Trailer Lids...

[jwtrapper]

I am building another trailer and trying to figure out a diffent type of lid from my last one. I want to see how you did your lid, what works what you would change. Also what hinge did you use and what you would use if you were to do it over again.

My new trailer is comming along and is looking great I now want a lid that will hold up to the standard of the trailer its covering. I'll have to post some pictures of my "modular off road trailer"

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I just did a small write up on my lid if you have any interest.. But it's hard to know if it would fit your application. In the end, my lid was too heavy because I overbuilt it. I could have made it lighter, but instead I'm going a different route now.

Here is my last post with a bunch of pictures of the hinge, top, and sealing surface.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=503099&postcount=37

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[Airborne Lee]

see link in signature line. Just a simple flat but totally solid lid. I can jump on it without any fear of denting, saggin or breaking.

read through the threads there are MANY examples of VERY, VERY good lids....

 

[85CUCV]

bump- I am also looking for ideas.

 

[bmonday]

You can see my lid design by clicking on my build thread link in my signature

 

[Inkog]

Here is a pic of the route I went. There are some more detailed pics in my build thread. I decided to remove the original round tube lip and replace it with 1x2" square tube. I'm almost finished with the modification and it turned out great. I'll be posting updated pictures of it hemmed up once I get back from LA.

Hope this might give you some ideas.

 

[jwtrapper]

That lid looks great!! What gauge steel is it and what sort of bracing does it have on the underside?

 

[RedRocker]

 

[jeeper92]

Great thread

I have no metal working skills nor the desire to shell out money to pay someone. Has anyne done one outta wood? then treated it with hurculiner? or something similar?

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I did mine out of wood, used a sealer from rot-doctor, and then a spar urithane and it's worked well for this past year anyway. I'd hope that it would have pretty good longevity based on what I hear from the tear drop forums that use the same methods but can't speak to that personally yet, and I'll be changing my design shortly, so I'll probably never find out. At least not from this build.

Sorry, Don't have a good picture of it... But maybe this will give you the idea I used...

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[Airborne Lee]

You could do a wood top but I would not be happy (personally) without a metal frame, would you? besides how would you do a hinge that would hold up from use?

By the way, I had zero welding skills before I started mine. It was very easy to get good at. (notice I did not say master.)

 

[jeeper92]

??

I am thinking of a piano hinge like elmo did. I am going to herculine all the wood, i pretty much ahve unlimited access to the stuff. I would think that would water proof the wood, dont you? most of the wood is going to be covered by boxes and the tent itself

 

[elmo_4_vt]

I've seen a couple people that use herculiner, and it holds up for awhile, but I don't think it's a permanent solution unless your storing it indoors when not in use.

On another note, I'll be selling my piano hinge in a few days. Since I"m changing my setup a bit, it won't be needed. It's a 6' continuous Stainless type that is rated for 500 lbs. The metal is all 3/16". Keep a look out for the ad once I get it off of the trailer this weekend.

Don

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[jeeper92]

interested in the hinge.....

how much?

 

[roberto]

i built mine out of 3/4" marine garde plywood but it is just temporary to see if I liked the setup I have in which I do so will now build out of steel tube and probably 14gauge top. basically my top if 4'x6' in which I have a piece of steel that divides it in middle and there are 2 lids on each side and they all open towards center, the lids closet to ends fold all the way over onto other lid and then can flip again and it will rest or strap to my gas springs that lift the entire RTT rack vertical when in camping position which is about 10" taller than it rides in towing position. even with it all the way lowered in towing position as you will see in these pics I am able to open lids if I need to get in there for something. I just have to get made in steel now, and figure some locking mechanism. The first pic behind my folks FORD is in the lowered position, the others are in camp/ higher position

Rob