My homebrew expedition trailer

texaslawman

Observer
Nice work, looks similiar to mine. I am interested to see what the cover will look like. I have been thinking of a way to do one on my trailer. I have decided to either have a custom cover made out of the same material used for boat covers (sunbrella fabric), or make one out of metal. I only want it to go over the top of the tub. I look forward to seeing your progress.

QUOTE]


Yep yours was part of my inspiration! The fold out side storage is a great idea. Just FYI I went to the company thats building my cover because they are the local (sunbrella) dealer. I was intending on using it. The owner strongly recomended using the coated vinyl over the sunbrella and canvas for this application, and the sunbrealla was way more expensive.
 

socaljeeper

Adventurer
Thanks for the info, I will look into the coated vinyl. That might work better, since the subrella fabric is not waterproof. Can you get a manufacture name of the coated vinyl they use? I think they use that type of vinyl for the tops of covertable cars.
 

ntsqd

Heretic Car Camper
As a point of reference, the same thing was true when I looked into a soft cover for the TrailBlazer's tent. The vinyl impregnated synthetic canvas was the boat canvas shop owner's first suggestion.

I have a suggestion for the the chain attachment. I know that I posted the pic of the SW model long ago, but finding it would be a chore and I have both at home. I'll try to remember to post the pic this evening.
 

texaslawman

Observer
Thanks for the info, I will look into the coated vinyl. That might work better, since the subrella fabric is not waterproof. Can you get a manufacture name of the coated vinyl they use? I think they use that type of vinyl for the tops of covertable cars.

I know he used it for his soft top on his jeep its been there 5 years non-garage parked in Texas sun and still holding up. He did say would start to get brittle at 5-6 years if outside 24 7. I think he is useing the coated 18oz. stuff on mine you can get it special orderd in the 22oz range. www.mytarp.com sells the same stuff and will custom build one to your specs. Im using this guy because I can take the trailer in and have them build it perfect fit. And I try and support local buisness as much as possible.
 

texaslawman

Observer
As a point of reference, the same thing was true when I looked into a soft cover for the TrailBlazer's tent. The vinyl impregnated synthetic canvas was the boat canvas shop owner's first suggestion.

I have a suggestion for the the chain attachment. I know that I posted the pic of the SW model long ago, but finding it would be a chore and I have both at home. I'll try to remember to post the pic this evening.

Yea since the tounge extends the chains are a problem. but after building it and pulling it around the last few days I dont think I will be using the extention for much maybe to help backing in a weird spot.

DSC06696.jpg
 

hojhauler

Observer
you could always use really long chains and just use an 's' hook or caribiner to double up the long chain when using a short tongue and then extend all the way if extending the tongue. Could be a useful way to carry along some extra chain as well that could be used for other expedition activities if needed
 

ntsqd

Heretic Car Camper
Yea since the tounge extends the chains are a problem. but after building it and pulling it around the last few days I dont think I will be using the extention for much maybe to help backing in a weird spot.
The chains on the TrailBlazer won't reach with the tongue extended either.
Looks like I'd have to re-create the model of my idea. Essentially it was to cut "utility truck bumper crosses" in a piece of flat plate, which is then welded to the tongue. That way the chain isn't welded to the trailer.
 

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Crazy idea... how about two sets of chains? One set to chain the tongue extension to the trailer, and another at the end of the tongue to chain it to the truck. Same effect, less chain.

Do the laws state it has to be done with 1 chain lenght? In this case, the tongue extension tube would be part of the chain.
 

graysp

New member
Yea since the tounge extends the chains are a problem

weld or bolt attach the chain at the end of your tounge not at the frame, then the chain can be used when in both postions...
 

texaslawman

Observer
It's nice but too bad you didn't buy that one in San Antonio last year. It had a tent and everything.

Yea I know too bad the guy who had it sold it to a girl!!! But thats Ok Im under a 1000$ finished will be somewhere under 1500$ with a tent and everything. :sombrero:

Yall coming to Roundup???
 

texaslawman

Observer
Crazy idea... how about two sets of chains? One set to chain the tongue extension to the trailer, and another at the end of the tongue to chain it to the truck. Same effect, less chain.

Do the laws state it has to be done with 1 chain lenght? In this case, the tongue extension tube would be part of the chain.


The law just says it hs to have two chains that cross to catch the tounge...
 

R_Lefebvre

Expedition Leader
Oh, then just put a short one on the end. I thought the law said that the chain had to attach the frame of the trailer to the frame of the truck, and be a backup to any and all pins or couplers.
 

texaslawman

Observer
Oh, then just put a short one on the end. I thought the law said that the chain had to attach the frame of the trailer to the frame of the truck, and be a backup to any and all pins or couplers.

Sorry I missunderstood what you were saying. Yes it dose have to attach to the frame canno be attached to a removable peice.
 

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