Small Garage, Big Project

[Tom Foolery]

Actually there is no bounce at all. On the freeway, the trailer rides better the the truck pulling it. It is NOT a stiff suspension at all, in fact, I felt that with regular shocks it was too soft (almost like a Cadillac), so I added the coil shocks to stiffen it up a pinch. It helped, but I would still like to add one more leaf so that the sway from side to side is reduced.

 

[LandyAndy]

Actually there is no bounce at all. On the freeway, the trailer rides better the the truck pulling it. It is NOT a stiff suspension at all, in fact, I felt that with regular shocks it was too soft (almost like a Cadillac), so I added the coil shocks to stiffen it up a pinch. It helped, but I would still like to add one more leaf so that the sway from side to side is reduced.

OK... thanks for the info, when I finally get to build mine it's not going to have as many storage boxes so will be a bit lighter. Time will tell how it goes.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[charlesshoults]

Awesome job on the trailer.

I've been hunting around for a while, and have been planning to build my own trailer but I'm somewhat conflicted about size. I'm planning to make a steel order on Friday and start on a basic frame a week later.

I like that you made the main box separate from the frame. For my trailer, I want to be able to use it as a utility trailer from time to time. I also thought standard trailer springs looked awful short and have been looking for alternatives. I'm considering buying a pair of hubs from a Grand Cherokee front, fabricating custom knuckles and making MC2 asummetrical links, but the trailer will ride on leaf springs initially. What is your spring center width? What are your external dimensions of the main and side boxes? I'm looking to construct a lid for the main box, but my design looks a little tall. I drew it up as 56" wide x 84" long x 36" tall with a 6" high lid. It's probably considerably larger than yours, but I'm intending the flatbed portion to be able to carry 8' lumber when needed.

 

[Tom Foolery]

What is your spring center width? What are your external dimensions of the main and side boxes?

Making a separate main box and frame made it nice for me, as I had very little space in my garage to work. Here are the measurements you asked for: Spring center width is 40". The main box size is 43"W X 32"H X 67"L. The side boxes are 12"W X 16"H X 67"L.

Have fun building yours

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Wow... amazingly detailed and descriptive build thread. I am most impressed with your attention to detail, craftsmanship and design.

I am in the process of buying a CDN m101A/US M416 surplus trailer, and have some "mild" plans for it. Lid, tailgate, "maybe" a roof top tent, some racks etc. Basically a fun trailer that is not too heavy and can haul my junk around.

Thanks for sharing!
Greg

 

[LandyAndy]

OK... thanks for the info, when I finally get to build mine it's not going to have as many storage boxes so will be a bit lighter. Time will tell how it goes.

Thanks,
Andy

I forgot to ask, where did you get the spring hanger brackets & shackles etc from ?

Thx,
Andy

 

[Tom Foolery]

Barnes 4WD

Barnes 4WD, parts for the everyday wheeler. Jeep bumpers, 3 link kits, 4 link kits, and DIY builder parts.

barnes4wd.com

All small suspension parts were from these guys.

 

[oldkid]

simply AWESOME. Mine is gonna look so crappy. It'll never, ever be parked next to yours. Again, excellent job!

 

[Tom Foolery]

Thanks. Just take your time and think through everything you do and you might be surprised how nice yours turns out. I felt like you do when I started as well.

 

[gls_triton]

Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I love this trailer. I think it is just awesome.

You are a skilled worker that is for sure! And it shows in your trailer.

10 Points!

 

[Tkdx00]

I've read this thread several times and get inspired everytime I do. This is my next project. Sorry to say I will be basically duplicating your work with a few additions, water tank and overhead sleeping. I believe you said the box is removable, How are you securing it to the frame when in use? AND at the weight I think it is and the end product, are you actually removing it?

Once again, Outstanding finished trailer and is there a way to copy this thread so it won't be lost?

 

[Tom Foolery]

Thank you. I actually never have removed the box.

 

[Mark Harley]

This has been a great build and inspiration on what to do with my M101A2 frame.

 

[northfacetraveller]

Hey, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed watching your build come to life. The final product looks great and the quality is excellent!! Nice job! Curious how you joined the sheet metal seams and corners? I am looking to build some steel boxes with 14G and don't know how to go about welding them to make a nice clean finished look.

 

[Tom Foolery]

I hope these illustrations help to explain what I did. I used about 6 packs of JB Weld on the whole trailer. I could have used Bondo, but felt it didn't have the gripping power of JB Weld.