1940 Chevrolet Expedition Trailer

[Mr. Leary]

On the bed tent, did you get the full size or mini truck bed ? My Willeys bed measures 80" x 50 " and falls between the 2 sizes. Yours looks to be about the same dimension.

Compact, and there was a little more room to grow. I used this one and a memory foam mattress inside. VERY comfy, although the ventilation could be better.

 

[Maximus Ram]

Thanks. If I can get my trailer roadworthy, the bed tent will be a better sleep setup than in the back of the XJ. The trailer would be my base and I wouldn't have to take out and set up the XJ to sleep at night.
Just measured my springs and they are 36" eye2eye, so either I will have to adapt to them or figure out how to cut and weld a new setup.

But back on track...

Where are some updated pics of the paint and all ?? Need some more motivation to get going......

 

[Mr. Leary]

Thanks. If I can get my trailer roadworthy, the bed tent will be a better sleep setup than in the back of the XJ. The trailer would be my base and I wouldn't have to take out and set up the XJ to sleep at night.
Just measured my springs and they are 36" eye2eye, so either I will have to adapt to them or figure out how to cut and weld a new setup.

But back on track...

Where are some updated pics of the paint and all ?? Need some more motivation to get going......

LaOutback just got through painting the trailer today. I will try to get some pics while it is light outside, but that will be a chore with work and all. It looks really good. I threw some gear in it this evening when I got it home, and started on the wiring. I never knew that 7 prong wiring is not standard. Time to break out the multimeter...

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

 

[Maximus Ram]

That looks good.
Just noticed that you still have the old tailgate hooks..Have you thought about changing them to a different type of locking system ?

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

That looks good.
Just noticed that you still have the old tailgate hooks..Have you thought about changing them to a different type of locking system ?

I've been brain storming on how to do so. The current system is a ratchet strap between the shackles.

 

[Maximus Ram]

While cleaning out mine the other day, I started thinking there must be a more secure latch setup that would work for these types of tailgates.
I was thinking of somethng like these
http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-pull-latches/=9g32bq

or similar

 

[Mr. Leary]

While cleaning out mine the other day, I started thinking there must be a more secure latch setup that would work for these types of tailgates.
I was thinking of somethng like these
http://www.mcmaster.com/#draw-pull-latches/=9g32bq

or similar

I have two spare compression latches at home, but have not tried to mount them yet. I agree that compression latches seem to be the best option, coupled with some cables for tailgate support. I need to figure out something faster then the current system, due to the fact that our chuckbox will be riding back there, and trail lunches are best when quick and low hassle factor...

 

[Mr. Leary]

7 prong wired. Trailer is ready to go. No boost needed for the brakes, and they stop the truck pretty quickly even when used alone.

Gonna mount the action packers us high tomorrow night. Right one is for Mr. Leary clothes and stuff. Left one is for The_Mrs. clothes and stuff. Middle is for extra pillows and heated blanket.

Nothing quite like the last minute. Good morning, gents! This one is gonna be an all nighter. Got work in a couple of hours.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Dont forget you may need to seal those boxes up there. The guys that have used them as motorcycle top boxes have had water and dust penetration issues at both the mounting holes and along the lid. Looking now for the technique on sealing it now.

Ah yes, there it is, a light bead of silicone. Let it dry before re-attaching the lid. Worse case scenario, duct tape the bad boy!

 

[Mr. Leary]

Dont forget you may need to seal those boxes up there. The guys that have used them as motorcycle top boxes have had water and dust penetration issues at both the mounting holes and along the lid. Looking now for the technique on sealing it now.

Ah yes, there it is, a light bead of silicone. Let it dry before re-attaching the lid. Worse case scenario, duct tape the bad boy!

Actually, for the trip I was just planning on stuffing the contents into trash bags, but Eventually I had planned to use kayak bags inside the containers.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Actually, for the trip I was just planning on stuffing the contents into trash bags, but Eventually I had planned to use kayak bags inside the containers.

Trashbags, sure. But why go through all of the trouble and expense to take up more space (dry bags take up a surprising amount) when a simple bead of silicone will work? I've even got some black silicone you can use.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Trashbags, sure. But why go through all of the trouble and expense to take up more space (dry bags take up a surprising amount) when a simple bead of silicone will work? I've even got some black silicone you can use.

I would have to seal the bottom as well. We will see.

 

[Mr. Leary]

The Arkansas Fall Foliage Trip helped me dial in my settings for the brake controller. On road I keep the Boost at zero, but turn the max voltage up to 12.0V. On gravel and dirt forest roads, I turn the max voltage down to 9.0V, and keep the Boost at zero. When traversing the trails (i.e the nastier stuff), I have not found an ideal mix yet, but I'm thinking that a max voltage of 6.0V with the Boost set at level 1 will work well. I will test this hunch on the next trip.

I also found my limitations with the trailer on the trip. Of course, the trailer makes hill climbs much harder. The additional drag of the trailer will also make me more vulnerable to getting stuck in mud holes.

... but it sure is nice when in camp. I can bring all the gear I want (or she wants), and keep the truck relatively free of gear... so I can unhook and play in the tough spots I find along the way!

Photo courtest of LaOutbackTrail

 

[Mr. Leary]

SOme new pics: