First trailer build!

b63215b

Adventurer
Thanks seanrcaldwell. I'm lucky to get an hour here or there with the kids but it's quality alone time, haha.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Some more work done took the axle and leafs apart to sand down for rust protector paint (not por15, but rust oleum rust reformer).

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Excited to be moving along. Still trying to find some cheaper sheet metal to sheet it with for now just plywood.

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Crimond84

New member
I'm also working on a trailer build (based on a widetrack Sankey) and at the weekend finally stripped the axel and suspension off the chassis.
Did you break the leaf springs apart, or are you just clearing surface rust with a angle grinder & wire brush? If the latter, how / are you going to grease / lubricator the springs?
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Crimond84, I did not break the leafs apart just tore everything down I could minus that and yes, I sanded with my angle grinder. I used a wire wheel, worked great. I also painted with Rustoleum Rust Reformer on everything but the springs. I have to be honest I never knew that you needed to lubricate leaf springs. I did some reading there is either a zinc plate or silicone piece in between that is supposed to keep the squeaking down. But upon reading I saw that some just use bearing grease and wrap in kitchen wrap until it seeps in all the spots.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Guys I need help, where is a good source to find cheap sheet metal, 16 or 18 guage? I live in SE MIchigan. Thanks for any help.
 

Seanrcaldwell

New member
Thanks seanrcaldwell. I'm lucky to get an hour here or there with the kids but it's quality alone time, haha.

lol i know the feeling im in the A/C & Refrigeration business and in the south texas summer if im able to get an hr away from work this time of the year i use it with the kiddos.
 

6btEX

Observer
Guys I need help, where is a good source to find cheap sheet metal, 16 or 18 guage? I live in SE MIchigan. Thanks for any help.

Don't know about your area, but check with recyclers. There is one I get mine from that sells for $1.25 lb. They have remnants and scraps, which works well for most of my projects.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
I did find a supplier $70 for a 18g 4x10. Thought that was a good deal. Also did some more work today put the floor on the trailer.

Picture of the floor on, plan on sealing all the screw holes and raptor lining the bottom and painting the top, hence why it isn't pre painted.

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Self tappers I used to affix to the frame. Along with a hammer drill.

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Just for fun was working a bit this morning and saw this on my pry bar. Let me guess what **** means? I'm sure it's the quality assurance engineer.

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Now to drill the holes to affix the frame to the body.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Here is the body bolted down to the frame. Since I will not be doing any severe off roading I felt that four bolted would be enough.

Bolted and nut combo used to subtract length so the top bolted would snug up
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Look with the bolt in the hole.
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With the body added to the frame and bolt tightened down.
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Get I excited it is looking good all painted and rust treated, floor on, and now body bolted to the frame. Quite proud of my work for a first timer. It's no Moby1 or AT trailer but it will do for our first trailer.
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Since the trailer base was free I have less than $300 into it as it sits. Pretty cool, lots of hours, lots of thinking, but triple the amount of dreams for it.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Took it for a little ride, and it is way to light bouncing everywhere. So I am adding some extras bracing and started to sheet it I hope that helps.

So I did a little more work today I decided to brace the back part of the body and starting sheeting some of the body. I also added a stopper for the back door. I ran out of cutting discs so I didn't get much done. And my plasma cutter just is to old and doesn't work good enough.

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I was able to find 4x8 sheets of 18g for $56 in Toledo, OH, that is by far the best price I found around.

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So I got two parts of the side sheeted and only the small drop down door welded up.

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Not a bad day I will get a bunch more done tomorrow. Had a bunch of other projects to be working on painting my wife's wheels and re planking the deck, and built a new mtb.

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Back with more later.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Doing some more work between yesterday and today. Sheeted one side if the trailer, which I knew the correct way to do it, would have loved to use sikaflex but don't have the clamps necessary to do it.

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I decided to change the floor to steel since it is cheap enough.

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Now I am working on the wheel wells trying to get all my angles correct.

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Any suggestions would be great!
 

b63215b

Adventurer
More pictures of forming and fitting the fenders. It looks weird like there is to much room but I tried to make room for 31" tires one day.

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Welder ran out of wire so I couldn't finish it for today.
 

b63215b

Adventurer
Well I changed my idea for the wheels wells, I found someone on the forum and stole their idea. I also got a bunch done on the sheeting. I took everyone's ideas and welded the sheet only keeping a bit on the sheet and more in the frame. So much nicer, oh well live and learn.

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Starting to really come along now I just need two more sheets of metal and I'll be good.

The to get it road ready.

-put on drop chords for the side doors
-attach hydraulic lid opener
-find some latches to keep everything locked up
-might need to take a leaf out to give it some more flexibility.
-finish wiring, tail lights already affixed.
-figure out how to attach the awning

Long term plan

-get a water tank
-propane tank holder
-roof top tent
-slide out drawers
-new tires and wheels
-deep cycle battery and solar charger

I'm sure as it gets used we will find more we want to do with it.
 

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