ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Build Diaries, How-To, DIY => Topic started by: wolfcri on April 08, 2009, 10:56:41 PM
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I have had a Suzuki Samurai sitting around for about 3 years now. It had a blown motor and the trans was stolen (long story) so I decided not to invest anything into it...
After looking around the internet at "Adventure Trailers" I decided that the rear half of the perfectly good Samurai shell is a great candidate for the tub and axle for my adventuer trailer. Insane, you say? Well, not if you grew up watching as much McGyver, A Team, and Mr Wizzard as I did.
Tonight, under the cover of darkness, I had my buddy tow the samurai 3 miles from its storage location to the place where it will undergo its transformation.
When I say tow, I mean pull with a 25' tow strap behind his fullsize chevy. I was in the samurai praying that the brakes still worked and hoping there were no other parts that I had loosened or removed. I was also attacked by a small bird who thought it was a good idea to build his summer home in the glove box. Although scary, the trip was uneventfull.
I will post pics of the samurai tomorrow. Here is a rough idea of what I want to do (gotta love ms paint).
Thats not my truck. Just a pic I found online.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/samuraivy0.jpg)
I will update this thread with my progress.
I am open to suggestions and feedback.
If anybody is interested in the hacked-off front half of a suzuki samurai or parts of it, let me know.
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great idea, always love matching truck & trailers, and hankered after doing the same with a SWB soft top Vitara rear end (sidekick/tracker) for off road camping gear
will watch with interest
don't know if you've seen this? http://www.k9rdj.co.uk/campingtrailer.html
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I wonder how many back ends you could get from people that have converted their Samurai's over to two seats and chopped off the back...
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I've built a couple trailers just like that over the years... They work great on the trail. The main issue you will find with towing it on and off road is that you need it to have a tongue just as far forward as the stock front bumper was. that way it will not jack knife easily while backing up and it will be stable going down the road.
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I hope i got the tongue long enough...
I already started the bastardization...
Heres the sami
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG0965.jpg)
Heres where the attack bird was living
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG0966.jpg)
Buzzzzzz
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG0986.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG0993.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG0994.jpg)
Fabbed up the crossmember for the tongue
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1006.jpg)
Got extremely frustrated with a POS welder and modified it with a sledge hammer
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1007.jpg)
Got what I should have a long time ago
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1009.jpg)
And heres where I left off for tonight
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1008.jpg)
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Cool Project!!
Where are you? I'll come get your leftovers!!
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Didn't get to do too much today.
Finished to tongue and coupler.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1013.jpg)
Started on boxing in the tub.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1014.jpg)
I am located in central NJ. I am going to be looking to get rid of the upgraded shackles and reinforcement plates, the crossover steering upgrade, Hardecore 4x4 gas tank skid plate, and the rest of the truck (front end).
I am also looking to trade the rear diff for one with 5x4.5 bolt pattern so I can use the same wheels and tires that are on my jeep for the trailer. I guess the sami is 5x5.25? I would have to dig it up, but I think I also have a brand new black top for the truck.
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Are you going to put a covered box in front of the wall you just put on there?
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:o
>:(
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
that sammi was in better shape then what I looked at buying. cool project, but I wouyld have gone with a rustier one, or major front end damage
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:o
>:(
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
that sammi was in better shape then what I looked at buying. cool project, but I wouyld have gone with a rustier one, or major front end damage
I was thinking how sad it was to chop a perfectly good sammy tub & frame in 1/2... then I read reply 6 last paragraph... something about same wheels as... WHAT??!! Now I'm just disgusted. >:(
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I have to admit that I probably should have just sold the sami shell and started from scratch. But that is in hindsight because I have purchased a second angle grinder, a nice MIG welder, and a chop saw during this project. If I have them when I started, I would have built from scratch. I may sell this one when I am done and then build a completely custom trailer from scratch. We'll see. I am happy with the way it is turning out though.
One important thing to note is that I am playing this entirely by ear. I had no actual PLAN for what this thing would look like when finished. It is becoming a fabrication learning experience as much as it is a purposeful build.
Heres today's progress.
Finished installing the pannel that will be the front of the main bed.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1015.jpg)
I decided to partially enclose the front end of the trailer with box tubing. This is the area that will be used for water and gas contailers.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1016.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1021.jpg)
Alooominum front pannel for that. Painted the tubing and the pannels.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1023.jpg)
Added angle plates to the tub where the rack will mount. I am still not sure how this will work out. I'm trying to decide if the bed will have a tonneau type cover under the rack or if the whole trailer will just be tarped... or ???
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1025.jpg)
Heres one idea:
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/sami.jpg)
I wanted to be able to tie down a kayak on the top of the trailer. But I dont know now.
I can do that with a complete rack with its own bar bottom, but then I am limited to a certain height for what I can slide into the bed under the rack and covering the contents to shield them from the elements becomes tricky.
I can build the rack with no bar bottom and a hinged rear crossbar, but then it will be less rigid.
Gotta think on it.
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I like the idea but why did you have to cut up that Samurai? It was is great shape! Good luck on the finished product but please, please Save the Samurai... and start from scratch next time!
-Eric
PS. Going to move thread to the DIY section.
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I like the idea but why did you have to cut up that Samurai? It was is great shape! Good luck on the finished product but please, please Save the Samurai... and start from scratch next time!
-Eric
PS. Going to move thread to the DIY section.
he should have just used a jeep anyway.........
I am also looking to trade the rear diff for one with 5x4.5 bolt pattern so I can use the same wheels and tires that are on my jeep for the trailer. I guess the sami is 5x5.25? I would have to dig it up, but I think I also have a brand new black top for the truck.
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he should have just used a jeep anyway.........
Yes, they're more plentiful and it's much less painfull to see one of those cut up!
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Is there anybody on this forum who wants me to keep posting updates? I know I cut up the poor samurai. I'm sorry. I regret it. I should have found a home for it... But its too late for that.
Today I built the rack. I decided to go with an open design that I can tie a canoe/kayak down on, but with no floor so I can still carry larger objects in the bed. I am going to have a snap-on soft cover made for the bed. It will have cutouts to go around the rack posts. I have a lead on a guy who does really nice work. He did my fiance's dad's boat cover (huge).
Here's the rack.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1027.jpg)
Naturally, since last night was the first time I left the trailer outside... it rained. Heres the very wet trailer. You can see that I filled the gas filler area with "great stuff" expanding foam from cheapo depot. It will get sanded and body fillled later.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1028.jpg)
I had to dry the rain off the trailer to sand/weld etc. so I broke out the Industrial Strength Bastardized Samurai Trailer Dryer.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1029.jpg)
Welded the rack on.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1030.jpg)
Had to use a tailgate straightenamafier before welding on the rear section of the rack.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1031.jpg)
And heres the rack finished ( i think ) and where I left off today.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1032.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1033.jpg)
I have been thinking about building a platform for one of those cool rooftop safari type tents. I have to find a tent to build it around though. My current tent is 7x8 wich is way too big. I would like to find a 5x7 or even a 4x6 tent for cheap and then go from there.
I have no idea what is on the ajenda for tomorrow...
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Is there anybody on this forum who wants me to keep posting updates? I know I cut up the poor samurai. I'm sorry. I regret it. I should have found a home for it... But its too late for that.
Today I built the rack. I decided to go with an open design that I can tie a canoe/kayak down on, but with no floor so I can still carry larger objects in the bed. I am going to have a snap-on soft cover made for the bed. It will have cutouts to go around the rack posts. I have a lead on a guy who does really nice work. He did my fiance's dad's boat cover (huge).
Here's the rack.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1027.jpg[/url])
Naturally, since last night was the first time I left the trailer outside... it rained. Heres the very wet trailer. You can see that I filled the gas filler area with "great stuff" expanding foam from cheapo depot. It will get sanded and body fillled later.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1028.jpg[/url])
I had to dry the rain off the trailer to sand/weld etc. so I broke out the Industrial Strength Bastardized Samurai Trailer Dryer.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1029.jpg[/url])
Welded the rack on.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1030.jpg[/url])
Had to use a tailgate straightenamafier before welding on the rear section of the rack.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1031.jpg[/url])
And heres the rack finished ( i think ) and where I left off today.
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1032.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1033.jpg[/url])
I have been thinking about building a platform for one of those cool rooftop safari type tents. I have to find a tent to build it around though. My current tent is 7x8 wich is way too big. I would like to find a 5x7 or even a 4x6 tent for cheap and then go from there.
I have no idea what is on the ajenda for tomorrow...
of course we want the updates(especally the one about you buying a suzuki to pull it with >:D ). it's a great project, just sad because they are getting harder to find
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oh well
whats done is done
this is a good thread for the Build Diary section :)
keep us updated with that agenda
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Cool looking build up, never seen this done with a samurai before.
Suzuki lug pattern is 5x5.5.
Amilla
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It was raining again today so I started off by painting the rack. I went and registered the trailer while the paint was drying.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1034.jpg)
By the time I got home, the rain was letting up.
I decided to start tearing more stuff off and fix any rust or rot I found. Then reassemble with only the necessary parts and maybe do a little prep and painting.
I pulled off the fenders and bumper.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1035.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1037.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1036.jpg)
Found some serious rot behind the driver side fender and bumper surround.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1038.jpg)
Decided to BUZZZ off what I didnt need and fix what I need.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1041.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1048.jpg)
Same on the passenger side. (not the rot, but the trim job).
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1049.jpg)
Trimmed the "bumper supports" and other junk behind the bumper.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1042.jpg)
Spare parts (junk)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1043.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1044.jpg)
These trucks were not really built extremely sturdy. I think the average teenage girl could have bent the rear bumper my kicking it. The bumper supports were a joke.
I fought with the rust for a little while, sanded and cleaned everything up. Then I painted the bare metal. Since I had already scuffed the rest of the body (not much to it) I kept painting. I did the fender flares too while I was at it. I used some rubber trim moulding to finish off the lower portion of the body where I had to cut out the cancer. The fenders are still wet in this pic.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1050.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1051.jpg)
I will go back and resand the area around the fuel filler when I feel like breaking out the body filler. When I stood back and looked at the way it was coming along, I decided that it was time to make it street-worthey. This way, I can take it to get measured for the soft cover if I need to.
I installed the lights. I purchased these at walmart and I was happy doing so because they are actually made in the US !!!
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1052.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1054.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1055.jpg)
I installed my kick-a$$ custom safety chains. I went with a welded chain that is rated to 3900#. I really only picked it because it has an orange coating that I figure will fight back rusty-chain syndrome for a little while at least. I welded a link to the right side of the tongue and compensated by making the length of chain that will go the the left safety-chain attachment point a little longer. I did so because I located the wiring on the left side to line up with the connector on the tow vehicle.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1053.jpg)
Here it is hitched up.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1059.jpg)
I used wire looms to protect the wiring for the lights and keep everything neat. This may not be the permanent location of the wires... not sure yet.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1075.jpg)
I also used another piece of rubber trim moulding to cover the rear of the bed under the tailgate where the bumper was. I will take a better pic of that tomorrow.
I have the ability to open the tailgate 180* so I compensated by leaving enough wire to do so. I am thinking about a fold-down counter or bench type thing on the tailgate (inside) to be used when the tailgate is open.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1072.jpg)
I tested out the lights (they worked), bolted on the license plate, and then took it for its maiden voyage.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1056.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1057.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1060.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1063.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1064.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1065.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1066.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1067.jpg)
90* and no jack-knife contact with the jeep. My poor jeep is wearing its "little tires" today. Cant beat those michelins in snow, rain, and for gas milage.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1069.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1070.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1071.jpg)
And my brain is starting to shut down (tired) so I parked it in the garage again until tomorrow and snapped a few more pics for my friends on the interweb (http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_big.gif)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1076.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1078.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1083.jpg)
On my list of 'things to do' ...
Soft cover
Build a hand-brake or disable the brakes all together
Spray bedliner in the front and main compartments
Build a folding counter for the tailgate
Start arranging item-specific storage gizmos, compartments, etc.
Back-up light?
Cargo light?
Guard for differential pinion?
Roof-top tent platform?
???
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Couple of thoughts.... OMG! You're pulling it with a Jeep!?! :) Second, why didn't you keep the fuel tank and that system for extra fuel for adventure? We're (well mostly me) are always running low on the long trips...
Thanks for sharing your build.
-Eric
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I've been following this thread, just because people don't post doesn't mean its being ignored ;D. I think thats a pretty good job, some nice touches.
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i so need a garage... i want one... (its ok guys, i wont cutup a suzuki)
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I like the idea...if I run across a back half I might have to try this myself.
Probably the only time you will see a heep pull a sammy :D :laugh: :laugh: :P
Just kidding, enjoyed the project!!
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someone should grab that front section... extend the fenders and hood another foot or so and you have a trailer with a locking cover and mount some clear lense taillights in the headlight buckets!
make alot of people take a double look with it going down the road....
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I'd get it if I was closer!!
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what part of nj u from? I Live in south jersey i wont mind taking that front
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I am about 15 minutes from Great Adventure if anyone is interested in the front end.
I didnt get to post thursday or friday nights because I had a lot going on but heres the progress.
Heres a pic of the gas tank skid plate in its original location (about).
I had a lot of good suggestions about this and a few ideas of my own so I wanted to think about it a little more before I attacked this part of the project.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1088.jpg)
Here is a pic of the trim piece I put under the tailgate. Its crooked... I must have been getting tired. So... I redid it.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1085.jpg)
Thats better
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1100.jpg)
Then I got annoyed by the hump in the front storage area. Since this area will be used for gas and water cans and maybe a cooler etc. I needed it to be humpless.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1090.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1091.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1092.jpg)
Then I cut some plywood for the floors. I used 5/8" non-treated plywood and I hit them with a few coats of rubberized bedliner. I fastened them with self-tappers.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1093.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1094.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1098.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1099.jpg)
I decided that the area where the gas tank used to be... should indeed be able to carry gas. However I really liked the thought of being able to convert that space to carry a few deep cycle batteries later if I decided to use a pinion mounted alternator set-up. If I used the stock gas tank, it would require too much modification that was devoted to only fuel.
Sooooo...
I built it to carry 2 gas cans, or a few ammo cans, or a few batteries... or whatever else I stick down there. I finished it off with paint on the outside and bedlined the inside.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1104.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1106.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1108.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1111.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1115.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1117.jpg)
I modified the stock spare tire carrier so I could mount it to the tongue.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1109.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1110.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1112.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1114.jpg)
Please keep the suggestions coming. Like I said, I never really had a "plan" so I'm still taking this day by day.
I intend to start loading this thing up with the stuff I would use it to transport so that I can find more things that it needs.
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I got tied up with a bunch of other stuff today so I really only got to do a little brainstorming and build some front pannels.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1119.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1124.jpg)
I therw a bunch of water containers in to get an idea of the capacity. Not too bad.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1122.jpg)
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Looks pretty stylish so far. That is a lot of black. :D
Are you going to add any U-Bolts or Tie Downs to the front end so you can strap all of your water bottles and gas cans in with a ratchet strap?
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holy... enough water cans :o
are you going to be washing your truck while offroad or what...
but seriously. nice build, wish i could get something like it for my kick to pull.
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holy... enough water cans :o
are you going to be washing your truck while offroad or what...
but seriously. nice build, wish i could get something like it for my kick to pull.
I just threw the water cans in for ideas.
Looks pretty stylish so far. That is a lot of black. :D
Are you going to add any U-Bolts or Tie Downs to the front end so you can strap all of your water bottles and gas cans in with a ratchet strap?
Yes sir, thats in the works.
Here are a few pics I took wheeling the trailer today. I was happy to find that the trailer didn't hurt me going uphill in loose sand and dirt as badly as I thought it would. Plus, I conducted this little test with my street tires. Also, the hitch performed a lot better than I thought it would.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1149.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1151.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1152.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1153.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1157.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1158.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1159.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1160.jpg)
After wheeling, I was in love with my trailer again so I made the long trek to Fazzios (metal supply).
I bought:
Steel plate
Bar stock
1" box tubing
a pintle setup
some tiedowns
mud flap material
rubber stretch tiedowns
and some stuff to build a spare tire carrier for the jeep
I'm sure theres something else I am forgetting
I spent about 4 hours at the place because it is really a mad scientist's dream store. They even have what they call the "army room" which is full of everything from treads for robots to parachute parts. I found a cool bering in there that I am going to use for the swing arm on the spare tire carrier.
I took the trailer down there to test gas milage and to haul supplies. The spare was wobbling a lot on the highway so I stopped and took it down and threw it in the bed for the rest of the trip. Amazingly, my gas milage did not seem much worse with the trailer. I am VERY happy with the trialer's ride and suspension. I can barely feel that it is there. I have to shorten my safety chains a little because they scrape too often.
Anyway... I got a late start on the trailer construction because of the trip.
Here's what I got done today.
I used two triangular pieces of 1/8" steel to reinforce the sides of the spare tire carrier. Then I used two pieces of 3/16 bar stock to finish off the front and back and box it all in. I could fill my spare tire with concrete and this would not even flinch now.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1162.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1163.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1164.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1166.jpg)
Then I reinforced the tongue. I turned it into a composite tongue by adding two pieces of the 2x3 box tubing that I had originally used for the tongue. I anchored them to my front tongue crossmember and to the sami's frame and reinforced that with 2x3x 3/16 angle stock. I grinded and sanded everything down, prepped and painted, and I am ready for whatever I decide to do tomorrow. I can pile 800-1000lb of cargo into the trailer now based on the tongue strength formula.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1167.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1169.jpg)
Also, I am getting a couple of goodies in the mail around next tuesday. A guy paid me to build him some rock-crawler style bumpers a few years ago when I had a race shop at my disposal. They were on his fourwheeling rig until he rolled it recently. I must have built the bumpers pretty sturdy (I think I used 2x5x1/4 rectangular tubing as a starting point if I remember correctly) because even though the truck was totaled in the rollover, the bumpers were undamaged. I traded him something else he needed so I could get the bumpers back. I am going to adapt them to my wrangler as soon as they get here.
He said that the woman at UPS asked if he could package the bumpers in a wooden crate because she knew of a chrome bumper for a vintage car that was damaged during shipping once. His reply was something like "Lady, your guys couldnt damage these bumpers if they tried."
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OOh thats a nice trailer, you could make some money should decide to start production (without using sammy bodies of course ;) ).
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Too late to add "DON"T BE CUTTING UP NICE SAMI'S" as it has already been said. The bad thing is it was cut up just to be towed by a heep. I would have given you a tub and frame for your project in trade for the Sami you killed. And I would rest easy as a tree took a bite out of the front end so making a tralier out of the left overs would be cool as I thought of the same thing.
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Man, I feel bad for cutting up the sami before I asked around for interest. Sorry guys.
I got tied up with some stuff other than the trailer today so I didnt get a lot done.
I had to take the little monster (maybe not so little) to the vet for her yearly poke and prod. She approves of the trailer.
She got 3 shots, gave blood for a test (without flinching) and she didnt even try to eat any of the other animals in the waiting room this time.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1182.jpg)
I spent a little time trying to get the dent out of the tailgate. I am no bodyworking expert but i think it worked a little.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1181.jpg)
I installed my swing away tongue jack thing. I think I may move it a little one way or the other. Having this on the trailer makes me feel lazy but I know it will come in handy when it is loaded down.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1172.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1173.jpg)
I pulled out a bunch of the stuff that usually goes with me when I go wheeling and started thinking about what will be permanently assigned to the trailer.
This got me thinking about adding a lockable box to the trailer too. I rounded up one that I had stored at a buddy's house, another one from my parents' place, and conned my dad out of a third one that he isnt using anymore. I will take pics of the boxes tomorrow. I am not sure wich one (or ones) I am going to use yet.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1180.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1177.jpg)
I did a little thinking about where I was going to mount some long handled tools. The "Here I am, Shoot at me" Yellow shaft of the shovel was bugging me so I sprayed it desert tan. Then I started thinking about a camo job for the trailer... I convinced myself that flat black is easiest to touch up so no camo for now.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1171.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1174.jpg)
I am thinking about adding panels of either aluminum or steel to the trailer from the exhisting body in the rear up to the level of the top of the rack. I would then add aanother rack on top of that and stick with my soft cover idea, OR use a piano hinged hard lid with a rack on top of that. Still just in the idea phase though. Here is what it could look like a couple different ways.
Soft or no cover
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1054boxed.jpg)
Hard Cover with basket
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1054lid.jpg)
I am kinda liking the hard top...
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And even though you did kill a nice Sami, it turned out ok. Kinda late now but seeing as you did cut up a sami just too make a trailer out of it. Why didn't you do more cutting? Hack the rear wheel wells down the center as well as the front wheel wells and mold them together? Then you coulda used the shortned front end as a storage area as it would have the hood covering the front storage area as well as having the rear area open.
WOW, I just had a thought. I'm going to do the same thing with a YJ to yank around with my Sami. Thanks for the updated idea, might be kinda funny looking but what the heck.lol
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And even though you did kill a nice Sami, it turned out ok. Kinda late now but seeing as you did cut up a sami just too make a trailer out of it. Why didn't you do more cutting? Hack the rear wheel wells down the center as well as the front wheel wells and mold them together? Then you coulda used the shortned front end as a storage area as it would have the hood covering the front storage area as well as having the rear area open.
WOW, I just had a thought. I'm going to do the same thing with a YJ to yank around with my Sami. Thanks for the updated idea, might be kinda funny looking but what the heck.lol
I had looked into that but I wanted the rear more than the front and grafting the two toghether would have been more work than I wanted to do.
That would be a great picture. Sami with a jeep trailer and jeep with a sami trailer. I bet we could get a magazine article.
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And then we could trade trailers.lol
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I got a lot done today, but not all on the trailer.
I cleaned and reorganized the garage and picked up some more things I needed like welding wire, hardware, etc.
I bought another set of the ratchet straps I like, test fitted a 6x8 tarp on the trailer (a tad small when loaded with all the boxes and some other test bulk), and helped my buddy adapt a new head to his weed whacker.
Here is a pic of the tie-down D-rings I bought the other day. I bought two 4-packs because I wasnt sure how they would work out... they worked out great so naturally I need more and cant find them anywhere.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1187.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1192.jpg)
Here are the three boxes I mentioned yesterday. The camo one came off an old Marine Corps welding trailer that we sent to dermo about 2 years back. I miss free leftovers from the Corps. The grey one is a crew box which actually folds flat but is still pretty sturdy when it is erected. It is NOT weather tight though. The black one is a Contico box I got from my pop. It is pretty sturdy and seems weather tight.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1183.jpg)
Here is a pic of the smallest box (from the USMC trailer) in the front of my trailer. It is pretty heavy steel and I would guess it weighs about 30lb. It is pretty weather tight and lockable. The only thing is that I lose a lot of space if I use it in the front here. It does fit in the back with the crew box so If I put the black Contico box in the front I could transport all 3.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1185.jpg)
Crew box in the back. I like this fit the best.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1184.jpg)
I had another Idea...
I am thinking that I will not permanently mount any of the boxes. I will use them as needed based on the situation. I will get a few of the waterproof/resistant duffel bags that walmart sells too. This way I can just throw everything in the trailer and not need to worry about a covering. I am going to see if I can get my hands on a section of cargo net that I could throw over the whole thing. Then I really only need to tarp it for a real downpour. What do you guys think?
Heres a pic of my buddy's dog. Canines seem to approve of the trailer.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1189.jpg)
Heres another little piece of gear I am glad I have never needed. When I build/adapt my bumpers and spare tire carrier/basket and finish the jeeps roof rack, I will decide if this is going to live in the jeep or the trailer.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1186.jpg)
I am pleased to say that I have decided on a small lift for the jeep and will be getting it in a week or two. I will get some 32-11.50 / 15 Swampers or some 33-10.50 / 15 BFG MT's for the truck and as soon as the bugs are all worked out (if any) locally, I am planning a cross country treck. I want to visit a few Marine Corps buddies... one is in Oklahoma, one in Alabama... and I am thinking about stopping off in Louisiana to meet my mothers dad (technically my grandfather) for the first time. Thats a whole other long, crazy story.
I will have to get some suggestions on where to stop off along the way and what rought to take. A little Moab UT wheeling is a must. I actually got the go-ahead on this from my fiance so I am not going to pass up the opportunity. I figure that the trip will be a GREAT bug out test run especially since I will be going alone. I am stoked to say the least.
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The trailer rocks dude and the lift and tires for the Jeep will tie it all together! Nice work.
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Yesterday did a lot of brainstorming and only a little actual work on the trailer.
Heres a pic of the trailer with all the boxes in it. I just took the pic because they were all in there overnight and I thought it would be a good sizing reference. I dont think any of them will live in the trailer.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1198.jpg)
My pop suggested that the trailer should have mud flaps for the street. I decided that it was a good idea but I wanted to be able to remove them easily so this is what I came up with.
1" box tubing.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1200.jpg)
Cut to length, prepped, painted, and predrilled.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1201.jpg)
Cheapest mud flaps I could find. The metal dealer I use had purchased a stack of them about 6' high. I picked up 5 for under $20. I have been to Texas and I did love it there, but I decided to go with the lower profile look so I painted the white parts black and mounted them backwards.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1202.jpg)
Cut to size.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1203.jpg)
I decided to mount them inside the tube crossmember at the rear of the frame.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1204.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1205.jpg)
Heres how they mounted up
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1206.jpg)
And the end product
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1207.jpg)
The gas cans were vulnerable to rock strikes or other debris from under the trailer in the front and from within the wheelwells to the sides of their location. I mounted one full mud flap in front of the "Gas can dispencer" and a piece on each side. I don't remember who called it that but I loved it.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1209.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1210.jpg)
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1211.jpg)
Here is a pic from the outside of the wheelwell
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1212.jpg)
Today, I did absolutely nothing on the trailer. My fiance and I decided to take advantage of the great weather and went for a paddle.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/wolfcri/CIMG1213.jpg)
I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HORRIBLE CAMO JOB ON MY CANOE
I bought it for $150 and thats how it came. I JBwelded the gash that the drunken moron previous owner managed to put in it and replaced a lot of rusted fasteners but I have not gotten to the cosmetic aspect of it yet. Its on my list.
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i thought camo paint was supposed to make things HARDER to see... lol ;D