Opie's Trailer build - slowly....

[Cruiserhead05]

I picked up "Opie's" homemade off-road trailer a few months back. He was not only cool enough to delivery it from MI to VA but also made some helpful mods before bringing it.

The trailer started out as a basic basket/bucket just like a stock M416/101. Before bringing it, he cut a small door for it and hinges so it could swing open. I may tweak it a little and make it a drop down tailgate so it can be used as a seat or table while camping. Now that finals are behind me, I took a little time to repaint all the raw metal, put a floor down, and finish up the RTT mounting system.

The flooring is similar to particle board but has some great sealing on it and is completely resistant to water. I got it free from a house being built down the street. I think the stuff runs 30-50 a sheet so I made out alright. Before mounting it i did hit all the raw edges with some primer to keep it from taking on water for the next few weeks. The goal once it gets warm is to line the floor with herculiner, or the like.

The RTT mounting system uses 6 Yakima Bolt toploader brackets and 6 1A towers. It's all very sturdy and should keep the tent secure, or atleast I hope!

Next on the agenda is Herculiner, Fenders, Propane mounts, etc.
I'm planning to do a C.C. trip mid-summer so any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Deneway]

Good start.

I have a dislike from bad experience for leaking trailers. How are you going to waterproof whatever you are carrying with those mesh sides?

 

[opie74]

Looking good.

I had everything in it in weathertight storage. Rigid tool chest and action packers.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I've had the trailer for probably 2 months now. Obviously I've got bigger things on my plate so this has just been sitting. Adding some sides wouldn't be to hard I dont think, i'd just have to figure what material to use.
Making it weather tight would be really nice and something i've consider.

Suggestions are certainly welcome!

 

[MANUCHAO]

check out this guy's trailer build.... kind of the same as yours

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Any suggestion for materials to use to skin the trailer body?

I dont have a welder so steel isn't going to be the easiest. I'd like something i can just bolts on through the angle iron. The 4 "squares" on each side would be easy enough to cover to keep weather out.
Thanks

 

[MANUCHAO]

If you dont have access to a welder 1/16th aluminum or thinner metal and a nutsert kit would do the trick...I used RTV Right Stuff Gasket Maker to seal the corners of my trailer and although I havent put it to the test it looks pretty solid....

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Brandon, if you still need a little welding done, let me know. We can prolly knock it out on a Saturday or something.

 

[yooper]

I've followed that trailer on the trail. Cool to see it again!

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Ary,

Still shopping around for fenders. I need some that are roughly 36x12wide(not sure on height). I've seen some online for $75 a pop. Up to you through, any creative ideas for the fenders?

Update with pics. Used 1 quart(3 coats) of herculiner on all sides of the flooring. Came out great for $30. That and some S.S. hardware and the flooring should be done. Bolted on a rubber bumpstop for the swing out door to keep it from wearing on the paint.

Time to start saving for the RTT.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Bump stop.

 

[sirenmoses]

Berry nice.

Northern Tool is where I'm making my trailer parts wish list... Trailers + Trailer Parts | Northern Tool + Equipment