PROJECT_ToasterCamp - 5x8 Cargo Trailer Conversion Build

[firecracker_jk]

Moving back to the fenders yet again, It was time to sheet metal them. I simply cut some 16 gauge sheet metal slightly larger than needed and tack welded it on the fender frame, being careful that it was nice and tight. I used clamps to hold it in place. After the inside was tack welded, I trimmed down the sheet metal to fit and welded the edges solid with lots of tack welds. Grinding the edges smooth with a flap disk made it all look like one piece of metal.

I needed a place to store the stabilizer jacks while the trailer was in transportation. I thought it would be nice to keep them close to where they would be used and add some weight to the back of the trailer. I simply welded on some extra jack mounts to the rear of the fender. I also took the time to paint the inside edge of the fender. Once the fender is welded on the trailer, it would be difficult to paint later. After this, I welded the fender in place with a 1/4? gap from the body of the trailer. The fender was quite strong and I was able to stand on it without even the slightest budge. I later added the original fender marker lights. I placed them further back on the fender so I had more room to stand on it.

 

[firecracker_jk]

It was time to paint everything and this took me well over a week to do it right. I painted the tongue, basket, front corners, and the entire sides mentioned in this update. It was a ton of work to paint. After this, I took the camper out of the garage to see it in some sunlight! I intend to remount the aluminum trim you see mocked up in the photos below. I also added some small D-rings and a strap to the stabilizer jack. It is very solidly in place now.

Product Links:

2K Stabilizer Jacks: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/etrailer/TJP-2002S-B.html
Extra Jack Mounts: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/TJP-IP58-CTN.html

 

[firecracker_jk]

It is time to totally transform the look of my mini camper build! What better than to install a set of wheels and tires that match my Jeep!

What's cool is that I can use my stabilizer jacks to change my wheels and tires!

For Wheels, I went with Method Race Wheels 16x8" 5x4.5" MR305 NVs*. These match up pretty close with my Method 17" MR105 beadlocks on my Jeep.

For tires, I went with Nitto Ridge Grappler 265/70R16 116T XL BSWs*. I am running 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers on the Jeep, and these all terrains match up pretty well to the Jeep tires. A trailer just does not need as aggressive tires as the Jeep has. I choose 265 tires because it would allow for the trailer to be pretty level with the height of the Jeep. It doesn't really make sense until you see the pictures. Any taller of a tire, and the height of the roof of the trailer would be over 8.5 feet tall.

Products Links:

Nitto Ridge Grappler 265/70R16 116T XL BSW: https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/nitto-ridge-grappler/p/40770

Method Race Wheels 16x8" 5x4.5" MR305 NV: https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-wheels/method-race-wheels-mr305-nv/p/55028?exactmatch=true

 

[firecracker_jk]

With all of the improvements I have made to the trailer, I think it is time to build a suitable tongue jack.

I started a standard trailer jack* to save a few $$. Then I purchased a couple cheap pneumatic tire casters* from my local Harbor Freight Tools. One caster has a swiveling frame and a sawtooth tire, the other does not swivel and has a knobby tire.

Fabrication was pretty simple. I cut down the stock pad on the jack and then welded a plate on the jack (I cut up the straight caster frame for this) that would serve as a mounting plate to the swivel caster.

Then It was a matter of simply bolting it together!

The new jack does a great job of lowering and raising the trailer tongue, as well as allowing me to move the trailer around. I used a Bolt hitch receiver lock* to lock it to the trailer.

Product Links:

• Jack: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/etrailer/TJP-2001-B.html
• Steering Caster: https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-pneumatic-heavy-duty-swivel-caster-63799.html
• Off Road Tire Caster: https://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-pneumatic-rigid-caster-38943.html
• Bolt Receiver Lock: https://www.boltlock.com/locks/5-8-inch-receiver-lock

 

[zb39]

This is looking great. awesome skills!!

 

[Christian P.]

Test

 

[wheelsee]

AWESOME JOB!!!

 

[firecracker_jk]

Hey everyone, this build is not dead. Just trying to figure out why I cannot get my images to load. Working on a new image host and will fix all my posts.

 

[Bruce]

Progress? Great build! Any interior work yet?