military inspired trailer build

[ashleylipus]

i decided some time ago that i would build an off road trailer to tow behind my perentie. inspired by the ruggedness of the military trailers available i jumped on autodesk inventor and after some procrastination, i finally came up with a design i liked and set out ordering materials and parts.
here is the design i came up with

[ashleylipus]

i then found some wheels on eBay to match my percentile wheels.. i found 4 of the old 5.5"x16" steel wheels, sand blasted them and coated them in olive drab, i bought 2 sets of xxl's from minto as well, one set for the perentie and a set for the trailer and spares.


most of the frame fabricated, I'm a boilermaker and work for an engineering company so Im doing this project there.

[ashleylipus]

I've got for days off this weekend for anzac day so on saturday I've installed the jockey wheel (ark xo heavy duty off road jockey wheel) fitted the alko rebound springs and axle and wheels, today I've added the shock absorbers, drilled some holes and mounted lights and planned for the next steps,

a pic of the trailer behind the perentie, i think ill shorten the draw bar a little


tail lights fitted


ill work on it a little more this weekend, order some more material for the tailgate and hopefully have it at the galvanisers by next weekend.

[BEARMAN]

It will be easier to reverse if you leave the drawbar as it is. The shorter the drawbar the harder it is to reverse without jackknifing.

[ashleylipus]

It will be easier to reverse if you leave the drawbar as it is. The shorter the drawbar the harder it is to reverse without jackknifing.

thanks BEARMAN i have heard that a few times.. i will most likely leave it then, its not overly long.. 4 meters overall

[m-coffey]

that's a nice looking unit, would look good behind my 101, exposed frame with sheeting inside that is.

[ashleylipus]

that's a nice looking unit, would look good behind my 101, exposed frame with sheeting inside that is.

Yep, exactly the look im going for.

Did a little more today, fabricated a plate and mounted the ring hitch, welded on the safety chain holders, picked up some last pieces of material and ordered bolts.
Also took it for a quick tow around the court. Tows well and is easy to reverse. Doesn't hop around

[Young Eric]

nice workshop !
nice old chamberlain & cummins powered dodge

[BEARMAN]

Be nice if you could post up a photo of it all finished and galvanised Ashley. Are you going to put some shockies on it - will make it ride much better.

[ashleylipus]

Be nice if you could post up a photo of it all finished and galvanised Ashley. Are you going to put some shockies on it - will make it ride much better.

nice workshop !
nice old chamberlain & cummins powered dodge

Yes eric my boss loves his machines. the dodge still gets some use every now and then.

And bearman i did put shockers on, all parts were sourced from couplemate in QLD he also  recommended putting them on. Still a bit of work to do but ill be posting more progress photos as i go.

[dodgeguy1942]

Did you drill holes for the galvanising

[ashleylipus]

Did you drill holes for the galvanising

Certainly did, lots.. fully internally and externally vented. Most holes are underneath but I'll be drilling a few more in different places that will be covered by sheet and other things. Dont want any visible holes on the outside

[ashleylipus]

A bit more progress this weekend. Got the tailgate done

[ashleylipus]

Welded in some tie down points.


Also had a test run of all accessories I'll be fitting to the front and took some measurements

[STEVE F]

I like that tailgate hinge, assuming it's so you can lift it off easily?

Cheers
Steve