DeMented Toys $500 Excellent Adventure Trailer Build

[DeMented Toys]

I pulled the trailer in my buddy's shop and started taking it apart to figur out what needed fixed/modified.

 

[DeMented Toys]

The back panel is held on with bolts. I would like to have a tailgate in the rear instead....

 

[DeMented Toys]

The whole box consists of 6 or so smaller pieces held together with bolts. The top part with wing doors can be separated from the bottom section. The bottom section is angled inward.

 

[DeMented Toys]

My plan is to modify the frame to look something like this one (picture I found on the forum). Then build a straight sided box on the frame with a tailgate in the rear. I can then set the original trailer top section with the wing doors onto it holding it in place with quick release pins, or a few easily accessible bolts. Then I could remove the top if I needed a utility trailer to haul something, and set the top on it for camping trips to be able to lock up my gear....

 

[DeMented Toys]

I need to figure out a better spring setup too. The existing pack is way too thick causing the trailer to really jump practically bringing its tires off the ground when I hit big bumps at highway speeds. Maybe I'll start by removing a leaf to soften it. Any suggestions?

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Honestly, I'd junk those springs and get something made for a truck or a jeep. If you can weld, or know someone who can, it's a simple task, and the ride is extremely improved over normal trailer springs like you have. My trailer rides as nice, or better than my truck using springs from a Ford Ranger. The hangers can be purchased off a number of different off-road sites ( I think ballistic has them) and they're set up just like you have, but longer, softer leafs. A number of people here use Jeep YJ front leafs I think.

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[DeMented Toys]

Yeah, I've got an extra set of Toyota rear leafs laying here from when I swapped chevy rears onto my rock crawler. For a trailer though, I'm not looking for much more wheel travel since it is being pulled behind. I'm trying to keep the center of gravity fairly low too. If I go with long cushy leafs it may get squirrely and have more sway/body roll when loaded taking curves at highway speeds. I may be able to build a custom leaf pack though to get the best of both worlds....

 

[DeMented Toys]

Got the trailer stripped down to the frame and took some measurements.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Since the original box is actually an upper and lower piece bolted together, I'm going to build my own lower box and then bolt the top section with the wing doors onto it!! That way I can use it with the top on for securing my gear and camping/adventures. And take the top off if I need a utility trailer! Woooohoooo! Exciting, I know!!

 

[DeMented Toys]

The original frame rails are 5" tall. I'm using 2"x2"x1/8" thickness square tube to add onto the frame. I decided that my best and easiest option is to simply notch 2" out of the top of the original frame rails to add my cross pieces. That way the box will sit as low as possible on the frame.

 

[DeMented Toys]

I need to add one more cross piece to the front and am trying to decide whether to put one in the rear or just tie into the existing bumper.

Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[DeMented Toys]

I'm also trying to decide how long and how tall to make the lower box. The original box was 91" long. And 40" tall. I could shorten the box by simply cutting length off the wing doors. They are 58" long now. I could easily cut them to reduce the overall 91" (7'7") length of the box....

Any suggestions?

 

[teotwaki]

:lurk: subscribing....

 

[DeMented Toys]

I have decided to keep the top of the original box the 91" that it is, to expedite this trailer build. I am however going to shorten the new bottom box that I'm building 7" in the rear, so the tailgate will be angled up to meet the original 91" top section... If that's clear as mud. Pictures to follow ASAP!

 

[DeMented Toys]

Made a little more progress yesterday.