DIY Expedition/Overland Trailer

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tkt0912

tkt0912

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Here's a few pics of the build process so far....
We used 3" C-Channel for the frame, 2" square tubing for the tongue and triangular tongue supports. 2500lb galvanized axle, 2000lb leaf springs and some 4x4.5 hub assemblies. Found a great deal on some 18" Jeep wheels and AT tires on Craigslist.
3/4" PT Plywood to skin the cargo box, w/ 2"x2" studs for the framing and all stainless screws were used.
All metal has been primed and painted with truck bed liner.
Next up will be choosing a color for the box........Dark Gray or Olive Drab?!?!? My truck is a brown color from Ford, called Caribou........can't decide which would look best!!!! lol
Our RTT will be installed on top and a new 12v fridge has been ordered. Solar will power the fridge off-grid and hopefully, I'll be able to tie in the battery charging while driving.
Anyway, thanks for checking it out.
Ty
View attachment 41924 View attachment 41925 View attachment 41927 View attachment 41928 View attachment 41931
 
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Beee

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Build is looking great. Welding is a skill I would like to have time to learn.


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tkt0912

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Beee said:
Build is looking great. Welding is a skill I would like to have time to learn.
Click to expand...
Thanks!!! My buddy taught me about 2yrs ago, but I never ended up using the skill. So this time, the same buddy, let me practice on some scrap and then jump in!! He did all of the important and difficult welds. I'm sure it was tough for him to watch me weld, grind, then weld again!!!! lol He was very patient and I truly appreciate him taking his time to teach me. It has definitely been a blast.
 
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ogradydds

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Looks awesome so far! Interested to see your progress. I'd love to eventually do some big project like this, if for no other reason than to have something to tinker on. My wife would kill me with another project at the moment however. :tearsofjoy:
 
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tkt0912

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I'm really falling behind, due to getting ready for the holidays and a recent 3 day vacation. Since my original post, I caulked all joints and filled all screw holes w/ wood putty, then primed the box with an oil based exterior primer. Next, I need to pick a color (thinking olive drab) and then get it painted. Fenders and RTT rack to follow paint.
 
tkt0912

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Walter said:
I see in the background that you also have a Yamaha TW 200. I to have one and really like it. They fit the Overland life style quite well except for the small gas tank.
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That's not mine unfortunately. It's my buddies and he too has an expedition trailer that he built, that houses the bike, 2 kayaks, RTT and more.
 
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tkt0912

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View attachment 44853 View attachment 44854 Finally a bit of progress!!!
Still have fenders to install, as well as the 3 doors (tarp in the back is just to protect from moisture getting in while waiting for doors to arrive) and then running all the electrical wiring. Went with a Lock N' Roll hitch. RTT rack is mounted to height recommended for our RTT annex. Thinking of adding a small roof rack for storage on the top front of the cargo box. Spare tire will mount to the front of the cargo box, on the tongue. Can't wait to get this thing out there!!!
 
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tkt0912

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We've got fenders AND DOORS folks!!!! All running lights, turn signals and interior lights are done as well. Propane tank installed. Rear trim installed. ONLY a few things left.......tag light/bracket, awning install on RTT, spare tire mount and then, I think we'll be good to go!!!
First official test run will be the 23rd-25th of this month, in the Ocala National Forest.
View attachment 47459 View attachment 47460
Oh....... and we got ourselves a dedicated Overlanding Rig!!!!!
 
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tkt0912

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ogradydds said:
Looks awesome so far! Interested to see your progress. I'd love to eventually do some big project like this, if for no other reason than to have something to tinker on. My wife would kill me with another project at the moment however. :tearsofjoy:
Click to expand...
This project has definitely taken me longer than imagined. But, I've been able to take my time and do things as close to "right" as possible. It's been nice having something to do every day when I get home from shift.
 
Gregory Youngblood

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tkt0912 said:
We've got fenders AND DOORS folks!!!! All running lights, turn signals and interior lights are done as well. Propane tank installed. Rear trim installed. ONLY a few things left.......tag light/bracket, awning install on RTT, spare tire mount and then, I think we'll be good to go!!!
First official test run will be the 23rd-25th of this month, in the Ocala National Forest.
View attachment 47459 View attachment 47460
Oh....... and we got ourselves a dedicated Overlanding Rig!!!!!
Click to expand...
Very nice build!

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SubeeBen

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Awesome build, love to see the diy builds & not someone who just has a big wallet to go buy whatever. No offense to those who have the money to, but just saying.
 
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xoomi

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Cool build, I was just wondering did you use trailer brakes? If not what do you think so far do you think they are necessary or would help?
 
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tkt0912

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xoomi said:
Cool build, I was just wondering did you use trailer brakes? If not what do you think so far do you think they are necessary or would help?
Click to expand...
Sorry for the delay in response!! I did not install trailer brakes. So far, I don't see the need. However, I have yet to have it up in the mountains. We'll be in the mountains in May and might be able to give a better opinion then. I'm hoping that with the trailers weight not being "that much", it'll be ok without them.

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