My expedition trailer build - Page 2

REZARF · 10-12-07, 09:09 PM

Man, that is some sweet engineering! You might weld up that flap but man, that is a grrrrreat approach to a common problem.

Looks good bro!

Drew

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 02:03 PM

what are people using for trailer lights? i didnt like the military ones as they took up useful space, id liek some that pop in and are flus and possibly LED but most seem to be two expensive for my budget

Degnol · 10-13-07, 02:19 PM

These aren't too bad......

http://vehiclelight.com/4ledstkit.html

I'm going to use the military housings and LED them myself........at least that's the plan

BTW, your latch/tailgate sure look clean, but I wonder if the sides will flex enough to allow the latch to open?

Ed

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Degnol

These aren't too bad......

http://vehiclelight.com/4ledstkit.html

I'm going to use the military housings and LED them myself........at least that's the plan

BTW, your latch/tailgate sure look clean, but I wonder if the sides will flex enough to allow the latch to open?

Ed

i wondered this myself. i plan on cutting some heafty rectangular pipe that will run along the vertical part of the trailer where the tail gate is, as a gusset. it will tie into the over hang of the trailer and arc in towards the bottom. This will be a wide enough surface to run the lights in and will allow me to use the space between the end of the trailer and fender for a self-step.

Degnol · 10-13-07, 04:05 PM

That ought to work just fine. Another solution(and I am not recommending it for you at this point) would be to use a latch that "squeezes" the sides against the tailgate, like a compression latch. Your brace solution sounds like a keeper to me.

Ed

REZARF · 10-13-07, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx450landcruiser

what are people using for trailer lights? i didnt like the military ones as they took up useful space, id liek some that pop in and are flus and possibly LED but most seem to be two expensive for my budget

Here is what I am running... not cheap though

They do resemble FJ40 lights, wait, they ARE fj40 lights

Rezarf <><

Arya Ebrahimi · 10-13-07, 05:29 PM

Look up "closertowholesale" on ebay. He has a store and almost all they sell is trailer lights. If you enter C2W in the promo code box, you will get 10% off.

I got a pair of oval LEDs for my mini-truck for $35 where most places want $25 just for one.

nat · 10-13-07, 06:48 PM

Nice build

and there is some great info here.

Thanks!

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Degnol

That ought to work just fine. Another solution(and I am not recommending it for you at this point) would be to use a latch that "squeezes" the sides against the tailgate, like a compression latch. Your brace solution sounds like a keeper to me.

Ed

I hear ya on the compresson latches i had them on my 40 when i put a tailgate in it. I acctully have a small destco latch like those used on tire carriers that would do exactly that however its not lockable and ive always like the flush door latches that can get snaged or pop loose.

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

Here is what I am running... not cheap though

They do resemble FJ40 lights, wait, they ARE fj40 lights

Rezarf <><

so since this is going to be towed behind my 80 should i find some 80 series tail lights

These are some good site for lights Ill let you all know which way i end up going.

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 07:31 PM

so after reading over that thread about trailer lighting it seems most of that is for large trailers? can i get away with just 2 lights? plus license plate light?

lx450landcruiser · 10-13-07, 09:31 PM

well i just went ahead and picked these up, the code C2W doesnt work for the purchase i did so i dont know if thats for select items or what?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-2-5...2368QQtcZphoto

these should work nicely and should fit right next to the tail gate at the top where the trailer bows out.

RHINO · 10-13-07, 10:09 PM

nice build so far,,,, good idea on the angle for weatertighting the tailgate

lx450landcruiser · 10-19-07, 10:44 PM

did a bit of work today not much but a bit, i also recieved the lights there pretty slick. im going to mount them in the angled out part of the trailer so it frees up the space where the original ones were for storage and a step. also got the latch to work but still have to do the other side. closes and hold snug really well.

lx450landcruiser · 10-19-07, 10:47 PM

more, i pulled the fenders off the trailer as i plan to widen them about 4 inches for the larger tires, any one done this before and have any tips? not sure how i will go about that yet. also pulled the lunnet assembly off and cleaned it up, primed and painted it just need to re grease and re assemble so it should work nice and smoth now.

kent l · 10-22-07, 05:20 PM

It might be easier to make tube fenders and then metal sheet them. I have thought about this on my 1943 MBT trailer. Then I could put the original fenders if i wanted to get back to stock.

lx450landcruiser · 10-22-07, 07:31 PM

i thought about this but i dont have a bender so that limits me on that

lx450landcruiser · 10-25-07, 11:12 PM

lunnet re assembled and greased works smooth now

also dry fitted a 31 to measure for the fender extension. looks like 7 inches i need to extend it

still not sure what ill do about that.

lx450landcruiser · 02-02-08, 07:16 PM

quick update, pics to follow in the near future, gathering parts, i was able to get my hands on a 3 free fzj80 wheels and tires. and have started to convert the brakes to electric ones however i need to find a pair of 10'' electric brake hubs with 6 lugs any ideas on a cheap place to fine them? i hate to spend $200 on just hubs.

I went ahead and bought the TEKONSHA" P3 brake controller which ive heard nothing but good things about. any recommendations on a wiring kit for the brake controller?

I also have a 30 gallon poly water tank on its way which will be mounted forward in the tub.

REZARF · 02-03-08, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lx450landcruiser

quick update, pics to follow in the near future, gathering parts, i was able to get my hands on a 3 free fzj80 wheels and tires. and have started to convert the brakes to electric ones however i need to find a pair of 10'' electric brake hubs with 6 lugs any ideas on a cheap place to fine them? i hate to spend $200 on just hubs.

I went ahead and bought the TEKONSHA" P3 brake controller which ive heard nothing but good things about. any recommendations on a wiring kit for the brake controller?

I also have a 30 gallon poly water tank on its way which will be mounted forward in the tub.

Call Randy at ABC Trailer Parts - Trailer Axles - Trailer Axle Kits his prices cannot be beat.

lx450landcruiser · 02-21-08, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

Call Randy at ABC Trailer Parts - Trailer Axles - Trailer Axle Kits his prices cannot be beat.

thanks for the hint ordered some up and have already installed them. got the wheels mounted up too, she sits just a tiny bit high in the rear but once the tents off the roof and on the trailer it should be perfectly level

lx450landcruiser · 04-25-08, 06:16 PM

Well just an update threw some cheepo wally world tail lights on it, got it registered and im in the process of doing the top.

the top will resemble the AT trailers and will be tig welded aluminum.

A question i have is are the AT trailer lid steel? what guage? what support do they use for the tents?

I was thinking about doing something like a upside down boat hull where every foot or so where would be a rib-gusset that would create the strength needed.

pint · 04-25-08, 07:11 PM

Looking good. Just about got mine registered after more trip to the DMV, Police, etc than I can to admit...hopefully on Monday! Then the fun can begin...

lx450landcruiser · 04-29-08, 09:14 PM

4-5 more days and the top should be done!!

pics then

lx450landcruiser · 05-01-08, 09:22 PM

started messing with rhino since i just got it

heres a really basic view of the trailer

10-12-07, 09:09 PM	#31
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,761	Man, that is some sweet engineering! You might weld up that flap but man, that is a grrrrreat approach to a common problem. Looks good bro! Drew __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

10-13-07, 02:03 PM	#32
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	what are people using for trailer lights? i didnt like the military ones as they took up useful space, id liek some that pop in and are flus and possibly LED but most seem to be two expensive for my budget __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-13-07, 02:19 PM	#33
Degnol Noaccount Webwheeler Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansastitty TLCA# 14529 Posts: 6,156	These aren't too bad...... http://vehiclelight.com/4ledstkit.html I'm going to use the military housings and LED them myself........at least that's the plan BTW, your latch/tailgate sure look clean, but I wonder if the sides will flex enough to allow the latch to open? Ed __________________ There is nothing so depraved as a man in the depths of an ether binge '66FJ40, Fresh 2F, H42/Orion(By Poser...LCR4WD), ARB Front/rear(By Poser...LCR4WD), MetalTech Cage installed by Poser, Screw-ups fixed(by Poser) 4WDB Corvette Master, Mini Truck PS, 3.5" Lift, Warn 8274, 33s on stockers

10-13-07, 04:05 PM	#35
Degnol Noaccount Webwheeler Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansastitty TLCA# 14529 Posts: 6,156	That ought to work just fine. Another solution(and I am not recommending it for you at this point) would be to use a latch that "squeezes" the sides against the tailgate, like a compression latch. Your brace solution sounds like a keeper to me. Ed __________________ There is nothing so depraved as a man in the depths of an ether binge '66FJ40, Fresh 2F, H42/Orion(By Poser...LCR4WD), ARB Front/rear(By Poser...LCR4WD), MetalTech Cage installed by Poser, Screw-ups fixed(by Poser) 4WDB Corvette Master, Mini Truck PS, 3.5" Lift, Warn 8274, 33s on stockers

10-13-07, 05:29 PM	#37
Arya Ebrahimi Something clever Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Blacksburg, VA Posts: 2,412	Look up "closertowholesale" on ebay. He has a store and almost all they sell is trailer lights. If you enter C2W in the promo code box, you will get 10% off. I got a pair of oval LEDs for my mini-truck for $35 where most places want $25 just for one. __________________ HOKIES UNITED Arya Ebrahimi '94 FZJ80 200k miles, locked, 285 Revo's, ARB Bullbar, Hella 4000's, homemade drawers My mini-truck buildup thread...updated 9/10 Mini-truck's first trip!! With PICS! 11/10

10-13-07, 06:48 PM	#38
nat IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: I'm in like Flynn Posts: 824	Nice build and there is some great info here. Thanks! __________________ 1972 FJ55 "Geirdriful" named after one of the Valkyries Check out my build thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/165633-build-up-progress-my-piggie.html Some more good pics of the Pig here too: http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pi...-iron-pig.html Maid Marion, "Why, you speak treason!" Robin Hood, "Fluently."

10-13-07, 07:31 PM	#41
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	so after reading over that thread about trailer lighting it seems most of that is for large trailers? can i get away with just 2 lights? plus license plate light? __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-13-07, 09:31 PM	#42
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	well i just went ahead and picked these up, the code C2W doesnt work for the purchase i did so i dont know if thats for select items or what? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-2-5...2368QQtcZphoto these should work nicely and should fit right next to the tail gate at the top where the trailer bows out. __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-13-07, 10:09 PM	#43
RHINO IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: valley of the sunstroke, AZ Posts: 2,730	nice build so far,,,, good idea on the angle for weatertighting the tailgate __________________ 75 BDJ55 soy cruiser 01 TACO got salsa ?

10-19-07, 10:44 PM	#44
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	did a bit of work today not much but a bit, i also recieved the lights there pretty slick. im going to mount them in the angled out part of the trailer so it frees up the space where the original ones were for storage and a step. also got the latch to work but still have to do the other side. closes and hold snug really well. Attached Images __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-19-07, 10:47 PM	#45
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	more, i pulled the fenders off the trailer as i plan to widen them about 4 inches for the larger tires, any one done this before and have any tips? not sure how i will go about that yet. also pulled the lunnet assembly off and cleaned it up, primed and painted it just need to re grease and re assemble so it should work nice and smoth now. Attached Images __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-22-07, 05:20 PM	#46
kent l IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Huntsville utah Posts: 10	Tube fenders? It might be easier to make tube fenders and then metal sheet them. I have thought about this on my 1943 MBT trailer. Then I could put the original fenders if i wanted to get back to stock.

10-22-07, 07:31 PM	#47
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	i thought about this but i dont have a bender so that limits me on that __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

10-25-07, 11:12 PM	#48
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	lunnet re assembled and greased works smooth now also dry fitted a 31 to measure for the fender extension. looks like 7 inches i need to extend it still not sure what ill do about that. Attached Images __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

02-02-08, 07:16 PM	#49
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	quick update, pics to follow in the near future, gathering parts, i was able to get my hands on a 3 free fzj80 wheels and tires. and have started to convert the brakes to electric ones however i need to find a pair of 10'' electric brake hubs with 6 lugs any ideas on a cheap place to fine them? i hate to spend $200 on just hubs. I went ahead and bought the TEKONSHA" P3 brake controller which ive heard nothing but good things about. any recommendations on a wiring kit for the brake controller? I also have a 30 gallon poly water tank on its way which will be mounted forward in the tub. __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

04-25-08, 07:11 PM	#53
pint IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 902	Looking good. Just about got mine registered after more trip to the DMV, Police, etc than I can to admit...hopefully on Monday! Then the fun can begin... __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee Step Sliders, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer ridding on Nittos and green primer...

04-25-08, 06:16 PM	#52
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	Well just an update threw some cheepo wally world tail lights on it, got it registered and im in the process of doing the top. the top will resemble the AT trailers and will be tig welded aluminum. A question i have is are the AT trailer lid steel? what guage? what support do they use for the tents? I was thinking about doing something like a upside down boat hull where every foot or so where would be a rib-gusset that would create the strength needed. __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

04-29-08, 09:14 PM	#54
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	4-5 more days and the top should be done!! pics then __________________ 1996 LX450 ARB, dual batteries, remote starter, 760 watt sub woofer, in dash CB, Custom switch pannel, cut and turn mod, magnaflow, custom rear bumper, rock lights, 2.5 lift, snorkle. clear side lights, CSC alum spacers, 33s, and more to come.

05-01-08, 09:22 PM	#55
lx450landcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bellingham wa/prescott az Posts: 2,293	started messing with rhino since i just got it heres a really basic view of the trailer Attached Images