TheGillz Explo Off-Road Trailer via Geotracker90 Build!

[GeoTracker90]

Update 7-23-08

Definatly not. Yes it does. Yes he is!

I am obsessing something fierce over here. I love what I am seeing and will and have proudly given Mikes info to whoever asks about it.:jumping:

Just to add fuel to the fire, or more pictures to obsess over I was back out in the shop tonight.

I started working on the lids for the side boxes and came up with a design that I thought may work. Not wanting to cut up a sheet of 16 gauge, bend it to shape and then find out that my idea was flawed I did the next best thing and built a mock lid from a drop piece sheet metal. I'm pleased with the proof of concept and think that it will work well.

I now have both of the side boxes built to the new dimensions of 12" deep by 16" tall by 48" long. On top of that I also have them hung on the sides of the trailer with no less than twelve 1/4" bolts per box. Of those twelve bolts half of them go through the sheet metal as well as the 1-1/2" vertical supports for the main box.

The propane tank has also been located in front of the side box on the curb side of the trailer. Because of the weight that I anticipate of a full bottle of propane I attached this with eight 1/4" bolts. I will probably end up creating a doubler plate to prevent any of them from attempting to pull through.

Just a couple more pictures because I can. I had pulled the trailer out onto the grass for the "photo shoot" this time so that there would be more of a contrast between thetrailer and its surroundings.

Mike

 

[ZR2nit]

Mike,

Great job on the trailer. You have some major fabrication skills. I can't wait to see it complete with paint.

Marty

 

[opie]

Agreed. That looks very nice.

Your attention to detail shows.

 

[Willman]

Looking great!!!

Can't wait to see this when shes done!

Keep up the great work!

 

[Nullifier]

This trialer build is coming along nicely. The fab work looks really well done. I have one concern however and that is the potential tongue wieght. It looks as if the axle is set pretty far back and the forward deck area is pretty large. It has alot of heavy stuff tires fuel etc.

Did you guys actually try and calculate a balance spot before you started?

 

[TheGillz]

This trialer build is coming along nicely. The fab work looks really well done. I have one concern however and that is the potential tongue wieght. It looks as if the axle is set pretty far back and the forward deck area is pretty large. It has alot of heavy stuff tires fuel etc.

Did you guys actually try and calculate a balance spot before you started?

Its funny that you posted this...someone over on mud just expressed the exact opposite concern. That it is rear heavy.
All I can say is that it will have very much to do with loading, and something I plan on keeping in mind loading for each trip.

 

[ntsqd]

It is rear heavy visually without all of the bits that will live on the tongue. That is likely deceiving them into thinking that it is weight-wise rear heavy.

 

[Rezarf <><]

I am the one on mud with the concerns it could end up rear heavy.

I would imagine if you stuff that cargo box full, both side boxes full, and add a RTT, you will have significant weight behind the axle, if the deck stays empty it looks like it could be a bit heavy towards the rear of the trailer.

Just a thought...

 

[TheGillz]

Weekly update?eepwall:

 

[GeoTracker90]

Update - July 26, 2008

Weekly update?eepwall:

Dang! Busted by the boss. Actually I ended up having a pretty full weekend. Friday night I attended the last night of Scout Camp for my troop; I'm an Assistant Scout Master. I had a lot of fun and was introduced to a very nice little lake that I never know about before.

So, as a result I ended up getting a late start on working on the trailer Saturday. I ended up cutting, bending, fitting, drilling, and flaring the last piece for the front deck. With that complete I turned my attention to installing the threaded inserts that will be used to attach the outermost fuel can carrier.

With these tasks accomplished I went back to working on the tailgate and finished the complete perimeter welding of the sheet metal to the 1" square tube frame. This was accomplished in about two inch long welds as I moved around the frame trying to give things time to cool between welding sessions. Then came more grinding, but this time I didn't manage to scorch my retinas. :bike_rider:

At this point it was getting pretty late in the day and I needed to get home and get ready for our trip the next day to Twin Falls, ID to watch the Blue Angels.

Sorry, it appears that I took pictures of everything this weekend except for the trailer.

Mike

p.s. I hope to make it out to the shop again either Tuesday or Wednesday night and I'll make sure to snap some pictures then.

 

[TheGillz]

I didn't know there was an air show in Twin on Sunday or we may have joined you. Looks like fun.

 

[WFTW]

This is quite the trailer build and I've been following it ever since I first learned of its existence.

Have you had a chance to weigh it yet?

How much do you think it will weigh at the end (empty weight)?

 

[TheGillz]

Well I haven't even had the chance to touch it yet. I'm not sure mike has had it out of the shop, but I am hoping for <1500lbs dry.

Its just a bunch of details from powder, and I was hoping to use the weekend I go pick it up as the first run, but if I don't, I'll be hitting the weigh station on the way home to see for sure.

BTW, do you think a commercial weigh station off the freeway will allow me to use the scales if they aren't too busy?

 

[WFTW]

I know quite a few people who've weighed their vehicles at a weigh station. Lance weighed his FJ at one recently before his last expedition.

Let us know the weight when you get it done.

 

[GeoTracker90]

Update 7-30-08

Here is a sneak peak of the first fender segment. This still needs to have the welds ground down and some trimming done to it.

There are three more segments to be cut and bent. Cut and bend the side box lids and install the latches. Attach latches for the tail gate. Finish interior stich welding of sheet metal. I'm sure there are a couple other little things left to do, but I hope to get the fabrication wrapped up this week and then I need to touch base with the powder coating shops and see when they have a slot open to get the painting done.

I can't wait!

Mike