Here's some information on the trailer:
1967 M416, completely disassembled, blasted and painted. Custom tailgate, custom steel lid, custom reinforced tube fenders. Frame lengthened by 24" (allowed mounting a cooler in front of tub, allows opening the rear swingouts on the Cruiser's bumper while the trailer is hooked on, and permits the trailer to jacknife 90 degrees without touching the Cruiser's body). Sprung over on stock springs with longer shackles to match the Cruiser's height, custom foot (so it sits level on new height), custom axle that matches width and bolt pattern as the Cruiser and uses 3,500 lb. capacity standard spindles, registered as a homebuilt trailer with custom plate ("TLCM416").
Since I took the above picture I added a nylon mesh cargo net to the inside of the steel lid (for tarps, jackets, etc...) and mounted a 5-gallon jerry can to each side of the trailer. I also had the interior of the trailer Scorpion-lined, it's about halfway between Rhino-lining and Line-X, not as soft as Rhino but not quite as abrasive as Line-X.
I also have, but have not installed, a 3.5 gallon propane tank and regulator, a 40 liter fresh water tank and pump, and a couple of tractor lights to illuminate the campsite.
I'm about 1/3 done with the wiring, using heavy-duty 7-pin wire and connectors.
I also have two more projects that I don't know where to start with but have some ideas. I need a table for the campsite and was hoping to integrate it somehow with the trailer. One thought I had was to attach it to the side of the trailer somehow and have it rest on one of the fenders. This would allow me to pull it off without mounting legs to it, but I just haven't sat out there with a measuring tape and made it happen.
The other project is integrating a handle into the steel lid. As it stands now, it's awkward to open (the interior lining made the fit *very snug*, you have to push it up to release the lid. Made it essentially waterproof, but now opening the lid is a two-handed operation), I really want to add some grip to it. Thought about just using the passenger side grab handle from an early FJ40 (1. because I have a couple lying around, and 2. because I already used the windshield clamps from an early FJ40 for the trailer's tailgate), but I've also considered welding something to it (since I'll paint the trailer to match the truck sometime in the next year).
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas? I know it's tough without pics, but I don't have detailed shots handy. Ill try to take it out next weekend (air out the tent while I'm at it) and snap some close-ups.
Thanks!
it's a very fun group.
