[Fropleyqk]

So, the story is, Ive been wanting to build an offroad trailer for quite a while. It would primarily be used for camping. Ive even got plans drawn out and costs laid out. Problem is that the cost and my wallet dont agree.

I was digging around craigslist last week and found one... in terrible shape. The owner said it was featured in some offroad magazine at one point in time. That wasnt really a selling point for me, just something he said. One thing I really like is that it was built to be behind a Jeep. The axle width is the same. And even in its rough shape, it tracked behind my LJ going 70 down the interstate like it wasnt even there. I got it for $175. Upon further inspection, I dont think it was really a steal. It was however a good starting point. The tires are dry rotted and theres surface rust on everything metal, not metal rot though. The wood was completely rotted through. Thats ok though because it was going to be replaced from the get go.

So, the whole point of this project is going to be to produce a cool offroad camping trailer on a strict budget. I already ordered a couple of those fist clamps for a shovel and axe. Ill be adding a Jerrycan mount (leftover from my tire carrier build), and maybe power, not sure about that yet. The rims will be blasted and repainted instead of replaced, same with all the steel.

OK, enough chat. I forgot to snap a pic before the tear down started but I did snap one from the opposite side so you could at least get the idea before it was completely torn apart.






Ill post up pics as it comes along.

[Netpackrat]

Some POR-15 and rattle can topcoat, new plywood, fresh hardware and bearings, a better set of used tires off craigslist, done. I think you got a fair deal.

[slowlowford]

A little clan up it will be good. Depending on the axle you would have spent close to that on a new one anyway, and now you have some extra steel. I think it was an ok deal depending how much you are changing it.

[Fropleyqk]

Wont be changing it too much. Like I said, Im going to clean all the metal and then paint. Instead of bolting together Im going to weld a few of the joints. And Im not doing plywood. I want to do metal but the budget doesnt allow for it. The fenders werent really salvageable. They were very thin to begin with and probably wouldnt survive cleaning. I ordered a new set for like $70. I am on the lookout for some craigslist tires. A guy in our Jeep Club has a set of matching 35" GY MTRs (theyre what I have on my Jeep) for sale for $175. Im going to try to get 2 of them off of him.

[Unlimited04]

not bad, looking forward to seeing what you put together.

whats the inside box dimensions?

[Fropleyqk]

The inside box is roughly 3' 6" x 4' 10." Ill probably be running 2x4s or 2x6s for the floor and sides. Figure that would look a little better than plywood. Ive been in the garage all morning with the wire wheel. This is pretty time consuming but I think its going to turn out good.

[4wdjeepguy]

that is sweet! ive found several 1/4 ton military trailers but they are all just a little too big for me. that one is perfect. thinking of putting an ARB pop-up on top?

[Fropleyqk]

Originally Posted by unlrubicon05

that is sweet! ive found several 1/4 ton military trailers but they are all just a little too big for me. that one is perfect. thinking of putting an ARB pop-up on top?

Id like to eventually (some pop-up, probably not ARB). Right now, Im not sure if it'd support it or not. Ill eventually build something more stout but right now Im just re-using the current metal. the top overhang is pretty thin.

Where are you finding military 1/4 tons? I cant find a cheap M416 to save my life. Not willing to pay $800 on eBay for a rust pile.

[4wdjeepguy]

I've found a couple on Atlanta Craigslist and a few at the PA jeeps show. They look too big to me if you want to tow them through the woods... and alot of tlc is needed too

[MountainMan864]

Seems like a little much but if you like it. Yea M416's run about 600-1000 for a decent to good one. M100 is an option too. The M101a1 is a 1/2ton and might be towable with the LJ. Buts its wider than the jeep probably.

[4bangerYJ]

Originally Posted by fropleyquark

The inside box is roughly 3' 6" x 4' 10." Ill probably be running 2x4s or 2x6s for the floor and sides. Figure that would look a little better than plywood. Ive been in the garage all morning with the wire wheel. This is pretty time consuming but I think its going to turn out good.

I'd look at some 1x4 or 1x6 to help with costs and keep the weight down. Should be plenty strong for camp gear.
Nice find. I have been wanting to build something like this for years.

[Fropleyqk]

Originally Posted by 4bangerYJ

I'd look at some 1x4 or 1x6 to help with costs and keep the weight down. Should be plenty strong for camp gear.
Nice find. I have been wanting to build something like this for years.

You know, I must have brain farted when I typed that. Youre absolutely right, my original plan was 1x4 or 1x6. I guess I had 2x4s on the brain.

[Fropleyqk]

Originally Posted by MountainMan864

Seems like a little much but if you like it. Yea M416's run about 600-1000 for a decent to good one. M100 is an option too. The M101a1 is a 1/2ton and might be towable with the LJ. Buts its wider than the jeep probably.

There were a bunch of M101As up for auction here last week. All in good shape, some with rails and tops. They were going for about $3-$400, excellent prices. Theyre just too big. I even considered cutting one down but this little hunker I have now should work.

[4wdjeepguy]

have you considered re-using that axle and doing something like this

http://www.wildyoats.com/off_road_trailer_build.htm

seems simple enough right? I've been doing some research on doing a similar project and an axle with a 5 lug 4.5" hub would cost be around 300. Looks like you scored a deal

[Jafo1]

Great looking project you got going on. Can't wait til I can build/re-build my own trailer like this. BTW what model Hobart welder you got?

thanks for posting your project.