Fiberglass M416/M100 Military-style Trailer Tub Kit

[grimbo]

Thanks for the answer, love the detailed response. The fact that these builds are personal hobby builds show in the enthusiasm of the reporting and the ability to attract the right attention shows in the understanding of the commercial aspect like even thinking of how to transport the items.

Thoroughly enjoy reading your "little" projects can't wait for your next lightbulb moment. Maybe a modular storage system for the back of a vehicle

 

[/dev/ram]

Do you have a photo of your kitchen setup? I'll do a drawing of it as you describe if I have a photo to work from.

I had done a sketchup drawing to help me visualize how I could cut it from one sheet of plywood, allowing it to break down and be stored in the trailer for transport. The dimensions may be off slightly as I made some last minute changes, but it's been a while and I'd have to break out the measuring tape to see if I updated the drawing (!). I don't have any good "action" shots as we always seem to be caught up in the moment when camping, but here are some build pics and the drawings. You'll see why I like the split down the middle design.

 

[/dev/ram]

What I love most about these trailers is the nearly unlimited number of ideas people have to customize them - it's a hobby for many of us, but your hobby is very unique in that companies have discovered you and actually turn out commercial products. Many times in other areas of my life, I find that I'm drawn to the creative parts but not so much the day-to-day grind. I think you've found the perfect balance! And, there's no such thing as a long post in your own thread. Great info, and thanks!

 

[jscherb]

I had done a sketchup drawing to help me visualize how I could cut it from one sheet of plywood, allowing it to break down and be stored in the trailer for transport. The dimensions may be off slightly as I made some last minute changes, but it's been a while and I'd have to break out the measuring tape to see if I updated the drawing (!). I don't have any good "action" shots as we always seem to be caught up in the moment when camping, but here are some build pics and the drawings. You'll see why I like the split down the middle design.
View attachment 149760

That's a really nice design (and a nice drawing too ). Here's a rough version of it on the fiberglass tub model:

 

[jscherb]

Today I'm doing the molding of two tub kit parts - a side panel and a solid end panel. I'll be posting some photos of the fiberglass layup process in the main build thread on the Trailer Adventuring Forum in case anyone is interested: http://tventuring.com/trailerforum/thread-119.html

 

[/dev/ram]

That's cool - thanks!

 

[jscherb]

I popped the first two parts out of the molds, and immediately prepped the molds again so I can mold the second side panel and a tailgate end panel today. The first parts out of the molds came out fine, in this photo they haven't been trimmed yet and the mold release hasn't been washed off, so they're looking a little green.

Photos of today's molding work will be in the main build thread on the trailer adventuring forum: http://tventuring.com/trailerforum/thread-119.html

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice!

 

[jscherb]

I popped the last two parts out of the molds first thing this morning, so here's a complete tub kit:

The parts aren't trimmed yet and still have the mold release on them, which is why they look a little green, and there's clay on some of the edges where the joints between the parts of the molds were. I haven't washed them because it's below freezing here, and washing the mold release off is something I do out in the driveway with the hose. Hopefully it'll get above freezing here soon.

A quick test fit of a CJ tailgate (non-Jeep guys don't worry, there are non-Jeep tailgates that fit also ):

Next up is trimming, and washing (as soon as it gets above freezing). There are a few small gelcoat imperfections I need to fix, but nothing that's a big deal. Then I can bolt them together.

 

[jscherb]

This morning I did a quick and rough trim on the tub panels and clamped them together for an early look at the complete tub. It's still below freezing, and up to 5" of snow is predicted later today, so I still haven't washed the mold release off or the clay off.

 

[jscherb]

A few more:

 

[jscherb]

And a few with the new tub's "older brother", the Jeep-tub Dinoot trailer...

 

[grimbo]

Looking really good. Have visions of adapting one as a truck bed.

Off topic but was thinking of a new project for you. What about fibreglass inserts for the side rear windows on SUVs? Basically replace existing glass with an insert with an opening solid door. Would be a nice flush fit giving very easy access to the rear whilst keeping prying eyes out.

Anyway just a thought

 

[jscherb]

Looking really good. Have visions of adapting one as a truck bed.

I've done concept drawings of both the military tub kit and the Jeep-tub Dinoot kit as pickup beds. I'll post some of those drawings soon.

Off topic but was thinking of a new project for you. What about fibreglass inserts for the side rear windows on SUVs? Basically replace existing glass with an insert with an opening solid door. Would be a nice flush fit giving very easy access to the rear whilst keeping prying eyes out.

Anyway just a thought

I did experiment with flip-open side panels on my Safari Cab hardtop a while back, those would be practical and easy to do. Here's a few photos I took while experimenting...

They would be very similar to the normal hard sides, but hinged in place; the hinges would be slip-off like the Jeep door hinges, so they'd be easy to remove if you wanted to run without them. They'd lock securely in place when they were closed so the Jeep would be secure.

Ok, sorry for the off-topic photos, back to the military trailer topic...

 

[Mark Harley]

The side panels turned out terrific!
Bad news is I just sold my 116A2 chassis.

Looks like I need to find anouther one for a build.
Let's start production!