I chose to design a custom fabricated trailer for this project to get all of the features I wanted as well as to simplify the build process. Here are some highlights of the design:
The frame sits on a 3500lb axle and leaf spring with E-Z lube hubs.
The main platform that the TrailTop shell will be built on is 4′ x 6′. I went ahead and had the floor welded in and powdercoated rather than building and sealing a plywood floor.
I went with a versatile tongue platform which has tie-down loops on all 4 corners. This way I can strap anything up front, depending on what is needed for a particular adventure. Of course there will be more storage inside the TrailTop shell as well.
A close up look at the mounting tabs I had welded in to each of the 4 corners. These will be used to bolt the TrailTop shell to the trailer later in the build. More details when I get to that step!
The custom diamond plate side steps are welded in to the fenders. The inside of the fenders were boxed in with sheet metal so that the plywood walls do not have to hold up to road grit, water, etc from the tires. The wheels are a pair of stock 17″ Jeep wheels I picked up locally.
All of the trailer lighting is LED, fully enclosed in sheet metal ‘pods’. These should be bombproof!
Off the back is a 2″ hitch receiver, I expect I’ll hang some bikes off of it eventually. I grabbed some cheap bolt-on dock bumpers, I may try to find some that are the right size to mount to the outer edges of the corner steps as well. They won’t do much if I really hit something, but they will at least protect the powdercoat and my lights if I back into a tree or something at a campground.
Up next, it’s time to start preparing to build the TrailTop shell.