Want to build a Utility/Jeep/Camp Trailer.....

[mattawajeep]

Anyone here done such a thing?

I've been thinking about copying the M416/M101 design since it's already got the proper dimensions for a jeep. I've been toying around with google sketchup and some old manuals on the m416 - trying to figure out what I'm getting myself into.

Haven't gotten all that far yet, but here's a sketch of the frame.



Do you guys think 3/16" Channel is strong enough? I'm not sure how thick the original steel was, but from pictures it looks to be around 3/16". Any thoughts on what I can steel an axle off of?

Anyway I want to include these features:

Fold Down Tailgate
Same Tires and Rims as Jeep (35x12.5R15)
Spare Tire
Spare Battery
Trail Welder
Jerry Can Holder
Water Can Holder
Propane & Stove?
Roof Rack Like Cage on Top
Fold out table
LED Floodlights on rack

Anything I should add or subtract? And the frame building may not be necessary as I think just found a M101 frame in Rainier, WA....

[tobyw]

Paging Scumby...

[OldGreen]

I know that it would be a little big, but if I were to make a "jeep" trailer, I'd make the top 60" x 80" so you could put an easy up over it and a queen airbed on top of it. . .insta tent.

[mattawajeep]

I know that it would be a little big, but if I were to make a "jeep" trailer, I'd make the top 60" x 80" so you could put an easy up over it and a queen airbed on top of it. . .insta tent.

If you recessed the wheels enough something like that really wouldn't be that bad. On the M416 from wheel to wheel it's 60", so it's doable while still staying compact. You'd just have to sleep on top.

[OldGreen]

Yep, that's the ticket! I've even been known to throw an air mattress on top of the excursion!

[scumby]

pics of the trailer in this thread

http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthr ... +ruby+lake

and the build thread here.

http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthr ... 7s+trailer

[OldGreen]

I would love that trail. . .too bad it is so far away!!!

[scumby]

I would love that trail. . .too bad it is so far away!!!

lots of trails like that up here. sure you don't want to join us some year? maybe at one of the meet and greets. here's the ak 4x4 m&g section of the ak 4x4 network. check out some of the threads.

skip one of your rubicon trips. i would have to ferry over then drive about 7 hours. see ya there?

sorry for the hi-jack.

[mattawajeep]

sorry for the hi-jack.

No problem, I've been trying to make it up to alaska for awhile, but it's never worked out.

So was your axle a differential? You say you swapped it out with another D35?

And did you license it here, or in AK? Curious as to what the process was like if it was washington.

[scumby]

sorry for the hi-jack.

No problem, I've been trying to make it up to alaska for awhile, but it's never worked out.

So was your axle a differential? You say you swapped it out with another D35?

And did you license it here, or in AK? Curious as to what the process was like if it was washington.

it was a trailer axle which happen to have a part number of d35. i initially built and licensed it in ak, it was titled as a home built trailer. when i went to washington since it already had a title it was easy to transfer except for having to pay taxes on it. i thought that was a bit strange.

[CopenhagenCowboy]

Talk to tim (lurch) about this one.

[mattawajeep]

It begins!!!

[mattawajeep]

Anyone know if U-Bolts (to hold the axle on the springs) need to be something tougher than grade 5? Had to chop all but one to get it dissassebled and into the back of a pickup. Looks to be half inch, but it's fine thread - which makes me think it's grade 8 or similar.

[SPR]

Ya know, you can buy all types of ubolts from Ranch and Home. I think that ubolts are made of soft steel because they are often bent to order form retailers. Harden bolts don't bend too well. Also, I have broken several with a regular socket wrench.

[mattawajeep]

Ya know, you can buy all types of ubolts from Ranch and Home. I think that ubolts are made of soft steel because they are often bent to order form retailers. Harden bolts don't bend too well. Also, I have broken several with a regular socket wrench.

Good to know, was concerned it might be a big pain to find the right ones. Fine thread stuff always makes me wary.

[OldGreen]

Yeah, the R&H ones are fine.

[White trash]

Ranch and home u bolts are junk. Hit up 6 states or better yet just down the street is a handful of semi repair shops. One of them will build you exactly what you want for a good price and not be butter soft guaranteed to gall thread R&H ones...

[OldGreen]

The R/H ones are fine. . .It is a little trailer for goodness sake. . .

We do get the race truck ones made at Six States. . .just make sure you know all the dims before you go and confirm that they have the right rods in stock. Big Jim's does it too.

Still. . .the R/H ones are fine.

[White trash]

The question wasn't whether they'd hold up to a semi or even as an exhaust hanger but where to get GOOD u bolts. R&H doesn't carry GOOD u bolts. I was just answering his question not saying what'd be good enough.

[79chevy39.5's]

i had six states make mine way back when and they were way quality but i paid a very pretty penny (that was square u-bolts for my rockwells that were in the 1" variety if i remeber correctly)

[OldGreen]

Our 5/8s u-bolts with nuts and washers from six states were about $15 each. I'd guess 1/2 light trailer units would be $9 or so. . .

[79chevy39.5's]

id recomend them if off the shelf units wont work but last set i bought were off line and i was able to find exactly what i wanted through google for a very nice price they were i for a 14 bolt that i was puttin into a 1/2 ton so needed a wide short kind of deal for if i remember right 38 bucks to my door

[mattawajeep]

We've got an account at Jims, might take a look there the next time something on the semi needs fixin. Probably this week.

[SPR]

I believe that Jims makes them as needed. Pasco Ranch and Home is not too far from Jims.

BTW,,, Please check your PM

[OldGreen]

Yep. . .Big Jim's makes them. Just make sure to call first.

What most people don't know about shops that make u bolts is that they only bend them. They get the rod with threads on each end/smooth in the middle in different sizes so that they can bend different radii, but they do NOT put the threads on. . .so you have to make sure that they have the right length. Ask me how I know. . .