Seanz0rz's M-762 Trailer Buildup

[Seanz0rz]

why you should never give me 500 dollars:

i go and i buy stuff like this:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0977.jpg

scored it for 500, now i have to battle the DMV to register it, but that's fun for later.

its a '67 M762 3/4 ton flat bed trailer.

the good:

looks relatively unmolested, besides the cage on top (staying for now)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0985.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0982.jpg

tracked very well on the drive home, didnt clang around nearly as much as i thought it would. im extremely pleased!

the bad:

tires are crap:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0986.jpg

one of the shocks is missing a bushing, and parking brakes disconnected:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0993.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0994.jpg

some less than clean welds, but im not worried. it will be a great trailer with some small, relatively inexpensive upgrades. then after my summer trip i can start pouring money into the blender.

few questions for those in the know:

tires need to be replaced, with what? dont have alot of money to spend on new hubs/axles/tires/wheels. if i could find mil spec replacement tires, that would be ok for now, then i can sell them at a later date when i do upgrade to 6 lug hubs and matching wheels and tires.

registering the thing. doesnt have a title or registration. just apply for a new title? i have my bill of sale and the previous owner's bill of sale.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Wow, I have no advice, other than those tires look better than my trailer tires. :)

I'm glad you got the thing!!

[Good Times]

lol I can't believe you picked that up!

[YotaFun]

looks Good Sean.
The shocks on that thing look familiar...

[Dramarama]

I would of taken that money and went out and got myself a hooker :tongueout:

[Seanz0rz]

I would of taken that money and went out and got myself a hooker :tongueout:


why do i need to buy one when i have you for free though? hehe! hope youre doing well btw!

shocks are the same as a CJ3 and are readily available. im not too concerned about the shocks though, but i will fix that lower bushing. tires, having a hard time. i just need SOME kind of tires..., anything really. lol.

[Scuba]

IMO idk exactly what kind of tires but I think you should get some tall all terrains, that should suit it well..

At first thought, I was thinking throw some 1/4" plate all around and make a lid to keep everything weather tight..

Other then that it looks like a kool find !!

:bling:

[slosurfer]

Sean, nice! Those are the exact same frame as the M416. Most were used to haul welders and such. :thumbup: You should be fine with the bill of sale from the owner, as that's all I had. Also, just register it as a homemade trailer as that will be easier than registering it as a military trailer. It will have to be inspected, so know the weight, and make sure the lights work. Its weight is low enough that you aren't required to have brakes on it, so that is good.

For tires, hit up the local tire shops for takeoffs and hopefully you can find something. I did, mine ended up being brand new bling tires that I got for a song, because someone ordered them and never came in to get them. I paid cash and I'm sure the tire shop wrote them off as a loss. Anyways, they are a weird size but not too weird, so you might get lucky and get something that was taken off someones trailer or truck. It would be better to get some civilian tires because the stock military tires aren't rated for much over 55mph.

Also, I have some brand new military tires (they look more like all terrains though) that are in good enough shape to use as a spare. Some still have the stickers on them, but they sat outside for awhile and are sun cracked, but would work for a spare. Anyways, if you want one, to use as a spare, then I've got one for you for free(you'll have to find a rim for it though). :) I may even be able to find you a rim for it for free as well.

The other option is to find two jeep rims and tires. The bolt pattern is the same as a lot of jeeps. I know someone who might have two jeep rims and tires. cough/Lance/cough :)

[Seanz0rz]

thanks chris. i have 4 265/70r16 (or 265/75r16, cant remember). they are currently mounted on 8 bolt super duty wheels. they have enough tread on them to be fine for a trailer for now. so i guess i just need to find some wheels! i wish i could just afford to swap the hubs and axle to a 6 bolt setup. anyone know a less expensive way to do this?

[slosurfer]

I've got a set of hub adapters that will change it to a 6 bolt. I don't think I'm going to use them. I was going to put on some toy rims, but have decided that since mine will be towed by multiple vehicles with different sized rims/tire sizes, that I just decided to stick with the stock rims and the trailer will always carry its own spare.

Here are some pics of them. They are brand new, the guy I bought them from, was going to use them on his bronco but then decided to go another direction. I don't remember how much I paid for them, let me know if you're interested.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/DSCN0777.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/DSCN0778.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_4802.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_4804.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

awesome!

how thick are they? im worried they are going to end up sending the wheels too far away from the trailer, and ill look like one of those silly LT'd F150 with fat tires sticking out.

[slosurfer]

I think they are about 2" thick. I can get them down tomorrow and measure them. I'll go through my paypal to find out what I paid for them.

Here's a pic of them with a 31x10.5x15 tire on a stock toyota rim (4.75" backspacing) It sticks out a yittle bit. :hillbill:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_4800.jpg

Here's a pic of what I have, michelons on the trailer's stock rims
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e113/slosurfer27/IMG_4798.jpg

[slosurfer]

I might also have some bushings for that shock. I'll have to look in my box o' crap to see if I saved my old shocks I took off. They should still have the bushings in them.

You can also still find NOS shocks pretty cheap on ebay too.

[Dramarama]

BURN! I didnt know I was THAT easy! lol. Im doing great these days. How are you?

[Seanz0rz]

excellent now that i have a trailer! haha.

thanks chris. i might go try to find some cheapo tires that will fit that rim, i hear 245/75r16 will fit with an innertube.

[RobG]

Nice Score!

Are you planning to use it as is or build it into an expedition trailer?

[Seanz0rz]

thanks!

both. for the foreseeable future, it will stay roughly unmodified. first major upgrades will be axle and hubs to accept matching wheels and tires. after that, it will get a removable box made for it, with a roof top tent and all the other wonderfulness.

part of getting this trailer is getting a usable utility trailer. something we can take to home depot, load up with bags of concrete, plywood, soil, plants, etc, etc. then the next weekend i can go use it to buy steel, and then use it to go camping the weekend after that. so all camping/expedition mods will conform to its dual purpose nature.

[slosurfer]

Sean, good luck finding some tires, that's the way I would go first as well. Hopefully you can find some cheapo takeoffs from someones civilian trailer or truck.

This is the size I'm running on the stock military rim and no tube: LT215 85 R16 Michelin LTX AT fits perfect.

Maybe you'll get lucky and find the right size. :thumbup:

[reggie 00]

These might help

http://www.archive.org/details/TechnicalManualTm92330-251-14TrailerCargo14Ton
Manual

Where i get my trailer supplies:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200334726_200334726

At first i looked at it and said get new hubs from Northern, i found the manual looking for the spindle size. Looking thru the manual i had the idea of just re drilling the drum and hub for a 6 on 5.5 pattern. would at most cost you a drill bit and a set of wheel studs.

[slosurfer]

At first i looked at it and said get new hubs from Northern, i found the manual looking for the spindle size. Looking thru the manual i had the idea of just re drilling the drum and hub for a 6 on 5.5 pattern. would at most cost you a drill bit and a set of wheel studs.


Reggie, the problem is that these are 5 on 5.5, so it isn't possible to redrill to 6 on 5.5 without partially hitting some of the holes already there. That is why all the adapters for this setup have to be the two piece design.

[reggie 00]

At first i looked at it and said get new hubs from Northern, i found the manual looking for the spindle size. Looking thru the manual i had the idea of just re drilling the drum and hub for a 6 on 5.5 pattern. would at most cost you a drill bit and a set of wheel studs.


Reggie, the problem is that these are 5 on 5.5, so it isn't possible to redrill to 6 on 5.5 without partially hitting some of the holes already there. That is why all the adapters for this setup have to be the two piece design.


Scraps that idea, unless the holes could be welded up and redrilled.

if you wanted the 6 on 5.5 it looks like you would have to make your own.
Looking at probably 200 to get the spindles and hubs plus the cost of steel to make the tube.

I did find this site:
http://www.jeepsonly.com/project1/m416.html

which had some specs, looks like the hubs are 1 3/8" inner and 1 1/16" outer. which are smaller than the 6 on 5.5 hubs inner 1 1/4 Outer Bearing Size (in.) 1 3/4

Then had the idea "use a Toyota rear axle then you'll have all kinds of spare parts".

WRONG.
looks like the trailer is 49" wide, and a rear axle is pushing 58.5"

I would probably do the spacers from Chris and get some wider fenders

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200330925_200330925?cm_vc=C5503

??

[Seanz0rz]

chris, let me know how much on the spacers. i dont mind widening the fenders a little. i can BARELY see this thing in the mirrors right now and wouldnt mind some extra viewing angle.

[paddlenbike]

What does a trailer like this weigh?

[Seanz0rz]

from what im finding on the internet, about 600 pounds curb weight.

[4x4mike]

Really? It seems like they would weigh a bunch more especially with the chains and tongue support leg thingy. This is mine and it weighs 420 pounds without the wood.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Trailer/DSC06769.jpg

[slosurfer]

Really? It seems like they would weigh a bunch more especially with the chains and tongue support leg thingy. This is mine and it weighs 420 pounds without the wood.


Yeah, an empty 416 like mine is 670lbs. so that should be similar since it's the same frame and running gear, just a platform vs the tub and then it has that extra thing on the tongue.

Sean, do you know what that riser thing is for on the tongue?

Yeah it should be fairly easy to widen the fenders. I'll send you a PM about the adapters.

[4x4mike]

I just figured mine was a little lightweight trailer. I have to lift it over a 2 foot retainer to get it out of my backyard and I can do it pretty easily. These military trailers just look beef and for some reason I figured they weighed much more. I mean look at those leaf springs, it even has shocks.

[reggie 00]

.50 cal mount?

[Seanz0rz]

Sean, do you know what that riser thing is for on the tongue?


it is to mount a lunette ring up higher, my guess is to tow the trailer behind something like a deuce and a half. it adds quite a bit of weight to the tongue, but i dont think i could bring myself to chop it off!

thanks for the offer on the spacers, ill let you know by friday when i make a decision.

[DHC6twinotter]

Could the lunette ring mount be modified to use as a spare tire(s) mount?

[slosurfer]

That's what I was thinking it was for but wasn't sure. Looks like a good place to mount a spare. Put the spare between that and the flatbed. :thumbup: Edit: I see Dan had the same thought as me. :laugh:

No worries, just let me know on the adapters. I'll probably throw them up on pirate if you don't want them. I was totally going to use them so that the 4runner and trailer would be running the same size wheels and tires, but it ended up not making much sense due to me pulling it alot with the tacoma (it will be along time-never before it will see 33's) and the van will tow it once I get a hitch on it. That and the fact that I got such a great deal on the tires I have on it now and they will never wear out.

[Seanz0rz]

yeah ill likely toss my spare up there since i cant use my hitch mounted tire carrier when i tow (nor would i want to, but it will be coming with me)

[slosurfer]

Sean, I just went through my box o crap. I have 3 shock bushings and a shock that I kept. I doubt the shock is much good especially since it needs 4 bushings and I only have 3, :laugh: but if you want the bushings, I can toss them in an envelope and send them to you. That way you won't have to worry about getting shocks for your trip. Won't cost you a thing. :thumbup:

[Henrythewound]

I still have front and rear 2000 stock shocks from my 4Runner if those would help out, not sure what you are looking for.

[Seanz0rz]

nah the rear shocks are way too short to be using 4runner shocks and the wrong connections. i dont think ill replace the shocks if they are worn, only if they are bent and refuse to allow the suspension any travel.

ill be doing a BUNCH of work on it this weekend, and ill probably start a separate buildup thread.

[Seanz0rz]

worked on the damn thing all afternoon/evening yesterday and for about 12 hours today.

heres the list in no particular order:
removed original chains (much too short, barely longer than the lunette)
new LED lights purchased, most of wiring run, awaiting newly fabbed brackets (that havent been fabbed yet)
lunette mount for extra high vehicles removed to facilitate spare tire for my vehicle and a future storage box.
random brackets welded to left fender removed.
lunette removed, mounting hole cleaned of paint and rust and polished, packed with grease, reinstalled with proper spring tension.
new tires purchased and installed
chopped cage to hold ice chest on rear of trailer.
hitch for pintel hook nearly finished (a few more welds, 5 half inch holes need to be drilled, hardware needs to be purchased)

stuff to do:
build mounts for new lights, finish wiring lights
finish hitch
finish grinding down old, nasty welds
reweld cross bar on cage
install new chains
paint all bare metal (might end up looking a little "dirty snow" camo!)

i cant upload pictures right now, ill get to it tomorrow sometimes. stay tuned for updates.

[Seanz0rz]

ok so here are the pics!

new tires:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1023.jpg
not exactly the best in the world, but the price and timing was right.

a picture of me working on greasing up all the zerks we could find (finally a picture of me actually working on something, usually im the one taking pictures):
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1011.jpg

the drums and hubs are in pretty good condition and spin freely:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1004.jpg

there were some sharp screws in the frame rail that we couldnt get out, so to run the wire down we put it inside a 1/2" PVC conduit. the lead to the truck is wrapped in split loom to keep chaffing to a minimum on the wires:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0996.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_0999.jpg

previous owner had welded on some angle iron to the fenders. they were sharp and in the way, so off they came. did my best to save the fenders, i think i did a good job on that:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1001.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1002.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1020.jpg

this part i was hesitant to cut off, but it just didnt serve a purpose for us and was in the way:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1013.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1015.jpg

next was to make a hitch. the one that came with the trailer was in pretty bad shape, very thin, and i felt inadequate. i set about making a bigger one from a piece of 2x2x1/4 tubing, and a few pieces of quarter inch plate.

first plate welded to the tube:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1018.jpg

second plate being cut out to fit around the tube and welds:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1019.jpg

the two plates are now welded (sorry no pictures till next weekend) around the edges and almost done welding it to the tube. it should be super strong, much better than the last one.

new lights will go here:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1025.jpg

and this bar, previously on the top, will go here:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1024.jpg
since we cut the rear section of the cage off to accommodate the ice chest.


also want to share a new tool with you guys. this christmas my parents bought me a long reach jack (my frame is at least 2 feet off the ground. this has 31 inches of reach. we also purchased a spreader bar, great for keeping everything level and from falling down on you, also helps to spread out the load a bit.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1012.jpg

[corax]

Good job with the build-up :thumbup:, definately keeping an eye on this . . . . have you given thought to a pinned/removable frame on top of the flatbed? Removable and designed just like a hitch/receiver but with smaller size square tube. That would give you different configs for different "missions" that could be swapped out easily (camping, enclosed storage/chuck wagon, hauling, etc)

It's almost like a game of Where's Waldo trying to spot the Dr P, but it's always there somewhere

[Seanz0rz]

It's almost like a game of Where's Waldo trying to spot the Dr P, but it's always there somewhere

HAHAHA. and i dont even try! but if you look at the ONE picture of me, its in the upper left. sorry for the spoilers!

yes. right now the rack is staying as is (besides being chopped a bit). in the future i hope to build a box for the trailer that can be lifted off. thats a bit down the line. everything im doing right now is in preparation for our trip. less than 3weeks. i have a total of 9 work days left to work on this and get everything else ready.

[Seanz0rz]

changed the thread title for easier searching later on.

also, ill do a thread on my hitch build in the fab forum, ive had a couple of people ask me about it (not on this site).

[DHC6twinotter]

It took me 3 tries to spot that Dr. Pepper can.

Sweet trailer too!

[slosurfer]

Sean, nice work! :thumbup:

That's weird about your chains, looks like yours only has 20 links and mine has 24or25links, or did I count it wrong? I've heard of some people having short ones. There's some NOS ones on ebay right now and it looks like they have 28 links.

One reason for the shorties is that the original pintle on the jeeps had the holes for the chains to hook to, on a plate that got sandwiched between the pintle and the bumper when you bolted the pintle on. At first I thought mine were kind of short especially for the taco since it's holes are back under the bumper, but I hooked it up and moved the trailer from one extreme to the other and they were just fine. Just out of curiosity, how long are yours?

[Seanz0rz]

short! they got cut off as the hooks wouldnt fit through my hitch loops.

[Seanz0rz]

hitch is done:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1037.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1036.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1033.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1032.jpg

light mounts are done:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1027.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1028.jpg

did some grinding and painting, and welded in a cross bar for the rear of the cage:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1034.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1035.jpg

and on to a controversial addition. idea here is to be able to remove fuel and water cans while keeping missile cases on the trailer. unfortunately its going to be HIGH! still undecided if we are using it or not. im not a fan, dad is. well see how it looks when its done.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1030.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1029.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1031.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1026.jpg

i worked alot, doesnt seem like i got anything done. the hitch took forever to drill out. half inch holes through half inch plate sucks.

[DHC6twinotter]

I think I found the Dr. Pepper cans.

[Seanz0rz]

dan wins! highlighted in the red square are 2 diet dr pepper cans!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1031-1.jpg

i didnt get pictures of the finished height of the plastic structure. ill do that this weekend and get pictures uploaded soonish.

trailer should be done by the end of the weekend.

[Seanz0rz]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_10521.jpg

[DHC6twinotter]

Sweet! Looks good Sean!

[4x4mike]

Camo! Make sure you don't loose it up in Oregon. It's much greener up there than where you're from.

[Seanz0rz]

here was to be the final design of the plastic pipe structure, with 4 pipes running lengthwise. dad has finally caved and agreed to just weld in extensions to the cage. of course he told me this after i painted the whole thing...
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1039.jpg

i removed the parking brake bracket so my spare tire can fit on the tongue:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1040.jpg

taped off everything i didnt want painted. moved the vehicles as far down the driveway as possible. and started painting!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1041.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1042.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1047.jpg

then the cops showed up:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1044.jpg

here it is with a few more colors:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1048.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1049.jpg

and then finally done:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1052.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1053.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1054.jpg

the pictures just do not do it justice. im still amazed at how well it came out, especially since i have NO clue wtf im doing!

once the paint was dry, i could mount the lights and wire them:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1055.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1056.jpg

everything got solder and heatshrink:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1057.jpg

heres a shot of what she looks like from behind:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1060.jpg

notice the missing reflector? it came off with the masking tape! time to find a new one.


i think this looks real nice!
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1058.jpg

[garrett]

lookin' good!

[Seanz0rz]

also finished today:

shock finally mounted! thanks for the bushings chris!
hitch finished! thought i got a picture but i guess not.
found a major fault in my truck's trailer wiring (see other thread)

[Seanz0rz]

cut the top of the rack off:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1067.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1068.jpg

cut up the pieces we previously cut off:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1070.jpg

and added 6 inches to it:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1071.jpg

rewelded it all up:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1072.jpg

we are going to add some lateral bracing to it all so it doesnt collapse like a house of cards.

[Seanz0rz]

so after we added 6 inches, it was apparent we needed some lateral bracing.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1073.jpg

this is 1"x1"x1/16" tubing. because of the thin wall tubing we chose to weld it mainly to gussets and then the gussets to the main tubing to spread out any load. welds arent the prettiest (it was windy and its hard to concentrate on a weld puddle with a 18 HP v-twin engine roaring next to you)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1078.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1074.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1076.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1075.jpg

chains are a bit too long, we will have to shorten them later:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_1079.jpg

its done, just needs some paint. its getting registered tomorrow.

[Seanz0rz]

the only thing i really got done today was this:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1085.jpg

after 1.5 hours at the DMV and alot of head scratching by the employees, it is now registered. also note the camo'd plate light!

[Seanz0rz]

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1090.jpg

[corax]

Good work Sean :thumbup: . . . and much better without the PVC :D

[slosurfer]

NIce Sean! :thumbup:

What's going in the empty spot near the front? With all that water, gas, and ice chest on the back, you're going to need some weight in the front otherwise that trailer is going to want to swim on you. Believe me, I know. :laugh: I was using my trailer for work, and swung by the tile store to pick up tile and thinset. I had an open spot in the rear and didn't have far to go, so we loaded it up. I knew the weight was off, but man after the first bump I hit at about 45, :confused: Needless to say, I drove at about 25 to the jobsite, luckily, I didn't have to take the freeway. :laugh:

[Seanz0rz]

still not done loading. all the gas will end up going up there. trying very hard to balance everything as well as i can. just kinda moving stuff around. i wont really know until i get the ice chest loaded tonight. we leave before dawn tomorrow morning.

some pvc has been added to help lock down the missile cases, ill post pictures later.

cant figure out how to tie down the hilift. any ideas?

[CJM]

Make brackets for the hi-lift and attach it with the rubber bungees?

[Seanz0rz]

no time to make brackets.

[Seanz0rz]

trailer did super offroad, and even better onroad.

here are some updates:

i have decided to add a lid to the trailer:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1367.jpg

hinges are welded to the lid, they will be bolted to the trailer:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1368.jpg

the middle two cross bars are to support another item i picked up:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1369.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/IMG_13101.jpg

painted and resting on the trailer:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1378.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1380.jpg

tomorrow ill drill and sleeve the tube on the trailer. i will order some latches and gas struts so you can lift it up, curb side of course!

[4x4mike]

That's a beefy case. Have you found the rebuild/build on Pirate by the kid with the blacksmith shop? I think he's doing something similar but I haven't read the thread much. I'm more of a skimmer.

[Seanz0rz]

nope, i never read pirate (3 forums are enough for me!)

i love these cases. this one is in pretty good shape, no cracks that ive found (unlike the other case i have)

[slosurfer]

Looks good Sean :thumbup: Is that case hinged on one side or do the latches go all the way around and you remove the whole top?

[YotaFun]

Sean I am very disappointed.....

There is no Dr. Pepper can in your pictures....

[Seanz0rz]

Hinged on one side. Will be on left side so it opens to the curb

[slosurfer]

I hate you and Lance for showing me that box. :flipoff: I want one now. :laugh:

[Whitey]

Sean I am very disappointed.....

There is no Dr. Pepper can in your pictures....

I need to get him some Dublin Dr. Pepper.

[Seanz0rz]

love dublin dr. pepper! sorry there are none in the shots, its kinda too hot to drink while i work.

tomorrow i should be doing the final fitting of the hinges and such. trailer will be at pismo for all to check out!

[Whitey]

I'll grab some for you next time I'm in Ft. Worth.

[Seanz0rz]

local market actually sells it, i buy it about twice a year.

[Whitey]

local market actually sells it, i buy it about twice a year.

Then I retract my previous offer.

[Seanz0rz]

thanks for the offer! trailer is getting some work done to it this afternoon/evening. hoping to have it done by tomorrow night so i can scratch one more thing off the list.

[troyboy162]

so....when are we going camping at big bear?

[Seanz0rz]

haha, i might go up sometime in oct. well see how stuff works out and what the weather does. no time between now and pismo!

[Seanz0rz]

edited, posted in the wrong thread!

[corax]

:headscratch: must have been a long day man - the back of the trailer's changed alot :tongueout:

[Seanz0rz]

wow, i suck at posting in my own thread... hahah

sorry bout that!

[gilby4runner]

looking great! Awesome addition for the 4runner

[oly884]

You sir, have motivated me to get a trailer for my truck!

I have found that my camper is simply too small to carry all the gear I usually carry when camping and still have things organized.

[Seanz0rz]

so that primered frame has sat there for nearly a month. today i got around to finishing it off.

drilled my holes for bolts. these holes will eventually be sleeved through the square tube. after that i painted it:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1867.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1868.jpg

bolted the box to the lid. i used 3/8" bolts with large fender washers and a generous amount of silicone to seal up the holes:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1869.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1870.jpg

here you can see the bolts sticking down from the bottom. i will be cutting them flush at some later date:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1872.jpg

and heres what she looks like now:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/hamiltoncomputers/trailer/IMG_1871.jpg

some small housekeeping on the trailer and it will be ready for pismo! i have latches to be installed on the right side of the trailer, but i wont be able to get that done before the weekend. for now ill just strap it down with some ratchet straps.

[Obi..]

Thought about insetting the nut(s) when you sleeve the box tubing? *Use the correct size sleeve, but one that you can fit a nut/socket down into, preferably grade 8. That, or just lay a bead down to keep the nut there and clean it all up a bit so nothing can snag or tear during travel?

[DHC6twinotter]

Awesome! I like it. :thumbup:

[Seanz0rz]

guess i should update this.

built a new nose wheel, one that actually makes the trailer nearly level when deployed:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Big%20Bear%20August%202010/IMG_2688.jpg

and here it is right before we left for pismo, the most loaded i have ever had the trailer:
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Pismo%209-10/California201016.jpg

[PRA4WX]

That trailer looks sharp! Nice work.

[Seanz0rz]

thanks!

i should give dan (DCH6twinotter) credit for the last photo, thanks dan!

[4x4mike]

Did you mod the stock leaf spring looking kick stand? Having a wheel at the tongue is nice for moving the trailer around. I don't think I've ever had so much tongue weight that I wasn't able to push my trailer around my driveway.

[Seanz0rz]

the trailer didnt come with a landing leg, just the old wheel (which looked like a military addition, not a PO addition).

when the PO did the spring over, it put the wheel too short. i had to kick out the piece with some washers so it will lock in the upright position. when i extend the tongue, that wont matter and i can return it to the flat position.

[Seanz0rz]

I will have to go back and fix broken pictures...


ANYWAY, today I decided I would swap in my new axle.

This all started about 6 months ago when I was looking for wheel bearing replacements for the stock military axle. I was finding that each race and each roller bearing was in the 13-17 dollar range, not to mention the seals which were nearly 20 each! and that is all dependent on being able to find them in stock!

I looked into another option: Swapping to a modern axle with a standard trailer bearing setup. This would allow me to buy a set of bearings (one wheel) for the cost of one race for the old axle! not to mention, I can eventually change out the hubs for matching 6 on 6.5". The cost of the new axle was about half again more than it was going to be for new bearings for the old.

I measured and ordered from www.trailerpart.com. It took like a month to come. I planned on doing it and it just got put off.

Today, I pulled the old axle. Since the shocks blew/blue (haha tobias reference!) themselves, the bolts were not too hard to get off after being penetrated with shock oil for who knows how long.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0360_zps0d19a81d.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0360_zps0d19a81d.jpg.html)

In no time at all, that hunk of junk was out of there!
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0363_zpsad9a1049.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0363_zpsad9a1049.jpg.html)

I set to putting the new axle in so I could tack the perches on the tube and then fully weld them. I found my U bolts were too short! since the spring pack is so think on these trailers, the ends of the supplied bolts were not even flush with the top plate!

I explored my options online, and finally resorted to my friendly NAPA. They found a good canidate in a catalog, and ordered me one for tomorrow morning. If I like it, they will order 3 more and have them ready for me by 12pm. Great service there! The price is pretty high, but I sort of need them now!

Since I couldn't bolt anything up, I used the jack to place the axle underneath and centered it on the trailer. I welded on the perches, cleaned them up, and shot it with primer.
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0364_zps319a151f.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0364_zps319a151f.jpg.html)
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0365_zpse63ae39f.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0365_zpse63ae39f.jpg.html)
http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0366_zpsb7db6fbc.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0366_zpsb7db6fbc.jpg.html)

tomorrow afternoon I will pick up the bolts and get everything back together.

This axle has the option for brakes, which I might add soon. I also plan on packing and double vacuum sealing 2 full sets of replacement bearings, in case I had to swap one in the field.


I do have a question: I am not reusing the old U bolt plates that have the integrated shock mount. They are pretty crispy. Should I really worry about running the trailer with out shocks (apparently I have been for some time!)?

[4x4mike]

Good job Sean. In the long run you'll be happy they are welded.

As for the shock plates you might be fine without shocks for your coming trip. Like you said it's like you didn't have them anyways. Your trailer is heavy and sees some rough roads so it would be something I would ad. Making plates with a shock eye is an easy project anyway so it won't set you back much coin or time. Plus you have time so you can experiment with different lengths. If your pack is pretty stiff you could take out some leaves to give it some flex and take full advantage of having suspension (leaves and shocks).

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks Mike! I think at some point soon I am going to swap for some longer springs with less leaves, something more flexable, maybe from a taco or pickup.

[Seanz0rz]

So I have a really big problem.

I cannot find the bolts I need locally. Ordering online is no guarantee I will have them by Monday (especially from some of these places that actually do have them).

Any suggestions on where I might find them from a place that would ship them in a timely manner? I accept the fact I will have to pay for expedited shipping.

I have tried etrailer, trailerpart trailerparts, trailerpartsdepot. My experience says trailerpart will take forever to ship.

I need:
1/2" U bolt for 2 3/8" tube (2 1/2" will work OK), with an inside length of 6" or greater (but not more than 8")

[Seanz0rz]

I spent a bunch of money on shipping, so we will see if they get here in time...

[4x4mike]

When I did a 14 bolt swap in my old truck I had a local machine shop make them for me. They weren't odd size or anything but I guess they weren't off the shelf since it was a 1 ton axle and 1/2 springs. Everyone at the time was having machine shops make them so I went that route.

[CJM]

Have you called a truck spring shop?

[YotaFun]

I was just thinking that, buddies of mine that do axle swaps around her go to a local springs shop and they have those suckers ready for you quick.

[Seanz0rz]

Yeah, in hind sight maybe I should have done that.

in fact, I found a place that will do it for me. I'll call and cancel my order tomorrow and run down there in the morning.

Thanks for the idea! Don't know why I didn't think of that!

[Seanz0rz]

It's back on its own two (3 if you count the nose) wheels!

My package actually shipped last night, but I likely wont get it until late in the day on Monday, which doesn't leave me much time to put it back together and pack the trailer. I can't cancel the order, so I am out that money, but I will save them for the next project and keep them as spares as well. Stupid on my part, ohwell!

I found Mac's Spring Shop (http://www.macsspring.com/) and went over there this morning to have 4 bolts made. It took them less than 10 minutes. They were incredibly friendly and helpful. I would go out of my way and pay a little extra to do business with them again! In fact, the owner has a unimog parked out back, as well as a nicely built up M416 parked out front! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0370_zps00ef1f2a.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0370_zps00ef1f2a.jpg.html)

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0368_zps7b53e3b6.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0368_zps7b53e3b6.jpg.html)

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/IMAG0367_zps968cdc55.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/IMAG0367_zps968cdc55.jpg.html)

[4x4mike]

Nice to hear you had a good experience and a quality product. U bolts stretch and aren't supposed to be used more than a couple of times (I assume). Your en route spares will be something nice to have on hand.

[Seanz0rz]

So here is a taste of what is next:

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/Trailerliftdown_zps674d4548.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/Trailerliftdown_zps674d4548.jpg.html)

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/Trailerliftrising_zps9468acfb.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/Trailerliftrising_zps9468acfb.jpg.html)

http://i955.photobucket.com/albums/ae38/hamiltonfabrication/Trailer/Trailerliftup_zpsffe4e7eb.jpg (http://s955.photobucket.com/user/hamiltonfabrication/media/Trailer/Trailerliftup_zpsffe4e7eb.jpg.html)

overall, it will lift the tent up 22 inches from where it currently sits and will allow us to use the zip on annex.

[DHC6twinotter]

Nifty! You could even add a linear actuator between the pivots. :D

[Seanz0rz]

yeah, I might add some gas struts in key places to help raise it. goal would be to lift one side, lock it, lift the other, lock it, and then lock the other pin holes.

[Seanz0rz]

So I am moving forward on this plan.

Quick video I made in SolidWorks:

http://youtu.be/4SqtQ2s91lg

I adjusted for clearances (1/32 to 1/16 depending on location), even though my precision will probably be around 1/32", they should help. Again, not rocket surgery here, but I don't want it to bind and I don't want it to fail.

Ordered a heaping helping of Grade 8 bolts and some pins to lock it up or down. Should be a pretty good design. I am slightly worried about twisting, so I think I will try to figure out some diagonal struts, which shouldn't be too hard.

I have the steel ready to be cut. 16 of one piece, 8 of another, 8 10" long tubes. Top and bottom frames are already built. I will create 1:1 templates for the repetitive plate pieces. I would love to have them laser cut or punched, and could probably get it done at work, but I think I'm better off doing it myself with a drill press. I think I might make myself a welding jig, since I have to do 8 pieces, 4 of one kind and 4 of a slightly different kind. Not sure if it's worth the extra time, but I would like them to be all fairly close to one another.

[DHC6twinotter]

That's pretty awesome, Sean! Looks like a great way to get the tent higher and still have space under it.

[Good Times]

cool!

[Seanz0rz]

It's nice having cad software that will do simulation and animations. I know that would save my butt at work but we use what we have.

[Kryptoroxx]

Just finished reading the whole thread. Neat build and I like the idea you're working on. Very unique and functional. I would like to build a trailer at some point but for right now my truck is enough for me.

[Seanz0rz]

With the kiddos, you will be wanting a trailer soon enough. Sucks going 55mph everywhere (not like anyone follows that on the road anyway, but this trailer is scary above 65), but it is nice to have the interior space for people and stuff that you don't want dirty, like sleeping bags.

[Kryptoroxx]

With the kiddos, you will be wanting a trailer soon enough. Sucks going 55mph everywhere (not like anyone follows that on the road anyway, but this trailer is scary above 65), but it is nice to have the interior space for people and stuff that you don't want dirty, like sleeping bags.

This is the truth. I would love to get my hands on a m101 trailer. If I get this promotion I might snag one up from pendleton. They have auctions from time to time.

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