"Poor man's Teardrop" build [M101 + utility cap]

[Dean]

When we left off the lights had been mounted, but not wired. That was the first thing I started with:

Tripple markers since it's technically an enclosed trailer.

[Imgur](http://i.imgur.com/DExall4l.jpg)
Wired them up and did a test!

Once that was done it was time to move to the wiring on the Jeep end of things:

Thought this plug-and-play kit would work...

Nop. Going to have to splice.

I opted for a higher mount tucked in next to the tail light.
The trailer is wired with a removable 6' "extension cord" so i can remove the wire when the trailer is parked.
(Yes, I realize the light lens is upside down. It was fixed shortly after I took this pic).

Once the hard part of the wiring was done, it was back to the easy stuff

Batter box with marine grade deep cycle.
No flash was used - light is provided by an interior light.

Once it was all wired up it was time for a test drive:

All lights work and function as planned.

First drive was a little under whelming as I quickly learned this trailer is like a parachute and my Jeep wouldn't go much over 60 mph pulling it. I knew I'd eventually have to regear (and I have) when i went to 33's, I just didn't think it was going to be as bad as it was.

Up next, "Phase 2: Bed in a box."

 

[Dean]

Now for Phase 2: "Bed in a Box"

The guiding mantra for this trailer project has been "it's replacing a tent." My goal was to have a functional rolling box to live out of and let it slowly evolve over time. As I get used to it and living in it for weekends/weeks/months at a time I'll add things as I need them. For now all I need is literally "a bed in a box."

First things first, a little OpSec.

New tumblers for both sides and the rear latches. All with matching keys.

Once the trailer was secure, it was time to furnish it.

Twin mattress plus a front seat from one of my old Jeeps. Make a great reading chair and work space for me inside the trailer.
You can also see the trailer pig-tail coiled up on the mattress.

All in all it's shaping up nicely.

Next up, paint.

Went with some rattle-can primer just to make it quick an easy. The paint job won't win any awards, but it's 100x better than it was.

Also opted for new struts for the side doors, but sadly they only half kinda work. Still pretty chilly though so maybe once it warms up they will fully extend.

First bit of "Chrysler silver metallic" applied to the trailer. In retrospect I probably should have used a grey primer on the trailer body rather than maroon. Although it does ensure I'll get good coverage with the automotive paint.

Once the trailer body is silver I'll go over the cap with blank paint and touchup the bed-liner around the bottom.

Sadly I lost all week last week to working on my Jeep and right now it's raining so I don't know how much more painting I'll get done before I leave.

Other updates will come when I have something worth posting about. In the meantime, feel free to ask any questions.

 

[Dean]

Sorry this is a little delayed. I left for my trip but it ended up being a false start. While I make some repairs and plan adjustments I figured I'd update the build thread.

As with any project update, it starts with a parts and supply run.

Paint, leveling jacks, and DIY awning parts

Paint!

Painting the trailer body silver metallic to match the Jeep body

More Paint

Touched up the bedliner along the bottom edge of the trailer. In hindsight the entire trailer should have been primered before any top-coats of paint or bedliner were added. Doing it the "DIY rattle-can" method in the driveway netted a lot of overspray.

Leveling Jacks

Front jack swivels 90 degrees and stows in place like a typical tongue jack

Rear jacks are removable and stow inside the trailer. The mounts are on the rear to avoid getting caught on anything. When in place the jacks do not interfere with the tailgate which is nice.

A closeup of the front tongue jack

All three leveling jacks in place. Very stable.

Whoops

Opted to replace the handles on the rear jacks for better clearance. Used old lug nuts to allow the use of an impact. Poor weld penetration and too much torque made short work of that. They have since been rewelded and so far have held up.

More Paint!

One of the last things I did before leaving was paint the trailer cap black to match the hardtop on the Jeep.

This is also a good shot of the DIY awning. Nothing more than an 8x6 canvas tarp on a dowel rod supported by two bushings. Rolls and unrolls really nicely. Not bad for $40.

On the road!

Aside from the mismatched tires and some gasketing that needs done, it's functional. Tows really well despite being a major drag.


The reason I had to turn back...

30" of snow and 50mph of wind contributed to me not making it over the mountains into Utah for Easter Jeep Safari. It was a real kick in the balls, but with the Jeep having some mechanical issues I figured it was best to turn back.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Trailer looks great. I wonder about the black top in the summer though. Perhaps consider white or matching silver on the very top to be more reflective.

 

[Dean]

Trailer looks great. I wonder about the black top in the summer though. Perhaps consider white or matching silver on the very top to be more reflective.

I don't plan on being in it during the day and by nighttime it will cool down more than enough with the side window's and/or rear doors open. If I really need to reflect heat I can stretch a thermal reflective blanket across the top.

I do plan on adding a 12" vent with an electric fan. It will probably be wired on a relay so it can kick on when needed if it heats up while I'm driving. It is insulated, so I doubt it will be any worse than the black hardtop on the Jeep.

 

[jscusmcvet]

I don't plan on being in it during the day and by nighttime it will cool down more than enough with the side window's and/or rear doors open. If I really need to reflect heat I can stretch a thermal reflective blanket across the top.

I do plan on adding a 12" vent with an electric fan. It will probably be wired on a relay so it can kick on when needed if it heats up while I'm driving. It is insulated, so I doubt it will be any worse than the black hardtop on the Jeep.

If you look into marine fans that run on solar they kick on automatically. Whole thing looks great.

 

[Dean]

If you look into marine fans that run on solar they kick on automatically. Whole thing looks great.

I've thought about that but I'd like to have it on some sort of internal switch/relay so that it doesn't kick on when no one is around. I also want to be able to run it at night when needed.

 

[Dave]

Add a Fantastic Fan to the roof - being able to push or pull the airflow is awesome.

 

[Dean]

Add a Fantastic Fan to the roof - being able to push or pull the airflow is awesome.

That's the kind I was thinking about.