The Georgia Bantam build

[Robert Bills]

. . . [longer tongue makes backing up] somewhat easier. The biggest problem is, I can't see it without the tent on it.

A fellow Bantam owner I met several years ago solved the issue of the trailer being too short to see in the rear view mirror by installing a CB antenna stud mount on the tongue and screwing in an old antenna with florescent yellow tennis ball on top when he needed to back up without a spotter. He still couldn't see the trailer, but he could see the tennis ball and gauge the movement of the trailer by watching it. Simple, cheap and effective. I think of it whenever I have to back my trailer into a tight spot, but have never stopped procrastinating long enough to install one myself.

 

[johnspark]

A fellow Bantam owner I met several years ago solved the issue of the trailer being too short to see in the rear view mirror by installing a CB antenna stud mount on the tongue and screwing in an old antenna with florescent yellow tennis ball on top when he needed to back up without a spotter. He still couldn't see the trailer, but he could see the tennis ball and gauge the movement of the trailer by watching it. Simple, cheap and effective. I think of it whenever I have to back my trailer into a tight spot, but have never stopped procrastinating long enough to install one myself.

That sounds like a good idea. I've used that method before, but for other reasons. Do you carry kayaks or canoes on yours?

 

[johnspark]

I got the top painted today. The bars are on the FJ and tomorrow I'll put the rack on the trailer.

 

[johnspark]

Tent is mounted. The shakedown run went well.

 

[Mark Harley]

Looks great!
Get some sheaths on your tailgate chains " they will destroy the tub paint "
It is a nice size behind the FJ

 

[scramfan01]

Looks absolutely awesome!

 

[Curtis in Texas]

Loving this build! Took the wife tent camping this weekend and she's all for me restoring my old trailer I bo

 

[johnspark]

Looks absolutely awesome!

Thanks again.

Looks great!
Get some sheaths on your tailgate chains " they will destroy the tub paint "
It is a nice size behind the FJ

Thanks, Mark
I've been looking for something to use, but haven't found the right product just yet. I guess I'll have to order something.

Loving this build! Took the wife tent camping this weekend and she's all for me restoring my old trailer I bo

Go for it. This has been a lot of fun.

 

[Hunter67]

I've been looking for something to use, but haven't found the right product just yet. I guess I'll have to order something.

Ask for an old firehose size "D" or "HD" at your local firestation

Markus

 

[Mark Harley]

I got tired of the tailgate chains destroying my paint and making noise.
I went with 1/16" aircrft cable thimbles and clamps to keep my tailgate locks from walking off.

 

[johnspark]

I got tired of the tailgate chains destroying my paint and making noise.
I went with 1/16" aircrft cable thimbles and clamps to keep my tailgate locks from walking off.

That'll work...but mine are just decorative since the tailgate is bolted closed for now. I just want to keep them for the nostalgia factor.

 

[johnspark]

Hmmmm, there's a story in there somewhere? Sounds like a good idea.

 

[ZeMax]

Haha you sandblasted the original hardware ? Awesome.

Keep us posted on your progress. I will be tackling my project soon, seing someone else work is great inspiration.

 

[johnspark]

The 3/4 load shakedown run went very well today. We are ready to go to the coast! Woot!

 

[johnspark]

So, we made it to Cape San Blas and back without incident. The tent, trailer and all parts performed without issue. We had a great time too!