Comanchee bed trailer [Archive] - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:15

Building a dual purpose trailer for hauling stuff, and camping.

Here is what I'm starting with, it is Lawncher's trailer:

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

Ordered an axle. Its a Dexter 3500 lb overslung axle with heavy duty 3" tubes, electric brakes, 65" wms to wms, 5 on 5.5" bolt pattern. It will match the width and bolt pattern of my Jeep. Also ordered some wheels and 35" BFG muds to match what I have on the jeep.

The plan is to replace the axle under it with the new axle. Because it is spring under, putting the overslung axle under the springs will give it somewhere around 5" of lift.

I am going to remove the topper, for now, and build a rack for the trailer to hold my boxes.

I am concerned with the length of the tounge, but the weather forecast says there is going to be plenty of snow on the ground to allow me to drive in a circle and watch my tracks to see how closely it follows the Jeep.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:16

The trailer will be painted silver to match my jeep. I am also planning on putting some bushwacker flares on the trailer to match the ones on my Jeep.

The bushwackers are horrible on the tight trails around here and break easily when rubbed on trees, but I don't plan on the trailer seeing much trail time. There aren't any trails around here that are long enough to justify hauling a trailer. It will be used mostly to get to campsites via very mild trails, so I'm not too worried about damaging them.

I'm going to paint the topper to match, and replace the missing window. Trying to figure out a way to easily remove and replace the topper so that I can use it when camping and remove it when hauling lumber or parts. It is going to be difficult, but I would like to be able to haul most of my camping gear in the trailer, and still have room to sleep inside.

I will probably put a tounge box on it to gain some additional storage. The area under the front of the bed would be a great place to mount a water tank. The fuel tank is still in place, and I will keep it there so if I ever decide to use it as an auxilary tank I can.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:17

Because it will be hauled to a base camp and left there so I can run trails in the jeep, it will need to be stable on its own. I plan on adding some removable jacks to the rear bumper to keep it from tipping. Do I need a jack on each side or will one be enough?

The interior of the topper will get carpeted with boat carpeting to insulate it a little bit. I will probably be adding an RV vent and fan to it as well.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:20

It is in pretty good shape. It has some surface rust in a few spaces, and a few dents. Quite a bit of the rust will be cut out when I put on the flares.

I can't believe how light it is. I'm going to loose quite a bit of weight when I put in the new axle and remove the spare tire from underneath. It has very little tounge weight now. Removing the spare should help some as it is mounted behind the axle. I'm also going to add a floor to the triangle area made by the tounge and make a lid for it. That should put some more weight up front and give me a place to store jacks and chains.

I haven't been able to hook it up to my jeep yet, but I'm worried about being able to open my tire carrier and hatch with the trailer attached. I may have to extend the tounge a bit.

The bed is going to get painted to match my jeep, but I can't decide on what color to paint the topper. I am playing with the idea of painting it black with a slight texture like a wrangler hard top.

The raised area in the topper has a great place to add some small shelves.

There is not enough room to put a drawer under an air matteress. There is just not enough head room. Going to have to find some other places to store stuff. Probably just going to use rubbermade containers that I can put in the back when traveling, and leave underneath the trailer when I set up camp.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:23

It sits pretty tall as is without the big tires and lift. I'm begining to worry that it is going to sit too tall, going to have to add some weight. I guess it is better to have to add weight than to remove it. I got just over 12 mpg pulling it, I usually get around 15 mpg... so not a huge drop. It will be interesting to see what it does with the new axle and bigger tires. If I figure right, it should be about the same.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007081.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007082.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007083.jpg

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:24

The hitch worked out pretty good the way it was sitting. When I lift it I imagine that it is going to have to be modified a bit. When I lift it, it will sit 8" higher than it does now. It is sitting a little low in the back now, and I'm hoping for it to sit a little low at the tounge when empty to help keep as much weight on the tounge as possible. I'll probably have to trim the top off of the channel that holds the lunette ring to keep it from hitting the spare when I take it through ditches.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007084.jpg

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:26

The axle was set up wrong. I ordered it to have the springs above the axle, and they sent it with the perches below the axle. I welded on some bigger spring perches, so it was no big deal. I left the old perches on just in case I decided to lower it later on. I also had to flip the spring center pins so that they faced down to match the axle.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007086.jpg

The new axle is pretty beefy. The 3" axle tubes allowed me to use the stock spring plates. The wires for the electric brakes were already ran through the axle tube to protect them from rocks and brush.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/9-10-2007087.jpg

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:28

Had to add a new tounge jack to match the new height.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer008.jpg

Ended up using some Rubicon Express shocks to match the ones on my jeep. I've got the RE monotubes on the Jeep, just used the RE nitro shocks for the trailer. Found that the rear shocks for a TJ with a budget boost fit great after trying a few different ones.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer004.jpg

Lowered the lunette ring and cut a little off of the top to allow it to clear the spare tire. Going to finish it up better later.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer007.jpg

It is very noticable that my jeep is sagging in the rear when the trailer is hooked up. Its not due to the tounge weight, it is just time for some new springs. I'm going to order the new RE 5.5" spring packs to level it back out. I am going to see where that puts me, and probably put some cherokee shackles on the trailer, which are shorter than the comanche ones. Just going to take it one step at a time.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:31

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer003.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer002.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer001.jpg

nick86

March 26th, 2008, 07:31

Looking great so far. Keep us updated, please.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 07:32

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer009.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer010.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer006.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer005.jpg

HaleYes

March 26th, 2008, 11:52

It may have came up already........are you going to paint it to match the XJ?

IllianaXJ

March 26th, 2008, 12:14

The trailer will be painted silver to match my jeep. I am also planning on putting some bushwacker flares on the trailer to match the ones on my Jeep.

:thumbup:

I love how this is turning out. I'm keeping my eyes open for a small trailer to build, I miss my M416.

Prepmech

March 26th, 2008, 16:21

Bushwackers are sitting in my basement ready to be put on.

Right now my Jeep is sitting in the garage with a broken rear axle, as soon as I get it out of the way I am going to start with the body work.

It has a drop in bedliner, but I'm going to go ahead and herculine the inside of the bed as I have quite a bit left over from doing the inside of the jeep.

I still can't decide on what color to paint the topper. The bed is going to be silver to match the jeep, but I think the topper would look cool black and match the jeep a little better that way as I have lots of black on it.

Pat

March 26th, 2008, 19:46

:thumbup:

I love how this is turning out. I'm keeping my eyes open for a small trailer to build, I miss my M416.

Looking good Travis.

Byron, I have an MJ short bed sitting out back if you're looking for a project...

OverlandXJ

March 26th, 2008, 23:43

Sweet!

On the rear support legs.. i'd consider two. Espescially since you plan to sleep in it, the 2 supports would stop the one side from dropping when entering/exiting or other shenanigans. You and Mark could fab something up easily enough.

I REALLY like all that room you have under the box for a water tank, i look forward to seeing how you pull it off. You could add storage box's for tarp poles etc under the bed as well... alot of possibilities there.

Do yourself a favor. Weld in a receiver in the tongue, then you could remove the pintle end and take it with you when you'll be away from the trailer. A bit of security... what thief carries a pintle/receiver?!

MT Mike

March 27th, 2008, 08:02

One suggestion: When you replace the front window (the one closest to the tongue) you may want to consider using plexiglass. I had a similar setup years ago (used a Ford Ranger bed with topper) and I went through 3 topper windows because every time I went down a gravel road my tires would kick rocks up through the glass. I even tried using a mesh headache rack to try and shield it. Once I had a plexiglass window cut, I had zero breakage issues. The only downside is the plexiglass scratches easily and adds a little extra weight.

XJMilan

March 27th, 2008, 11:09

That is a cool, capable little trailer. Definately put two jackstands in the back if you plan on sleeping it in. I can unhook mine and leave it at camp fully loaded no problem with it tipping but if I were to sit on the tail gate the front end would come up. Here is the one I use for weekend getaways. Just thought I would throw it out there. I don't have any more detailed pics right now. I am going to Johnson Valley tomorrow morning for the weekend so I will take some more pics. Let me know and I will post some if there is anything you want to see. It was built by JeepDad (Marty) on this site.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i241/ridinghi/IMG_0376.jpg

Prepmech

March 27th, 2008, 14:02

IllianaXJ

March 27th, 2008, 16:05

Byron, I have an MJ short bed sitting out back if you're looking for a project...

You had to say that, didn't you. If I sell my popup I may get with you on that. Bed only, or truck?

Pat

March 27th, 2008, 16:40

You had to say that, didn't you. If I sell my popup I may get with you on that. Bed only, or truck?

Ha, yes I did. Bed only, black in color. Used to be on Gene's MJ...does have cut fenders. It has been sitting upside-down on the ground for a while now, but it is solid. Come and get it and you can have it.

IllianaXJ

March 27th, 2008, 20:10

Ha, yes I did. Bed only, black in color. Used to be on Gene's MJ...does have cut fenders. It has been sitting upside-down on the ground for a while now, but it is solid. Come and get it and you can have it.

Alright. Once the popup is gone I'll come get it. Better start drawing up frame plans for Brian to put together :D

Travis - you should re-wire the trailer for 7-round and add a couple batteries for lighting or a small space heater.

Prepmech

March 27th, 2008, 20:35

Travis - you should re-wire the trailer for 7-round and add a couple batteries for lighting or a small space heater.

I am going to have to go to a 7-round for the trailer brakes.

I've got quite a few DC/AC inverters sitting around and it would be nice to have an AC outlet for a space heater or an electric blanket. I could hook up one of those solar panel trickle chargers to help keep the battery charged when it isn't being used. I've got plenty of room to mount a battery underneath where the fuel tank was. I don't want to leave the inverter on the trailer, so that it isn't damaged when I am using the trailer without the topper to haul stuff. I'll probably just put a 12V outlet in the bed and plug the inverter into it as needed. I've been searching boat and RV websites for 12V accessories, and they either aren't powerful enough or are too expensive.

The topper already has a 12V light in it, and I can't decide if I want to keep it or replace it with a battery operated light. A battery operated light would make removing the topper easier, and reserve the 12V battery for other uses.

IllianaXJ

March 27th, 2008, 20:44

Use a 2 prong trailer connector to quick disco the 12v dome light when you remove the topper.

You could mount the inverter underneath in an enclosure to keep it protected and make a trap door in the bedside for the cord, similar to a RV setup, kinda like this:

http://rvtravel.com/blog/rvnow/uploaded_images/top-mount-745698.jpg

Xtreme XJ

March 27th, 2008, 23:31

Sweet!
Do yourself a favor. Weld in a receiver in the tongue, then you could remove the pintle end and take it with you when you'll be away from the trailer. A bit of security... what thief carries a pintle/receiver?!

Do me a favor and LEAVE the lunette as is... tell me where it'll be parked in a few days & I'll drive by and take it and all the headaches it's caused you away... I'm a giver...
I want to build one of these trailers... SO bad... I almost bought the one posted above... but I want a long bed....

Keep up the good work... it looks nice... and like I said let me know where it's parked...

Curt

ILLXJ

March 28th, 2008, 04:22

It has a drop in bedliner, but I'm going to go ahead and herculine the inside of the bed as I have quite a bit left over from doing the inside of the jeep.

I still can't decide on what color to paint the topper. The bed is going to be silver to match the jeep, but I think the topper would look cool black and match the jeep a little better that way as I have lots of black on it.

Why don't you herc. the topper? JIM.

Prepmech

March 28th, 2008, 06:53

Why don't you herc. the topper? JIM.

Herculiner is a little to soft for external stuff in my opinion, it gets soft in the sunlight. I used the duplicolor stuff on my hood and quarter guards and it is quite a bit harder with less texture.

I've painted a few YJ hard tops using the low pressure and pull away technique to get the right texture and they turned out looking really good, that is another option.

I think I am going to use black primer on the topper to see how I like it, and if I like it black then I will most likely spray it with the duplicolor stuff.

XJMilan

March 31st, 2008, 21:45

What all do you have mounted in front of the bed?

Do you have any pictures of where the frame for the tounge meets up to the frame of the MJ?

Looks good!
Here is a link to the build thread. Hope this helps. Those are the pics Marty took when he built it. I can take specific pics of it completed if you like. Just say the word.

http://comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6762&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Prepmech

April 1st, 2008, 13:29

Here is a link to the build thread. Hope this helps. Those are the pics Marty took when he built it. I can take specific pics of it completed if you like. Just say the word.

http://comancheclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6762&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Thanks!

I like the way he did the tounge.

Prepmech

April 22nd, 2008, 13:56

The trailer has been sitting for a while so I could fix some stuff on the jeep. The jeep is put back together so I am going to start working on the trailer again this weekend. One good thing I've found about it sitting so high is that it doesn't kill the grass under it.

Planning on doing a little body work, installing the flares, and removing a leaf from the spring pack.

Prepmech

April 27th, 2008, 16:14

Got a few things done on the trailer this weekend. I cut the fenders and put the flares on. Found a rust spot behind the left flare, but it is covered by the bushwackers and will be easy to fix.

Last weekend I took the front spring spacers off of my jeep to level it out, and now the trailer sits quite a bit better. I'm happy with the stance now, and it should level out a little more as I put the bumper and tounge box on. As of now the distance between the top of the tires and bottom of the flares is 1" more on the trailer than the jeep.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/100_2322.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/100_2309.jpg

Prepmech

April 27th, 2008, 16:17

Forgot to mention, it fits out the garage door now that it is sitting more level with the jeep.

Xtreme XJ

April 27th, 2008, 17:43

I'm still waiting for you to leave it somewhere accessible....
It looks NICE !!

Curt

Prepmech

May 7th, 2008, 18:56

Used the trailer quite a bit last weekend to haul stuff around the yard and clear some brush piles in the woods. Had a pretty good fire going, so called up some friends and invited them over to cook some hotdogs. Threw some good wood on the fire to cook the dogs. Here is a pic taken before it got dark.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/5508035.jpg

Found out that the tailgate makes a great place to sit, or a handy table. Some lights out back would have been really nice, so I am going to hook the reverse lights on the trailer to a switch in the bumper so that I can turn them on when needed. I thought the pintle hitch would be a major pain when getting in and out of the trailer, but it doesn't move that much at all. The back tires of the jeep were in a low spot and it made it so I couldn't open the hatch, I'll have to remember to park on a level spot from now on.

OverlandXJ

June 1st, 2008, 22:35

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/5508035.jpg

:cheers: We had a fire out back this weekend and had some burgers and cold beers.

Trailer is coming along nicely!

gabe4

June 4th, 2008, 19:41

off topic a little, well more then a little, is that hood a true cowl hood?

IllianaXJ

June 4th, 2008, 19:44

Yep.

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=908967&highlight=cowl+hood

gabe4

June 4th, 2008, 19:53

What a great job
I 'm amazed at the out of the box skill shown by so many members on this forum.

Prepmech

June 4th, 2008, 20:43

Thanks!

Prepmech

June 30th, 2008, 18:14

Used the trailer quite a bit this weekend. I'm really starting to like this thing, its like having a truck bed on my cherokee. It pulls great, I don't even have to think about it, even when weaving through trees.

Went down the road to a nursery to get some topsoil to fill some holes in the yard. The whole way there I was figuring that it was a 1/4 ton truck before, but now since it has quite a bit of weight removed it could probably handle 1/2 ton. So when the guy running the loader asked me how much I wanted for some reason I told him I wanted a ton. I started walking away then I realized what I said, by the time I turned around it was too late. I couldn't believe it, but it handled the weight just fine. I still had a few inches of suspension travel left, and a few inches of clearance between the fenders and tires. It pulled great, and I had no trouble stopping, even without the trailer brakes hooked up.

Prepmech

June 30th, 2008, 18:16

Here are some pics of it full of some mulch I was hauling around the yard.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailerinuse001.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailerinuse003.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailerinuse004.jpg

gerroffroad.com

July 1st, 2008, 06:52

looks good

ehall

July 1st, 2008, 09:05

That's a really great hack. Are you going to paint it, match the lights, etc? I see you have the Bushwhackers matching already

Prepmech

July 1st, 2008, 10:39

Its getting painted to match the jeep. Haven't had much luck with finding matching lights. Also have a bumper to put on it, and some other stuff yet to come.

Prepmech

July 31st, 2008, 15:15

Xtreme XJ

July 31st, 2008, 18:47

So have you redone anything on the tongue itself ?? You happy with the way it's attached ??

It's gonna look cool painted up the same...

I see on Expo you got another "project"....

Curt

HaleYes

July 31st, 2008, 19:03

Trav, ask me about painting that thing tomarrow.....I know a guy.:shhh:

Prepmech

July 31st, 2008, 19:41

So have you redone anything on the tongue itself ?? You happy with the way it's attached ??

It's gonna look cool painted up the same...

Curt

The tounge has been working out great as is. My only complaint with it is the way the transition from the MJ frame rails to the tubing used to make the tounge looks. I'm going to clean that up whenever I make the tounge box.

I see on Expo you got another "project"....

I've got a few people interested in buying that one whole. If they all fall through, then its getting chopped in half.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/R20037.jpg

Hammered

July 31st, 2008, 20:00

that could be SWEEEEEEET

Prepmech

July 31st, 2008, 20:17

that could be SWEEEEEEET

Yeah, the truck may be a little too nice to cut up. I'm halfway hoping I can't sell it though, it shure would be a nice trailer.

IllianaXJ

July 31st, 2008, 20:26

Yeah but it would be huuuuuge. Seems like it would be more suited behind a full size pickup than a Jeep.

Xtreme XJ

July 31st, 2008, 20:44

Yeah but it would be huuuuuge. Seems like it would be more suited behind a full size pickup than a Jeep.

It is big... a similar bed from a mid-size would be better... for the XJ... even thought his XJ is BIG...

I'm cutting mine when the temps. cool off....

Curt

Prepmech

July 31st, 2008, 20:49

Yeah but it would be huuuuuge. Seems like it would be more suited behind a full size pickup than a Jeep.

Agreed. That is part of the reason why I'm so torn on what to do with it. I work construction, and it would be perfect to mount a generator on the tounge and put all of my tools on the inside. It would be pretty heavy when it is full. I could leave it at the site and not have to haul all of my crap around with me all of the time. Problem with that is that I use my tools at home too, so I would have to haul it home with me anytime I have a project there. My wife would kill me if I left it sitting in the driveway. Another downside is being a trailer, it would be pretty convienint for someone to hook up to it and steal all of my tools at once.

My brother has a fullsize bronco that it would be pretty cool behind, but he is a mall crawler.

I'm almost more interested in the motor than I am with the bed. We have a YJ with a carburated 350, and the fuel injection off of the truck would bolt right on.

jdogg4

August 1st, 2008, 09:06

I give up. I need professional help. I've been so busy using the trailer that I haven't had any time to paint it. Taking it out to get some estimates soon. Hopefully I can find someone in my price range to get the ball rolling on this project. I will paint the topper, and roll on the herculiner myself once the paint is done. I will also be able to put the bumper on it, and concentrate on the tounge box.

Try your local community college see if they have an auto body paint class. A lot of time they will only charge you for the paint. Give them a chance to work and learn on stuff other than flat metal or what not. Being it’s pretty much a simply layout as far as paint goes it shouldn’t be that much to do. Just tossing out an option. A buddy of mine had and old mustang and took it to them. They did a pretty good job had a few runs in one spot and took it back and they re did the back panel that had the runs in it for free.

OverlandXJ

August 1st, 2008, 12:27

Travis, painting it yourself out of the question?

I could lend you an HVLP gun and DA sander to use, save you a few bucks on tools.

IllianaXJ

August 1st, 2008, 17:39

Try your local community college see if they have an auto body paint class. A lot of time they will only charge you for the paint. Give them a chance to work and learn on stuff other than flat metal or what not. Being it’s pretty much a simply layout as far as paint goes it shouldn’t be that much to do. Just tossing out an option. A buddy of mine had and old mustang and took it to them. They did a pretty good job had a few runs in one spot and took it back and they re did the back panel that had the runs in it for free.

That's a good idea. I may do that with my trailer project :idea:

Prepmech

August 1st, 2008, 21:00

Travis, painting it yourself out of the question?

I could lend you an HVLP gun and DA sander to use, save you a few bucks on tools.

I'm pretty good at painting, and have all of the equipment. I just don't have the time. I'm only home on weekends, and right now all of my free time has been going towards getting for the baby we have on the way.

It is going to a body shop next week. Went to lunch with Haleyes today and he introduced me to a guy that will paint it and do the body work for less than what I would have spent in materials alone.

HaleYes

August 1st, 2008, 21:05

I'm pretty good at painting, and have all of the equipment. I just don't have the time. I'm only home on weekends, and right now all of my free time has been going towards getting for the baby we have on the way.

It is going to a body shop next week. Went to lunch with Haleyes today and he introduced me to a guy that will paint it and do the body work for less than what I would have spent in materials alone.

Haleyes!

Mexican is my favorite too.
:thumbup:

Prepmech

August 2nd, 2008, 14:38

So, my dad just happens to have an extra motorhome air conditioner laying around that I could mount on top of the white truck's topper. My little brother has been driving it around and reports it runs great. It may just get built up as a tow rig.

Prepmech

August 20th, 2008, 20:26

Trailer should be painted by this weekend, hopefully.

Had an interesting experience with it last week. Used it to haul a 4wheeler to work. The 4wheeler fit great between the trailer's wheelwells and had plenty of room to put the tailgate up. One disadvantage I've noticed with the MJ springs is that they have quite a bit of travel, the trailer's stance easily changes by a few inches when it is loaded or unloaded. A friend of mine rode the 4wheeler off of the trailer on ramps. When the weight of the 4wheeler shifted to the ramps the trailer raised up a few inches, the ramps slid off of the tailgate and the 4wheeler was dropped to the ground. My friend rode it out like a pro and landed it on all 4 wheels, but it was pretty spooky.

WaXJ_Skier

August 22nd, 2008, 13:30

Prepmech

August 22nd, 2008, 21:53

Add a leafs to stiffen it up?

I hate to make it sit any higher than it already does. I think I am just going to use a little more caution when unloading stuff from now on. Maybe put a ratchet strap from the frame to the axle to hold it down when unloading.

I could put a 4wheeler winch behind the rear bumper and use it as a suck down winch when loading and unloading, then spool the cable out the rear to straighten it out when it gets sideways on trails. It would be nice to have the whole trailer lower at a push of a button when I need to put something heavy in it. I need to put some more thought into it.

Got it back from the paint shop, it looks pretty good. Still have to put my flares and rear bumper on, and the bedliner back in. Hope to have pics tomorrow.

Xtreme XJ

August 26th, 2008, 22:11

WHERE ARE THE PICTS !!!!

Also how long is your tongue ?? Would you want it longer or the same length ?

Curt

Prepmech

August 27th, 2008, 09:04

I didn't get a chance to get pics last weekend, was too busy putting it back together. I'll get some this weekend. It looks great now with the flares on.

The tounge length has worked out great, the trailer follows the jeep almost perfectly. I can zig-zag through trees without having to worry about the trailer getting caught up on one. I'll measure it for you this weekend.

I've got some work to do on the wiring. I am going to make a new harness that includes wires for the trailer brakes, and hook up the reverse lights on a switch mounted on the rear bumper so I can turn them on to help set up camp. I'm trying to find some LED reverse lights so that they don't draw as much power and stay cool when left on for long periods of time. The bumper should go on this weekend as well.

Supermanxj

August 29th, 2008, 14:01

Pictures???Updates???

I am UUber excited to see it all done up!

Josh

Prepmech

August 30th, 2008, 08:54

Wiring is done, going to try to get the bumper on yet this weekend.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer002-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/trailer001-1.jpg

HaleYes

August 30th, 2008, 10:41

Looks good!

Were you pleased with Tony's work?

Prepmech

August 30th, 2008, 20:49

Looks good!

Were you pleased with Tony's work?

The paint needs quite a bit of work sanding/buffing to smooth it out, it is cloudy right now and has quite a bit of orange peel. It appears to have plenty of clear on it, so there is material there to work with. It matches the jeep pretty good as the jeep has quite a few scratches and dents. It turned out just the way I was planning, and I am happy with it.

Mstrkage

August 30th, 2008, 20:51

I am seriously jealous, I told my wife I wanna build one and she just walked away shaking her head!

Xtreme XJ

August 30th, 2008, 22:45

I am seriously jealous, I told my wife I wanna build one and she just walked away shaking her head!

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
Dude my wife did the same thing... said it looked hillbilly & white trash... I said imagine it all the same color... she wasn't buy'n it...
I reminded her that my family is from the hills of Kentucky...
"Well your NOT !!" I said every ones got a little "billy" in'em...
She thought it was cool that I wanted to build a camping trailer... but... wasn't impressed.
So I said "F" it and looked for one... found a clapped out in need of a lot of love long bed... luckily I was able to buy it & chopped it today... :cheers:

Prep wouldn't leave his out for me to swing by & "borrow it" so now I have to build one...
Good luck with the wife...

Again Prep... it looks real nice...

Curt

Prepmech

September 7th, 2008, 11:31

Topper and bumper are on.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/topper001.jpg

IllianaXJ

September 7th, 2008, 12:18

That's guaranteed to produce a lot of double-takes going down the highway :D

Xtreme XJ

September 7th, 2008, 13:26

Topper and bumper are on.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/topper001.jpg

And the pict. barely shows the shell... no bumper... or tongue length... :)
What are the chances of a pict. from the rearend looking foward of the spring perches & springs... what is the distance from the out board side of the springs to the wheel backing plate ??

It looks goooood... nice job... I've been look'n at axles this weekend.
Did you go with the E-Z maint. one ?

Curt

Prepmech

September 7th, 2008, 14:52

And the pict. barely shows the shell... no bumper... or tongue length... :)
What are the chances of a pict. from the rearend looking foward of the spring perches & springs... what is the distance from the out board side of the springs to the wheel backing plate ??

It looks goooood... nice job... I've been look'n at axles this weekend.
Did you go with the E-Z maint. one ?

Curt

The axle I had built is the same width as my full-width F150 axles, so my measurements are going to be quite a bit different than a stock cherokee. I used a 3K lb Dexter axle with 3" axle tubes (most trailer axles have 1-1.5" tubes) and I can't say enough good things about it. The only hubs available with that axle are the E-Z lube ones, but they are worth it if you have a choice. I still haven't had a chance to hook up the brakes yet, but haven't needed them. I'll get some more pics and a tounge measurement for those that have asked in a bit.

Prepmech

September 7th, 2008, 15:08

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/moretrailer001.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/moretrailer002.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/moretrailer003.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/moretrailer004.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Prepmech/moretrailer005.jpg

Prepmech

September 7th, 2008, 15:15

Xtreme XJ

September 7th, 2008, 15:37

From the center of the lunette ring to the center of the axle measures 85".

In the picture showing the axle, you can see the small trailer spring perches mounted under the axle. I welded on some wider spring perches over the axle when I decided to go spring over. The shocks are held on by weld on shock tabs at the axle end, and attached to the stock shock mounts on the body side. The u-bolt plates are the stock comanche plates.

Hey Travis...
I appreciate the picts. & measurement... was there a reason you went with the Ford axle size? I found a 3500 lb. axle with 3" tube and elec. brakes and the E-Z maint. option... so I'll probably take some measurements on whats there and go with that...

Thanks again...
Curt