Building a TJ trailer

[green50gt]

I wasn't really planning this per say, always wanted to do one - they're cute. I bought another Jeep from www.daveysjeeps.com and was checking their parts specials page to see if anything else needed to come home with my new Jeep.....





Appears to be the back half of a Rubicon - holes in the rockers, wider appearing fender flares. So I'll call it something ghey like Rubitrailer or something.

Right now the quick plan is simplistic: Get a mostly gutted 35 under it, suspension, and some rollers so it can be moved around. The next step will be to get the frame done so it can be pulled around.(obviously) Then cap off the front of the tub and have all the body work done. Lastly Id like to modify it with a small lift, rock bumper, and various other cool stuff.

I have a few questions:
1. Forgive me if this seems less than classy, but a thought. If this is properly equipped with seat belts - obviously the cage staying, would it be terribly trashy or possibly taboo to haul people around in the back? Of course I don't mean down the freeway - but at say the dunes? Is a "trailer" even allowed in such a fashion there?

2. I've read that a pintle hook is extremely strong, little to no failures, a big range of motion - but are super super noisy. Do you suggest this, or a common ball setup?

Mainly this came about as I've gotten this wild hair that it would be so incredible and awesome to have an LJ because of all the extra room. My children are now 7 and 4, so we are participating in more and more activities which means more and more stuff to pack. Its pretty much unrealistic to attempt to drive myself, wife and kids around in my Jeep. I don't figure this to be terribly cheap, but it could certainly be set up to haul coolers, camping gear, groceries, whatever. That, and I really think they are cute.

Let me know what you think. Also not sure what sure I am going to do for paint. I have a bad habbit of not staying attached to a rig for too long, but I plan for it to be hauled behind my TJ:

[whiterhino]

I think hauling people in a trailer at the dunes would be both illegal and unsafe.

But a trail trailer for expedition camping can be cool.

[green50gt]

Thanks for your input Jim. After my out loud thought of hauling people around I thought well why couldnt I haul our coolers, tents, chairs, etc. down to the beach... Indeed no kind of trailer is allowed and now I see for obvious reasons. Oh well.. None the less the trailer will definitely provide some storage space needed for my family.

Here is a picture of my Jeep and a half being picked up at Daveys not more than an hour ago. I should have this in my posession later this evening. I have a 35, springs, control arms, and track bar for it. Also for temporary use, I have some 33" Pro Comp's on Black Ravine wheels. I hope to have it rolling in the next week.

[green50gt]

Got the Jeeps the other night. Fairly dissapointed with the tub, it has a pretty good buckle in it. None the less, I have an axle and some of the suspension under it now. This is likely how it is going to sit for awhile - it might even have to go find another place to live for awhile while I work on the white Jeep in the picture. Once the white Jeep is done I will bring it back and start on it.

[itchy]

I know this is your trailer build, but whay are your plans for the white Sahara? O' and can I have your pewter TJ?

[green50gt]

Hey Keith, the white Sahara is getting some stock suspension and axles, new canvas, a front fender, computer, a flare, some polishing, then it's headed for the door. It's an 01 with a 4.0, auto, ac, cruise, full doors, fact cd with sub, 114k miles. It is pretty nice really, no rips, tears, burns, or rust. Oh I have 5 super nice tj rubi's going on it that I picked up from jcr.

The above tj? Short answer: definite maybe. :)

The "trailer" is sitting at the back corner of my property under a tree so people can't see it driving by and think we're redneck. LOL. If they only knew.

[green50gt]

Still just sitting, and see - literally at the back corner of my property hiding under a tree. Anyway, took a couple minutes and cut the cage out of it. Getting closer on my white TJ to being out of the garage, so I "hope" to be moving this into the garage mid to late fall and start working on it!

I am in the process of acquiring a tailgate from Radrick...Thanks Rick!

[99tj4banger]

cool idea, and nice looking tj i have the same color

[green50gt]

Thanks I appreciate it! Any chance you want to give me your drivers side fender? :)

[VeniVidiVici`]

Hey Derek, Your back yard is starting to look kinda REDNECK so is the trailer for sale yet? Just curious,LOL

Roland

[99tj4banger]

Yeah sure if you would like to give me a pair of tube fenders with built in flares