Mini Truck Conversion to Trailer? (1 Viewer)

[77TLCFJ40]

Guys,

I did some searching but came up with nothing.

Has anyone considered or converted a wrecked Toyota truck into a trailer?

I may have access to an early 80's mini truck that had front damage and is well parted-out.

All I would need is the frame, rear axle, bed with tailgate, rear wiring harness, what else?

What advantages or disadvantages do you see of this type of trailer over a M416 or 101?

Any idea what the weight would be compared to a 416/101? Capacity differences?

Any ideas on the gas tank being used as an auxillary to the tow rig? Just need a pump to move it?

I know you guys could come up with some fantastic ideas. Lets hear 'em.

Thanks

 

[VTFJ40]

Make it happen.....and post pics.

Advantages-

Shouldn't cost near as much if you've got some fab skills.


Questions-

Wonder about axle location/weight balance?


Disadvantages-

Weight.
Prolly couldn't take the beating a m416/m101 could take (body).
Would hate having another pumpkin to find rocks (and not even a cruiser axle to carry some parts in).

The more I think about it, aside from the (possible) cost savings, don't see any advantages.


But good luck.

 

[Blue 60]

I've thought about doing this, but finding a decent shape early 80's bed is really tough in my neck of the woods. If I did do it, I would use the long bed from a Yota mini-truck. Reason being that the rest of the beds have way to little "bed" in front of the wheel well, so you either have to stretch the bed or add a bunch of storage boxes or something in front of the shorter beds to balance the trailer out. (doncha love run on sentances...) I think it could be really sweet. I really like the suspension on the new chaser trailer by AT, so something like that would really help it ride well.

Advantages:
size, multi-use (camping, haul materials, etc.), ease of adding a rack, tail lights included, style points, cool little tie-down hooks, gas tank is already plumbed and mounted (if you find a truck w/ front end damage only) and D.O.T. approved, you don't have to cut a tailgate into it, all of the aftermarket stuff available for pickup beds,

Dis-advantages:
size, rust, stupid things P.O. did to it,

Go into the Taco section and the outfitting section to see what has been done with those and grab some ideas there....

Blue 60

 

[matt 105]

Gday.
This is what I built quite a few years ago.
It is a 75srs ute tray, with both ends cut off and welded back on to put the long end at the front. That was a lot EASIER than it sounds! and looks better than an extra box tacked on the front IMHO.
It has Hilux front axle spindles pressed and welded onto a custom turned axle to support the stone shield, behind the Hilux disk brake hubs - complete with calipers, wheel bearings and free wheeling hubs.
Springs and shocks are also 75srs ute, and I recently added an 80srs front sway bar - because I could!
The size is fantastic, compard to a cute little x army trailer, but those tubs are heavier and tougher than youd think. Therefor I recomend you build it "heavy duty" to suit, and put brakes on it. I tow with a turbo diesel 100srs now, but it was designed to go behind my turbo diesel 80 - note the wheels.
Trailers made from ute tubs often turn out quite cheep to make, as well.
It does attract a lot of attention from tyre kickers tho.
Good luck with what will be a very rewarding project.
Matt

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Matt,

That is a fantastic version of just what I'm considering! Great execution! I would really appreciate all the pictures you could send. How did you fab the tongue? Length? What guidance do you have for us??

Thanks so much!

 

[matt 105]

Gday Lash.
P.M. sent.

Matt

 

[Isotel]

yea thats sweet!

i was thinking the same thing! Great ideas, and id love some more photos too..
you could send them to isotel@hotmial.com and i can post them up if you like

 

[matt 105]

On way.

Matt

 

[hammerhead]

Here's mine...

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Hammerhead,

Your trailer looks great. Can you give us more details??? More pics??

Thanks

 

[hammerhead]

Here is a link with a few more pics and some info...

http://www.utah4x4club.com/index.php?showtopic=791

 

[Jon in NC]

Which year trucks have those beds?

 

[hammerhead]

Mine is an old Dodge mini-truck but I'm not sure of the year. Any old mini-truck bed will do but I personally like '79 through '83 Toyota. Be sure whatever you get is non X-cab because of axle placement.

 

[matt 105]

nice

 

[matt 105]

good write up, too

 

[66fj40x2]

I've got a '79 longbed I'd give someone that wanted to do this.

 

[DuManchu]

I've got a '79 longbed I'd give someone that wanted to do this.

If I had the skills I would do this in a heartbeat. I'd love to have a little utility trailer to pull behind my 80.

 

[matzell]

I made one from a 85 mini. I put lift springs/shocks and installed 35's on it. I made the tongue about 6 feet long and monted a toolbox in front of the short bed. It balanced out very good, even had a 35 inch spare under it. I used to tow it behind by 85 4runner. It towed and tracked great. I even had it up to 100 mph downhill going to GSMTR one year. The Bed finally rusted out and I junked the whole thing. made a great little trailer. Good luck on the build up. by the way I put at least 10k miles on it with no problems.

 

[Grease Cruiser]

I've got a mini-truck utility trailer from a 79 long bed 2WD. I sprung it over and built a custom axle using old FJ40 front end parts (spindle, bearings, and hub) from a drum brake front end. That way I can run Cruiser wheels and my old worn out tires. This is my replacement for a 83 2WD long bed that I had for about 5 years. Found the 79 to be in better condition.
I have been using these trailers for a business and have well over 10K miles on them. They work very well. The only issue that I have with them is that when you are carrying a load, you need quite a bit of tongue wait or they wander. I use a camper shell and fill the thing full, usually carrying about 800lbs. I really have to watch how I load it or it will sway side to side.
Thought about a sway bar but never have gotten around to it.

 

[matt 105]

Wheres the pics!