CJ-7 Offroad Trailer

[RunninRubicon]

Here's my Joe's Jeep Barn special. 86' CJ-7 body mounted on custom frame with 1-ton axle on a 5x4.5 bolt pattern to match the Jeep.leaf-spring/air shock suspension w/10" of travel. Trailer Features include:
Car-top tent 6'wx8'Lx4'H open/4x6x1 closed, upper lockable storage waterproofed, top lid opens access to stored cooking gear, 1000w generator and 12v water pump that provides water to sink on tailgate. 2-burner Coleman on tailgate beside sink, carries 4 any-type of 5-gallon gerry cans, 5-gallon propane for stove, lantern, tent heater, fire-pit via manifold on rear bumper that features stabilizing supports while tent is erected. Front black box houses 1250amp AGR battery/battery charger, hoses & etc. Battery runs refrig, lights.Can be recharged by generator or by Jeep alternator.
It's been over the El Camino Del Diablo twice, the south rim of the Grand Canyon twice, north rim once and Crown King to boot. It follows me over anything the Jeep will clear. Twisty washes and deep arroyos-it tracks very well. Weigh approx 1000lb loaded with fuel/water/gear. Trailer is 355lbs empty.:camping:

[computeruser]

Looks nice!

Do you have any more detailed photos of the frame, suspension, electrical setup etc? Always interesting to see the up-close mechanical side of things, too.

[Grim Reaper]

That's slick!

I like how you worked the door opening into the tank platform. Nice work!

[CLynn85]

Very nice matching trailer. I've wanted to do a similar one to match my jeep if the right M416 doesn't come along. Thanks for posting that.

[Steve Curren]

Well, looks like you are ready to get out and get some off road camping done.:camping: Let me know if and when you are going out and I am sure that I can find time in my busy retired life to join you.

[RunninRubicon]

I will take a few more pictures and post them for you expedition portal guys. I am trying to see the sites of Arizona and this makes camping EASY! Steve Curren's Adventure trailer and my CJ trailer have just begun but tomorrow's another day! :safari-rig:

[Rezarf <><]

What a great looking trailer!

I too would love to see some more shots of the details... as many as you care to share:jumping:

Rezarf <><

[RunninRubicon]

I finally got an opportunity to get some pictures for those of you who were curious. Short of a shot of it's suspension, this is it. It's suspension is basically a straight axle with coils and air-shocks-all one-off of course as I fabricated it all. Weight savings was certainly a concern for me so it would be reasonably easy for my Rubicon to pull. Even as you see it here-loaded it weighs in less then a thousand pounds. # above the left brake light I installed two switches. The left operates the lights that utilize the back-up light function of the brake-lights and the under the lid light-all 12v. The right switch activates a 12v. water pump that can pump water from any of the 4 five gallon gerry cans or can be attached to another water hose I carry to pump water from another source. This additional water hose can be screwed onto the output side and provide water to a shower or whatever I want to send water to. The water pump is self-priming and can push water up to 36ft above the source. It will pump itself dry for storage when the hose is removed from its source. I usually just run water to the sink for dishes and cooking. This makes camping much easier with lights, water and propane for cooking all on the tail-gate easy to use and quick to set up.
It started with an idea and a need. A little creative thinking and little experimentation and this is what I came up with. Best thing about it is I don't have more then a $1000.00 tied up in it!:1888fbbd:

[The BN Guy]

Very cool!

[offroadchef]

that is inspiring. great looking trailer

markus

[cruiseroutfit]

Cool, any specs on the waterpump you used?

[RunninRubicon]

Cool, any specs on the waterpump you used?

Since Christmas the good folks at Harbor Freight evidently have sold out of the model I obtained. Wouldn't ya know! Stainless steel, pulled nearly 300w if pull or pushing to the max. Can pull 15ft up and push 36ft, 325gpm. Now I wish I had bought two! All for the amazing price of $29.95! I can't find it on their web-site. Sorry....

[Dave]

How is the Cabela's AGM battery holding up?

[preacherman]

very cool, me likey

[stick]

Very nice. I considered doing something like that too, but I ended up buying an M416. I really like the way you used the door opening for the jerry can holder. I've seen similar trailers made out of Jeep bodies, but I don't think any of them used the door opening like you did. Nice job. Cool trailer.

:clapsmile

[MaddBaggins]

I ran the El Camino Del Diablo with Joe and his trailer. Cool trailer and even cooler dude! It's well built and looks even better now that he camo'ed the whole thing.

[Feileod]

I saw your new paint job (looks great) on Madbaggin's home page and it has inspired me to get off my butt and finally paint my TJ to match my CDN2 M101. Did you spray bomb it or use a gun? Any particular brand of paint? Words of wisdom or advise?

[RunninRubicon]

I have to say it's perfect. I have really sucked the juice out it on several occasions prior to purchasing an Engel refrigerator. I once used an Igoo cooler that drew 7.1 amps. It didn't take long to pull most of all of batteries reserve. To my amazement and relief, the Cabela's battery did everything they advertise....one tuff battery.
Secondly, it doesn't seem to mind bouncing down the road in it's battery box on the tongue of my trailer. If your considering a purchase of one of Cabela's batteries, I'd say you are making an excellent choice.
Hey Muddbaggins, I loved your trailer. Your family is super nice. Great people to fall the map with. Let's go it again soon.
:1888fbbd: :

[RunninRubicon]

I saw your new paint job (looks great) on Madbaggin's home page and it has inspired me to get off my butt and finally paint my TJ to match my CDN2 M101. Did you spray bomb it or use a gun? Any particular brand of paint? Words of wisdom or advise?

Forgive me for my tardiness. This working for a living is a pain.
I went on-line and obtained the official NATO paint scheme for a Jeep. Then I made a transparency copy to project onto the side, top, front and back of the Jeep. I already had prepped the body w/800grit sandpaper and block-sanding. I used Rustoliem (sp) primer and paint in a rattle can from your local HomeDepot.The official paint is Nuclear, Biological and chemical (special blend) paint and quit expensive and difficult to obtain. However the catolog on-line provides the paint numbers. HomeDepots colors just happened to match in the color scheme. Hence I painted my Jeep and trailer for about $200.00. Best thing is that if I get scratches I just grab a can. It shows little dirt. In fact I make it a point to wash it because unless you rub your hand across the paint you don't know its dirty!. For days I really want to show off the good side, I spray the paint with NoTouch tire treatment and wipe off the excess. Just as I do the top and tires. It shows very well and thus far I have realized no down side. No high luster shine in the bright sunlight. It seems to be just what I asked for- A low maintence paint job. Pin-stripe scratches are really easy to repair. Shot the bumpers and fender flares and frame with flat black.