Explorer Pod Build

[compactcamping]

Thanks, some of the details like the curved nose box lid look nice and also add strenght.

The hinges are stainless steel because the rubbing from opening and closing would scrap paint/powder coating off. They are cut out of flat stock, then folded.

 

[compactcamping]

Finished assembling and painting the frame.

Here is how the shocks are setup.

I'm tried of replacing damaged rear stabilizer jack so I made them removable on this trailer. The receiver tubes will also be used for a kayak rack.

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

Looking good. What shock is that? Do you have a part number?

 

[compactcamping]

Yes, it's a Monroe Sensa-Trac 5752, 8.625" – 12.750". I'm a little worried that it only has 1 1/4" of droop. If it becomes a problem, I'll add a new cross-member and use M416 shocks, 11.25" - 17.875".

 

[Titanpat57]

Well thought out and nicely executed!! I've been enjoying all the updates and applaude your woodworking and mechanical skills....great job

Pat

 

[G-force]

Oooooh-boy!!

Looking forward to see this come together!!

Sweeeeet!!

 

[compactcamping]

Thanks ... I'm also getting antsy to complete it and take it out camping.

 

[compactcamping]

As I mentioned earlier I’m painting this trailer, light gray with black fenders, in Durabak, a polyurethane bed liner material. It comes in a textured with ground rubber in it and smooth that has an orange peel texture. The textured holds up well to things being kicked up by the tires. One thing I like about Durabak is the textured natural of its finish is good at covering up surface imperfections.

First I did the textured areas, this is the black areas in the first few pictures. Then went over everything with a couple of coats of smooth. This actual gives the trailer three different textures; the fenders/fender openings are the heaviest with only textured, the front/lower edge of the sides is textured with smooth over it and the remainder of the trailer is smooth.

 

[richard cabesa]

Poorboyota26, I just checked my notes, they were a 6 leaf heavy duty rear pack and measured 44 1/2 center-to-center in the eyes with no weight on them. Also, they are 2 1/2" wide.

Your trailer build is looking good !

Just one more question on these springs

How much arch do these have, obviously with no load

Thanks

 

[compactcamping]

Dave, the full pack with 6 leafs was 5 1/4" tall and compressed about a 1/2" per 175 lbs put on it. With only the first 3 leafs, they're 4" tall and compress about 3/4" per 175 lbs put on it.

 

[richard cabesa]

Thank! I'll have to take a closer look at some of these

 

[compactcamping]

Got the trailer box mounted up on the frame and the fenders mounted.

 

[sseaman]

It looks great, now it just needs a little dirt down the sides

 

[compactcamping]

Thanks, only a short list of things still before it's road ready; wiring, lights, tailgate, etc.

 

[compactcamping]

Here is the tailgate, I made it by gluing two pieces of 1/2" Baltic Birch together. I’m using a locking t-handle latch. The hinge on the left is the one I originally planned to use, but switched to the stainless steel “gate” hinge on the right due to clearance issues when opened. I’m also thinking about switching to a concealed piano hinge for a cleaner look and increased secure.