My scratch built expedition style trailer build up thread

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Mendocino said:
Drew,

It's great that you are keeping up with your fans. Where is the progress? When does the body work crew scheduled to show up? Jake and I are ready (although he may sleep through most of it).:)

Cheers,

Jeff:cheers:
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Thanks Jeff-

We are getting close to paint, but I am still trying to drill all my holes and stuff before I squirt it, I am installing most of the accessories today and I will start to strip it for paint this week! :D
 
As long as your less than bright friend doesn't come over and break your tailgate again.
 
REZARF said:
Thanks Jeff-

We are getting close to paint, but I am still trying to drill all my holes and stuff before I squirt it, I am installing most of the accessories today and I will start to strip it for paint this week! :D
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We can provide some help this week in the evening. I have to take my General Ham test on Tursday night so I need to study. Also, I leave Saturday to work abroad for two weeks so if you want my help (as if its worth anything;)) the time is this week. I want to help:) and CM '08 is approaching fast!
 
Well, I got a lot of work done this weekend, not too much to show for it though. I finished the welding of the floor, front of the tub, axle spring perches, spring mounts, and hangers... etc.

All the structural welding is complete! :D

Axle Ike built me a sweet batter tie down system for me on Saturday, thanks again Isaac! It came out awesome! :bounce:

FWIW, I started drilling holes in the sheet metal for all the accessories that will be attached to this bugger. I got as far as both vents, and three 12v waterproof outlets on the front box. Tomorrow night I will mount the shower, rack system, and water fill holes, as well as the power inlet for the battery charger... I hope :meh:

Once my last box shows up from McMaster this week, I will hinge and install the gas struts onto the lid.

Getting closer, I bought about 20bucks in stainless hardware today to mount everything up with. Man, hardware is expensive. :D

Here are a few shots from the weekend again, not too much to show for a 13 hour day of work.

Rezarf <><
floor weld.webp
accessories.webp
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...Getting closer, I bought about 20bucks in stainless hardware today to mount everything up with. Man, hardware is expensive. :D


Rezarf <><[/QUOTE]


So you bought two SS bolts with washers and nuts?! :rolleyes: Everything metal has gotten alot more expensive. And the darn hardware comes from China too...can't seem to avoid it even if you want to :rolleyes: :eek: :D.

Are you planning to install 12V outlets elsewhere on the trailer besides the nose box? I have them on the back above the door...they come in handy when your light/appliance doesn't have a really long cord.
 
spressomon said:
...Getting closer, I bought about 20bucks in stainless hardware today to mount everything up with. Man, hardware is expensive. :D


Rezarf <><
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So you bought two SS bolts with washers and nuts?! :rolleyes: Everything metal has gotten alot more expensive. And the darn hardware comes from China too...can't seem to avoid it even if you want to :rolleyes: :eek: :D.

Are you planning to install 12V outlets elsewhere on the trailer besides the nose box? I have them on the back above the door...they come in handy when your light/appliance doesn't have a really long cord.[/QUOTE]

Thanks and yes, steel is crazy right now, actually I got about 120 peices total. All stainless, washers, nylocks a few other things like grade 5 nylocks and stuff too.

I am going to install 2 more outlets on my kitchen counter later on, but these are already over kill for what I need. I want a few out back for exactly what you described.

Thanks! Rezarf <><
 
Acadia said:
So, how did it pull behind the 40?
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It pulled fine for a trailer with no wieght on a 3500# axle :D

Just wanted to double check that it was going to track straight before burning in all the suspension welds, they were just tacked before. I am excited to get it on the road! :bounce:
 
REZARF said:
It pulled fine for a trailer with no wieght on a 3500# axle :D

Just wanted to double check that it was going to track straight before burning in all the suspension welds, they were just tacked before. I am excited to get it on the road! :bounce:
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I did the same thing, even before I started building the box. bounced alittle but pulled straight:)
 
Well, time is running short so, you are going to get shorter write ups as we close in on our date...

Here is what I came up with for catches for the tailgate latches. These are really simple but allow me to adjust the catch in all the directions I could need them to adjust. Pretty simple. I used the nut-serts to bolt to in the frame. Seems super strong and they close oh so nice! :D
catch3.webp
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My buddy AxleIke came over for a little fabbing on the trailer the past two days... THANKS AGAIN ISAAC! :bounce:

Isaac knocked out the battery hold down system and it rocks. First, he made a "hoop" for the batteries to sit in, this will keep them from sliding side to side. Then, he welded up a cross bar thingy to hold the batteries down. After making some beefy hoops to install the J-hooks the thing is done! This was a huge help and it came out really really nice.
battery hold down1.webp
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Got the hinges measured, cut, drilled and riveted into place. Once the SikaFlex hardens up tonight I will put the bolts in tomorrow. My box came from McMaster.com so I am in the home stretch as far as fabbing goes. I need to cut a hole for shower and a few other things and I am all set after that... at least to paint it!
lid hinge front.webp
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lid hinge close.webp
 
No worries man.

I'll be out tomorrow too.

Glad you like the holder, but I can't take too much credit, as I just followed your directions.

I figure we came out a wash: I built you a sweet battery holder, but also broke the tail gate once (but you fixed), and nearly messed up your new grinding face mask... :D J/K.

You know I love fabbing, so no worries eh?

I'll ring tomorrow.
 
boss73 said:
Every single time I read this post I am impressed with EVERYTHING you have done!! I like the Strike you made for the latch !!
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thanks man, I appreciate it. :D
 
Tonight I got the hinges installed onto both lids... ahh, now I feel like i am getting somewhere. Again, thanks Isaac! I have to remount the front box due to not accounting for enough clearance between the two boxes so tonight I welded the old mounting holes closed and tomorrow I will open them back up... in the right spot.

Here is what I got done tonight with the help of a few friends.

Lid and rack...
lid hinged1.webp
 
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