Good starting point?

Acadia · 02-10-08, 09:51 PM

Well I picked this trailer up pretty cheap. It is roughly 4' x 6'.

My intentions are to turn it into a off road type trailer that I can use to haul hunting and camping supplies in.

does this look like a good starting point or platform?

first on the list of mods will be to swap out the axle to a 3500# axle with 6 on 5.5 to match the 4runner and 60.

KY854RUN · 02-10-08, 11:13 PM

Yes, it does look like a good starting point.

What's the thickness of the steel in the frame?

Acadia · 02-11-08, 08:37 AM

the frame is 1/8 thick.

Acadia · 02-11-08, 08:52 AM

Just ordered axle from abctrailerparts.com $168.58 shipped to my door! That was 1/2 what the local trailer supply store wanted to charge me!

Acadia · 02-11-08, 08:17 PM

any draw backs to using angle iron to make frame for box?

73fj · 02-11-08, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acadia

any draw backs to using angle iron to make frame for box?

I think that is probably the easiest way to go. Just don't go too light.

gavman · 02-11-08, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acadia

Just ordered axle from abctrailerparts.com $168.58 shipped to my door! That was 1/2 what the local trailer supply store wanted to charge me!

Wondering if you ordered brakes with the axle?
Frame looks like a great start, very sturdy.

Acadia · 02-11-08, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73fj

I think that is probably the easiest way to go. Just don't go too light.

any recomendations?

Acadia · 02-11-08, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavman

Wondering if you ordered brakes with the axle?
Frame looks like a great start, very sturdy.

no brakes

cruzzer · 02-12-08, 04:46 AM

What did it used to be? Just curious what that piece coming up the center from the back is,, Looks like a great start too.. Once you have a heavier axle in place you'll be set..

Steve

NamSand · 02-12-08, 05:53 AM

Why no brakes??

We run no brakes on trailer when the trailer and load are less than 0.75 t (metric). As soon as the trailer is above 0.75 t, brakes are recommended both for on and off road use.

I had and experience when a dragon boat trailer (approximately 1.5 t) pushed my car on a down hill section when I was trying to stop in front of my house. This is not a nice feeling and the trailer has overrun brakes.

Acadia · 02-12-08, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzzer

What did it used to be? Just curious what that piece coming up the center from the back is,, Looks like a great start too.. Once you have a heavier axle in place you'll be set..

Steve

the piece coming up the middle is a motorcycle ramp. the guy I bought it from used it for hauling his dirt bike.

Acadia · 02-12-08, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NamSand

Why no brakes??

We run no brakes on trailer when the trailer and load are less than 0.75 t (metric). As soon as the trailer is above 0.75 t, brakes are recommended both for on and off road use.

I had and experience when a dragon boat trailer (approximately 1.5 t) pushed my car on a down hill section when I was trying to stop in front of my house. This is not a nice feeling and the trailer has overrun brakes.

I don't plan on hauling any heavy loads where brakes would be needed. The most weight I would ever see myself loading in the trailer would be 600 - 700 pounds.

brakes would be nice but I don't think they are needed for my application.

73fj · 02-12-08, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acadia

any recomendations?

Minimum 1/8" and add some bracing you should be ok. I guess it depends on how big a box and whats going to be in it too. Just my opinion.

davegonz · 02-12-08, 03:30 PM

Great starting point. Do you know if it was commercially made?

Acadia · 02-12-08, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73fj

Minimum 1/8" and add some bracing you should be ok. I guess it depends on how big a box and whats going to be in it too. Just my opinion.

1/8" is what I was leaning towards. I know the box will be 4' x 6' but I am still trying to decide how deep to make it.

Acadia · 02-12-08, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davegonz

Great starting point. Do you know if it was commercially made?

I believe it started life as a scratch build.

Acadia · 02-17-08, 09:06 PM

I have not been able to work on the trailer over the past week. The new axle is suppose to ship out Monday so hopefully I can get it mounted this weekend. I'll post up some pics once it is completed.

Acadia · 02-22-08, 05:53 PM

Axle is here and it looks sweet!

brownbear · 02-23-08, 01:11 AM

while others say don't build to light, I say don't go to heavy. Especially on a homebuilt. You'd be surprised the the strength of 1/8 angle iron and 3/16 angle iron etc.

The box should not be built heavier than the frame. It's all relative. Pick a design and discuss what you want on here. Hopefully some ok advice will come out.

Acadia · 02-24-08, 07:51 PM

BrownBear I appreciate the advice.

I am trying to keep the overall weight down on the trailer without compromising strength. here is what I am thinking.

Box will be 4'x6.5' by 30" deep, built with 1.5 x 1.5 1/8" angle iron. I am still trying to decide between aluminum diamond plate and steel sheet for the sides. I am thinkin I will use 3/4" treated plywood for the floor Herculined on both sides.

Lid - don't know what I am going to do with this yet.

3500 # axle with 6 on 5.5 hubs from abctrailerparts.com

Suspension: reusing original springs that came on the trailer. just replacing all the old rubber bushings with new poly bushings. relocating the axle towards the rear 8" to get a better 60/40 split.

Wheels - 15" steel rims off a 90's tacoma. not for sure what I will use for tires yet.

REZARF · 02-25-08, 11:30 AM

Just a thought, but I decided to go 24" high, so I didn't have to buy a full sheet for each side, a 24" high side can yeild 2 sides from one sheet of steel or aluminum. Now, if you can source 5x10 sheet, then you are clear. Hope it helps.

Rezarf <><

Acadia · 02-25-08, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

Just a thought, but I decided to go 24" high, so I didn't have to buy a full sheet for each side, a 24" high side can yeild 2 sides from one sheet of steel or aluminum. Now, if you can source 5x10 sheet, then you are clear. Hope it helps.

Rezarf <><

Good call! I had not thought that part through. looks like I will need to rethink the box height and determine if I can live without the extra 6" or build a lid that will provide the extra room.

Acadia · 02-25-08, 04:11 PM

well I was able to flip the trailer over and take off the old suspension last weekend.

I recouped some of my expenses on the new axle as I sold the old axle and tires/wheels. As of right now I have about $50 in the new axle and $30 in the wheels.

I had to cut the middle cross member of the trailer out because somehow it had been bent slightly and was tweaking the middle section of the frame rail. After I cut it out the frame rail popped back out the 3/8" it has off. So after a trip to the metal shop I picked up two new 2x4 cross members. I just need to get them cut and welded into place. maybe this weekend.

Then I can get the spring hangers welded on. hopefully by that time I will have the new poly bushings and I can get the springs and axle mounted. Guess I will have to find some tires as well.

brownbear · 02-27-08, 12:00 AM

you frame is super heavy looking. Be careful not to build it too much.

I also agree the sides at 24 are plenty. But even 20 is good. Think about the height of a cooler etc and how it might be to reach inside for that. 30 is too high. At that height everything will have to be accessed from the back.

I've seen lots of trailers(homebuilts) made out of serious box steel and are just basically over done. Then the springs and axle are just regular.

But your springs and axles might be absolutely fine for a trailer that is pulled by a cruiser. There is absolutely no need to build a 4x7 or smaller 3 ton trailer...

Acadia · 02-27-08, 07:59 AM

rezarf and brownbear thanks for the input.

After breaking out the tape measure and throwing a cooler up on the trailer frame it looks like 24" is the magic number. 30" was just too high and 20"was a little low for the big cooler, if I wanted to put anything on top of it.

Acadia · 02-27-08, 10:01 AM

[quote=brownbear;3078033]you frame is super heavy looking. Be careful not to build it too much.

I know it looks heavy but the frame is made of 1/8" channel and I can pick it up and move it around pretty easily by myself. so I would really be surprised if the frame weighs more than 150lbs right now without the axle and springs

I've seen lots of trailers(homebuilts) made out of serious box steel and are just basically over done. Then the springs and axle are just regular.

I will be running a 3500lbs axle with 15" toyota wheels. The original springs are a 30" 5 leaf spring with regular rubber bushings (replacing with new poly bushings) which I

02-10-08, 09:51 PM	#1
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	Acadia's camping/hunting trailer build "in progress" Well I picked this trailer up pretty cheap. It is roughly 4' x 6'. My intentions are to turn it into a off road type trailer that I can use to haul hunting and camping supplies in. does this look like a good starting point or platform? first on the list of mods will be to swap out the axle to a 3500# axle with 6 on 5.5 to match the 4runner and 60. Attached Images __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift Last edited by Acadia; 03-19-08 at 09:47 AM.

02-10-08, 11:13 PM	#2
KY854RUN IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Northern Arizona TLCA# 3200 Posts: 326	Yes, it does look like a good starting point. What's the thickness of the steel in the frame? __________________ Kevin `85 4Runner - work in progress M416 Trailer - ukn year, rebuilt July 2007, build thread `68 FJ40 - planning stages of a build Green Country Cruisers - member Wish List - to long to post

02-11-08, 08:37 AM	#3
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	the frame is 1/8 thick. __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-11-08, 08:52 AM	#4
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	Just ordered axle from abctrailerparts.com $168.58 shipped to my door! That was 1/2 what the local trailer supply store wanted to charge me! __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-11-08, 08:17 PM	#5
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	any draw backs to using angle iron to make frame for box? __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-12-08, 04:46 AM	#10
cruzzer IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 62	What did it used to be? Just curious what that piece coming up the center from the back is,, Looks like a great start too.. Once you have a heavier axle in place you'll be set.. Steve

02-12-08, 05:53 AM	#11
NamSand IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Windoek, Namibia Posts: 4	Why no brakes?? We run no brakes on trailer when the trailer and load are less than 0.75 t (metric). As soon as the trailer is above 0.75 t, brakes are recommended both for on and off road use. I had and experience when a dragon boat trailer (approximately 1.5 t) pushed my car on a down hill section when I was trying to stop in front of my house. This is not a nice feeling and the trailer has overrun brakes.

02-12-08, 03:30 PM	#15
davegonz Keeping it Weird Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX TLCA# 14650 Posts: 1,072 Blog Entries: 1	Great starting point. Do you know if it was commercially made? __________________ David Gonzalez ------------------- "Penny" Bronze 2000 100-series 33" BFG A/T's, storage drawers, OME Heavy Lift Austin, TX david.gonzalez@gmail.com Lone Star Land Cruisers

02-17-08, 09:06 PM	#18
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	I have not been able to work on the trailer over the past week. The new axle is suppose to ship out Monday so hopefully I can get it mounted this weekend. I'll post up some pics once it is completed. __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-22-08, 05:53 PM	#19
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	Axle is here and it looks sweet! __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-23-08, 01:11 AM	#20
brownbear Mod in Hibernation Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Where diesels purr and turbos whine TLCA# 15584 Posts: 6,200	while others say don't build to light, I say don't go to heavy. Especially on a homebuilt. You'd be surprised the the strength of 1/8 angle iron and 3/16 angle iron etc. The box should not be built heavier than the frame. It's all relative. Pick a design and discuss what you want on here. Hopefully some ok advice will come out. __________________ -84 BJ60, Finally on the FN road! -91 FJ80, wife's ride Iron Butt award winner of the Cruise Moab 08 !

02-24-08, 07:51 PM	#21
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	BrownBear I appreciate the advice. I am trying to keep the overall weight down on the trailer without compromising strength. here is what I am thinking. Box will be 4'x6.5' by 30" deep, built with 1.5 x 1.5 1/8" angle iron. I am still trying to decide between aluminum diamond plate and steel sheet for the sides. I am thinkin I will use 3/4" treated plywood for the floor Herculined on both sides. Lid - don't know what I am going to do with this yet. 3500 # axle with 6 on 5.5 hubs from abctrailerparts.com Suspension: reusing original springs that came on the trailer. just replacing all the old rubber bushings with new poly bushings. relocating the axle towards the rear 8" to get a better 60/40 split. Wheels - 15" steel rims off a 90's tacoma. not for sure what I will use for tires yet. __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-25-08, 11:30 AM	#22
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,761	Just a thought, but I decided to go 24" high, so I didn't have to buy a full sheet for each side, a 24" high side can yeild 2 sides from one sheet of steel or aluminum. Now, if you can source 5x10 sheet, then you are clear. Hope it helps. Rezarf <>< __________________ 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.

02-25-08, 04:11 PM	#24
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	Trailer Update well I was able to flip the trailer over and take off the old suspension last weekend. I recouped some of my expenses on the new axle as I sold the old axle and tires/wheels. As of right now I have about $50 in the new axle and $30 in the wheels. I had to cut the middle cross member of the trailer out because somehow it had been bent slightly and was tweaking the middle section of the frame rail. After I cut it out the frame rail popped back out the 3/8" it has off. So after a trip to the metal shop I picked up two new 2x4 cross members. I just need to get them cut and welded into place. maybe this weekend. Then I can get the spring hangers welded on. hopefully by that time I will have the new poly bushings and I can get the springs and axle mounted. Guess I will have to find some tires as well. Attached Images __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

02-27-08, 12:00 AM	#25
brownbear Mod in Hibernation Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Where diesels purr and turbos whine TLCA# 15584 Posts: 6,200	you frame is super heavy looking. Be careful not to build it too much. I also agree the sides at 24 are plenty. But even 20 is good. Think about the height of a cooler etc and how it might be to reach inside for that. 30 is too high. At that height everything will have to be accessed from the back. I've seen lots of trailers(homebuilts) made out of serious box steel and are just basically over done. Then the springs and axle are just regular. But your springs and axles might be absolutely fine for a trailer that is pulled by a cruiser. There is absolutely no need to build a 4x7 or smaller 3 ton trailer... __________________ -84 BJ60, Finally on the FN road! -91 FJ80, wife's ride Iron Butt award winner of the Cruise Moab 08 !

02-27-08, 07:59 AM	#26
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 172	rezarf and brownbear thanks for the input. After breaking out the tape measure and throwing a cooler up on the trailer frame it looks like 24" is the magic number. 30" was just too high and 20"was a little low for the big cooler, if I wanted to put anything on top of it. __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift