My Bantam Trailer Build

[lcsodiver]

Well I got a good deal on a Bantam trailer from Craigslist.

Bringing it home.

Someone had already removed the old floor... but they replaced it with unpainted 1 1/8th OSB :Wow1:

The OSB had swelled so much it was now 2 inches thick! so out it had to come!

And I replaced it with a sheet of aluminum.

Next due to wanting a tongue box for batteries I lengthened the tongue.

Starting on the extension.

Almost done.

Tongue box mounted. with the water tank mocked up.

Working on the framework to hold the tent and rear rack.

All the pieces cut for the rear rack.

Pieces cut for the water tank basket.

Water Basket all welded up and painting.

Rear basket all welded up and painting.

 

[lcsodiver]

Tent mounted and water tank in place.

Tent Deployed.

Rear Rack mounted.

Still a lot of work to go including skinning the outside to make a waterproof cargo area. I am also planning a side galley with a slide out stove.

 

[whitetaco02]

Very nice work!

 

[rain76king]

I like the rack idea because you could use the changing room add on. I want to be able to extend mine when in use and then retract it. Saw a similar idea on ih8mud. nice work!

 

[LeadDoggy]

Nice fab work. Like the rack.

How's the weight doing in front with the extension?

 

[lcsodiver]

Nice fab work. Like the rack.

How's the weight doing in front with the extension?

It's a lot more tongue heavy that it was before..... especially when the water tank is full! I have a 25 gallon fuel tank that is going to go right behind the axle, and a real bumper for the back so that will help some, but I also am planning on moving the axle about 8-12 inches forward.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

It's a lot more tongue heavy that it was before..... especially when the water tank is full! I have a 25 gallon fuel tank that is going to go right behind the axle, and a real bumper for the back so that will help some, but I also am planning on moving the axle about 8-12 inches forward .

That should help a lot.

Looks great!

 

[highlandercj-7]

That's coming along nice. Some cool idears too.

 

[Errant]

What water tank did you use? I just ordered a Valterra 18gal to put on my M100. Are you using a pump on top, or just gravity feed? Can you post closeups?

 

[gpwpat]

The rims on your trailer are combat rims. Don't just throw them out when you replace your wheels with modern tires.

A WWII jeep restorer will kill for those wheels. they are hard to find.

 

[Token]

Any off the wall thoughts on how the tool box is gonna do mounted into the wind..?? I'd thought about mounting mine facing forwards like that but went the regular way instead.. Kinda makes it a PITA gettting into with it mounted back under the tent though..

Been considering turning it around, but then I've got a new set up holes to patch in it..

 

[lcsodiver]

Well we just got back a month ago from 3 weeks 4500 miles down to Grand Canyon/Moab over 1000 miles off road and some of it very dusty. The truck box did great.... I did have to adjust the lid latch, it was a little lose letting dust in through the seal. Now it's as dust free as it gets! :wings:

Love the trailer....

 

[lcsodiver]

I used the same tank! I really like it. Mine is just gravity fed and I'll try to get some pictures posted up tomorrow, sorry things have been crazy around here.. got married in September and trying to get things settled down.

What water tank did you use? I just ordered a Valterra 18gal to put on my M100. Are you using a pump on top, or just gravity feed? Can you post closeups?

 

[Airmonger]

Did you get to move the axle so it balances out yet?

 

[Errant]

I used the same tank! I really like it. Mine is just gravity fed and I'll try to get some pictures posted up tomorrow, sorry things have been crazy around here.. got married in September and trying to get things settled down.

I put the Valtera Rocket Pump on mine, which worked out great on our last outing. I decided to put the tank inside my M100, against the front wall. I feel safer with it there being more protected from rocks, and with the pump, fill, and drain under cover.