D90 Trailer

[adamha]

Been lurking this board for awhile and the information is great. Thanks all!

I have a growing family and a D90...not exactly ideal for long trips but I can certainly think of worse platforms to have to work with. After considering selling and building up a larger rig I just can't bring myself to part with my D. So what to do? The rear jump seats won't be suitable for the kids long term and storage is less than optimal with 4 people.

The plan:

Rear Seats:
Exomoor Trim rear full size fold and lock seats (http://www.exmoortrim.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=37&Itemid=65)

Trailer: D90 Rear tub. Why? Super lightweight, matches the truck, and would just be really cool. I am sure there are others out there I just haven't seen one. I have some great ideas for accesories on the trailer but one thing at a time. Get it on a frame with wheels, hitch it, brake/running lights and get it registered first.

Progress. Just got the tub back from paint today. Some crappy iPhone photos below hauling it back from paint on the roof. That got some looks on I80 today!

I wish I could tell you this would be a 2 or 3 month build but it won't. Due to funds, and the need to sell off some other stuff to obtain said funds, I am giving myself a full year. I really hope to have the tub on a frame and wheels by mid summer but we will see.

Anyway, I really appreciate this board. The members seem really friendly, helpful and nice. I like the vibe.

The tow rig is a 97 LE #127. As I progress I will pick this thread up and add details. Take care all.

Adam

 

[adamha]

OK...so I was so stoked to show the tub I forgot to add my questions:

I am really weight concious for this build. I am starting with just the bare tub and need a frame to support the axle.

The simple way to go would be to hit the junk yard, wack the back end of a frame, axle, springs off of a Disco, bolt and go. The con is weight.

I have a fab shop nearby that could fab up a simple box frame underneath shaving some weight and then go with a trailer axle or even the rear axle from a minivan out of the junk yard.

You all are much more experienced than I. What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RangeRhino02]

I just want to say I love this idea. I've been following a similar build thread over on D-90 where he used a 109" tub and a d90 rear frame and axle. It's turned out pretty nice so far.
I've been toying with an idea like yours, and would like to do something similar one day. And I've been thinking about going the route of attaching the tub to a fabbed box frame like you mentioned. The reason being weight, and if possible, I'd like to make the tub detachable so I could have a dual use utility trailer. I'm still a ways off from starting my trailer build, but it's in the works, even if it's still in my head.
Will you be using matching hubs, etc.. so you can have wheels/tires to match the defender? And just curious if you plan on using electric brakes?
Good luck on the build! I'll for sure be following this thread.

 

[lindy]

Hey Adam, Ive got the Exmoor Lock and Fold seats in my rig for my 6 and 7 year olds and love em. One thing though, not alot of leg room.

Cheers,
Eric

 

[adamha]

Thanks for the feedback on the seats. I was hoping they would work.

Plan is for matching hubs & wheels. Hadn't really got to the brakes yet but electric or surge. Not sure. Thanks for the thread reference on D90 Source. Hadn't seen that. Inspirational for sure.

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I would definitely go the custom box frame. Using a D90 rear frame will gain you nothing but a little time, and may be harder when you start looking at the tongue area. Same goes with the axle. Go with a trailer axle WITH electric brakes and make the hubs match. I guess electric or hydraulic is debateable, but I like electric better.

The only exception to this may be the trailer leaf springs. The standard trailer springs will provide a stiff ride, as they are only meant to give about 2-3" max travel over the whole weight range. I would go with some sort of truck springs in the back, whether from the D90, a jeep, or a Ranger like I used.

-

 

[cgalpin]

I'm the one with the rover trailer build on D90. I need to make a build thread here. I obviously love the idea! And your time estimates are very realistic.

I too started down the path of wanting to build my own frame, and I'm eager to see how it turns out for you as if I had to do it again I'd probably do that. As you say the cons are weight, and it was as much work IMO since I am adding sliders anyway (which could be integral to a custom frame) and in my case I stretched the frame I had and had to make all new body mounts anyway. I also want to do electric brakes at some point which will be harder than just getting a trailer axle assembly with them.

But on the plus side I have an awesome suspension with hubs to match the rover bolt pattern all for cheap. I'm a little too far commited to change my mind though and you'll find the frame is only a relatively small part of the project.

I have a bunch of pictures of my build here:

http://gallery.lhsw.com/rover_trailer

Best of luck and looking forward to seeing your build.

 

[adamha]

So after reading the feedback and crawling around under my truck I do think a custom frame is probably the right direction to go. I am also leaning trailer axle and electric brakes. Love the aluminum top cgalpins trailer. I might have to borrow that idea!

Question; for suspension has anyone ever used motorcycle coilovers? That and a couple of pivoted links to the frame? Not sure there would be enough travel but how much travel do you really need? It would seem the trailer is going to roll up and over stuff more than articulate. Just a thought after looking at the air suspension prices and thinking I could probably yank something off of a wrecked Goldwing or other heavy bike at the junkyard.

Found some matching rims and taillights used off of the D90 board so I am making some headway on parts. Need some side markers and the license plate light and I am set. Thats all for now.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

You're sort of right in that the trailer doesn't need to "articulate", since it's a tripod. It will just roll and tilt over any obstacle. But where you do need travel is if you're going over terrain with any sort of speed. In that case, the suspension needs to travel to absorb bumps, instead of just having the trailer roll.

I dunno about your idea of using motorcycle suspension. Doesn't seem like it could take the weight. Also, the rear shock on a motorcycle doens't have much travel at all... maybe 4" even on an MX bike? The travel is amplified through the linkage to give the 14" or whatever.

 

[adamha]

Good point on the spring rate. I don't really need to reinvent the wheel but coilovers with the proper spring rate would seem a simple way to go.

Most likely I am over engineering which I tend to do.

Thanks for the tips all. Much appreciated.

 

[DLong]

Adam ?

Adam,

I ran across this thread by accident. I haven't talked with Jason since he left Sitka. I would like to visit with him on a few things regarding gear, is there any way I can get his email from you?

Thanks,

David Long
Eastmans

 

[adamha]

Hey David;

I saw your post go through our blog and Jason should be responding to you. If you PM me I will get you his address.

Take care,

Adam