The 4x4 Podcast Expedition Trailer Build Journal

I've been making progress on the box construction but it's been slow since I haven't had a lot of time to commit to it. School has kept me really busy the last few days/weeks. At least I'm getting some help from my family! I may need to buy another orbital sander so that I can put more people to work at once.

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I also tried out the Triton camp shower using a garden hose. It worked great but the real test will be how it performs with the 3gpm pump running. It sure will be nice to have a hot shower at camp!

Triton 5L Camp Shower Initial Review: http://youtu.be/PNPL0gZJQ_s

I used the shower to clean up my trailer wheels for paint. I shot the wheels with primer before painting them. I still need to get some clear coat on the wheels but they look great! Hopefully soon I'll be able to pick up my 3500 lb axle and his to match the wheels. It's due in any day now.

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I'm long overdue for an update on this project. *Life has kept my pretty busy so whenever I wasn't tied down to school/work/family stuff I've been slowly making progress on the trailer. *I've been posting a bunch of picture over on my instagram (https://instagram.com/the4x4podcast/) so here's some of the details of what has been done since I last posted here.

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I built all the doors and built a frame for each door to help give them some stability. *I also countersunk the hinges and mounted the doors. *Of course, after I got the doors hung I realized that I'm going to have to pull them off for final paint and then the gaps around the doors will be different. *So I know I'm going to have to trim them down again before I install the door seals. *
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I built a bracket that hangs down from the top (will also serve as additional ribs to provide stability/strength to the box) that will hold the camp table that I also built. *This will allow me to open up the back door and still be able to access the table despite having a pile of duffel *bags and such in the cargo area. **
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I also managed to get the roof panel installed so now the box looks pretty complete. *I also added a shelf in the second compartment so that I have a spot to store the dutch ovens and camp shower while in transit. *
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Dan
http://the4x4podcast.com
 
This week there will be a lot of progress made since I have officially completed grad school and I have a few days off from work.
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The poisoning I'd compete and it's time for final assembly of major components. Once that's done I'll take it out for a test drive to the weigh station to get an idea of the dry weight.

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Dan
http://the4x4podcast.com
 
Phulcrum said:
Congrats on finishing school!
What's the trailer weigh?
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Thanks! I'm not sure on the weight but I think it's probably pretty light. I'm guessing that the dry weight will be around 700-800 lbs. I'll get it on the scales soon since I need official weight tickets anyways for my military move.
 
I didn't get as much done as I would have liked because I got tied up running errands with my family for the upcoming trip through Canada to Alaska. Maybe I'll be able to get some more progress made later tonight though.
#BabyPassport
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I did get a bit done though. All the doors are hung and the lock/latches fastened.

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I also have the main trailer board fully mounted to the frame. It's actually bolted on in 15 locations...probably more than necessary but of 10 spots is good then 15 must be better, right?! Tonight, I'd like to get the trailer rolled back underneath the box and set in place so that I can have some of the garage space back.

Dan
http://the4x4podcast.com
 
Bam! The box is (mostly) on the trailer! Now that's progress! I need to pick up a couple handles to help lift and maneuver the box into place since there is no way to get your fingers under the box once you set it down. But that can wait. There is plumbing, electric, and lights to work on till I can make it to the big box store.

https://vimeo.com/127677310

Dan
http://the4x4podcast.com
 
I really need to take some time and type up more details but who am I kidding, what everyone really wants is the pictures!

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I pulled it on a weekend trip and put over 500 miles on the trailer. It pulled nicely and smooth. No issues. I still need to mount and wow the exterior lights, source some flat top fenders, and mount the spare gas cans. Overall though, I'm really happy with how it turned out. My favorite feature is absolutely the FridgeFreeze 45liter unit. It ran the whole weekend on the trailer battery and still left juice for the lights and water pump.
 
jeepin_idaho said:
My favorite feature is absolutely the FridgeFreeze 45liter unit.
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If you don't mind how much does one of those units run? It appears you can only order them over the phone from the manufacturer is that correct?
Also What type of battery do you have in the trailer?

Thanks,
 
The battery is a DieHard deep cycle AGM unit. 3 year free replacement at Sears and its actually made by Odyssey and just labeled as DieHard.

The FridgeFreeze unit costs in the $1800 price range, which is a lot. The caveat is that I'm happy to spend more on a piece of gear that is made in America and is likely to be a legacy piece of kit that is passed down to my grandkids. (Keep in mind that my oldest kid right now is 9 years old). If you'd like, I can put you in contact with the CEO and he can give you a full rundown on the specs. Suffice it to say that it's simply built better than the ARB and Engle units. It has machined aluminum handles; metal hinges; wicked sturdy, adjustable, and lockable latch; analog thermometer on the outside; runs on 12v, 24v, or 110 volt; diamond plate steel outside case; and a outstanding thermal retention properties. I haven't had it for long, however, I feel like I made the right choice.

Dan
Typos courtesy of Tapatalk
http://the4x4podcast.com
 
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