Modifying my LV-416 Explorer

[60Dan]

What struts are you guys using to assist you on opening your lids?

My lid is very heavy and won't stay open by itself anymore, unless the tent is deployed

 

[JCMatthews]

I am replying here because your additions are awesome, especially your tailgate, and your thread needs to be up front and off of page 4.

 

[60Dan]

Thank you for the kind words.

I will be posting more pictures soon

 

[60Dan]

Just got back from taking the trailer out for the last time this year.
Went up to Cordell Hull Lake with a few friends for 2 days.

Wanted to post a few pics as promised earlier before I tear the trailer down for paint.

Here are some of the electrical setup along with my KISS method of keeping a couple of jerrys secure without adding additional weight.






Just got this 100W solar panel yesterday from the deal posted here on expo - very happy with it so far. It was charging the battery very nicely with overcast skies yesterday!

 

[Xrunner]

Looks great! Is that a dimmer mounted inside the box?

 

[Crush Jeep]

So great additions to the trailer, looks good. By the way I use 2 250 lbs struts on my lid, my lid and all the other stuff was too much for 2 150s so I had to change them out, I have no issues with it now.

 

[60Dan]

Looks great! Is that a dimmer mounted inside the box?

Yup works great too!
I have LED light strips setup for the outside and inside with separate switches from the marine switch panel, but the strip of LED's off the dimmer functions independently.
Also have a 12v cig adaptor for charging cell phones, iPads or running a 12v electric blanket for those chilly nights.

Last few items on the list include more lights, a kitchen pelican case swing out (much like AT's), new tires and paint.
Lots of misc things to do but its getting close to being complete.

I was going to add a marine hatch to the side with a pull out drawer to access things inside the trailer but I think it will be more trouble than its worth.

 

[60Dan]

So great additions to the trailer, looks good. By the way I use 2 250 lbs struts on my lid, my lid and all the other stuff was too much for 2 150s so I had to change them out, I have no issues with it now.

Thanks for the info. Where did you get your struts from?

 

[BoarderMX]

McMaster-Carr has the best selection, I went with the 240 lbs for mine and it works great. Just be real careful opening it if you have the tent off.

 

[Crush Jeep]

The struts are from McMaster. http://www.mcmaster.com/#about-gas-struts/=p1vggt

 

[60Dan]

Thanks for the link!

 

[60Dan]

2014 update ...

Finished breaking the trailer down yesterday. Finally after starting this project 3 years ago, this morning it went off to the paint shop :wings:

Mark Harley I think you will approve

Pics to follow hopefully by the end of next week

 

[highlandercj-7]

Sweet can't wait to see the result.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looking forward to the unveiling.

Happy New Year!
Mark

 

[60Dan]

Back from paint

Pouring with rain when I picked it up yesterday so no shots of it in tow
Paint came out better than I expected. Makes the Landcruiser paint look old and tired!









Re-assembly to begin soon .... :ylsmoke: