Trailer build from scratch
- Thread starter Youngunner
- Start date
Mark Harley
Expedition Leader
Comming together great!
I like your ideas and skills.
I like your ideas and skills.
Youngunner
Adventurer
Back on Expo after a summer in Yellowstone Natl Park. Progress you ask? Why yes...
Sandblasted frame ready to go in the "paint booth".
I chose the Zero rust paint rather than powdercoat so I can touch up and modify in the future.
Installing bulkheads, taillights, etc.
Doors are skinned with diamond plate (using Skiaflex 252)
IT'S ALIVE!
Sandblasted frame ready to go in the "paint booth".
I chose the Zero rust paint rather than powdercoat so I can touch up and modify in the future.
Installing bulkheads, taillights, etc.
Doors are skinned with diamond plate (using Skiaflex 252)
IT'S ALIVE!
Youngunner
Adventurer
SO...apparently I was working so hard to get this thing done before I left for Yellowstone that I didn't even take progress pictures.
For those interested in boring build details:
All the exterior aluminum skin was adhered to the steel frame with Sikaflex 252. The top and bottom sheets of the box were scrap .125 aluminum I picked on craigslist. I got all the diamond plate as scrap for $40, and the trailer didn't even use all of the sheets I got in the bundle.
The tan box is bolted to the black frame with six 3/8 bolts. I built the frame to the exact specs of the 1/4 ton military jeep trailers so if I wanted to put one of those tubs on the frame I could.
The hardest part was ensuring all doors were square and had adeqaute clearance around the perimeter of the door openings. All doors were aligned and all holes for hinges and latches were drilled prior to painting. I don't like the idea of screws holding hardware on so all of the door hinges use stainless bolts that go all the way through the tubular steel frame. I hand drilled everything and killed many drill bits in the process.
The hinges came from a marine supplier on craigslist, about 6-8 bucks a piece. The latches are pop-up style, sealed to keep out the dust.
I'll get some more detalied pictures when I'm back home. The door seals are a pinch on molding. I welded an 1/8th inch thick lip around all the door openings for the seal to "pinch" on to.
I bought a 4 foot sheet metal bender on sale at summit racing. I work with sheet metal enough and the price was awesome. Plus no shipping. Fabbed up some fenders from diamond plate.
For those interested in boring build details:
All the exterior aluminum skin was adhered to the steel frame with Sikaflex 252. The top and bottom sheets of the box were scrap .125 aluminum I picked on craigslist. I got all the diamond plate as scrap for $40, and the trailer didn't even use all of the sheets I got in the bundle.
The tan box is bolted to the black frame with six 3/8 bolts. I built the frame to the exact specs of the 1/4 ton military jeep trailers so if I wanted to put one of those tubs on the frame I could.
The hardest part was ensuring all doors were square and had adeqaute clearance around the perimeter of the door openings. All doors were aligned and all holes for hinges and latches were drilled prior to painting. I don't like the idea of screws holding hardware on so all of the door hinges use stainless bolts that go all the way through the tubular steel frame. I hand drilled everything and killed many drill bits in the process.
The hinges came from a marine supplier on craigslist, about 6-8 bucks a piece. The latches are pop-up style, sealed to keep out the dust.
I'll get some more detalied pictures when I'm back home. The door seals are a pinch on molding. I welded an 1/8th inch thick lip around all the door openings for the seal to "pinch" on to.
I bought a 4 foot sheet metal bender on sale at summit racing. I work with sheet metal enough and the price was awesome. Plus no shipping. Fabbed up some fenders from diamond plate.
Youngunner
Adventurer
It took me ONE long day from the last picture to get to this. Even enlisted the fiance, my mom and dad to help. Loaded up and drove to Wyoming the next morning.
Youngunner
Adventurer
I never got to finish the fridge slide out, interior shelves, lighting, water tank or mount my campinglab awning but I'm back home and will get some work done this winter. It was fantastic to use over the summer travelling Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. It towed amazing. The labor I put into designing the weight and balance paid off big time. The Tacoma suspension was great, this thing could rock and roll over just about anything and could handle a 30 degree lean fully loaded, although it's not a comfortable feeling. Only a couple times down steep grades coming to stop signs etc did i feel trailer brakes would have helped. My Tacoma has big Tundra brakes with fancy rotors and pads which could easily compensate. The little Tacoma struggled at times at altitude, but it's a heavy truck even without the trailer. I'm in no hurry when I travel so who cares.
This thing sure attracted some attention everywhere I went! It's awesome to see the fruits of my labor!
This thing sure attracted some attention everywhere I went! It's awesome to see the fruits of my labor!
Attachments
Nuclear Redneck
Adventurer
Excellent skills. Could you show off how you have it organized?
Thanks,
Thanks,
SwampfoxSC
Observer
SwampfoxSC
Observer
What do you have in it material wise? I am about to partake in such a adventure.
Youngunner
Adventurer
I'll update this week..stay tuned.
sierramadreteardrops
New member
That thing is sweet! Good job!
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