Off-Road Trailers

[karstic]

Lets see um! M416, M100, Bantam, Homebrew, what have you?

Here's a couple of pics of my civilian Bantam

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/485/2236376160037273218S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2236376160037273218ZrhBeb)

This was up at Monache Meadows

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/3565/2963851410037273218S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2963851410037273218hiFgVx)

Another action shot

[DrMoab]

Not to hijack but its close.

Has anyone ever seen an older small tent trailer converted into an off-road type?

I have been thinking about this for awhile now. Taking the box and adding a tough sub-frame underneith and then adding a good axle that would support 31-35 inch tires.

[xjjeepthing]

I have plans to purchase on of these next summer.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s44/xjjeepthing/Odds%20and%20Ends/EV_large.jpg
http://www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers.com/series.aspx?id=3&sn=Evolution

[jmaxj]

Not to hijack but its close.

Has anyone ever seen an older small tent trailer converted into an off-road type?

I have been thinking about this for awhile now. Taking the box and adding a tough sub-frame underneith and then adding a good axle that would support 31-35 inch tires.
my cousins just got done converting one it's sitting on 35's and a full bar not to mention the thing is stickered with all the off-road sticker you can thiink of

[rokclimbertx]

i'd love to save up for one from www.adventuretrailers.com

if i ever lost or get rid of the XJ, then a tacoma with that trailer conversion would be the way i'd go...

[Jeff 98XJ WI]

i'd love to save up for one from www.adventuretrailers.com

if i ever lost or get rid of the XJ, then a tacoma with that trailer conversion would be the way i'd go...

That's a really cool trailer and I love the replacement bed idea for a pickup. I think an MJ with this as a replacement bed would be pretty darn sweet. :) I've got one long bed MJ trailer now and a short bed in the works to become a trailer. The rest of the short bed MJ will become a truggy with the rear half built into tube. I've just got to get some funds and get my butt moving on the project. :) Jeff

[OverlandXJ]

Theres a guy over at Expedition Portal who bought one of those Fleetwoods, and he loves it. It's a great alternative for those with a larger family.

Those adventure trailers are sweet, and Mario and Martyn continue to raise the bar in the industry. I also would like to see one on an MJ chassis, would be killer on a Brute as well.

[Ronbo]

We camp in a Jumping Jack trailer. Sleeps the family(they say six people, I say five) can handle tough terrain, nearly 1800lb payload. Too wide for the tightest of trails, but not too hard to lift....

http://www.fototime.com/{B9A4544C-3AA5-4349-A99E-14CC302568F5}/picture.JPG

http://www.fototime.com/{6D66463A-9D9F-4C7A-9A98-32BC129DDCF6}/picture.JPG

-Ron

[Begster]

Here is the one my friend just finished. This is looking pretty bland, he has 8 fishing rod holders on it and a trailer hitch on the top right behind the spare tire so he can put his other hitch carier in it for extra space. This is on 36' Irocks.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g76/chuckainsworth/Jeep%20Pics/trailer_007.jpg

If you guys are ever on the Jeep Jamborie website, his Jeep might look familiar, the picture of his Jeep won the contest and is displayed on the home page. http://www.jeepjamboreeusa.com/

[Stumpalump]

I would put a tonge jack on the rear with a big wheel barrow tire on it. That way if I got bound up on a trail or in a tight spot I could lower the wheel and roll or winch the trailer sidways without unhooking it. Id use the kind that swivle down to keep clearance high when not in use.

[seymouj]

Has anyone ever seen an older small tent trailer converted into an off-road type?


I bought a kwik kamp trailer that is designed to be pulled behind a motorcycle. I have not done any modifications to it yet but at one point the plan was to set it on top of the frame from my bantam trailer but I just put a new floor on the bantam and find it too useful so I'll have to make other plans. Perhaps I can find another one with a rotted out tub cheap.

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_closed.jpg

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_setup.jpg

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_cargo.jpg

bantam hauling rock on the rubicon
http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/rock_moving.jpg

[o2bgpn]

Not to hijack but its close.

Has anyone ever seen an older small tent trailer converted into an off-road type?

I have been thinking about this for awhile now. Taking the box and adding a tough sub-frame underneith and then adding a good axle that would support 31-35 inch tires.

I have a little pop-up. Stock it had a spring under set up and about 4.5” of clearance between ground and U bolts. I did a quick spring over conversion, put on slightly larger tires and gained another 4.25”. I’m not going to be dragging it down the Rubicon in its present state but I have drug it down some trails that needed 4 wheel drive and it’s held up fine.

I’ve been mulling around reinforcing the sub frame and putting on a wider axle so I could put on 33’s outboard of the body. Maybe someday. I don’t think it would be that hard to do, there’s really not much there.

Here are a before and after shot, and the website for the work done.
http://itsatj.com/gallery/v/MikezModifications/Aspen_Trailer/ (click on pic to enlarge)


http://itsatj.com/gallery/d/10060-3/_cid_284263203_19022006-1972.jpg

http://itsatj.com/gallery/d/10121-3/Gardner+Canyon+Camping+26+Mar+06-06.jpg

[w_howey]

I have plans to purchase on of these next summer.
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s44/xjjeepthing/Odds%20and%20Ends/EV_large.jpg
http://www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers.com/series.aspx?id=3&sn=Evolution

We looked really closely at those. They are realistically nothing more than a regular pop-up with a heavier axle, some BFG M/T's, and about a $5k higher price tag.

[karstic]

I bought a kwik kamp trailer that is designed to be pulled behind a motorcycle. I have not done any modifications to it yet but at one point the plan was to set it on top of the frame from my bantam trailer but I just put a new floor on the bantam and find it too useful so I'll have to make other plans. Perhaps I can find another one with a rotted out tub cheap.

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_closed.jpg

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_setup.jpg

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/kk_cargo.jpg

bantam hauling rock on the rubicon
http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/rock_moving.jpg

Awesome seeing the Bantam in action.

Is it a civilian or military model?

I would love to see more up-close pics.

What tires and wheels are you running?

[avnsteve]

has anyone here bothered to chop an xj for an off road trailer? I've got a line on a twin to my rig and was curious if it's worth the effort

[IllianaXJ]

We looked really closely at those. They are realistically nothing more than a regular pop-up with a heavier axle, some BFG M/T's, and about a $5k higher price tag.

Yeah, but they look badass behind a modified XJ :D

We were looking to replace our 78 Coleman with one, but it didn't look right behind our 99 Exploder, which is the main camping vehicle. Plus, it seemed to me that if you didn't have an ATV or a bunch of heavy crap in the front flatbed, the tongue weight would be reeeeally light.

[IllianaXJ]

Here's a couple pics of the M416 I had several years ago...

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/3606/1099175998037396418S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/5053/1151396316037396418S600x600Q85.jpg

Shoulda never sold it... great shape, tub had zero rust, parking brake worked. Great little trailer, if I get a chance to snag another one, I will.

[w_howey]

Yeah, but they look badass behind a modified XJ :D

We were looking to replace our 78 Coleman with one, but it didn't look right behind our 99 Exploder, which is the main camping vehicle. Plus, it seemed to me that if you didn't have an ATV or a bunch of heavy crap in the front flatbed, the tongue weight would be reeeeally light.

Take your 78, swap in a real axle. Put some lift springs on it. Some tires and wheels, slap some diamond plate on the corners, and you get the same thing and your better than $2k up in the situation.

[Lawn Cher']

Here's mine from a '88 MJ lwb that matches my '87 MJ.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/lawnchero/Toys/P1010158.jpg

The truck was wrecked in the cab but the bed was unscathed, so we cut it in half and I fabbed a tongue for it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/lawnchero/Toys/P1010154.jpg

[IllianaXJ]

Wanna sell it? :D

[4x4life05]

has anyone here bothered to chop an xj for an off road trailer? I've got a line on a twin to my rig and was curious if it's worth the effort

yupp, the rigs name is xxxpedition, cant remember whose rig it actually was tho...there's a thread with somewhat of a write up laying around here somewhere. Pretty sure somebody else will chime in with a link to it. :farmer:

[IllianaXJ]

Here ya go:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=914369&highlight=xj+trailer

[seymouj]

Awesome seeing the Bantam in action.

Is it a civilian or military model?

I would love to see more up-close pics.

What tires and wheels are you running?

The tires and wheels came from a willys jeep. They are 700x16. I believe it is a civilian model but don't really know. It has a 2" hitch and doesn't appear to have ever had the pintle style hitch on it. All I have done is replace the wheel bearings and put a new floor in it.

I don't have any good closeups but I will try to take some and pm them to you. Here is a picture from the side:

http://seymours.net/jjseymour/images/loading.jpg

[Lawn Cher']

Wanna sell it? :D

Sure! I've hardly used it since I made it. I even have a sturdy rear bumper to put on it. The cap is a little rough though.

[Jeff 98XJ WI]

I found a couple interesting trailers at this site. They are not specifically Offroad Trailers, but they COULD be with a little work. :)

http://www.livinlite.com/TC/cgi-bin/READgallery.pl?mydatabase=5ex

They've also got an interesting truck bed camper that they make.

http://www.livinlite.com/TruckCampers/index.shtml

Jeff

[jmaxj]

is there anythig special to look for on those m416 trailers i know were one is that hasn't moved in about 10 yrs, the guy said he would sell me it.

[karstic]

is there anythig special to look for on those m416 trailers i know were one is that hasn't moved in about 10 yrs, the guy said he would sell me it.

Off the top of my head, check for cancer (rust). The electrical IIRC is 24-volt. Check the hitch to see if its the original pintle or if its been replaced with something else. If someone has cut a tailgate into it, make sure it's not a hack job.

Sequoia can probably chime in some more when he gets back from vacation.

[OverlandXJ]

karstic covered it well, you may want to check the frame and box for being square...they sometimes overloaded them and some are tweeked pretty good. My old M100 was tweaked.

[Fish'nCarz]

Have you guys seen this already?

http://members.aol.com/brimiljeep/WebPages/JeepTrailerPage.html

[karstic]

Have you guys seen this already?

http://members.aol.com/brimiljeep/WebPages/JeepTrailerPage.html

Yup, excellent page on the different 1/4 ton military trailers out there.

[RichP]

Here is one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=270150164700&rd=1

[GSequoia]

gets back from vacation.

Not quite.... More like slammed, slammed, slammed! :D (That planned vacation was cancelled, I'm not even at Swamp Lake today damnit!)

Anyway Derek hre is what you want in an M416.

Originaly lunette (Pintle), minimial rust, original tires / wheels, no tailgate.

Basically by this you know you don't have one that'd been modded to hell.

If it has a tailgate and the deal is sweet get it anyway. Then when you get it start to push in on the rear parts of the bed sides and out, if they move easily you'll need to do some bracing (the tub is like a unibody, take a piece out and you take out structure).

As for the lunette if it is modified that can be dealt with, if the V casting is still there all you have to do is buy another Lunette ring (about $110 generally).

Here is a photo, the V casting I refer to is the piece where the tongue shaft is bolted to (with the spring and all...). There are two different spots where the lunette will botl to, that one is the upper and there is a lower one about four inches further down.
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/16975-2/IMG_0006.JPG


Now... To get this thread back on topic...

http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/18269-1/m416.jpg

http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/17376-2/DSC05463.jpg

[rokclimbertx]

found this for sale in houston if anyone's interested... (no affiliation)

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/402403248.html

[Fred]

Here's mine in Silverton.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h201/fredblum/Coloradofest%2007/100_2826.jpg

Original pintle hitch. Pulls fine on the highway with a little weight on the tongue.

It got used for trash pick-up last weekend on the China Wall trail in Colorado. Made it through some rock piles and a big mud pit.

Fred

[Xtreme XJ]

Here's mine from a '88 MJ lwb that matches my '87 MJ.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/lawnchero/Toys/P1010158.jpg

The truck was wrecked in the cab but the bed was unscathed, so we cut it in half and I fabbed a tongue for it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/lawnchero/Toys/P1010154.jpg

Now that's what I'm look'n for.... just a longbed (no shell)... clean with no dents.... in So. Cal. & CHEAP !!!
Anyone cutting an MJ up for a buggy ?

Curt

[rokclimbertx]

found another for sale... this one in CoSprings...

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=107175

[Prepmech]

Is anyone running brakes on theirs? Would it be worth adding them on such a small trailer?

Do you ever run into problems with them pushing you down a hill on trails?

[IH8RDS]

Here is a thread from a couple years ago

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=60036&highlight=m416

Here is mine. I still have it and I am going to modify it more this winter
http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/M416/thread/almostdone4.jpg

[rokclimbertx]

i bought one very similar from a guy in KC a few years ago... it's just so dang heavy though, it weighs like 750lbs... plus no lunette but that can be fixed...

[Boatwrench]

Not a bad looking trailer (http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bar/1010382392.html) to bad it's on the far side of the country.

[GSequoia]

I like the Izuzu or whatever it is in the background with scissor doors :laugh3:

[BajaCurt]

Here is my 52 M100 down in Baja.
Has the original lunette, parking brake, no tailgate and original data plates that indicate it was serviced at the Marine base in Albany, GA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3229877122_6e3b794175_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bajacurt/3229877122/)

[OverlandXJ]

Thats some old school cool Curt! When was that photo taken?

[xj_mike]

Here is our Kamparoo trailer.

http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/albums/trailertest/Prescott_trailer_testing_211.jpg
http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/albums/trailertest/Prescott_trailer_testing_213.jpg
http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/albums/trailertest/Prescott_trailer_testing_276.jpg

[GSequoia]

Here is my 52 M100 down in Baja.
Has the original lunette, parking brake, no tailgate and original data plates that indicate it was serviced at the Marine base in Albany, GA

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/3229877122_6e3b794175_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bajacurt/3229877122/)

All you need is the IV cable box in the front, the part that disappears on 93% of M100s!

I'm glad I have an M416, I'd feel guilty about using an M100 in rough conditions ;)

[Blazair]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/thanks075.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/TRAILER/e446.jpg

[karstic]

MJ bed on a CUSTOM BUILT FRAME.

Very Nice!

[Xtreme XJ]

My MJ bed trailer is getting the tongue tomorrow... hopefully it'll be towable by dark...

Curt

[Xtreme XJ]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/thanks075.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/TRAILER/e446.jpg

So how is the spring over "raised" axle working ??

Curt

[xj_mike]

So how is the spring over "raised" axle working ??

Curt

Good catch! Didn't even see that the first time. That's a good question and hope it gets answered. I had always wondered about doing this.

[GSequoia]

My MJ bed trailer is getting the tongue tomorrow...

That's what she said.

[xj-grin]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/thanks075.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/blazair/TRAILER/e446.jpg

Apparently its a trend, that looks vaguely like something that is growing in my garage...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=976048:guitar:

[Xtreme XJ]

That's what she said.

Jackass !!!:roflmao:

How's that baby ??

Curt

[GSequoia]

How's that baby ??


At the moment he's snoring. :D

[Blazair]

So how is the spring over "raised" axle working ??

Curt
The drop axle works fine. No issues.

[BlueGerbil]

http://www.liska.de/bilder/gerbilsnest.jpg

http://www.liska.de/bilder/tentrax_18.jpg

[Xtreme XJ]

The drop axle works fine. No issues.

Cool... I was thinking about doing the same... I thought there might be some twisting...

Curt

[Root Moose]

I dunno if I'd want the axle dropped like that with trailer brakes.

Leverage and all that.

[Xtreme XJ]

I dunno if I'd want the axle dropped like that with trailer brakes.

Leverage and all that.


I think it might too... nice clearence though...

Curt

[Root Moose]

Maybe if the spring perch was longer... like those cheesy "anti-wrap" perches you can get for axles. You'd need to make sure that axle wrap didn't create a stress raiser where the perch end impacts the leaf though. Maybe if the perch end was beyond the lower leaf. Don't know what that would do to up movement on the pack though.

[Blazair]

Its a 3500 lb axle with 2500 lb springs.
(I dont ever plan on carrying 2500 lbs in it. Maybe 2499 lbs.)

[Xtreme XJ]

Tongue is on... needs a few more little details to get it legal...

http://i42.tinypic.com/24cveh4.jpg

Curt

[squirrel80]

Hey Curt. I hope you didn't cut up a perfectly good MJ to build a trailer! That thing looks good. Does this mean you are done playing with trailers and are going to do some wheeling?

[Prepmech]

Tongue is on... needs a few more little details to get it legal...

http://i42.tinypic.com/24cveh4.jpg

Curt

Looks great!

Something I have learned with mine, you need to get as much weight over the tounge as possible. Mine likes to wander around when it is empty or loaded evenly, when it is loaded toward the tounge it pulls great. A tounge box or anything else up there would help out quite a bit.

Your tounge looks to be about the same length as mine. I drove mine around in the snow the other day and it follows the jeep almost perfectly. I have been able to sneak it around some pretty tight turns without having to worry about it.

The lock & roll hitch looks good on it, my pintle/lunette setup is pretty loud when the trailer is empty. I think adding tounge weight would help that out quite a bit as well.

Isn't it amazing how light these trailers seem when they are empty?! I can pull mine around with one hand like it is a little red wagon.

[jwtrapper]

Has anyone seen this http://www.jeepbrokers.com/product_reviews_adventure_trailers.htm

I am wanting to do a suspesion setup like this to a trailer. This will be a summer project to take to Escalante in Sept. $1200 is a crazy price for this. What I am wondering though is what do they use for the front of the trailing arm? What kind of joint do they use? What would last and be easy to repair?

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd72/MVandG/New%20Chaser%20as%20Delivered/P1010042.jpg

[Prepmech]

I don't know what they use, but some leaf spring bushings would probably work pretty well.

[XJBANKER]

Here is a picture of my M100. havent decided if I am going to sell it or keep it.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=5236815&cat=&lpid

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/IMG_7020.jpg

[Root Moose]

What I am wondering though is what do they use for the front of the trailing arm? What kind of joint do they use? What would last and be easy to repair?

I don't know what they use but I'd guess that a ordinary Jeep style control arm bushing would be adequate. The joints only need to rotate, there's not any (or much) twist required.

[Xtreme XJ]

Hey Curt. I hope you didn't cut up a perfectly good MJ to build a trailer! That thing looks good. Does this mean you are done playing with trailers and are going to do some wheeling?

HA ! this is only part of phase I... one of like 27 phases... ask Prep...
Perfectly good... Hmmmm... no I would call it a perfectly clapped out, lived it's life, EVERYTHING badly in need of being rebuilt old truck. I still have the front half of the truck...
I've done a few exploring trips... and the XJ has been broke for a month and on Sun. I discovered I had bearing issues in the rearend and a chipped tooth on the ring gear...so it's coming apart, I ordered the gears/bearings today.
I'm just shooting for TDS... Parker this week then a Plaster City race two weeks later... then one weekend to relax and head out to TDS !!!

See YA !
Curt

[Xtreme XJ]

Looks great!

Something I have learned with mine, you need to get as much weight over the tounge as possible. Mine likes to wander around when it is empty or loaded evenly, when it is loaded toward the tounge it pulls great. A tounge box or anything else up there would help out quite a bit.

Your tounge looks to be about the same length as mine. I drove mine around in the snow the other day and it follows the jeep almost perfectly. I have been able to sneak it around some pretty tight turns without having to worry about it.

The lock & roll hitch looks good on it, my pintle/lunette setup is pretty loud when the trailer is empty. I think adding tounge weight would help that out quite a bit as well.

Isn't it amazing how light these trailers seem when they are empty?! I can pull mine around with one hand like it is a little red wagon.

I agree keep the bias tongue heavy... at first without the tongue it would tilt ass down... now that the tongue is on it's slightly biased towards the tongue... also the front receiver will have a section that slides into it so it will actually be a little longer then it is now... the front drawbar will be adjustable in length to fit the types of towing I'll do... then if NEED be I can remove it and run it to the rear receiver in those rare instances I get bound up... even though we don't have trees out here...
How about an old section of rad. hose(the curved part) zip tied to the lunette & pintle... to help isolate the noise ?

I dig yours as you know, I hope it'll eventually look as nice...

Curt

[Xtreme XJ]

Prep
Here are a few more picts. over on the other thread...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?p=244243962#post244243962

[camarors8992]

I was given this trailer for free, I'm going to get it up on some jack stand some time soon as see what it has under it, maybe it's ready for trailer Brakes :). I wonder what's involved in getting it up into the air some more ? I've been pulling my atv around with it so far.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/camarors8992/IMAGE_378.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/camarors8992/IMAGE_377.jpg

[OverlandXJ]

Those projects look great guys!

Looking fwd to spring to get working on mine.

[Xtreme XJ]

Some more with a little more headway...

The drawbar/tongue...
http://i40.tinypic.com/126fkfd.jpg

Extended...
http://i44.tinypic.com/2dj41n9.jpg

The backbone that goes front to rear...
http://i43.tinypic.com/2lcwqyq.jpg

Where the F & R meet...
http://i43.tinypic.com/5y58jo.jpg

The rear tied into the rear of the frame...
http://i40.tinypic.com/ivbqeg.jpg

The receiver exiting the rear...
http://i44.tinypic.com/5wjait.jpg

Getting close to being towable...

Curt

[karstic]

The rear tied into the rear of the frame...
http://i40.tinypic.com/ivbqeg.jpg

Getting close to being towable...

Curt

Think of the axle clearence running those bad boys:gee:


Any thoughts of swapping the d35 for a trailer axle to reduce weight/increaSE CLEARENCE?

[Xtreme XJ]

Any thoughts of swapping the d35 for a trailer axle to reduce weight/increaSE CLEARENCE?

YEP !!! I'll probably go the same route as most others have 3500# 3" axle.

I always thought it would be cool to have a back up axle in a trailer, but weight & with the back bone going allll the way through it's probably wiser to toss the 35

Curt

[XJBANKER]

Here is a picture of my M100. havent decided if I am going to sell it or keep it.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=5236815&cat=&lpid

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/IMG_7020.jpg


Sold my trailer saturday. I am going to build one from scratch instead.

[OverlandXJ]

Sold my trailer saturday. I am going to build one from scratch instead.


Looking for an indepth thread when ya get started. :thumbup:

Have a design your working on?

[XJBANKER]

Looking for an indepth thread when ya get started. :thumbup:

Have a design your working on?


Probably build something that looks alot like the Horzon Adventure Trailer. I also like the idea of the airbag suspension. Just ideas right now. I had to change so much on the other trailer (Axle, Hitch, shocks) I could not pass up the money offered to me.

[purplexj]

Try IH8MUD.com. Lot of info on there. They have a trailer section even though they are Landrover guy's. I finnally cut my rust free MJ for a trailer since I could'nt get papers forit and I'm using the 144K 4.0 short block to replace my 300k H.O.

[Root Moose]

Try IH8MUD.com. Lot of info on there. They have a trailer section even though they are Landrover guy's.

IH8MUD is Land Cruiser, not Land Rover. Please don't confuse prossibly the best 4x4s ever made (LC) with a POS (LR). ;)

Sorry, in a nit-picky mood. :D

Also check out the trailer forum at expeditionportal.com.

[purplexj]

Meant Cruiser and not Rover, sorry. Typing and not thinking or thinking and not typing what I think I'm thinking that I'm typing. I think!

[Root Moose]

LOL

Dontcha hate when that happens?

[Oatmeal]

Here are the only pictures I have of the one I built (from a website my nephew put together) :) : http://rockoma.com/Web4.htm It has 35s (on 5 1/2" on 5 wheels....same as my Bronco), electric brakes and sits on Bronco leaf springs. It's been on the Rubicon, Dusy/Ershim Coyote Lake and my brother even pulled it with his Tacoma on a NAXJA run he did with you guys a few years ago!----------Hans

[Original_MudButt]

http://rockoma.com/Web4.htm

Nice!!

Question...

I noticed that your trailer has the main stem of the tongue that looks to be about 3-4 feet long with two angled braces meeting it a very short distance out from the trailer box.

Whereas most tailers, those are usually part of the sideframe and go all the way to the tongue.

Is there an advantage to this?

It looks like you can jack the trailer over further without hitting the bumper. It certainly looks cleaner in my opinion. And it looks like it might save a little weight.

Is there a specific design reason for this?

Thanks.....

[Oatmeal]

Nice!!

Question...

I noticed that your trailer has the main stem of the tongue that looks to be about 3-4 feet long with two angled braces meeting it a very short distance out from the trailer box.

Whereas most tailers, those are usually part of the sideframe and go all the way to the tongue.

Is there an advantage to this?

It looks like you can jack the trailer over further without hitting the bumper. It certainly looks cleaner in my opinion. And it looks like it might save a little weight.

Is there a specific design reason for this?

Thanks.....Like you said, I did it that way so that I could jack knife it further without hitting the tow vehicle (I tow it with my Bronco and Toyota p/u.......maybe my XJ one of these days!) I have a platform on there to carry a cooler but, there's still plenty of clearance. It has a little wear since those pictures were taken.......I had a neighbor back into it and I've gone through a couple of sets of fenders (rocks like them :dunno: ) but, man! You can sure haul alot of camping gear with a trailer!:) ----------Hans

[Root Moose]

A friend of mine has a similar arrangement on his off-road trailer.

The only difference is that the long part of the tongue is collapsible. That way it is adjustable depending on what he is doing and if he is at full fighting weight the tongue is collpased and well supported (structurally).

Works well for him. I'll probably copy it for mine.

[jwtrapper]

Oatmeal,

Whats the weight of your trailer?

[Oatmeal]

Oatmeal,

Whats the weight of your trailer?You know, I'm not even sure. Let's see, the frame is made out of 4"x4"x1/8" and 2"x4"x1/8" tubing and the bed out of 14ga cold rolled steel a couple of 35" wheels and tires and an axle with brake drums......my best guess would be between 300-400 lbs. Four of us were able to pick it up, fully loaded with camping gear (and I bring a lot of crap when I tow the trailer!) to get it out of tight spot once so......:dunno: ---------Hans

[Oatmeal]

Here's a link to the thread that has my brother and his Tacoma with my trailer in tow on NAXJA run!: http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=966843 :D -----------Hans

[OverlandXJ]

Borrowed a bud's 416 for the upcoming NAC-Fest in a few weeks. Same guy who i bought the RTT from.

It's a nice trailer but i'll like mine with the tailgate.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/Erik4162.jpg

[iluv83vettes]

those are some sweet rims for a trailer

[fyrfytr1717]

Long way to go, but I guess this can serve as a "before" picture for my trailer. '88 SWB Comanche. Guy I bought it from rolled it, transplanted the motor into a Cherokee, and then cut the cab off. Well, most of it anyway... Just a couple of dents from the rollover, but aside from that (and the rattle can paint job) it's pretty darn clean.

Plans include a custom tongue welded up to the stock uniframe, tongue mounted storage box and jerrycans, 3500# Dexter axle mounted SOA with stock leaf packs, trailer brakes and parking brake, 6-wire plugs to include electric brakes and auxillary 12V supply, Lock N' Roll hitch, 33x10.5 BFG MT's with wheels to match the XJ, and Chili Pepper Red paint to match as well.

Up in the air are the bedliner, type of cover (if any), using the stock fuel tank for fuel or water storage (or removing it), and 97+ tail light conversion. Open to suggestions...

So here it is, kind of a turd at this point, but it does have a Dana 44... :eyes:

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8008.jpg?t=1255500160

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8013.jpg?t=1255500208

[jwtrapper]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/jwtrapper/trailer12.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/jwtrapper/trailertent6.jpg

I like how mine turned out. It weighs in at 780 lbs with the tent.

[Xtreme XJ]

Long way to go, but I guess this can serve as a "before" picture for my trailer. '88 SWB Comanche. Guy I bought it from rolled it, transplanted the motor into a Cherokee, and then cut the cab off. Well, most of it anyway... Just a couple of dents from the rollover, but aside from that (and the rattle can paint job) it's pretty darn clean.

Plans include a custom tongue welded up to the stock uniframe, tongue mounted storage box and jerrycans, 3500# Dexter axle mounted SOA with stock leaf packs, trailer brakes and parking brake, 6-wire plugs to include electric brakes and auxillary 12V supply, Lock N' Roll hitch, 33x10.5 BFG MT's with wheels to match the XJ, and Chili Pepper Red paint to match as well.

Up in the air are the bedliner, type of cover (if any), using the stock fuel tank for fuel or water storage (or removing it), and 97+ tail light conversion. Open to suggestions...

So here it is, kind of a turd at this point, but it does have a Dana 44... :eyes:

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8008.jpg?t=1255500160

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8013.jpg?t=1255500208

Hey so I take it that you found the axle info. ??
Something else to think about as opposed to folding the frame rails in check out my tongue/draw-bar on page 5 of this thread... we slid about 2ft. of the tongue material into the MJ frame... there's picts. somewhere of the underside angled up to meet the tubing... not sure which would be more work.

As to the tank idea I was thinking the same, but mine hung down too far... so if I use one it'll be thinner & smaller all around...

I've got the Lock & Roll, but there might be a better idea out there... at extreme angles the L & R can drop thus causing it to bind... while not a common angle to be at it can happen... Check the trailer forum on Expedition Portal... there's mention of it as well as a different coupler that might be worth a look.

See Ya !
Curt

[fyrfytr1717]

Hey so I take it that you found the axle info. ??
Something else to think about as opposed to folding the frame rails in check out my tongue/draw-bar on page 5 of this thread... we slid about 2ft. of the tongue material into the MJ frame... there's picts. somewhere of the underside angled up to meet the tubing... not sure which would be more work.

As to the tank idea I was thinking the same, but mine hung down too far... so if I use one it'll be thinner & smaller all around...

I've got the Lock & Roll, but there might be a better idea out there... at extreme angles the L & R can drop thus causing it to bind... while not a common angle to be at it can happen... Check the trailer forum on Expedition Portal... there's mention of it as well as a different coupler that might be worth a look.

See Ya !
Curt

Turns out there's a Redneck Trailer Supplies about 45 minutes south of me. They don't keep the 3" beams in stock, but I'll probably be ordering one through them. I appreciate the tip.

While I think using the factory unibody for the tongue is pretty clever, I don't particularly like the way it looks when all is said and done. I'm planning on cutting my unibody just forward of the bed, but at an angle the way you did yours. I think it looks much cleaner than just chopping it off and welding in a piece of plate to cover up the hole. I also like how yours is extendable and has a receiver for the tongue. I'll probably be doing the same though I don't think mine will extend so far nor will it continue on to the rear of the bed like yours. What size is the tubing you inserted into the uniframe rails?

I don't know enough about MJ's to be familiar with the gas tank options offered over the years, however, I don't think mine hangs down too low. It also looks like it has some sort of an OEM skid plate on it. My plan was to hook up the fuel pump to a switched 12V source to be able to transfer fuel to a can or directly to my XJ's tank. I'm sure it'll require some modifications to the fuel line plumbing, but I haven't dug into it deeply enough to know what is involved yet.

As for the Lock N' Roll, I hadn't heard about the binding issue. I was concerned over the reports that they allow your trailer to tip over pretty easily on the trail, but still liked that they were quiter than the pintle hook hitches. Sounds like I need to do a little more research before making a purchase. Thanks for the feedback!

[Xtreme XJ]

Turns out there's a Redneck Trailer Supplies about 45 minutes south of me. They don't keep the 3" beams in stock, but I'll probably be ordering one through them. I appreciate the tip.

While I think using the factory unibody for the tongue is pretty clever, I don't particularly like the way it looks when all is said and done. I'm planning on cutting my unibody just forward of the bed, but at an angle the way you did yours. I think it looks much cleaner than just chopping it off and welding in a piece of plate to cover up the hole. I also like how yours is extendable and has a receiver for the tongue. I'll probably be doing the same though I don't think mine will extend so far nor will it continue on to the rear of the bed like yours. What size is the tubing you inserted into the uniframe rails?

I don't know enough about MJ's to be familiar with the gas tank options offered over the years, however, I don't think mine hangs down too low. It also looks like it has some sort of an OEM skid plate on it. My plan was to hook up the fuel pump to a switched 12V source to be able to transfer fuel to a can or directly to my XJ's tank. I'm sure it'll require some modifications to the fuel line plumbing, but I haven't dug into it deeply enough to know what is involved yet.

As for the Lock N' Roll, I hadn't heard about the binding issue. I was concerned over the reports that they allow your trailer to tip over pretty easily on the trail, but still liked that they were quiter than the pintle hook hitches. Sounds like I need to do a little more research before making a purchase. Thanks for the feedback!

I can't remember for sure... 3" X 4" X 1/8th. I think...
I will never run with the tongue that far out... it's more for a little adjust-ability and should the need arise I can swap it from the front to the rear for a quick rescue... I wanted to tie the front to the rear of the trailer for the extra strength and the tail end of the back bone will be trimmed once a rear bumper is designed and built.

I think once you trim it up the tank will expose itself more... mine had a plastic skid. There might be transporting issues and issues with the way fuel is transferred, you know... it IS Cal. :paperwork maybe leave it out till it's registered.

I think the concern would only be if & when the trailer is jack knifed... at that point around 90 deg. it can "drop" and bind... might not ever be an issue...

I realllllly need to get to crack'n on mine now that it's cooled off... a little.

Curt

[XJBANKER]

Turns out there's a Redneck Trailer Supplies about 45 minutes south of me. They don't keep the 3" beams in stock, but I'll probably be ordering one through them. I appreciate the tip.

While I think using the factory unibody for the tongue is pretty clever, I don't particularly like the way it looks when all is said and done. I'm planning on cutting my unibody just forward of the bed, but at an angle the way you did yours. I think it looks much cleaner than just chopping it off and welding in a piece of plate to cover up the hole. I also like how yours is extendable and has a receiver for the tongue. I'll probably be doing the same though I don't think mine will extend so far nor will it continue on to the rear of the bed like yours. What size is the tubing you inserted into the uniframe rails?

I don't know enough about MJ's to be familiar with the gas tank options offered over the years, however, I don't think mine hangs down too low. It also looks like it has some sort of an OEM skid plate on it. My plan was to hook up the fuel pump to a switched 12V source to be able to transfer fuel to a can or directly to my XJ's tank. I'm sure it'll require some modifications to the fuel line plumbing, but I haven't dug into it deeply enough to know what is involved yet.

As for the Lock N' Roll, I hadn't heard about the binding issue. I was concerned over the reports that they allow your trailer to tip over pretty easily on the trail, but still liked that they were quiter than the pintle hook hitches. Sounds like I need to do a little more research before making a purchase. Thanks for the feedback!


Look at adventure trailers new max coupler.

[jwtrapper]

No problem with it binding and a lot cheaper.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/jwtrapper/trailer3.jpg

[GSequoia]

YOu know I gotta say that I don't get why people are putting so much hate on a lunette/pintle setup. They're not really that noisy, they work well (as long as at least one end rotates), and the noise they do make doesn't sound like anything other than a pintle (so you won't misidentify it).


By the way jwtrapper - Next time cross the chains (take the left chain and put it on the right of the bumper). That way if the connector fails the tongue will be more likely to fall on the chain, not on the ground catching a rut and doing more damage to the trailer.

[jwtrapper]

By the way jwtrapper - Next time cross the chains (take the left chain and put it on the right of the bumper). That way if the connector fails the tongue will be more likely to fall on the chain, not on the ground catching a rut and doing more damage to the trailer.

It was just a photo shoot.

[Oatmeal]

YOu know I gotta say that I don't get why people are putting so much hate on a lunette/pintle setup. They're not really that noisy, they work well (as long as at least one end rotates), and the noise they do make doesn't sound like anything other than a pintle (so you won't misidentify it)..........I agree! I've pulled my trailer over the rockiest trails and have never had a problem with hitch bind.....in fact you could probably roll my trailer completely over (I wouldn't recommend it, though) and the hitch would be fine......would break a regular ball mount and even some of the fancy "off road" hitches out there!----------Hans

[Xtreme XJ]

YOu know I gotta say that I don't get why people are putting so much hate on a lunette/pintle setup. They're not really that noisy, they work well (as long as at least one end rotates), and the noise they do make doesn't sound like anything other than a pintle (so you won't misidentify it).


By the way jwtrapper - Next time cross the chains (take the left chain and put it on the right of the bumper). That way if the connector fails the tongue will be more likely to fall on the chain, not on the ground catching a rut and doing more damage to the trailer.

Geoff... I like pintles... if I had a "JEEP" trailer I'd possibly use one... wait my trailer IS a JEEP !! I think there's room for each one it more personal pref.

Curt

[Xtreme XJ]

Look at adventure trailers new max coupler.

THAT'S !! The one...

Curt

[GSequoia]

Geoff... I like pintles... if I had a "JEEP" trailer I'd possibly use one... wait my trailer IS a JEEP !! I think there's room for each one it more personal pref.

No, Curt, you're seeing it wrong.

You must have it exactly like mine.

In fact I expect to see your Jeep painted red sometime in the next week. :spin1:

[Xtreme XJ]

No, Curt, you're seeing it wrong.

You must have it exactly like mine.

In fact I expect to see your Jeep painted red sometime in the next week. :spin1:

Hey I had to cut an MJ so I wouldn't be like you... cause once you've done it I won't be able to keep up... I am fighting that urge to copy you... RED !!!! HA ! NEVER !!!

How's the baby... ummm toddler... ?

Curt

[fyrfytr1717]

Look at adventure trailers new max coupler.


Looks pretty nice and it's roughly the same price as the Lock N' Roll once you factor in the price of the standard hitch and a 2" receiver coupler. Regardless, they're both pretty expensive options, especially given the fact that they both cost twice what I paid for my 1/2 an MJ. :eek:

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/coupler.html

[dbperformance96]

[QUOTE=fyrfytr1717;244612701]Turns out there's a Redneck Trailer Supplies about 45 minutes south of me. They don't keep the 3" beams in stock, but I'll probably be ordering one through them. I appreciate the tip.


I run a trailer parts store in Livingston just up the road from you and I am an Authorized Dexter Axle Distributor. Send me a pm with what hubface your are looking for and I can see if I can help you out. I do stock some 3" tube axles. I also have the lock-n-roll hitch on the shelf.


Regards,

Sean

[GSequoia]

Hey I had to cut an MJ so I wouldn't be like you... cause once you've done it I won't be able to keep up... I am fighting that urge to copy you... RED !!!! HA ! NEVER !!!

How's the baby... ummm toddler... ?

Curt

Still qualifies as a baby I think (Toddler starts at 2, right?)

He's walking now, we're so fawked!

[OverlandXJ]

I have limited time using a pintle, but it doesnt bother me too much. Not enough to fork over the price for a multi axis coupler anyway.

jwtrapper, i like what you built. Did i miss a build thread somewhere?

[jwtrapper]

I always have good intentions of doing a build thread on my stuff but most of the time it never happens. I have a few build pictures but not enough to start a good build thread. I am wanting to sell this one (I need a transfercase) and down the road build an off road teardrop.

[blacksheep01]

I am going to be building a trailer for spring and summer camping, mostly to haul my camp stuff in. Any more trailer pics and/or somewhat detailed plans. I have watched this thread off and on for about a year now, time for a bump for new pics and plans.
Also, I will be using a dodge caravan rear axle as I have been told it has the 5x4.5 so I have extra spares.
This dude is local, but I don't have the cash to shell out for this, but here is basically what I am looking for: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f130/military-style-jeep-trailer-jk-tj-yj-cj-wj-xj-909795/

[Original_MudButt]

Any more trailer pics and/or somewhat detailed plans.

You can spend days here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42

[blacksheep01]

Yeah, I think I spent about 4 hours on that site one dy at work. I'll check it out again, thanks.

[atownxj]

damn that site is sick, thanks for that i am hooked.

[ert01]

That site has been almost as much of an inspiration to me as NAXJA has... GREAT stuff there.

[DrMoab]

My only problem with Ex-Po is the huge class discrepancy there. You have the little guys who can't afford the cool stuff and the uber rich who don't think anything about spending $600 bucks on a camp chair.

[XJBANKER]

My only problem with Ex-Po is the huge class discrepancy there. You have the little guys who can't afford the cool stuff and the uber rich who don't think anything about spending $600 bucks on a camp chair.


$600.00 on a camp chair......try some people spend $1200.00 on them.

[GSequoia]

$600.00 on a camp chair......try some people spend $1200.00 on them.

I spent $4,600 on one once!

I've modded it a bit over the years, it looks liek this now:
http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/21965-2/Rockin_+2009+-+124.jpg

[Original_MudButt]

My only problem with Ex-Po is the huge class discrepancy there. You have the little guys who can't afford the cool stuff and the uber rich who don't think anything about spending $600 bucks on a camp chair.

To each his own I say....


I went on the old Mojave Road tour with some from Expo last October.

There were vehicles of all types. From a fairly new, totally tricked out, Wrangler to my homebuilt XJ, to a totally stock early 80's C-10 4x4.

We all had the same amount of fun.....

[DrMoab]

To each his own I say....


I went on the old Mojave Road tour with some from Expo last October.

There were vehicles of all types. From a fairly new, totally tricked out, Wrangler to my homebuilt XJ, to a totally stock early 80's C-10 4x4.

We all had the same amount of fun.....

I have several friends there too, and I know a lot of people from here who are over there. It's not something that keeps me hanging with anyone. I just get a feeling of class warfare there a little bit. I would bet that a lot of it is just internet BS. The guys who use their junk most likely aren't the ones who turn their nose down at others.

[OverlandXJ]

I dont enjoy Expo as much as i used to. There are still a good number of folks who i'd like to spend a few hours around the campfire with, theres also a few who i'v assigned to my ignore list. That's a first for me BTW..

The site has been a great influence on gear i aquired, lust after and dont get the point of. It's going to be dependant upon ones needs.

I'd like to see our little board get a bit more traffic. In time i guess..

On Topic: I need to get moving soon on my trailer. Just the bare essentials i'll need later this summer.

[Boatwrench]

We all had the same amount of fun.....

Maybe. I am at the age where comfort plays a larger factor in my decisions but don't have the resources to make it happen.

Thread jack -> It appears that Mojave Road will be popular with NAXJA members this season. Sierra trying to get up a run and SOCAL is planning a run. Probably a dumb question, but is this trail fairly easy to pull a trailer over?

[DrMoab]

Probably a dumb question, but is this trail fairly easy to pull a trailer over?

Define trailer? A 35 foot fifth wheel? no probably not but I've seen lots of write ups of people pulling off road trailers.

[karstic]

Maybe. I am at the age where comfort plays a larger factor in my decisions but don't have the resources to make it happen.

Thread jack -> It appears that Mojave Road will be popular with NAXJA members this season. Sierra trying to get up a run and SOCAL is planning a run. Probably a dumb question, but is this trail fairly easy to pull a trailer over?

To echo the good doctor, a 1/4 ton-type trailer/off-road trailer will do fine. Cal drug his M100 across it one year.

[Boatwrench]

We are looking for an off-road trailer. Mary wants to run White Rim Trail next time we are in Moab. I want to run Lassen-Applegate in northern Nevada. We discussed Mojave Road also.

[OverlandXJ]

We are looking for an off-road trailer. Mary wants to run White Rim Trail next time we are in Moab. I want to run Lassen-Applegate in northern Nevada. We discussed Mojave Road also.


Expo is a pretty good source for trailers, espescially if one with the bells and whistles included intrigues you.

Buying an M416 or CDN101 is a great starting point, add what you need as you can.

[GSequoia]

Mojave Road is perfect for an M416 size trailer, just don't roll the trailer!

I need to do Mojave Road again, it's been too long. If you do end up on a Mojave Road run I highly recommend mid April while the desert is in bloom. It makes for good weather and absolutely beautiful scenery.

[GSequoia]

CDN101 is a great starting point, add what you need as you can.

I'd love to get a 101 to cut up and make an AdventureTrailer clone. I just can't bring myself to cut up a perfect M416!

[WebDog]

Thread jack -> It appears that Mojave Road will be popular with NAXJA members this season. Sierra trying to get up a run and SOCAL is planning a run. Probably a dumb question, but is this trail fairly easy to pull a trailer over?

I just picked up a small axle to start building a small off-road trailer and was planning on Mojave Road being its first run...

[Fred]

No need to cut up an M416 with this tent from Australia. I hope to be ordering one soon. Air freight to Denver will be $475, but I've yet to see anything close that can be used with my M416.

http://www.gordigear.com/trailer_tents/12_ft_trailer_tent.php?l=en

[GSequoia]

My idea is a lot like that for a cut up 101CDN Fred. If I'm going to build an adventure trailer it'll have doors, drawers, blinking lights, mattresses, a fridge, a stove, and a fleshlight.

[karstic]

and a fleshlight.

Holly staying home?

[fyrfytr1717]

Well, since there's been a little more activity here on the off-road trailer thread I thought I'd give a quick update on my progress. Here's some refresher pics of my beauty...

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8008.jpg?t=1255500160

http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s359/fyrfytr1717/MJ%20Trailer%20Build/100_8013.jpg?t=1255500208

So far it's been mostly parts gathering. I've taken the suggestions I've gotten here, spent a lot of time on ExPo, and come up with somewhat of a plan. I've already purchased a MaxCoupler (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/coupler.html) from Adventure Trailers, a 3" Simple Swap Kit (http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/simple-toyota-p-196.html) from RuffStuff, a set of what are supposedly lightly used OEM replacement Metric Tonne MJ springs, and a Dexter Trailer Axle (Dexter 3500lb Axle w/ 3" Tube (60.5" Hub Face to Hub Face), Straight Spindles w/EZ Lube, 5 on 4 1/2" Bolt Pattern, 10 x 2 1/4" Electric Brakes w/ Parking Feature, Internal brake wiring) from a fellow NAXJA member who happens to be a Dexter dealer. So much for this cheap trailer build remaining cheap!

I'll be building a box steel tongue with room for 4 jerry cans, a 20lb propane tank, and a tongue box (http://www.autoanything.com/truck-toolboxes/65A3315A0A0.aspx) for storage which will also serve as a stone shield and a battery/electrical compartment. Storing water in the old fuel tank was determined to be a bad idea (for a number of reasons) so I plan to use it for fuel storage and the jerry cans for water.

Other details are still floating around in my head and probably won't be determined until I make a little more progress on actually putting this thing together. So far I've tacked the spring perches to the axle beam and... well, that's it. Sorry for the lack of pics, figured a pile of parts would be boring anyways...

Any comments, suggestions? Please post up. My main concern right now is obtaining the proper balance between overall length, tongue length, tongue weight, etc.

[OverlandXJ]

Fred, that reminds me of the Kimberly Kamper.. sweet setup for long term stays.

Theres another setup for the 416/101 crowd. Let me dig up the info.

http://www.campinglab.com/serengeti02.html

SWAMPMAN here owns one..

You can see his setup here..

http://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/283270-cnd-m1o1-rookie.html

[OverlandXJ]

fyrfytr... you have seen this thread? I'm sure he would be of great help to you.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948548

BTW, that Chevy in the background looks like what my trailer started life as.

[xj-grin]

fyrfytr... you have seen this thread? I'm sure he would be of great help to you.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948548

BTW, that Chevy in the background looks like what my trailer started life as.

here's my MJ trailer build thread... in progress and soon to be updated...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=976048&highlight=trailer+mj

[fyrfytr1717]

fyrfytr... you have seen this thread? I'm sure he would be of great help to you.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948548

BTW, that Chevy in the background looks like what my trailer started life as.

here's my MJ trailer build thread... in progress and soon to be updated...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=976048&highlight=trailer+mj

Thanks for the links guys. I've actually used both of those as some inspiration for my plan. I like Prepmech's axle and suspension, xj-grin's tongue design including how the tongue jack is stashed out of the way, but Xtreme XJ gets my vote for the MJ frame to tongue conversion. It's just so smooth and clean looking.

http://i39.tinypic.com/5kqf43.jpg

From: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=983203&highlight=trailer&page=2

[xj-grin]

LOL -- I'm actually about to move the jack, since it is going to be in the way of the tounge box and mounts I'm adding for a propane bottle and a 5 gal water cooler...

[Xtreme XJ]

Thanks for the links guys. I've actually used both of those as some inspiration for my plan. I like Prepmech's axle and suspension, xj-grin's tongue design including how the tongue jack is stashed out of the way, but Xtreme XJ gets my vote for the MJ frame to tongue conversion. It's just so smooth and clean looking.

http://i39.tinypic.com/5kqf43.jpg

From: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=983203&highlight=trailer&page=2

Travis'ssss came out NICE... I wish I could say that there has been progress... BUT !!! too many irons in the fire... along with some laziness.

See YA !

Curt

[dbperformance96]

Here's some pics of what I have come up with....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4322061575_6824006fe3_s.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4322794902_c5a48bb6eb_s.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4322061313_c494dd03c8_s.jpg

[scottmcneal]

Travis'ssss came out NICE... I wish I could say that there has been progress... BUT !!! too many irons in the fire... along with some laziness.

See YA !

Curt

Is this sitting next to your ROCK RAILS? Bring your rails over here(bring your welder too) and we will finish them for you...Hell i'll even paint them black for you..

Trailer looks good too

[Xtreme XJ]

Is this sitting next to your ROCK RAILS? Bring your rails over here(bring your welder too) and we will finish them for you...Hell i'll even paint them black for you..

Trailer looks good too

Wheel... or work on the trailer... I choose the first...
Also I got the NSS to work... YEAH !!!

Curt

[fyrfytr1717]

Here's some pics of what I have come up with....

Looking good Sean. How about some bigger pics so we can see a little detail...

Thanks again for setting me up with my trailer axle!

[Xtreme XJ]

Looking good Sean. How about some bigger pics so we can see a little detail.

X2

Curt

[xj_mike]

Maybe. I am at the age where comfort plays a larger factor in my decisions but don't have the resources to make it happen.

Thread jack -> It appears that Mojave Road will be popular with NAXJA members this season. Sierra trying to get up a run and SOCAL is planning a run. Probably a dumb question, but is this trail fairly easy to pull a trailer over?

Pulled our Kamparoo over the Mojave Road March 2007 without any problems. Overall the trail is fairly tame, just long.

http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/albums/mojaveroad/PICT4109.jpg

http://gallery.lisaandmike.org/albums/mojaveroad/PICT4038.jpg

[dbperformance96]

Anyone care to give me a lesson on making the pics bigger? Thanks in advance.

[dbperformance96]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4322061313_c494dd03c8.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4322061575_6824006fe3.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4322794902_c5a48bb6eb.jpg

Maybe these are better....

[dbperformance96]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4322061313_c494dd03c8.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4322061575_6824006fe3.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4322794902_c5a48bb6eb.jpg

Maybe these are better....

[fyrfytr1717]

Nice work! The build and the paint both look very clean. What kind of coupler is that and what route did you go with for suspension?

[dbperformance96]

Lock n roll coupler, standard leaf spring suspension, powdercoat for paint. It was a fun project now I just need to finish the wiring and hook up the rock lights underneath. Tires are 36" swampers to match what's on my jeep.

[joe_peters]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4322061313_c494dd03c8.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4322061575_6824006fe3.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4322794902_c5a48bb6eb.jpg

Maybe these are better....

Nice looking trailer. Kind of reminds me of my Pack Mule, fender layouts and all.

[stumpXJ]

I dont want to clog up the whole thread with lots of pictures, so here is my buld thread:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34786

Here is my photbucket album, pics should be in order:

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/?start=all

Here is the gist of it, with a few pictures.

I made my own 2 link with panhard trailing arm with airbag suspension, 16 gallon onboard water tank with pump underneath, 20 pounds of MIG wire, and 300 CuFt of argon. Almost done with it, still have to paint it, wire it all up, and finish a few odds and ends. I already took it on one shakedown run though... its AWESOME.

Pic 1: Perfectly good, but unused enclosed trailer.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1049.jpg

Pic 2: Free anger management.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1058-1.jpg

Pic 3: After the 'de-construction' phase.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1121.jpg

Pic 4: getting the idea...

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1423.jpg

Pic 5: getting closer

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1532.jpg

Pic 6, ready for its maiden voyage 2 weeks ago, and pretty much how it currently sits.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1655.jpg

the rest... set-up, while camping

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1658.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1660.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1663.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1659.jpg

~ James

[blacksheep01]

Wow! That's what I'm talking about. That is very nice, the black one too. A lot of work but they look like they really came together.
bs01

[Xtreme XJ]

Well DONE Stump !!! :thumbup:
Do you happen to know the measurement from the box to the coupler, approximately ??


Curt

[OverlandXJ]

Excellent work James, thanks for sharing. :thumbup:

[jakeWI]

how heavy are a lot of these trailers unloaded (M416, M100, Bantam)?

[OverlandXJ]

how heavy are a lot of these trailers unloaded (M416, M100, Bantam)?

M416 = 610lbs.

[Boatwrench]

So I have been bitten by the trailer bug and have been looking...

Unbelievable! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/rvs/1587754552.html)

[GSequoia]

So I have been bitten by the trailer bug and have been looking...

Unbelievable! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/rvs/1587754552.html)

Keep your eyes out, some of these trailers appear to be made out of gold.

Some of them you get for free from little old ladies in the desert. ;)

[jakeWI]

So I have been bitten by the trailer bug and have been looking...

Unbelievable! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/rvs/1587754552.html)

yeah i dont know about $4000.

[jakeWI]

M416 = 610lbs.

o well thats not to bad. i want to get one sometime if i come across one.

[Xtreme XJ]

Some of them you get for free from little old ladies in the desert. ;)

Ahhh... but the hard part is finding the "little old lady"...


Curt

[Original_MudButt]

Keep your eyes out, some of these trailers appear to be made out of gold.

Some of them you get for free from little old ladies in the desert. ;)

True that.

Last year while chasing for the Vegas to Reno race, I passed what appeared to be a junk yard out in the middle of nowhere.

It had to have been a couple of acres, right next to the highway. As I drove past I saw probably 10-15 small trailers in all different configurations. I'm sure they could have been had for a song. But I was too busy to stop and inquire.

[SWAMPMAN]

So I have been bitten by the trailer bug and have been looking...

Unbelievable! (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/rvs/1587754552.html)

soo i have just re read this whole thread i remember when it started and this is where i got the ideas, here and ih8mud to build my trailer .. the day i brought it home
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i60/superfitter/IMG_1119.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i60/superfitter/IMG_3450.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i60/superfitter/IMG_3453.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i60/superfitter/IMG_2721.jpg

[SWAMPMAN]

overland xj asked me to do a build thread over here so in the next few days i will try a condensend version if you peeps are interested...

stumpxj you got skills man.. love your kitchen i have been wanting to copy it for a while but . then i still have not settled on it .. portable like yours or built in? i dont know.. I DONT KNOWWWWW now that you have a trailer what are your thoughts on the kitchen thing..

[OverlandXJ]

Bryan, good to se you here. Your M101CDN is a favorite of mine, of course we want to see the build thread. Lookin forward to seeing it in camp...

[DrMoab]

I'm thinking I want to build an offroad teardrop trailer.

With two kids and a dog we don't all fit in a tent on the roof. With a teardrop I can put the kids in the trailer and us in the tent on the roof.

I have seen a few of them. The Sawtooth XL trailer on Expo is a favorite but probably too elaborate for my skill level. Have any of you run across any builds that were a little less intensive?

[OverlandXJ]

Ryan, i had these bookmarked..

http://www.mikenchell.com/

http://www.outbackteardrop.com/

http://www.tomswenson.com/teardrop/index.shtml

[stumpXJ]

Bryan, thanks! Thats a sweet 101 you have as well!

I am at a stalemate with the kitchen thing. I do love my little kitchen, it works perfectly for me. I honestly dont think I have any reason to incorporate it permanently into the trailer at this point. If I did do a permanent trailer kitchen, it would be much different that what I have now simply because it would be integrated. If I didnt already have the portable kitchen made, I might reconsider that but...

Also, with my trailer set-up, I can remove 6 bolts on the front hinge, remove the two struts and two people can lift the lid and tent off of the trailer to give me a perfectly 'normal' heavy duty open utility trailer to use for whatever I want or need. Hauling mulch, rocks, wood, lawnmowers etc etc. I couldnt do that too easily with an integrated kitchen (at least thats what I keep telling my self... )

I also like having the kitchen portable because I can just throw it in the back of my jeep, or my wifes jeep if we are just doing a day trip/cook out sort of thing.

Those are my justifications anyway... :D

I think an offroad Tear Drop is my next trailer build. Just makes too much since for what my wife and I do. I like kicking back and watching a movie after eating a nice camping meal before heading to bed... I can (and do)do that with the RTT, but not quite as easily as I could with a Tear Drop. :)

[SWAMPMAN]

good answer stump i think i like the versatility as well a set up like yours could easily be moved around anywhere in the camp.. i think im sold... i think maybe..

[stumpXJ]

yeah... im not 100% either, but I do like my little kitchen. Whatever I built would have to be significantly better/more efficient/lighter/easier etc. And I cant think of how to make that happen yet. :D

~ Stump

[bigalpha]

Hey Stump,

I see you tore down your enclosed trailer. Up here, a regular 5x8 trailer sells for $500-$700. An enclosed like that would sell for at least twice as much.

[stumpXJ]

Yeah, the value of my enclosed trailer was around 800 bucks in this area, like I mention in my build thread. Trailers have gotten very cheap in the past couple of years. My trailer is also 12 years old, and had a rotten section in the old wood floor. I would have been lucky to get 600-800 bucks. Its worth a LOT more to me now, and I only have invested my time and about 600 dollars in materials. And I saved money, time and hassle by not having to build a frame, and get it registered. Trust me, after much deliberation and planning, this was the best solution for my particular situation. :D

[bigalpha]

Gotcha. Tell ya what ... that's a mighty fine trailer.

[SWAMPMAN]

yeah... im not 100% either, but I do like my little kitchen. Whatever I built would have to be significantly better/more efficient/lighter/easier etc. And I cant think of how to make that happen yet. :D

~ Stump
what wood be good is to have the same design only made of plastic

[stumpXJ]

Delrin....

:D

Truthfully, plastics that would work are pretty heavy in those sizes. The front door on my kitchen is cutting board material, since I use it as a cutting board, and that sucker is heavy.

Maybe some sort of FRP, or laminated/core stuff.

~ James

[XJBANKER]

I havent posted any of these on this thread yet so here you go. I have most of them over on portal, but hopefully we can get this thread with more participants.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/IMG_8599.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/IMG_8686.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/IMG_8776.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/geostash2009020.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd21/xjbanker/geostash2009106.jpg
Photos from Dr. Moab
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/DrMoab/San%20RafaelOct%202009/Sunsetincamp.jpg

[SWAMPMAN]

thats a cool trailer xjbanker .. if you could get me a loan maybe i could get my own conquerer.. ok maybe not , but how bout some adv.?. i have been throwing around several ideas for a kitchen/chuck box/ whatever? and i was wondering about your set up? i like the idea of the dishes and cups and stuff packed in the foam.. im sure it works really really well, but to me it seems like, although it offers lots of protection it also takes up alot of space ,and space is precious.. more so on my m101 .. can you tell me how it is working for you? any issues ? anything that you would do differently on that set up ? the first season on my trailer i used it as you see it.. and i was kinda hoping the trailer would tell me what it needed next.. know what i mean ?

[XJBANKER]

I have mixed feelings on the kitchen. I love the height and the holder for the utensils, but I am not as fond of the foam holders. I like that it holds the gear in tight and the dishes don’t get rattled around, but It sucks to get stuff out when your fingers are cold. Also I think that it takes up a lot of space that could hold more dishes, but then again there are not many other dishes that I can think that I would want to take with me. I have started to use a table to cook on because I don’t like it when my stove sprays grease all over the trailer so I am using that area more for prepping the food before cooking. I have thought of getting rid of the foam and installing a hot water heater in that spot, but I cannot decide if that is what I want to do or not. I really like your trailer. I wish I would have talked to you last year, I was up in Niagara Falls last year to visit friends. ( I lived in Toronto for 2 years) I would have loved to see your trailer in person. So I have decided that you should just come exploring here so I don’t have to make the drive with two kids.

[SWAMPMAN]

good answer .. i am really torn with what i want vs. what i need in a kitchen . i always say keep it simple.. but get kinda jealous of the fancy setups.. and some times the fancy ones just dont work.... i really like stumps kitchen. but its heavy and maybe a little awkward to set up when its full ?? i tempted to just buy a plastic molded table with adj legs and be done with it everything else will go into the tote.. simple effective and cheap..

and you shoulda told me you coming to the falls it would have been great to meet you.

i am coming to utah.. i am coming to utah.. i am coming to utah..

i will be there in september..

[stumpXJ]

Mine was a little awkward at first, but i've managed to get it set-up pretty easily by myself, and its a breeze with another person. I have never weighed it, but I would say fully loaded (it stays that way) its probably around 40-50 pounds. I can lift it fairly easily, its just physically large. The birch wood I used is fairly light.

The way I unload it is simple, I slide the kitchen out about 3/4 of the way with one end resting on the trailer. I then lower one set of legs and lock into position. The kitchen is then slid out until the last 2 inches or so of the kitchen in on the trailer, and I fold down that set of legs. Once you have them both down, its just a matter of moving it another few inches to get it off the trailer. Then its easy to bear hug and move it where ever I want it ( I am also 6'2" @ 300 lbs). I do the same procedure on the rear bu,per of the XJ if we arent using the trailer.

I am not sure if or how to get it much lighter without compromising strength (unless we are talking carbon fiber or something...), but I am sure it could be done.

I will say this, it sure is nice having it fully loaded with the necessities and ready to go at a moments notice (like Zombie attacks..). I have also seen the Conqueror set-up personally ( a local friend has one) and the foam holder stuff is nice when we are flying down rough roads. It keeps everything nice and tight. But our kitchens are two totally different set-ups. If I did an integrated kitchen, EVERYTHING would have its own place for sure, just maybe a little different way of doing it to maximize space.

~ Stump

[BenDiesel]

could you make your side panels out of aluminum and save weight?

[stumpXJ]

I dont think so. Aluminum that big is probably the same, if not heavier than the wood of the same size. It would have to be thick enough to be sturdy, probably nothing less than 11 gauge, and preferably 3/16". Birch ply is lightweight stuff compared to other woods.

I think if you are only going to save a pound or two, its hardly worth it on something that weighs 50 pounds. You could probably get more weight savings by what you put in the kitchen as apposed to its construction materials....

[XJBANKER]

good answer .. i am really torn with what i want vs. what i need in a kitchen . i always say keep it simple.. but get kinda jealous of the fancy setups.. and some times the fancy ones just dont work.... i really like stumps kitchen. but its heavy and maybe a little awkward to set up when its full ?? i tempted to just buy a plastic molded table with adj legs and be done with it everything else will go into the tote.. simple effective and cheap..

and you shoulda told me you coming to the falls it would have been great to meet you.

i am coming to utah.. i am coming to utah.. i am coming to utah..

i will be there in september..

Where are you planning on going in Utah and for how long? It would be nice to get together. With little notice the uinta mountains is somewhere I could take you easily but with some planning we could hit southern ut we are planning on hitting the hole in the rock trail the first week of october. how long are you staying for?

[SWAMPMAN]

Where are you planning on going in Utah and for how long? It would be nice to get together. With little notice the uinta mountains is somewhere I could take you easily but with some planning we could hit southern ut we are planning on hitting the hole in the rock trail the first week of october. how long are you staying for?

OVERLAND XJ is leaving his place sept 3rd and picking me up along the way .. i imagine we will meet up in pensylvainia some place unless i decide to cross over at windsor / detroit.. at this point im not sure..
overland has it all planned out and im just following him.. its a 2 week trip and thats all i really know right now

[OverlandXJ]

OVERLAND XJ is leaving his place sept 3rd and picking me up along the way .. i imagine we will meet up in pensylvainia some place unless i decide to cross over at windsor / detroit.. at this point im not sure..
overland has it all planned out and im just following him.. its a 2 week trip and thats all i really know right now


The only thing set in stone right now is the WRT, permit is for the 8th.

A rough itinerary can be found in trip thread. Swampy, this is your trip too... feel free to branch off, suggest areas you'd like to see etc. I know you wanted a visit to Monument Valley? I'd like to see it too..

[SWAMPMAN]

buddy, where i wheel there is nothing but trees, rocks, mud, more trees, with a bunch of lakes stuck in the middle.. and lots of mosquitoes and black flies..
on this trip , i am more than happy just to follow along, WRT, yes, monument valley, yes, lake powell, yes, i could cruz lake powell for days in my kayak , but that could be saved for another trip.. from the pictures i have seen i am sure i will be blown away .. i am open to any suggestions that you might make,

[HeepSpeed]

Some cool trailers on here! I'd kill for an Adventure Trailer Teardrop though!

[SWAMPMAN]

Some cool trailers on here! I'd kill for an Adventure Trailer Teardrop though!

thats exactly why i built my own.. i didnt wanna buy an adventure just to get shot... what fun would that be?

[HeepSpeed]

thats exactly why i built my own.. i didnt wanna buy an adventure just to get shot... what fun would that be?
Have any info on your build? I like the idea of the hard sides, but at the same time the kitchen and everything else is outside and built in. Good for those trips that aren't rock crawling...just off the beaten path. Way smaller than anything I've seen on craiglist for sale and not too small that it requires a Rooftop Tent.

EDIT: I found your build thread...nvm reading now!

[GSequoia]

Just for the record...

A downside to an M416 is stiff springs, when empty they like to bounce all over the road. As I was driving up a rutted road (3N32 to John Bull) mine pitched completely over onto it's side (I wasn't even going that fast but it hit a series of ruts just right), I was able to throttle it back onto it's wheels with minimal damage though.

Other than that one annoyance the M416 is effing awesome.

[joe_peters]

GSequoia's Sunday drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rug4jaPczls

[GSequoia]

GSequoia's Sunday drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rug4jaPczls

Nah, that was Friday. Sunday was a lot more conservative. :D

Nice vid but now I gotta learn French ;)

[jmaxj]

GSequoia's Sunday drive: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rug4jaPczls

seen that vid about a million times, but never once in french :D

[DrMoab]

At about 1:15 there is a glider just like my great uncle flew in WWII. He was killed in Europe when his glider crash landed...about a month before the war was over.

[joe_peters]

Nah, that was Friday. Sunday was a lot more conservative. :D

Nice vid but now I gotta learn Spanish. ;)

Fixed. :laugh3:

I had mute set on my speakers when I linked that!

[GSequoia]

Fixed. :laugh3:

I had mute set on my speakers when I linked that!

Doh.

Tht's what I get for not paying enough attention before muting. :banghead:

[stumpXJ]

Forgot to post these pics here... I finally got around to putting some paint on this thing about a month ago. Used Dupont epoxy primer, single stage dupont Acrylic Enamel for the white, and rhino liner on all the black stuff including the fender, tongue/box, and inside the tub. I think it turned out pretty sweet for a 'driveway' paint job over a couple days...

Still finishing up the wiring between trip, but its almost 100%. I have camped in it 4 times now, and everything works like a dream. One of the best things I have ever built for sure.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1800.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1799.jpg

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n257/topfuel443/Expo%20Trailer%20Build/DSCN1798.jpg

[SWAMPMAN]

looks great stump.. hope to see it in person some day

[OverlandXJ]

Looks great James...

[DrMoab]

We need to plan a naxja trailer run somewhere.

Something like a week long all dirt road run across Wyoming or...across Utah or maybe across Arizona or Nevada.

[DrMoab]

I realized I haven't posted any of my trailer here.

Here it is...

before I got the tent on it.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4529747818_0aa3f94003_b.jpg

A couple of weeks ago on it's maiden voyage.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4572079731_db80c43994_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/4572769418_8f4125f699_b.jpg

This weekend I finally figured a way to lift the tent (that sucker is heavy!) on the Thule racks. $12 Harbor Freight scissor jacks.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/4610509031_8d6cb6c78a_b.jpg

[GSequoia]

This weekend I finally figured a way to lift the tent (that sucker is heavy!) on the Thule racks. $12 Harbor Freight scissor jacks.

If this was ExpoForum you'd get a $1,200 electric scissor lift. :P

[DrMoab]

If this was ExpoForum you'd get a $1,200 electric scissor lift. :P

You know whats weird? When I posted pics of it on Ex-po in relation to fitting a cover I was told by several of them to get rid of the bling bling racks and go with something simple(which I might actually do)

Not what I expected from them.

[SpartyKrunk]

Hey Doc, how dirty was the trailer once it made it to you? It was pretty clean when I had it, im sure the DEA pilot waxed it before we got it.

[DrMoab]

It was fine. Maybe a little road grime but even that wasn't bad considering the miles it covered.

[SWAMPMAN]

bring that trailer to me .. and i will hook up some hydraulic lifters.. push button and up it goes... oh yeah

[Sniggs]

Why does the tent need to go so fawking high?

[DrMoab]

Why does the tent need to go so fawking high?

Because it has an annex that goes under it for the kids to sleep in. Don't have a pic of it on the trailer but here is one on the jeep.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3828742631_ece568851d.jpg

While it looks high on the tent, it actually sits a little lower that way than it was on the roof of my Jeep. If it's just me and the wife going I have no need to raise it up. I just leave it down but when the kids are there than it needs to be up or the sides of the annex are really floppy and don't stake down right. You also can't walk under it that way.

[Sniggs]

Okay now that makes a little more sense.

Thanks and by the way, you suck! :laugh:

I am GREEN with envy...:) Nice job on it

[Boatwrench]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/4610509031_8d6cb6c78a_b.jpg

What's the back story on the white XJ?

[SWAMPMAN]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/4610509031_8d6cb6c78a_b.jpg[/QUOTE]

you may have already thought about this but........ what if you welded a bar between the screws on the scissors jacks.. and then hooked up a a cordless drill or somthing like that...

[GSequoia]

Note the cordless drill the hoook on then end there ;) A driveshaft between the two would be a bit of a project to get it ot spin true and be completely break-downable since I'm sure he doesn't want a 5' long piece of metal in his trailer when not in use.

[SWAMPMAN]

Note the cordless drill the hoook on then end there ;) A driveshaft between the two would be a bit of a project to get it ot spin true and be completely break-downable since I'm sure he doesn't want a 5' long piece of metal in his trailer when not in use.

well i saw the the drill but didnt notice the hook...time to get my eyes checked,,, doh!

[DrMoab]

What's the back story on the white XJ?
It was a friend of mines. A guy pulled out in front of her. I had her buy it back from the insurance company and paid her for it...I'm just parting it out. Paid $700, made $2700 so far and still have the drivetrain.
you may have already thought about this but........ what if you welded a bar between the screws on the scissors jacks.. and then hooked up a a cordless drill or somthing like that...

One step ahead of you...kind of. I'm going to mount the jacks upside down to the upper rack and tie them together. That way they will be out of the way. I just haven't figured out quite how I'm going to do it yet.