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JRJ33P
30-05-2010, 08:25 PM
well, the back half anyway......................

I've been wanting to get my own trailer/camper of some description rather then hijacking the oldies Cub all the time, and thats a bit hard when they're coming on the same trips :rolleyes:

so when I saw this trailer on ebay, I just had to have it!

I bought it off Black Widow in Melbourne.

I found out the trailer was actually built by ARB Thomastown back in 2003 as a display and in 2007, Black Widow bought it off them to also use as a display trailer.

Its a 2001 single cab Hilux tub on the original chassis and running the original diff, axles and brakes - which have been converted to a hydraulic override system.

Just a few of the goodies:

ARB Canopy - with internal racks
ARB Steel Trade Rack
ARB Rear Step Tow Bar
OME Suspension
Black Widow Draw System
Cooper Tires
Space Case - 1100 (L) x 550 (W) x 660 (H)


While the YJ is being rebuilt, I need to try and get out and do a bit more camping for a bit more R&R and and keep myself sane.

I spose it will also be another one of my little projects, with more things in mind to add to it.

Just a few of those ideas:

Foxwing Awning off the side of the rack
Battery system with Anderson Plug charging (possibly a solar panel)
Water tank under the front
and maybe further on down the track, I made decide to cut down the rack to mount a roof top tent - but we'll see how that goes....


here's just a few pics - will add more as i do more....

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper001.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper003.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper002.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper005.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper006.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper004.jpg

JRJ33P
30-05-2010, 08:27 PM
and after I removed all the sign writing.....



http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper010.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper011.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper012.jpg

deanfoldi
30-05-2010, 08:35 PM
nice looks good !!!!!

Lucafer
03-06-2010, 04:08 AM
I'd swap ya MY Cub for it!

JRJ33P
03-06-2010, 05:28 PM
I'd swap ya MY Cub for it!


lol, already got one of those!

actually, finally got the blue slip for it today, just gotta get it registered now.

BrisNut
03-06-2010, 07:33 PM
Just waiting for somone to do something like this with a Jeep, A bit more effort I guess due to lack of a factory rear tub, maybe someone could cut a Cherokee up.

JRJ33P
03-06-2010, 08:05 PM
Just waiting for somone to do something like this with a Jeep, A bit more effort I guess due to lack of a factory rear tub, maybe someone could cut a Cherokee up.


one of the guys in the sunshine coast jeep club had one, and sold it recently to Austops... from what ive heard its had a camo make over

Gildo
04-06-2010, 09:14 PM
That would look even cooler if you had a Hilux...... :) nicely set up rig anyway.
Add a water tank where the fuel was, chuck a mattress in the back and you are good to GO!

JRJ33P
04-06-2010, 10:34 PM
That would look even cooler if you had a Hilux...... :) nicely set up rig anyway.
Add a water tank where the fuel was, chuck a mattress in the back and you are good to GO!

thats my intention!


long term i'd still consider a rooftop tent... given that one of the wranglers will be the vehicles towing it (sweet f/a room in the back), i want to transport my fridge in there, so the rooftop tent would allow me all the room i want in the trailer.

Richo
04-06-2010, 11:44 PM
Watch the foxwings....
damn near $1k, i have 2 mates with them, both have had dramas... both have nearly pulled the material through the end of the spars, (early batch, apparently now extra gussets at the ends) and both were bent in a light wind. They MUST be poled and pegged down at all times, or they flop over the roof and dself destruct.

JRJ33P
07-06-2010, 07:05 PM
Watch the foxwings....
damn near $1k, i have 2 mates with them, both have had dramas... both have nearly pulled the material through the end of the spars, (early batch, apparently now extra gussets at the ends) and both were bent in a light wind. They MUST be poled and pegged down at all times, or they flop over the roof and dself destruct.


yes, im very aware of all that.... they are something that needs to be poled and tie down at all times, or yeh, they just flop and act like sails on a boat...


she's just about all packed for her maiden run with me this weekend to belanglo...

mounted some shovel holders and a shovel on the rack - so ive started adding little goodies here and there to make it as practical as possible


cant wait for the weekend!!!

JRJ33P
14-06-2010, 06:17 PM
just got back from the weekend in Belanglo, where i took the trailer for its first run with me.

tows really nice, may need to change shocks, but all in all was a good weekend....

bloody cold at night, and needed a few blankets, but you get that when you go camping in a pine forest in the middle of winter


just a few pics of the old girl at our site :)


http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Belanglo-June2010042.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Belanglo-June2010045.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Belanglo-June2010044.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Belanglo-June2010049.jpg

JRJ33P
01-08-2010, 09:25 PM
earlier this week, i picked up a Foxwing super cheap... so brought it home and fitted that up today after i finished installing the new suspesnion on the TJ.

there is a 2 week trip in the planning for the end of september up around northern NSW and over the border into QLD including about 200kms of dirt roads - so im about to spend a little bit of time goin over it some more.
I will be putting in a couple of vents on the space case, so that i can cart fuel around (not quite ready for an auxilary fuel tank in the TJ yet), and will also have to try and seal up around the tail gate more so i can reduce the amount of dust that will find its way in.... i think ill look at these next weekend ;-)

heres a couple of pics of the awning on the trailer, unfortunately dont have the room to open it out so will have to wait till the next trip!

JRJ33P
22-08-2010, 03:45 PM
took the trailer down to belanglo this weekend to trial a couple of things like how the new suspension would go on the TJ with the trailer on the back, how the new Nitrocharger Sports shocks would go on the trailer, and to open out the new Foxwing!

here's a few pics of the set up - its definately getting there!!

stroked
31-08-2010, 10:51 AM
pretty nifty, there was an xj one about somewhere, looked tidy as!

JRJ33P
31-08-2010, 07:37 PM
pretty nifty, there was an xj one about somewhere, looked tidy as!


that lives in qld somewhere.... i think austops have it now.... one of the guys in the sunshine coast jeep club used to have it.

flexytj
31-08-2010, 07:39 PM
that is nearly bigger than the tj .

is it heavy

kitrino_tj
31-08-2010, 07:41 PM
i dont think id fit in that camper to sleep

JRJ33P
31-08-2010, 09:43 PM
i fit in it no worries, and quite comfortably.... but i think for longer trips, or times when im staying in the one place for more then a couple of days id take my sway on legs and set it up under the awning.

JRJ33P
31-08-2010, 10:01 PM
another update on things....

The new Nitrocharger Sport shocks on the trailer made a big difference, but the feedback from the old man who had been following me was that whilst it was alot better from the swaying point of view, if i hit a big enough bump or hole, it would still move a little bit - and given that i dont really want to make the springs any stiffer (after all, it is only a trailer) i needed to come up with something that could help eliminate the sway.

discussing this with a family friend, he suggested i consider an anti-sway bar for it - a bit out there, but it made sense!

upon some more thought, i decided to give K-MAC at Rockdale a call - they had an 'off the shelf' design for the rear of an 01 Hilux. full bolt on kit, no drilling holes required - beautiful! make me one! :p

picked it up last saturday morning, and fitted it after work.

gave it a bit of a tug from side to side, but hard to tell how much difference it will make when its sitting in the garage goin no where.
the first test for the sway bar now wont be till the holiday in less then a months time - hopefully it elminates the last of the sway.

not the best design for a 4wd! :confused: but given that its only a trailer, hopefully it works.

here are a few pics....

JRJ33P
31-08-2010, 10:03 PM
that is nearly bigger than the tj .

is it heavy


lol it is almost the same size...

dad actually put it over the weigh bridge the other day when he took to obrien's to have the rear glass fixed.

its basically fully loaded all the time, and it came in at 920kgs.

stroked
31-08-2010, 11:08 PM
thats pretty good then, should tow alright

JRJ33P
22-02-2011, 08:07 PM
time for some more goodies!

after a few more longer trips since i lasted posted on here, and a punishing one on the trip to QLD in october last year, she's still holding up nicely and performs well, and my set up is getting better and better! love it!

but, time for some things to be changed!


Its off to Picton on thursday to have some things fitted and modified. Starting out with a new set of drop down stabilizer legs on the rear. It currently has stands that it came with to hold the back end up, but the down side with those is that I have to yank the trailer up to get the legs underneath! I'll do my back in one day! These are what the new stands look like...

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/dropdowncornersteady.jpg


Next, will be the water tank...

Its a 60L plastic tank which will be mounted under the front of the trailer.

I bought a water filler unit today which I will mount inside the old fuel filler cap on the side of the body.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper022.jpg

this is the hole currently behind the filler cap in the body. (replaced the barrel in the cap today as well, so that will actually work now)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper024.jpg

and this is what it should look like with the water filler inside...

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper023.jpg

I will be doin a pump tap on the front somewhere, but i have to work around the spacecase, so i'm going to wait till i get it back before i decided where it goes.


Speaking of spacecase..... because of the weight that the spacecase has been carrying, and given that it is plastic, it has sagged in between the rails of the draw bar - so another thing i'll be getting done is a cross section welded in to support the middle of the spacecase.

Other little things I'll have done;
have the old jockey wheel knocked off. that will be replaced with a bigger heavy duty bolt on jockey wheel.
will also have the draw bar and chassis checked for any cracks or weakening spots. this trailer has been punished around australia countless times, and i plan on doing the same for a long time, so better this be checked now!


I will post more pics when I get it back :D

Chriso
23-02-2011, 05:43 PM
Good stuff JRJ! Now all you need to do is get your own stickers made up. Maybe something like - "JEEP, always towing TOYOTAS outa the SHIT!!" :monkey:

JRJ33P
25-02-2011, 11:10 AM
Good stuff JRJ! Now all you need to do is get your own stickers made up. Maybe something like - "JEEP, always towing TOYOTAS outa the SHIT!!" :monkey:


I've already had one sticker made for the back window.
Its reads: 'Toyota's Better Half...'

there'll be more in the future!

JRJ33P
22-03-2011, 07:31 PM
I have been informed that i'll be getting the trailer back by the end of the week...

cant wait to finish off the plumbing then pack it again for the next trip!!


will post more pics soon :D

JRJ33P
23-03-2011, 12:04 PM
I've already had one sticker made for the back window.
Its reads: 'Toyota's Better Half...'

there'll be more in the future!


http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/20012011133.jpg

JRJ33P
02-04-2011, 08:30 PM
OK!

finally picked up the hilux today from the workshop and spent the day working on it.

as i previously stated, i had some work done on it which included fitting the water tank, fitting the filler for the tank, fitting stabilizer legs to the rear and some cross bracing on the draw bar to stop the floor of the spacecase from sagging through from the weight inside it.

after i got it back, i did all the plumbing for the tap and tank, mounted the tap itself, stuck on my new jockey wheel (had the old one knocked off) and put on a couple of other little bits here and there.



here are some pics of the new mods...

this is the bracing that was welded onto the draw bar for the spacecase.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001005.jpg

these pics are all of the water tank.... the first pic is the braces or top mounts for the water tank (not the best pic, couldnt get the camera far enough way to get both in)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001002.jpg

i also had a guard made up for the tank (not that it really needs it where the tank is located, but it just looks pretty :p).
what i also didnt add, is that i had to put in some lining between the tank and the straps to stop the straps from damaging the tank, and it also lifts up the tank just enough so the inlet and outlet hoses clear the chassis rail perfectly.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001001.jpg

not the best shot again, but the tank mounted...

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001011.jpg

the guys who did the work for me also did a great job of installing the water filler by basically enclosing that whole section, very strong and looks good too :)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001004.jpg

and a shot from inside the tub

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001003.jpg

for the hosing, i bought all clear tubing, which i kinda regret now as its probably not the strongest stuff and where it is it will cop a little bit of punishment. so to fix this, i covered all of the hosing with conduit and wrapped them electrical tape to close them up nice and tight and keep the majority of water and dirt away from the tubing.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001009.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001010.jpg

the finished product...

mounted the tap using a thick arse L bracket i picked up from bunnings (had to re-drill the hole bigger, that was fun! :rolleyes:).
finished off by using a couple of little saddle clamps to hold the hose against the side of the box.
you cant see it in the pics, but i also used a brass 90 degree elbow at the base of the box to re-direct the hose straight up to the tap, rather then kinking it.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001008.jpg

from a distance (looked like this for most of the day)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001012.jpg

to finish it off, a couple of pics of the new stabilizer legs, i think one of the best changes ive made! these will make life so much easier now.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001006.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001007.jpg

also added an OME shock guard the the passenger side shocky.......you can see by the sway bay next to it how peppered it gets back there.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/00001013.jpg


now i just gotta re-arrange a few things in the hilux as i got some new camping gear, and she should be all ready to go by mid week for this next trip which will include Camp Coffs :D

JRJ33P
02-04-2011, 08:59 PM
forgot to metnion,

the tank is held up by 4 bolts, so it's easily removed if need be, like today when i had to take it out :p


just thought i'd put it out there....

Laz
02-04-2011, 10:14 PM
What's with this busted arse lux? it's riding my ass.


Love it mate ;)

JRJ33P
03-04-2011, 08:19 PM
already planning my next lot of advancements to the trailer, which i'll hopefully start putting into action after the easter break.

plan to have a stoneguard made for the draw bar, and looking at changing the wheels and tyres. looking at getting a set of GU patrol steelies (16inch) and painting them up black and will upsize the tyres to 32's from 31's which it currently has, and i'll also up the grade of tyre from ST to STT :)

JRJ33P
03-04-2011, 08:24 PM
What's with this busted arse lux? it's riding my ass.


Love it mate ;)


Thanx man ;)

JRJ33P
29-05-2011, 08:50 PM
a bit of an update on things...

unfortunately on the last trip which incorporated Camp Coffs, i managed to shatter one of the glass panels on the front of the canopy on a gravel road heading to Pilliga (the stoneguard just shot up the priority list!), doh!

so onto my next mod, which will hopefully be done before the june long weekend in a couple of weeks.

what i'll be doing is drawing up a template of the existing glass panel on the other side and taking it up to a local sheet metal place to cut up 2 pieces of chequered plate to rivet onto the frame in the canopy in place of the old glass panels. however i will retain the middle sliding glass window to still keep some vision through the trailer for towing.


here are a couple of pics from when it happened.

used a couple of rags and race tape to cover it up till i got to camp.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/09042011267.jpg

Bugger.....

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/09042011270.jpg

chiselling away the excess glass on the frame.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/09042011271.jpg

I used some foam tiles i had in the box to patch up the large wind tunnel i had goin there.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/10042011275.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/10042011276.jpg


well, i guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.

JRJ33P
29-05-2011, 09:03 PM
spur of the moment thing...

have been wanting to punch the wheels out as the trailer did have a fairly narrow track and with the flares as well, it just looked silly. I also want to upgrade to either 32" or 33" tyres at a later date.

so i had thought about changing the wheels to some wider off set wheels off either patrol or landcruiser.
had played around with some l/cruiser wheels and found not much difference and i dont want to spend the big dollars to go out and buy new wide offset rims, so i went down to see my mate Ryan at Snake Racing and bought off him a pair of 1.5" wheel spacers.

I have already put them on, and very happy with the difference. This will now allow me to go the bigger tyres without hassle and not have to fork out on new rims as well.


http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/27052011360.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/28052011363.jpg

before and after shots from front on. the best way to get a guage of where the wheel is at is by looking at where the edge of the tyre is in comparison to the bottom of the flare.

before:

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/28052011362.jpg

after:

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/28052011365.jpg


hopefully, with a bit of luck this will help the stability of the trailer even more by having that wider track.

Gojeep
30-05-2011, 07:07 PM
Why not run polycarbinate instead to replace the glass? Can even hit that with a hammer and it wont break. I even bought some that had a scratch proof coating on it and used it for years as the rear window in my tailgate on the Cherokee. Can cut it out yourself too just using a jigsaw with a blade for metal cutting in it.

JRJ33P
30-05-2011, 09:17 PM
Why not run polycarbinate instead to replace the glass? Can even hit that with a hammer and it wont break. I even bought some that had a scratch proof coating on it and used it for years as the rear window in my tailgate on the Cherokee. Can cut it out yourself too just using a jigsaw with a blade for metal cutting in it.


i had thought of several different ideas, such as replacing all the glass with something like polycarbonate like you mentioned, perspex, even thought about getting rid of the windows altogether and just rivetting one big piece of chequered plate across the front.

but i decided on the chequered plate panels more for bling/wank factor i spose and retaining the front sliding window for access through the front as well as some vision through the trailer while towing. it will also match the chequered plate thats already on the front of the trailer.


i stewed my brain for 3 weeks over this, was just happy enough to make a decision! :hump:

JRJ33P
08-08-2011, 07:21 PM
ok. finally the glass in the front is being replaced.... time flies by when your buying more jeeps and playing with the ones you've already got!

had a mobile guy come out to my house this arvo to pull the existing glass panel and sliding window off the canopy.

i have backflipped on my plans to put in chequered plate panels as i just dont have the patience to carve out a good enough template, so i'm going to go with GoJeep's suggestion of polycarbonate panels.

i will be taking the glass down to the perspex place in taren point tomorrow arvo to put in the order - so hopefully in about a week ill have nice new panels i can see through again!


http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/08082011483.jpg

JRJ33P
26-08-2011, 04:27 PM
new tinted poly carbonate windows fitted....

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/26082011524.jpg

JRJ33P
08-10-2011, 06:08 PM
Just got back from another trip to woop woop.

This time we ventured out to White Cliffs, then back tracked to Wilcannia to do 330kms of the Darling Track to Bourke, and then over to Pilliga via Lightning Ridge. 2 weeks and 3000kms - the TJ held up well as it always does!, but as i took my best friend Courtney with me for the full 2 weeks, I have had to re-think the set up of the trailer... I used our Oz Tent for this trip, but we did cop some rain and even the quick set up of the oztent was becoming a pain. Now a roof top and modifications to the rack to accomodate the tent are on the cards.

There are a couple of things i will have to replace soon as well - springs being one of them, they're are just too soft now for the weight.

I had also found some minor cracks in the sidewalls of the ST's, so tyres are on the cards soon as well. Because I've fitted the spacers from Snake Racing, i'll be fitting up 33's the next time around just just to give it that tougher stance.

The new polycarbonate panels on the front copped a pounding and stood up to the task with no worries at all - still gotta get that stoneguard made though!

Here are a couple of pics of the trailer on the trip.

Siitting in Wilcannia about to hit the Darling Track.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/101_5374.jpg

Parked outside the pub at Louth on the Darling Track

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/101_5415.jpg

the set up with the oztent and the extension/side that i recently was given as an early xmas present.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/101_5431.jpg

made quite a cosy little set up

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/101_5436.jpg

Gojeep
11-10-2011, 11:07 AM
The like a great trip and a good shake down. You will find little things to improve apon each time you use them for a while yet. ;)

JRJ33P
11-10-2011, 02:14 PM
The like a great trip and a good shake down. You will find little things to improve apon each time you use them for a while yet. ;)

lol, it sucks coz it costs me more money every time i come back.

valpacer
11-10-2011, 08:02 PM
Nice JRJEEP,

At least you are getting out and into it! Thats a nice setup for what you have outlaid.

Dave

JRJ33P
11-10-2011, 08:04 PM
Nice JRJEEP,

At least you are getting out and into it! Thats a nice setup for what you have outlaid.

Dave

Thanx Dave.

Like all projects, its never ending - but i love it :)

junglejuice
19-12-2011, 07:05 PM
I don't understand why you're dragging a Hilux diff around and 6 stud wheels, why not fit a proper trailer axle and Ford hubs so the wheels are the same (interchangable) as the tow vehicle, they double as extra spares if you need 'em when in remote areas?????

JRJ33P
20-02-2012, 04:18 PM
I don't understand why you're dragging a Hilux diff around and 6 stud wheels, why not fit a proper trailer axle and Ford hubs so the wheels are the same (interchangable) as the tow vehicle, they double as extra spares if you need 'em when in remote areas?????

woah, i didnt see this post lol

i dont think ill bother doing all that, and if i do, thats a long long time away. money will also determine that.

everything seems to work very nicely now, and if i ditch the axle, there goes the new ome shocks and swaybar, will have to modify spring hangers and springs, the wheel spacers will be redundant, ill end up with smaller drum brakes that just wont compare to the hilux drums that are there now, and as for extra spares.... im about to put 33's on it. the 2 cars that tow this only run 31's lol.... and really, its only going to gain more weight through other things over time anyway.

so its not really worth the mucking around - if it aint broke, dont fix it :)

JRJ33P
20-02-2012, 04:24 PM
tyres are gonna be ditched in the coming months, so im trying to decide on the size that i'll put on next...

i think i've all but decided that i'll replace these tyres with Cooper STT's, but im unsure on the size.

it will be either a 32x11.5R15 or 33x12.5R15.

width isnt an issue, but until the springs are replaced the extra height on the tyre might cause it to foul on the fibreglass flares. so im even thinking about taking them off and fitting up rubber flares instead.

took a wheel off the YJ and sat it under the hilux at the height that it would sit with a 33 under it.


http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/000_1836.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/000_1835.jpg

kj69
20-02-2012, 05:48 PM
why run mud tyres on the trailer if they wont fit the tow car?

WHHEMI
20-02-2012, 06:28 PM
I don't really understand why you want to run 32's or 33's on a trailer when your only running 31's on the tow vehicle, you would be better off running the same as what your towing it with.

JRJ33P
20-02-2012, 06:49 PM
im gonna run muddies mainly for looks, and i want the construction of the STT or ST Maxx (armortek3).

the main thing im trying to achieve is more stability. for the weight and height of it, the really narrow track that it had was causing it to move around too much - i put the spacers on to widen the track, which helped eliminate that extra movement it had, but i think when i do the new springs (which will bring it up another 2") it wouldnt hurt to go a bigger and wider tyre.

fitting bigger tyres and the springs should also bring it up perfectly level with the towbar on the xj, which is critical, as it still has next to no ball weight, having it up on an angle shifts all the weight backwards and then its a bitch to tow.

as for matching the wheels to the tow vehicle........meh lol. it doesnt bother me, all our cars, caravan and camper trailers have atleast 1 spare, and theres not one that can be interchanged with another lol so i guess im used to it

task82
06-11-2012, 11:23 PM
Cool thread JR, thanks for sharing it with the AJOR community mate :)

I see the post has been quiet for quite awhile, any updates mate?

JRJ33P
21-11-2012, 02:07 PM
Cool thread JR, thanks for sharing it with the AJOR community mate :)

I see the post has been quiet for quite awhile, any updates mate?

It hasnt been used at all this year apart from new years weekend (2012), thanks to the shyte company I unfortunately work for.... that will change next year when I find a new job.

The only change I've made since is I've replaced the old ST's with a pair of used 31" Federal Couragia's off a mates TJ, apart from that, nothing else...

I still have plans to do a rooftop tent, fit up some air bags to help the stability a bit more, but apart from that she's pretty right at the moment.

I'm pulling it out from its corner in the next couple of weeks to tidy it up for a 3 week break at xmas/new year.

JRJ33P
17-01-2013, 06:06 PM
so I've been a bit slack lately....

just before xmas I bought a stoneguard kit off ebay to fit on to the trailer.

this particular kit is adjustable up to 2.1m (7ft) and comes with normal mesh to cable tie onto the frame once it is assembled... very easy and simple put together - the only thing i had to add to it were the right size U bolts as my drawbar is a bit on the smaller side.

here is a link if anyone is interested - the seller starts them at 99c
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/140895227530?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648


I fitted it all up just before my trip away over xmas/new year and i think it does the job. I also added a pair of ARB mudflaps to it that I had laying in my tools cabinet.

I found after the trip that I'd set it a bit too narrow, so when i get a chance I will be getting around to widening it out a bit more

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper027.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper030.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper029.jpg

and with the mud flaps - I have since moved them to the back of the guard so you dont see where the mudflap is bolted

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper033.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/ScottsCamper034.jpg

JRJ33P
09-03-2013, 08:24 PM
Soooooooooooooo the next lot of work I've got lined up to do on the trailer is some power to run the fridge and what not.

After doing alot of thinking (which hurt quite alot), and looking at different ways and options of achieving the easiest set up without dishing out too much cashola, I came up with this.....

The plan will be to run a 100 - 120ah deep cycle battery which will be constantly charged by a 120w solar panel permanently mounted at the front of the roof rack. I think this is one of the best ways to not really have to worry about maintaining the battery from a charging point of view, as the solar panel will always be keeping up the charge. I'm currently watching some solar panels on ebay, which are the exact dimensions I need for the roof rack - but that will come later.

I did however today get motivated, and started putting together a home made "ARK" power pack. Starting with a battery box that we had sitting away on a shelf (used to be dads - not anymore! thanks dad!), this battery box is equipped with the external terminals, LED status lights, reset button. And now hooked onto the side of that is a 600w inverter that come with a 4wd action subscription. Just needs a battery now!

This is the inverter that I've used, plain and simple.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/001_zps1ca3fbd2.jpg

Not that it needs it, but I added some pieces of steel inside the box to support the inverter, or more the side of the box a bit better.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/003_zpsebf3468d.jpg

To mount the box in the trailer, I'm just using a couple of pieces of steel with a couple of bolts to hold it to the floor - add 15kgs worth of battery and I dont think she's going too far. Before a battery goes in, I will be cutting a think-ish piece of foam to lay over the top of the bolts so the battery is not damaged. I've also cut a couple of slits in the bottom of the box to thread the strap through.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/004_zpsea9a5b95.jpg

And the finished product! Just needs to be mounted in the trailer and have a battery put in. The best part with this set up, it can also be portable - undo 4 bolts and you have a fully portable set up happening!

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/005_zps85e8432a.jpg


Will post up more pics and info when the solar panel comes along.

JRJ33P
10-03-2013, 02:39 PM
I got busy this morning and mounted the battery box into the front of the trailer, came up good.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/001_zps96e728f8.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/002_zps598f59a4.jpg


But then I was looking at it after I'd fixed it in, and thought there was still potential for things to slide onto it off the draw system in the case of having to stop in a hurry or on the trails with the trailer being thrown around, so I decided to add to my divider idea, and make a box for it - using off cuts of 12mm ply that I was using when I started building the draws in the old XJ. It hasnt been secured yet, but you see the what it looks like.

Theres still plenty of room in the box, and it isnt fully enclosed to the walls of the trailer, so ventilation isnt an issue. I'll finish the box off with some marine carpet to match the draw system.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/004_zps097fbfc4.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/005_zps865dab8c.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/006_zpsc0ee2d7a.jpg


Still just needs a battery..........

JRJ33P
24-03-2013, 08:03 PM
So I've been slowly progressing along with the battery set up...

I bought a 30A solar regulator with full digital read outs off ebay for $45, and also a 4-way power sockets with switches off ebay out of china for $11 (hopefully will get this before easter). Also bought a 130Ah AGM battery for $350 from a local battery supplier up the road - the battery box had to be modified a little bit for it all to fit nicely.

Today I got motivated and made a little panel to mount the regulator and the 4-way sockets with a piece of timber i had lying around, and covered that up with some cheap carpet from bunnings, and also hooked the regulator up to the battery. Also carpeted the timber box and properly fixed it onto the floor of the trailer.

Will hopefully have a solar panel before easter, if not will get one soon after and get it all finished off.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/e403025a-b062-419a-b74e-4431357fa121_zpse953cd72.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/36a7dffe-0b37-42b4-a81e-5325dc6d2423_zps86486abd.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/2423ce19-a41e-4664-a556-0c0248a35f75_zps3f72e181.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/5b67b142-68a2-42d1-97c5-b2f9418d3f17_zps13069b0d.jpg

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/1def6b00-9e3f-4a3e-89eb-276aeeaf646c_zpsce7d843b.jpg

JRJ33P
26-12-2013, 05:37 PM
So it's been a while since I've updated my build, also been a while since I've been on the forum...

Just an update on the solar panel front, I did end up getting one, a 100w panel that fitted perfectly inside the rack - picked it up from a local solar panel wholesaler pretty cheap with bracketry and extra wiring.

Since then I bought a Hannibal Roof Top Tent at the Rosehill show back in April, and had that fitted. At the same time a whole heap of other modifications had to be made to level out the weights, as the tent is close to 100kgs and sits rearward of the axle.

We had to somehow get some weight back onto the drawbar to increase the ball weight as it was only 55kgs before the tent went on. My mates at Seldom Seen who do all the work, made a twin tyre cradle that sits just in front of the tub, by doing that we also had to move the big box forward and modify the stoneguard to keep the turning angles. So the spare for the trailer came out of the factory position under the back and now lives easily accessible up on the draw bar - and i now also carry around a spare carcass for the Commander. On either side of the box they also made me a couple of jerry can holders for extra fuel.

So now, as a result, the ball weight went from 55kgs to 125kgs dry. About 135 - 140kgs with extra water and full jerry cans. Its alot more stable on the road now! We also re-inforced the draw bar for a bit of extra strength to carry the weight in harsh road conditions.

Before the tent went on, the roof rack also had to be cut and extended 2inches so the solar panel and tent could sit on the rack without over hanging at either end.

So thats about it for now, she's pretty well there where I want it - the only thing to do very soon is replace the old suspension with some fresh packs, shackles and bushes. The trailer has gained about 500kgs since I bought it, and the old suspension is starting to suffer.

Heres some updated pics.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/793657_10151815950128274_824598363_o.jpg (http://s463.photobucket.com/user/jrj33p/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/793657_10151815950128274_824598363_o.jpg.html)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/1078752_10151817607643274_1320788717_o.jpg (http://s463.photobucket.com/user/jrj33p/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/1078752_10151817607643274_1320788717_o.jpg.html)

also mounted a pole carrier to the side.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/964490_10151824775113274_1224601781_o.jpg (http://s463.photobucket.com/user/jrj33p/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/964490_10151824775113274_1224601781_o.jpg.html)

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/792185_10151849016688274_111819068_o.jpg (http://s463.photobucket.com/user/jrj33p/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/792185_10151849016688274_111819068_o.jpg.html)

bought some dog collars from the local pet shop, and now have mounted axe and pick in the back of the box for easy access.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq354/jrj33p/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/1119907_10151849446523274_268210122_o.jpg (http://s463.photobucket.com/user/jrj33p/media/Facebook/Mobile%20Uploads/1119907_10151849446523274_268210122_o.jpg.html)

AusJatzman
27-12-2013, 05:28 AM
WOW. Now that's a set up! Very nice.

JRJ33P
31-12-2013, 03:44 PM
WOW. Now that's a set up! Very nice.

Cheers.

I've just been chipping away at it over time. Its come up almost exactly how I'd planned when I first bought it.

wheeler33
06-01-2014, 02:44 PM
Awesome build! Have you taken it on any long trips yet?

JRJ33P
06-01-2014, 08:11 PM
Awesome build! Have you taken it on any long trips yet?

Yeah its been on a couple over the years. Its been through central nsw, up to as far as white cliffs north of broken hill, up the darling track to bourke and up into qld...

I havent done any long trips recently because of life getting in the way, but it still gets used for weekend jaunts to where ever.

I think I've got it suited to both short and long trips pretty well now. The tent makes a huge difference. Only takes less then 10mins to set up from when I pull up to up and ready to sleep in - and it can be set up for short and long term visits.

vb
16-03-2014, 04:12 PM
Jeep suprise following soon