My Camping Trailer Project

[Dirtco]

I got the tires and wheels mounted on the trailer, I think it really changed the whole attitude of the trailer! I was in a hurry and didn't have time to take any good pictures, but I did snap a couple pictures while I was in the process of pulling it out of the shop.

 

[Dirtco]

Here's a quick paint drawing of what the overall shape of the trailer should look like (the pictures were a little confusing with everything in the background).

I also think that I'm going to need to shorten the tongue a little, but I'm going to wait until the main structure is complete before I decide how much.

 

[rockman]

To clean up the gal sides ...... ty rubbing some lemon over it .
Just a cut a lemon in half and rub it all over .

Cheers

 

[greentruck]

Yowza! That's a good example of how tires make the trailer.

But I think regardless of what tires you're running on it, the utilitarian funkiness of your project is really distinctive and enthralling. The extra gas tank is the frosting on the cake.

 

[Curtis in Texas]

I like your creativity.
And with all the criticism you're getting wait until I post up my Trailer build after the first of the year.
For mine I am using the other end of a small Isuzu Pickup frame with it's suspension.
Boy are they gonna howl!!! :Wow1:

That's right! I'm building an independently suspended air bagged steerable trail trailer with a 26 gallon Trooper fuel tank under the floor. BTY! The trailer steering will be remote control with a 400 lb. electric actuator.

Like you, I'm building mine with some stuff I had laying around. Although it will be heavier than a leaf sprung straight axle it will have the ability to follow my truck around some really tight corners and go around big rocks in the way, rather than over them.

I have some suggestions! You may have already thought of these, but here goes anyway.

I'm not a big fan of gas cans either! So I came up with this system several years ago and this system has worked great so far.
For fuel transfer between the truck and trailer, use marine fuel line couplers to connect/ disconnect the trailer tank to the trucks tank. Just tap a “T” in the filler vent line or tap a nipple into the filler tube up high. (A word of caution! Point the input nozzle downward toward the tank or you'll get a face full of gas if you get curious and remove the gas cap on your truck while filling. Ask me how I figured that one out! )
The marine fuel couplers have check valves built into both sides, are inexpensive (Wally World), and easy to use. Mounting the coupler and transfer hose at the tongue between the truck and trailer makes hooking up a no sweat process. And, this way you can make an extra fuel hose for transferring fuel to other vehicles or generators just by rigging up a length of hose and another check valve coupler. I find it comes in handy for topping off my dirt bikes.

Here's another tip while I'm at it.
I use a 15 minute spring powered rotary timer, found at Home Depot, to energize my transfer fuel pump. My pump is mounted at the tank and the rotary switch in the cab under the dash.
I use a 4 pin flat trailer plug to connect the rotary timer to the trailer.

I have it figured out so that in 15 minutes my little transfer pump will pump 25 gallons on one full turn. A fuel rated manual valve in the line somewhere will make tuning the flow amount a snap.
I wait until the low fuel light comes on the dash before I transfer. That means I can accurately factor how many gallons per minute I want and don't have to worry about forgetting to stop the transfer before the main tank overflows. We've been using this system for years on my Pickup Tow Rig.

And lastly, don't bother getting a big high pressure fuel pump for a transfer pump. Just use one of the small Holley electric ones so your line pressures will remain low. This helps keep from over whelming the marine check valves.

I'm enjoying your build so keep it up. Gonna be cool!
All the best!
Curtis in Texas

 

[Titanpat57]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Really coming together nicely...you have mad welding and fab skilz...magnificant:Wow1:

Matches the 4Runner perfect. Looks likes enough room under the floor for some batteries or a water tank.

Keep the updates coming....:ylsmoke:

Pat

 

[nat]

Its coming out very nice! Definitely a change seeing it with its new tires and wheels.

 

[Curtis in Texas]

Oh I forgot to add.
If you use metal polish on the galvanized plated steel it will come out looking almost like chrome. The only problem is you have to polish it every so often to keep the shine up.

 

[Xodius]

I have a question...perhaps it is a newb one. I was wondering on the axle...why didn't you cut it just behind the springs and then toss in a angled piece then across to increase the ground clearance? Just curious as that is what I have been planning on doing when I build mine.

Looks great though, I really like it. Feel free to drop it off at my place when your done

 

[Dirtco]

To clean up the gal sides ...... ty rubbing some lemon over it .
Just a cut a lemon in half and rub it all over .

Cheers

Thanks for the idea, I'll give it a try and see how it works.

Yowza! That's a good example of how tires make the trailer.

But I think regardless of what tires you're running on it, the utilitarian funkiness of your project is really distinctive and enthralling. The extra gas tank is the frosting on the cake.

Thanks! Yeah, it's amazing how much of a differance tires and wheels make!

 

[Dirtco]

I like your creativity.
And with all the criticism you’re getting wait until I post up my Trailer build after the first of the year.
For mine I am using the other end of a small Isuzu Pickup frame with it’s suspension.
Boy are they gonna howl!!! :Wow1:

That's right! I’m building an independently suspended air bagged steerable trail trailer with a 26 gallon Trooper fuel tank under the floor. BTY! The trailer steering will be remote control with a 400 lb. electric actuator.

Like you, I'm building mine with some stuff I had laying around. Although it will be heavier than a leaf sprung straight axle it will have the ability to follow my truck around some really tight corners and go around big rocks in the way, rather than over them.

I have some suggestions! You may have already thought of these, but here goes anyway.

I’m not a big fan of gas cans either! So I came up with this system several years ago and this system has worked great so far.
For fuel transfer between the truck and trailer, use marine fuel line couplers to connect/ disconnect the trailer tank to the trucks tank. Just tap a “T” in the filler vent line or tap a nipple into the filler tube up high. (A word of caution! Point the input nozzle downward toward the tank or you’ll get a face full of gas if you get curious and remove the gas cap on your truck while filling. Ask me how I figured that one out! )
The marine fuel couplers have check valves built into both sides, are inexpensive (Wally World), and easy to use. Mounting the coupler and transfer hose at the tongue between the truck and trailer makes hooking up a no sweat process. And, this way you can make an extra fuel hose for transferring fuel to other vehicles or generators just by rigging up a length of hose and another check valve coupler. I find it comes in handy for topping off my dirt bikes.

Here’s another tip while I’m at it.
I use a 15 minute spring powered rotary timer, found at Home Depot, to energize my transfer fuel pump. My pump is mounted at the tank and the rotary switch in the cab under the dash.
I use a 4 pin flat trailer plug to connect the rotary timer to the trailer.

I have it figured out so that in 15 minutes my little transfer pump will pump 25 gallons on one full turn. A fuel rated manual valve in the line somewhere will make tuning the flow amount a snap.
I wait until the low fuel light comes on the dash before I transfer. That means I can accurately factor how many gallons per minute I want and don’t have to worry about forgetting to stop the transfer before the main tank overflows. We’ve been using this system for years on my Pickup Tow Rig.

And lastly, don’t bother getting a big high pressure fuel pump for a transfer pump. Just use one of the small Holley electric ones so your line pressures will remain low. This helps keep from over whelming the marine check valves.

I’m enjoying your build so keep it up. Gonna be cool!
All the best!
Curtis in Texas

Your trailer idea sounds pretty cool and very unique, I look forward to seeing your progress! I like the idea of being able to steer the trailer in tight spots.

Thank you for all the information on the fuel transfer system! I have a basic plan now, but I will have to look into that. I was already planning on using one of those smaller low pressure pumps, that way I don't overwhelm the stock fuel delivery pick-up assembly or stock fuel filter (the truck was carb, not EFI).

 

[Dirtco]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Really coming together nicely...you have mad welding and fab skilz...magnificant:Wow1:

Matches the 4Runner perfect. Looks likes enough room under the floor for some batteries or a water tank.

Keep the updates coming....:ylsmoke:

Pat

Thank you! I have looked at both of your trailers for ideas, good work!

You read my mind on the battery, I plan on mounting one under the floor towards the front of the trailer (opposite of the gas tank). There's also room for a smaller water tank below the floor towards the rear of the trailer, but that might be down the road.

 

[Dirtco]

Its coming out very nice! Definitely a change seeing it with its new tires and wheels.

Thanks! Definitly a change!

Oh I forgot to add.
If you use metal polish on the galvanized plated steel it will come out looking almost like chrome. The only problem is you have to polish it every so often to keep the shine up.

I'll give that a try, I have a few scraps that I'm going to try a few things out and see what works best. Thanks for the idea!

I have a question...perhaps it is a newb one. I was wondering on the axle...why didn't you cut it just behind the springs and then toss in a angled piece then across to increase the ground clearance? Just curious as that is what I have been planning on doing when I build mine.

Looks great though, I really like it. Feel free to drop it off at my place when your done

Nice try, thanks though!

I should have a good amount of clearance the way it is. I could of chopped the axle tube (like you said) but it would be hard get everything perfectly aligned afterwards, especialy the issue of warpage after welding. If I was going to do something like that I would run a set up like the AT trailers, but that was out of my budget so I went the cheap and easy route. The axle tube is 1/4" wall so it should take a hit or two withoout much of an issue.

 

[Curtis in Texas]

Your trailer idea sounds pretty cool and very unique, I look forward to seeing your progress! I like the idea of being able to steer the trailer in tight spots.

Thank you for all the information on the fuel transfer system! I have a basic plan now, but I will have to look into that. I was already planning on using one of those smaller low pressure pumps, that way I don't overwhelm the stock fuel delivery pick-up assembly or stock fuel filter (the truck was carb, not EFI).

Your sure welcome! I hope my info helps you in some way. I know that system has worked well for me over the years.
My new build will use a 26 gallon Trooper Fuel Tank under it's floor complete with factory Skid Plate!

Well, here's a teaser shot of the start of my Remote Control Steerable IFS Off Road Trailer.

There is a lot of work left to do, but this is the IFS suspension with a tongue added. The frame like yours will change dramatically before I'm through.
The suspension is from an Isuzu Pickup. And yes it is steerable!

I built another trailer a few years back with the bed and rear frame section from the pickup.
I'll start my own thread when I get more done so it will look like something.

Enjoying your build!

Curtis in Texas

 

[alfio]

Well, here's a teaser shot of the start of my Remote Control Steerable IFS Off Road Trailer.
There is a lot of work left to do, but this is the IFS suspension with a tongue added. The frame like yours will change dramatically before I'm through.
The suspension is from an Isuzu Pickup. And yes it is steerable!

Curtis, do you/will you have a build thread on this?

to the OP, nice work.