Homemade trailer progress (08-31-08)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by OP

You would have to shorten it alot but a bumper from an old stovebolt chevy truck would look sweet.

The bumper is more or less just for a place to mount the taillights and license plate, for this application.

[coot]

Did your trailer come with four cross members, as pictured after modifications?

Look forward to your next update.

[cactusjack]

Good eye! I should have mentioned that. No, it only came with 3. After moving the middle crossmember forward to facilitate moving the tongue forward, there was a 3' gap between crossmembers. I added a piece of 1-1/4" angle at the middle crossmember position to prevent the deck from sagging in the middle of the span. I am using 1/2" exterior grade plywood for the deck and wanted to keep it as rigid as possible.

I didn't get as much done on it this past weekend as I'd hoped to. I did fabricate and mount the bumper brackets, and worked on the bumper some. I spent most of my time wresting with the rear driveline of my Bronco. I'll work on it in the evenings this week and hopefully be back on track by the weekend.

[blowndodge]

What a man won't do to haul around his beer!!!

[Blue Rebel]

A man gets thirsty out there when haulin' BD.

Looks good though, you going to write this one up CJ, when you're done?

[rksaw]

Keep us updated...I'll be interested to see what the box looks like.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by rksaw

Keep us updated...I'll be interested to see what the box looks like.

Well, here's a sneak peek. I set the box on the deck the other day to take some measurements. The cargo box came from Pep Boys, it's an 18 cu ft Voyager model I acquired on sale for $179. I tried to find a used one on Craig's list, but I looked at a few and most of them were badly sun faded or cracked. This one is the proper color and the material is thicker than most.

I'm getting close to being finished. I have to finish the bumper, mount it, paint the deck, mount the box, and wire it all up.



I know, I know - I need to clean my garage. I'm just waiting for cooler weather. ::)

[misunderstood]

Nice work. I like the look of that topper better then most. Streamline shape.

[mrfuni]

Nice work, and your garage looks better than mine!

[MikeInFla]

Well CJ you have inspired me. I went to Harbor Frieght yesterday and bought my trailer, over the fall and winter I'll start putting it together.

My girlfriend wants to ride from Florida to Montreal next fall so this should be a great addition to the bike.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by MikeInFLA

Well CJ you have inspired me. I went to Harbor Frieght yesterday and bought my trailer, over the fall and winter I'll start putting it together.

My girlfriend wants to ride from Florida to Montreal next fall so this should be a great addition to the bike.

I plan to do a complete write-up of my trailer project and may even put it up on a website. I'd be happy to offer you the benefit of my experience, so if you need part numbers or advice, just ask.

[MikeInFla]

Thats fantastic. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for what you've done so far. I'm sure all of us on the fence about buying or building will now have enough information to make the right choice.


Regards
Mike.