Project Backpack, a FWD Mil Spec Trailer / Camper

spd2918

Observer
The trailer has been scuffed for paint and the seams have been sealed. I was going to go green, but the cost of semi gloss black machinery paint was too low to pass up. The best past is any damage can be touched up with a rattle can.

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Mark Harley

Expedition Leader
You need to jump over to the trailer section with your work.
I like your hitch lunette work. I went with an adjustible channel and removed the surge brake system.
My 101A2 weighs in at 1350 pounds dry but my 2500HD crew doesn't notice it behind it.

How does yours tow behind the liberty? Are you going with electric brakes too?
Keep us posted on the build.

Here is my blog:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...y-trailer-to-build-a-family-hauler?highlight=
 

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spd2918

Observer
I like how your set up can switch hitches.

The Libby pulls it like its not there. With the camper in it I will feel the weight, but I am impressed with the Jeep's pulling power.

I won't be adding brakes since I expect the weight to come in under 2,200 loaded. I was going to pull off the brakes that are on there, but I like being able to lock the wheels when parked. It's good to have options.
 

spd2918

Observer
The trailer is now painted (even the bottom) with some tough industrial black paint:

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Mounting the trailer will have to wait for warmer weather.
 

spd2918

Observer
Looks great!
What other plans do you have for the trailer?

It needs lights and tie down anchors. I have some "L" brackets for the trailer and the camper. I have thought about bolting the trailer directly through the floor, but I want the option to remove it. I plan on floating the camper on a pontoon trailer for a trip down the Mississippi some day.
 

spd2918

Observer
I finally got off my back side and started in on the project again. I mounted the L brackets and used a forklift to transfer the camper to the military trailer. I got some LED lights on the trailer, too.





Now comes the interior gutting....


PS- The little Jeep pulls it like it isn't there. Braking distances have increased, but not by much.
 

spd2918

Observer
I went a little nuts on Project Backpack today. The large drill bit I bought to drill the trailer mount holes was too big for my drill. OK, what else can move on? I decided to pull the furnace, sink, stove top, and cooler. I don't think any of it worked and I don't want to waste my time getting them to work. I was going to pull the whole counter, but I decided to keep it for storage. I will cover over the counter to fill the gaps left by the stove and sink. The front of the cabinetry is gone leaving use of all the under counter space. I will stack shallow plastic bins for my stuff in that space, maybe with support lips on the sides so they slide like drawers.



I temporarily filled in the exterior holes (left by the appliances) with duct tape. I will property fix them later. I replaced the lock set on the propane locker. That space will receive a deep cycle battery, battery charger, and extension cord. I might add an AC panels for campgrounds, but only if I can do it cheaply and easily. The 12 volt will meet most of our needs (LED lights, cell phone charging, music, etc).

Did you notice the floor two by fours? The previous owner put those in to support the floor. He added plywood to the bottom and screwed up through the floor into the two by fours. I was going to yank them out, but that would be a lot of work for cosmetics and honestly I don't care what they look like.
 
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spd2918

Observer
My buddy loaned me his monster drill and I got the brackets bolted down. I took the rig out for a test ride and it handled very well. 80 MPH was no problem, albeit with no gear in the trailer. I bounced it hard on some rough roads and nothing moved or bent.

Time for some Jeep mudflaps:

 

spd2918

Observer
My goals for a trailer have changed and I'm going to sell this set up to fund my next project. I will be building a super lightweight teardrop trailer to put with my small car. The goal is to have something very simple that won't effect my mileage like a regular trailer. It will be strictly an on road set up.

This trailer / camper combo will be listed in the for sale section. I can separate the two, but the trailer won't go before the FWD since I need it to move the camper around.
 

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