Overland Trailer Build

[The B]

OK, I am probably like everyone out there in that I get my mind on something and I can't leave it alone. The past couple of years now, I have been set on building an overland type trailer. At first, I was going to build it from scratch. As time went by, I decided to use a utility box off of a truck. I have a couple but all were waay too big for my 05 TJ Rubicon. Like in the range of 7' wide by 9' long and too heavy to even lift one corner...
To start cutting and welding it in both directions just didn't work out to be the best option.

Then I found the one I hope will be ideal! It is an old service box off of a Ford Ranger. (I bought it off the truck)
My Jeep is Just over 72" wide with the 35 x 12.5 tires and the (all aluminum) box measures 65" wide x 75"long and 55" tall. I can lift one end over my waist fairly easily. I loaded it myself on my trailer (not so easy... lol)
I know it looks rough, but I can't hep but ponder the possibilities. Though it lends itself to the possibility of a sleep in box, I think I am more interested in a RTT and having the kitchen or ? pull out of the back. After looking at it closer, It won't be as simple as it may seem. I will have to at least cut the back side doors and compartments down and weld them back together in order to fit the 35" tires I would like to run in order to match my Jeep.

I really like the large flip up doors for a mini awning to use on short stops and install lights on to carry across the cabinets and surrounding areas.

Mainly I am looking for thoughts and input/advice. Please don't be offended if I go an opposite direction on suggestions. I will read and take any input seriously. More ideas make more options to consider and hopefully result in less mistakes and regrets.

I'm new here, but I have loved Jeeps since before my first 80 CJ-5 and several since. Not against the new JK style but the TJ's are getting less and less available while the JK's are still all over and I do love the utilitarian feel and look. For this reason. I just had to go TJ again when My 03 Rubi got just too rough to be my main Jeep anymore. A sad day, but she still plows my snow!

Any help appreciated! Thanks everyone!!

 

[Airjunky]

Cool project. How tall is it on the ranger chassis? Guessing you'll add at least a foot with 35s. Plus a RTT?

 

[Modoc Guy]

Cool, and nice idea to use a utility box.

How much does it weigh? Do you think you’ll keep it under 2000 pounds when you’re done?

 

[The B]

Cool project. How tall is it on the ranger chassis? Guessing you'll add at least a foot with 35s. Plus a RTT?

Thanks,

The tallest part of the aluminum box so to speak Is 55” . I didn’t buy the chassis and the sides actually hang down about 10” from the inner bed (hope that makes sense) but I’m thinking I’ll build the frame to hold it up so the bottom of the box sits on the trailer. I’ve devised a plan to tuck the spindles/ axle about 3” up from the frame just for a little help with height. I’ll have to post a crude drawing. This will allow me room under the actual floor of the aluminum box to install a water tank in front and not sure in the back (might make a drawer that pulls out from underneath on the bottom when you open the back compartment...)

Still pretty fresh in the planning department.

thanks again!

 

[The B]

Cool, and nice idea to use a utility box.

How much does it weigh? Do you think you’ll keep it under 2000 pounds when you’re done?

I’m guessing weight at about 320 pounds since I can lift one end up and just have the farther end resting on the ground. I’m rounding way up to 400# for preliminary planning but I’ll likely find a hanging scale and hang the box from an end loader or something just so I know for sure. I really do want to keep it light and I figure the aluminum will help. Likely going steel for the trailer though.

 

[The B]

Thanks,

The tallest part of the aluminum box so to speak Is 55” . I didn’t buy the chassis and the sides actually hang down about 10” from the inner bed (hope that makes sense) but I’m thinking I’ll build the frame to hold it up so the bottom of the box sits on the trailer. I’ve devised a plan to tuck the spindles/ axle about 3” up from the frame just for a little help with height. I’ll have to post a crude drawing. This will allow me room under the actual floor of the aluminum box to install a water tank in front and not sure in the back (might make a drawer that pulls out from underneath on the bottom when you open the back compartment...)

Still pretty fresh in the planning department.

thanks again!

I’m thinking the top without the tent will be reaching over the 6’ mark. Not sure I like that but want decent clearance as well...

 

[The B]

Hey all!

Life has been busy and I did not get going on this yet.

I am trying to shed some responsibilities for the winter and maybe even come up with a small shop where I can get this thing ready for spring (and of course play with jeep mods)

I have had countless nights thinking and a few more ideas that haunt me. One is making a slide out drawer from the top part of the back main compartment that would of course need folding adjustable legs that would hold a RTT in it. This should keep it nice and clean and safe as well as keep the height down. I really don't need the top half for storage since I will keep the cooler on its own slide at the bottom that is attached to a primary slide that also pulls all the way out.

UUUGH! I wish i could grasp sketch-up better....

lol, any thoughts?

 

[TJ Starting]

Hey all!

Life has been busy and I did not get going on this yet.

I am trying to shed some responsibilities for the winter and maybe even come up with a small shop where I can get this thing ready for spring (and of course play with jeep mods)

I have had countless nights thinking and a few more ideas that haunt me. One is making a slide out drawer from the top part of the back main compartment that would of course need folding adjustable legs that would hold a RTT in it. This should keep it nice and clean and safe as well as keep the height down. I really don't need the top half for storage since I will keep the cooler on its own slide at the bottom that is attached to a primary slide that also pulls all the way out.

UUUGH! I wish i could grasp sketch-up better....

lol, any thoughts?

I really like that idea for a slide out for the RTT. Sounds awesome!