Build Plans? (1 Viewer)

[1973Guppie]

I have an RTT and would like to build up a trailer to carry it and gear to campsites. I am new to trailers in general but have a background in fabrication.

Can anyone point me to anyone who has detailed build plans for sale?

If above is not available, what is the "base" platform most start with? Is there a general platform that is easily purchased that one can modify? OR do most people build the base of the trailer from scratch? I basically want a very basic trailer to house storage, awning and RTT.

Thanks, Noah

 

[greentruck]

There are likely detailed plans available, but a trailer can be a simple thing. There are a number of builds on here, a good recent one is here: My Trailer Build Plan W/Questions

Basic design tends to center around the axle, with a 3500 lb one being pretty standard.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

check out google sketchup for a design aid. draw your frame, then draw all the stuff you would fit to that frame, then figure out your cutchart. plenty of useful info here, and I'm sure there are FREE plans out there to be had if you wanted to use something someone else did. Images is also a great resource for seeing what has been done, but pintrest has really murkied the waters there- dam milinials... GLWTB...

 

[1973Guppie]

how about starting with something like this?

1090 lb. Capacity 40-1/2 in x 48 in Utility Trailer

I figure for 200 bucks (w / coupon) I can get a trailer with the basics and then build it up from there. Any reason not to use one of these trailers? I am assuming the axle, etc is strong enough for what I want to do.

 

[greentruck]

People have beefed up HF trailers for light duty and Search will find them. Problem is, they bolt together, so any serious trail use can lead to them unbolting. If you're aware of their limitations, you can make use of them, but it depends on your own anticipation of trail use, which might suggest a different route.

 

[1973Guppie]

so let's pose the question in another manner: if one was looking for a good used trailer to build up into an off road RTT trailer, what "type" of trailer would people suggest searching for as far as specs? What used trailers will accept a standard 35 inch tire, etc? What size axle, weight limit should I be looking for?

 

[1973Guppie]

People have beefed up HF trailers for light duty and Search will find them. Problem is, they bolt together, so any serious trail use can lead to them unbolting. If you're aware of their limitations, you can make use of them, but it depends on your own anticipation of trail use, which might suggest a different route.

right, I would probably weld it all together after bolting it up. I am thinking though for 200 bucks it could be a great start. I don't think I could buy all those parts for 200. I have all the equipment basically to make it work (RTT and awning). The only thing I will probably leave that can be unbolted is the tonque section. It won't be used in hardcore 4x4 trails like rubicon, just dirt roads and minor wheeling, so flex and those issues are not a concern.

 

[greentruck]

Running 35s is going to be an issue with most small trailers. They tend to be set up for less than stock passenger size wheels, although an axle swap can deal with that. If you want a trailer in stock config that will do that, then look at the M1101/1102 surplus trailers, which are readily available and are designed to run the same wheel/tire as the Humvees use.
http://olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_ltt-hmt_trailer_m1101_m1102.php

If you only need a bare platform, the M116 series chassis trailers are also readily available.
M116 Chassis: Trailer, Cargo, 3/4 ton.

If you're prepared to weld, then the HF route seems more viable, but consider the work and budgets needed to get where you want to be. It's often easier to lighten a surplus trailer than it is to beef a HF -- and the basic trailer is going to be far more substantial.

 

[1973Guppie]

thx for the links, the m1101/m1102 trailers look just like what I want, do people sell these new? I looked on craigslist and did not see any for sale. From my understanding nowadays they are harder to find. It would be great to find someone who sells a kit that I can weld together based on the M designs.

 

[greentruck]

There are several gov't auction outlets who handle surplus trailers. Here are examples:
Trailers - Utility for sale in online auction | GovPlanet
Trailers - Chassis for sale in online auction | GovPlanet

The trick is finding what's in California for you, as that greatly reduces cost if it's something you can pickup rather than have to truck in.
Government Surplus for sale in online auction | IronPlanet

Auctions tend to be WYSIWYG. A dealer may cost more, but usually can get you something in ready to go condition. Problem is a lot of the bigger mil surplus vehicle dealers are on the East Coast...but sometimes that can work. Here's a M1102 ready to go for under $2k:
1998 Raytheon M1102 Military HMMWV Cargo Trailer - Surplus Military Depot

A West Coast dealer, but nothing quite like the above online right now (but maybe call in with your needs and see what they can do...):
Surplus City - Trailers

 

[Chris Wilcox]

There were always some M1101 or M1102 on ebay a year ago when i was looking.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

I got a stout little 6x4 trailer with a 3500# axle for 300 bucks off the Clist. slapped on some$60/pair 6 lug hubs and flipped the axle for a SOA and bolted up a pair of 31s on yota wheels. the frame itself isn't up for 3500#, but is a decent starting point. I'd look for something more like that than an HF...the tounge on mine is 3x3x3/16; bet the HF deal is only 2" x whoknowswhat...just keep looking; don't buy it if it doesn't look right when you meet it in person...you'll know when you see your trailer...

 

[titanpat57]

so let's pose the question in another manner: if one was looking for a good used trailer to build up into an off road RTT trailer, what "type" of trailer would people suggest searching for as far as specs? What used trailers will accept a standard 35 inch tire, etc? What size axle, weight limit should I be looking for?

I would total go with a M101A2 or a M116A2...tough as nails, easy to fab into what you want, proven platform