Help me brainstorm a scratch build...

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REZARF

REZARF

Joined
Sep 8, 2003
Threads
359
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6,385
Location
Bozeman, MT
Howdy-

Been reading a ton here at mud and other sites and I am slowing being convienced that a scratch build is a better start than resto/mod of a m416 for camping and light trail duty. I have learned a ton. I am thinking of doing this project this winter and at least getting the chasis and running gear up and going.

That said, I have a few questions I would like some opinions on.

What would be the ideal overall dimensions of a small trail trailer primarily used for camping and left off harder trails?

What order would you start this build-up? Axle, suspension, chasis, the box/storage?

I have seen some great wish lists of "dream trailer" mods. What would you say the most important ones would be to include at the design stage? Like plumbing or water/gas lines, wiring etc.?

I would like to include a low profile water storage tank, any good sources? What are your thoughts on manual vs. powered pumps?

I am looking for good ideas before any of this starts to materialize. I welcome any and all opinions.

I am looking at copying for the most part the adventure trailer design.

Thanks!

Rezarf <><
 
I'm going to be building up my M100 some day and one of the first things I thought of, after looking at many trailers is a water source. I would go with an on board deep cycle battery and an on demand pump for the H2O. Source out a tank that can be set in above the axle where there is plenty of room. There are tons of tanks at RV supply outfits. Maybe a drawer system for a kitchen center with sink and stove top that slides out the back or side. http://www.drifta.com.au/settingup.htm A topper on ther trailer with pnuematic lifters and a roof top tent for comfort. A fuel tank of sorts mighr be another option. There is plenty of room under the trailer for additional tanks for fuel, water and a spare tire. Pintle hook an leunette for attachment. Height the same as your truck with lift and track width the same as the truck. Just a few thoughts. Hope this thread gets some steam. There are lots of great trailers on this sight so far. Many great ideas.
 
I've been thinking about the same stuff.

I don't know much about fab/design, but I would think that getting an axle that tracks well with the vehicle would be first, then designing the chassis to the dimensions you want and figuring out the suspension after that.

I'd like to be able to top and rear load, so a lid and a tailgate. I don't know how hard it would be to do, but a fastening system like on a semi's trailer could be nice since you could latch down and lock in one place.

camlock.jpg


Would you have the body pressed or cut and weld?
 
Thanks for the responses so far.

I figured the water would be the heaviest and one of the more complex plumbings of the trailer, I am looking at making a 30ish gallon poly tank fit over the axle tucked up underneath the bed. Think 30 gallons is good for 3-4 day trips... cooking and maybe a shower halfway?

Since I am scratch building this I can make the frame support this thing sorta easily.

Is there a better or worse situation for weight distribution, closer to the tongue or further out, even distribution, over the axle?

Water, Power, and Gas (LP) are all requirements for this little dude. Water being the biggest space consumer. I have an aux tank for the 40, so extra fuel shouldn't be needed on the trailer.
 
REZARF said:
Thanks for the responses so far.

I figured the water would be the heaviest and one of the more complex plumbings of the trailer, I am looking at making a 30ish gallon poly tank fit over the axle tucked up underneath the bed.


Is there a better or worse situation for weight distribution, closer to the tongue or further out, even distribution, over the axle?

.
Click to expand...


Since the tank won't be movable, I think you are on the right track to keep it centered over the axle. That way you can adjust tongue weight with more shiftable stuff.

Also look to a marine supply for a water tank. The little 12v pumps are not that expensive and could be powered by a lawnmower battery.

Gl and post up pics:)

Ed
 
Thanks,

Probably won't fab until I get a ton of stuff figured out. I only have the cash to try once ;)

Yeah, I have been looking at the marine market, they make some heavy duty bladders, like 35 gallon bladders! that are triangular in shape, I am looking into mouting one inbetween the frame rails of the tongue. We will see, I am afraid that it may cause too much forward weight.

thanks agian.

Rezarf <><
 
What are your thouhts on torsion vs sprung axles? What range should be looking into? 3500 lb?

Thanks-

Rezarf <><
 
Keep in mind that normally you want 10% of the towed unit's total weight as tongue weight. I think that much water up front will put too much weight on the ball/hitch and too much weight on the towing vehicle. I also don't think you want to go with torsion axles. I think they are mainly used to keep the trailer low, and not for much else.
I'm going to use cruiser springs on mine, but that is just 'cause I have them. You might want to get axles that have 6 on 5.5 spindles, too. That way you can run the same spare on both rigs....assuming you are going to tow it with your cruiser.
Although I am going to build something that looks like a 416, I am going to try to design in an extendable tongue. Might want to consider that, too.

GL
Ed


Water tanks?

http://www.watertanks.com/rectangulartanks/

I'm sure they will have one that will hold what you need and fit between the rails over the axle!
 
Makes sense. That was my question with the tongue weight.

As for the torsion axle, I have heard that if you flip a four inch drop axle you get a four inch lift axle, and I have heard they are beefy enough for the job, anyone?

Thanks for the link.

Rezarf <><
 
REZARF said:
Very cool site man, thanks for the link.

Rezarf <><
Click to expand...

If I recal, there was someone on this sight that was going to be a US distrib for these but it fell through. He said he still has the plans. It would be great to get a set of those and make your own. can't recall who it was, unfortunately.:mad: Bob Curtis in WA, I guess.
 
30 gallons of water is going to be VERY heavy, and unless you go with a custom tank, the water is going to slosh around a lot...just a thought.
 
Exiled said:
30 gallons of water is going to be VERY heavy, and unless you go with a custom tank, the water is going to slosh around a lot...just a thought.
Click to expand...

A baffled tank should take care of it.

Lup:)
 
Exiled said:
30 gallons of water is going to be VERY heavy, and unless you go with a custom tank, the water is going to slosh around a lot...just a thought.
Click to expand...

What size should I be looking at? For weekend camping and such. Cooking, and maybe a warm shower.

Maybe more like a 20 gallon.

Rezarf <><
 
can anyone speak of the torsion vs, solid axle srpung over? Which one is a better choice?

Any good online sources? I am in Colorado if it helps.

Rezarf <><
 
REZARF said:
Thanks for the responses so far.

I figured the water would be the heaviest and one of the more complex plumbings of the trailer, I am looking at making a 30ish gallon poly tank fit over the axle tucked up underneath the bed. Think 30 gallons is good for 3-4 day trips... cooking and maybe a shower halfway?

Since I am scratch building this I can make the frame support this thing sorta easily.

Is there a better or worse situation for weight distribution, closer to the tongue or further out, even distribution, over the axle?

Water, Power, and Gas (LP) are all requirements for this little dude. Water being the biggest space consumer. I have an aux tank for the 40, so extra fuel shouldn't be needed on the trailer.
Click to expand...


Where are you planning on getting the water tank? Are you making it? If so could you let me know how or do a write up on how you make it?
 
Well, I have sourced an axle 3500# solid axle without camber. Axle, spindles, 6x5.5 hubs, bearings, seals, dust cap, springs, shackles, spring perches, and spring hangers, shipped to my door for 122.95 plus 58 shipping!

I have a quote for just over 240 bucks for the steel for the chasis, box, bumper, fenders, and tongue.

I get a week off at Thanksgiving and I am going to try to knock out the chasis and main cargo box.

We'll see how it goes. Should be fun!

Rezarf <><
 
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