Dirt Rider
Member
Looks really nice! Good job!
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Nutts Enclosed Trailer project
- Thread starter NUTTSGT
- Start date
avgjoeracing
Member
Nice work! Great ideas, especially using the generator door to load fuel. Keep 'em coming! I'm struggling with fuel location also. I have a 24' Stealth that I use to haul my FFR Challenge Series car.
You work pretty fast too. I got mine in '14 and so far I've insulated the walls. Big plans, no time.
You work pretty fast too. I got mine in '14 and so far I've insulated the walls. Big plans, no time.
avgjoeracing
Member
I also meant to ask about mounting your tool box and vibrations. Did you add anything to dampen vibration in the tool box? Any concern about vibrations beating up the rollers/bearings in the drawer sliders? I know you said you were only doing short trips but...
aka Larry
Well-known member
Don't know how I missed this thread, but damn nice work Eric. Looks awesome!
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Nutts: any updates or was this last week the 60 hour work week?
OP
Not much for updates. I've worked on it a little bit here and there. Finally having some nice weather this fall, I've been trying to get some other stuff done. ...
spent a day at my parents, pretty much unplanned for the "whole" day cutting some trees that had taken down, then Monday, I spent about 5 hours over there splitting it. Today, i have to get going to haul all the split wood back into the woods and stack it for use next year. Once that's done, I'll be coming home to do the leaves that I haven't done for 5 days....
I love fall but there's not enough daylight in the day.
krcoomer
Well-known member
I love fall but there's not enough daylight in the day.
Oh so true. At least this year it has been mostly dry and warm, which is its own sort of problem. Makes jobs like stacking firewood more like doing it in summer.
OP
Between taking care of some trees (which are now firewood...cut, split and stacked in the woods), the rain, chopping leaves, work and whatever else has pooped up in teh last two weeks, I've got not much done to the trailer. It'll be going into storage soon and I do need to get a few things done.
I started to lay out this bracket to mount the sofa/sleeper. I could have bought one but they're about $80 and I figured where's the fun in that ?
After a few headaches with the 16" OC not being quite correct, I took the brackets off the sofa and got them mounted on the bracket I made.
I started to lay out this bracket to mount the sofa/sleeper. I could have bought one but they're about $80 and I figured where's the fun in that ?
After a few headaches with the 16" OC not being quite correct, I took the brackets off the sofa and got them mounted on the bracket I made.
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OP
I had to drill a couple of new holes but here it is the sofa/sleeper in the "bed" position.
With the back folded up and over, it becomes a couch.
Then fold the back down and flip the entire unit up with the legs folded in and it becomes the "stowed" position.
Seeing as it didn't come with directions, I believe I need to screw those straps to the wall to secure it. I've fired an email off to Blazing Belltech inquiring about it.
With the back folded up and over, it becomes a couch.
Then fold the back down and flip the entire unit up with the legs folded in and it becomes the "stowed" position.
Seeing as it didn't come with directions, I believe I need to screw those straps to the wall to secure it. I've fired an email off to Blazing Belltech inquiring about it.
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JC23
Well-known member
Figured you'd be taking advantage of the great weather we're having...
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Nutts: the couch/bed looks great and even if the company doesn't get back to you with a solution on how to attach it i bet you'll figure something out. is there much as far as structure in these enclosed trailer's walls?
good luck
good luck
OP
I got an email back from Blazing Belltech, which I have to admit, they have been quite good replying to emails, and they confirmed my thoughts. Tommorrow, I'll be putting a few screws through the straps into the wall.
The structure in the walls depends on the trailer and model of the trailer. Some trailers are built stronger than others, much like anything else, you tend to get what you pay for. My walls are 16"OC, supposedly. I found that a couple of them are off a little bit but I worked around that.
OP
In anticipation of Winter storage, I added some new tie downs to the Mustang last night. I used a new axle strap and cut the loops off. Once they were cleaned along with the rearend of the Mustang, I welded them in place.
A friend came out last night and we loaded the Mustang into the trailer and strapped it down. Now that the car is loaded, the trailer will get put away till Spring. I doubt I'll have much to update this thread during the Winter but I might come up with something.
A friend came out last night and we loaded the Mustang into the trailer and strapped it down. Now that the car is loaded, the trailer will get put away till Spring. I doubt I'll have much to update this thread during the Winter but I might come up with something.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Eric, I did something similar when I was building both mine and my son's Jeep axles. I machined and welded some attachment points onto the axles so strapping them down was a bit quicker and easier than trying to get an axle strap around the axle trying not to pinch a brake line or electrical wiring/connector. They work quite well and sure make it quicker to strap a vehicle down. Nice job.
Mike.
Mike.
OP
Thanks Mike.
I good friend on mine had put loops on many of the cars he has raced or built for others. He had told me I should do the same, especially after getting the enclosed trailer. I had picked up some new axle straps for the new trailer and I was looking at them when it dawned on me that these loops should work great.
Since they are flat, they provide two nice edges to weld to and were easy to clamp down. Although I should have moved the jack stand so I could have got a better anlge for part of it. Oh well, they have black paint on them and will work.
I good friend on mine had put loops on many of the cars he has raced or built for others. He had told me I should do the same, especially after getting the enclosed trailer. I had picked up some new axle straps for the new trailer and I was looking at them when it dawned on me that these loops should work great.
Since they are flat, they provide two nice edges to weld to and were easy to clamp down. Although I should have moved the jack stand so I could have got a better anlge for part of it. Oh well, they have black paint on them and will work.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Nutts: nice job on the strapping solution. BTW have you posted any pictures of your car strapped inside your trailer yet and if you haven't already locked it up for the winter how about a couple to see how all your improvements look with your car inside?
so on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best built trailer where in that system would your new trailer fall before all the improvements and how would you rate it after you get your improvements finished?
WELL DONE and hope your racing season next season is a lot more fun with the new digs.
so on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best built trailer where in that system would your new trailer fall before all the improvements and how would you rate it after you get your improvements finished?
WELL DONE and hope your racing season next season is a lot more fun with the new digs.
OP
I was going to snap a few pictures but it was fairly late when it finally got strapped in and the door closed. I had to worjk the next day and the following morning, I was anxious to get it stored and put away. It might sound lame but that's my excuse for lack of pictures before it left the driveway.
Rating my trailer ? I'd want to rate it high... because it's mine and what I bought. It all depends what you want to spend and what you want in a trailer or what you're going to use it for.
Top of the line would be something like Renagade or Gold Rush. GR makes some nice trailers but they are an all aluminum trailer. A GR similar to what I bought probably would have been double the money. Renagade stuff is pricey too but nice, they also make Toterhomes which can cost about 5 times what I paid for my house.
Classic Trailer is one that succumbed to the economy/recession but they were well built trailers too. I know a guy that used to be a dealer for them, he sold all the goose neck trailers they made two years in a row.
There's also Vintage Trailers who make some nice stuff but a little more money than what I paid for mine. I don't recall anybody local to me selling them though. I found what I liked and leaned towards United trailers. I'm sure there are guys out there that don't like them but honestly, mine would probably in on the list at an overall 7.
Like I mentioned, everybody is going to have the brand they like, hate, have used or won't touch, much like Ford, GM or Dodge brand loyalty.
Rating my trailer ? I'd want to rate it high... because it's mine and what I bought. It all depends what you want to spend and what you want in a trailer or what you're going to use it for.
Top of the line would be something like Renagade or Gold Rush. GR makes some nice trailers but they are an all aluminum trailer. A GR similar to what I bought probably would have been double the money. Renagade stuff is pricey too but nice, they also make Toterhomes which can cost about 5 times what I paid for my house.
Classic Trailer is one that succumbed to the economy/recession but they were well built trailers too. I know a guy that used to be a dealer for them, he sold all the goose neck trailers they made two years in a row.
There's also Vintage Trailers who make some nice stuff but a little more money than what I paid for mine. I don't recall anybody local to me selling them though. I found what I liked and leaned towards United trailers. I'm sure there are guys out there that don't like them but honestly, mine would probably in on the list at an overall 7.
Like I mentioned, everybody is going to have the brand they like, hate, have used or won't touch, much like Ford, GM or Dodge brand loyalty.
rixtrix1
Well-known member
Nice trailer and upgrades, Eric. Did you change out the race tires before you strapped the car down for the winter? Would be too bad if they got flatspotted.
Too bad about the T5. Put one from D&D in our roadracing 94 GT that has better gear ratios and metal quality. 4 years later it's still going strong and was only $1800. You probably have double the HP we have, though.
Too bad about the T5. Put one from D&D in our roadracing 94 GT that has better gear ratios and metal quality. 4 years later it's still going strong and was only $1800. You probably have double the HP we have, though.
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minytrker
Well-known member
Enclosed trailers are super nice but never ending, atleast for me. I end up re-doing the while inside, wiring, paint, lights, etc. I started out with a bumper pull 28ft then went to a gooseneck 40 ft. The bumper 28 was much harder to get around than the gooseneck 40 ft.
OP
Even though the trailer is put away for the Winter, I do have a few items I can work on to pass the time. One of them is a LP tank mount, I'll be using LP for the little gas grill and possibly to run a Mr Buddy heater if need be in the Fall.
I'm mounting the tank on the tongue that I covered with aluminum diamond plate. I want the tank to sit in a mount and look nice. The **** of the tank has a rim around it but it's not tall enough for my plans so I need to make an extension.
I started off by making something the correct size that I could bend the metal around. I cut a round block out of a 2x10. Then I cut a section of steel and started bending it for a rough shape.
I made it longer so I would have something to hold on to while bending and it was getting close.
Not perfect but it'll work.
I'm mounting the tank on the tongue that I covered with aluminum diamond plate. I want the tank to sit in a mount and look nice. The **** of the tank has a rim around it but it's not tall enough for my plans so I need to make an extension.
I started off by making something the correct size that I could bend the metal around. I cut a round block out of a 2x10. Then I cut a section of steel and started bending it for a rough shape.
I made it longer so I would have something to hold on to while bending and it was getting close.
Not perfect but it'll work.
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OP
Once it was cut to size, I sanded the paint off and cleaned the metal prior to welding. I did a few welds around the edge, welded the ends of the extension and filled the holes inthe **** of the rim. I didn't touch the tank itself.
Then I drilled some 1/2" holes on the opposite sides for a steel rod to pass through.
A little primer and some white paint drying over night. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the lower part where I painted with some bedliner to give it some resistance to scratches.
Then I drilled some 1/2" holes on the opposite sides for a steel rod to pass through.
A little primer and some white paint drying over night. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the lower part where I painted with some bedliner to give it some resistance to scratches.
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OP
Now that I have my trailer pad finished, if you follow along in the Garage Refurb, I can get started back on the trailer again.
Sizing up the pad and where the trailer will sit.
The apron behind the trailer should give a nice spot for the ramp door to sit on and be level.
Nicely tucked in between the garages yet I still have easy access to the side door. I'll also be adding a receptacle coming out of the garage shed for trailer "shore power."
Sizing up the pad and where the trailer will sit.
The apron behind the trailer should give a nice spot for the ramp door to sit on and be level.
Nicely tucked in between the garages yet I still have easy access to the side door. I'll also be adding a receptacle coming out of the garage shed for trailer "shore power."
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captain14
Well-known member
Do you pull through between the garages to park the trailer?
Theast picture allowed me to orientate myself to how this is laid out in relation to the two garages.
Theast picture allowed me to orientate myself to how this is laid out in relation to the two garages.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice job Eric. The trailer looks right at home.
Mike
Mike
OP
Yes, I pulled through, unhooked and drove the truck out the yard. When I hook up to leave, I will back the trailer out the driveway not pull it through the yard.
OP
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Looks great. Any plans for a backup camera on the trailer?
SiGmA_X
Well-known member
How do you secure the trailer?
OP
No, not at this time. However, I believe I'm going to need another set of eyes when I back out. Leaving on a state route does have it's issues with traffic. To the east is somewhat of a blind spot and the traffic coming from the West likes to start speeding up.
It never fails, there will be no traffic for 10 minutes and as soon I have tried to back my open trailer in/out or position it in some way, the cars and trucks appear out of nowhere.
I would have loved to simply backed the trailer up in front of the garage. That would have entailed my truck sitting across the road for a few minutes and that can't happen.
OP
The same as I do my open trailer, with a lock through the hitch. However with the trailer sitting between the garages, it's slightly hidden to traffic going by.
If somebody wanted it, they are going to have to back down through the yard, which isn't going to happen if it has rained. Anybody with half a brain will know that they might get stuck and probably best off to a have a 4wd truck. Then to back it out, the daughter's car or her BF's car is probably sitting behind it. So they would need to have that car not sitting there.
I work 24 on/48 off, so they need to figure out my schedule when the armed owner is not at home. The dog we have now, is a barker if he hears something.
Then to top it off, the wife is the admin assistant to the Sheriff, and I know all the deputies. They tend to sit in our driveway to run traffic or if they are doing paperwork. Many times if I'm outside, one of them will stop to shoot the bull for a few minutes. You can also include the Post Commander for the state patrol is a friend and lives a few miles down the road, He'll occasionally stop for a few minutes and see what's up. Trust me when I say that people know where LEOs sit as I have had many people ask me about it.
I also have good neighbors as we all what out for each other and basically know who should be around and who shouldn't. We have all questioned people that are at others homes. The neighbor to the west of me is also a Correctional Officer for the Sheriff's office and works various shifts coming/going at various hours. Also, being on the local volunteer dept, those guys watch what happens as they go by day to day or when going on calls. Believe it or not, you can add in the local EMS provider goes by on a regular basis with eyes open. More than one time, I have had one of them say something to me about what I'm working on at home when I'm at work and on an EMS call or when they come to one of their fire calls.
That being said (and long winded) I am very fortunate to have many friends and lucky to have people of various employers looking out for my place, but if somebody wants something bad enough, they will get it.
OP
Tried to get back on the LP tank mount today but as usual, life gets in the way. I spent about an hour on it today.
I cleaned by bottom piece off with a flap disc and then tossed it into blast cabinet to clean it up. I marked the position of the receiver ring and drilled some mounting holes. Please pardon the not quite roundness of it. A slip roller or something would be nice to have. Once it's on the trailer and the tank set in place, it shouldn't be as noticeable.
A better picture of the welds.
I need to pick up some rod tomorrow and make some u-bolts to mount it to the tongue of the trailer.
I cleaned by bottom piece off with a flap disc and then tossed it into blast cabinet to clean it up. I marked the position of the receiver ring and drilled some mounting holes. Please pardon the not quite roundness of it. A slip roller or something would be nice to have. Once it's on the trailer and the tank set in place, it shouldn't be as noticeable.
A better picture of the welds.
I need to pick up some rod tomorrow and make some u-bolts to mount it to the tongue of the trailer.
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Growlertdi
Well-known member
looks like a nice mount for your LP tank, its too bad you had to modify the standard 20gal tank to fit your mounting system.
will work a treat though.
will work a treat though.
OP
It's okay. If there's a certain way you want things, sometimes you have to make it the way you want it.
OP
Some of you might have seen the thread I started about making U-bolts. Well I have them made and thought I'd share my experience. After another member mentioned using a compact bender, it intrigued me.
I did a quick search and found one on HF's website for $40 and after a 20% coupon, less than $35 out the door. The problem was, apparently HF is putting these on clearance and I had to make a larger drive to find one. My suggestion, if you want one, better to start looking now and not to wait.
Compact bender item
https://www.harborfreight.com/compact-metal-bender-99826.html
Unpacked;
Assembled;
I test bent a few different things, brake line,all thread, round and flat stock.
I did a quick search and found one on HF's website for $40 and after a 20% coupon, less than $35 out the door. The problem was, apparently HF is putting these on clearance and I had to make a larger drive to find one. My suggestion, if you want one, better to start looking now and not to wait.
Compact bender item
https://www.harborfreight.com/compact-metal-bender-99826.html
Unpacked;
Assembled;
I test bent a few different things, brake line,all thread, round and flat stock.
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OP
I did some quick math to figure out how long of a piece I needed but forgot to include a measurement so I had a piece to practice with.
I ran a die down some 5/16" rod to cut the threads. I did both ends prior to bending them. Note to self: Make sure to tighten the vise other rod stock with rotate while spinning die.
One practice piece at the top, bottom is a good U-bolt and the left is a piece waiting to be bent. I'm not sure if you can see that both ends are threaded.
I ran a die down some 5/16" rod to cut the threads. I did both ends prior to bending them. Note to self: Make sure to tighten the vise other rod stock with rotate while spinning die.
One practice piece at the top, bottom is a good U-bolt and the left is a piece waiting to be bent. I'm not sure if you can see that both ends are threaded.
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OP
Both U-bolts are finished.
Mocked up in the LP tank bracket.
A quick pass in the blast cabinet, some primer/paint and maybe a coated with some bedliner and I can get it mounted on the trailer.
Here's a picture of the bender clamped to my portable welding table. I need to figure out a different way to mount it, maybe a hitch/receiver on the workbench ?
Mocked up in the LP tank bracket.
A quick pass in the blast cabinet, some primer/paint and maybe a coated with some bedliner and I can get it mounted on the trailer.
Here's a picture of the bender clamped to my portable welding table. I need to figure out a different way to mount it, maybe a hitch/receiver on the workbench ?
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OP
After trying to get a few things done and fighting the on and off rain, I finally have the LP tank mount, mounted.
Test fitting the tank and seeing how it looks.
I still have to finish up the mounting pin. However, that won't take but a short bit to get that cut to length, drilled for pin and a head of some type welded on it.
Test fitting the tank and seeing how it looks.
I still have to finish up the mounting pin. However, that won't take but a short bit to get that cut to length, drilled for pin and a head of some type welded on it.
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WoodsTruck
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2013
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Looks like you would have room to fab up a lockable tray for chock blocks next to the propane bottle too.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Nutts: nice work on the U bolts and fab work and i hope your tank stays in place with just the one bolt. great job and thanks for all the pictures and information too!!