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Posted: 2/16/2017 12:49:50 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Just made it through that thread. Man, you've got blood, sweat and tears in that trailer! Turned out great. You have reinforced my opinion that building a box is a better route than using a surplus trailer. I guess I never thought about all the abuse those things must've taken, affecting the squareness. I never thought about talking to a sheet metal company. Having them bend panels to shape would be much easier than welding all the angles. Yup. I in no way regret building that thing, but if I were to do another one, I'd just build it from scratch. It would probably be just as cheap and less work in the long run. But whether you re-build one, build one from scratch, or simply just buy one, you'll have more money in it than you anticipate. |
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Posted: 2/16/2017 8:25:20 PM EDT
[#2]
This is a Vietnam era lid for my M416.
I swapped out the OEM axle for a 3500 lbs Toyota compatible one. Now I own a Rubicon. I'm not changing the hubs. 
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Posted: 2/16/2017 10:23:54 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is a Vietnam era lid for my M416. I swapped out the OEM axle for a 3500 lbs Toyota compatible one. Now I own a Rubicon. I'm not changing the hubs. http://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/621/thumb-DSC-0402-1024-147990.jpg http://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/621/thumb-DSC-0399-1024-147991.jpg Cool. I didn't realize there were "issue" lids. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 12:34:25 AM EDT
[#4]
This thread is very relevant to my interests.
I have been looking at an off-road teardrop for a couple of years now. I look at it strictly as a hard-sided tent, and know the limitations with standing up, space etc. I like the idea of being able to go from driving to ready-to-go-to-bed in just a few minutes, with very little set up and tear down time. I love the idea, but damn--they are expensive. I have kind of a 'five year plan' for getting one, and in the mean time, I picked up a Kodiak canvas 10x14 tent that we use for family camping (which is fricken awesome). I toyed with the idea of building one and trying to save a little money, but in the end I came to the realization that I simply don't have time, and it would end up being a never-ending-project. I also thought about the RTT, but I know I'd break a leg falling out of it when I sleep walk. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:07:31 AM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:10:35 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryMine is the last for a tub. Frame is heavily modified Harbor freight (which helps a lot for registration in many places), lid is completely homemade, as is rack and awning mount, RTT is Tepui. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:10:57 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Keep doing research for the next few months, and then make a trip to Flagstaff for the expo, make a decision once you've seen what's out there. Plus the ones you never see on the 'net - those are in the campground, which is a more interesting place than the actual expo.  This the expo? I'll have to check that out. I'll likely be there. It's a great day. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:13:16 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seems like a bunch of people are using the tepui tents. Any downside to the kukenam? Love mine, but it's usually just me. Only really a 2-person option. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:19:46 AM EDT
[#9]
My Build thread has long since gone to archive, but here it is:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1625343_Off-road-Trailer-Build-thread--Shakedown-Cruise-pg-5-.html Pics are all messed up, but they are linked in the thread. ETA: And I have not been great about posting pics lately, so most of my stuff is not current. Moab last fall, Campsite #1 (which didn't have enough room to deploy the awning, but had the virtue of being available...  Attached FileAnd Campsite #2, where I stayed for the next 3 days... both of these were right on the Colorado, this one had more space (sorry for the fuzzy photo, remember me not being good about pics?)  Attached FileI'm pushing a video to Youtube of the latter. All I've got, which is sad, it's been out many times in it's current config. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 7:34:31 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My Build thread has long since gone to archive, but here it is: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1625343_Off-road-Trailer-Build-thread--Shakedown-Cruise-pg-5-.html Pics are all messed up, but they are linked in the thread. ETA: And I have not been great about posting pics lately, so most of my stuff is not current. Moab last fall, Campsite #1 (which didn't have enough room to deploy the awning, but had the virtue of being available... https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/38583/14713786-10106853426644961-3547111246372398382-n-148186.JPG And Campsite #2, where I stayed for the next 3 days... both of these were right on the Colorado, this one had more space (sorry for the fuzzy photo, remember me not being good about pics?) https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/38583/14724491-10106853430926381-8580638443463178934-n-148188.JPG I'm pushing a video to Youtube of the latter. All I've got, which is sad, it's been out many times in it's current config. Glad you found this thread. Yours is the one I mentioned on page 1. Pics of my build can be seen in ASUsax thread also. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 7:43:03 AM EDT
[#11]
 iI also installed a new Toyota hub axle so I can interchange with my FJ.
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Posted: 2/17/2017 9:15:02 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This thread is very relevant to my interests. I have been looking at an off-road teardrop for a couple of years now. I look at it strictly as a hard-sided tent, and know the limitations with standing up, space etc. I like the idea of being able to go from driving to ready-to-go-to-bed in just a few minutes, with very little set up and tear down time. I love the idea, but damn--they are expensive. I have kind of a 'five year plan' for getting one, and in the mean time, I picked up a Kodiak canvas 10x14 tent that we use for family camping (which is fricken awesome). I toyed with the idea of building one and trying to save a little money, but in the end I came to the realization that I simply don't have time, and it would end up being a never-ending-project. I also thought about the RTT, but I know I'd break a leg falling out of it when I sleep walk. Check out the Hiker campers. There are a few threads on ExPo about them. They are fairly inexpensive and easily modified to taste. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 9:17:59 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Mine is the last for a tub. Frame is heavily modified Harbor freight (which helps a lot for registration in many places), lid is completely homemade, as is rack and awning mount, RTT is Tepui. I think I'm going to do the dinoot as well, being that it's a one source shop for everything. I know there is a mark up for that convenience, but I'll piecemeal it. I'm probably going to order the kukenam next month and just run it on the roof for now. I remember your build thread now. Good work! |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 10:07:27 AM EDT
[#14]
This company is in the OP link, but here is their website.
Adventure Trailers I've gotten a few items from them and they are quality. Check the products section for parts to build your own. We have a Four Wheel Camper Hawk. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 10:09:47 AM EDT
[#15]
If anyone is near Phoenix, Turtleback Trailers has some parts for sale, including a prototype tub.
Click me! |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 10:40:26 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I think I'm going to do the dinoot as well, being that it's a one source shop for everything. I know there is a mark up for that convenience, but I'll piecemeal it. I'm probably going to order the kukenam next month and just run it on the roof for now. I remember your build thread now. Good work! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Mine is the last for a tub. Frame is heavily modified Harbor freight (which helps a lot for registration in many places), lid is completely homemade, as is rack and awning mount, RTT is Tepui. I think I'm going to do the dinoot as well, being that it's a one source shop for everything. I know there is a mark up for that convenience, but I'll piecemeal it. I'm probably going to order the kukenam next month and just run it on the roof for now. I remember your build thread now. Good work! Scott's a great guy, and he's been doing this a while now, so he's got some good knowledge. Look around local for Tepui or CVT dealers. I got a pretty good deal on mine from a trailer manufacturer who bought in 10's at a discount and just sold me one at his price. And I had the same offer from a CVT dealer, but it would have come in his next batch - he was out of the Mt-whatever-I-wanted. Otherwise, shipping is on the steep side. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 12:59:10 PM EDT
[#17]
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:13:12 PM EDT
[#18]
I don't get it.
Why not just take a regular pop up camper and lift it a few inches and add bigger tires? You can get decent used ones for like $1500-$2k on craigslist. More comfort, cheaper, easier...win. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:56:54 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't get it. Why not just take a regular pop up camper and lift it a few inches and add bigger tires? You can get decent used ones for like $1500-$2k on craigslist. More comfort, cheaper, easier...win. Will not survive the abuse of offroading. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 1:57:03 PM EDT
[#20]
Let the bidding begin!
http://www.govplanet.com/for-sale/Trailers-Utility-US-ARMY-Tank-Automotive-Command-M416-Cargo-Trailer-Maryland/830184?h=5002%2Cmsg%7C20771%2Csm%7C0%2Csort%7Cp+asc%2CisAuc%7Cyes%2Cmf%7C1&rr=0.01695&hitprm&pnLink=yes I have an old M100 I got free (tub is rough) and an M416 I picked up in Denton TX for $375 back about 10 years ago. Great trailers to pull behind a Jeep. I just toss my tent on the ground. Don't see the point of the trailer-top tent where I camp out. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:02:45 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't get it. Why not just take a regular pop up camper and lift it a few inches and add bigger tires? You can get decent used ones for like $1500-$2k on craigslist. More comfort, cheaper, easier...win. Not a lot of storage in them. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:06:22 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Will not survive the abuse of offroading. Pretty much that. And they are too wide. it does make me lol at the ones offering a fiberglass expedition trailer. Mine wouldn't have lasted a trip if it was fiberglass. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:06:38 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't get it. Why not just take a regular pop up camper and lift it a few inches and add bigger tires? You can get decent used ones for like $1500-$2k on craigslist. More comfort, cheaper, easier...win. Some people have done just that. And discovered everyone else was right. The off-road vibrations and bumping around destroys normal pop ups very quickly. They aren't made to handle the same stresses. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:18:29 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some people have done just that. And discovered everyone else was right. The off-road vibrations and bumping around destroys normal pop ups very quickly. They aren't made to handle the same stresses. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I don't get it. Why not just take a regular pop up camper and lift it a few inches and add bigger tires? You can get decent used ones for like $1500-$2k on craigslist. More comfort, cheaper, easier...win. Some people have done just that. And discovered everyone else was right. The off-road vibrations and bumping around destroys normal pop ups very quickly. They aren't made to handle the same stresses. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:20:03 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Get a $300.00 harbor Freight trailer and build your own. They can be easy to make, or as complex as you like. This is a great forum with plenty of build threads. Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Prices for a teardrop are through the roof. I want a teardrop. But the current prices for them are more than they are worth,by and large. Get a $300.00 harbor Freight trailer and build your own. They can be easy to make, or as complex as you like. This is a great forum with plenty of build threads. Teardrops and Tiny Travel Trailers Kharn |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:22:47 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Some people have done just that. And discovered everyone else was right. The off-road vibrations and bumping around destroys normal pop ups very quickly. They aren't made to handle the same stresses. But a build off from a Harbor Freight trailer will? OK. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 2:50:08 PM EDT
[#27]
Awesome thread. I've been researching myself. Really thinking about a DIY from scratch. I'm estimating <$2000 can get me a nice rolling frame and then I can start on the bucket.
So far I've got $750 for Timbren 2k axle less suspension w/ hubs $500 for wheels and tires to match what I have on my Explorer. $250 for the 2x3 and 2x2 tubing. $250 for Lock N Roll hitch The turtleback frame design seems to be a pretty good start. 
I figure a basic box bed w/ tailgate, 1" framing and sheet metal sides would be about $3-500. Getting fancy with custom boxes, water tanks, air tanks, ext.. is where the money goes. I do figure I need to buy a Dewalt bandsaw and a welder so there goes another grand. I do have friends I could borrow a welder from. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 3:05:59 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
But a build off from a Harbor Freight trailer will? OK. How much do you know about materials, stresses, and construction? Even a thin welded angle steel is better than much thicker mechanically fastened aluminum. That's what you're dealing with. If you plan to load down the HF trailer, it will need to be reinforced, and build solidly. That's just not possible with a prebyild pop-up designed for pavement. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 3:20:57 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How much do you know about materials, stresses, and construction? Even a thin welded angle steel is better than much thicker mechanically fastened aluminum. That's what you're dealing with. If you plan to load down the HF trailer, it will need to be reinforced, and build solidly. That's just not possible with a prebyild pop-up designed for pavement. I know a fair amount. I'm a senior level design engineer. If you need to reinforce a Harbor Freight trailer, why couldn't you reinforce a pop up trailer? It would be a lot easier than building something from scratch and a hell of a lot cheaper than than the retail units. I understand that its probably going to be heavier and wider, but if you can live with that, why not go that route? |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 4:19:46 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I know a fair amount. I'm a senior level design engineer. If you need to reinforce a Harbor Freight trailer, why couldn't you reinforce a pop up trailer? It would be a lot easier than building something from scratch and a hell of a lot cheaper than than the retail units. I understand that its probably going to be heavier and wider, but if you can live with that, why not go that route? I will say the 4x8ft heavy duty harbor freight trailer is pretty damn good. The folding ones suck. I've had the HD one for about 10 years. I've hauled a lot of stuff on it and over loaded it a few times and it's held up really good. Bolting a 2x8 floor on it was a big improvement over the plywood floor I started with. It would do OK for simple off-roading if you flipped the axle to give it a little lift. However it's to damn long. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 6:13:44 PM EDT
[#31]
Since I work as a designer for a fab shop... This thread is going to cost me some money... *rubs hands together while going "mwhahahaha"
 
 Attached FileJust a quick mock up on my lunch break, still a long way to go from being perfect, but its a start |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 7:34:58 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since I work as a designer for a fab shop... This thread is going to cost me some money... *rubs hands together while going "mwhahahaha"
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/159631/TRAILER-148530.JPG Just a quick mock up on my lunch break, still a long way to go from being perfect, but its a start That's pretty, but what's involved in turning that rendering into a tub? |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 7:46:01 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's pretty, but what's involved in turning that rendering into a tub? Right now the model is in 3 parts. The lower frame (which I'd imagine you'd buy and mount the bucket to), The bucket, and then the lid. The entire thing is nothing more than sheet metal and square tubing... For the sake of lightness I modeled it using Aluminum 1.5" Sq tubing, the walls are 12Ga Aluminum, and the Floor is 3/16" Stainless. For our shop it would be simple to make as we have the plasma table and bending equipment for the sheet metal etc, its just not in our normal scope of work so it would be one of those projects that would get done little by little after hours. I could come up with a fabrication cut list, detail out all of the material, lengths, dimensions I used etc for it... but my only word of warning is I obviously haven't had time to run any sort of analysis on it. Just modeled it after what I've seen in pictures and tried to keep it to the same dimensions. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 8:11:11 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since I work as a designer for a fab shop... This thread is going to cost me some money... *rubs hands together while going "mwhahahaha"
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/159631/TRAILER-148530.JPG Just a quick mock up on my lunch break, still a long way to go from being perfect, but its a start For the frame, why not bend a few pieces of appropriately-sized round tube? Fewer welds, less weight, it's going to have a deck anyway, and there are all sorts of pre-cut gussets and mounting tabs available from the roll-cage and tube-buggy folks. I don't think there would be room for coilovers
Edit, I quoted the wrong post, and don't think I can fix it without making a mess. Meant to show the "starting at $17955" turtleback picture farther up. |
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Posted: 2/17/2017 8:16:51 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For the frame, why not bend a few pieces of appropriately-sized round tube? Fewer welds, less weight, it's going to have a deck anyway, and there are all sorts of pre-cut gussets and mounting tabs available from the roll-cage and tube-buggy folks. I don't think there would be room for coilovers
Edit, I quoted the wrong original post, and don't think I can fix it without making a mess. Meant to show the "starting at $17955" turtleback picture farther up. Hhahahah I figured you were calling out my obvious lack of suspension in my 3d model
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Posted: 2/17/2017 9:06:22 PM EDT
[#36]
I'm looking at a 2014 Jayco baja pop up, I'm not going to do serious trails just forest roads up to nowhere.
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Posted: 2/18/2017 12:28:17 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Right now the model is in 3 parts. The lower frame (which I'd imagine you'd buy and mount the bucket to), The bucket, and then the lid. The entire thing is nothing more than sheet metal and square tubing... For the sake of lightness I modeled it using Aluminum 1.5" Sq tubing, the walls are 12Ga Aluminum, and the Floor is 3/16" Stainless. For our shop it would be simple to make as we have the plasma table and bending equipment for the sheet metal etc, its just not in our normal scope of work so it would be one of those projects that would get done little by little after hours. I could come up with a fabrication cut list, detail out all of the material, lengths, dimensions I used etc for it... but my only word of warning is I obviously haven't had time to run any sort of analysis on it. Just modeled it after what I've seen in pictures and tried to keep it to the same dimensions. Cool. I was just curious about what the model does for the fabricator. Gives you all of the exact measurements you will need? I don't know anything about design or fab, I'm just a glorified version of this- 
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Posted: 2/18/2017 12:38:15 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Cool. I was just curious about what the model does for the fabricator. Gives you all of the exact measurements you will need? I don't know anything about design or fab, I'm just a glorified version of this- http://glassian.org/Making/Coal/shovelingcoal.jpg For structural members (stuff like square tubing, L-Angles etc) It gives you exact measurements of where to cut, angles of the cuts, and what the weld needs to be. Stuff like sheet metal, it'll unfold all of the parts to give their "flat patterns" and we can feed them right into the software for the plasma table and cut out the exact shapes. Makes it super easy to design something like this, then arrange all of the "flat patterns" on one big sheet and let the table cut out all of the items. then its just a matter of bending them and welding them. |
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Posted: 2/18/2017 2:48:11 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For structural members (stuff like square tubing, L-Angles etc) It gives you exact measurements of where to cut, angles of the cuts, and what the weld needs to be. Stuff like sheet metal, it'll unfold all of the parts to give their "flat patterns" and we can feed them right into the software for the plasma table and cut out the exact shapes. Makes it super easy to design something like this, then arrange all of the "flat patterns" on one big sheet and let the table cut out all of the items. then its just a matter of bending them and welding them. That's badass |
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