LJ truck conversion suggestions?

[gaabbee]

I had the same thinking as you. After much thought I think I am going to go the route of getting a trailer instead of the truck bed/extra vehicle. The LJ can tow 3500lbs. After trailer weight that still gives you a decent "payload". The insurance costs, maintenance, and storage of the extra truck doesn't add up for using it maybe a couple times a month.

 

[basic]

There's a military M1101 trailer nearby for sale...maybe that'll be the way to go. Empty trailer weight is kind of heavy (1460 lbs) but has a 1940 lbs capacity for total weight rating of 3400 lbs. Has surge brakes as well.

Only problem would be the pintle hook vs. normal ball hitch and lighting - but there's ways around those problems. Also, it would be like...20 inches wider than the jeep. May look kind of funny.

 

[Sundowner]

Let's not forget that the LJ has a curb weight of 3800-ish pounds, and a combined weight rating of 6250 (pretty sure that's correct; someone check it, please). Assuming a bone-stock vehicle and adding 300 pounds for a single passenger and gas, plus... oh, 500 for a trailer...gives you about 1600 pounds of cargo in your trailer, max. Deduct appropriately for a heavier-than-stock rig.

 

[Goatman]

I was drooling over the Aqualu half cab and bed idea. Add a custom frame and a bit more, but then I added up the price tags and realized I could probably start up my own truck company for about the same coin. Really thought the LJ p/u idea was grand. This reality just really sucks sometime. I should have chosen the other pill.

 

[Sundowner]

I was drooling over the Aqualu half cab and bed idea. Add a custom frame and a bit more, but then I added up the price tags and realized I could probably start up my own truck company for about the same coin. Really thought the LJ p/u idea was grand. This reality just really sucks sometime. I should have chosen the other pill.

Just shove an LJ drivetrain under a 473. Done.

 

[SubLime]

It’s not practical at all for hauling stuff, I have a 5x8 trailer that I haul stuff with. The bed is about 43 inches long. I have an in cab cage to make up for cutting the roll bar.
The rack over the bed carries action packer tubs and a cooler when wheeling.

 

[basic]

It’s not practical at all for hauling stuff, I have a 5x8 trailer that I haul stuff with. The bed is about 43 inches long. I have an in cab cage to make up for cutting the roll bar.
The rack over the bed carries action packer tubs and a cooler when wheeling.View attachment 98135

Yea, I think i'm just gonna find a trailer and go that route, a small 5x8 should be just fine.

Also - very nice lookin LJ sir you have there. Kind like the flat fenders. Where in WI you from?

 

[SubLime]

Yea, I think i'm just gonna find a trailer and go that route, a small 5x8 should be just fine.

Also - very nice lookin LJ sir you have there. Kind like the flat fenders. Where in WI you from?

Thanks.
Fenders are TNT. I am in the Eau Claire area. We mainly wheel up north at Gilbert.

 

[astjp2]

There's a military M1101 trailer nearby for sale...maybe that'll be the way to go. Empty trailer weight is kind of heavy (1460 lbs) but has a 1940 lbs capacity for total weight rating of 3400 lbs. Has surge brakes as well.

Only problem would be the pintle hook vs. normal ball hitch and lighting - but there's ways around those problems. Also, it would be like...20 inches wider than the jeep. May look kind of funny.

too big, get the older smaller trailer or a commercial one, that one was for a hummer.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

too big,......... that one was for a hummer.

agree. When I initially saw a military trailer for sale locally I was interested then I checked the dimensions on the M1101.

 

[Goatman]

Gorgeous Jeep. Just gorgeous. How wide are those fenders? I'm looking for something similar but with at least 1" wider than what I have now.(4 1/2")

 

[SubLime]

Gorgeous Jeep. Just gorgeous. How wide are those fenders? I'm looking for something similar but with at least 1" wider than what I have now.(4 1/2")

The TNT fenders sticks out 4 inches beyond the body edge.

They do make a 6 inch version.

TNT 6 inch flare

 

[wigsajumper]

@basic the m416 or Bantam T3C trailer is perfect for the LJ. Bantam T3C is basically the civilian version of the WW2 jeep trailers. A large majority of the Bantams you can find with a regular trailer hitch. I use mine for pretty much all "truck duties" Mine is missing the Tailgate and someone put those weird fenders on it.

 

[Drizit]

You know, if you didn't want to make it permanent, Mopar used to sell a half cab soft top with holes for the cage. Buddy of mine has one, gives you a truckified LJ without cutting up a nice LJ.

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[Goatman]

Thanks SubLime. Got that bookmarked for future use. Other than the win.wash tank, any big issues with install?

 

[SubLime]

Thanks SubLime. Got that bookmarked for future use. Other than the win.wash tank, any big issues with install?

I’ll admit I had a shop install them. They just used a random plastic washer tank, not a real issue. I’ll post a picture tomorrow.

 

[Goatman]

Thanks

 

[billiebob]

I love the half cab but yes it might cramp your style. It is not about carrying capacity.

I use a 5x10 trailer for hauling and
Roof Racks with a 3rd front bar for long items, like ladders.

 

[Sundowner]

I’ll admit I had a shop install them. They just used a random plastic washer tank, not a real issue. I’ll post a picture tomorrow.

Did you have to deal with the cruise control module and the air box bracket like I did with the GenRight fenders? I'm not familiar with the TnT inners.

 

[Jeffreybomb]

I loves me TJ, but I'm really happy that I decided to snap up an F-150.

It involved an assload of research. Each year has several types of components and features, and each year is almost completely different. Every time I found one in my price range, it felt like I was starting from scratch whenever I researched to make certain it's what I needed.

The main reason I snapped it up was to make the TJ a trailer princess. However, I use it to haul a lot of stuff: yard stuff, garage stuff, and toddler stuff. I'm six-and-a-half feet tall, and I fit comfortably in it. I do a lot more with it than I originally thought I would.