DeMented Toys $500 Excellent Adventure Trailer Build

[DeMented Toys]

Okay, got the Toyota leaf springs mounted. Still need to add shocks.

First I went spring under, but the trailer sat way too low even with long shackles. I changed it to spring over instead, ditched the long shackles for short ones and it sits about right now.

The pictures show the difference between the springs and the different mounting locations. Also there is a pic of the mounting brackets I made.

 

[80DDYota]

Ahhhh, much better. More stable now. Nice!!

 

[DeMented Toys]

Next I need to find tires and wheels to match my 4Runner.

 

[Mark Harley]

DeMented:

The trailer turned out great, What does it weigh?
What color are you going to paint it?
Wheels and tires to match your tow vehicle?

Sorry to hear about your situation. I wish you the best.
Mark

 

[DeMented Toys]

DeMented:

The trailer turned out great, What does it weigh?
What color are you going to paint it?
Wheels and tires to match your tow vehicle?

Sorry to hear about your situation. I wish you the best.
Mark

Right now, empty, it weighs right at 1,000 lbs.

I haven't decided on a paint scheme. I'm thinking I may paint it flat desert tan with some areas or digital camo showing through or something along those lines....

I'm looking for wheels to match those on my 99 Toyota 4Runner. They are 16", the ones on it now are 14".

 

[Balzer]

Really cool trailer! A bit on the heavy side but cool none the less!

 

[Rezarf <><]

Heavy for what?

I agree, you are spot on... that is relatively nothing behind a vehicle for what you are gaining. 800-1000 lbs for these little guys is stil considered light in my book!

 

[Balzer]

Sorry I dont mean any disrespect or anything its just heavy for its size empty. I suspect its due to the super beefy frame. Its isnt too heavy or anything as long as your tow vehicle is capable. You have to understand I drive a TJ jeep with a 2000lb tow capacity so my opinion is skewed. If you could get it down around 700-800lbs empty it would be perfect for an all steel trailer.

Also I come from a truck driving background so the motto usually goes., "the lighter the trailer, the more you can haul, the more you can haul, the more profitable the trip is."

Still its a very cool trailer and as long as it does what you need my, or anyone elses opinion doesn't matter.
Keep up the good work.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Sorry I dont mean any disrespect or anything its just heavy for its size empty. I suspect its due to the super beefy frame. Its isnt too heavy or anything as long as your tow vehicle is capable. You have to understand I drive a TJ jeep with a 2000lb tow capacity so my opinion is skewed. If you could get it down around 700-800lbs empty it would be perfect for an all steel trailer.

Also I come from a truck driving background so the motto usually goes., "the lighter the trailer, the more you can haul, the more you can haul, the more profitable the trip is."

Still its a very cool trailer and as long as it does what you need my, or anyone elses opinion doesn't matter.
Keep up the good work.

I dont see that my trailer is heavy for its size empty. The trailer box is 54"x92"x40"tall made from 16 gauge steel sheet. It is designed to provide secure lockable storage for my gear. It has a 3500 lb axle and weighs right at 1000 lbs empty.

This is a heavy duty trailer built to take abuse and provide security for my stuff. When it's closer to being finished I will reevaluate and take off as much steel as I can with sacrificing strength. If you have any suggestions then please share them. I plan on removing all unnecessary metal from the frame after the suspension is done but that probably won't reduce overall weight by more than 100 lbs. I totally agree, the lighter the better if possible.

 

[zukrider]

this platform is perfect! only thing i think we disagree on, is that you could put a mattress in it, and sleep in it! otherwise, i love it. have been looking for one ever since you started this thread!

 

[DeMented Toys]

Man I'm totally going to be throwing a mattress in there to sleep, especially on those trips to bear country!! . That's another reason I made the box a little bigger than the original.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Tailgate mounted! Still need to figure out the latches.

 

[DeMented Toys]

Need paint ideas!!!! Thinking maybe a digital camo, or metallic gunmetal with bullet holes.... Anyone??!!!

 

[Mashurst]

Whats your tow rig look like? Camo and bullet holes are not my style. How about matching or contrasting your rig?

 

[DeMented Toys]

Primarily it will be my 4Runner. Alternately I'll pull it with my off road truck, depending on the trip.

I think black would get super hot inside. Also, I'm a firearms and tactics instructor, and I'm in the military so naturally like the tactical look. But the bright aluminum wouldn't blend in anyway... So.... I'm open to suggestion.