Outfitting a lightweight camper

HAFICON

Adventurer
Bought this trailer from Vintage Trailer works down in Alabama. Had it shipped here and then the fun begins.

2018 Xpod (aka XTS), 5'x8' box, curb weight 1001lbs. Dual entry doors, rear hatch for storage, 3500lb axle, heavy duty roof rack was added, 5 gallon fuel can with mount. It was delivered while I was at work first glance was it needed an axle flip so it would sit level. I did that then I took it for my first highway run, trailer pulls straight and you would not know weight wise it is there.
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So the HD roof rack actually is really nice, It is rated to hold more than I probably will ever ask of it but buy once cry once right? Also came with mounts for an awning.
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Rear cargo storage mostly Kitchen stuff.
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I was pretty happy with the interior storage, I am 5'11" I can stretch out and had more than enough room.
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Over all I am very happy with this out of the box. It was a display model, so they called it the Xpod once they made a decision to build there are part of their normal stock they renamed them XTS model. But for a bare bones basic rolling box it was a good deal and what I wanted. First camping trip went well, used the trailer for gear storage just to see what I want it to have. Found it is pretty much where I want it storage wise so I added matching wheels and tires from the last trailer I built. with some 1.5" wheel spacer/adapters. Next big change will be electric brakes, they may not be 100% necessary but even completely empty that is a lot of weight pushing the Jeep in off road conditions.
 
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HAFICON

Adventurer
Only got one photo from our first trip, I am not one for a ton of trip photos I prefer to see my adventure through my eyes and not through my camera lenses.

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After the first trip got a little more organized.
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With the below freezing temps, I started prep work for next spring, bolted on the larger tires, moved the axle back on top of the springs to lower the trailer back down. Started building some fenders to serve as tables. Also extending the tongue is a must, it is so short even a small turn the tongue jack hits the spare tire. Also if I were needing to jack-knife it the bumper would almost hit the box, which leaves no storage room on the tongue.

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From the rear of the fender to the rear of the trailer will be a mounting location for propane tank and battery box. Soon to come a water heater, power inverter and possible solar for battery charging.
 

HAFICON

Adventurer
Trailer is being puled with a JKU, anyone got a recommend trailer tongue length? I am going to keep the existing A frame but run a section of 2"x 2" tube in the center also adding a Max Couppler.
 

honda250xtitan

Active member
i think the best idea is to jackknife it by hand and measure. find the sweet spot that way. i learned to weld on an older millermatic, ************** machines. I switched over to a lincoln tho...
 

HAFICON

Adventurer
i think the best idea is to jackknife it by hand and measure. find the sweet spot that way. i learned to weld on an older millermatic, ************** machines. I switched over to a lincoln tho...

Sounds good. Yea I bought this welder several years back when I built my first trailer. This time I was lazy and bought a trailer. But I really like the welder does everything I will need as a hobby welder.
 

HAFICON

Adventurer
With fenders being an issue, and no liking anything on the market or what I framed up I moved on and got the rear bumper cut and welded on. Went with 1/8” 2x2 tube just something to deflect a teee strike.

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What will be the rear fender support and rear step/storage.
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HAFICON

Adventurer
Ditching the storage steps behind the fenders. Gonna chip the bumper to the width of the trailer. Was going to go the easy way and have fenders built but no ships here want a quick cash job. So I went to the metal yard and bought scrap and drops. Cost me about $30 to build a metal break and I bough 1/2 a sheet of 1/8” steel. Metal break is not pretty but it works great.

Scrap metal for the break.
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Break
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First test bend used the Jeep as a counter weight.
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Perfect angle. Well since this thread is about the trailer and not the metal break I am proud of I will get back to it.
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HAFICON

Adventurer
Built and upper brace so I don’t have to use the Jeep, bent some 3/16” steel plate with ease.
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Now back to the trailer,
1/8” Sheet metal for the fenders
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Front angle is steeper than the rear so it clear the door for a DIY project I am happy. I did not want to spen the time building a break but now I have one for life.
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HAFICON

Adventurer
Fenders primed, added the storage rack on one side. Still have to build a rack for the other side. I still am not loving the racks but they will probably be useful.

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HAFICON

Adventurer
Thanks, actually came out really great. Just have to modify it a little to fit and angle finder.
 

HAFICON

Adventurer
Looking for some input. Tongue wall thickness, I’m thinking 3/16” but her is what I have. The frame and trailer is 2x2 1/8” wall square tube. Currently from the front frame rail to the ball Coupler is 42” I want to add a straight section of 2x2” in the center of the factory outter rails. Trailer weight dry is 1001lbs add gear 1800ish. With the three point contact tongue to frame would 1/8” be ok? I have a lot of it here already. Safe bet is do 3/16 but I am trying to keep the weight as low as possible. Also the spare tire will be mounted on the nose of the trailer that was accounted for in the 1800 figure.



James
 

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