Military trailer build
- Thread starter Outback
- Start date
Outback
Explorer
Outback
Explorer
I had a very late start today on "MY" trailer. My Neighbor needed some help with his so we took care of it since he needed to hit the road. I was only able to get one of my fender cut and rewelded. I narrowed it down 1 3/4". I will of course do the same to the other fender. I need a minimum total of 3 1/4" trimmed off the fenders to get my comm shelter in. Im going just over that. After I get the other fender welded up I will add a strip of sheetmetal to fill in the gap left over. The fender side will be bent up at a 90 degree angle and I will weld that to the inner fender well side. Then the perimeter will be welded the same as the rest of the fenders. My light fixtures will be upgraded (kinda) for now to meet DOT regs here in Nevada. After I get her registered and when I get time I will look into converting the very cool Military tail lights to LEDs. If I can find some LED replacement bulbs that would even be better. The inside of the light housings look like the did the day they left the manufactures assembly line!
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Outback
Explorer
While I wait for my sheetmetal "gap" pieces to be fabbed up for my fenders I have begun to remove my trailers old wiring. I am still amazed at how well built these trailers are. The tail light assembly have these internal rubber ball mounts for each bulb. The balls are hollow and absorb vibrations and impacts and protects the bulbs elements from these forces. All of the wire connections are in case in 1" diameter rubber sleeves. The male end is about 1/2" rubber piecethat encases the metal connector. When I pulled these apart they look brand new inside! Last night I looked up LED replacement bulbs. $45! WHAT A RIP OFF! I will go with the standard 12V 1165 style bulbs. OK back to work.
stomperxj
Explorer
Check here for replacement bulbs. They have good prices:
http://www.superbrightleds.com/
http://www.superbrightleds.com/
Outback
Explorer
Well I finished up the fenders. I am 99% done with the new wire harness. I encased it in 3/8 fuel hose. I removed the old wire harness and installed a new 7 pin plug. The hose line (wire harness) is held in place with rubber coated clamps bolted through the frame. I need to install ground wire. Then 6 more clamps and rebolt the various covers back on and that project is done. I ran out of clamps since I seemed to have used them on another project. Damn I hate getting old and forgetful. Then I will replace the tailgate chains so I can have the gate laying flat when Im in camp. Right now the gate hangs down (up) to about a 40 degree angle instead of the 90 degrees im trying to achieve. After that I need to grease all the suspension zirks and........Oh yah bolt on my new license plate. Then the Comm shelter gets installed!
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jesusgatos
Explorer
Cool deal! I'm ***-deep in a military-based project right now myself. Getting to know a lot more about all this heavy-duty stuff pretty quickly. Looks like you've got the makings of a real nice trailer there.
Outback
Explorer
A big thanks to my neighbors Sam and Mell for helping me load my Comm Shelter onto my trailer. It sure is nice having good friends. The shelter had about 1/8" gap on each side of the shelter walls and fenders. Tomorrow I will install my Hi Lift jack and cut out my plywood for my bed platform.
