Grin's MJ Trailer Build

[xj-grin]

So after years of thinking about it, and a year of DD'ing the anticipated donor, and after seeing Prepmech actually execute it really well (see thread in Adventure Forum of NAXJA), I am finally on the road to my MJ off-road trailer. Yellaheep and I agreed on a trade - my barely running MJ for a bed with a tounge for me to work off of. We both agreed that problems and all, my MJ was just in too good of shape to go under the sawzall. While I own a welder and can weld, I wouldn't call myself a "welder", and big thanks to Yellaheep for his talents and equipment in getting the touge good and secure!:peace::thumbup:

So, the tounge is made of 3x4x1/8 steel, with about 10 inches inserted into the MJ "frame, and rosette welded, with a couple of grade 8 bolts with crush sleeves for good measure
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011795.jpg

Then we stared at it for while an cogitated, and agreed to take a 30 degree "pie slice" out of the inside of both rails. This way we could bend both sides into the center for an a-frame effect, while leaving the outer portion of the tubing uncut. We didn't use any jigs, but did a bit of plumb-bobbing and eye-measuring, and either through luck, skill or both, we appear to have a damn-near perfectly centered tounge... Yella then welded the "pie slices back over the bent and welded peices for added strength
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011789.jpg

Once the bends were done, they were attached at the front with a nifty sleeve that Yella came up with, allowing the welding to be in multiple planes -- once it is road worthy, it will have a really cool 360 degree movement hitch from a Pennsylvania company called Lock 'n Roll (more on that to follow), and will also be able to accept a pintle lunette in case someone else needs to pull it...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011792.jpg

Then a cross-brace was added, which not only strengthened the structure, but made a great place for the center-mounted trailer jack
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011793.jpg

That's the tounge build in a nutshell
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011788.jpg
:guitar:

[xj-grin]

Yella delivered it to my house on a cold Sunday night, and took away the lesser half of my jeep stable (you can guess which one)
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1001600.jpg

Here's how the trailer sat, as delivered, including Yella's super sweet temp donuts on both sides...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280060.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280061.jpg

I don't think it was going to clear many obstacles on those mini-meats, so I picked up some 33x9.5 BFG AT's, already mounted on stock jeep wheels on Craigslist for a song (the other two are available as spares, so check out the "for sale" forum!!). I haven't done the SOA that I plan to yet, but the new meats themselves made a world of difference
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280065.jpg

Then I tackled the wiring. My XJ came to me with a towing harness in place, including electric trailer brakes, but I still have a bit of splicing to do, not to mention the chore of tracing various wire colors and making sure I don't have a flashing left turn signal on the trailer when I am hanging a right... anyway, I picked up some good supplies from Layton here in town, and wired it up in what will be a water tight enclosure when it is wrapped up
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280066.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280067.jpg

So there's how she sits this afternoon...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280068.jpg

The rig was an Indiana vehicle to start with, so there is some corrosion to deal with -- my POR-15 should be delivered tomorrow, and Sunday may be a dirty day of prep and paint for the underside:shocked:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PB280062.jpg

[Frank Z]

Looks good Chris! Any plans for modding the bed or is it staying stock?

[xj-grin]

It is likely to get some trimming in the rear for a wrap-around type bumper, and probably something similar to provide some "sliders" in the front...

[Hypoid]

Looks good!

Just an idea; if you retain the brake hardware and set up parking brakes again, wouldn't you pretty much eliminate the need for chocks?

[xj-grin]

The D35 will eventually be replaced with a 3500lb trailer beam axle, with integrated electric brakes and parking brake (eventually being the operative word...):yelclap:

[Skully]

I like the use of household electrical box................:D

Looks good, but will look better when you paint it to match your Jeep :peace:

[Hypoid]

I like the use of household electrical box................:D

Looks good, but will look better when you paint it to match your Jeep :peace:
X2...then tell everybody you are still wheelin your first X/MJ. :guitar:

[jdogg4]

That is going to be a kick a$$ setup. I'll be keeping an eye on this for sure. I'm gathering and planning out and been checking out other setups and even taking some ideas from a pop up camper setup to cross over onto a long bed. Really want to plan this one out well before I get too into it. Have a few other JEEP things that need done first.

[xj-grin]

As a teaser to the eventual finished product, I plan on a Wildernest/FlipPac type topper on this with a fold out tent - should allow me to keep it workable as a utility trailer, but also as a "small RV" for longer trips with the family...

[friscokidd]

nice build. Want to do something like that in the future.

[Skully]

As a teaser to the eventual finished product, I plan on a Wildernest/FlipPac type topper on this with a fold out tent - should allow me to keep it workable as a utility trailer, but also as a "small RV" for longer trips with the family...


....you need to add a 2" receiver to the back of the trailer and add a Bumper Dumper (http://www.bumperdumper.com/)or you can build a platform on the nice space in front of the trailer to put a port-o-pottie :passgas:

Maybe some triangulated long arms in the back :jester:

:D

[xj-grin]

....you need to add a 2" receiver to the back of the trailer and add a Bumper Dumper (http://www.bumperdumper.com/)or you can build a platform on the nice space in front of the trailer to put a port-o-pottie :passgas:

Maybe some triangulated long arms in the back :jester:

:D

man, it truly disturbs me how much you and I think alike some times... all offense intended, of course.:worship::cheers:

[Frank Z]

Now all you need is something to tow it with.








:roflmao: :moon:

[xj-grin]

lets all indulge frank making fun of OTHER peoples' rigs not running -- I think he has earned it!!:laugh:;)

[Frank Z]

DAMN RIGHT!!
Anyluck finding 231 parts yet? I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for ya.

[Skully]

Now all you need is something to tow it with.

:roflmao: :moon:

....you so bad...(internet hi five)....... looks like the curse has left you and went straight to grin....... :looney: ........... poor guy




........don't visit me anytime in the near future grin..I can't afford it. :conceited

[xj-grin]

DAMN RIGHT!!
Anyluck finding 231 parts yet? I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for ya.

Fred is hooking me up tonight, and if those parts don't work, Stang has offered what I need up in Aurora. Thanks.

[xj-grin]

....you so bad...(internet hi five)....... looks like the curse has left you and went straight to grin....... :looney: ........... poor guy
........don't visit me anytime in the near future grin..I can't afford it. :conceited

Mine's at least only an NP231 curse... sofar.:o

[Skully]

Mine's at least only an NP231 curse... sofar.:o

Lets see the body count so far...........you trashed 1, bought another 1 and rebuilt it by using parts off the old trashed 1 then in the process of selling its lifeless corpse, you trash the new 1 and luckily the old hadn't been picked up yet and you pulled the sale to combined the old and new 1's to make the current Frankenstein's monster, and now trashed it all with in 6 months .......everybody got that? .....unless xj-grin has other bodies of dead np231's lying around buried in his yard that he is not admitting to.............me thinks you should stay away from building transfer cases and let someone else do it this time. :)




..................then in the future for anyone listening be weary if xj-grin offers to help you rebuild your np231 :scared: :cheers: :D

[Hypoid]

Damn Skully! I wanted to watch him go through this one, see how it's done. Not like I have time and money to drive to the Springs.

[xj-grin]

Lets see the body count so far...........you trashed 1, bought another 1 and rebuilt it by using parts off the old trashed 1 then in the process of selling its lifeless corpse, you trash the new 1 and luckily the old hadn't been picked up yet and you pulled the sale to combined the old and new 1's to make the current Frankenstein's monster, and now trashed it all with in 6 months .......everybody got that? .....unless xj-grin has other bodies of dead np231's lying around buried in his yard that he is not admitting to.............me thinks you should stay away from building transfer cases and let someone else do it this time. :)




..................then in the future for anyone listening be weary if xj-grin offers to help you rebuild your np231 :scared: :cheers: :D

Close -- I trashed one, BOUGHT a supposedly-rebuilt one (i.e. I didn't rebuild it), trashed it, rebuilt it with parts from the old one, trashed it again, now rebuilding (same failed component :flamemad:) using parts kindly donated by Fred... yeah, that sounds alot better (I don't think I'll quit my day job!:rolleyes:).

[xj-grin]

OK, so the highjack of my trailer thread with tcase issues is OVER (I hope, since I am somewhat lacking in confidence at this point, despit this being the 6th or 7th case I have partially or totally rebuilt :shhh:)!! I got the mode fork and hub swapped out last night, along with a new oil pump for the case, since it appeared to be a lube issue. Interesting that late model tcases have a cast aluminum mode fork, while older cases (pre-90 I think) have a formed steel fork (on right in photo) -- hopefully it will hold up better with more lube and a better (IMHO) fork design. :gee:

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/PC020084.jpg

[Kittrell]

.....hopefully it will hold up better with more lube.....

I'm not gonna lie, that usually helps with longevity...













































Ya'll are sick................:D

[xj-grin]

I'm not gonna lie, that usually helps with longevity...


Ya'll are sick................:D

Crap, now I'm gonna get quoted like Yella and his "push it in" garbage...

personally, lube and longevity have never really gone together for me.:greensmok Now I have Van Halen's "Black and Blue" stuck in my head...:confused1

[Kittrell]

personally, lube and longevity have never really gone together for me.:greensmok

That was more for her....

[xj-grin]

That was more for her....

Aww, that's thoughtful.:laugh: QUIT HIGHJACKING MY THREAD!:anon:

[Kittrell]

Nice weather we're having eh?

:D

[Skully]

Nice weather we're having eh?

:D


Nope................sucks actually when you have two tires at 30% tread, one pretty bald and one almost there. I can not afford all new tires so I ordered two for now, they are a week out. Who da thunk 4wheel parts one of the few who usually carries Trxus M/T's in stock don't have them when I need them?

xj-grin I thought they had drugs for that type of dysfunction?


Hey nice trailer build can't wait to see it carry the crushed cooler and the bumper dumper!

[xj-grin]

xj-grin I thought they had drugs for that type of dysfunction?


Hey nice trailer build can't wait to see it carry the crushed cooler and the bumper dumper!

I will definately have a crushed cooler mount somewhere in the set up, but I won't have time to build it if I have to keep scrapping metal filled skully out of my POS tcase...:looser:

[Fred]

Just to mess up this thread a little more:

http://www.sylvansport.com/it.html

It looks a little like how I was thinking about adapting my M416 for camping(beds hanging off of the side.) It'd be nice if that top piece holding the tent was available seperately.

Fred

[xj-grin]

Just to mess up this thread a little more:

http://www.sylvansport.com/it.html

It looks a little like how I was thinking about adapting my M416 for camping(beds hanging off of the side.) It'd be nice if that top piece holding the tent was available seperately.

Fred

Actually, you managed to bring it back on topic, Fred!!!

That is a funnly looking little thing, but I agree on the concept, and have had similar thoughts. I almost got a deal on a Wildernest topper with alot of fiberglass damage a couple months ago, with the idea that I might cut out most of the topper, and just use the folding/hinged top part on my trailer... not sure if anyone can picture that, and I don't do the interweb-drawing-thing.

http://images.craigslist.org/1f21481303k43m53o88b919cf307bea5c1ba5.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/1f113414c3nd3mc3o78b9e5219a86d93d15b1.jpg

didn't happen, so I'll probably use a full Wildernest topper once I find one for the right price.:cheers:

[Skully]

Actually, you managed to bring it back on topic, Fred!!!

......Ah phewy on you! I had gotten it back on track once, or was that a different thread? :D

didn't happen, so I'll probably use a full Wildernest topper once I find one for the right price.:cheers:

Having a pop-up tent/camper thingy where it is FEET above the ground scares me. Specially on top of a truck that high. Usually camping your a little tipsy to begin with (high altitude and a little alcohol or a lot for those lushes out there) and imagine having to go visit the closest wee wee bush and stumbling out of the tent? OUCH!

I think it would be a liability......................... :arrowr:

..............but that is just me. :wierd:

[Yucca-Man]

I assume you've read Gojeep's trailer page? Just like with his Cherokee pages, there are some pretty novel ideas here: http://go.jeep-xj.info/Trailers.htm

Jim www.yuccaman.com
Yucca-bot

[xj-grin]

I assume you've read Gojeep's trailer page? Just like with his Cherokee pages, there are some pretty novel ideas here: http://go.jeep-xj.info/Trailers.htm

Jim www.yuccaman.com
Yucca-bot

Oh yeah, been in my bookmarks for a long time!:lecture:

[xj-grin]

just to keep it from falling off the board, I got the little mother registered -- remarkably easy, and maybe a little scary. There is absolutely NO inspection of home built trailers, just a "built from parts on hand" affidavit, bolt the little metal plate to the front-right of the trailer, and pay a typical registration fee and you are titled and licensed... I can only imagine the horrors rolling around out there!

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1030237.jpg

[DutchVDub]

Well thats good to know, especially as one of these days I'll have a comanche trailer too.

[Hypoid]

It may or may not be an accident waiting to happen, but you paid your taxes by God!!! :thumbup:

To think of all those years I'd swap around the one trailer plate I have, and worry about getting caught. Not to mention having a valid VIN should make it easier to sell. :party:

Thanks for the update!

[Xtreme XJ]

So after years of thinking about it, and a year of DD'ing the anticipated donor, and after seeing Prepmech actually execute it really well (see thread in Adventure Forum of NAXJA), I am finally on the road to my MJ off-road trailer. Yellaheep and I agreed on a trade - my barely running MJ for a bed with a tounge for me to work off of. We both agreed that problems and all, my MJ was just in too good of shape to go under the sawzall. While I own a welder and can weld, I wouldn't call myself a "welder", and big thanks to Yellaheep for his talents and equipment in getting the touge good and secure!:peace::thumbup:

So, the tounge is made of 3x4x1/8 steel, with about 10 inches inserted into the MJ "frame, and rosette welded, with a couple of grade 8 bolts with crush sleeves for good measure
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011795.jpg

Well I followed the link... MAN !!! I have drawings of the same way you tied into the frame... scary... same O.D., but I went 3/16th. Going with the same axle size also... got one or two different twists...
I hope to someday have it set up to sleep 4 adults... be able to stand up... fold up relatively compact... it won't be a super quick set up, but should go up fairly quick... I'll be watching...
This makes about 6 or 7 that I'm aware of...

Curt

Then we stared at it for while an cogitated, and agreed to take a 30 degree "pie slice" out of the inside of both rails. This way we could bend both sides into the center for an a-frame effect, while leaving the outer portion of the tubing uncut. We didn't use any jigs, but did a bit of plumb-bobbing and eye-measuring, and either through luck, skill or both, we appear to have a damn-near perfectly centered tounge... Yella then welded the "pie slices back over the bent and welded peices for added strength
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011789.jpg

Once the bends were done, they were attached at the front with a nifty sleeve that Yella came up with, allowing the welding to be in multiple planes -- once it is road worthy, it will have a really cool 360 degree movement hitch from a Pennsylvania company called Lock 'n Roll (more on that to follow), and will also be able to accept a pintle lunette in case someone else needs to pull it...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011792.jpg

Then a cross-brace was added, which not only strengthened the structure, but made a great place for the center-mounted trailer jack
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011793.jpg

That's the tounge build in a nutshell
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011788.jpg
:guitar:

[Xtreme XJ]

Also what is the length of the tongue ?? From the tie in to where the lunette is ?

Curt

[xj-grin]

Also what is the length of the tongue ?? From the tie in to where the lunette is ?

Curt

Curt - sorry for the delay, I've been a bit busy... from the front of the sheetmetal on the bed to the tie in for the hitch (lock n roll, not lunette), it is just short of 50"... Probably 55" with the hitch hooked up.

Chris

[xj-grin]

update -- she's road worthy. I finally got the Lock 'n Roll hitch installed, and moved some of my Dad's stuff yesterday with the trailer. Pulls straight, despite hammered shocks. For those that may duplicate the design -- it needs more tongue weight (and eventually will have it in the form of storage boxes, etc.). REALLY squirrely if there is any rear weight distribution at all. Otherwise, pretty groovy to finally put it to use. I will be getting a coat of paint on all the new steel this week sometime, and will post up some pics of the hitch & stuff.

[Stang5lgt]

Looks good man! :thumbup:

[DutchVDub]

Mine does the same thing, gets really bad speed wobble if there is any weight in it away from the tongue. If it is completely empty or has the weight up towards the tongue though it pulls great. I'll be adding some storage boxes myself, although this weeks mission is the axle flip. Then maybe some bigger tires.

[Xtreme XJ]

It's funny I just brought mine home on Fri. it's towable... temp. lighting... just need to start on Phase II of XXV

http://i44.tinypic.com/35jz3ag.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/rw2y39.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/opa1r5.jpg

See Ya !

Curt

[YELLAHEEP]

I like the collapsible tongue design and the longer diagonal cuts you did to the frame to smooth out the transition from tongue to frame! :thumbup:

[DutchVDub]

Looks pretty cool, I dig it

[Xtreme XJ]

There are some more here towards the bottom of the page...

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=925303&page=5

Lots of work to do...

Curt

[xj-grin]

so like I said, the trailer got pressed into service before I have had a chance to hit it with paint and the like, but she performed admirably hauling stuff from my Dad's yesterday, even in blizzard conditions with a 50mph wind... I took a closeup of the hitch too for those that haven't seen a lock n' roll before...

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4040087.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4040088.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4040089.jpg

[lilredxj99]

Looks good, see if I can get the JY to sell me the MJ there...:D

[DutchVDub]

Nice man, I love that hitch setup.

[Xtreme XJ]

HEY ! at least it's getting used... I just ordered the axle for mine last Fri.
I like the L & R... I hope to use mine soon...

Which axles are you running in the XJ ?

Curt

[xj-grin]

HEY ! at least it's getting used... I just ordered the axle for mine last Fri.
I like the L & R... I hope to use mine soon...

Which axles are you running in the XJ ?

Curt

Rear is an Isuzu Rodeo D44, front is a Waggy D44 - both geared 4.30, 94 FZJ-80 Landcruiser wheels. :D

[Xtreme XJ]

Rear is an Isuzu Rodeo D44, front is a Waggy D44 - both geared 4.30, 94 FZJ-80 Landcruiser wheels. :D

I thought those were yota wheels.
What's next for the trailer ?


Curt

[xj-grin]

I thought those were yota wheels.
What's next for the trailer ?


Curt

not a clue -- I have so much shite going on I don't know what day it is... I have some POR15 and Herculiner sitting in the garage waiting for application, as well as some TJ flares to match the rig... might swap in som 97+ taillights before paint too. eventually planning for a beam axle with electric brakes, but its just not in the cards yet.:cheers:

[xj-grin]

Did I do any work on the trailer?? not a chance, but I did pick up a little "hat" for it...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/wildernest003.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/wildernest002.jpg

Happy Family:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/wildernest001-1.jpg

[jimgrms]

Thats really slick chrisi hope to someday have a small trailer with a roof top tent but mine will be closer to the ground

[.40CalPatriot]

Looks good. I was wondering how it folded out when I first saw it. Is it still attached only by the c-clamps still?

[Kiefer316]

Are there any supports or are they needed? Still a pretty slick setup. Now colormatch it with your xj and it will be sweet :D.

[xj-grin]

Thanks fellas. Still c-clamped, Justin, and thanks again for helping swap it over from the seller. Yeah, it has support legs for under the tent, but the owners' manual (came with it :greensmok) says that the cable system will safely hold up to 1000 lbs, and that the legs are necessary only in high-wind situations. We will probably use them camping anyways, as even a light breeze provides a little bit of sway in there -- eventually the trailer/shell and XJ will be color matched, but that is likely some time off -- once I get planefixer's electric blue bumper on the trailer (with some better corner jackstands), it should really look like multicolored "trailer trash":confused1

[jimgrms]

As long as you have a new propane tank it will be good and one of these crapper seat that fit a trailer reciever and mount the reciever on the rear of the trailer

[xj-grin]

As long as you have a new propane tank it will be good and one of these crapper seat that fit a trailer reciever and mount the reciever on the rear of the trailer

I must be getting old, Jim... you and I think alike. :laugh3:

[Xtreme XJ]

I must be getting old, Jim... you and I think alike. :laugh3:

X3 on the "Bumper Dumper" It looks nice... I've always liked the Wildernests.
Cool addition...

Curt

[lilredxj99]

Sweet setup!

[jimgrms]

Chris are you gonna put a hitch on your new camaro so you can pull the trailer ??

[xj-grin]

Chris are you gonna put a hitch on your new camaro so you can pull the trailer ??

Is that what I get for the "old" comment Jim?? When not in a jeep, I have always been a blue-oval guy, mustang all the way!

[xj-grin]

It still needs a lot of work, but the shakedown campout was a success -- it actually tows OK, both on and off road, and didn't sleep bad, although a better jacking system and new/improved mattress are definately in the works (on China Wall for those curious):
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/camping8-1011.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/camping8-1017.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/camping8-1003.jpg
:party:

[Kittrell]

Looks good Chris, is that a shortbed? My memory escapes me at the moment.

[xj-grin]

Looks good Chris, is that a shortbed? My memory escapes me at the moment.

yeah -- you can tell by the angle on the topper at the tailgate... Wildernest stretched the top to provide some legroom in the bed.

[Kittrell]

Yeah, the short bed is fairly symmetric. You can basically tell on the angled shot, but I thought I check in case my eyes are crooked.

[DutchVDub]

cool man, i like it. what size tires are you running on it now?

[xj-grin]

cool man, i like it. what size tires are you running on it now?

The trailer is still rolling on some uber-old BFG ATs in the 33x9.5 flavor. No lift, so its a tight fit. I plan on adding a leaf to stiffen the packs a bit, which likely will provide a little lift, but I am trying to keep the COG as low as possible, while still matching my rig's right height and keeping the ground clearance up...:roll: I have some matching wheels and tires (size) ready for it whenever I get around to throwing a beam axle under there.

[YELLAHEEP]

Does it seem top-heavy? Having issues with it wanting to sway when towing it?

Think fabbing up an XJ rear sway bar on there might help?

Are you still running those crappy shocks that were on it? A fresh set would be a huge improvement I would think.......... :dunno:

[xj-grin]

Does it seem top-heavy? Having issues with it wanting to sway when towing it?

Think fabbing up an XJ rear sway bar on there might help?

Are you still running those crappy shocks that were on it? A fresh set would be a huge improvement I would think.......... :dunno:

It doesn't seem particularly top heavy, as I had it fairly well off-camber a few times and it didn't appear to want to tip. It does sway some over bumps and the like, particularly at highwy speeds, but the springs are really soft, so I think that should be addressed with the add-a-leaf's I'm throwing in.

To call the stock shocks that were on it crappy is an insult to crappy shocks! There was litterally rust holes through the entire shock body -- no gas/oil left in there to do a damn thing -- a trombone slide would have more resistance! I have an old set of doetch tech's on there now, and improvement, but newer shocks will be coming at some point. If springs and shocks to stabilize it, a sway bar isn't a bad idea...

[Kittrell]

I have an old set of doetch tech's on there now, an improvement...

WOAH, Woah, Woah.........Doestech shocks being an improvement over anything better than a wet sack of shit? Thats a stoned face lie!

[AJTorris]

awesome trailer man. I like the camper shell. I just tried to find one and they were going for a pretty price... Question on page one there is an XJ with an exo-cage on it... What is the color of that jeep?

[xj-grin]

awesome trailer man. I like the camper shell. I just tried to find one and they were going for a pretty price... Question on page one there is an XJ with an exo-cage on it... What is the color of that jeep?

Thanks. Only XJ on page one is mine, and no exo -- It's chilli-pepper red. 99.

[flingshot]

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011792.jpg
He's referring to this shot. Truggy?

[xj-grin]

aaaah, yes - truggy - didn't see it back there. Formerly an MJ, built by Led and company, and now residing with yellaheep. I think the color is "vomit-bile-green" or something...

[DutchVDub]

I thought it was flu season snot green?

[flingshot]

I thought it was flu season snot green?

Glamour Atomic Puke

[jimgrms]

Glamour Atomic Puke

Goose poop green

[xj-grin]

thread hijacking bastids!!!!!:looser:

[DutchVDub]

your a bastid

[DutchVDub]

And its actually "baby-poop-green"

[YELLAHEEP]

Glamour Atomic Puke

LOL! :thumbup:


Why not just change your screen name to "Glamourshot"? :D

[Led]

mopar grabber green ... dicks .... I still like it

[OverlandXJ]

Trailer is looking sweet! :thumbup:

I came across a Wildernest, but it's for a longbed. I'm having thoughts of grabbing it and found your thread in a search.

How is the transition stepping up and into the trailer? I have a bad back and thats a concern i have. Might be better for me to just stick with my original plan for my RTT on a trailer.

Are you familiar with Dave's website? He has some good points on restoring and repairing.

http://www.wildernest.org/

[xj-grin]

Trailer is looking sweet! :thumbup:

I came across a Wildernest, but it's for a longbed. I'm having thoughts of grabbing it and found your thread in a search.

How is the transition stepping up and into the trailer? I have a bad back and thats a concern i have. Might be better for me to just stick with my original plan for my RTT on a trailer.

Are you familiar with Dave's website? He has some good points on restoring and repairing.

http://www.wildernest.org/

Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen it!

I am planning on a little fold-down ladder for the tailgate, but it isn't really that high (more for the kids). Cabelas has a couple different models. I will be reworking the half-ass jack system this winter so it should be easier to set up and more stable next year. You don't think about it, but having a cab/engine/etc. attached to the bed of a truck is alot different than just the bed -- that cantilever throws the weight way off without counter balance or good jacks.:thumbup:

[OverlandXJ]

Your welcome.

I made an offer this am on the Wildernest i found, hopeing he accepts. It's a Longbed model though, but only an hour away. If i get it i'll probably sell my RTT.

[xj-grin]

Your welcome.

I made an offer this am on the Wildernest i found, hopeing he accepts. It's a Longbed model though, but only an hour away. If i get it i'll probably sell my RTT.

with your free advertising on the front page, I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a buyer! Looks great, BTW!

[flingshot]

LOL! :thumbup:


Why not just change your screen name to "Glamourshot"? :D

:roflmao:



NOT!

[xj-grin]

So, while the XJ was running (temporarily, unfortunately) I pulled the trailer into the garage for some of the winter maintenance/improvements I had been planning, but failed to get to with all the engine issues... Today I figured I might as well knock some of it out while it's in the garage, before I pull the XJ back in for another engine swap later this week.

My temporary jacking system was, well, jacked. I fabbed up some perches for the front leveling jacks using 1/2" plate:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250067.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250068.jpg

1/2" plate with a 115 flux-core welder is kind-of suspect, but this is a fairly low-stress application, low risk, and with the heat cranked and taking my time, it seemed to penetrate pretty well:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250069.jpg

Anyways, I beat the snot out of them with the sledge and they don't seem to want to go anywhere -- I'll likely add some gussets tomorrow before the paint goes on, since its going back out into the weather.

Then I moved my tongue jack from its original location here:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1011793.jpg

grind, grind, grind...
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250070.jpg

to here:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250071.jpg

Which made room for me to install the new tongue-tool-box (temporarily):
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4250072.jpg

gotta love $99 sale at Harbor Freight -- it will be flanked in the next couple weeks with a 5 gallon water cooler mount on one side, and a 20lb propane bottle on the other.:greensmok

[Xtreme XJ]

Cool... gotta love the deals... I wish I could make time to work on mine...

Keep the occasional update coming...

Curt

[xj-grin]

Got gussets?

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P4270073.jpg

I was in a hurry to paint and didn't flap off the splatter (had to go outside last night for the XJ to come in for an engine swap today)... I'll clean em up and repaint later.:)

[xj-grin]

I now seem to have a good-running replacement engine, so back to the trailer in hopes of having it ready to go to Moab in a week and a 1/2...

Jeff (planefixer) made me a deal on his old XJ rear bumper with quarter bracing (cutout) about a year ago, and its been sitting collecting dust ever since - yesterday, I cut off the XJ mounts, modified the MJ bumper mounts to work and got it installed as a platform for my rear jackstands:

Cut the rear quarters to accommodate the bracing/jack platform:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090077.jpg

Mocked up to measure the mounts (I tacked them one once they were cut to fit -- I took about 7" off the mounts):
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090078.jpg

Mounts cooked on:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090079.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090080.jpg

Done, pics of the jackstands to follow later this week:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090082.jpg
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5090083.jpg

[in4aride]

Psshhhh. Planefixer with a blue bumper. Get outta here! :D

fits on there purdy well, gonna paint it?

[xj-grin]

It'll get one trip in blue for Jeff to reminisce... then my standard rustoleum satin black.

[YELLAHEEP]

I'm so diggin' that bumper on the trailer! I believe my MJ project will get a similar bumper..... I like it that much. :thumbup:

Did you have to cut a little off the ends of the bumper brackets where you welded them to the back of the bumper?

[xj-grin]

Did you have to cut a little off the ends of the bumper brackets where you welded them to the back of the bumper?

at least 7" worth. I mocked up the bumper, and measured from the furthest back mounting hole, cut the mounts to fit, bolted them up and tacked them, pulled it off and finished cooking it. that bumper probably weighs 80lbs, and was a bit of a bitch to get lined back up with both brackets by my pansy little self -- but it wasn't that hard.:shiver:

[xj-grin]

Got the rear jackstands extended and attached tonight:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5120085.jpg

I extended each one of the stands by about 6-7" using some 1.5" square stock, essentially stop-sign post (thanks for the idea, Yella!) -- these jacks are designed for your standard pop-up on 14" wheels... they needed a little extra length:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5120086.jpg

and folded up:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5120088.jpg

Right as I started burning them, I came up with a better mounting plan that will get them a bit higher up out of harms way -- but, it will involve removing the bumper, and on my about-to-go-to-Moab schedule, I just needed to get them operative -- I'll likely rework these a little later this summer so I minimally welded them on for now, just enough to hold (yikes, nice paint runs - just noticed those while posting the pics :thumbdn:):
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P5120087.jpg

I'll likely get my tool box, water cooler and propane tank mounted just in time, and will post some pics of those after we return from Utah! :peace:

[jdogg4]

POST back from the dead.

Got any inside pics? Showing the lady about my plans for the trailer. Sales pitch in a way or else it's going to be hauling dirt the rest of it's life. Already have her kind of sold on the whole futon and camper shell deal but yours has got her thinking she likes that setup too.

[snowboard3r411]

[QUOTE=xj-grin;244145277]Yella delivered it to my house on a cold Sunday night, and took away the lesser half of my jeep stable (you can guess which one)
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1001600.jpg


hey that little silver truck looks familar lol dam that dent was big :roll:

[xj-grin]

[QUOTE=xj-grin;244145277]Yella delivered it to my house on a cold Sunday night, and took away the lesser half of my jeep stable (you can guess which one)
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/P1001600.jpg


hey that little silver truck looks familar lol dam that dent was big :roll:

I pried it out with a flat pry bar. :dunce:

[xj-grin]

POST back from the dead.

Got any inside pics? Showing the lady about my plans for the trailer. Sales pitch in a way or else it's going to be hauling dirt the rest of it's life. Already have her kind of sold on the whole futon and camper shell deal but yours has got her thinking she likes that setup too.

I'll dig up some inside pics. We currently have a "carpet kit" in the bed that the kids sleep on, while my wife and I are up in the tent. And, not back from the "dead", just dormant for a while... I need to post some pics of the 3500lb axle swap w/ electric brakes!:sunshine:

[snowboard3r411]

ha ha so thats where the little bit of rust on the door is from were the pry bar was lol:twak:

[xj-grin]

I was unconcerned with appearances at the time, I just needed the GD door to open!

dogg -- no inside pics in my folders, this is the closest I've got. I know I'm camping in it on the 14th, so I'll try and remember to take some then.
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/cumminscd/wildernest001-1.jpg

[jdogg4]

So I went to the wilderNest website and saw the inside pics. I LIKE THAT alot so the whole tent part is pretty much tucked up in the upper part of the flip over so you still have all the access storage of the below floor area. I'm really liking this idea. Toss in the coolers and extra gear tables and stuf for camping then the dog beds for them to sleep on. Well I guess I need to take care of the basic functional part of the trailer first then work on a topper situation second. I was going to use some 4" x 2" 3/16 and or 1/4 Rec tubing because I have a lot of it here at the shop, but I like that 3" x 4" 11ga RT the other guy posted up on here.

[xj-grin]

So I went to the wilderNest website and saw the inside pics. I LIKE THAT alot so the whole tent part is pretty much tucked up in the upper part of the flip over so you still have all the access storage of the below floor area. I'm really liking this idea. Toss in the coolers and extra gear tables and stuf for camping then the dog beds for them to sleep on. Well I guess I need to take care of the basic functional part of the trailer first then work on a topper situation second. I was going to use some 4" x 2" 3/16 and or 1/4 Rec tubing because I have a lot of it here at the shop, but I like that 3" x 4" 11ga RT the other guy posted up on here.

yes, the Nest is just a topper when folded up, instead of being a hard "ceiling", it is zippered canvas allowing access to the tent -- not sure what you're referring to with the tubing, since your trailer already has a tongue, no? We have a carpet kit in the MJ bed itself that our kids sleep on when camping, but it takes up so much storage that I am thinking of going to a fitted bed air mattress that I can inflate on site to maximize storage...

[jdogg4]

Nope no tongue set up. Hypoid had a pull bar he attached to the frame and just pulled it to my place that way then 4 bolts we had it off in a few min and he took it with him. Pretty slick setup for a quick pull deal. He offered to sell it to me but I want to do the storage box, propane tank, and water tank deal up front so I was for sure going to need it longer than what he had to work with at the time. That and looking at post of how guys set them up. I like yours with the lock and roll receiver. I have a lot of direction and options to go with after reading up the last few weeks on these trailer builds. Comes down to how much I can or want to spend and good I want this to look. I really like the open space of being able to stand up and change without being all hunched over in a tent. I love sleeping in tents when I go camping but a big tent for setting up can be a pain not that one of those won’t take a bit of time to setup and tear down. This looks a lot easier to deal with if I’m by myself or with one other person vs a big tent and all the polls and what not. I mean really other than the WilderNest part this can be a pretty low budget camping setup I can work with.

[xj-grin]

Nope no tongue set up. Hypoid had a pull bar he attached to the frame and just pulled it to my place that way then 4 bolts we had it off in a few min and he took it with him. Pretty slick setup for a quick pull deal. He offered to sell it to me but I want to do the storage box, propane tank, and water tank deal up front so I was for sure going to need it longer than what he had to work with at the time. That and looking at post of how guys set them up. I like yours with the lock and roll receiver. I have a lot of direction and options to go with after reading up the last few weeks on these trailer builds. Comes down to how much I can or want to spend and good I want this to look. I really like the open space of being able to stand up and change without being all hunched over in a tent. I love sleeping in tents when I go camping but a big tent for setting up can be a pain not that one of those won’t take a bit of time to setup and tear down. This looks a lot easier to deal with if I’m by myself or with one other person vs a big tent and all the polls and what not. I mean really other than the WilderNest part this can be a pretty low budget camping setup I can work with.

gotcha -- PM Tom (old_man) about his hitches he was going to fab for his tear drop. Lots cheaper than a lock-n-roll (not that I don't love mine), and similar function...

[jdogg4]

how much do those lock-n-roll ones cost?
I will PM him he lives pretty close.

[xj-grin]

how much do those lock-n-roll ones cost?
I will PM him he lives pretty close.

enough that I wouldn't buy another one -- I think mine was something like $150 to my door...:sure:

[jdogg4]

ouch!