Lord Humongous Gigahorse Tow-coma Build

Regardless of how this project goes I think ill have to pick something up. Maybe a small buggy project is in my future. Or at least I can make everybody horshoe cactus for Christmas

 

Went all Bob Villa and busted out the jigsaw and made some shelving for the camper. The closet space above the bed was basically pointless as a hanger closet and our clothes would just end up all wadded up in the bottom. I basically traced the outside of the trailer to get the basic shape for the sides. Used some brad nails to hold the 1x1s in place and the pressure of the shelves hold the sides up so no need to drill or nail anything into the actual camper.

 

Finished up the HF toolbox to battery box conversion. This project actually took a full day to complete. Nothing too difficult just epic amiunt of hole drilling, wire stripping and trips to the hardware store. I also didn't really have a plan before I started and just sorta went at it.
Before we had a single group 24 battery which would last about a day and half with the fan running constantly. We've about quadrupled our amp hours with dual group 31 batteries and were now ready for solar!


A couple holes on the back for box venting and wire entry.

Mocked up the battery trays and cut a piece of lexan for an accessory panel. I could've done a better job but wasn't sure what blade to use for cutting plastic? It turned out pretty good. I would've made it out of metal but was concerned about dropping it and causing a short.

3 new crossmembers welded to the top of the frame.

Also welded the chain hangers on.

Everything installed and wired up! Solar charge controller with 20 amp breaker. 12v marine power station with 20 amp breaker. 30 amp breaker replacing the 30 amp fuse that used to lead to the trailer. 2 Blue sea bus bars, 1 is power and the other is a ground lug.

The panel is held on with wing nuts so I can easily remove it to change batteries when needed.

External battery off switch, Solar power port, trailer plug holster and of course cast iron bear bottle opener.

rawr

 

Also got rid of the single 30lb propane tank in favor of two twenty pound tanks with an auto switchover regulator. 20lb tanks can be exchanged at most convenience and grocery stores.


And added a vavle for using our outdoor camp stove so no more disposable tanks.

 

Are you still going to run the front bike rack?

 

Yeah that's the plan. The tounge is already pretty busy but it fit during mock up.
Since the tounge jack needs to lift the tounge and back of the truck to apply the WDH chains I wanted to use grade 8 hardware to mount the jack. I'll put the bike rack on when I get the right hardware.

 

How do you like that rack? I’m about to pull the trigger on that same one and was wondering your thoughts

 

I like it allot. I like being able to see the bikes while traveling and it's really well built. It can be a little work getting the bike on that goes between the rack and trailer but not too bad. It's mainly just a little effort to keep from getting yourself dirty while maneuvering it up there.

 

We picked up some 200 watt fold up solar panels. They are monocrystalline and only about 15lbs. I've had them plugged in while I was at work the last 2 days and they've kept the batteries full with 3 lights on and the fan running at medium continuously. Im not sure how far the batteries drop at night but I guess I'll find out tonight. Im thinking not much.

Bike rack does indeed fit

 

Damn, that is really coming together nicely. You have really improved your trailer functionality

 

We're really happy with the upgrades. We should get a chance to test everything out here in the next couple of weeks as long as the state of Arizona doesn't spontaneously combust.

I'm still wanting to convert the TV antenna into a 4G lte and Wi-fi booster but I think that'll be the last of it......for now

 

My fleet of imaginary spaceships

 

Changed the oil on the generator and waxed the trailer. Camping season starts Tuesday at the end of the world

 

gluten free breakfast!

 

That’s what it’s all about brother!

 

Had a great week of hiking, exploring and enjoying the views.


We visited the fire tower.



Nice view from with the morning coffee



campfire cooking

Oak Creek Canyon
We stumbled across a creepy old hunting cabin
Sedona on the left and Cottonwood on the right

Sedona in the background


What a great week. The new set-up worked out great. I'm having a little trouble with the suspension on the trailer but it's still riding way better than the ol' leaf springs. I have some new parts that should fix my issues but I'll update all that later.

 

Did you have some mods done to the rear bumper set-up? I see the spare is offset from center with something on the left.

 

Yeah I moved the spare tire over and am using a craigslist bike rack to hold 2 recliner chairs and spare water tank. I'm not really a fan a of the set-up but it's gonna work for now. My plan is to build a big rack on the back latter on when I pick up a welder.

 

So the new trailer suspension has been pretty good but definatley had some issues with it on this first trip.

My main issue has been Timbrens Aeon springs ability to support its rated weight. Timbrens spec sheet shows the maximum deflection to be 2.75"s. With the unloaded trailer weight the suspension had squatted approx 2.5" and full of water and gear the squat was about 3.25". I contacted Timbren and their response was that's normal but you can buy stiffer springs from us to fix it. The springs weren't too expensive but a frustrating scenario since I basically had to buy stiffer springs to make 5200lb axles work on a 3500lb trailer...

Definitely some fender rib last week. Here it sits loaded.
The new springs (on top) are slightly larger.

I can easily manipulate the rubber of the old springs with 1 thumb (top). The new springs are much stiffer and the difference in rubber density is very obvious.

As it sits now with the new springs full loaded with water.

If it ends up still rubbing a bit I'll remove a little fender well . Getting smaller tires would be quitting!
Timbren Sent me a spec sheet that said I'd need specialised tools to change the springs. I just ran a rachet strap around the spring and tied it off on a front crossmember. I slowly ratcheted it in while guiding with a pry bar. Worked like a charm.
So my main gripe is the fact that the specs are obviously not correct considering the axles are designed for a much bigger trailer. Also the fact that other spring options are available would be amazing to know when making the initial purchase. Honestly though I feel like the original ones may possibly be defective and I wish Timbren would be handled it better.

Now I can't be completely negetive. The suspension was a huge huge improvement over the original leaf set-up. It made the difference of being able to travel 35mph vs 5-10mph on 26 miles of fire roads. No sharp jaring and the Aeon springs do a great job absorbing energy. No more crazy trailer bouncing and thank God no more leaf spring noise!!! I'm really looking forward to getting out and running it through it's paces with new springs!

 

A little tire review. The ST Maxx are BAD ASS! I ran them at 60psi while towing and got better gas mileage than I did with the 265s. Not bad considering the tires are bigger and the trailer is heavier with the new batteries. I ran them at 14 psi while driving around the forest and they rode very comfortably. Defiantly understanding the hype behind them.

The Falkens did nicely too. I ran them at 80psi cold and aired them down to 40 once we hit the dirt road. The 80psi probably attributed to the better mpgs. They also look big and cool on a trailer so that's a plus!