Aussie Military touring trailer

[miller_au]

I've been away from this forum for some time now but decided I'd get back into the swing of it all with a build thread on my new project.

A couple of years ago I bought a roof top tent which has been fantastic when its just me out on the tracks but my girlfriend is showing more interest in coming on some of the big trips (3-4 weeks) that I do. Now that's great but we also have 2 kids and things start to get little squishy up there not to mention my 3 yo rolls, moves, kicks, crawls, slaps around that much during the night its a wonder she gets any sleep either!

So the plan? Well I like the idea of keeping it simple and light. I have an old No.5 Army Trailer that I think would be perfect for the task. I plan to fit matching Nissan hubs', wheels and tyres. For sleeping I think I will build a rack and purchase a family roof top tent so the whole fam can sleep up off the ground.

Pull out kitchen from the rear and collapsible awnings could make an appearance as well. Extended draw bar will also be added to the build sheet.

Anyway heres some pics.

Its far from a perfect specimen so I doubt to many Military purists will get in a twist.









I hope to get some time over the weekend to dig into it..

 

[Mark Harley]

I like it! with a little metal work she will be like new.
Keep us posted on the build.

 

[JSBriggs]

What is the bolt pattern on that?

-Jeff

 

[Arlo]

Frame, tub and suspension are looking simular to the Sankey's.

Hubs might be a different?

 

[miller_au]

Hubs are early Land Rover..

Its been awhile since I've touched this thing but now i need to get it done before we head away on a trip in 4 weeks. Pressure is on!!

I had the tub sand blasted some time ago so I went and collected that from storage this morning and dropped the chassis off to a mate so he can extent the chassis by 200mm and extend the drawer bar. I have slowly taught myself to weld over the last couple of years but the chassis isn't something I want to fail due to crappy newbie welds so I've left it to the Pro!

Heres the tub sandblasted. I cut the old guards out because these will be widened to suit the bigger rubber and width to match the GU.















The sandblaster thought i was mad to even attempt to rebuild what was left after the blasting.. challenge accepted! ;D

Next was to cut the front section off the tub just in front of the wheel arches. Im not too sure if i will just extent the tub or my latest thought is to build a box to sit in its place and tie it into the rest of the tub. This will mean the kitchen and storage will be completely separate to the rest of the trailer space and potentially more dust and water proof.





No turning back now!

I decided to measure the track width of the Patrol again and compare it to how wide it will be on this trailer. Its pretty wide! Im worried without widening the distance between the springs there will be too much axel overhang. Is that even a bad thing? ??? Just seems like it could be a leverage point for something to flex and fail.

Also I'm still tossing up between extending the tub or incorporating a box into the front. Decisions, decisions!

fingers crossed i can get it done in time!
[/quote]

 

[miller_au]

Bit of an update from today. Drawer bar and front chassis extension all done. I was hoping to pick up the new axle today but unfortunately it wasn't ready. When i have that in place i can finish the tub..

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice frame extension.
I like the UTE " Ranchero" too!

 

[geordie4x4]

Nice work,
yes I also spotted the early Falcon tail light in the first photos.

 

[miller_au]

Just wondering what people thoughts are in regards to bolting or welding the tub to the chassis. I cut the old floor out and was thinking I'd weld the sides to the frame then I could tack and seam seal the floor in... Or.. Weld the floor in and bolt it to the chassis as it was originally. What are some pros and cons please?

 

[miller_au]

 

[miller_au]

More progress today. Front box is done. Will spend the weekend joining it to the rest of the tub then the tent sub frame can go on. Apologies for the ordinary photos. It's a bit tight in the shed at the moment!

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice design.

 

[indiedog]

Hi Miller. Not sure if you've worked it out in the meantime but for my trailer used a combination of rivets and bolts to fix the tub. I welded on tabs to the tub to line up with the cross members and then fixed through them to hold the floor down. I have a side frame so riveted through that. It's very strong overall but if I need to I can get it off.

Your build looks good. What tent are you using?

 

[miller_au]

Thanks for the tip Indiedog, I'm still not decided how I'll go about it just yet.

 

[miller_au]

Had a fairly productive weekend. I started by removing the tub and box again and flipping the chassis over. I figured this would be easier to set up the axle instead of having to juggle it from underneath.



I cut the old spring perches off the original axle to use on the new one.

A little crusty..


After a cleanup they were ready to weld to the axle


Unfortunately the U-bolts I got were too short but i was able to get a couple of threads on the bold, enough to hold it for now. I had the axle made with brake flanges welded on.


Brake drums ready to go.



Tonight we joined the tub to the box. I was really happy with the way it came together. Here you can see the strap we used to keep it together while we tacked it.




The box needed a little help meeting the tub at the bottom


Finally tonight I removed the old springs and shackles. I'll be dropping them off tomorrow to have new ones made.