Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 22

Thread: New trailer build

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default New trailer build



    Third times the charm,
    building this one from scratch rather than buying a pre made CL trailer and moding it
    So far its welded and most welds ground down, still need to do some touch up work.
    Hoping to build the sides up this weekend which will be out of 2x2x 1/8 I think
    The frame is 2.5x2.5 3\16th receiver hitch tubing, currently weighing in at 195 lbs. Frame is 4x6 and 9.5 front to back.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/zrs5hxfws9..._0214.JPG?dl=0

    Thinking 1/8th thick deck, don't want to go the hdpe route due to constant welding, may melt the plastic.
    more updates after this weekend of welding.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Member
    #853
    Last Online
    December 23rd, 2023
    Location
    Highlands
    4x4
    2006 Jeep LJ
    Posts
    7,483
    User Name
    Java
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    2,070
    Thanked 1,788 Times in 1,261 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Looking good, that frame should survive a bomb! I just made plastic fenders for mine and forgot that they need room to expand and contract... the next morning they were all wavy when the sun hit them, I had to loosen all the bolts and drill the holes one size up to allow for expansion. I'd probably skip it too.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    busy Memorial day weekend, got the sides built up, deck layed down and welded, trailer hole drilled and removable stabilizer mounted.
    Yesterday primed and painted the bottom and axle is going on tonight.
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/z2a7vcylls..._0223.JPG?dl=0

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Member
    #1991
    Last Online
    June 14th, 2017
    Location
    Frederick
    4x4
    1997 Jeep ZJ
    Posts
    63
    User Name
    Danimal
    Real Name
    Daniel
    Thanks Given
    1
    Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    vector07 previously posted:
    "busy Memorial day weekend, got the sides built up, deck layed down and welded, trailer hole drilled and removable stabilizer mounted.
    Yesterday primed and painted the bottom and axle is going on tonight.
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/z2a7vcylls..._0223.JPG?dl=0"

    This is looking really good. I have been thinking of doing the same thing. Are you planning on building it up with some good ground clearance? I assume that you are having the same problem that I am, meaning that the trailer can't make it where you want to go.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    It was quite a tough decision on build size, carring capacity, off road capability etc when designing this trailer. I think given the weight and length of this one it will be more of an expedition type trailer - (carries all gear, extra fuel and water etc) but will still get us to the remote camp spot but not really to go wheelin with. Once I get this one built I am looking at building a smaller full off road version with the experience I gain off this build.
    The initial concept was to get all the camping gear we had to bring out of the vehicles, made them too heavy and hard to carry extra kids, I will be measuring the ground clearance tonight once I get the axle on, hoping to get some larger tires for it as well for added clearance.
    Going to buy the remaining steel today, top and sides and rear tailgate and have it mostly assembled this weekend (thats the plan anyway)
    The axle is pretty stout as well as the frame tubing, worst case is I should be able to drag it over most rocks if necessary

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Member
    #1991
    Last Online
    June 14th, 2017
    Location
    Frederick
    4x4
    1997 Jeep ZJ
    Posts
    63
    User Name
    Danimal
    Real Name
    Daniel
    Thanks Given
    1
    Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    vector07 previously posted:
    "It was quite a tough decision on build size, carring capacity, off road capability etc when designing this trailer. I think given the weight and length of this one it will be more of an expedition type trailer - (carries all gear, extra fuel and water etc) but will still get us to the remote camp spot but not really to go wheelin with. Once I get this one built I am looking at building a smaller full off road version with the experience I gain off this build.
    The initial concept was to get all the camping gear we had to bring out of the vehicles, made them too heavy and hard to carry extra kids, I will be measuring the ground clearance tonight once I get the axle on, hoping to get some larger tires for it as well for added clearance.
    Going to buy the remaining steel today, top and sides and rear tailgate and have it mostly assembled this weekend (thats the plan anyway)
    The axle is pretty stout as well as the frame tubing, worst case is I should be able to drag it over most rocks if necessary "

    I looked everywhere for a cheap trailer that would take even fire roads reliably and did not have much luck. I have a motorcycle trailer that I load up one dirt bike and the tent, coolers, and gear, but the dinky little wheels are sketchy at best. They design them low for a low center of gravity for highway stability. I think that I am going to go with the truck bed with camper shell method and weld a hitch to the subframe. I am not a good welder like yourself, so I need to hide my horrible bigger the glob better the job type welds.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Got the sides built up, all welds ground down and top built, added stabilizer jacks to the rear and had to put on wheel spacers so the tires wouldnt rub against the frame. Adding the hinges and painting this week.

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/lepugajbbv..._0227.JPG?dl=0

    https://www.dropbox.com/s/te2hdzuwyr..._0231.JPG?dl=0

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Member
    #853
    Last Online
    December 23rd, 2023
    Location
    Highlands
    4x4
    2006 Jeep LJ
    Posts
    7,483
    User Name
    Java
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    2,070
    Thanked 1,788 Times in 1,261 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Looks like it should hold a lot of stuff, nice work!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Thanks Paul, should be mostly complete by the anniversary run to test it out.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    so its been awhile since I did an update, its been a hectic summer, job transfer and relocated to Loveland which we like better than Castle rock.
    So the trailers initial design was to just haul all the gear up to the campsite, we did this a few times over the summer and I ran into a few problems that needed worked out. we camped on a sloped hill and kept rolling around in the ground tent, didnt like that trip to much so when we got back I started unfitting the trailer to an expedition trailer. The final version will read out like this:
    RTT by smittybilt I think, the XL one
    Extended the front adding 2 feet to have a flat deck - similar to the smitty bilt scout trailer front - done

    added 2 batteries, propane tank, got 3 larger tires to replace the smaller ones that were on there - done, this derived from our last run the trailer was really bumpy because I could not air down the tires because of ground clearance, now the tires can be aired down.

    on our last outing the kitchen setup really sucked - now is a full slide out kitchen out of the back, built in BBQ, L shape kitchen with pantry space - mostly complete

    Had to redo the fenders to accommodate the larger tires, so had to move them up, new location is a better overall look

    next upfit will be a top box with 3 openings, full interior and exterior lighting, rack for an adjustable RTT mount - will need ideas for this one, not sure the best way to raise and lower the RTT by hand or if thats the best option, would like to have it lower for travel and the garage but higher at the campsite.
    Water and propane mounts, spare tire relocated to back to unload tongue weight.

    Will upload some pics tonight

    A few other issues I just thought of, broke my harbor freight chop saw - don't buy that one, cant even get replacement brushes for it
    broke a rigid 7 inch grinder, mailed it back to them, still waiting for them to ship it back.
    looking for the best tool to cut steel with that I can afford, looking at band saws but not too familiar with those.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Member
    #1222
    Last Online
    July 26th, 2020
    Location
    fort collins co
    Age
    43
    4x4
    sami buggy
    Posts
    713
    User Name
    redneck23ms
    Real Name
    alex
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 86 Times in 78 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    hard to beat a portaband for cutting sticks of metal. sounds like a neat trailer

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    new front deck
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/x4jf9w52we..._0503.JPG?dl=0

    side deck
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/mnasckrp79..._0504.JPG?dl=0

    slide outs, right side is done, has BBQ mounted, rail is on wheels, just need to add the slide lock on order, left side is drawers and when you pull it out there is an area for accessories, camp chairs etc. you can also see the new tires in this pic
    https://www.dropbox.com/s/pllluu8y2p..._0505.JPG?dl=0

    when kitchen is done ill take a pic of it all setup

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Member
    #1761
    Last Online
    1 Day Ago
    Location
    Englewood Co.
    Age
    64
    4x4
    91 Jeep Cherokee
    Posts
    1,279
    User Name
    JandDGreens
    Real Name
    David
    Thanks Given
    257
    Thanked 422 Times in 269 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Looking Good!

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    3 Hours Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Progress!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Member
    #405
    Last Online
    December 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Golden, CO
    4x4
    1990 Cherokee
    Posts
    4,760
    User Name
    Hypoid
    Real Name
    Mike
    Thanks Given
    82
    Thanked 499 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    vector07 previously posted:
    "looking for the best tool to cut steel with that I can afford, looking at band saws but not too familiar with those."

    I love my band saw enough to move it around the shop every-time it is in the way. If your metal working future is limited to the specific projects that you have planned, a hand held band saw sounds like a better option.

    In any case, craigslist seems to have a few of each.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Member
    #1761
    Last Online
    1 Day Ago
    Location
    Englewood Co.
    Age
    64
    4x4
    91 Jeep Cherokee
    Posts
    1,279
    User Name
    JandDGreens
    Real Name
    David
    Thanks Given
    257
    Thanked 422 Times in 269 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    How about this? https://denver.craigslist.org/tls/d/...409741902.html
    I wish I had an extra $400 I could spare at the moment!!!

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Member
    #405
    Last Online
    December 3rd, 2023
    Location
    Golden, CO
    4x4
    1990 Cherokee
    Posts
    4,760
    User Name
    Hypoid
    Real Name
    Mike
    Thanks Given
    82
    Thanked 499 Times in 428 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    JandDGreens previously posted:
    "How about this? https://denver.craigslist.org/tls/d/...409741902.html
    I wish I had an extra $400 I could spare at the moment!!!"

    I have the Airforce 250ci, it is nice for sheet metal up to 3/16ths.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    thanks guys, I ended up getting a cold saw, the rage 3 with the steel blade, is holding up very well so far, about 100 cuts in.
    I like that I can make miter cuts with it and they are spot on, plus after the cut its cold to the touch and there are no burrs.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    Ok have a problem that I need help with.
    I am making the rack for the roof top tent which needs to slide up and down so I can fit it in the garage, so I bolted on 4 1.5x1.5 square tube anchor points at each corner extending about 1.5 feet above the top deck. Then I built the top frame rack out of 1.75x1.75 square tube with feet over the 1.5x1.5 tube.
    What I didnt realize is the warping of the steel when I was welding it together.

    so now it barely if at all moves up and down and seems way heavier than I would like. What is odd is I have seen others do this but the design is reversed, with the larger tube on the bottom for the rack to slide into, but im thinking that is a point for water to get in.

    So any ideas on how to correct for this, I do plan on putting electric actuators on each corner to raise it but how do I either get rid of the warpage or redesign the whole rack so it slides better.

    thoughts?

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Member
    #1928
    Last Online
    November 28th, 2020
    Location
    Loveland CO
    Age
    51
    4x4
    2010 fj cruiser
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    vector07
    Real Name
    Chris
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 12 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: New trailer build



    so the trailer is complete for the most part, last weekend we took it out on its maiden voyage to Carter lake to ensure everything handled as it should before hitting the mountains. Still needs to have a new design for the awning and a few other small things that will be fixed this weekend, but here are the vids I took, initial setup and fully setup.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdI7XeUOqho

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxcOvK8-Ilw

  21. The Following 3 Members Say Thanks to vector07 For This Post:

    Java (May 24th, 2018),Jim (May 24th, 2018),SOS-1999TJ (May 24th, 2018)

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. New camping off road trailer build
    By vector07 in forum Build Threads
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: November 9th, 2016, 05:19 PM
  2. hey look, another off-road trailer build!
    By jayson44 in forum Build Threads
    Replies: 55
    Last Post: November 9th, 2014, 09:39 PM
  3. Any ideas on how i can build this Trailer?
    By Adaa60 in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: March 1st, 2014, 07:42 AM
  4. Trailer Build- Need Advice
    By Java in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: October 10th, 2012, 10:15 AM
  5. Offroad Trailer Build
    By Cr33p3r in forum Build Threads
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: April 27th, 2012, 03:43 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP