Off-Road Trailer Build - Pump Trailer Transformation

[RedRaider1]

I bought an old pump trailer at an oilfield auction for $300 a while back and have been slowly tearing it down and transforming it into an off-road camping base trailer.

I've enjoyed following some of the builds you guys post here so I figured I'd share mine to get feedback on progress and hopefully some pointers on getting it finished out.

Here's what I started with...

 

[RedRaider1]

Went to work right away stripping/cutting the motor, pump, and other equipment off of it. I listed the old pump on Craigslist and ended up getting $40 less than I paid for the whole trailer.

After a brief attempt of sanding and wire brushing the old paint and rust, I quickly decided sand blasting was the way to go..

 

[RedRaider1]

Took measurements of the trailer and started preliminary design and made a quick 3D computer model of ideas...


Video Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yazBzZMjCYubFFkZ7

 

[RedRaider1]

After inspecting the axle and springs, I discovered that the axle was too wide to add bigger tires to the trailer and the rear spring shackle was mounted wrong, the springs wouldn't flex at all...




I decided to to start with a clean slate on the axle and suspension. So it was out with the old and in with the new including brakes...

 

[old_CWO]

that will be a lot better.

shocks?

 

[RedRaider1]

Yes sir, I had a set of leaf springs off my old YJ so I cleaned them and the shackles up to use on the trailer, and went with coil over load handling shocks. Had to build the upper shock mounts out of a piece of u channel.

 

[old_CWO]

Notoriously flexy springs and really stout dampeners. Seems like it should work well for you assuming it carries the intended weight.

I have never seen those load leveler shocks on a trailer before but used them with success on trucks over the years. They are a little bit of a struggle to install sometimes. Watch your mounts; those shocks can put some stress on them.

 

[RedRaider1]

Thanks for the feedback CWO! I'm hoping it will ride nice once loaded down. I've only driven it with the weight of the box frame I built ontop and refrigerator on it so far but it handled great and didn't bounce at all over bumps unloaded!

 

[RedRaider1]

After I got it back to standing on its own, I had to add an angle edge around the bed to have a solid surface with clean edges to build on before going vertical.

 

[RedRaider1]

With the help of my little helper, I finished out the box frame. Next built the rear door jamb, rear door frame, and hung it with weld on hinges.

 

[RedRaider1]

After the rear door was functional, I decided to start building the frame to hold the kitchen countertop and rails to mount the locking slides for it. Bought a piece of butcher block to use for the countertop to hold my sink and stove.

 

[Rbertalotto]

FANTASTIC! Nice work.....

 

[RedRaider1]

FANTASTIC! Nice work.....

Thanks Rbertalotto, it's been a fun project. I'm currently working on an adjustable height tent rack. Hoping to have the trailer operational for a big trip planned in November.

 

[RedRaider1]

Next I test fit and plumbed the 2 - 21 gallon water tanks and set up and drilled mounting holes for the pump, strainer, and accumulator tank.

 

[MG99]

This is looking great. Well done!