Zelix trailer build [Phase II]

[zelix]

So I have been here a long time lurking. I have decided to build a trailer. I'm not building a teardrop [yet]. I'm building a general use trailer to haul stuff in as well as a off roadable tent camping type of thing.

Here's what I have so far.

3500 lb axle with the hardware.

the base frame is 2x3x1/8 rect. tubing
the upright and top framing is 2x2x1/8 sq. tubing
the tailgate is 2x2x1/8 sq. tubing
the tail gate hing is custom removable.
The floor will be pressure treated lumber
the sides will be 16 ga. metal.

So I'm sure I'll modify this as time goes on.

The best part is I have a HF 4'x8' trailer that's just sitting around out back. I'll eventually make a teardrop for hunting camp
....but for now here's what I've got going.


the initial design...


just cut the steel...


trying to square up the frame before welding it up.

















the hing... don't laugh at my welds too much. heh


here's a pict of the brace I have to fit and weld into place.


Thanks for checking it out so far.... Any comments or helpful suggestions would be great.

[Greg M]

Wow, that's going to be one rugged utility trailer. You could probably transport spent nuclear reactors in that
Seriously, looking good

-Greg

[Steve_Cox]

Intresting build. Keep adding pictures to the thread so we can follow your progress. I wanna see how this turns out.

[zelix]

Wow, that's going to be one rugged utility trailer. You could probably transport spent nuclear reactors in that
Seriously, looking good

-Greg

Thanks for looking and posting. That's the idea.... to make it capable of being hauled into the woods and ability to haul things like sand, dirt... or just camping items.

Intresting build. Keep adding pictures to the thread so we can follow your progress. I wanna see how this turns out.

Thanks for looking and posting.

I'm swamped rite now so I wont get back to work on it until after labor day. Going to the beach for the weekend.

You know...... all work no play.

I have to find a salvage yard and get some rims/tires. I wanna get a set of cheeper rims if possible. I've gotta get my budget built up.

[schaney]

Those are pretty stout side wall, you could roll that trailer and not hurt it.

Have you thought about a folding tent unit for it?

[zelix]

Those are pretty stout side wall, you could roll that trailer and not hurt it.

Have you thought about a folding tent unit for it?

That's the idea... if you are gonna make one... make it stout.

Yes, I've seen alot of people have those tents. They are really cool... I really love these Maggiolina type tents. see here:
http://www.autohomeus.com/products/maggiolina.php

I'm thinking of making my own. [yes I'm just that nutty] I think it would be a tremendous challenge. It would be alot of fun figuring it all out. First things first... finish the trailer.

[schaney]

Sewing a tent is like anything else, with some practice, the right equipment and lots of time, it's not that hard.

Here is a recent prototype trailer top tent I made.



In the AutoHome line I like the Columbus model best.

[zelix]

Sewing a tent is like anything else, with some practice, the right equipment and lots of time, it's not that hard.

Here is a recent prototype trailer top tent I made.



In the AutoHome line I like the Columbus model best.

Wow That's a nice tent! I'm pretty sure I can design one that will work. I had a class "intersections and developments" It was all about drawing up parts then cutting them out and taping them together. If they fit you pass... if they don't you fail. heh I passed so I guess I could pull off a tent.

What kind of material did you use? Could it be sewn on a regular sewing machine?

[Jeeper92]

Any chance you going into production with the ones that fold out? the bed stays ontop of the trailer and the tent folds out??

[zelix]

It's been a while.. I've been bizzy with the trailer. Here's some snaps of how it's looking so far.

hooked up to the jeepy...


side view.

a view from behind


still have to put the wood decking down.


that's where I'm at for now.. gotta finish up and paint soon.

[zelix]

finally got it finished... [for now] I will be adding upgrades as time goes by.

[Steve_Cox]

Hey! That turned out really nice. Good job.

[zelix]

:thumbsup:

Hey! That turned out really nice. Good job.

Thanks. I am pleased with the results. I loaded it down with sand the other day. It pulls like a dream.

I'm already thinking of somekind of sleeper 'pod' type thing to just load up in the trailer and drive off for camping. I think that would make for a nice set up....

[zelix]

Well I took the trailer on a camping trip last weekend. It worked wonderfully.



now I am thinking of how to upgrade it. I can see the advantages of teardrop after sleeping in a tent.

[jagular7]

I didn't like my small TD (basic 4x8) as my camping supplies (table, kitchen stuff, chairs, awning, etc) was on top of the sleeping area so I had to unpack to sleep. Sounds fine but when you unpack in the dark and don't quite setup for weather, mother nature throws some nasty at you....it sucks.


Rather than have that tarp strapped on top of the trailer, look for a soft tonneau cover for a truck bed. The smaller to fit, the better. Trim the aluminum rail system, resew the top to match, and there you go, weather tight cover.