Expedition trailer made from FJ40 tub

[77TLCFJ40]

Great work VI!

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Finally having some extra time, I got swamped with vehicle repairs. Everything fell apart at once it seems so the trailer got put on the back burner. I made some headway however, and all my vehicles run again so I'm turning my attention back to the trailer. I got the brake axle delivered and stripped out the stock FJ40 axle last night. I actually ended up with a 5500# axle to get a 3" diameter tube and 6 lug hubs to match the 40. I've got to weld on spring perches and a studs for the shock mounts. Once the axle is installed I'll wire it up and find a controller.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Ready for the new electric brake axle

 

[kling-on]

LOVE IT ALL... well done

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Axle is in. Now nothing interferes with the cable lift system.

 

[UZJ40]

Great looking build!

Maybe I missed it, but what kind of heater is that?

I bought a mini Buddy heater for our trip to Colorado. I feel it's a bit too big for our tent. It heats the whole area up really quick, even on low. I hung it from one of the top cross bars and it made the tent material above it pretty hot so I'd only leave it on for about 10 minutes at a time. The size you used looks much better for maintaining a constant temperature.

I was also contemplating using a forced air unit where the heater is placed outside of the tent, but I'd really like to not use electricity as well.

Thanks!

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I'm switching over to an FAU which will be mounted below deck. The catalytic heater that I had pictured had no good way to mount it. I tried hang it from the ceiling but it generated too much heat on the roof.

 

[UZJ40]

What brand are you going with?

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I bought a used furnace out of a small RV. I believe it's an Atwood. It's ducted, so I plan to use dryer vent hose to plumb the air into the tent areas. RTT and annex coming soon.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

With the new axle installed, I had plenty of room to finish running the lift cables. The top goes up and down controlled wirelessly. It's pretty amazing.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I actually need to make a few adjustments. Ive got to lengthen the pull so the top goes higher. Also It's going up too fast but needs to lift more weight for the RTT so im going to put a pulley at the wiffle tree and double back.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

This is what the cable set up looks like underneath. It's pretty well tucked up out of the way of any moving parts. I gotta admit, I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. It goes up faster than electronic actuators, but not too fast. It will lift an RTT no problem.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I installed the furnace over the weekend. It's a ducted unit so I just run dryer vent up into the tent areas. I ditched the thermostat for a switch since I only plan to use it while awake but it works like a charm. Flip the switch and it ignites and warm air blows. Sooo nice! I can camp year round in comfort!

 

[waiting for time]

Looking good.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

After alot of testing and fixing, I finally felt confident in the top raising and lowering with weight on it. A side job paid for a tent. I bough the Smitty bilt overlander XL with Annex room. I just need the ladder extension. This compact trailer now sleeps my family of 6 comfotably! Can't wait to get out and explore!!

 

[hooter]

BOOM!!!

Looks awesome.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

All folded up

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Found some matching tires.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I don't think I mentioned it but I bought a max coupler. It's so quiet compared to the pintle system I was using.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I ditched the propane furnace for a diesel webasto Chinese knockoff. It's smaller and quieter. I ended up not being able to get the propane furnace to run right. It was a pain to ignite. I also swapped out the tailgate for barn doors and finished my gear drawer. Loving this trailer! Time to go exploring.