Excursion/ATV hauler Trailer

73IHC · Jul 28, 2014

So I am building a dual purpose trailer since I plan to start exploring more areas and getting into hunting soon enough.

I have been building the tow vehicle for a few years now and felt that I was finally ready to start the trailer.

I bought an older Utility service bed from a member of the IH club I am in, Scouts West. It was off a 60s Travellete and I liked the fact that it has a 4x8 foot bed. I know its a bit wide for some trails but my plan is to explore the back roads of Baja and wont be doing to much crazy trails.

Luckily for me the bed came with 2 20 gallon auxilary tanks so that will be incorporated into the build.

I will include;
1. 30+ gallons H20
2. On Demand hot water
3. Aux battery system
4. Solar charger
5. RTT

and whatever else comes to mind...

Frame is from a gen 1 4runner

Here is the Service Bed

I am having a local shop and friend do the welding but I am doing the designing. Here is the tongue mocked up.

After waiting for a few weeks to get the 3500# trailer axle, I was finally able to mock up both the axle and frame on the 19th. Shadow Trailers in Cypress gave me a sweet deal on the axle, saved at least $100! E-brakes and 5 on 51/2 to match my tow rig.

I have ordered and tweaked some parts and hope to have it mated up soon.

brentbba · Jul 28, 2014

This will be fun to watch. Look foward to progress reports!!

73IHC · Jul 28, 2014

Thanks brentbba... I forgot to mention that one side will be all kitchen and bath! 3 burner stove ( For when I host group events ) sink and fridge. The RTT that I bought is one of the biggest I have seen and it even has its own small awnings but I will get a ARB type for the kitchen side. The other side will be for my gear and long gun storage.

This is the type of RTT I bought on Craigslist for $800 and it was used 3 times;
http://tentsonarack.com/product/del-mar/

Haggis · Jul 28, 2014

Intersedting. Very interesting. Imma liking the direction of this project.

100acre · Jul 28, 2014

It looks like that RTT is free standing. Cool. I really like the service body trailer idea. I looked for one before I found my M416. Looking forward to watching this build.

73IHC · Jul 29, 2014

The RTT is not freestanding, they mocked it up in those pictures.

I tried it on my rig but since I have about a 14 inch lift on my 73 Scout II, the annex was not on the floor correctly. I plan to put on a frame that will adjust and fold down with some gas struts to be able to do it solo.

The wife likes going camping but setting up and tearing down camp is always such a headache, hoping to relieve some with this set up and get out there more!

73IHC · Jul 31, 2014

Just picked up an outdoor three burner stove for $125 and it is the same exact one featured on this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uws1W2ZkCqU

Guess they went out of business but I scored!

73IHC · Aug 7, 2014

Debating on a 80 qt fridge or a 40qt with a separate ice maker combo... I want the fridge in the tow rig and portable ice makers can make up to 35 pounds of ice a day and I already have enough coolers.

73IHC · Aug 28, 2014

Will update with pics this weekend after a I finally have the needed parts and hardware...

Parts list so far;
1. Custom 8 Inch u bolts
2. 2 inch Lift Blocks
3. Toyota 4runner 2 inch shackles
4. Add a leaf universal kit
5. 2.5 leaf from a Chevy truck donor
6. Jeep u-bolt plates
7. Monroe Airshocks MA779 for a Chevy Express van

As far as rust protection I am going to rattle can most of the parts and a coat of Rustoleum Hammered black will go on top of the whole frame. The underneath of the service bed will get the same treatment with rubber undercoating in and around the wheel wells.

Once mated, i have a bunch of parts for the drivers side galley

Parts list so far;
1. Triton 5L on demand water heater
2. Flojet water pump
3. 46 gallon water tank
4. Utility Shower for RV
5. Misc adapters and such

Cant wait till I get to use this bad boy!!!

Dave · Aug 28, 2014

73IHC · Sep 2, 2014

Didn't get much done other than painting the parts. I used Rustoleum engine enamel in black since a second coat of hammered black will be going on.

Here is a pic of the trailer nose, I think it still needs some reinforcing just in case.

I also put in the add a leaf and extra leaf pack in the springs. 1st gen Toyota 4runners tend to sag in the rear so since I am putting on a few extra 100#s I figure this will work best along with the air shocks.

The utility bed has been sanded and hopefully will be sprayed with primer this week. Going with an Artic white since I am not sure what color I will paint my tow rig.

73IHC · Sep 9, 2014

Service bed is all primered and ready for paint. I am thinking about taking off handles but will see.

1 coat of Rustoleum hammered paint is underneath... going to give it another.

First coat of Rustoleum Hammered black is also on the frame and axle.

I have most of the lights ready so will begin to wire them up this coming weekend and then on to getting it registered so I can begin on the cabinetry.

73IHC · Sep 27, 2014

Finally was able to get my hands dirty.

I mocked up the Lock N roll hitch I plan to use.

Should be able to rotate well on trails

The body is getting ready for paint

I started with the trailer wiring

Trailer wiring box will be mounted in the rear center to branch off to lights.

Air shocks were mocked up and tested. I had to cut the lift blocks a half inch since I didn't want to order more u-bolts. But the lift shackle gave me 2 more inches.