My Ranger trailer...

[Bakounine]

Hey, I know this is ‘Yota-oriented forum, but it’s also one of the only off-road trailer forums I found and thought the content was pretty cool. So, after lurking for a while, I thought I’d share my new project.

As much as I love the military trailer projects and all the over the top builds, I am going to use mine as a utility trailer as much as a camping trailer, so I wanted a platform that could be converted from one to the other quickly and easily. That’s why I ended up with a trailer made from a small pick-up bed. This allows me to easily install (and remove) a fibreglass top, plus it is reasonably rugged and, contrary to most stock military trailers, has a tailgate.

The first mod was the fibreglass cap (ugly, but useful). Second mod was Jeep wheels with same size tires as my XJ, in order to carry only one spare.


Next steps (short and mid term):

- rattle can olive drab paint (body only)

- plastic tongue box

- bed liner, rolled or sprayed

- remove the bed, grind down the frame and paint it

- swivel jack with pneumatic tire (easier to move off-road)


Long term:

- swap the tongue for a receiver-style square tubing + max coupler

- maybe box the frame

- 3500lbs trailer axle (maybe an inverted drop axle to gain 2’’ of clearance??)

- 30'' tires (when I’ll do it on the Jeep)

- maybe some Monroe Loadleveller shocks

- camping equipment (bed air mattress), tent to go with fibreglass cap

- Hi lift jack, shovel, axe

This “build” will take some time (probably several years!!) as I have no pressing needs for the final product and because it is already very useful as is, with and w/out the fibreglass cap.

 

[kilo]

You have yourself something nice there. Keep it up.

 

[sirenmoses]

I'm like you: need a trailer that can haul firewood/ gravel/ slash, but can also serve as a Base Camp for outdoor stuff when needed.

FWIW, my HiLift/ ax n shovel all stay w/my rig since I drive it more than I tow the trailer.

 

[Brentbba]

Nice - all weather with the fiberglass cap.

Another great forum that's got a useful trailer section is found here:

Expedition Portal Forum - Powered by vBulletin

Much broader base of vehicles - not just Yota's.

 

[OlympiaFJ60]

if you go with the 3500# axle, get brakes on it. You'll be glad you did. And welcome to mud, it has evolved well beyond "just a yota" forum (thanks woody)

 

[Bakounine]

Can I actually modify the current axle to lose some weight and the parasitic drag? Perhaps gutting the pumpkin and removing or cutting the axle shafts close to the hubs? Would that make sense?

I measured it last night and the tubing part is 3'' in diameter. A regular 3,500 lbs axle is 2 3/8 in diameter.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

My son has a Bronco II, so he wants to find or build a trailer from a Ranger from that era similar to what you have. Kinda neat when the body lines match.

 

[Bakounine]

Olive drab rattle can paint job: done.

I tinted the tail lights as well, since the amber and back-up lights were now useless.

I also tested it's capacity and it's seems 1 cubic yard of relatively dry top soil is pretty much all it can take in volume and weight. It dropped something like 3-4 inches with the load inside. I may upgrade to loadleveller shocks sooner than a thought. On the other hand, a softer suspension may help on rougher roads and light trails for camping duties.

 

[Bakounine]

double post

 

[4x4v8]

I don't know what it is but I really like these truck trailers. You have a lot of options for caps and covers too.

 

[kcustom73]

For suspension, you might want to look at some of the hellwig EZ-550 helper springs. I had these on my Chevy Colorado and what a world of difference. When un-loaded, it handled normally, but add some weight to the box and there was almost no drop. For $50 it was a great investement.

 

[Twidget]

This is a great idea you have going here. If you don't mind me asking. What are the measurements of the Ranger bed? The reason I am asking is that I have a 5'X8' heavy duty utility / landscape trailer and I am interested in putting a top on it if I can find one to fit. When you look up the tops they only tell you what truck they fit not how wide and long they are.

 

[Jeeper92]

Good luck on the build

I went the same route but had to sell my pick up bed cause it was wayyyyyy too heavy, yours looks great. God luck, keep us posted with pics

 

[Bakounine]

Sorry for the late responses guys.

For suspension, you might want to look at some of the hellwig EZ-550 helper springs. I had these on my Chevy Colorado and what a world of difference. When un-loaded, it handled normally, but add some weight to the box and there was almost no drop. For $50 it was a great investement.

Hey, thanks. I forgot about those. I wonder if it would work on mine though. The stock leaf packs are comprised of 2 arched leaves + one small flat one at the bottom.

This is a great idea you have going here. If you don't mind me asking. What are the measurements of the Ranger bed? The reason I am asking is that I have a 5'X8' heavy duty utility / landscape trailer and I am interested in putting a top on it if I can find one to fit. When you look up the tops they only tell you what truck they fit not how wide and long they are.

Ranger bed is about 55 inches wide by 6 feet long. A cap from a full size pick up truck might fit yours.
I wanted to avoid that kind of guess work and the ensued fab work to make everything fit, that’s why I chose the truck bed and matching cap.

I went the same route but had to sell my pick up bed cause it was wayyyyyy too heavy, yours looks great. God luck, keep us posted with pics

I’m guessing yours was a full size?


I bought a cheapo tongue box at Wal Mart and a swivel jack with pneumatic tire that I will install shortly. The jack’s mounting bracket lacks adjustments for different tongue sizes. I will need to figure out something.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

ou are on a good track I used a pickupbed trailer for many years and it only limited me when the trees were too narrow to pass thru. springs, like the prior post said Helwig, are best, as far as backup lights, add a purple wire to the harness and plug them in, 7 pin mis your best bed no matter what. Good luck. jim

 

[Ravenkeeper]

[QUOTE="

I tinted the tail lights as well, since the amber and back-up lights were now useless.

[/QUOTE]

Have you thought about putting a 7-pin connector on it? Most 7-pins have a reverse line. Just a thought.

 

[Chris Wilcox]

That guy was last here in 2011, he might not reply. But yes 7 pin is useful for future-proofing your trailer.