Calgary Jeep Association
4x4 Related Groups => Build Ups => Topic started by: specialk on March 27, 2011, 08:17:28 PM
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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!
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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
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Less than 200? That's pretty inexpensive. Going to look into that.
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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
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Looks like a good start.
Heres a build thread on mine.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18250
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I already up'd the leaf springs. Should have started the build thread sooner!
Nice build!
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Update time.
The Max Coupler came in.
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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!
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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.
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Nice project. What gauge of metal are you using on the sides?
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Where are you going to put those 37's? ???
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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.
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Pretty sweet Kevin.
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Congrats on an awesome build Kevin.
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Where are you going to put those 37's? ???
I've measured twice... or three times. They are going to fit!
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Looks really good your pretty crafty.
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nice 8)
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how do you plan on getting into the back .. is it going to be bar door style or big tail gate
looks good
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Kevin is 7'10"... he just steps in. Really quite odd to see, actually.
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i ment how is the access for the back cargo going to be made .. i know how the roof top tent works but to get into the metal BOX
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Kevin is 7'10"... he just steps in. Really quite odd to see, actually.
He only looks that tall when viewed using the "Hobbit's Eye View" technique.
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I've got a single swing out door in the back. I'll be hugging the tires to get them in there for a while. Future plans call for a spare tire carrier that may double as a ramp.
And the sheet metal is 16 guage. A bit thicker than I was planning orginally, but I'm liking the rigidity now that it's on.
Painting the sides starts tonight...
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looks awesome ..
i was planing on starting a bit of work on mine this weekend . but seems like i need to put some time in on the jeep . shes leaking ATF from the Tcase and i need to swap out my busted shocks
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So where can I find spacers like yours?
I picked up my new axle from Standens, but to run E-brakes I will need to add spacers so my Moabs clear.
FYI - I ran mine for two years before I decided to upgrade to trailer brakes. Several long downhill smoky decents, and a few hairy moments on the trail I think its worth it.
In my case I will also get to ditch my 5 on 5.5 Spare and just carry the 5 on 4.5 spare on the tailgate. Another benefit is It will now be as wide as my TJ track width.