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Author Topic: Expedition trailer  (Read 9127 times)

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Offline specialk

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Expedition trailer
« on: March 27, 2011, 08:17:28 PM »
My latest build is to upgrade my trailer into an expedition style trailer.   It started off life as a Home Depot Snowbear.  Hauled dirty and other landscaping materials but then I added some locking boxes to carry camping gear.  (see pic 1)

I wanted something a bit more off-roadish and did some interwebbing - found some very cool builds out there.  I also had some specific requirements that prevented me from going the military trailer route.

- I'm getting beadlocks and trail-specific tires so these tires need to be able to be hauled to the trail when I'm camping.
- Wanted to a roof top tent - makes wheeling/camping with the wife so much nicer when she is happy
- wanted the trailer to have same size tires as the rig
- must be able to be a camping snob with all the amenities of going to Banff ( happy wife... well you know)

The original trailer was 4x8.  I had already put some wheel spacers on so I could run the 31's.   

The 35 Trxus I had on my rig got mounted on the original Rubi rims.  To make those fit I narrowed the box to 40".  I also cut 2' off the box to bring it down to 6'.

The axle is the same as the original but I have put in new leaf springs and built some shock mounts.  The Aussie's add the shocks to help the bouncing on the washboard roads.  I'll let you know how that works.

I also cleaned up the underside.  Removed any rust and put on a nice coat of rubberized undercoating. 

The rest of the frame is just being completed now.  I have added a 2" receiver to the rear and plan on a couple of tow points to be welded to frame.  Getting anxious to start building up though...


The roof top tent is here.  Fancy schmancy hitch is coming.  Spring is coming and I want to go camping!
04 TJ Rubi

Offline Vinman

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2011, 09:31:48 PM »
Get rid of that POS 2,000lb axle and get a 3,500lb. Standens will build a 3.5k to your specs with EZ Lube hubs and supply new U-bolts for less than $200.00.
Good opportunity to get a wider axle and get rid of the spacers.

Other than that, it looks like your building a great little expo trailer.
Here's a link to some really good ideas: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php

Good luck
Vince
/l ,[____],
 l---L -OlllllllO-
 ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2011, 07:42:13 AM »
Less than 200? That's pretty inexpensive.   Going to look into that.
04 TJ Rubi

Offline Vinman

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2011, 08:51:44 PM »
Less than 200? That's pretty inexpensive.   Going to look into that.

I think I paid $197.00 all in for mine about 6 months ago.

I have a brand new set of 2,600 lb /pair leaf springs with hangers and and shackles if you want to upgrade from the front bolt/rear slide spring set up if you're interested.

$40.00 for all.
Hanger kit:  http://www.princessauto.com/trailer/trailer/trailer/axle-components/2080025-single-axle-leaf-spring-hanger-kit

2,600 lb/pair Springs: http://www.princessauto.com/trailer/trailer/trailer/spring-components/2080031-1300-lb-double-eye-3-leaf-trailer-spring
Vince
/l ,[____],
 l---L -OlllllllO-
 ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline JJonesee

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2011, 09:01:45 PM »
Looks like a good start.

Heres  a build thread on mine. 

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18250
06' Rubicon LJ
52' M-100
82' Scrambler x 3

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2011, 10:08:08 PM »
I already up'd the leaf springs.  Should have started the build thread sooner! 

Nice build!
04 TJ Rubi

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2011, 08:04:42 PM »
Update time.

The Max Coupler came in. 

04 TJ Rubi

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #7 on: April 23, 2011, 08:07:00 PM »
Some more building and test fitting.  The build is a family affair.  My oldest son Loren has been cutting and welding. Very hands on! 
   ;D Proud dad!
04 TJ Rubi

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2011, 08:12:20 PM »
The sides and roof are on.  Roof is finished.  Installed gas struts to help open the lid.

I just HAD to put the new roof top tent on today and set it up.  I think it looks pretty good.  I did think it may be a bit weird to be sleeping that high up but it you don't notice it when you're in there.

I have to build the back door yet (tomorrow) and start the remaining paint on the sides this week. 
04 TJ Rubi

Offline morerpmfred

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2011, 09:11:26 PM »
Nice project. What gauge of metal are you using on the sides?

Offline w squared

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #10 on: April 23, 2011, 10:42:52 PM »
Where are you going to put those 37's?  ???
I followed a rainbow out to a garage and found a leprichaun. The rainbow ended in a potted cactus on his porch, but there was no gold :(

Offline Unknown303

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #11 on: April 24, 2011, 06:17:16 AM »
Looks awesome so far.  Makes me want to create my own now...  2 door Jeeps don't have a whole lot of extra room for camping gear in them hey.

Offline rws

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #12 on: April 24, 2011, 08:12:48 AM »
Pretty sweet Kevin.

Offline Shearcon79

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2011, 09:14:14 AM »
Congrats on an awesome build Kevin.
Green 94 4.0 YJ :
4.5" RE Extreme Duty
33x12.5 MTZ's on 15x8 Black Steelies
Tera-flex Super Short SYE
Drive Products CV Driveshaft
Swing-away Tire Carrier/Bumper/Hitch
Found D44's out of a Waggy...Just need to build them

Offline specialk

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Re: Expedition trailer
« Reply #14 on: April 24, 2011, 06:32:52 PM »
Where are you going to put those 37's?  ???

I've measured twice... or three times.  They are going to fit!
04 TJ Rubi