FJ55 trailer

[Vitesse_6]

Hi all.
Tell me if I'm crazy...
But all the cool kids are doing trailers, So I thought I would give-r-a-go.
My thoughts were to use an FJ55 I have, I was considering removing the everything from the front to the "B" pillar and from the rear windows up, I am considering keeping the rear doors and using them for access panels to the front area of the trailer and use the normal tail gate. I will need to cap all of the cut areas, But to what degree, I have no idea yet, My plans for the cover would be like Boxrocket's flat with a RTT
I did have a few questions, What poundage of trailer axle would be suggested?
Do any of you have electric or surge brakes?
I think I would like to keep the FJ55 gas tank with a fuel pump to fill the tow vehicle, Good or bad idea?
Again this is still in its infancy stages, Im trying to get some ideas as to which direction I should go, Kurt Williams thought I should keep the roof portion as well, I just dont know yet.
What do any of you think? I have heard of one other person who has started a similar FJ55 trailer, But havent see any pic's
Thanks

 

[Vitesse_6]

Oversimplified...

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

fugly, but I like!

We need a trailer smiley

 

[Dcon]

fugly, but I like!

We need a trailer smiley

I must agree. great idea about the fuel tank, it will help with the C.O.G., keep the roof structure, maybe chop it, but that would be cool!

 

[77TLCFJ40]

YES! Use your roof as the lid. That would be super-cool.

 

[Vitesse_6]

Thanks all.
When I said Kurt thought I should keep the roof, My understanding was he thought I should keep the windows as well, He mentioned sleeping in there, Chopping the roof is beyond my abilities right now, Not to mention the cost is a bit prohibitive, I did consider using the roof as the lid, But it appears that another guy in AZ would like the roof for his build up.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Thanks all.
When I said Kurt thought I should keep the roof, My understanding was he thought I should keep the windows as well, He mentioned sleeping in there, Chopping the roof is beyond my abilities right now, Not to mention the cost is a bit prohibitive, I did consider using the roof as the lid, But it appears that another guy in AZ would like the roof for his build up.

You would save big $$$$ if you didn't have to buy a roof-top-tent! And you would have 3 ways to get in/out depending on how camp is set-up.

What is the measurement from the tailgate to the B pilar (front of trailer)? How tall are you? You could also consider one of those SUV integrated tents.

Sounds like a great project. Get started and take lots of pics!

 

[Vitesse_6]

You would save big $$$$ if you didn't have to buy a roof-top-tent! And you would have 3 ways to get in/out depending on how camp is set-up.

What is the measurement from the tailgate to the B pilar (front of trailer)? How tall are you? You could also consider one of those SUV integrated tents.

Sounds like a great project. Get started and take lots of pics!

I already have a Mombasa RTT, But the length of the bed would be a little over 7 feet on the outside, Im 5'10" so I should fit if I go that route.
I really dont know when I will be starting on this project, Unfortunately I have 2 other vehicles in various states of "resto" which term I use very loosely
Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Mo Rocks]

Different idea but definately has a cool factor if you pull it off right !!

Years ago I saw an old Ford Econoline van body cut off behind the cab portion and used as an enclosed trailer....
It was functional, but had terminal ugliness all over it......

If you keep the same rear axle under the FJ55 "trailer", you could run a driveshaft to it and have a 6x6 !!!!!!!!!
Like the old military Gamma Goat.......

 

[Vitesse_6]

Different idea but definately has a cool factor if you pull it off right !!

Years ago I saw an old Ford Econoline van body cut off behind the cab portion and used as an enclosed trailer....
It was functional, but had terminal ugliness all over it......

If you keep the same rear axle under the FJ55 "trailer", you could run a driveshaft to it and have a 6x6 !!!!!!!!!
Like the old military Gamma Goat.......

Dont think this hasnt crossed my mind ;p Getting a rear PTO could be a problem as well as all the u-joint mounts, Etc...

 

[Box Rocket]

Brian, I think it could be really cool and a fairly simple project. I don't know what your intentions are with it but for me, the main concern would be the size/weight. For me, I wanted something I could pull through the Rubicon if I wanted and not be beating the crap out of it. That meant keeping the tub on the smaller size. If you don't care about the option of taking it on a tougher trail, then the size is less of a concern.

I would recommend a 3500# axle with brakes. I didn't use brakes on mine because it wasn't in the budget but mine is really light too. If you really want to keep the fuel tank and then possibly add a water tank plus all your gear etc you can be looking at some substantial weight back there especially if you are planning on just using the FJ55 frame. That frame and body will be pretty heavy as is so the brakes would be a high priority I would think.

Keeping the fuel tank isn't a bad idea at all considering that if you didn't have that, you'd be carrying a bunch of fuel cans anyway. Would be cool to rig up some kind of pump for it rather than having to siphon it out.

I really like the idea of the 55 roof for the lid as well. Keep the drip rail and run a couple load bars for your RTT.

I don't think I would keep the doors functional personally. I'd probably just weld them up and maybe decrease the overall length of the trailer a bit.

Get after it, I wanna see what you come up with.

 

[Vitesse_6]

Thanks Adam, Great thoughts.
My plans were for a camp trailer, Not necessarily and off road trailer, Something off road worthy, But not Rubicon worthy... Make sense?
I will get started on this ASAP.

 

[Box Rocket]

Sounds like it could be perfect for your plans. What do you think about bobbing the rear a bit? If it's a camp trailer you probably won't need to lift it much or need big tires for clearance over big trail obstacles. With the stock overhang, and a lower suspension I could see you dragging it quite a bit even through small ditches. The big hurdle with bobbing a 55 is the roof/windows. You won't need to worry about that. If you keep all the way forward to the B pillar and bob a bit off the back, you improve your tongue weight which will help with towing and decrease your overhang in the back which can't hurt either.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Iron Piglet?