M101 3/4 Ton Expedition Trailer Build

[robertwalker2003]

Inspirational! I've been lurking for awhile and figured this would be a great place for my first post. Im actually getting ready to start a very similar build and have definitely bookmarked this for ideas. Keep up the good work!!

Let me know when you post yours and I will look for it. Its been fun for me so far. I have not spent alot of moey so far and yet feel I have made some pretty good progress.

Look forward to seeing what you build and any questions let me know.

Robert Walker

 

[robertwalker2003]

Building the Lid

Well I have been working on the lid for my trailer. It's kind of like Greg's way to red trailer. I liked the design of his, but lack all the tools to build one that way so I'm hoping this will work out. Still have alot of work to do on it yet, but this is what I have so far.

 

[Mark Harley]

Very nice wood working!.......Norm Abrams would be proud!

How is the rest of the trailer coming?

 

[robertwalker2003]

Mark its moving along I would say. Trying to focus one area at a time now. I wanted to get the whole thing done, then take it out, but as soon as I get the lid done I going to take it out for a weekend trip. I do plan on pulling the be off this year and maybe have it powder coated or maybe just do my own rust coating, not sure yet. Still trying to decide what color to paint it. I'm thinking black becasue the Cherokee is black, but I would like to have a blue Cherokee someday. I dont know.

Robert Walker

 

[Mark Harley]

My only issue with the black items on my trailer is that they get HOT when parked in the sun.
Nothing worse than sliding in the bed and burning yourself.

Post up some pictures of the trailer so we can see where you are at.

 

[robertwalker2003]

I was able to get some more work done on my lid project. It’s been kind of slow project with several different designs running thru my head. Finally decided on one and now I’m moving forward. I have the sides on now and hope to cut the top piece Monday.

I need to decide how to cover the wood. I’m thinking of using fiberglass on all the edges and seems and then maybe using body filler to protect the wood and make it look good. I have worked with body filler but not with fiberglass so I’m still kicking that part around in my mind. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

Thanks for looking and hopefully very soon this trailer will be ready for a nice weekend trip.

 

[robertwalker2003]

Did a test fit on the lid the other day. Fit pretty good but I will need to do some adjustments to the tailgate and bracing for the hinges. Fiberglass work has been slow, seems one time it cures fast then the next time it takes more than a day to dry. I did learn that the resin does not play well with wood glue. The resin stays sticky for a long time. I don't know if I'm going to fiberglass the whole thing. Right now its just where ever two pieces of plywood meet. I did cover the entire thing with the resin to act like a sealant and if later I want to add the fiberglass I can.

Hope to get it mounted this weekend and see how it works.

Does anyone know if silicone will stick to fiberglass resin?

I would like to use it on the gasket to help with keeping water and dust out.

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Got to tell you, it's looking good. Keep it up.

 

[robertwalker2003]

Thank you Scrapdaddy. It seems like I should be farther along with this project, but I have to tell you I do enjoy working on it so I hope I will enjoy using it.

Robert

 

[Mark Harley]

Robert: Your transformation is awesome! Love the lid too.
Are you keeping the fender flares or cutting those back too?
Will you be skirting the side where you cut the floor?
What color are you going with?

 

[robertwalker2003]

Mark, thanks for the complements.

As for the fenders I'm planning on trimming them a bit, how much, I'm not real sure yet. Going to wait and see how much of the floor I'm going to take off.

For the skirting I am planning on skirting the floor one I get it trimmed where I want it. I'm think either sguare tube or maybe round tube, have to wait and see what flows betting with the overall trailer look.

I'm still kicking around the idea of removing the bed cross members and setting it on the frame. That seems to be the way most of the production trailers as well as the custom build one are done. I think the trailer sits too high right now and removing those cross members would lower the body about an inch. That combined with a new axle later down the road I think will but it at the right height.

For the color I think I going with a dark gray. I really like the look of the Manley trailers as well as the trailer they use on "Expedition Overland." I think its made by Shunt Industries or something like that, it in the upper right advertising on this form.

Well, again thanks for the comments Mark, and any ideas you might have feel free to send them my way.

Robert Walker

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Coming along nicely!

:coffeedrink:

 

[robertwalker2003]

Took the trailer out this weekend for an overnight trip. Every thing worked great. Trailer tracked down the road straight, hub stayed cool, and nothing feel off. It does seem a little rear heavy right now, but that is because the tongue weight is not there yet. The trailer does seem to weight more that I was expecting. The lid is a large part of that I think. I some how forgot to take any pictures but hopefully in another two weeks I can take it out again.

Robert Walker

 

[Mark Harley]

Did you get any trailer stuff for your birthday?

 

[robertwalker2003]

No, actually did not get anything for my birthday this year.

Kind of used to it.

Robert Walker