FJ40 trailer getting mods

[BionicCruiser]

so my family has outgrown my trailer. it's time to add to it. plans are to put a swing out carrier on the back with space for a jerry can and box for storage. the tongue will get a tool box or custom built box. yesterday I built a bumper and started the rack part of it. the hinge and latch are on order, so final weld up will happen when those are in and mocked up. here's some pics.

 

[BionicCruiser]

for the tongue, I am weighing options. I can get a tool box like these-
reg-trailer-tongue-toolbox
44-in-chest-toolbox

or I may have enough sheet metal to box the front in like the first link above (just much bigger). just need 1" angle to make a framework and then get metal for a floor and lid. this is the largest storage capacity option, but most cost and work. this has to be ready for a trip in early Oct.

edit- I do have a monster aluminum tool box in my tow rig. something like 60"x22" and 30" high. that one will limit how far I can jack knife the trailer when backing up on the trail, but is nearly free since I have the tool box. it's almost too big, if that's even possible...

 

[BionicCruiser]

almost forgot, I use the tailgate as a table for cooking and it's too small. so the swing out will have a fold down table inside it. nearly doubling the table space.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Did you create a thread when you first built this trailer? I'm curious as to how you have framed it.
I have an alum longbox I am going to make into a trailer soon. I'm interested on how you're going to modify this one.

 

[BionicCruiser]

I didn't have a thread at the time. I've put pics in a couple other threads before. I used the stock frame with the inner box part removed and cut just before the rise over the front axle. I'll throw up a couple pics of the build for you when I get home from work tomorrow.

I've decided the big box from my pickup is too big. I'll bang it up on rocks for sure. there's trail rash on the front corners at chest level already from the Rubicon. Tuesday I'll price some aluminum to see how much a custom box build will run me.

 

[BionicCruiser]

in the mean time here it is on the Mt Blanca trail in Co. you can barely see the front area with plastic bins for extra storage. that's where I'll put the new box. this is with the old 36" tires. cruiser and trailer now ride on 39.5" Iroks

 

[BionicCruiser]

hey, I found the pics were already in my attachments. so here's the tongue and frame.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Thanks for the picture, I like the way you did that. I will be putting mine on slightly smaller
tires, more camping/hunting than hardcore.

 

[BionicCruiser]

I started the front box. diamond plate was sheared and top and bottom long bends done at a steel shop in town. I bent the ends where they bolt to the trailer. then a mock up. the floor is cut and just needs final trim/fitting. I need more square tubing for the mount to the frame. I had to go up to 2" so the floor meets the bottom edge of the trailer front better.

bending the ends, ghetto style-

mock up-

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Nice work!

 

[BionicCruiser]

today I finished up the framework for the swing out jerry can holder and small storage box. this will be welded onto the rectangle mock up in the first post.

and with a jerry can for visual effect-

 

[BionicCruiser]

yesterday and today got the front box supports finished, lid for the box bent, and templates for the rear box made. almost time to find someone to do up the TIG welds on all the corners. then I can mount the hinge for the lid. pics-

 

[BionicCruiser]

the big MIG work that I am not good enough for is done. and the TIG work is done. pics tomorrow or Fri. I have gotten a ton of work done, but not much that's pic worthy.
I also have been working on my rig that tows this trailer. I have some fuel supply issues...

 

[The Jade Bean]

I like it! I dig 40 & Taco bed trailers!

-Daniel

 

[BionicCruiser]

rear swing out is almost done. just need to bolt on the latch and install the diamond plate in the storage box part. oh, then build the table.

latch area-

the lock open part. I will just use a bolt or 5/16 pin.

 

[BionicCruiser]

rolling this thing around, I discovered how good the clearance under the axle is.

 

[The Jade Bean]

Is that a 5 gallon bucket...cause it looks like a cup under there!

-Daniel

 

[ManleyORV]

Cool trailer. Like the rig too!

 

[BionicCruiser]

finally got some pic worthy work done! front box lid is on. rear box is covered and just working on the lid. it's proving harder than the front for logistical issues.

weather strip. it's kinda hard to see.

rear box and latch

 

[fj40charles]

Nice job Shawn. Are you going to bring you junk to Rubithon next year?