Trailer Build...My Turn!

Rbertalotto

Explorer
Over the years I've built dozens of trailers. For boyscout troops, motorcycle hauling, landscapers and basic utility use. This is my first build on a "Factory" trailer
Recently I bought a Smittybilt RTT and it came with a Lowes 3.5 X 5.5 utility trailer that Lowes calls a 4 X 6....(Just like their 2 X 4 being 1.5" X 3.5"...)

Let me tell you, the Chionese must not own a square. This thing does have one 90 degree corner!

The sides were 16" tall. And I plan on enclosing it to carry my 12V refrigeratpor and two camping boxes I built over 30 years ago. All three are 22" tall so I needed to extend the height of the sides.

My RTT will sit on top so steel and welding was involved. (I love to hobby weld..."Welding is Knitting for Men!)

So phase one is done...Sides are now 24"

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To Come:
Remove screen on sides and cover with FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Panel)
Make fiberglass top
Replace 12" wheels and tires with 15" (Bolt holes are standard 5 X 4.5....15" trailer wheels fit right on)
Remove fenders and replace with round from Amazon
Build and install barn doors for rear
Build sliding floor to make access easier.
Build rack to carry RTT
Relocate tail lights to a higher position
Go camping!


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Rbertalotto

Explorer
It's getting there! Axle has been widened by 2.5" to allow 15" wheels and tires
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Under $130 for the pair, mounted......AMAZON

The sides are 5mm exterior grade underlayment plywood. Very lightweight. Not sure if I'm going to paint or polyurethane.

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These fuel cans I've owned for over 20 years! Never mounted them to anything. Used them on motorcycle adventure trips. They are Pioneer Outdoor Products and not made any longer. Had to modify the mounts by grinding them down a bit.

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Need to cut fenders to fit around structure and weld them on

Built and installed the electrical system today. Fuse box with 30-A relay, Interior LEDs that turn on when the door is opened and a LED light I had hanging around was mounted on the door.

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Rear stabilizers are welded on

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Everything will be running off my Portable Battery Box

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Tomorrow I'll be mounting the RTT ....

I'll be doing a full build article once it is totally done
 
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Rbertalotto

Explorer
Folks are asking a few questions....

That fuse box might not be available any longer. The company was "fuseboxes.com". I used to do lots of Motorcycle Farkling and used dozens of these self contained fuse boxes when bikes went to Can-buss electrical systems. It offers both switched and always hot for each circuit by simply moving the fuse.. A built in 30A relay controls power. If anyone finds something similar, let me know. I only have one remaining....

Second question has to do with the interior. All seams are fiberglass taped with West System epoxy and 2.5" FG tape. The interior will be coated with two part epoxy. Water crossing should have content remaining dry.

In the previous picture I show a drop down tailgate. This was removed and a side opening door fabricated. Mush easier to access the interior.

The top is 1/2 exterior grade plywood covered with the black vinyl from an old torneau cover I had. (I never throw anything away!) The cover is bonded to the frame with 3m 5200 adhesive. It does not open.

Total weight unloaded surprised me..... 430 pounds. Not sure if I weighed it properly. Used bathroom scale under each tire and under front jack and totaled......
 

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