show us your truck bed trailers

[Mykol74]

I just joined the site the other day and just found this thread today. :wings:

Here are some pics of mine. I've had it for a few years and didn't do much with it, however I've been using it a lot this summer so I'm definitely going to need to make some improvements/upgrades. This site is awesome for inspiration.

Things to still needed:
bed floor
better tires
newer shocks
paint

Things to add (to start with):
bed rail/rack
tent
tarp mount (for shade like an awning)

 

[millerfish]

Ram 50 Build

The upside down Dodge minivan axle worked out great...

 

[jeeps4fun]

The upside down Dodge minivan axle worked out great...

View attachment 181067

Nice! Any chance u could put a tape measure to it? I need to find out the WMS-WMS and the spring pad widths. Any under body pics?

 

[millerfish]

I cut about a foot from the center of the axle and I don't remember what the stock dimensions were...

 

[bbauer]

Those are all rad. The old Chevy kicks ***.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Since it's about done, I'll post some pics of my truck-bed trailer. I'm going to paint it with Monstaliner (covers a multitude of sins ) and add some fenders (need 12" wide fenders and don't want to make them). That, and wiring the tail lights are about all I have to do for now (will make a rack for RTT, and add some other goodies down the road). I need a little trailer for hauling firewood and such, as well as an off-road trailer for camping - it's a good compromise (I hope - time will tell).


It started out as a step-side bed trailer made from a 53 Ford pickup. I bought the trailer for $100, sold the fenders for $50. Used the (modified) frame, built a new spring shackle for the left rear, used 12 ga treadplate for floor, front and tailgate. I really should have just built it from scratch (way to much work) but it turned out well and should pull easily. I think it probably weighs about 450# empty. I think I have about $450 in it now, including the Toyota 16" wheels.

I don't have any 'before' pics but here are the frame mods. I cut the bed down from 80" to 68" (it is 68" long, 49" wide).

 

[Mark Harley]

That frame turned out nice!

 

[jeeps4fun]

Can't remember if I've posted this up in this thread yet.

Smaller utility on a ?ranger? Frame. Plan to outfit with water (shower/sink) battery setup, and kitchen plus normal camp stuff. The existing camper will get sold and replaced with..

Interior will hold dual cots (bunks?) for the 4.5 and 1.5 yr old)

 

[98OzarksRunner]

That frame turned out nice!

Thanks. Since the box bolts to the frame I figure I can use it for a teardrop trailer later if I decide to go that way.

 

[bonetone]

my ***/ Burro behind my Donke (shrek voice)

Just aquired "burro" on CL for $250 and fitted with all site amenites. From prior 4wd bronco, just dont want to tent camp any longer.All camp gear, zodi and enclosure, camp stove...etc fit perfectly.Will be adding 12 volt &water storage tank this winter to elliminate taking water "jugs".Not a priority being we have suitable beds that sleep 5 very comfortably in "donkay" .Still Keeping an eye out for a wildernest/flip pac.Just built 4" spring perches and flipped axle for 14" clearance, fabed up and mounted new shocks And mounts.Anxious for "donkay" to soon be 4wd.But burro as worked beyond my expectations.Will be extending tounge to accommodate diesel fuel tool/box storage combo and propane for further booney camping and 7 day out trips, then sand blast and fresh paint to match "Donkay".

 

[sourdough]

dodge caravan axles

The upside down Dodge minivan axle worked out great...

View attachment 181067

Yes they do, surprisingly well. Plentiful, cheap and a easily adaptable width. what more do you want. Post #82

 

[Mark Harley]

Bonetone:

Very nice! I like the axle flip too. Lots of travel now, and sits at a nice height.

 

[oldNbold]

I havent gone back through all the posts yet but will. I am curious, on a pickup bed trailer what would be considered a proper tongue length? I have towed many trailers and find a long tongue trailer follows better and backs up nicer but would not be very trail friendly. Whats the general consensus on a good length?

 

[Chili]

I havent gone back through all the posts yet but will. I am curious, on a pickup bed trailer what would be considered a proper tongue length? I have towed many trailers and find a long tongue trailer follows better and backs up nicer but would not be very trail friendly. Whats the general consensus on a good length?

Tongue length in itself is less important that hitch to axle length, IMO. Tongue length would then depend on where the axle is positioned on the bed, and the wheelbase of your tow vehicle. As you said, the longer the hitch to axle the better it will tow on the highway, and the easier it will be to back up, but in off-road or tight trail situations longer will be a disadvantage. Personally, I would shoot for hitch to axle length to be roughly the same as the wheelbase of the tow vehicle.

 

[Xtreme XJ]

I built mine with an adjustable tongue... stretch it for the highway... shorten it for the trail...

Curt