From scratch off road trailer (aka..a reason to buy a welder) - Page 2

dwilliamsceg · 11-19-2009, 08:41 AM

I did a quick sketch of the left side and, while this is a gross approximation, I do not think I will have room for Jerry cans or a grill / cooler. The lid will lift from one side so I may mount the cans/cooler/grill to the front and rear of the trailer. FYI - the box height is 2 feet. Sorry I did not label this on the sketch.

Thoughts?

dwilliamsceg · 11-19-2009, 08:52 AM

Here is an updated image. I will probably mount tools to the sides due to lack of space.

dwilliamsceg · 11-19-2009, 08:54 AM

I need to get back to real work :-)

here are images of the axle and parts that I plan on using. Me next sketch will be the rear of the trailer but that will be later in the day.

-dirt- · 11-19-2009, 10:29 AM

Good luck! This looks like a fun project. Please post pics.

Couple questions:

- what are you making the frame out of? I'm guessing square tubing...? What size?

- and the sides? Sheet metal?

Thanks.

timatoe · 11-19-2009, 10:55 AM

I went back and looked at the ABC site and they now charge $12 for custom sizes, but the 2k axle with hubs and springs is $122. I got mine to the door for like $160.

Are you using a regular ball mount hitch for the tongue? I can post up a couple of pics on how I did the tongue on mine if you'd like for a couple of ideas. I basically put a reciever tube at the front of the trailer so I could swap out a ball mount or pintle/lunette. I usually just use the ball mount, but wanted to have the option.

I love cool projects like this, looking forward to seeing your progress.

prd_cdn · 11-19-2009, 11:15 AM

looks good !!

some things I've been collecting on my long list of TOO DO List.

just food for thought !!

good luck

**Jim1611** · 11-19-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwilliamsceg

Yes, the lid will have a rack system so that items can be tied down. I need to think about the design of it. At first I was going to make the lid out of plywood that was fiberglassed and painted but that would not be as strong as a basic steel frame with sheet metal. Let me do some thinking and I will mock up some designs and post. Thanks for the comment.

You're welcome.

dwilliamsceg · 11-19-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirt_j00

Good luck! This looks like a fun project. Please post pics.

Couple questions:

- what are you making the frame out of? I'm guessing square tubing...? What size?

- and the sides? Sheet metal?

Thanks.

I think I am going to make the frame out and angle iron and flat iron. the top and bottom of the box will be angle iron rectangles connected by 2' sections of flat iron that define the height of the box. Using this method I should be able to very easily install and hide the weld for the sheet metal that will comprise the sides and bottom. I need to do some calculations and testing on optimal size of the angle iron and the sheet metal. I will also mock up a drawing before ordering anything.

dwilliamsceg · 11-19-2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timatoe

I went back and looked at the ABC site and they now charge $12 for custom sizes, but the 2k axle with hubs and springs is $122. I got mine to the door for like $160.

Are you using a regular ball mount hitch for the tongue? I can post up a couple of pics on how I did the tongue on mine if you'd like for a couple of ideas. I basically put a reciever tube at the front of the trailer so I could swap out a ball mount or pintle/lunette. I usually just use the ball mount, but wanted to have the option.

I love cool projects like this, looking forward to seeing your progress.

I went to the ABC site. Wow....much cheaper. Plus they will install ultra lube hubs which are very good (I have them on my flatbed). I am going to see if they can make me an axle that is 51" LOA with 36" spring perches.

timatoe · 11-19-2009, 06:26 PM

Yeah, I went ahead and got those with mine, I think they were only like an additional $10.

4bangerYJ · 11-19-2009, 07:36 PM

Don't do the slipper springs. Get some real springs with eye's on both ends. I'd look for some YJ,Sami,CJ etc. They are longer, which will offer a smoother ride for your stuff. They can be had fairly cheap used.

jclaudii · 11-20-2009, 12:49 PM

I"m just going to post a link to sketchUp that is free by Google so you can do better/more accurate drawings and sketches. It has a ruler on the line created so you know exactly what the scale is. You can also save it in layers so you can see the frame and the skin and then the entire project as you see fit. very fun and flexible to use.

Google SketchUp
Example of doodles done: Jeep Off-Road trailer by packrat - Google 3D Warehouse

timatoe · 11-20-2009, 06:02 PM

I downloaded that before, but apparently I'm too dumb to figure it out.

dwilliamsceg · 11-21-2009, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4bangerYJ

Don't do the slipper springs. Get some real springs with eye's on both ends. I'd look for some YJ,Sami,CJ etc. They are longer, which will offer a smoother ride for your stuff. They can be had fairly cheap used.

Thanks for the comment.

dwilliamsceg · 11-21-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jclaudii

I"m just going to post a link to sketchUp that is free by Google so you can do better/more accurate drawings and sketches. It has a ruler on the line created so you know exactly what the scale is. You can also save it in layers so you can see the frame and the skin and then the entire project as you see fit. very fun and flexible to use.

Google SketchUp
Example of doodles done: Jeep Off-Road trailer by packrat - Google 3D Warehouse

Thank you. I will try that out.

I have been working my design out on paper am going to build this thing in two general stages. Stage 1: Chassis, main box, and axle Stage 2: box skin, top, and accessories.

I will work on creating a Sketchup model of stage 1 and posting it.

Thanks again.