My Budget Bug Out Trailer Build

[mitunnelrat]

Ok, so maybe its going to be more of a yuppie off road glamper, but its going to be seriously badass either way. I started with this:
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160126_163012024_zpsnrcrag13.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160126_163012024_zpsnrcrag13.jpg.html) An M416 1/4 ton. I paid a princely sum of $75 for this gem. No lights, one fender, mismatched tires, rust, and some bubba mods that about made me sick.

Looking at the rear of the tub, you can see it has a wood backer. This was someone's fix for hacking out a tailgate. The sides are bowed in, and the floor was starting to rot. Had it been in better shape, I'd have likely chosen to restore it to original, but I found another score on CL: A Bowie Mobile Veterinary Clinc

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_185955898_HDR_zpswad3dnmz.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_185955898_HDR_zpswad3dnmz.jpg.html)
$50 for a (mostly) solid fiberglass box. Or so I thought. Its turned out to be so much more. I'll get back to that because I have one other major component that was a great score: A 35kw generator.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_194153282_zpse7mhvyot.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_194153282_zpse7mhvyot.jpg.html)
Its obviously an older one, but it works, and it only cost me $30.

[mitunnelrat]

Getting back to the mobile clinic, it has two top lids, a rear hatch (that one needs a handle) Pull out drawers, that lock in place, hot and cold water tanks, electrical, and it had a heater, but it obviously caught on fire due to some visible damage. Its otherwise solid was I figured worth the money even if it needs a revamp. I was going to build all those things into a custom box anyway. http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_190123925_zpsaezzorfa.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_190123925_zpsaezzorfa.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_190102871_zpsxlzjot8k.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_190102871_zpsxlzjot8k.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_190028538_zpsmcmb8hw7.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_190028538_zpsmcmb8hw7.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_190041355_zps9xbwfcqi.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_190041355_zps9xbwfcqi.jpg.html)

[LUNCHBOX]

I'd mount the genny on the front of the trailer...as far as the box. We will discuss it soon.

[mitunnelrat]

So far I've gotten the tub off, and the shocks/pivot bolts/ leaf spring shackles replaced. http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160917_112159803_zpsnegedqgg.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160917_112159803_zpsnegedqgg.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160917_112205447_zps1mea0x41.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160917_112205447_zps1mea0x41.jpg.html) They're all common with CJ3 Jeeps.

I started stripping the rust and old paint tonight, but my sand blaster doesn't play well with the compressor I have available, so its been with a flap disc and a grinder. Takes way too damn long, and since T has seen a preview of this he's already got me half cajoled into shopping this process out. However, I do like the difference I see already, even at my amateurish handshttp://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/IMG_20160919_183945382_zpsxjm7molj.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/IMG_20160919_183945382_zpsxjm7molj.jpg.html)

I'm going to need to add some steel to the rear of the frame to accommodate the extra length of the box. Somewhere between 13-18", depending on how the wheel wells work with my tires. I'll also be boxing out the sides some so I can add jerry can mounts, have good light placement, and add an overhear rack for a rooftop tent. The generator will get mounted either on or just behind the tongue. The rear will sport a swing arm for mounting a spare tire and propane tank.

I have some other features I'd like to include, but I'll leave it at this for now. Hope its satisfied some curiosity.

[mitunnelrat]

I just saw your post, LB. We're on the same page on the genny.

[bacpacker]

Did I read this wrong, your genny is a 35KW, or a 3.5KW?

I like where you are going with the trailer. Starting at the bottom and building it up is the way to go for sure. Be sure and check/pack the wheels bearing/races before you get too far along.

Great price on everything.

[mitunnelrat]

Good call on the hubs. I have the tires and wheels planned for replacement this winter. I'll check them then.

and 3.5kw. lol. 3500 watt.

[LUNCHBOX]

I've got some steel rods for you. Maybe even some stock also.

[mitunnelrat]

Oh, nice! That's gonna be awesome, thanks!





Hey, DG, I know you're gonna be around. I just wanna say...

MINE! Bwahahahah

[Stormfeather]

Nice build, cant wait to see it complete!

[mitunnelrat]

Neither can I. Lol.

[Fidel MD]

Nice. I have a fondness for M416 trailers - I have one on the ranch for utility work.

Since you've got it stripped down to the frame I'd use truck bed liner spray on the whole thing, once sand-blasted. You can also get a little more wheel clearance by flipping the springs over - http://novajeepers.net/index.php?topic=21913.0

If you're extending the rear, you might want to extend the tongue a bit too...keep the same percentage front to rear, for balance.

Great finds on all the parts!

[Onestep]

MT, hope my posting the trailer on that rig I saw gave you a few ideas.

[Domeguy]

lookin good man, lookin good

[bacpacker]

Great point about extend g the tounge to match the bed. If not you can throw the hitch weight off. That could make it a bit h to pull, in particular if you have a light vehicle le you are towing with.

[Sniper-T]

I like it!!!

Done yet?

[mitunnelrat]

Lol. No, not done yet.

Onestep. It did. Particularly for my rack setup

Fidel. Two good suggestions for sure. I threw it up for conversation at work this morning and the general feeling is to get it built and go from there. But it's definitely on my mind now. Thanks

[mitunnelrat]

Gonna put this project back on standby status for a few weeks. I have a vacation planned for this coming week, and I'll be coming back to a metric shit ton of OT hours at work through most of October. I'll take the time to gather more materials and get some quotes for the sandblasting and finish work.

[Fidel MD]

Consider getting the tub soda blasted...it will leave more metal behind.

[ElevenBravo]

If its more expensive, skip it. There is so much metal there to start, sandblasting wont hurt it. Those trailers are way overbuilt.

If you already have a decent compressor, you can blast it yourself. It will take a while and be a lot of work (& sweeping), but you can do it yourself.

EB

[LUNCHBOX]

MTR, you might look into renting/borrowing a big enough compressor to blast it in one day. It'd be worth a long days work to do it all at once. It's an idea anyway.

[ElevenBravo]

you soda blast the panels of a '57 Nomad, an army trailer will be fine with a belt sander.

[mitunnelrat]

I did think about hauling it into work to use a compressor there. I'm not concerned with the tub, so my normal media will be good. Belt sander would do the open flats, EB, but there's too many nooks and crannies.

[ElevenBravo]

Dont go tooo literal on me, I was just stating a concept or idea.

What ever you do, Im pretty damn sure its painted with CARC, and not knowing what the hell is in the stuff, I wouldnt breath or ingest it.

Every vehicle and trailer is painted with the stuff (AFAIK).


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_Agent_Resistant_Coating
http://www.milspray.com/products-services/touch-up-paint-coatings/usar/why-carc
http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/carc-paint/index.asp


http://olive-drab.com/images/camo_carc2_700.jpg



EB

[Fidel MD]

CARC is a good reason to sandblast it....

[Sniper-T]

All the more reason to just take it into a company that specializes in blasting. (they'll also have whatever media you want) Pay them a little extra, and it can even come out powder coated, if you choose.

[realist]

How hard is it to soda blast?

[Fidel MD]

About the same as sand blast - just a different media.

[mitunnelrat]

Made some small headway this week. After a few measurements I found an only needed to extend the rear of the frame. No box outs on the sides. I got the steel a few days ago, and got it boxed out today. Now just to mount it to the existing frame. I'm going to see if the blasting/ coating company can weld it on for me, and I can get it in tomorrow. If not, I'll haul the whole shebang into work on Monday and weld it here.

[ElevenBravo]

Keep the (slow) updates coming! HA HA!

[mitunnelrat]

I was incorrect. I did need extensions on the front to accommodate Jerry can mounts. They're built, and all 3 are attached to the frame. Some welding left. More than a little grinding, and 10 holes to drill. Then it's off for sandblasting and powdercoating.

[Sniper-T]

And some pictures...

[mitunnelrat]

Working on that. I have some, but have forgotten my login info for photobucket

[mitunnelrat]

Welding is complete. Grinding is finished. I'm out of town for today and tomorrow, but I should have my holes drilled for my wiring by end of day Sunday.

[ElevenBravo]

And some pictures...

^^ What he said ^^

[mitunnelrat]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/20161116_200442_zpsnap3drpf.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/20161116_200442_zpsnap3drpf.jpg.html)

[mitunnelrat]

This is from before I cleaned it up and redid it. I'll take another pic when I get home, but my welds look better than this now, held up to multiple blows from a 16 # sledge hammer, and my heavy ass walking on them.

[mitunnelrat]

Thought I was going to have some good progress and pics to share tonight, but bad weather busted up my party. My box, rather than being placed in its rightful position, is currently dividing its weight between two trailers! Lol.

Being a stubborn ass that wants to move forward I was dragging it from one to the other with a tow strap and a come along. A slow process by myself. I got it moved about 3 feet in total when a storm blew in. Only 14" onto its rightful frame.

I therefore had roughly 600 pounds behind the axle of my utility trailer, and it was hitched to my truck. Thats an awful lot of weight to just let go crashing down, so I took a soaker, supported it all with concrete blocks, and called it a night.

[LUNCHBOX]

It's ok MTR...you have the rest of this year to work on it. It's not like January is right around the corner. Lol

[Domeguy]

What he said!

[Sniper-T]

shoulda just laid on the ground and bench pressed it...

;)

[mitunnelrat]

Lol. I did get it set on the frame yesterday, and though my boss has called me "the bull" it is, alas, too heavy for me to move alone. Even on my best day I only got one corner about 1" off the deck.

I'll take updated pics once I get home. It got too dark for good ones yesterday.

[Sniper-T]

Maybe he was simply referring to that china shop incident...

;)

[tc556guy]

Wish I had the skills to revamp a trailer from the ground up like that. Even have an old homemade trailer that's been in the family for 40-plus years that's just moldering away due to dis-use anymore...

[Fidel MD]

Go for it....learn as you go. Whats the worst that would happen? You ruin it? Sounds like it's half-way there already.

[mitunnelrat]

What Fidel said. Truth be told I am not especially skilled at this. Simply determined to make it work. As a welder I'm becoming one hell of a good grinder. And through it all I've been learning.

[mitunnelrat]

I decided to cover this project and resume it in the spring.

[Sniper-T]

:(
you suck!

I've been a fitter/welder for 30+ years... if you have q's... ask!

[ElevenBravo]

just remember....


http://www.memepile.com/pics/14121-o.jpg

[bacpacker]

What's up? That foot a snow help with the decision? :)

Just dogging ya man. :)

[mitunnelrat]

Yeah, the foot of snow, and subzero temps.

The box is on the frame and everything seems to have squared up pretty nicely.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/20161202_163855_zps0i1rzplk.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/20161202_163855_zps0i1rzplk.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/20161202_163908_zpsfmew0qdn.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/20161202_163908_zpsfmew0qdn.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/20161202_163914_zpszo8wgnzy.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/20161202_163914_zpszo8wgnzy.jpg.html)http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/mitunnelrat/20161202_163924_zpsihrsembr.jpg (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/mitunnelrat/media/20161202_163924_zpsihrsembr.jpg.html)

With it on the frame I decided I better get the the other pieces in place, too, before sandblasting and powdercoating. Think Overhead rack, tire carrier, and jerry can mounts, among some other ideas I'll keep to myself for the moment. I don't want to stand in the cold working it all out, either. My beer will freeze solid!

[Sniper-T]

if your beer freezes, you're clearly not drinking it fast enough. Quit trying to blame the beer, that is clearly your own shortcoming...

;)

http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/Bungie%202012/SDC13726.jpg (http://s605.photobucket.com/user/Sniper-T/media/Bungie%202012/SDC13726.jpg.html)

[mitunnelrat]

Did I say something to indicate otherwise? Lol

[bacpacker]

Looks good so far.

[ElevenBravo]

Cool looking box, where did you source it? More details?
EB

[mitunnelrat]

Its a mobile veterinary clinic from Bowie Mfg. Model CAV.111

I found it browsing my local craigslist ads for $50. It originally came equipped with a heater, fridge, hot/ cold water tanks, a hose, interior lighting, and a 110 ac outlet. The heater caught on fire prior to my possession, so I have to repair some fiberglass and replace some lighting/ wiring. The fridge didn't inspire confidence, so I unplugged and removed it. Was very tiny anyway, more for drugs methinks, given the box's purpose.

I have yet to run power to it, but even if nothing works it was worth $50 for the box alone. I'll be tracking down an owners manual, any info I can get on it over the next few months, and should have a much better run of progress come spring.