What has 24" of clearance, 37" tires & is almost ready?

[MichaelW]

Thanks VSDPV! I do like the idea and who knows what changes may come down the pike at a later date. But for now I'll keep the spare up front as I drive a Jeep so it's not like aerodynamics are being compromised much more than a brick going down the highway.

Gib, I am actually getting holders for 4 total water/gas jugs up front and two in back so 3 on each side. But again not a bad idea and who knows I may want to change things around.

Thanks for the input guys!

Rick has promised me a couple more photo's but I haven't seen them yet so maybe tomorrow some pics with the sides installed.

[MichaelW]

Sweet lordie jesus I got me some more images of my trailer from Rick. This is all welded up and ready to go for a bead blasting then a powder coating in Jeep Green to match my JK.

I have to say that I am impressed with what I see in the pictures. This definitely looks like a trailer I can take off road and toss a quad in the back for hunting or to go get a load rocks for the landscaping projects.

I really like the welds and gusseting. I can't wait to load it up and take it on a road trip!

Hmm, I wonder what the weather is like now in Southern New Mexico or Big Bend National Park?

So the next set of images you will see should be after powder coating and with some of the electrical and tool boxes installed.

I am happy thus far!

[MichaelW]

[MossMan]

man, tha's lookin better all the time. have any idea what it's gonna weigh?

[MichaelW]

Thanks!

I don't yet know what it weighs but it will be weighed as part of the licensing process. I think the comment was, it weighs less than you think, until you add the 37" tires.

[Gib]

Looking really sharp Michael. I can't wait to see some pics of this behind your Jeep. Are you going to have them paint the whole thing, or will you leave the bed area unpainted?

[MichaelW]

Thanks!

It's being bead blasted as we speak. There is still some time to consider this before the powder coating gets applied. I'm debating on having them powder coat the whole thing then I can scuff it up and Rhino-line or Herculiner the tub. If I have them just powder coat the whole thing then I can wait until later for the liner product.

[jdemonto]

Looking good Mike, can't wait to see the build complete. I am thinking of having a trailer built very soon...just need to draw up some plans!

Jason

[MichaelW]

I can probably help you out there Jason. Just tell me what kind of specs you are looking for and we will go from there.

[Gib]

Will it have front and rear landing legs?

[MichaelW]

It will have 3 jacks that are removable, one up front and two in the back. That way I can stabilize it when not connected of even over lift a corner to change a tire.

[jdemonto]

Originally Posted by MichaelW

I can probably help you out there Jason. Just tell me what kind of specs you are looking for and we will go from there.

I would like to build one like this with a rack to accomedate a pop up tent.


http://milspecoffroad.com/

[MichaelW]

Now we have color and the electrical is going in! Almost time for me to drive down to pick it up.

















I'm really liking how this is coming together!

[Duke]

If you don't mind me asking, what does a custom built trailer like this cost?

[MichaelW]

No, I don't mind at all Duke.

Your basic, basic box on wheels is going to run you about $3k.

Start adding goodies and it goes up from there. As an example I added just $1400 in tires and wheels for my 37" tires.

There are several companies that build trailers. Some start off with basic kits such as the one in the link others start off with a very well equipped trailer and will even add the kitchen sink. In the end though the actual price differences seem to be be small in comparison (apples to apples) and the biggest difference being in design and use. As an example this trailer will haul a quad to a remote site where an Adventure Trailer as an example won't haul the quad but will set you up in style.

I would have to say that the least possible trailer would be if you built entirely yourself and have the skills and tools at your disposal, but if you figure that in, then it still going to cost 3-5 grand for the tools.

FWIW, I checked a lot of companies and think I considered every single one out there and the costs where very, very similar. To the point that consideration was given to geographic locality as a factor. It just depends on what you are going to use your trailer for. $3k gets you a simple basic box. $5-7k gets you a box with some improvements and upgrades. $7-15k gets you a trailer with a specific use in mind and brings all the comforts of home along with you.

Oh and used trailers, they are out there. Some are quite the bargains. But I've checked around to enough of a degree to realize that you will need to be very patient and very lucky to get a "killer" deal on a good off road trailer such as the old Jeep trailer. I will add that those trailers are pretty well built but the ones I found were in pretty poor shape and decayed to the point of almost no return to those "restored" selling for the $3k(plus!) mark for an old beat up although restored used trailer that still didn't have all the electrical I wanted, electric brakes, the room and tie down locations, and the list goes on. I needless to say gave up my quest for a used one and finally just had one built to my specs.

If you find an old military trailer for $500 bucks buy it. I've seen piles of rust and rotten rubber sell for well over $1500 on e-bay.

[RedRockJK]

Lookin' good!
.
.
.

[Gib]

It's lookin' pretty darn good, Michael. Is that factory Jeep Green? It looks a little lighter in the photo's. I hope I'm wrong.

[MichaelW]

I'm hoping it is the lighting and crappy camera too. I hope that match is better than we think. But even still once everything is on board very little paint will really be exposed. But I'm still hoping for a better match than what I see too.

[RubyMtnRubicon]

So you have not seen it since paint? What a slacker! Looks good. Once my dad moves up after he retires I will be looking at getting an off road trailer of some sort. Hes thinking about getting another CJ5 so we can go play.

[MichaelW]

Ready for pick up on Saturday! Looks like I'll be in Santa Paula on Saturday and driving around my new toy.

[newimage]

Hey Mikey we are ready for you to come down and pick up your new toy after that we are heading to the Hammers for Goat Fest are you up for it?
Lots of Press will be there....get it....

[MichaelW]

I'mmm Baaaaccckkkk!

I left Friday at 5pm out of Carson City. I hit some of the nastiest fog I've seen in a long time at the 14/5 interchange and then drove the rest of the way at a snails pace, particularly on 126 as I couldn't see 15 feet in front of my Jeep and I was running the wipers to clear off the fog build-up on the windshield.

I arrived at Rick's house at 12:30AM. I did tell him to not worry about it as I could get a hotel in town but he insisted on putting me up in his toy hauler and I was feeling pretty bad that I kept him up so late. Then upon arriving I find that he and his wife both had stayed awake awaiting my arrival. But despite that fact I kept them up waiting for me they both made me feel welcome and Rick took me out to the garage (Man Sanctuary) to get a glimpse of my new trailer.

WOW!

Ok now I am impressed. Very nicely built and all sorts of little "extra's" and a lot of attention to detail. But it is past everyone's bed time, including Daisy their min-pin that is just a sweetheart.

I have to tell you that Rick doesn't skimp on things and I had to reveal the story of the evil mattress they have in the toy hauler. I had just driven almost 8 hours and just had a glimpse of my new trailer and figured I'd be spending a good hour trying to fall asleep. NOT. They have one of those Temperpedic (sp) styled mattresses that conforms to your body. They have several layers of Mexican Blankets that wrap around you and makes you feel like you are back in your mothers womb. I think it took me 3, maybe 5 seconds to fall asleep. I know in the morning I was hesitant to get up and could have laid there and relaxed for hours. But my new trailer awaits.

In the morning Rick invites me into the house and proceeds to make breakfast burritos with eggs and sausage and bacon. Man it is rough being at Rick's house. His wife and daughter provide good company and conversation as the nights fog begins to burn off not only in my head but also outside.

After eating and conversing it's time to go back into the garage and start getting things ready so I can make the return trip to Carson.

Ok I can't say enough good things so before I sound like a used car salesman, let me you start presenting you with some pictures.

Here is the trailer as we measure up the hitch and receiver and find that my hitch was just about a perfect drop.

[MichaelW]

Heading out of L.A. on 14 you go past Aqua Dulce Canyon and Vasquez Rocks.

I figured that would be a great place to get some pictures. Well it was pretty crowded so I pulled up a little on the way out and got some poser picks.

I didn't see Captain Kirk or the Gorn. Nor did the Flintstones invite me in for lunch.

[MichaelW]

Hitting Lone Pine on 395 about dusk was not what I had hoped for but I think it worked out in the long run for some more poser pictures.

And no I didn't see Gunga Din, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart or any giant underground Graboids. Although running into Reba would have been pretty cool.

[MichaelW]

OK and one last batch as the scenery is just too awesome around Lone Pine to just take a few pictures.

















Oh and welcome to Bridgeport!