TXST8tj homebuilt 'Sherpa' type build

[TXST8tj]

The last update I needed to post is that I finally got it in tow mode. Everything up to this point is fully welded.

I also picked up the sheet of diamond plate to skin the fenders.

 

[Martyinco]

I may be stealing the long fender idea from you for my trailer, I eventually plan on running 35's it also looks like having a longer fender will give me a "workable" surface instead of designing a clip on shelf or something to that extreme. I dig it man :wings:

 

[TXST8tj]

The fenders look goofy with the 31s currently installed, but it looks pretty good with 35s.
Depending how much space will end up between the top of the fender and the bottom of the side boxes, it could prove to be a nice work space and/or step.

 

[TXST8tj]

About time to bring this back from the dead. I moved the trailer into storage for several months during our move. It is back out and in the new garage (collecting crap). I hope to get back to it very soon.


Jack knifes well behind the truck.

 

[TXST8tj]

Time to start kicking this project back in gear.

I picked up some square tube to frame out the main box, as well as a sheet of 14gauge for the deck. I also got a sheet of 16 gauge to begin skinning the boxes.
I already have some of the 1" tube to frame out the doors and side boxes. I also have the 14g gauge to skin the fenders.

 

[TXST8tj]

Got the shock mounts in from Artec Ind. Will take some measurements and pick up some shocks this weekend.
I need to get them mounted before I weld the deck plate to the frame because I need to install a crossmember to attach the upper mounts to.

 

[TXST8tj]

I picked up a new tongue jack. I dislike the bracket just as much as I originally thought, but this jack is way more stable than what I had before, and rolls like it should.
Got it from Tractor Supply. One of the few I could find anywhere locally that had a lift height as high as I need.

 

[TXST8tj]

Time to get the thread up to date. I have not completed a huge amount, but I have finished a very important few steps. I got the shock mounts welded to the frame and tacked to the axle...now to find short shocks.
I built the upper frame work and then primed the frame since it will be covered once the floor is in place.






The floor sheet is cut and the bottom is also primed and ready to be welded in.

 

[TXST8tj]

I got some decent time outside today before the rain moved in.

I finish welded the plate on the tongue. It is diamond plate, and only because I already had the full sheet. I will eventually build a tongue box on top of it.

I got the front plate cut and welded in....man it takes forever to weld in 16ga.

I also got the two side pieces cut, but did not get them welded in. Fenders will be next after the sides are in place....then the side doors.

 

[TXST8tj]

With the side fully welded, I wanted to make some progress on the fenders. I’m pretty much just going to finish this side and then move over to the other side....this is the side my wife sees when she steps out into the garage, so I want it to look like progress.

Following some design cues from a fellow expo trailer builder, I decided to rework my fender shape. They were really just too plain before. I didn’t want them any taller, just more style.

First picture is my old design, second picture is after redesign.

 

[TXST8tj]

Needs a little finish work, but glad to make some more meaningful progress today.

 

[TXST8tj]

I got the side panel for the other side welded in this past weekend. I am anxious to get the fender built so I can move on to the doors.
I picked up the hinges for the two side doors as I will build those first.
I need to pick up another sheet to skin the roof, the middle interior wall, and finish the doors. When all of that is complete, I will begin working on the side boxes, and ultimately the front box.

I also found the brackets I am going to use for my rear spare tire mount. I am pretty excited about that.

 

[TXST8tj]

Finished the drivers side fender and door opening a couple weekends ago.
I also started building the door for that side.

Took it for a spin around the neighborhood.
The upcoming lift and tires for the truck should help to level it out.