◆ Build some fenders
◆ Build a hinged lid with struts
◆ Build a couple jerry can holders (maybe)
Next week I'm going to get some metal to start the lid. I skinned the trailer tub with 14 gauge, but I'm thinking that might be overkill for the lid. I was going to build a frame out of 1" square tubing, do you think 16 gauge would be sturdy enough to skin the lid? I will have stringers, or crossbars going across to support the center of the lid, just don't want it to dent in, and might possibly be bolting a rack to it afterwards.
Last edited:
rustED
Adventurer
I ordered some tabs to finish up the 3 link, two for the axel and two to go to the frame, got them through Ballistic Fabrication. I will be ordering the metal for the lid hopefully tomorrow, think I'm going to go with a 5x10' sheet of 16 gauge to skin the lid, and 1" square tube for the frame, I should have plenty left over to build some fenders. My days off are Monday and Tuesday, so hope to have a better update next week.
*Edit* I just noticed that the tabs I was going to use for the frame to attach the link to is 3/8 thick instead of 1/4...shouldn't be a problem as the hole is still 9/16". Also I couldn't order the sheet metal and 1" tubing yet. My brother sent me the money via PayPal, and it is going to take 5 buisness days for it to transfer to my bank account...that's kind of ridiculous!
More updates on Monday or Tuesday!
*Edit* I just noticed that the tabs I was going to use for the frame to attach the link to is 3/8 thick instead of 1/4...shouldn't be a problem as the hole is still 9/16". Also I couldn't order the sheet metal and 1" tubing yet. My brother sent me the money via PayPal, and it is going to take 5 buisness days for it to transfer to my bank account...that's kind of ridiculous!
More updates on Monday or Tuesday!
Last edited:
rustED
Adventurer
I got a little done today on the trailer lid. Started building the frame out of some square 1" tube. I decided to keep it simple and just make it flat. Got it all tacked together.
^^^I messed up a little when I welded in this gusset, I should have waited until I had all of the stringers in, and then weld in the gusset a little at a time, but I burned it in and warped the corner pulling it in and out of square some. I was able to minimize it when I put the stringers in, and it's not as noticeable as before.
Anyone have some tips or advice for skinning the lid? I was thinking of starting by welding short beads starting in the middle of the lid on the stringers and working my way from the center out, I'm hoping that would prevent the lid from warping further, what do you guys think?
^^^I messed up a little when I welded in this gusset, I should have waited until I had all of the stringers in, and then weld in the gusset a little at a time, but I burned it in and warped the corner pulling it in and out of square some. I was able to minimize it when I put the stringers in, and it's not as noticeable as before.
Anyone have some tips or advice for skinning the lid? I was thinking of starting by welding short beads starting in the middle of the lid on the stringers and working my way from the center out, I'm hoping that would prevent the lid from warping further, what do you guys think?
rustED
Adventurer
I got all the parts cut out to build the fenders today, it's alot faster now that I finally have a metal chop saw, with the exception of the work i did the last 2 days on the lid and fenders, everything else was cut with a 4-1/2" Mikita grinder.
Here's a couple pics of the tube fenders, I only got the driverside tack welded together, I also built side steps that will go in front of the fenders, didn't get any pics of those. Not sure if I'm going to put steps behind the fenders yet, I might put Jerry can mounts there instead.
Here's a couple pics of the tube fenders, I only got the driverside tack welded together, I also built side steps that will go in front of the fenders, didn't get any pics of those. Not sure if I'm going to put steps behind the fenders yet, I might put Jerry can mounts there instead.
Last edited:
rustED
Adventurer
I got a question for you guys. I have a peice of 2-1/2" by .250 wall tubing that's 10" long. I was wanting to slide it over the 2" by .250 wall tube I have and use it as a rsceiver. I was going to lap it by 3" leaving me 7" for the receiver to slide in, do you guys think that's long enough?