First attempt at a trailer

[fingas]

Well i decided I wanted to have a camping trailer but wanted it just like i wanted it so am building it myself. I have been lurking here for a while and gathering iformation. Below is a cellphone pic of where i am currently, the trailer will have a 4X5" two feet deep main box and a 38" toungue. I have estimated the weight with RTT and gear at 800lbs or so. I am putting on a 3500# axle.

What leaf springs would be a good choice? I think the normal trailer springs would be too short and maybe bounce/break my gear.

 

[Martyn]

Some people are using Suzuki Samurai springs or CJ7 springs

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I agree, the 'standard' trailer springs you find at Northern are pretty short and stiff.

I would think Sami or CJ/YJ springs would be pretty smooth, especially if you incorperate shocks.

The M416 trailers used springs from a CJ3, longer than the standard trailer spring, but a bit shorter than the later CJ springs.

My M416 rides pretty nice, and I haven't had any gear get broken yet.

 

[fingas]

Thanks guys. This afternoon i got the frame of the main box complete. I think i am about ready to weld the tongue on and put the axle under it.

 

[fingas]

I have been working on my trailer a good bit lately. I got a set of springs from an '85 toyota pickup and have a 3500# axle on the way. I ordered bushings for the springs/shackles and they didn't come with sleeves. Does anyone know the OD and ID measurements of the sleeves?

And pictures of my progress.

The base frame

uprights for walls

The main frame of the box

Spring hangers welded on, my welds are starting to look much better

the floor welded in

At this point it may suffice to tell of my plans. There are going to be two side doors in the front and a tailgate in the back. I will be installing a water tank that will kind of act like a divider between the front and rear of the trailer.

How it sits today

 

[fingas]

well I got it rolling yesterday

here is the progression since last time

Today and early next week I will be cleaning up some of the sheetmetal welds and build the fenders on it. It tows well but is a little bouncy with no weight in it and no shocks under it yet

 

[holidaynation]

:clapsmile Looking very nice so far. Do you have an approximate finished dry weight? I like the swinging front side doors/hatch/

 

[fingas]

:clapsmile Looking very nice so far. Do you have an approximate finished dry weight? I like the swinging front side doors/hatch/

Not sure on the weight really I would guess close to 600 pounds or maybe a little more

 

[WJ88MJames]

Looks good where did you get your springs from?

 

[F3X]

Spring hangers welded on, my welds are starting to look much better

Just a suggestion:
You may want to hit that one again just to be safe. Looks like a cold weld, sort of sits on top rather than penetrating into the base metal. Grind flush (maybe even grind a "V' in the joint) and run a new bead so you won't have any issues on the trail.

 

[Tom Foolery]

I like that suspension.

 

[K2ZJ]

Just a suggestion:
You may want to hit that one again just to be safe. Looks like a cold weld, sort of sits on top rather than penetrating into the base metal. Grind flush (maybe even grind a "V' in the joint) and run a new bead so you won't have any issues on the trail.

Agreed, looks like you went to fast. I know you were filling a natural groove from the rounded edge of the tube, but still looks weak. Maybe a plate across the back can be added for support.

 

[fingas]

Agreed, looks like you went to fast. I know you were filling a natural groove from the rounded edge of the tube, but still looks weak. Maybe a plate across the back can be added for support.

Looking at it in the picture it kind of looks like it but up close it looks good. It is a little easier to see the penetration on the ends and if you look at it closely the bead that is showing here is laid into the fairly deep groove that is formed by the rolled edge of the frame steel. It is also rosette welded in two places and welded on the ends.

I have to grind it down a little bit to get the door on that side to close as the door frame hits it. I will take a look at the penetration when i do. Thanks for the advice.

 

[fingas]

Looks good where did you get your springs from?

They are springs for an 85 toyota pickup, I got them through a friend here in town. They are procomp 4 inch lift springs. They made the trailer the optimal height to go behind my FJ.

 

[Borrego60]

Looks clean now load it up and go camping somewhere.