2020 Military Trailer Build

[jcgraves3]

Hello Everyone... I'm posting my DIY adventure trailer build story with the hope that it may inspire others to share their adventure trailer project. I started this project a few months back and I plan to post more photos in the coming weeks. To kick us off... It all started off with a search for a utility trailer on Craigslist when I ran across this M101 military trailer. After bringing it home I quickly decided to make it an off road adventure / camping trailer.

After pressure-washing the trailer, I separated the body from the frame. This allowed me to get a better look at the frame.



After close inspection I found no issue with the frame. It was covered with surface rust but no structural issues.



This is what I used to paint the frame. It covers really well with a hard gloss finish.



In this is a photo I put the body back on the frame and stared work on removing the axle and springs. The metal rack on top is a ladder rack from a truck. The tire in the photo is just prop to get an idea of what it will look like.




That all for now..

 

[Sparksalot]

Nice find, and great bones for an adventure trailer.

 

[jcgraves3]

I replaced the solid axle with two independent Timbren axles from eTrailer. eTrailer provided a lot of detailed measurements, so It was easy to get the right combination of components to fit the trailer.




The rubber pad in the hinge of the axle works like a spring and shock all-in-one. The ride is a little different then a leaf spring set up. The rubber is softer over bumps and feels less stiff then a leaf spring.




In order to get the Jeep rims to fit on the trailer hub I had to drill out a small ridge in the center of the rim. The ridge was used to hold the Jeep center cap. I used a standard doorknob drill bit that fit perfectly. I ran the hand drill on low speed and slowly worked through the ridge.



Here is a photo of the trailer with the new axles and rimes (I was very worried about the final stance being to high or to low).
I replaced the side reflectors and painted the trailer desert tan. I added and modified a ladder rack from a truck to fit the trailer and our roof top tent.
We tried this configuration on a few camping trips and decided we did not like the rooftop tent or the color. :(

MORE TO COME...

 

[M Rose]

I replaced the solid axle with two independent Timbren axles from eTrailer. eTrailer provided a lot of detailed measurements, so It was easy to get the right combination of components to fit the trailer.

View attachment 179394
View attachment 179395

The rubber pad in the hinge of the axle works like a spring and shock all-in-one. The ride is a little different then a leaf spring set up. The rubber is softer over bumps and feels less stiff then a leaf spring.

View attachment 179399


In order to get the Jeep rims to fit on the trailer hub I had to drill out a small ridge in the center of the rim. The ridge was used to hold the Jeep center cap. I used a standard doorknob drill bit that fit perfectly. I ran the hand drill on low speed and slowly worked through the ridge.

View attachment 179400

Here is a photo of the trailer with the new axles and rimes (I was very worried about the final stance being to high or to low).
I replaced the side reflectors and painted the trailer desert tan. I added and modified a ladder rack from a truck to fit the trailer and our roof top tent.
We tried this configuration on a few camping trips and decided we did not like the rooftop tent or the color. :(

MORE TO COME...

View attachment 179401

That’s going to be a nice trailer... while I prefer not to have a toad, I see the appeal. If I didn’t have the T4+ I would be looking for another trailer for an adventure trailer... and if I were to do another adventure trailer I would definitely be using a 105 or a Bantam trailer.

 

[jcgraves3]

We sold the rooftop tent, removed the the ladder rack and....



... bought a (very yellow) truck camper top :). The plan is to make this into an overland version of a 'teardrop' camper.




The side door will access kitchen area. The other side will be for accessing camping gear.



Unlike the teardrop style campers where the access door is on the side, we will access the inside from the back. To help counter balance, I plan to mount the spare on the back (left side).




More to come..

 

[Selectivelynoncompliant]

I like the direction this is going

 

[jcgraves3]

Now with some focus on the inside. I started with using Flex Seal to help waterproof the seams. The spray version was OK, but it was to thin for this application. I went with the can and brush version. This worked out really well.



Started with the kitchen cabinet. To get a tight fit with the side walls I made a template using cardboard and hot glue. I transferred the template to the wood then framed it out.









We decided to paint the trailer a duck boat green color, so here we are painting the cabinet with the new green paint.



More to come..

 

[GLOCKer]

I'm liking where this is going!

 

[M Rose]

You have some great skills John

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Hello Everyone... I'm posting my DIY adventure trailer build story with the hope that it may inspire others to share their adventure trailer project. I started this project a few months back and I plan to post more photos in the coming weeks. To kick us off... It all started off with a search for a utility trailer on Craigslist when I ran across this M101 military trailer. After bringing it home I quickly decided to make it an off road adventure / camping trailer.

View attachment 177651View attachment 177653



View attachment 177666

After pressure-washing the trailer, I separated the body from the frame. This allowed me to get a better look at the frame.

View attachment 177667

After close inspection I found no issue with the frame. It was covered with surface rust but no structural issues.

View attachment 177668

This is what I used to paint the frame. It covers really well with a hard gloss finish.

View attachment 177670

In this is a photo I put the body back on the frame and stared work on removing the axle and springs. The metal rack on top is a ladder rack from a truck. The tire in the photo is just prop to get an idea of what it will look like.


View attachment 177669

That all for now..

I'm to old to take on a project like yours but I wish I could. Looks like you have some good material to start with.

 

[jcgraves3]

Here are some recent photos.

I built the tire rack so that it will swing down to open the door. I may change this later.


I found a good deal on this used roof rack and it fits so good.




Now I will start work on the inside..

 

[M Rose]

That looks very cool

 

[64Trvlr]

Looking good so far I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next.

 

[jcgraves3]

The rain and cold weather has subsided and I finely got some trailer time in. Here are my latest updates..

Notice the cabinet on the left. There is a table attached in the storage position. The table can be removed and attached to the side of the trailer.



We decided to go with the MOLLE set up in the kitchen to keep with the military look. Im trying out various bags to see what works best..



The bed is an old futon rack that slides on some angle iron. This allows me to fold up the bed for both access to items under the bed and to use the trailer to haul stuff when not using it as a military version of a 'teardrop' camper.






I had to fashion a door handle latch, so that we can open the door from the inside. I also installed and pull handle to close the door.



The mattress is a self inflating camping mattress call Qomotop Ultra found on Amazon. This is a nice mattress.



The water system made up of a 'Road Shower' with pex pipe and a simple water valve. No pump needed just gravity.. :)


That's all for now..

 

[Brock Samson]

Diggin' this build! Nice work.

 

[DieselRamOverlander]

Love this!!! Very inspirational build!!! I have been wanting to do something like this for a long time, and you are definitely giving me an itch!!!...

 

[Ken Shorten]

Beautiful job

 

[tjZ06]

Nice build! I particularly like how you'll have room to sit on the foot of the bed and take your boots off before climbing into your sleeping bag.

-TJ

 

[TimChap]

Excellent build and thread! Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Submariner]

Nice build. So how does it pull behind your JKU? is it heavy? And what shell did you use for the top?
I got a M214 that I am using for my tagalong trailer. We are lloking for a "camper" to sleep in. You have done some great Ideas here.