Doc's Truck Bed Trailer Build

[TURBO]

well i figure i start a build thread on this seeing that I might be taking over this project in my spare time.
there are no pics yet because i lost my camera about 2 years ago so stand by i will figure something out in the mean time.

it's going to be your standard pickup bed trailer utilizing the original frame and bed, suspension and axle.
the idea is to tow this thing to camp and set up a Head Quarters basically. for instance the Rubicon, if your taking hwy 50, go past ice house road, past Lake Tahoe, and set up HQ at the springs Via Cadillac Hill. then, ether 1: drive around to loon lake, backtracking along the highway to ice house road, or 2: just wheel threw up big sluice and out to meet everyone at loon and  wheel back. (#2 sounds like more fun to me)

also the idea is to use as many parts as possible on the trailer that will work on the truck towing it, so if you blow a shock or break a leaf you can change it out and drive home safely

TASKS
1: modify front of frame to shape like an "A"          12-14-10
2: weld on tongue                                            12-15-10
3: mount springs                                              12-13-10
4: assemble and install axle                                12-16-10
5: tires                                                           12-16-10
6: shocks
7: mount factory gas tank                                  12-16-10
8: camper top
9: interior/galley
10: lighting
11: generator/air compressor
12: inverter
13: tool box
14: motorcycle rack
15: battery

[TURBO]

well we worked on this a bit yesterday, got the frame cut, just gotta center it and weld it in place, figure i can get that done by tonight

[TURBO]

frame is pretty much done, just a bit of clean up (cut some brackets off, add some things) but the main rails are welded in place and ready to be plated...  i have pics on my phone but no way to upload them...

[Yota Rolla]

 

[Hammerhead]

Cool, this sounds alot like my trail trailer and it works great.  I have a 28 gallon water tank with skid plate mounted between the frame rails ahead of the axle and a fuel tank behind.  Open the tailgate and pullout the full kitchen complete with running water and BBQ.  I enter the sleeping area, in the aluminum camper shell, from the tongue end of the trailer and sleep comfortably on a mattress no matter the weather.  Only way I can get the wife to go camping with me.  She doesn't sleep on the ground...

[TURBO]

yup i know  but i don't have a camera... pics coming soon i promise!

[TURBO]

ok here are some pics of how it sits now... already pretty much done with the basics, just need to cut off the front cab mounts, cross member mount, and do some wiring and we can get this thing tow-able... still gotta put a lot of other things onto and into it, but it's a start...

[TURBO]

another

[TURBO]

and one more

[4RunnerChevy]

Very Nice 

[howyadoin]

That's a seriously long tongue.  Do you have any plans to utilize that space?  Might be cool to mount a grill, full size spare, generator, etc. up there?  Looking good so far.

[87hillbillyoter]

That's a seriously long tongue.  Do you have any plans to utilize that space?  Might be cool to mount a grill, full size spare, generator, etc. up there?  Looking good so far.

thats exactly what i was thinking. but so far it looks sick man!

[THK Matt]

Its even got a spare fuel tank... way to think... lol jk.
Ill watch. so far looks good.

[4RunnerChevy]

That tongue is a great place for your toolbox, compressor, generator, and kegerator.   

[hilux-1983]

Lookin good! Have you seen mine? I did about the same thing. http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=64543.msg901759#msg901759

[TURBO]

yes hilux-1983, i just got done looking at yours, looks nice, i was wondering about the landing jacks, your solution was simple, i'll keep that in mind.


oh, and howyadoin, yes, there are plans for the tongue... mostly standard stuff, generator, air compressor, battery box, and one other thing... a motorcycle rack for a honda trail 90.... well, that's the plan anyway

[Snowtoy]

Nice use of the entire frame, most(myself included) just cut it-off and use square stock.

That's a seriously long tongue.  Do you have any plans to utilize that space?  Might be cool to mount a grill, full size spare, generator, etc. up there?  Looking good so far.

In order for a truck bed trailer to track correctly/safely behind the tow vehicle, you usually have to extend the frame quite a bit to get a proper ratio of length for and aft axle center line, if you don't, the trailer will tend to wander behind the tow vehicle.

[BigMike]

Looks GREAT TURBO and Doc

                                                                                                                       

[Blane525]

Hay tdog thought the full frame was a great idea But now i would like that frame back soon the pain of not having title or the trailer.  will wear off now come on you have some time to make another thanks for doing such a nice job.. see you at my house with that thing!   

[BigMike]

Hey tdog,

CruzrDave has a 1985 Colman trailer pop-up tent for sale. Give him a call or send him a PM

[TURBO]

that's great Big Mike, any who, seems like there's not much rain in the forcast, so maybe some up dates will be coming soon

[Blane525]

  need to see papers please! papers..  JUST  kidding that looks great!

[TURBO]

any who, seems like there's not much rain in the forcast, so maybe some up dates will be coming soon

i was wrong

[TURBO]

oh... ha ha ha  we got the wiring done

[hilux-1983]

Anything to update? Pics, etc....

[golana]

man, that is freaking sweet! i want to build my truck's bed into a trailer haha! cause i have a longbed truck. fits my quad perfectly!

[TURBO]

well, as it sits, all it needs is safety chains, and lug nuts, i now have both... so this could be DONE in about an hours time...

[TURBO]

well besie the safty chains, all i need to do now, is get the papers

[BigMike]

well, as it sits, all it needs is safety chains, and lug nuts, i now have both... so this could be DONE in about an hours time...

I think you posted this roughly 5,746 hours ago

[THK Matt]

How did you get the "frame rails" to curve in like that? did you make relief cuts and then plate it? very curious