First attempt at a trailer

[fingas]

Well i decided I wanted to have a camping trailer but wanted it just like i wanted it so am building it myself. I have been lurking here for a while and gathering iformation. Below is a cellphone pic of where i am currently, the trailer will have a 4X5" two feet deep main box and a 38" toungue. I have estimated the weight with RTT and gear at 800lbs or so. I am putting on a 3500# axle.

What leaf springs would be a good choice? I think the normal trailer springs would be too short and maybe bounce/break my gear.

[Martyn]

Some people are using Suzuki Samurai springs or CJ7 springs

[Hill, Bill E.]

I agree, the 'standard' trailer springs you find at Northern are pretty short and stiff.

I would think Sami or CJ/YJ springs would be pretty smooth, especially if you incorperate shocks.

The M416 trailers used springs from a CJ3, longer than the standard trailer spring, but a bit shorter than the later CJ springs.

My M416 rides pretty nice, and I haven't had any gear get broken yet.

[fingas]

Thanks guys. This afternoon i got the frame of the main box complete. I think i am about ready to weld the tongue on and put the axle under it.

[fingas]

I have been working on my trailer a good bit lately. I got a set of springs from an '85 toyota pickup and have a 3500# axle on the way. I ordered bushings for the springs/shackles and they didn't come with sleeves. Does anyone know the OD and ID measurements of the sleeves?

And pictures of my progress.

The base frame


uprights for walls


The main frame of the box


Spring hangers welded on, my welds are starting to look much better



the floor welded in


At this point it may suffice to tell of my plans. There are going to be two side doors in the front and a tailgate in the back. I will be installing a water tank that will kind of act like a divider between the front and rear of the trailer.


How it sits today

[fingas]

well I got it rolling yesterday

here is the progression since last time






Today and early next week I will be cleaning up some of the sheetmetal welds and build the fenders on it. It tows well but is a little bouncy with no weight in it and no shocks under it yet

[holidaynation]

Looking very nice so far. Do you have an approximate finished dry weight? I like the swinging front side doors/hatch/

[fingas]

Looking very nice so far. Do you have an approximate finished dry weight? I like the swinging front side doors/hatch/

Not sure on the weight really I would guess close to 600 pounds or maybe a little more

[WJ88MJames]

Looks good where did you get your springs from?

[F3X]

Spring hangers welded on, my welds are starting to look much better

Just a suggestion:
You may want to hit that one again just to be safe. Looks like a cold weld, sort of sits on top rather than penetrating into the base metal. Grind flush (maybe even grind a "V' in the joint) and run a new bead so you won't have any issues on the trail.