Dstock's M101A1 build... or the reality, I needed a new project!

[Phoenix]

Thanks for the lessons learned report. I find them to be some of the most useful posts. Looking forward to hear what you are doing with the tail gate.

Regarding keeping your gear in the trailer. Here are a couple items I've found useful
Cargo net
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZWKH3U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s03

Tie Downs Anchors
Mr. Gasket 3375 Anchortrax Kit

Self retracting tie down straps
2 of Erickson 34416 Pro Series Black 2" x 10' Retractable Ratcheting Tie-Down Strap

All of these have been tested over a few adventures and fit into the categories ranging from "more than useful" to "man this makes things a whole lot easier"

My tarp flaps in the wind on the highway as well. These come in various sizes. Kotap BB-9B Ball Bungee, 9-Inch, Black, 25-Piece. They certainly minimize but do not eliminate the flapping.

Edit, all source from Amazon.

 

[shack]

...(I blame shack!)

:wings:

 

[cs0430]

Man that looks awesome! I've reached out to a few companies regarding custom lids and they either won't do it or would charge an arm and a leg.

It looks like you're using wheel chocks to keep the trailer from moving around. How are those working out?

 

[dstock]

Man that looks awesome! I've reached out to a few companies regarding custom lids and they either won't do it or would charge an arm and a leg.

It looks like you're using wheel chocks to keep the trailer from moving around. How are those working out?

Apparently some older pickup beds are the same dimensions, Ford LWB 82-96 and Dodge LWB 73-87, but you'd have to verify the sizing for sure. I'm trying to figure out a cover that will still provide decent access when the rack is down in it's travel position. The front shouldn't be too hard but the back and side access will take a bit of mocking up to see what works.

The wheel chocks I had on hand and are working great till I sort out the parking brake issues. I actually picked up some rubber chocks at Harbor Freight for $7.99 apiece, little easier to deal with then the garage ones. The chocks worked so well, the parking brake has dropped down on my to do list.

 

[dstock]

:wings:

Haha! Troublemaker!

 

[dstock]

Thanks for the lessons learned report. I find them to be some of the most useful posts. Looking forward to hear what you are doing with the tail gate.

Regarding keeping your gear in the trailer. Here are a couple items I've found useful
Cargo net
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZWKH3U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s03

Tie Downs Anchors
Mr. Gasket 3375 Anchortrax Kit

Self retracting tie down straps
2 of Erickson 34416 Pro Series Black 2" x 10' Retractable Ratcheting Tie-Down Strap

All of these have been tested over a few adventures and fit into the categories ranging from "more than useful" to "man this makes things a whole lot easier"

My tarp flaps in the wind on the highway as well. These come in various sizes. Kotap BB-9B Ball Bungee, 9-Inch, Black, 25-Piece. They certainly minimize but do not eliminate the flapping.

Edit, all source from Amazon.

Thanks, I agree on the updates, always good to see what actually worked!

I got a couple retracting ratchets that are much nicer than what I was using. Also ordered a couple pairs of the new Lynx hooks that ExploringElements reviewed from Expo. They are kind of like RokStraps which I've used for years and was the other half of how I was securing things in the trailer, except you can create a cluster with several of them. They can be found here:

http://www.lynxhooks.com/

I ordered 2 pairs and a set of the bobtails to try out, and I will report back once they arrive. The concept is great, hopefully they work as they should.

 

[XVENTURE TRAILERS]

Call TruXedo. Phone: 877-878-9336 www.truxedo.com. This is a very cost effective solution that will provide full cargo bed access even with the rack lowered. It's what we use on our XV-1's.

Hard Folding Tonneau's are a whole other can-o-worms.

 

[dstock]

Call TruXedo. Phone: 877-878-9336 www.truxedo.com. This is a very cost effective solution that will provide full cargo bed access even with the rack lowered. It's what we use on our XV-1's.

Hard Folding Tonneau's are a whole other can-o-worms.

Thanks, which model do you use? They seem to have many!

 

[XVENTURE TRAILERS]

http://truxedo.com/lopro/land.php

You'll just need to have the correct size made for your cargo bed.

 

[dstock]

http://truxedo.com/lopro/land.php

You'll just need to have the correct size made for your cargo bed.

Thanks, I will check it out.

 

[dstock]

Additions

Got some more things added to the trailer this past weekend.

I wanted to add a couple power ports to the tongue box, so I wired up a Blue Sea fuse block I had on hand and added 1 Blue Sea Dual USB port and 1 Blue Sea standard 12v socket. Ordered up the appropriate Bussman circuit breaker and some extra 4 gauge wire (thought I had enough on hand...doh!) and will finish up the install this weekend. Will be adding some led lighting to the tent and awning in the future.

Added a Quikfist strap to secure my propane tank in a crate to the rear of the trailer. The crate with the tank in it doubles as a Sportbrella stand so that is why I don't have a fixed mount for the tank. Also, we have one of those lantern tree propane distribution things we use so it's nice to have the movable option with the tank.

I also decided to mount both my Rotopax to one fender, originally I was going to mount one on each fender but since I like to keep any sharp items away from them, decided to just put them both on one side.

And finally, I added my new Tepui awning to the rear of my rack. Pardon the lowered shot but didn't feel like raising the rack, however, we realized it would still allow plenty of room to sit under in a pinch. I can't say enough good things about the customer service I received from Adam (BoxRocket), communication was great. I knew it was going to take awhile as they were out of stock when I ordered, but Adam kept me up to date, and was always quick to respond.

I'll get some better photos down the road, just wanted to give a little update.

 

[dstock]

Pricey, but I think I may have found my bed cover...

http://www.bakflip.com/p-361-bak-revolver-x2-tonneau-cover.aspx

 

[Ryan Matthes]

phenomenal build - thanks for the inspiration and great info. going to be ordering my dexter axle ASAP so i can get going on my build.

Thanks again

 

[dstock]

Thanks! Glad you like it, I was inspired by all the builds on here or I never would have undertaken the project.

It's a constant work in progress, and I have been modifying a few things that I will update shortly.

 

[IM1RU]

Well done! Great build thread too.