Trailer Conversion IDeas

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Joe45

Joe45

Joined
Mar 17, 2023
Threads
30
Messages
458
Location
Arizona
Website
www.behance.net
How-DEE!!

Just acquired this little trailer.
I want to convert it into a little overlanding setup.
I figure I can add either a roof rack on top, or a rooftop tent.
I will change the hitch to a military style pintle hitch, or one of the more modern swivel hitches.
Any ideas of turning it into a cargo trailer are appreciated.

My ideas:
1. Chop the tank horizontally all the way around, about 3/4 of the way up, and use hinges to lift up the top part. I figure I may have to reinforce the sheet metal with some thin angle iron or square tubing.
That seems doable, but somewhat of a pain in the ass.

2. Leave the tank intact and cut a door on the back. This may be easier and keep the integrity of the tank easier to maintain, but more difficult to get things in and out: unless I install some kind of slide out bed like with the "Decked" system. I kind of like this idea the more I think of it because much less cutting, no need to reinforce the whole top, etc. And the trailer is small enough that really, reaching in to get some things isn't that big of a deal.
This setup also allows for the structure to easily support a rooftop tent or roof rack without worrying about the integrity of the thing.

Ideas are welcome.

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Joe45 said:
My ideas:
1. Chop the tank horizontally all the way around, about 3/4 of the way up, and use hinges to lift up the top part. I figure I may have to reinforce the sheet metal with some thin angle iron or square tubing.
That seems doable, but somewhat of a pain in the ass.
Click to expand...
Sorry to say it but IMO option 1 is really the best option. Main point for this opinion is the trailer storage is only small, which means you need to use every inch and the only way to do that is to access the internal from on top. Yes it will need to be reinforced but you can add gas struts to lift the lid which includes a rack with RTT if hinged front to back, good access the storage space, remove custom boxes that double as work spaces, small table or safe storage of food. Clothes can be stored in RTT with bedding.

Joe45 said:
2. Leave the tank intact and cut a door on the back. This may be easier and keep the integrity of the tank easier to maintain, but more difficult to get things in and out: unless I install some kind of slide out bed like with the "Decked" system. I kind of like this idea the more I think of it because much less cutting, no need to reinforce the whole top, etc. And the trailer is small enough that really, reaching in to get some things isn't that big of a deal.
This setup also allows for the structure to easily support a rooftop tent or roof rack without worrying about the integrity of the thing.
Click to expand...
Option 2 seems more work to me? Pullouts require side gables and drawer rollers to make it work as the sides of trailer are round. The clearances required for drawer rollers, bed sides, gable sides and allowances for curved sides will eat up alot of the internal. If you put an access door in there's no way every square inch can be used and access to the back will be near impossible, not to mention you will not be able to store stuff right to the underside of top.
Cool trailer, will be an excellent project.
 
Billyfj7312ht said:
Sorry to say it but IMO option 1 is really the best option. Main point for this opinion is the trailer storage is only small, which means you need to use every inch and the only way to do that is to access the internal from on top. Yes it will need to be reinforced but you can add gas struts to lift the lid which includes a rack with RTT if hinged front to back, good access the storage space, remove custom boxes that double as work spaces, small table or safe storage of food. Clothes can be stored in RTT with bedding.


Option 2 seems more work to me? Pullouts require side gables and drawer rollers to make it work as the sides of trailer are round. The clearances required for drawer rollers, bed sides, gable sides and allowances for curved sides will eat up alot of the internal. If you put an access door in there's no way every square inch can be used and access to the back will be near impossible, not to mention you will not be able to store stuff right to the underside of top.
Cool trailer, will be an excellent project.
Click to expand...
Makes sense.
I think I'll take it to the nearby college and see if they can do this. I'm in a financially tight situation at the moment and not sure what a pro welder would charge. I have a grinder and cut off wheel etc. but not much time or place to work.
 
I think your best move would be to sell it to someone that needs to transport liquid and use the proceeds to buy a utility trailer.
There is so much work and money to make this a useful camping trailer.

A lawn fertilizer guy maybe, someone that goes around watering newly planted trees.
 
45Kevin said:
I think your best move would be to sell it to someone that needs to transport liquid and use the proceeds to buy a utility trailer.
There is so much work and money to make this a useful camping trailer.

A lawn fertilizer guy maybe, someone that goes around watering newly planted trees.
Click to expand...
I got the trailer for free. Seems like a solid little trailer.
Buying one would be several thousand dollars.
I think it can still be a viable overland trailer.
I think it's worth a try.
 
Unfortunately the trailer is no more.
I saw the trailer sitting on a dilapidated property, found who the owner was, and went to ask about it. The old lady, a widow, who owns the property said I could have it-to just take it. We had a nice conversation and shook hands. I left her my information in case she needed anything.

Next day the son calls accusing me of theft and saying I lied, etc. Just a total prick. He could have said "Hey, sorry... that trailer has sentimental value..." and I would have taken it back.
Instead he resorted to aggression, threats, and insults. Doubt he's ever faced any consequences for acting like a bitch.

I don't want any problems and I don't want to cause an old lady/widow stress, so I told the punk to come get the trailer. He actually insisted I drive it back. Not happening.

I'm not that disappointed in having to give back the trailer. What gets to me is that I met a nice old lady, had a pleasant conversation, and experienced a hand-shake deal and generosity, and it's been destroyed by her little prick son.

Maybe down the line I'll just have a frame built and put on an old M416 type repro body on it.

Thanks for the input y'all.
 
that's a bummer dude, but it wasn't meant to be yours for whatever reason. I'd be looking out for a robust trailer frame above all else. Chances are, the suspension will be crap, and so will the axles with any "utility" trailer that you get for cheap. But, if the frame is built out of thicker material and the tongue is long and well gusseted, that's what I'd be going after. No utility trailers with their dinky, short springs can withstand the rigors of a forest dirt road while getting tossed around. Which means you'll spend time/money on decent springs, and axles. The local welding class can easily handle the fabrication required for a new suspension.

Good luck amigo.
 
alia176 said:
that's a bummer dude, but it wasn't meant to be yours for whatever reason. I'd be looking out for a robust trailer frame above all else. Chances are, the suspension will be crap, and so will the axles with any "utility" trailer that you get for cheap. But, if the frame is built out of thicker material and the tongue is long and well gusseted, that's what I'd be going after. No utility trailers with their dinky, short springs can withstand the rigors of a forest dirt road while getting tossed around. Which means you'll spend time/money on decent springs, and axles. The local welding class can easily handle the fabrication required for a new suspension.

Good luck amigo.
Click to expand...
Thanks.
Makes sense.
That's what I will do: keep an eye out for a good frame.
 
I had/have an alert on CL for a truck bed trailer and found a good specimen just north of ABQ for $200. I had the stuff lying around to make it a trailer (plus I can weld, it's not hard) and we've gone to some pretty stupid places with it. I think I have south of $600 into it including purchase price.

Point is, they are out there and are pretty close to plug and play.

Also, most everyone I've spoken with about these style rigs regrets mounting the RTT directly to a hinged lid. I am working on a telescoping version to bring it to this height at camp and lower it about a foot for travel.

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RevISK said:
I had/have an alert on CL for a truck bed trailer and found a good specimen just north of ABQ for $200. I had the stuff lying around to make it a trailer (plus I can weld, it's not hard) and we've gone to some pretty stupid places with it. I think I have south of $600 into it including purchase price.

Point is, they are out there and are pretty close to plug and play.

Also, most everyone I've spoken with about these style rigs regrets mounting the RTT directly to a hinged lid. I am working on a telescoping version to bring it to this height at camp and lower it about a foot for travel.

View attachment 4096429
Click to expand...

This ^^ Check CL and FB Marketplace for trailers. We bought this trailer and boat package Mazda REPU Trailer Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/mazda-repu-trailer-build.1373721/ off marketplace for $340. Folks tire of having old trailers and such sitting around and often let them go cheap.
 
RevISK said:
I had/have an alert on CL for a truck bed trailer and found a good specimen just north of ABQ for $200. I had the stuff lying around to make it a trailer (plus I can weld, it's not hard) and we've gone to some pretty stupid places with it. I think I have south of $600 into it including purchase price.

Point is, they are out there and are pretty close to plug and play.

Also, most everyone I've spoken with about these style rigs regrets mounting the RTT directly to a hinged lid. I am working on a telescoping version to bring it to this height at camp and lower it about a foot for travel.

View attachment 4096429
Click to expand...
That's pretty damned neat actually.
 
I will have an M101A1 for sale as soon as my new build is complete. ;) Great condition with axle swap and some other decent modes. Check out my build thread in this forum.
 
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