2011 Schutt Industries LTT 1 1/2 Ton Trailer Chassis based Adventure Trailer Build

[SamM]

I recently purchased a 3500# Timbren suspension w/lift spindles, Dexter electric brakes and 5"x5" brake drums. Pictures once the weather warms up again. We got 2" of snow this morning. Will it ever end?

This trailer is moving forward. Sadly, I will not be able to use a TorFlex axle as there is no real way to narrow this frame enough to fit those components. New wheels will push my Jeep's track width out to 57.5". The trailer will match. I have purchased 2"x2"x.25" tubing, to be used as an axle for the Timbren suspension.

I hope to get back to building soon.

SamM

 

[SamM]

Picked this up today. 77" wide 12' long tilt aluminum trailer. It will be used to haul building supplies for our new house and to haul around my 1964 Lotus Seven.

SamM

 

[Mark Harley]

Hey sam is that the John Deere dealer beside the 50's dinor?

I was just there on the way to pick up a pup at the Harrison County Humane Society.

 

[SamM]

Yes, that's it. I was there yesterday looking at compact tractors. Off to the Kubota dealer today to compare prices. I hope you have been doing well up in the 'burg. No complaints down here in Almost Heaven. lol

It's going to start getting fun with this trailer shortly.

SamM

 

[Mark Harley]

Looking forward to the build.

 

[SamM]

The Schutt trailer is still in the deconstruction phase of the project. I'm still trying to work out the easiest way to install the Timbren suspension and get the correct width to track with my Jeep. I think, that I have pretty much nailed that down but there is a plan B if that doesn't work. Plan B will require a great deal more fabrication. Be patient, my life is hectic right now with work and everyday tasks that must be done. My family has a lot going on. The trailer is a part time project but I am very committed to it.

SamM

 

[SamM]

Update: Today, I ordered the last of the structural pieces needed to start my build. Two 4' pieces of 6"x6"x.375" steel angle will be used to mount the Timbren Axle-Less suspension, .25" frame plates, 2.5" aluminum angle (rear receiver mount) and 4"x4"x.25" steel angle (rear jack mounts) are all coming from Metal Depot. eTrailer.com is sending (3) new adjustable jacks, a new 7-wire plug w/8' cord and a 3" lunette ring. A Max-Coupler will eventually replace the pintle hitch.

The last of the required parts to turn the trailer back into a roller, after the TorFlex axle removal are: wheels, tires and spacers for the trailer hubs. This week, I plan to start cutting the TorFlex axle from the frame. The critical measurements for the axle width will start once the wheels get here. I have purchased .5"x3.5" aluminum plates just in case I decide to narrow the trailer frame at the wheel openings. As I mentioned earlier, a 6' piece of 2"x2" tubing will be used to make an axle for the Timbren units. This will make mounting the suspension much easier and give the trailer more stability.

EDIT: I also ordered one Black Rock 908B Yuma aluminum wheel with 4.5" back spacing to check the figment on the Jeep and trailer. These wheels and BFG KM2 265/70-17 tires will give me a wider track. The trailer frame may not require cutting, with a wider track width. We'll just have to see. I know there is not much to show yet. I promise progress pictures soon. I plan to start cutting the TorFlex out this week.

SamM

 

[SamM]

The TorFlex axle has been removed. After cutting all the Huck bolts off with an angle grinder, the complete suspension dropped from the frame as an assembly. These trailers are built very well. I forgot to cut the parking brake lines from the frame and as a result was not able to remove the axle from under the frame. It was at this point that it started to rain. So, I will get back into it and remove the axle from under the trailer tomorrow. My old Lowe's motorcycle trailer has been sold to a buddy. The junk that was sitting on it needed removed, so got that done. The new owner will need to replace a tire, the wiring and add some paint. He got a great deal for $200. Pic below. I am making headway as my 4 trailer collection has decreased to 3. Nice! The sale of the motorcycle trailer will finance my new chopsaw. Should have that by the weekend.

The next plan of attack is to level the frame, remove the stock military trailer plug, finish removing the inertial brake lines and master cylinder, fab new rear jack mounts and finish stripping the frame to the basics. Some of the front marker lights and panels still need cut off. A new wiring harness pigtail will be wired into the military harness.

I am seriously looking into building an expandable box for the Schutt LTT. The RTT that I want is the Columbus from Maggiolina. A self-contained kitchen could probably fit inside this trailer.

EDIT: The Black Rock wheel was returned. It did not work as well as I expected. I will stick with the original Rubicon/MOAB wheels or the MOPAR Winter wheels. I also decided that I do not want an ATV. I will buy the Rokon later on. Can't have both.



The newly painted hitch. More reinforcements to come.



Out with the old.

 

[Ryan Matthes]

I am putting together an axil conversion kit that will give you all the proper replacement axil, axil mounting plates, electric brakes, and manual brake cables to retrofit that chassis with the proper 64" track width and weight rating. You'd have to grind off some rivets and maybe do a little welding but this will turn your LTT into the proper specs for your Jeep. Trying to meet the $450 price point for this kit.

You have a 4200lb axil in the trailer now correct?

Markimus - how much would this set up you describe above cost with the frame, but no box? Is that an option that you guys would do?

 

[Mark Harley]

Sam:

Are you selling the original axle assembly?

 

[SamM]

I would love to sell the axle. Unfortunately, nobody has been interested in it. I'll probably scrap it and take it to the junkyard this weekend. Do you know somebody that would want it?

SamM

 

[Mark Harley]

Surely someone on Steelsoldiers.com would have an interest in it.
I will ask around. What number were you looking for?

 

[SamM]

$300 will take it.

 

[SamM]

The axle was removed today. Ready to finish disassembly this weekend and start the mockup of the new Timbren suspension.

You may be able to see the snow falling in the picture. I thought this was over with!

SamM

EDIT: I have decided to remove the clearance lights and the section of aluminum angle from the rear of the trailer frame. A small piece of flat steel will be used at the back of the frame to help mount the rear receiver hitch. The removal of the aluminum angle will also help to drop the weight of the trailer. The front and rear frame cross members will be cut back too. The frame will no longer be 80" wide. The rear clearance lights will not be required. As a result, the stock military wiring will all be cut out. This simplifies the wiring somewhat. I have purchase two extra leveling jacks. The rear stabilizer bar that came with the trailer is redundant and has been removed. The bracket is next. This will also free up some weight. Not really as the two extra jacks are heavier.

 

[SamM]

Installed the AEV snorkel on my MOAB today. Still need to trim the hood, fit the trim ring, paint the metal cuts and find my T40 Torx bit to install the last two bolts. Turned out pretty good. Fairly easy to do. Measure 15 times cut once.

EDIT: Finished up the install before Good Friday service. Got the trim ring put on and some paint on the bare metal. Turned out great!

SamM