And it begins. Stump XJ's trailer build.

The Swiss

Expedition Leader
Yeah, I cant wait to get her offroad. If the stars align correctly, it will be in two weeks up in the mountains.

I hope my trailer will be finished for that trip; it has been too cold for painting and the trailer builder who is building my base trailer is behind schedule.

Sean, I got the gas springs from McMaster Carr. It was wierd, I ordered them on Sunday night online, they said they would ship out on Monday morning, and I got them at 2pm on Monday. The same day they shipped out. I can honestly say that has never happened before!
McMaster is a great company, also as customer. We are supplying them with parts, but we also use them all the time. They have a warehouse in Atlanta which gives extremely short delivery time to our area.
 

The Swiss

Expedition Leader
Are you definitely coming anyhow? I still have you down as a "maybe"...
I have to stay a "maybe" right now; I removed my RTT and carrier from the Jeep and I'm too old (= too much of a wuss :eek:) to ground camp in a tent. If I don't have the trailer, I don't think I will be going.
 

seanz0rz

Adventurer
thanks for that, i already had that page on mcmaster bookmarked, just wondering if you found a different source (even though i love ordering from mcmaster, i get stuff same day or next day as long as its in stock in their LA warehouse)
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
Got some more work done today on the trailer. I made up the rear tailgate using 1 inch square tubing, and sheeted the front side and backside. I will be using this as a table space when camping, so I needed a nice flat surface on both side. I got the hinges on, and latch pins in place, but still need to install the hardware that will hold the tailgate up. I am just using some support cables from a tacoma pickup truck tailgate. Simple, effective, and free. They are also easily removable for if/when I need to take the gate off. I just have to un-clip the two support cables, and pull the hinge pins.

pics:

DSCN1636.jpg


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StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
I also installed the two latch pins for the lid, and will use hitch pins to hold the tailgate and lid shut. There will be a locking twist latch that connects both the lid, and the tailgate in the center to deter theives. I will only use the lock when I am on the road or have to stay over night where the trailer will be un-attended.

Lastly, I got the driver side fender framed out and skinned. I still have to do a little caulk work, and add the clearance lights on top, but its finished on the left side. I am picking up my other tire tomorrow, so I will be able to turn the trailer around and do the other fender hopefully tomorrow. After I finish the other fender, and do a few little odds and ends stuff, the bulk of the fabrication will be done! However, I still need to cut off the standard hitch, and install a receiver, and add an adjustable height awning mount. I will do the awning mount soon, but the hitch will wait until after its first shakedown run next weekend.

Pics:

Getting it framed out

DSCN1624.jpg


DSCN1625.jpg


DSCN1626.jpg


DSCN1627.jpg


DSCN1628.jpg


Persuading the sheetmetal to do what I want it to do.

DSCN1629.jpg


Got it all sewn up.

DSCN1634.jpg


DSCN1633.jpg


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DSCN1631.jpg


Stump.
 

telwyn

Adventurer
nice work

I'm constantly amazed by the work some of you guys do on your rigs and trailers.

Looking great! :bowdown:
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
I see that you made up your mind on tires.
Summit? How much?

Yeah, I decided to just use what I had with the Cooper STT. I got the other one from Sears since I had a crap load of Sears gift cards. They price matched the best price I could find online which was $156.00, and I didnt have to pay for shipping. I thought it was a good deal, so I went with it. I just picked up the other one today and mounted it a few minutes ago in the garage. Mounting tires sucks when they are cold!

Looking pretty nice,should serve you very well it to the future.Nice and solid.

Thanks man! I think it should last me a while...

Stumpy,

Any idea on the weight of your creation?

No idea at this point. I wouldnt call it light, but its not as heavy as some I have seen built on here. There is a point where the level of 'overbuilt' is an un-necessary waste. I think I am in a happy medium of strong yet not too overkill. I will get it weighed once I get it finished. My uncle who owns a Salvage Yard has a set of drive on scales for big trucks, so I will do it there. I am also curious what my Jeep weighs.
 

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