Cruisin'
Out in the shop, building something cool!
I recently picked up a CDN M101, which I'm going to be setting up for camping use over the winter. I'll start the thread now, and gradually update as the trailer takes shape. My basic plan calls for a lid with a RTT, a removable awning off the back, a tailgate, and a pull-out kitchen. I also use the trailer as a utility trailer, so I plan on keeping the mods easy to remove when I need to haul stuff instead.
First bit of progress was cutting in the tailgate. I used a set of 80 series tailgate hinges, mounted upside down. This allows the gate to sit below the level of the floor of the trailer when it is open (this will become important later...). I reinforced the panel with some 1x1 square tube, and left a 1" lip all the way around. I'll be using this as a sealing surface for the weather seal. I'm sourcing some door seal to mount just inside the box of the trailer so when the gate is closed it will be completely sealed from water and dust. Also I left the top rail of the trailer intact, since I don't need it out, and it will keep the structure solid and square. This will also keep sealing the lid easier. Haven't quite decided what type of latch I'm going to use on the tailgate. I will make it lockable, though I don't need to worry about rattles since the rubber seal will keep it snug.
And now, for the pics: First - tailgate down showing the reinforcement inside
Second - I wanted to keep the back of the trailer looking original, so you can hardly tell its been chopped.
Third - I'm going to paint it all Khaki when I'm done. I want to keep a military look to it, but the Khaki will match my truck nicely. I picked up some camo spray bombs to touch it up as I go though, so here's a sample of the colour.
-Jason
First bit of progress was cutting in the tailgate. I used a set of 80 series tailgate hinges, mounted upside down. This allows the gate to sit below the level of the floor of the trailer when it is open (this will become important later...). I reinforced the panel with some 1x1 square tube, and left a 1" lip all the way around. I'll be using this as a sealing surface for the weather seal. I'm sourcing some door seal to mount just inside the box of the trailer so when the gate is closed it will be completely sealed from water and dust. Also I left the top rail of the trailer intact, since I don't need it out, and it will keep the structure solid and square. This will also keep sealing the lid easier. Haven't quite decided what type of latch I'm going to use on the tailgate. I will make it lockable, though I don't need to worry about rattles since the rubber seal will keep it snug.
And now, for the pics: First - tailgate down showing the reinforcement inside
Second - I wanted to keep the back of the trailer looking original, so you can hardly tell its been chopped.
Third - I'm going to paint it all Khaki when I'm done. I want to keep a military look to it, but the Khaki will match my truck nicely. I picked up some camo spray bombs to touch it up as I go though, so here's a sample of the colour.
-Jason
