New Pioneer Project

davegonz · 02-06-09, 02:57 PM

Just picked it up today. Has some rust, but is solid.

sseaman · 02-06-09, 03:21 PM

sweet, what model is it and how much does it weigh?

Oh yeah, what are you plans for it?

kennyfj40 · 02-06-09, 03:25 PM

That looks like a great trailer, any inside pics?

davegonz · 02-06-09, 03:28 PM

M116 Tool trailer. 3/4 ton rated.

I'm hoping to sand blast it. Fix the rust on the top and then paint it. I need to figure out how to mount my RTT to it.

davegonz · 02-06-09, 03:30 PM

Here's one pic.

davegonz · 02-06-09, 03:59 PM

This one is like the smaller version of Christopher Kunz's trailer.

sseaman · 02-06-09, 05:54 PM

how does it pull behind the 100?

davegonz · 02-06-09, 08:05 PM

It pulls easily. We had bad wind gusts today, so my fuel mileage took a big hit, but I could barely feel it back there.

GLTHFJ60 · 02-07-09, 02:09 PM

Don't these weigh around 1700 lbs? I could see that taking a huge hit on mileage.

davegonz · 02-07-09, 03:44 PM

I can't get a good solid number on the weight. If you look closely, this one is smaller than the other Pioneer trailer (Chris Kunz's). It shares the same M116 frame, but the box is smaller. I think I'm going to get a different axle and wheels/tires. That should shave 100-200 pounds.

mkaustin · 02-07-09, 04:06 PM

Dave,

Where did you find that thing? Did you see the M416 that was over in Bryan about a month ago?

davegonz · 02-07-09, 04:11 PM

No, did not see it. This one came from just north of Houston.

cruzzer · 02-07-09, 08:08 PM

These pioneer trailers are not on 416 frames but the larger m101 frames,, they just have a much much lighter box/bed on them instead of the extremely heavy dump bed of the m101.. The only thing that keeps any real weight on the pioneer frame is the big axle.. Some had the 3/4 t hummer bolt pattern axles and some had the 5 lug axles.. The newer ones had a flat area of the roof, and the older ones did not.. Most had a 6' box on an 8' frame. This also helped keep the weight down. They also did not have the double spring packs and huge landing leg wheel as some of the 101's did.. For more history on these check out the g503.org.. They make great off-road trailers and tow very well.. the weight is right in line.. I've been trying to find one of these near north east PA,, but haven't yet.. Good find.. drop in a good 3500# axle with a matching hub pattern to your tow rig and your all set..

REZARF · 02-07-09, 10:38 PM

That'll work! Sweet, I always thought that would be a great platform behind a v8 or full size!

Can't wait to see the build up!

Exiled · 02-08-09, 07:46 AM

David, I may have my trailer axle for sale, I've been wondering if I need to go with a narrower one, I really didn't account for the spacers needed on mine. It might be a better fit on your trailer.

davegonz · 02-08-09, 09:41 AM

Sweet! I need to measure the axle on this one. I'd definitely save some weight on the stock axle. I also might have a line on some 100 series rims/wheels locally. You still need to send me the adapter information.

davegonz · 02-16-09, 03:04 PM

Here's an update on the trailer. I'm chopping it up and redesigning the doors to be flat instead of gull wing. This design will make it easier to mount an RTT to. I ran out of cut off wheels for my grinder and had to stop. It's coming along...slowly.

davegonz · 02-16-09, 08:40 PM

Here are some screen shots of what I plan to do.

GLTHFJ60 · 02-16-09, 09:55 PM

That is going to be one hell of a trailer.

You should build a platform that slides out from the back of the trailer as a cooking surface. Fridge, cutting board and stove all right there would be awesome.

davegonz · 02-17-09, 06:17 AM

Thanks! The box you see in the rear is my 60L Norcold fridge. It's going to be mounted on heavy duty slides. I might add a small slide out table under the fridge slide. Hmmmmm.

titanpat57 · 02-17-09, 06:57 AM

Hey Dave...looking good so far! When I did my build I turned the ladder so it opened up in the back for two reasons.. 1. Gives me a nice overhang to get in and out the back of the trailer in bad weather 2. You can add the room option under the RTT, which the makes for a nice privacy area. Keep up the progress and posts.

Pat

davegonz · 02-17-09, 07:14 AM

Yes, I'll probably try that. I guess I'd have to reposition and maybe cut the two aluminum rails on the tent (Mombasa second gen) to do that. I might need to add a rear landing leg to the trailer. I don't want it tipping on me.

REZARF · 02-24-09, 05:05 PM

David, can you drop one "wing" down? Or would you kill your entry into the trailer? I only ask because there is one HUGE rule in custom trailers for camping...

... MORE FLAT HORIZONTAL SPACE! more more more more more, I fill up every flat surface everytime I head out. YOu have a ready made counter with one folding down. (that and don't burn your marbles off, just ask Adam about that one

)

Box Rocket · 02-24-09, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

David, can you drop one "wing" down? Or would you kill your entry into the trailer? I only ask because there is one HUGE rule in custom trailers for camping...

... MORE FLAT HORIZONTAL SPACE! more more more more more, I fill up every flat surface everytime I head out. YOu have a ready made counter with one folding down. (that and don't burn your marbles off, just ask Adam about that one

)

Hey man my marbles are just fine......sort of. It was a little sketchy to see smoke during the "procedure" about a month back but that wasn't my fault.

back on topic.....I like what you're doing here. I think you're going to end up with much more useability from the trailer with modifying the doors like you are. Great work. But yes, be careful about burning your marbles.

davegonz · 02-24-09, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

David, can you drop one "wing" down? Or would you kill your entry into the trailer? I only ask because there is one HUGE rule in custom trailers for camping...

... MORE FLAT HORIZONTAL SPACE! more more more more more, I fill up every flat surface everytime I head out. YOu have a ready made counter with one folding down. (that and don't burn your marbles off, just ask Adam about that one

)

LOL! I've nearly severed several fingers on past projects, but have never burned my marbles.

Yeah, I have checked out several pictures of Conqueror trailers with the fold down counter space and that looks to work really well, I'm just worried that the reach in distance would be too great for accessing stuff inside the trailer. Maybe work out a way to use four hinges (two on top and two on the bottom) that are easily detachable so you can go either way. Like a latch hinge.

I've had several family emergencies these past two weeks and haven't had any time to spend on the trailer. I was going to finish hacking it up and then tow it to the sandblaster, but I just can't find the spare time right now.

davegonz · 02-28-09, 02:20 PM

I worked on the trailer this weekend and it's about ready to go to the sandblaster. I also rendered this image of what color I'm thinking of using.

lx450landcruiser · 02-28-09, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davegonz

I worked on the trailer this weekend and it's about ready to go to the sandblaster. I also rendered this image of what color I'm thinking of using.

is that a rhino model?

davegonz · 02-28-09, 08:01 PM

Solidworks 2007.

titanpat57 · 02-28-09, 09:54 PM

Dave

The external frame rack opens just tons of options.....say an easy connect point for a Camping Labs awning, or even a home made model for that matter. Its looking great..the rendering is worth it's weight in gold bro.

Keep em' coming, Pat

davegonz · 03-01-09, 05:52 PM

Thanks Pat. I wish I had more free time to get this done.