My trailer build 2007 JK [Archive]

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:48 AM

Hello,

I figured I'd post up my trailer build here as the progress continues. So that way if I missed out anything someone can jump in as I go along.

I have a 4 door Jeep JK. It's the latest in the Rubicon series and is sitting on 37" tires. I am having a trailer built for it because my dog gets the back seat and Debbie and I share the front space. This leaves just the rear space which is generally adequate and certainly enough for just me and my outdoor, camping background. But for Debbie to want to come I need to make her very comfortable and I don't have any issue with that as I also get a nice cushy cot with an air mattress too. :D

A little bit of background on myself and Debbie. I grew up in southern California and had a pick up since I could legally drive. It always had my camping gear in back and I routinely took off for weekend jaunts as soon as my last class let out in high school. San Diego County offers quite a variety of scenry and environmental regions plus it being temperate for the most part there was almost never a time I couldn't go out. I remember times camping at Burnt Rancheria in the Laguna Mountains at 14 degrees and eating a bowl of cheerios and a lot of sand in Ocotillo Wells to lounging in the Colorado River at Paso Picaccho. Needless to say I love the outdoors and camping. Debbie on the other hand isn't a big camping buff. She likes her comforts plus she is recovering from a nasty bought with cancer that has left her with some wound care issues that require a degree of sanitary conditions. So for the two of us to get out, requires a lot of comfort items. I chuckle when I remember the first time I took her to Yosemite for the weekend and I had to rent a little U-haul trailer for all the "crap" she wanted to bring.

Well lately Debbie has been getting some good clean results back from the docs and she is now wanting to live life again and experience some of the finer things such as a bowl full of Cherrios and a 1/2 a cup of sand for texture. So now that she wants to get out more, I have bought her (me too) a very large expedition styled camping cot, with an air mattress on top of that and a massive 12 man dome tent to fit us and the dog in comfortably. Plus we have some really nice bags one for summer and one for not-so-much-summer. Add in some cooking supplies, food and some water and next thing you know my little (joke) 4 door Jeep is stuffed to the gills.

So it was time for a trailer. I already had an idea as to what I wanted and what I didn't want. As an example Debbie has a bum leg from the cancer so stairs and steps wasn't going to be part of the game plan. I already had a really nice and easy to set up dome tent so I didn't need another one of those anyway. What I did need though was the ability to carry extra gas, extra water plus all the comforts I normally would have put in the Jeep. This way I get the bonus of not having to unload when I wanted to go "play".

So I did some shopping around and settled on Rick Soto and Off Road Trailers (http://www.offroadtrailerz.com/). We talked for a while about what I wanted and I sent him some cartoons of a trailer and then he proceeded to start building.

Elevation of Trailer cartoon in PDF (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/jeep-trailer-1 11x17.pdf)
Plan of Trailer cartoon in PDF (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/jeep-trailer-2 11x17.pdf)

And then the building began. I think both Rick and I are surprised as to the size the 37" tires makes to the scale and construction of a trailer. The trailer will have 24" of ground clearance at the axle.

Here is the progress (finally) on my new 4x7 JK trailer. The lowest part of the frame is the torsion bar axles that are 24" off the ground. :D

The trailer will have almost the same track width as a TJ so a little more narrow than the JK. It is 7' long to accommodate a little quad or a boat load of goodies.

Here is what it looks like so far.... Not a lot to look at but the sides will be on soon and then its off to the powder coaters.

Can't wait to be dragging it behind on the trail.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-01.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-02.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-03.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-04.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-05.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-06.bmp

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:49 AM

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-07.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-08.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-09.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-10.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-11.bmp

Maybe I'll have it in time for the grand opening of the new Cabela's in Reno. :wings:

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:50 AM

Almost forgot...

I asked Rick for places to tie down stiff inside the trailer but I didn't want to be limited to a few points or by figureing out exactly where I wanted the tie downs right now. I pointed Rick to some flush styled tie down rails like you see in pick ups and such and Rick had a source for something called F-Track that was less money than what I found but fundamentally similar. So we are placing two tracks for tie downs, one along the bottom and the other along the top. This way I can really secure my load. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/f-track-01.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/f-track-02.jpg

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:50 AM

I had to modify this bumper one more time. This time it was so I could actually use it for towing.

The LoD bumper did not come with anyplace to attach the towing wiring harness. It would have been nice had LoD at least allowed the utilization of the factory 4-wire JK harness that many may have opted for as a factory option. However I went with a slightly more robust trailer harness with the industry standard 7-wire plug.

The plug I purchased plugs in the factory harness plus has the extra wires for electric brakes, battery charger/power supply from a dual battery system and an aux power wire that is often used for back up lamps on the trailer.

I found these pdf files of industry standard trailer wiring diagrams. I did not create these documents and these are presented in their original form.

4 pole wiring dia.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/4 pole wiring dia.pdf)
Electric brake control wiring.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/Electric brake control wiring.pdf)
Trailer Wiring Diagrams.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/Trailer Wiring Diagrams.pdf)

I also added some quick link hooks so I can attach my trailer safety chains and the electric break-a-way controller wire.

Well here are some pictures of my modifications. - note I am not a welder. I have never been taught how to weld. I bought a welder and enjoy burning stuff with it. :p I need to add that I used my torch on this bumper to make the hole for the 7-way plug. I'm not a torch guy either, apparently. :laughing:

Here is a picture of my license plate relocation along with re-using the factory license plate light.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-60.jpg

My CB antenna mount after I lost my CoolTech (http://www.cooltechllc.com/servlet/StoreFront) mount to a large tree on the Slick Rock trail which also took out my factory license plate mount. The CoolTech (http://www.cooltechllc.com/servlet/StoreFront) mount was the only thing holding my license plate on for quite a while until I actually relocated everything.

Also note how much better my steel corners from AEV-Conversions (http://www.aev-conversions.com/) would have looked had they NOT had the license plate holes in it. Hello AEV.... Did you get this. ;)
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-61.jpg

What the bumper looks like today.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-62.jpg

And here is my most recent modification.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-63.jpg

Note that this plug I bought at Napa utilizes the factory 4-wire harness that came with my JK and the towing package.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-64.jpg

I have mentioned I like the "trunk" in my bumper.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-65.jpg

Well that's my bumper/trailer update for today.

Now to go wire up my electric brake controller and my HellRoaring Technologies (http://www.hellroaring.com/) multiple battery system. Well ok the brake controller first. I still haven't decided on where I am putting the extra battery(s) yet.

I have a huge project in mind that has been postponed because I can't convince the guys at Gen-Right (http://www.genright.com/) to make a big safari tank for the JK. They said something about DC asking them to not build a gas tank relocation kit with safari tank to remove the factory tank and install a nice larger capacity beefier protected gas tank back to the original TJ location. This way I could move my air storage tank to where the gas tank was and mount my batteries there too. So everyone call and email Gen-Right (http://www.genright.com/) and tell them we want a bigger and more protected gas tank to be put back into the center of the vehicle and in between the rear frame rails! :grinpimp:

But since the gas tank isn't going to be moved in the near future maybe I should build an air tank to go where the JK "trunk" is after removing the trunk and put some batteries either under the rear seat or in the back area so they are still somewhat accessible for the Ready Welder (http://www.readywelder.com/).

Oh well decisions, decisions. Now I have more to think about while installing my electric brake controller.

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:51 AM

Jose, the man that is the fabricator on my trailer is somewhat back in the saddle as his wife is still having some issues after an emergency C-section for the birth of their child. So our prayers go out to him and his family.

However Jose has been back onto my trailer project. And Rick has sent me some updated images.

So here they are!

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-12.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-13.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-14.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-15.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-16.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-17.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-18.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-19.jpg

I am starting to get excited. Obviously there was some changes from design to actual build but so far I am pleased. If anyone has any input, speak out.

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 01:54 AM

Well there it sits as of today. I still need to wire up my electric brake controller and multiple battery systems but it's all starting to come together nicely. I can't wait to load it up and take Debbie and the dog out int the middle of nowhere Nevada and relax while the sun travels across the sky purely for my own enjoyment.

If you have any input I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks!

Feileod

11-06-2007, 03:41 AM

Martyn

11-06-2007, 04:13 AM

Great write up so far, I do have a couple questions for you. What is the suspension set up? I guessing torsion based on the axle design. Does your builder retail the muti axis coupler he is using? I have toying with replacing the Pintle/lunette setup on my CDN2 M101. Keep up the great write up. I am living vicariously through this and a couple other forums while I am deployed.

Rick buys the Multi Axis Couplers from us at AT. I spoke with him today and it sounds like he's working for Gen-Right now. The trailer building will become the second job. If he's just had a new addition to the family he'll be glad for the steady pay check!

If Rick hasn't already installed the 4 trailer jacks yet you may want to consider the rear stabilizer we have http://www.adventuretrailers.com/accessories.html between it and the tongue jack it firms the trailer up nicely. If you want to level the trailer using the jacks then stick with your original plan.

Gear

11-06-2007, 01:28 PM

Hello Michael,
I think you forgot the propane tank. Maybe put it on the passangerside behind the fender. Should come in handy with a stove or lantern. Also I know you are not going to be using a roof top tent (RTT) but I think you should have provisions for some cross bars over the top. You might be upgrading sooner than you think. Some other thoughts, I installed a second four way trailer plug so that I could run switched power to the trailer. I have rock lights, backup light, and amber on the rear. Oh and don't forget a place for a second backup camera. Here is a quick shot of my Chaser's rear end.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce39b3127ccebe40391496e500000025108EatWzFu0cO
Both amber and rear backup light are hooked up together with my Jeeps matching lights using the 4 way trailer harness.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce39b3127ccebe4039d3171200000026108EatWzFu0cO
You can see the amber light on the Jeep in this photograph.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d604b3127cceba43f538375200000026108EatWzFu0cO
Here are the backup lights working together.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d604b3127cceba43e58bb6d900000026108EatWzFu0cO
And one more with the rock lights on the trailer. We find them very use full for not stepping on cactus. Also, are grey Akro-Mils bins(pictured by the table) fit nicely on the ground and we can see all the contents using the rock lights.

Gear

11-06-2007, 01:35 PM

How about provisions for a work/cook table. This one is a simple piece of 3/4" plywood that gets wedged into the 45 degree sheet metal and then lowered on to two bolts that stick up from the fender(the bolts are permenately in place.) This solution might not work for you but I would start thinking and find a place for you chips, beans and diet coke(Wow what is my brother drinking!)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d604b3127cceba43acd8770600000026108EatWzFu0cO

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7db37b3127cce844a5f7b19d200000025108EatWzFu0cO
This shot shows the two metal bolts sticking up on the fender. The table just lowers onto it. No need to secure it because of the wedge. Works GREAT!

Gear

11-06-2007, 01:48 PM

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 02:41 PM

Rick buys the Multi Axis Couplers from us at AT. I spoke with him today and it sounds like he's working for Gen-Right now. The trailer building will become the second job. If he's just had a new addition to the family he'll be glad for the steady pay check!

If Rick hasn't already installed the 4 trailer jacks yet you may want to consider the rear stabilizer we have http://www.adventuretrailers.com/accessories.html between it and the tongue jack it firms the trailer up nicely. If you want to level the trailer using the jacks then stick with your original plan.Thanks Martyn! My original plan calls for 4 jacks, one on each corner. Rick suggested that the 4 jacks would make it difficult to hook up and suggested just 3 jacks. I accepted that and there will be one jack on the tongue and two in the back. As you can see in the pictures I am missing the pipe to install the jack on the passenger side and asked Rick to fix this so I will have at least the 3 jacks.

It was Jose that just had the family addition, not Rick but you are correct he is working with Tony over at Gen-Right. Maybe Rick can convince Tony to build a safari tank for the JK like the 31 gallon TJ tank. :wings:

Yes, the 3 axis hitch came from you guys. I sourced another one from a company in Texas but they wouldn't sell it to Rick.

FWIW, I carefully considered your trailers because you guys have a great reputation but I was looking for a more basic, utilitarian design. I would have loved to win the one you had at the off road show up here in Reno for Cal4wd. :jumping:

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 02:46 PM

Great write up so far, I do have a couple questions for you. What is the suspension set up? I guessing torsion based on the axle design. Does your builder retail the muti axis coupler he is using? I have toying with replacing the Pintle/lunette setup on my CDN2 M101. Keep up the great write up. I am living vicariously through this and a couple other forums while I am deployed.It's a torsion bar set up. And the 3-axis coupler is from Adventure Trailers. As much as the pintle is tried and true, there is no way I wanted all the racket associated with one on the trail. There is a company in Australia that has an insert for a pintle to quiet it down and absorb shocks but I figured shipping would be triple the price of the part.

Thanks for the service!

ntsqd

11-06-2007, 03:09 PM

Soto's name rings a bell, but I can't place him. He IS in my town though.....

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 03:11 PM

Very nice Justin! I do love your trailer and set up.

I have been thinking of adding another plug of some kind for additional lighting, etc. Just haven't found what I'm looking for because I don't want it to be a traditional styled trailer plug, just in case someone tries to plug in.

I was planning on putting the propane tank in the trailer and securing it down with the F-track bars. I have a dual 50,000 btu stove for real cooking but I almost always just use a little butane single burner myself. But I'll probably bing the propane tank and a lantern almost always, even though I prefer it to be dark as one of my other hobbies is taking pictures at night.

http://www.backyard-astronomer.com/images/m33-index.jpg

I like the additional back up camera too! I guess it just goes to show you that some projects will never be done. LOL.

My offer still stands that when I come down to pick up my trailer that if you want to come up we can take my JK and the super charger for a test drive. ;)

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 03:13 PM

Just a thought if you were to raise the Delta box up 3/4" on some sort of rails perpendicular to the side of the trailer. You could slide a piece of plywood under the box acting like a wedge for the table that sticks out. Well hopefully you get the idea.You have my gears turning. I'm thinking of a steel plate welded to a piano hinge on the tool box. Then use a simple tailgate like strap to hold it up and a clip to hold it folded up.

MichaelW

11-06-2007, 03:15 PM

Soto's name rings a bell, but I can't place him. He IS in my town though.....He also builds detail trailers. Does that help or is there more you want to say here?:cow:

ntsqd

11-06-2007, 03:17 PM

I know a guy with something similar, only it's bolted to the pass door of his yota, it's made from HDPE, and it's for cutting limes when south of the border.....

cruiseroutfit

11-06-2007, 03:27 PM

...There is a company in Australia that has an insert for a pintle to quiet it down and absorb shocks but I figured shipping would be triple the price of the part...

Link? I've seen some different ideas but a quick google search yeilded nothing. Thanks!

Martyn

11-06-2007, 03:34 PM

Link? I've seen some different ideas but a quick google search yeilded nothing. Thanks!

Kurt

Their web site is http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/content/contentDetails.asp?ContentID=456 I've had some long discussions with them in the past, and although they make great product we never could come to an agreement on who would be responsible for the liability on what they manufactured.

Right now with the US $ in such poor shape, plus shipping and handling it all becomes very expensive.

You might get some good ideas from the site.

newimage

11-06-2007, 04:35 PM

OK gotta chime in and say Hi and intoduce myself.
And answer questions.
Its true I am a Gen-Right Pimp (sales),great stuff got a Safari Tank and the 31.5a gallons goes a long way!and I love the fact that I am staying in the offroad community. I am also part of Corva and an associate Member of Cal 4 Wheel.

Adventure Trailers build a awesome trailer that I would own but I have toys like a Honda Rancher 4X4 and a inflatable 12ft Boat that we take to Baja so nobodys really building a Heavy Duty off road trailer thats where I came in.

I build custom detail trailers and hot water high pressure trailer for City, States and also Cal Trans. I am also a avid wheeler. We take 2-3 trips a year to Baja and I saw a need for a well built trailer that was not a tent trailer but a pack mule. Thats where OFF ROAD TRAILERZ was born.

I have built many custom trailers that had 30-31 inch tires but no Mikey had to have 37" on his trailer, Its a challenge buts its coming out great and when we powder coat it green to match he will be a true HAPPY CAMPER.

MichaelW

11-07-2007, 04:17 PM

Rick has some new pictures coming and I can't wait. Should have the sides on and after today the load securing system should be welded on too! Almost ready for powder coating. :wings:

MichaelW

11-09-2007, 03:09 AM

Sweet lordie jesus I got me some more images of my trailer from Rick. This is all welded up and ready to go for a bead blasting then a powder coating in Jeep Green to match my JK.

I have to say that I am impressed with what I see in the pictures. This definitely looks like a trailer I can take off road and toss a quad in the back for hunting or to go get a load rocks for the landscaping projects.

I really like the welds and gusseting. I can't wait to load it up and take it on a road trip!

Hmm, I wonder what the weather is like now in Southern New Mexico or Big Bend National Park?

So the next set of images you will see should be after powder coating and with some of the electrical and tool boxes installed.

I am happy thus far!

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-20.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-21.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-22.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-23.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-24.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-25.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-26.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-27.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-28.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-29.jpg

MichaelW

11-09-2007, 03:09 AM

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-30.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-31.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-32.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-33.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-34.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-35.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-36.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-37.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-38.jpg

absolute

11-12-2007, 04:16 PM

Very good looking so far. I'm interested to see this in the end. I love taking my quads/bikes when I camp also.
I need a semi to take to the trailhead so I can bring my toys!

anybody have any plans?? LOL

MichaelW

11-12-2007, 10:21 PM

A friend of mine just modified out a semi trailer for use as a pit stop & RV for their professional rock crawling team. Didn't seem that difficult. :)

absolute

11-12-2007, 10:44 PM

My brother-in-law and I built a V-nose Trailer a couple of years ago that holds a Yamaha Rhino and a Grizzly.
It has Fold down bunks, interior/exterior lights, counter top w/sink, cassette toilet, and I just sent him a 6 gal propane water heater that was in my trailer. It’s a great hunting/camping setup, but a little on the tall side for taking to remote spots, but he makes it work. I think the tires are 31 X 9’s? I will have to double check.

MichaelW

11-14-2007, 02:42 AM

Now we have color and the electrical is going in! Almost time for me to drive down to pick it up. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-40.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-41.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-42.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-43.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-44.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-45.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-46.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-47.jpg

I'm really liking how this is coming together!

ntsqd

11-14-2007, 03:40 AM

Any idea if Bell did the PC?

MichaelW

11-14-2007, 03:48 AM

That I couldn't tell you.

I know that Rick tried working with whomever on the color match and they said it was Jeep Green, and maybe it is but the color match isn't as perfect as I would have liked, at least from the pictures, but we all know that colors appear different on different surfaces. But once you put on the tires, the tanks and tool boxes I think it will be ok and not as noticeable as it is without the rest of the products installed.

I'm still pretty pleased so far and can't wait to pick it up.

Willman

11-14-2007, 04:05 AM

Coming along great!

Whens the date you get to pick it up?

Keep the pictures coming!

:)

MichaelW

11-14-2007, 04:32 AM

The day after Thanksgiving I will be driving to Rick's house to pick it up from him.

So if on Friday you see some guy driving back towards Santa Barbara off of the 126 and 101 wave to me. I'll be the guy with the huge poop eating grin on!

UPDATE: I just talked to Rick and I may drive down this weekend to get it and avoid the holiday traffic. :wings:

Hmm, wait another week or just head on down...... Oh yeah, that's a tough decision. Now I just have to tell Debbie that that I'm heading down to pick it up this weekend and next week we are heading down again to Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving. Good thing I really like driving!

newimage

11-14-2007, 01:00 PM

No Powder Craft did the powder coat and we are investing in our own system and we will be up and running Mid December its going to be called Power Coating Services Inc in Sun Valley. We see a high demand for a large oven here (24 ft) and competative pricing so we are diving in.
But I do say it came out awesome more complete and cleaner pictures to follow.

ntsqd

11-14-2007, 01:07 PM

Was curious since I know the son of Bell's owner.

highlandercj-7

11-14-2007, 03:28 PM

Nice job on the trailer. Though I'd like to have seen it painted to match the Jeep lol. I dig the mounting of your license plate on the tire rack (I never thought to put it there) I also dig the lil tool box in the rear bumper. Shaping into one sweet set-up. :)

1leg

11-14-2007, 04:10 PM

M-
Can you give some details on the axel used on your trailer (make and model Number) price would be cool? I might be buying a used Utility trailer soon and it has that same type axel. I would like to change the hubs to the same bolt pattern as my JK. Plus the axel seems really low compared to yours. Might be old and need R&R.

Cool Trailer. I will be copying some of your ideas. I like the tail lights and rear tow hitch. very cool!! :wings:

73
JD

MichaelW

11-14-2007, 04:23 PM

Thanks Guys!

I'd give a holler to Rick over at New Image. He and Tough Terrain Trailers where the only ones that thought they could (and Rick did) match the (not so new but everyone thinks it is) new 5 on 5 bolt pattern of the new JK.

A straight (beam) axle will hang a little lower than the torsion bar style as it is more like a portal axle.

Don't forget some side marker lights too. I think I forgot them on my plans to Rick and will resort to some small surface mount LED's on the sides. Rick installed the front of the fender amber light so I can see where the trailer is at night but I'll probably b adding some more.

SuperBrightLEDs has some good deals on waterproof 12v LED "accent" lights.

Martyn

11-15-2007, 12:49 AM

Thanks Guys!

I'd give a holler to Rick over at New Image. He and Tough Terrain Trailers where the only ones that thought they could (and Rick did) match the (not so new but everyone thinks it is) new 5 on 5 bolt pattern of the new JK.

Standard bolt patterns available for the 3500 lb spindles in North America are:
5 on 4.5
5 on 5
5 on 5.5
6 on 5

They are all off the shelf parts. Anything else would have to use adapters.

MichaelW

11-15-2007, 04:59 AM

Martyn I should have added that those I talked with about it were those that supply axles and hubs and most did not offer 5 on 5, even though it is an old Grand Cherokee bolt pattern and an even older Chevy/GM pattern. ;)

MichaelW

11-15-2007, 04:59 AM

Ready for pick up on Saturday! Looks like I'll be in Santa Paula on Saturday and driving around my new toy. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-50.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-51.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-52.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-53.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-54.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-55.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-56.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-57.jpg

Willman

11-15-2007, 05:27 AM

Wow nice.....I like the two spare factor!

:)

Now time to get it dirty!

:chowtime:

Willman

11-15-2007, 05:28 AM

Standard bolt patterns available for the 3500 lb spindles in North America are:
5 on 4.5
5 on 5
5 on 5.5
6 on 5

They are all off the shelf parts. Anything else would have to use adapters.

Can't forget

6 on 5.5

:shakin:

pixeldzn

11-15-2007, 01:28 PM

I'd like to know where he gets his fenders from. I haven't had any luck finding ones that will fit my 33s, let alone 35s or 37s.

ntsqd

11-15-2007, 01:51 PM

Wave as you go by Seaward on the 101.........

MichaelW

11-15-2007, 02:11 PM

I'd like to know where he gets his fenders from. I haven't had any luck finding ones that will fit my 33s, let alone 35s or 37s.You can give Rick a call and ask him as he modified a "normal" set of fenders to fit over the 37's.

Rick Soto
P.O. Box 4203
Ventura Ca 93007

805.890.4626
805.525.5522 Office /Fax

MichaelW

11-15-2007, 02:19 PM

Wow nice.....I like the two spare factor!

:)

Now time to get it dirty!

:chowtime:Yeah, I'll be carrying 8 tires so a complete spare set for the JK. I learned that from doing the biogeochem sampling in the "outback" of Nevada. You can't have too many spares.

Oh yeah I can't wait to get it dirty too! Although I will probably be calling in a favor from a friend of mine that owns a paint and body shop as the color from what I can tell isn't a close good color match. I was also planning on Herculining the tub, looks like I'll be doing that sooner than I expected. Oh well it will have a good undercoat. Again this could be the difference between materials but I'll know more on Saturday. Maybe I'm just imagining things and it is a lot closer than I think.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-55.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/bronco-06-17-07/bronco-06-17-07-031.jpg

You bet I'll wave as I pass through Seaward!

Martyn

11-15-2007, 02:54 PM

Can't forget

6 on 5.5

:shakin:

Sorry that was a type it should have been 6 on 5.5 the Toyota pattern.

Martyn

11-15-2007, 03:07 PM

Oh yeah I can't wait to get it dirty too! Although I will probably be calling in a favor from a friend of mine that owns a paint and body shop as the color from what I can tell isn't a close good color match. I was also planning on Herculining the tub, looks like I'll be doing that sooner than I expected. Oh well it will have a good undercoat. Again this could be the difference between materials but I'll know more on Saturday. Maybe I'm just imagining things and it is a lot closer than I think.

Matching colors between automotive paint and powder coat is always tricky. While auto paint is now a science where colors are matched through codes, powder coating is a little more varied and colors are matched using paint chips. The pigments used are raw products so 100% consistency can only be guaranteed in a given batch.

You can see the catalogues for the two biggest producers of powder coats at:
http://www.tigerdrylac.com/index.php?id=849
http://www.spraylat.com/

Given all these variables the durability of the powder coat is far superior to automotive paint and if you use a good powder coater the finish is automotive quality.

When matching paints we like to provide the customer with the same charts we use to match a paint an leave the final decision up to them.

newimage

11-15-2007, 03:12 PM

I do have these fenders in stock they run about $110.00 a pair and they are heavy damn duty and will fit 33 tire no problem without mods.

MichaelW

11-15-2007, 03:18 PM

Matching colors between automotive paint and powder coat is always tricky. While auto paint is now a science where colors are matched through codes, powder coating is a little more varied and colors are matched using paint chips. The pigments used are raw products so 100% consistency can only be guaranteed in a given batch.

You can see the catalogues for the two biggest producers of powder coats at:
http://www.tigerdrylac.com/index.php?id=849
http://www.spraylat.com/

Given all these variables the durability of the powder coat is far superior to automotive paint and if you use a good powder coater the finish is automotive quality.

When matching paints we like to provide the customer with the same charts we use to match a paint an leave the final decision up to them.Thanks Martyn and I do agree that it is tough. As I mentioned different surfaces make the same colors different. And I haven't had the two side by side, yet and the color match may be better than what it "appears" in pictures. It is interesting to note that in PM and email most comments are all pretty much the same, "wish the colors matched better". Hopefully it is.

Still I have a bud with a favor that could give me the superficial match if need be. Or I could just say the heck with it and call it good. After all me Martha Stewart have almost nothing in common other than we both probably had parents. :REOutArchery02:

newimage

11-15-2007, 03:19 PM

Martyn

11-15-2007, 06:16 PM

We used www.cardinalpaint.com line of powder coat they are known for industrial type finishes and we use them alot since we also build for the state and federal government.
And yes it tricky to match powder coat to automotive finishes honestly its impossible. Unless you have a white or black vehicle
but will last a long time.

We have found some very close matches to automotive colors, but there again our choice of colors using the two different manufacturers increases our odds considerably. I like some of the Cardinal special finishes but there over all their selection of colors is limited.

To clarify here, depending on which Powder Coating Company you use they have stock powders colors. If you want to use a color that they do not stock you usually have to buy 250 lbs of the stuff. This can result in hefty surcharges if you have your heart set on an exotic color.

The stock of colors a Powder Coating Company carries will depend on the volume of their business and it's location. So what is available to us in our location may not be the same nationwide.

The cost of powder coat finishes also varies depending on the pigmentation, if it is metallic, and if it needs a clear coat.

newimage

11-16-2007, 03:54 PM

Hey Mike everthings ready for you afterwards we are heading out to Johnson Valley to go to the Hammers for Goat Fest :Mechanic: and watch the Big Boys play on the rocks, lots of Media will be there and also all the magazine guys...Lets go!

MichaelW

11-18-2007, 06:04 PM

I'mmm Baaaaccckkkk! :grinpimp:

I left Friday at 5pm out of Carson City. I hit some of the nastiest fog I've seen in a long time at the 14/5 interchange and then drove the rest of the way at a snails pace, particularly on 126 as I couldn't see 15 feet in front of my Jeep and I was running the wipers to clear off the fog build-up on the windshield.

I arrived at Rick's house at 12:30AM. I did tell him to not worry about it as I could get a hotel in town but he insisted on putting me up in his toy hauler and I was feeling pretty bad that I kept him up so late. Then upon arriving I find that he and his wife both had stayed awake awaiting my arrival. But despite that fact I kept them up waiting for me they both made me feel welcome and Rick took me out to the garage (Man Sanctuary) to get a glimpse of my new trailer.

WOW!

Ok now I am impressed. Very nicely built and all sorts of little "extra's" and a lot of attention to detail. But it is past everyone's bed time, including Daisy their min-pin that is just a sweetheart.

I have to tell you that Rick doesn't skimp on things and I had to reveal the story of the evil mattress they have in the toy hauler. I had just driven almost 8 hours and just had a glimpse of my new trailer and figured I'd be spending a good hour trying to fall asleep. NOT. They have one of those Temperpedic (sp) styled mattresses that conforms to your body. They have several layers of Mexican Blankets that wrap around you and makes you feel like you are back in your mothers womb. I think it took me 3, maybe 5 seconds to fall asleep. I know in the morning I was hesitant to get up and could have laid there and relaxed for hours. But my new trailer awaits.

In the morning Rick invites me into the house and proceeds to make breakfast burritos with eggs and sausage and bacon. Man it is rough being at Rick's house. His wife and daughter provide good company and conversation as the nights fog begins to burn off not only in my head but also outside.

After eating and conversing it's time to go back into the garage and start getting things ready so I can make the return trip to Carson.

Ok I can't say enough good things so before I sound like a used car salesman, let me you start presenting you with some pictures.

Here is the trailer as we measure up the hitch and receiver and find that my hitch was just about a perfect drop.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-01.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-02.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-03.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-04.jpg

MichaelW

11-18-2007, 06:04 PM

Heading out of L.A. on 14 you go past Aqua Dulce Canyon and Vasquez Rocks.

I figured that would be a great place to get some pictures. Well it was pretty crowded so I pulled up a little on the way out and got some poser picks.

I didn't see Captain Kirk or the Gorn. Nor did the Flintstones invite me in for lunch.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-05.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-06.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-07.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-08.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-09.jpg

MichaelW

11-18-2007, 06:05 PM

Hitting Lone Pine on 395 about dusk was not what I had hoped for but I think it worked out in the long run for some more poser pictures.

And no I didn't see Gunga Din, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart or any giant underground Graboids. Although running into Reba would have been pretty cool.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-10.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-11.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-12.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-13.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-14.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-15.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-16.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-17.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-18.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-20.jpg

MichaelW

11-18-2007, 06:06 PM

OK and one last batch as the scenery is just too awesome around Lone Pine to just take a few pictures.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-21.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-22.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-23.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-24.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-26.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-28.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-31.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-31.jpg

Oh and welcome to Bridgeport!
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-32.jpg

cruiseroutfit

11-18-2007, 07:41 PM

I do have these fenders in stock they run about $110.00 a pair and they are heavy damn duty and will fit 33 tire no problem without mods.

Any idea what thickness they are?

Willman

11-18-2007, 08:04 PM

Love the new trailer!!!

:)

Oh and welcome to Bridgeport!
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-32.jpg

That pictures sucks!!!!!:(

It's $2.99 a gallon here in Utah!

:REOutArchery02:

MichaelW

11-20-2007, 02:10 PM

Got the trailer registered and ordered my new plate for it.

GETAWAE

1leg

11-20-2007, 06:32 PM

So what does it weigh empty?

Looks like a very nice trailer. :clapsmile

MichaelW

11-20-2007, 07:46 PM

1080

Not bad for as stout as it is. With the super charger I forget it's back there as it tracks so nice and rolls so smooth!

Thanks!

Joanne

11-24-2007, 05:28 AM

Just an observation, but you seem to be running over a lot of rocks with your trailer. My dad taught me to swing wide around corners so I wouldn't run my trailer over the curb. LOL!!

It's a really sweet build on that trailer! I've been quite impressed with the trailers you guys in this forum have built. Nice design and good craftsmanship combined to turn out great little trailers. Keep it up!

Joanne

Curtis in Texas

11-25-2007, 10:53 PM

Hey Michael, Nice new toy you've got there.
Now I kmow what you've been doing since I last saw you in Moab.

Funny you should bulld an off road trailer as I've been kicking around the idea myself. It's getting too expensive to take the Motorhome very far to use as a base camp. Those days of $1000 fuel bills for 3 week Motorhome Vacations are long gone.

I think mine (after I finish building Melissa Turbo Trooper) will have the capability to haul one of my new hobbies. Adventure Motorcycles. Been all over the country over the last three years on my KLR. Planning on a ride to the Artic Circle next Summer.
We're gonna Trailer up to Washington to save time and ride all the way back with the Truck and trailer as a sag. We'll just have to take turns driving sag.

Here's a trick I used on a friends trailer I built last year,
If your end tubes supporting the side boxes are still open then you might think about using some EMT tubing slide into them to support a table. Although I like the idea of a drop down plate that is bent on the ends to wrap around the corners of the box and hinges at the bottom.

Glad to hear Debbie is doing better. Tell her that anytime you guys want to come out here to Texas, Melissa and I will meet in Amarillo for the Museum tour we've been talking about for years. Maybe we can do some camping in Palo Duro Canyon.

Enjoyed the writeup.

Later,

Curtis J
SSSRodeo