off road trailer “build"
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Rogers, AR
Yes, I got a piece of 2 X 3 16 guage from a local metal supply shop. I figured that the extra height and thicker walls would give me more strength and less bounce on a longer tongue.
After using it a few times, I am probably going to add some additional braces, as the tongue does still flex some.
You can flip the stock axle by just unbolting and flipping. I had to put in a wider axle to run the stock Rubi takeoffs though. Also had to cut off the fenders to get everything to fit.
After using it a few times, I am probably going to add some additional braces, as the tongue does still flex some.
You can flip the stock axle by just unbolting and flipping. I had to put in a wider axle to run the stock Rubi takeoffs though. Also had to cut off the fenders to get everything to fit.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Duncan, OK
Westtexasjku,
Just a quick thanks for the inspiration
I had some time this weekend to finally get started on modding my trailer. Started with the same base as you and so far I have:
1) Extended tongue (also lengthened it to run all the way back to the axle)
2) Installed wider axle
3) Cut off fenders
4) Mounted wheel adapters
5) Mounted Rubi Take-offs
Still have a lot of work to do, but I like how it's coming along. I got enough done that it's usable as a utility trailer again.
Attachment 492106
I stayed with a 2000lb axle because I know I won't every put that much weight in it and wheel adapters fit over the hubs and dust caps. I also kept the stock springs, but may replace those. They are pretty noisy when the trailer is empty due to the 'slip' design. I will probably add in a couple of struts off the front to support a tongue box and am looking for options for replacing the expanded metal.
I'm also going to put a receiver hitch on the back and figure out how to rig up a canoe/kayak rack on it as well. Possibly add a dry box (maybe on the tongue) and add a battery and some LED lights. Lots of ideas right now...
Just a quick thanks for the inspiration
I had some time this weekend to finally get started on modding my trailer. Started with the same base as you and so far I have:
1) Extended tongue (also lengthened it to run all the way back to the axle)
2) Installed wider axle
3) Cut off fenders
4) Mounted wheel adapters
5) Mounted Rubi Take-offs
Still have a lot of work to do, but I like how it's coming along. I got enough done that it's usable as a utility trailer again.
Attachment 492106
I stayed with a 2000lb axle because I know I won't every put that much weight in it and wheel adapters fit over the hubs and dust caps. I also kept the stock springs, but may replace those. They are pretty noisy when the trailer is empty due to the 'slip' design. I will probably add in a couple of struts off the front to support a tongue box and am looking for options for replacing the expanded metal.
I'm also going to put a receiver hitch on the back and figure out how to rig up a canoe/kayak rack on it as well. Possibly add a dry box (maybe on the tongue) and add a battery and some LED lights. Lots of ideas right now...
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: WA
Great thread. I am working on my own, but a little different trailer. Started as the back of a Willys pickup. 
Long term plan is for a rack to support a roof top tent and an awning with screen room.
Herculining the tub this weekend.
Will likely replace the dana53 with a 3500lb trailer axel soon as well.
Eventually will undercoat the whole thing as well.
Will also add a platform on the tongue for storage, and some jerry can mounts and a 12v system, and water storage.
Long term plan is for a rack to support a roof top tent and an awning with screen room.
Herculining the tub this weekend.
Will likely replace the dana53 with a 3500lb trailer axel soon as well.
Eventually will undercoat the whole thing as well.
Will also add a platform on the tongue for storage, and some jerry can mounts and a 12v system, and water storage.
Last edited by Skijeeper; Sep 12, 2014 at 08:11 PM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: Gettysburg pa
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Duncan, OK
I decided not to go with the stock Rubi wheels. I did buy bigger trailer wheels and tires, flipped the axle (still need to get the tabs moved to the opposite side of the axle since it cambered). I plan on enclosing the sides and adding a Yakima Outdoorsman rack and Loadwarrior basket for extra cargo space. I also plan on adding a hitch to the rear for my bike rack and a rack on the tongue for ice chests. My goal is to be able to haul all my camping gear (which is a lot) & bikes without using the cargo space in my Jeep. I'll add some pics once I get the rack on.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Duncan, OK
I've been working on the same thing
Did you buy an axle flip kit for that? where did you get if you did or how did you do it.
That's the next mod I want to do.
Attachment 580862
Did you buy an axle flip kit for that? where did you get if you did or how did you do it.
That's the next mod I want to do.
Attachment 580862
I haven't purchased anything yet. I've seen the kit somewhere online recently. I wish I could remember where. If anyone has a link that would be appreciated. I might just do that instead of welding. Just by adding the bigger wheels and tires and flipping the axle the trailer sits level with a 5'' drop hitch. I have a 2.5" lift on my jeep. Once I put the Yakima Oudoorsman and Loadwarrior it will be as tall as my Jeep.
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Herriman, Utah
called the "Small Garage Build". It has a 3500# axle with e brakes, a slide out for an ARB fridge and ARB awning. The pictures were taken before an 11000 mile trip this summer to Canada and Alaska.
Last edited by John_fender; Oct 21, 2014 at 01:30 PM.