Burley Industries Prototype Expedition Trailer (1 Viewer)

[Burley]

I also got both 250lbs struts installed. I think even with my full size RTT these struts are not going to have a problem lifting the lid.

 

[e9999]

I meant that you have essentially 2 lids. Why not consolidate that into one? More room for the cargo / less building / less cold air under the RTT? Or are you planning something for the space in between?

 

[Burley]

I meant that you have essentially 2 lids. Why not consolidate that into one? More room for the cargo / less building / less cold air under the RTT? Or are you planning something for the space in between?

Oh I see what you're saying now. So thats just a little bit of a misunderstanding. The flat lid is getting skinned and will be fully inclosed. The roof rack will be all open, no skins on it. This will serve two purposes. First to get the tent closer to the height it was designed to be at and second is to have exterior storage between the lid and the rack. I plan to add some sort of tie down system for things like fire wood, camp chairs, etc. Hope that clears it up.

 

[e9999]

sure, but unless you do specifically want exterior storage like for stuff wet or dirty etc, you could instead have a deep convex skinned lid with the RTT right on top to be at height and now use the extra space inside for chairs, firewood, but also more critical stuff when waterproof storage is needed. Would be very handy for light big items like sleeping bags, pillows, etc that don't store well in the RTT and could just lay on top of the heavy cargo and be readily accessible for the night. It may be a bit trickier to bolt the RTT down though (unless somebody goes inside with the lid closed... )

 

[Sadkomodo]

I would be interested in one when you have everything figured out. I am also willing to be a test mule....

 

[Burley]

I would be interested in one when you have everything figured out. I am also willing to be a test mule....

Great! Thanks for the interest. It's that much more motivation to get out there and get this thing finished.

 

[Burley]

I got some more progress with the tailgate done tonight. I'm super happy with the way it's turning out. I think these lights are going to work really well and look really cool.

 

[Burley]

Added 1x2 to the help give the side skins some backing.

I took the advise from a few different people and trimmed the 90 deg corner off the back of the fender.

After a full day of welding up skins.

Fender skins cut and tacked on.

 

[Enigma]

Tailgate looks like it might be a bit of a pain in the ass to open using two of those spring pins on either end. This from personal experience on a much smaller width Kubota ATV tail gate.

 

[Burley]

They're really not to bad. They're simple and reliable and that's what I was going for. In camp I can just keep one unlatched to make to quicker and easier.

 

[Burley]

I'm looking for input on color schemes. I wanted to put it out there and see what you think. I'm leaning towards paint with a wrap on the sides above the fenders.

 

[Burley]

I got the lid skins cut and installed tonight. It's two pieces that join flush on the center of the lid, across the center cross bar.

 

[e9999]

well, you got some welding practice in with those stitches... (very nice btw)

 

[Burley]

I got a lot done this week. I got the fenders, lid, and floor skins welded up. I pulled the axle and took 8 5/8" out of the center, slugged it and welded it up. It turned out good but the next trailer is definitely getting a custom length axle that just bolts in.
I also built some mounts for the hi lift out of 1" DOM and 1/2" bolts.

 

[Burley]

I got a lot done on the trailer this weekend. I decided to take a few steps back and rebuild the tailgate. I went with a single stainless steel lockable center latch. I also got in the rear stabilizer jacks and got them mounted. I added interior mounts for them when traveling and a mount at the front of the trailer for the front jack.

 

[Burley]

A few more of the trailer

 

[Burley]

A walk around of the trailer.

 

[brownbear]

Beautiful trailer. You could make a version that could be slept in on the trail too..

Also on your lid, I cannot help feel you need a stick like you have on the hood of a car as a secondary back up support. Gas shocks are great, but i would not want my head in there with them being the sole support. The wind may prove strong enough one day to close the lid with soft parts in the way..

I'm looking forward to seeing it painted too.

 

[Burley]

That's a great thought on the 'hood prop'. I had a similar notion earlier on but haven't given it much thought since. I didn't think about the wind adding to the force against the struts. A secondary system is a going to have to be a must.

Thanks and glad you like it
Jake

 

[2016lc]

Great job so far. Love it. Keep up the good work