Builds Expedition trailer build (1 Viewer)

[hooter]

Whelp, here goes....

My kids love to fish, be outdoors, and they love the 40. While they are still young and I’m still cool, I’m going to build an expedition trailer for some high adventure.

Inspired by @Volcanic Iceberg and @cruiseroutfit I’ll do my version of an overland expedition trailer.

Plans: tub based trailer, trailer axle, matching tires to my rig. Fiberglass top, ARB rack and ARB Simpson III rooftop tent.

hOOter

 

[hooter]

Inspiration photos

 

[hooter]

First purchase was the tub.

Then purchased a frame.

Cut the tub to use the back half
(Anyone need a cowl?)

Cut the frame
(Anyone need the front half of a frame?)

Test fit

......

 

[hooter]

Wheels/tires to match my rig.

Trailer frame crossmembers, tounge, OME suspension, 3500 lb idler trailer axle

Rear sill replacement and rear quarter patch panels

(Yes I’m aware the antinversion OME plate is upside down....) its just a roller at this point.

Frame painted

......

 

[hooter]

Front frame tubing bent and 16 gauge steel sheeting being applied.

Next is the custom sized fiberglass roof made from 2 hardtops.

hOOter

 

[77TLCFJ40]

40 Camper - AKA The Backwoods Bellagio

Hopefully my old build is useful to you.

Looking forward to seeing more of your build.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Awesome! Glad I could inspire you as others inspired me. I am loving mine. I just completed automating the top. This weekend I installed the furnace. Flip a switch and warm air heats the tent areas. Its so nice to have some of the comforts of home in a remote place.

Still need to build a drawer for the cargo area. Still need a brake controller. Getting ready to mount the roof top tent.

I'm curious what your plans entail. Kitchen? Sleeping set up? etc. Looking good so far. Keep us updated!

 

[hooter]

I'm curious what your plans entail. Kitchen? Sleeping set up? etc. Looking good so far. Keep us updated!

Plan is for 2 hardtops spliced together for the top. Will add an ARB rooftop rack and rooftop tent (Simpson III). Rear 1/2 doors for access and will put the top on heavy gas struts to up during setup.

I’m starting simple and will use it for basic stuff. Will add things like kitchen and plumbed for water as the needs arise.

 

[hooter]

Skinning the outside is complete. Will add a reinforcing edge to the top. Followed by fitment of the rear doors, spare tire carrier, license plate, etc. then paint

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Check out my thread, the hard top sides lean in about 3/4" so you have to section thetfiberglass and widen by about 1-1/2" in order for it to fit right.

Looking good!

 

[cruiserpilot]

I see you used 2x4 steel, what thickness did you use? Looks really good.

 

[hooter]

I see you used 2x4 steel, what thickness did you use? Looks really good.

.1875”

It’s not really necessary to use 2x4. It was only done for the cosmetics and make new frame members flush to the frame.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Thanks, I'm building a frame for my FJ45 box trailer and wondered what size that was. Looks
right and has good proportion. Looks like a tube axle, is that 40 width or 60 series hub face width?

 

[hooter]

Thanks, I'm building a frame for my FJ45 box trailer and wondered what size that was. Looks
right and has good proportion. Looks like a tube axle, is that 40 width or 60 series hub face width?

40 series hub face width. I had my fabricator friend order a 3500 lb tube axle with idler hubs (5 on 6.5 bolt pattern I think!)

When it was picked up, the shop people laughed because they said it looked like a toy compared to what they normally do.

 

[hooter]

Skinning and top cap complete.

hOOter

 

[hooter]

Rear door fitment has begun

 

[hooter]

Old school score.

Con-ferr rack for the hardtop and support for RTT.

Pre rigged with lights

 

[cruiserpilot]

Nice!! Your dog looks like he's ready to bolt! HaHa!

 

[hooter]

Mounted and fit:

Doors
Rear tire carrier
Lights-side and rear
Emblems
Reflectors

hOOter

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Lookin really good Hooter.