Jah310 Trailer Build. Here goes...!

[jah310]

Decided after much debate and a growing family that I wanted to build my own trailer that will support a RTT. I've been enamored with RTTs for the longest time but just could never justify it as I felt that having one on the tacoma alone wasn't worth it. Plus no place to put my surf boards : ) Also figured this would be a great way to hone my metal fab skills. Here's what I've done so far.

Any feedback commentary is welcome.

Thanks,

 

[jah310]

Mocked up the suspension.




Thanks,

 

[BADDANDY]

It looks like you know what you're doing. Will follow your build.

 

[Flashole]

Looks great!

What's the purpose of all the holes in the frame rails?

 

[jah310]

I want to run my parking brake cable through to the front via those holes. I probably could and should have just run them through the frame itself but I had already welded up the box... I have two sets of holes as I figured I can run whatever electrical wiring (lights, tail signals, fridge and trailer electric brake) through one and the mechanical parking brake through the other. Anyone know where to get cable that is in protected metal sleeve? I don't want the cable to rub and break against any sharp edges...thanks.

 

[FredB]

Nice shop, nice tool set. Looks like you are doing a good job. I'd look at McMaster Carr for the cable. What are you using for brakes? I've looked high and low for electric brakes that can be used as a parking brake, or just mechanical brakes to put on the new axle of the M416, one of the big trailer part companies sells a handle and cable kit to set up a brake, but for me it was way expensive.

 

[jah310]

Good call on McMaster. I'll see what I can find. Regarding the brakes, I ordered the Axle from Henderson Axle and I specifically asked for an e-brake with a mechanical parking brake and they sourced them (The first guy I spoke to said they would not be able to, but then when I called again with a question they said they could). Great customer service - they built the axle to my specs (3500# and e-brake w/ mechanical parking brake, greaseable spindles, my hub to hub width and a 6 x 5.5 lug bolt pattern to match the Tacoma's TRD off road rims). I'm hoping it works well.

 

[jah310]

Looks great!

What's the purpose of all the holes in the frame rails?

Thanks - awesome build btw!

 

[jah310]

Got tires to match the Tacoma : ) Also drilled wider wholes for the spring plates and fitted them to the suspension to make sure everything fits and works together. Started planning out where I'm going to put the tow bar and how far from the box I'm gonna have it. Measured and cut the receiver for the back of the trailer. It's actually starting to look like a trailer!

 

[RagnarD]

Nice build. Good call on the parking brake. I am looking forward to seeing how you rig up the cables and levers. I wish I didn't scrap the cables and levers from my M101.

 

[RagnarD]

Nice shop, nice tool set. Looks like you are doing a good job. I'd look at McMaster Carr for the cable. What are you using for brakes? I've looked high and low for electric brakes that can be used as a parking brake, or just mechanical brakes to put on the new axle of the M416, one of the big trailer part companies sells a handle and cable kit to set up a brake, but for me it was way expensive.

Do you have a link for the place that sells the cable and handle kit?

ETA: Found one here

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Titan/T2385200.html

 

[jah310]

Got a lot done for the long weekend. Picked up a set of 285 BFG ATs tires. Fit and welded the tow bar with a receiver hitch on both ends. One to hook up to the Tacoma (probably will use a max coupler) and one in the rear of the trailer. The rear one is really because I think it looks cool and perhaps bc it may have some utility in the future. (Maybe in case I need a tow point or if I want to carry a bike rack or something). Measured and welded the front spring hangers and the rear shackle hangers. (Measured from the front receiver and made sure each of the front spring hangers was equidistant. Double checked by measuring from the front of of the box as well. Once I had the front tacked on I mounted the rear shackle hanger so the shackles hang inward about 10 degrees. Tacked it all in place, took the leafs off and then burned them in for good. Next I welded in the spring perches onto the axle for a spring-under application. (That took a lot of measuring but I think I got it all squared up). When it was all done I mounted the axle to the leaf springs and the wheels to the axles. I've got a rolling chassis but it's upside down and too heavy to safely flip over! Oh well - next weekend I need to do some touch up welds on the bottom anyway, so I'll probably unbolt the leaf and axle assembly from the frame, flip it over and reassemble it right-side up. Here are some pics.

 

[jah310]

Got some Monroe struts ...

Welded up the tabs...

Added a few support tabs...

Took it apart, flipped it over and got a rolling chassis.


Went for a little spin. So far so good.

 

[Mark Harley]

Nice ride height, sits well with the truck.
I like the matching rollers too!

 

[jah310]

Thanks Mark!

Drilled a bunch if holes for the box structure this morning. 50 to be exact. Would have been a bear without that drill press. Not all that exciting but glad it went without any issues.