Awesome build, love the bunk idea. Do you have dimensions/cut lengths for your subframe on the topper? You mentioned 2x2 square tubing, was just looking for specific lengths.
First off a question: did you use bushings for mounting the wood to the steel-frame to accommodate swelling and vibration? if not how has it fared overtime? I IDK I worry about cracking or fatuige. also, did you consider flaring the the frame at the back or over the tongue to maybe add exterior storage? if so why didnt you go with it? Now on the review: you really thought this out well. I am happy i ran across you before going in the direction i was planning. this is a perfect example of KISS. im going to rethink my plan fromt he basics. i was trying to make a custom jack of all trades overland build for my M101. the more custom the less agile and the less return if you ever resell it. but now I see the benifits you have being more simple and leaving space for modularity based on purpose. I do hunting, camping, ham events, overlanding, hauling, and day tripping all of which need somethings but not others. having modular loadouts let me design and use my space better. THis is the way to go for me. ill likely borrow heavily form some of your principles. the triangulated frame and 2" insulation with foam flooring is one of them.
Please watch my follow-up video. (th-cam.com/video/B1ad3yw5lyA/w-d-xo.html) There were a lot of things that didn't work in the first version. Everything is hard mounted. Expansion never crossed my mind. In the new version, I added a rear platform to carry more items. But there is a drawback. You must be very careful loading the trailer. I found it wandering side to side on my last trip. I had too much aft weight and had to unload on the side of the road and fix it. After that, it pulled perfectly. Also pay attention/think about lowering it. For a 3.6 Gladiator, wind resistance is a big deal. A full-size truck wouldn't be an issue. I also love the Bluetti solar generator. It will run my 5k BTU window AC for several hours. This trailer is ridiculously built. I see it lasting for the rest of my days...
Great build. Repacking the bearings, did you need to replace the seal, or were you able to re-use it? Curious how difficult it is to find the emplacement seal.
Great build. Great decisions. You are correct on the batteries. A lead acid battery can continuously safely discharged to 50% for the longevity of the battery. A lithium battery can be discharged to 20% each cycle and not effect the life of the cells.
@44mechanic ah gotcha. OK. I'm getting ready to build out my M1101 and love your design! How's the roof holding up? No leaks? I saw you sealed it right and used screws with rubber washers.
I don't have a blog, sorry. I used mostly 2x2 16Ga. tubing with some 1x2 16Ga. tubing. I wanted a depth of 2" so the 2" foam insulation would fit flush. There is no right or wrong way. I was going to just build a frame and get a roof top tent, but hate tent camping in the wind/heat/cold. Good luck!!
The Gladiator pulls it just fine. There is no sway and it tracks straight. The only thing I can feel is the wind resistance. There is a write up on how to lower the trailer up to 5 inches. I am going to lower it and bring the height down closer to cab height. I am not a fan of lifted Jeeps that I daily drive. While lifting the Jeep would be easy and of course look amazing, its very expensive to do it right. A set of 37s with a lift would be around 5k plus for anything I would even consider. And don't forget a re-gear! I want to be able to do 75 down the road, then take trails and explore. 33s are perfect for me. I am about 5k all in on this trailer. Go price some of the factory units that are out there. They may look nicer and have more features, but I guarantee they are not as rugged! Cheers!!
Nice trailer, I'm thinking of doing the same and building one to go behind my Gladiator. I was really hoping to see how it looks hooked up behind your gladiator. Can you post something on that? Width wise, over all length? Maybe on your next outing you can post on it. Great job! Love the set up.
Love that build. Just picked up a M1102 and would love to do the same with mine. Did you use metal bracing for the shell?
Awesome build, love the bunk idea. Do you have dimensions/cut lengths for your subframe on the topper? You mentioned 2x2 square tubing, was just looking for specific lengths.
The 1101 build has changed quire a bit. This coming weekend i will be posting an update on all of the changes. Stay tuned!
First off a question: did you use bushings for mounting the wood to the steel-frame to accommodate swelling and vibration? if not how has it fared overtime? I IDK I worry about cracking or fatuige. also, did you consider flaring the the frame at the back or over the tongue to maybe add exterior storage? if so why didnt you go with it?
Now on the review: you really thought this out well. I am happy i ran across you before going in the direction i was planning. this is a perfect example of KISS. im going to rethink my plan fromt he basics. i was trying to make a custom jack of all trades overland build for my M101. the more custom the less agile and the less return if you ever resell it. but now I see the benifits you have being more simple and leaving space for modularity based on purpose. I do hunting, camping, ham events, overlanding, hauling, and day tripping all of which need somethings but not others. having modular loadouts let me design and use my space better. THis is the way to go for me. ill likely borrow heavily form some of your principles. the triangulated frame and 2" insulation with foam flooring is one of them.
Please watch my follow-up video. (th-cam.com/video/B1ad3yw5lyA/w-d-xo.html) There were a lot of things that didn't work in the first version. Everything is hard mounted. Expansion never crossed my mind. In the new version, I added a rear platform to carry more items. But there is a drawback. You must be very careful loading the trailer. I found it wandering side to side on my last trip. I had too much aft weight and had to unload on the side of the road and fix it. After that, it pulled perfectly. Also pay attention/think about lowering it. For a 3.6 Gladiator, wind resistance is a big deal. A full-size truck wouldn't be an issue. I also love the Bluetti solar generator. It will run my 5k BTU window AC for several hours. This trailer is ridiculously built. I see it lasting for the rest of my days...
Awesome build! Gave me some great ideas to do something similar for my Mojave. Great content thanks for sharing!
Will be updating the video soon. Made some changes that are worth sharing!
Plan for kitchen, water, bathroom?
Great build. Repacking the bearings, did you need to replace the seal, or were you able to re-use it? Curious how difficult it is to find the emplacement seal.
You will need to replace the seal. My local trailer store had one for a few bucks. Etrailer might have one too...
Awesome build....very good use of space.
Would really like to know the dimensions of your frame work. Looking at the same thing and concerned about height and space as I have a larger family
Be a little more specific on the dimensions you want. I will get them for you. As far as a family, its tight with just 2 of us....
Great build. Great decisions. You are correct on the batteries. A lead acid battery can continuously safely discharged to 50% for the longevity of the battery. A lithium battery can be discharged to 20% each cycle and not effect the life of the cells.
I think i am going to lower mine...
www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/another-way-to-lower-an-m1101-m1102.134805/
@@44mechanicFor your roof, what is the rubber membrane attached to?
@@nickolas9375 its just glued to the sealed wood roof. The membrane came with an adhesive.
@44mechanic ah gotcha. OK. I'm getting ready to build out my M1101 and love your design! How's the roof holding up? No leaks? I saw you sealed it right and used screws with rubber washers.
Can you make a video of towing it and maybe a walk around of it connected to the JT. Big ask but I’m looking to do the same.
Any updates on the build?
Yes there is. Ill start on an update video soon...
Fantastic build. Do you have a blog or any other videos on fabricating the frame?
I don't have a blog, sorry. I used mostly 2x2 16Ga. tubing with some 1x2 16Ga. tubing. I wanted a depth of 2" so the 2" foam insulation would fit flush. There is no right or wrong way. I was going to just build a frame and get a roof top tent, but hate tent camping in the wind/heat/cold. Good luck!!
Outstanding job on this building. How does it pull behind your Jeep?
The Gladiator pulls it just fine. There is no sway and it tracks straight. The only thing I can feel is the wind resistance. There is a write up on how to lower the trailer up to 5 inches. I am going to lower it and bring the height down closer to cab height. I am not a fan of lifted Jeeps that I daily drive. While lifting the Jeep would be easy and of course look amazing, its very expensive to do it right. A set of 37s with a lift would be around 5k plus for anything I would even consider. And don't forget a re-gear! I want to be able to do 75 down the road, then take trails and explore. 33s are perfect for me. I am about 5k all in on this trailer. Go price some of the factory units that are out there. They may look nicer and have more features, but I guarantee they are not as rugged! Cheers!!
Nice trailer, I'm thinking of doing the same and building one to go behind my Gladiator. I was really hoping to see how it looks hooked up behind your gladiator. Can you post something on that? Width wise, over all length? Maybe on your next outing you can post on it. Great job! Love the set up.
Looking for the same thing!
Jerrod, If I had an email, I would send you a few pics. I cant figure out how to add one here!!