DeMented Toys $500 Excellent Adventure Trailer Build

[DeMented Toys]

So I took one of the leaf springs out of the original leaf pack just to see if it would make a difference until I get a chance to swap my Toyota rear springs on. Its softer, but more bouncy now. I'll add shocks if the tabs I ordered from ballistic fabrication ever get here.

Had the trailer weighed. Came in at almost exactly 1,000 lbs.

Tomorrow I'm going to start the body work and hopefully get the paint on. Still need aluminum diamond plate for the steps too.

 

[DeMented Toys]

I got the aluminum on my step areas in front of and behind the fenders, and also widened the toungue a little near the box and added diamond tread metal to it. I'll get some better pictures when I get the doors back on.

 

[DeMented Toys]

More pictures as promised. I got the aluminum on and put some tread plate steel on the tounge. To seal the piano hinges on the doors I took them off sealed them with silicone and reattached them. I'll add a piece of weatherstripping to the inner hinge gap and it should keep water out.

I need to find a couple propane tank mounts and also a square tounge box for batteries and electrical stuff.

I plan to cut and hinge the back, and add a tailgate so I can open it completely up for easy loading.

Still need to swap out my leaf springs and find wheels to match my 4 runner.

 

[ajsmith]

Looks great, keep up the good work. The propane tank mount should be easy to fab up your self. I'm making a two tank mount for my trailer by copying the one on my regular camp trailer, very easy!!

 

[Titanpat57]

The aluminum came out sweet...nice job!

 

[DeMented Toys]

Looks great, keep up the good work. The propane tank mount should be easy to fab up your self. I'm making a two tank mount for my trailer by copying the one on my regular camp trailer, very easy!!

Have any pictures of the mounts?

 

[ajsmith]

Have any pictures of the mounts?

I'm not done with it yet, to many "honey do's" but will get there soon. Here's what I have so far.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I like the fuel can mount!

 

[grimbo]

The aluminum came out sweet...nice job!

I agree, if I keep mine I think I'll do the same

 

[DeMented Toys]

I decided to make my own propane tank mounts. I'll post pics when they are done!

Getting ready to put on longer leaf springs. The existing trailer springs are on the original frame rails... Centered on the axle only 2 feet apart. Would it be better to move the leaf springs farther apart and weld new spring perches on the axle? Would it be better if the leaf springs were closer to the tires??

 

[DeMented Toys]

I'm also wondering if it would be better to change the hubs to get electric brakes and the desired lug pattern or just swap out the whole axle, then post this axle for sale... ??

 

[JeepFreak21]

I decided to make my own propane tank mounts. I'll post pics when they are done!

Getting ready to put on longer leaf springs. The existing trailer springs are on the original frame rails... Centered on the axle only 2 feet apart. Would it be better to move the leaf springs farther apart and weld new spring perches on the axle? Would it be better if the leaf springs were closer to the tires??

I'm also wondering if it would be better to change the hubs to get electric brakes and the desired lug pattern or just swap out the whole axle, then post this axle for sale... ??

Spreading the leaves out, moving them closer to the tires will produce less wheel travel and more stability. By installing longer leaf springs you should be able to move the mounts out a bit to gain stability without sacrificing flex... you'll just have to find the balance (also considering ground clearance, ease of fabrication, etc).

As for the hubs vs axle question, it's all a cost game and there isn't much difference at retail prices. The only other thing to consider is that you'll probably have to weld the backing plate flange on your existing axle to convert it to electric brakes. Other than that, just figure out which option will be easier.

Good luck,
Billy

 

[DeMented Toys]

Thanks Billy!!! That's what I was thinking too, but just needed to validate it. I'm going to move the leaf springs a little closer to the tires when I put on the longer springs.

The existing axle already has the brake flanges on it so I guess I'll just buy hub/drum assemblies and swap them out.

Thanks for the input.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Finally getting my Toyota leaf springs mounted!! Woohooo! I made brackets today. I'm moving the new springs 8" closer to the tires on each side. I'll post pics ASAP. I also should have the tailgate and rear hatch done tomorrow. and I'm making propane tank mounts tomorrow too!!

 

[ajsmith]

I look forward to seeing the pics and what you come up with for propane tank mounts...

Sorry to hear about your divorce, been there done that, sucks.............