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BigDaveZJ
05-01-2009, 12:41 AM
Well, I did it. Wasn't really planning on it, but found this rust bucket on CraigsList for $350. Everything's straight and relatively unmolested as best I can tell. Fair amount of rust up top, but looked very solid underneath. May have to patch a few holes, but nothing major. No major concrete plans for now. Going to start by stripping it and fixing any body issues, new axle SOA, 5x4.5 wheels and probably 32's. After that, who knows.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs003.snc1/2787_98766498367_585188367_2482499_2851803_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs003.snc1/2787_98766503367_585188367_2482500_6585326_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs003.snc1/2787_98766513367_585188367_2482501_7101917_n.jpg

The worst rust appears to be on the bulkhead
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs003.snc1/2787_98766518367_585188367_2482502_2746445_n.jpg

MoonWorks
05-01-2009, 12:47 AM
Looks nice Dave. Don't know how much those usually go for but it looks to be in good shape.

Mtn WJ
05-01-2009, 12:52 AM
As my friend from Boston says, "wicked pisser cool". Nice find.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-01-2009, 01:57 AM
See, aren't you glad you waited to find something like this? Building one from scratch would have been a PITA and certainly more expensive.

canadian_driver
05-01-2009, 10:24 AM
mmmm sexy

CrawlerReady
05-01-2009, 10:37 AM
Looks sweet Dave! Definitely has potential there :)

MUDDTRACKS
05-01-2009, 11:26 AM
Nice find. Those trailer's go for about 800 in that shape seen ones lke that go as high as $1,500

OverlandXJ
05-01-2009, 11:55 AM
^^^ Yep. With the popularity of Overlanding rising here in the States these trailers have gone up in value considerably. You got a great deal Dave.

Trailer looks in nice shape. Look fwd to your improvements. Lots of good threads at expeditionportal and ih8mud to give you ideas and guidance.

BigDaveZJ
05-01-2009, 11:55 AM
Nice find. Those trailer's go for about 800 in that shape seen ones lke that go as high as $1,500

Precisely why I jumped on it!

Gonna start compiling a parts list for what I want to do over the summer over the next few days and get a budget laid down. Saving the good metal is top priority right now. I couldn't even tell it was behind the truck, but with a 3/4 ton truck I'd expect that. Will probably hook it up to the Jeep soon and see how it does behind there.

Ted_Z
05-01-2009, 12:46 PM
I'd hardly call that a rust bucket. Good find!

BigDaveZJ
05-01-2009, 12:55 PM
Here's some links to some builds that will inspire some of the ideas on my trailer. Some of these guys have put an AMAZING amount of time into their trailers. Mindblowing. I don't plan on going that into it, but who knows what will happen.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20925

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23824

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19568

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16632

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18250

There's many other builds out there too.

wannabe_offroad
05-01-2009, 01:50 PM
I don't plan on going that into it, but who knows what will happen.


Did you say that about your Jeep too when you got it? :axe:

BigDaveZJ
05-01-2009, 01:54 PM
Did you say that about your Jeep too when you got it? :axe:


Hmmm . . . yeah I did. Shit. LOL

JohnBoulderCO
05-01-2009, 02:41 PM
Good score, great price! I think I need one now. :D

buttnakedjeepin
05-03-2009, 11:06 PM
that thing is bad ass!!!... great job with details and all the pics..

canadian_driver
05-03-2009, 11:26 PM
did any of these trailers come with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern?

BigDaveZJ
05-03-2009, 11:35 PM
did any of these trailers come with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern?

Pretty sure that's what this one is.

BigDaveZJ
05-04-2009, 06:02 PM
Pulled it around the block with the ZJ today. Did pretty well. Definitely trickier to back up than the 16' trailer behind the F250, but not too bad.

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3349/120/103/585188367/n585188367_2506426_3728419.jpg

JohnBoulderCO
05-04-2009, 06:24 PM
Time to paint the Jeep to match the trailer.

CrawlerReady
05-04-2009, 06:25 PM
Really they only measure 29"...they look close to your 35's but obviously pics don't do justice ;)

Cody
05-04-2009, 06:41 PM
I pulled mine in excess of 75 mph on dirt behind my ZJ and it did fine. My only complaint was that it was just barely too narrow to be seen from my side mirrors and it was bouncy without much weight. It would start float if it were empty on washbeds and some corners, but it didn't have enough wait to pull me around. When it had weight in it you didn't notice it as much.

Mine wasn't that clean either, and I paid double that. Definately go with a new axle as they aren't that expensive and it's nice to have new parts/bearings etc. If you stick with leaf springs, swap them out to something much longer. The longer springs will help it stay stable and ride/handle sooo much better. I had picked up some stock YJ springs that I was going to pull a leaf out of and use with some cheap DT shocks I had laying around. I have a friend that runs an FJ40 tub he cut down and uses FJ40 springs...he rallies around at rediculous speeds with his and a lot of the guys he runs with have the AT trailers with that kick ass airbag/trailing arm setup and those trailers don't perform any better than his long leaf spring one--but the stock spring 416 and 101's definately were light years behind.

I would also consider running the same size tire as the rig you pull it with. Just an extra precaution in case you have more than one tire you can't repair. Better to ditch the trailer and get back alive than it is to hike out or drive out on 3 tires and a wheel.

I sold mine because I decided I could fit everything I needed in the back of my ZJ, and my ultimate goal is to pick up a 4 door tacoma for overland type wheelin. I would have loved to have finished the trailer, but it wasn't worth the time and $$$ to me when I couldn't convince myself that at least part of my reasoning was the "coolness" of having one instead of function and necessity.

CrawlerReady
05-04-2009, 07:34 PM
....I couldn't convince myself that at least part of my reasoning was the "coolness" of having one instead of function and necessity.

This is exactly why I sold mine....I was already cool enough and this just put me over the top :cool:

K2
05-04-2009, 10:37 PM
I would also consider running the same size tire as the rig you pull it with. Just an extra precaution in case you have more than one tire you can't repair. Better to ditch the trailer and get back alive than it is to hike out or drive out on 3 tires and a wheel.


I dont get how this would apply to Dave.

CrawlerReady
05-05-2009, 02:01 AM
I dont get how this would apply to Dave.

What exactly don't you get about it? It makes perfect sense to me....:smt102

Cody
05-05-2009, 12:01 PM
I think he's alluding to the fact that Dave seems to blow tires like a Vegas hooker.

CrawlerReady
05-05-2009, 12:29 PM
AHHHHHHH.....I get it now! haha

BigDaveZJ
05-05-2009, 02:17 PM
Tis true, but I got new tires now, so hopefully that alleviates some of my tire issues. My biggest concern with tire size at this point is keeping the trailer close to level with the ZJ. The trailer is a little short right now. If it's too tall I could just get a raised pintle hitch for the ZJ too intead of the one now that's perfectly level. Ideally the trailer will be on 35's so it can use my ZJ's spare, and I will probably carry my car hauler spare as well to be on the safe side since it has 5x4.5 too.

Mtn WJ
05-05-2009, 02:39 PM
Why would you carry your car hauler/trailer spare on the M16?

I was doing some thinking about off road trailers and spares. To me it is not that necessary to have the exact same tire and rim unless you really only want to carry one spare overall. Otherwise if you are carrying a spare on the Jeep and the trailer you are pretty much covered. I doubt with new tires you will exceed one tire per unit. I am not saying it will never happen but not likely.

Cody
05-05-2009, 03:03 PM
How noisy is the pintle? Have you see the lock n roll hitches? I always assumed the pintle would be crazy loud and annoying in a unibody vehicle, so I was going to use a lock n roll.

Mine would have been almost exactly leve once I had a spring over and 35's, but I think I'm also 1" taller than you lift-wise, and my receiver is in the bumper which is a few inches above the factory location. So I guess that makes sense.

BigDaveZJ
05-05-2009, 05:39 PM
Why would you carry your car hauler/trailer spare on the M16?




Cuz it's itty bitty and doesn't take up much space or weight and beats having a flat on the trailer. ZJ, car hauler, and M416 will all eventually have 5x4.5 bolt pattern.

Cody
05-05-2009, 06:21 PM
You're going to put the ZJ and m416 on your trailer at the same time? I'm confused.

BigDaveZJ
05-05-2009, 06:28 PM
Current plan is one ZJ on the car hauler, the other ZJ pulling the M416 when the trip starts > 100 miles or so away. On the actual trails, the M416 will be behind my ZJ and I'll grab the car hauler spare to take with us just in case.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
05-12-2009, 04:31 PM
This one looks like junk and is about 2x what you paid for yours. You got a dealio!

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/283556-m416-military-trailer-sale-co.html

Cody
05-12-2009, 05:24 PM
The car hauler spare to put on the m416 if it has a problem?

Also, would you really bring 2 ZJ's and a trailer for you and Pam or am I missing something?

BigDaveZJ
05-12-2009, 05:36 PM
Me, Pam, plus dog(s). There would probably be very little stuff actually in the Jeeps, just the usual trail gear we carry. Camping gear will go in the trailer. This also gives us the ability to just take one ZJ if we're going with a group, or take both if it's just us.

friscokidd
05-12-2009, 06:29 PM
i think you got yourself a junker there, you i will buy it off ya for what you paid for it :D

MrFreeze5
05-17-2009, 06:43 PM
If I had one of those it would make my life so much easier. If I could get my motorcycle in it it would be perfect! I am definately going to look for one in the fall. That seems to be the best time to pick stuff like that up, when people realize they dont want to store it for the winter while theyre not using it, or the wife is making them get rid of stuff that didnt get used enough that year :D

BigDaveZJ
05-17-2009, 07:25 PM
How long is your bike? As long as the bike fit, I think it'd be pretty easy to make a ramp/tailgate thingie.

MrFreeze5
05-17-2009, 08:22 PM
How long is your bike? As long as the bike fit, I think it'd be pretty easy to make a ramp/tailgate thingie.

Its the height of the trailer that would be more of an issue I think. The bike is pretty hefty at 400lbs or so with a high center of gravity. but if I get one low enough to put the bike on, it wont do so good for the camping. Looks like I have an excuse to get different trailers for different toys!

friscokidd
05-22-2009, 11:15 AM
what kind of bike do you have??!!?? 400# W.O.W.

MrFreeze5
05-22-2009, 12:28 PM
what kind of bike do you have??!!?? 400# W.O.W.

Its a sportbike and its got a high center of gravity. The height of the trailer would make it a nightmare to get up safely without a really wide ramp. Guess that means I get to get two trailers. Im ok with that :D Any trailer that fit my bike comfortably, would not be great for camping. I need to get a large one anyway for transporting the bike, my tools, parts, basically large heavy stuff that I cant lift. Im thinking about a 8' utility trailer, plus one of these. Yeah!

friscokidd
05-22-2009, 12:30 PM
ahh, i was thinking a dirt bike since we are talkin about camping traillers..haha

OverlandXJ
05-24-2009, 02:16 PM
Tis true, but I got new tires now, so hopefully that alleviates some of my tire issues. My biggest concern with tire size at this point is keeping the trailer close to level with the ZJ. The trailer is a little short right now. If it's too tall I could just get a raised pintle hitch for the ZJ too intead of the one now that's perfectly level. Ideally the trailer will be on 35's so it can use my ZJ's spare, and I will probably carry my car hauler spare as well to be on the safe side since it has 5x4.5 too.


Hey Dave.. i picked this up yesterday from a bud to borrow for a NAXJA event since mine is nowhere near done.

It's sitting on 35's.. if you need measurements to figure anything i can get it for ya.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/Erik416.jpg

BigDaveZJ
05-24-2009, 06:43 PM
If you could measure ground to the bottom of the lunette with it sitting level that'd kick ass!

MrFreeze5
05-24-2009, 06:47 PM
I found a 1-1/4 ton HMMWV trailer on CL for $300 over the weekend, but I didnt jump fast enough and its gone. Its substantially wider than the M416, but I think I can get more genera purpose use out of it and still use it for camping, but probably not on dificult trails.

BigDaveZJ
05-24-2009, 06:49 PM
If it's the one I'm thinking of, I would NOT want to pull one of those with a ZJ!

MrFreeze5
05-24-2009, 07:13 PM
http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/TWVRMO/images/vehtrltsm.jpg

It would have the same wheels and tires as my ZJ

With a canopy it can carry a lot!

http://www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/TWVRMO/images/vehM1102.jpg

OverlandXJ
05-25-2009, 12:10 PM
If you could measure ground to the bottom of the lunette with it sitting level that'd kick ass!


Right close to 26".

BigDaveZJ
05-25-2009, 12:28 PM
Sweet. That should work quite well. I think my ZJ's hitch sits at about 24" right now, so that shouldn't be a major issue. Thanks man!

BigDaveZJ
07-01-2009, 10:09 PM
Hopefully picking up some 33x10.50 BFG AT's tomorrow night for this thing, and gonna order up an axle and some wheels here soon as well. I want to get the axle under asap so I can start wiring everything up and get it rolling. With our big trip in August coming up time is scarce so I want to make sure I'm not wasting my time on useless things and focusing on the necessities to make it work in August.

BigDaveZJ
07-18-2009, 05:59 PM
Well the 33x10.50's fell through, dude on CL was a complete jackass. Bought some 12.50's for it this morning though that will work quite nicely. Gonna set some TJ Gamblers off CO4x4 this weekend too hopefully.

Today we tore the trailer down. Took the tub off and got it all ready for sandblasting. We thought about getting the frame blasted too, but it was in really good shape considering. So after about 30 minutes of grinding we had gotten rid of enough rust and old paint on the frame to throw down some primer. We didn't touch the bottom of the frame since it's got some type of bedliner on it.

Pics will follow soon.

BigDaveZJ
07-19-2009, 01:54 AM
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs192.snc1/6450_131840403367_585188367_3068152_3260677_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs192.snc1/6450_131840433367_585188367_3068158_564562_n.jpg

Derek33
07-19-2009, 10:19 AM
I want one so bad!

Looks good, Dave. Glad you're taking your time and doing it right the first time.

BigDaveZJ
07-21-2009, 11:23 AM
Ordered up the axle a few minutes ago. I wanted a 59" WMS but I waited too long to order one and itd take 2 to 3 weeks for them to have it made, which starts cutting time a bit short. Went with a 62" instead, should still work out fine, just 1.5" wider on each side than I wanted.

Ted_Z
07-21-2009, 11:39 AM
I got a 62" axle as well. The difference is negligible. Since you're going to run factory wheels (5.5" back space?) I doubt you'll even see any difference in the end.

How much extra did the brakes cost?

BigDaveZJ
07-21-2009, 11:53 AM
I was trying to keep it as narrow as possible, but no big deal. The total came to around $300 shipped for the axle with ultra lube spindles, brakes, ubolts and tie in plates, and another set of spring perches since the ones on there now are in the wrong spot.

Ted_Z
07-21-2009, 01:46 PM
I've got some extra pearches if you want them (and you can cancel yours).

The ones they sent me are 2" wide but I needed 2.5" wide for my yj springs. Also the u-bolt plates wont work with the wider springs.

BigDaveZJ
07-24-2009, 10:27 PM
Frame has been painted. Hoping to get the tub blasted next week sometime. Axle should show up Thursday-ish next week. Going to try and wire as much of the trailer as we can this weekend since we have the lights and everything already. The tub may not be ready by next weekend, but the frame should at least roll by then. I'll get some pics later this weekend.

BigDaveZJ
07-30-2009, 01:08 PM
Axle showed up yesterday and got the brakes mounted on the housing. Didn't have a socket big enough for the spindle nut though, so need to grab one of those today. Need to weld the spring perches on to the axle, paint it and wire up the brakes. Hoping to get that done tonite. Tub and fenders are blasted, picking those up tomorrow to start paint on it this weekend. Going with semi gloss black on the bottom, and either a tan or forest greenish color for the rest of the tub. Frame should be rolling by this weekend, then just need to wait for all the paint on the tub to dry and mount the tub back up and she's done for now!

BigDaveZJ
08-02-2009, 05:44 PM
It's almost done. We got a LOT done this weekend. Last weekend we worked on some of the wiring and finished painting the frame. We got the tub media blasted at Blast Tech this week, they did a great job and the price was great too. Finished up the SOA this morning and started painting the tub. The exterior is pretty much set, but the inside of the tub needs another solid coat. We frantically put the tub on the frame in the garage earlier this afternoon when it started sprinkling down here. Not quite how we wanted that to go down, but the paint was dry enough where it wasn't too bad. It sits a LOT higher than I expected it to with the SOA and 33's. I'm hoping with some weight in it that it will come down a bit. Also there's like 40lbs of air in the tires which is way too much. I'll try to grab some pics later.

BigDaveZJ
08-06-2009, 01:43 AM
Here she is! Couple small details to tie up still but nothing major.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs144.snc1/5330_141336473367_585188367_3235712_4727536_n.jpg

Trailer sits a little higher than the Jeep. I've got some spacers for the back I might throw in, also hoping some weight in the trailer lowers it a bit.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_141336533367_585188367_3235722_3567768_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_141336518367_585188367_3235720_1730254_n.jpg

Been really happy with the lunette/pintle so far. Also mounted the trailer plug receptacle into the back bumper to keep from getting damaged.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs144.snc1/5330_141336508367_585188367_3235718_4328770_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_141336503367_585188367_3235717_7370290_n.jpg

downtowncb
08-06-2009, 02:20 AM
Looks really good. My uncle has one rusting away in his back yard that I'm trying to talk him into giving/selling to me. Are you going to add Jerry cans or anything else?

CrawlerReady
08-06-2009, 08:05 AM
Looks bad ass Dave! Are you using the stock springs? Or a longer/softer set?

canadian_driver
08-06-2009, 08:59 AM
looks good, dont forget to cross your safety chains when towing

BigDaveZJ
08-06-2009, 09:23 AM
Still using the stock springs for now. The plan is to use the trailer as is for our trip this summer, and then figure out exactly what else we want to do to it, if anything. We'll probably cut a tailgate into it, but not sure what else we're going to do to it yet.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
08-06-2009, 10:43 AM
Looks really good dude!

ajmorell
08-06-2009, 10:52 AM
Damn Dave that looks really nice.

OverlandXJ
08-06-2009, 06:15 PM
Looks great Dave. I'll be following stage Ii..

Mine sat low in the tongue as well, so i checked the local Craigslist and found a raised pintle mount.. cheap too. It tows much better leveled off. Just something to think about.

Running shocks?

JohnBoulderCO
08-06-2009, 06:19 PM
Very nice! I like the color. It would good behind my Jeep.

Matt
08-08-2009, 11:29 AM
Good work Dave, that's going to be a fun trip.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
08-10-2009, 02:23 PM
Dave,

I bet you've already seen this but it is BLING!

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/301117-frame-off-restored-m416-trailer-independent-airbag-suspension-kitchen-rtt-etc.html

-E

BigDaveZJ
08-10-2009, 04:57 PM
That build was one of the ones that really inspired me to go through with the trailer. He put a lot of effort into that trailer.

BigDaveZJ
08-11-2009, 12:16 AM
Couple "action" shots for the build thread.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_143089063367_585188367_3265975_253701_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_143089088367_585188367_3265980_6542534_n.jpg

The trailer sustained some damage over the weekend too. The c-channel that makes up the a-frame of the tongue is bent up a bit. The lunette is off-center a bit over to the passenger side. I'm going to unbolt the lunette/landing leg assembly and try to straighten it out a bit and then build in some reinforcements.

BigDaveZJ
11-16-2009, 10:01 PM
Now that we've got a couple trips under our belts with the trailer in its basic form, we're starting to put together our list of additional mods. One of them will most likely be to extend the tongue a bit to allow for additional fuel and water storage outside of the tub, as well as to repair some of the damage from the nosedive it took.

We're also really contemplating a roof top tent for it. CampingLab.com has a nice one for a fairly reasonable price, and its big enough for me too. The tent brings up some additional issues though in that we would still need access to the tub with the tent deployed. I'm thinking have the tent deploy to say, the driver side, and have the lid open from the passenger side. I've seen a couple other trailers setup like that and it seems to work out alright. Also contemplating a tailgate for it too. If we do the tent thing, I'll also add some type of stabilizer to the front for when it's not hooked to the Jeep, to help keep everything level and stable. I was thinking along the lines of trailer tongue jacks, with mounts at the 4 corners. The tongue jack on my car hauler trailer has a quick release on it to rotate 90* when not in use, but it can also come completely off, which would be beneficial with the trailer in motion.

violatedppl
11-16-2009, 11:16 PM
You could also pick up a couple scissor jacks from a junk yard. Might be cheaper also more out of the way, and give better support to the entire trailer.

CrawlerReady
12-02-2009, 04:43 PM
Dave, here you go :)

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=70671

OverlandXJ
12-06-2009, 03:45 PM
Dave, saw your post at Expo asking for pics of a 71" wide CL RTT. Here's a 72" Overland on a 416. Trailer has been sold but i have other pics if you need a certain angle.



http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/misc15.jpg

BigDaveZJ
12-06-2009, 04:15 PM
Tyler,
I have read dieselcruiserhead's build thread multiple times, amazing work. I will most likely model my lid and hinge set up very closely to his so that we can still access the trailer while the tent is deployed.

Thanks for the pics of the tent OverlandXJ, I wanted to make sure the tent wasn't going to hang over the sides of the trailer so much that I would risk damaging the tent.

We're also looking at getting the 70" CL awning too and mounting it on Pam's ZJ.

BigDaveZJ
06-14-2010, 04:41 PM
Just got off the phone with the guys at TRDParts4U and ordered up the 3-Man Mombasa RTT. http://www.trdparts4u.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=-8335

http://www.trdparts4u.com/ProdImages/RTT9010B.JPG

Came in about $100 less than the CampingLab, and should be here sometime next week. Now we just need to fab up a lid to mount it to!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
06-14-2010, 05:56 PM
Nice dude! But where is Pam going to sleep? :flipoff2:

CrawlerReady
06-14-2010, 06:07 PM
AHHHHHHHHHHHH SNAP!

BigDaveZJ
06-22-2010, 07:22 PM
Grabbed some steel for the lid today and started cutting. Got the outer framework all cut before I decided it was time to come in and have a beer. 1.5"x1.5" angle iron will act as a skirt around the lid to keep rain water out, and then 1"x2"x14ga" rectangular tube sits on top of that, with the 2" being the vertical measurement. All miter cut at a 45* to meet at the corners. There will be 2 more sections of the 1"x2" spanning the width of the lid to support the RTT. The latches and hinges (both still TBD) will be attached on the outside of where those crossbars mate up to the outer frame for strength. The skin of the lid itself will be 18 ga. It will have to be in 2 pieces as the total skin area is 50x73 (the lip will be in the middle of the 1"x2") and I couldn't get anything wider than 48". The seam will be on top of one of the cross bars for strength and to make it easier to weld and look good.

Once I get the frame all tacked together I'll post up some pics. For now it's just a pile of metal in the corner of the garage

BigDaveZJ
06-27-2010, 06:53 PM
Had to unfold the new RTT in the driveway to check it out
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs126.snc4/36653_462674598367_585188367_6177540_6541127_n.jpg

Grinding the welds down on the rim of the lid
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs146.snc4/36653_462674603367_585188367_6177541_3512729_n.jpg

Tacking the 1x2 on top of the angle iron rim
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs066.ash2/36653_462674618367_585188367_6177544_2087048_n.jpg

Pam stitch welding it all together
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs146.snc4/36653_462674623367_585188367_6177545_8240394_n.jpg

After grinding the corners smooth
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs146.snc4/36653_462674663367_585188367_6177553_5993337_n.jpg

Over the weekend of the 4th we hope to get the crossmembers and skin finished, as well as get the latches and hinges all mounted and functional. Ideally we will get it painted and have the tented mounted too, but that might be a little ambitious.

OverlandXJ
06-28-2010, 12:34 AM
Looks good, awesome seeing the Mrs doing metal work. :smt023

Tailgate? Have you seen the kitchen slideout on the side done over at Expo? Cant remember the screenname but he drives an FJ55 iirc.

BigDaveZJ
06-28-2010, 01:17 AM
No tailgate for now, trying to leave the tub as unmolested as possible. I haven't completely ruled it out though.

I saw dieselcruiserhead's kitchen slide-out, but I want to keep the food prep away from the tent. Might do some type of kitchen/chuck box that I can take out of the trailer and set up away from it.

BigDaveZJ
07-06-2010, 11:44 PM
Tacking in the cross bars
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs057.ash2/36209_466790153367_585188367_6284533_2809674_n.jpg

Fully welded, and they pass the test
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs097.snc4/36209_466790163367_585188367_6284535_4800525_n.jpg

Lid skin
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs097.snc4/36209_466790168367_585188367_6284536_4106061_n.jpg

Had to do the skin in 2 pieces since I couldn't easily find one piece that was big enough
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs018.ash2/34287_466790218367_585188367_6284537_3186187_n.jpg

Couple quick tacks on the underside to tie the skin in to the cross bars and a couple on the outer rim too
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34287_466790223367_585188367_6284538_2785267_n.jpg

bondo on the skin seam
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34287_466790228367_585188367_6284539_1417084_n.jpg

the hinges we're using, I cut it off after this pic and welded it back on straight since this was a little crooked
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34287_466790238367_585188367_6284540_7313630_n.jpg

primer
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs018.ash2/34287_466790243367_585188367_6284541_1828619_n.jpg

color
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs018.snc4/34287_466790248367_585188367_6284542_6255081_n.jpg

Painted the inside of the lid tonight so it's drying. Hoping the latches show up tomorrow, the first ones we ordered were way smaller than I anticipated. Need to caulk the seams, mount the latches, then mount the RTT!

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
07-07-2010, 12:00 AM
Is that a GSW '01 shirt? Oooold school.

Trailer is looking pretty sweet. Can't wait to see the tent on it.

BigDaveZJ
07-07-2010, 12:03 AM
Is that a GSW '01 shirt? Oooold school.

Trailer is looking pretty sweet. Can't wait to see the tent on it.

2003 ;)

My 01 shirt met its demise years ago.

Arsonist_Bob
07-10-2010, 04:50 PM
Couple "action" shots for the build thread.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs124.snc1/5330_143089063367_585188367_3265975_253701_n.jpg



just read through the read. i like the trailer alot but it looks like you need to make the jeep a little bigger to level it out ;)

BigDaveZJ
07-11-2010, 05:51 PM
Took it out yesterday after work to test everything out, worked very well. Really need some struts for the lid though.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs025.ash2/34630_468829203367_585188367_6332310_1233867_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs045.snc4/34630_468829193367_585188367_6332309_1723296_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs045.snc4/34630_468829213367_585188367_6332311_2970635_n.jpg

Random piece of tube that works perfect for propping up the lid
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs166.snc4/37652_468829268367_585188367_6332313_8386119_n.jpg

Pulls nicely behind the rig, noticed it a bit more with the lid and tent than without though
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37652_468829273367_585188367_6332314_4482146_n.jpg

recon zj
07-11-2010, 09:23 PM
Looks great! You and Pam did a helluva job on it. I really want a trailer; trying to outfit just the heep is turning quickly into running out of room.

JohnBoulderCO
07-11-2010, 10:07 PM
That's cool! I like it.

Rangerwj
07-11-2010, 10:33 PM
putting a regular tent back in its bag can sometimes be a pain...how's it putting that thing back in? looks really sweet by the way

BigDaveZJ
07-11-2010, 10:38 PM
Looks great! You and Pam did a helluva job on it. I really want a trailer; trying to outfit just the heep is turning quickly into running out of room.

We've got a ton of room at this point. The spare tire for the ZJ is under the table in the trailer, we needed it to fill space in the trailer so our stuff didn't slide around.


putting a regular tent back in its bag can sometimes be a pain...how's it putting that thing back in? looks really sweet by the way

We've timed it, and setting up the tent and taking it back down can each be done in < 5 minutes.

Mtn WJ
07-11-2010, 11:34 PM
Very Nice. I like how you can still open the trailer with the tent set up. Nice set up.

You avatar is even funnier since we walked around Fairplay/South Park on Saturday.

jsteves
07-12-2010, 12:14 PM
Nice!

Kauzi Zj
07-12-2010, 01:50 PM
Very Nice!!!!!!!!!

Cody
07-12-2010, 02:19 PM
Nice work Dave. Looks like a killer setup!

SirFuego
07-12-2010, 02:21 PM
Dave -- what are the dimensions of the tent when it's folded up? How tall is the tent? How strong is the base of the tent?

I guess what I'm getting at is how easily it can be made to work on the bed of a pickup truck.

paulkeith
07-12-2010, 03:00 PM
Man, looks like a pretty cathartic way to spend a couple days. I'd love to make it out west sometime. You've built a nice setup.

Your jeep looks really good re-roofed by the way.

JordanA
07-12-2010, 03:22 PM
What they said.

BigDaveZJ
07-12-2010, 04:11 PM
Dave -- what are the dimensions of the tent when it's folded up? How tall is the tent? How strong is the base of the tent?

I guess what I'm getting at is how easily it can be made to work on the bed of a pickup truck.

I've seen them mounted over the bed on a few Tacomas. The tent is roughly 12"Hx48"Wx71"D when folded up and inside is 71x94. We were a little nervous about the strength of the tent at first, but after climbing in and out a few times I'm surprised at how sturdy it feels.

Cody
07-12-2010, 06:48 PM
I guess what I'm getting at is how easily it can be made to work on the bed of a pickup truck.

I few of the guys I run with have them on pickups. One has it roof mounted, and the other has a rack that holds it about 18" above the top of the bed.

Here are a couple quick pics

http://www.expeditionutah.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=6799

http://www.expeditionutah.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=6285

http://www.expeditionutah.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=6317

SirFuego
07-12-2010, 07:04 PM
Is it mounted that high for storage reasons? Or is there a minimum height it needs to be mounted for the ladder it has? I've passively been looking for something like a toned down version of this for my tow rig to simplify setting up camp.
http://www.livinlite.com/camper-overview.php

Cody
07-12-2010, 10:34 PM
Mostly for access. The ladders are adjustable.

BigDaveZJ
07-12-2010, 10:56 PM
The ladder on mine can be adjusted from about 4' to maybe 7.5', there's also an extension available.