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"Reacher"; A multi-purpose trailer build from Nerve Foundry by Spvrtan

Discussion in 'Other Builds' started by Spvrtan, Aug 10, 2018.

  1. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:37 PM
    #1
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    Kris
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    I posted a while back about starting a build for a trailer design that I think is extremely unique and -- from my research across American and Australian trailer companies -- hasn't been done before (ie. going to try and patent the concept if necessary). If all goes according to plan with the prototype, then hopefully I can market it and build these on the side as a hobby for supplemental income but I won't be quitting my job anytime soon.

    Well, I finally got around to starting it two weeks ago on my spare time. I'll keep this thread updated as much as possible but feel free to follow along on Instagram: @nervefoundry.

    As a precursor, I am just a dude with sub-amateur fabrication skills that likes to make shit. I'm mostly a keyboard warrior by day as a work-from-home full-time software engineer. To add, due to my love of making random shit, I also made a free web app a few months ago that helps people document their builds; check out my Tundra's build page here:
    http://buildprint.io/builds/3.pluto?v=m

    Goals:
    - Handle real offroad abuse apart from dirt roads.
    - Standing room yet low-profile to address wind resistance.
    - Multiple functions, such as using it for camping, hauling things around town
    - Easy to clean and maintain.
    - Solid construction and no fabrics to tear.
    - Targeted toward the more "DIY" owner that wants to make the trailer "their own" via modular mounting options both inside and outside of the trailer.

    The last item means that as a requirement the design has to be simple, strong, and spacious. The idea was, like the Go Fast Campers or Vagabond Outdoors truck campers, be an outdoors utility that can be taken anywhere yet withstand rugged abuse.

    Amenities:
    - Filtered water system inclusive of an interior sink and shower.
    - Solar electric system.

    I wanted to keep the trailer free of other items, such as a kitchenware, to keep costs low while letting people outfit those themselves; also will be minimal on excessive shelving/storage but modular add-ons are accounted for in the design.

    Design:
    - 5'x10' Enclosed box with swing down/up ramp/door.
    - Steel frames and aluminum walls.
    - Interior full-size bed roughly 5' wide and 6' long.
    - Plenty of benches and tables inside (ie. rough sketch shows fitting 6-8 adults comfortably and based off me at 5'9" at 165lbs)
    - Roof rack.
    - Frame built out of structural shapes, such as channel, angle, and tee, for some weight savings but mostly to help with rust management.
    - Tongue box with miniature roof rack ..though the electric system would take up most of the space.
    - Water tanks under the frame.
    - Optional interior storage boxes.
    - Optional "slider" storage boxes.

    The best part of my design will be unveiled in the future but it's hopefully patentable. Again, I haven't seen any trailers yet with my idea but there is one company that shares the general vision but are a step or two away. They were at Overland Expo West and seeing their trailer in person definitely gave me a boost of confidence in realizing my idea was very much possible.

    Third-party products planned:
    - Timbren half-axles with electric brakes.
    - AT Overland coupler

    I plan on modifying the half-axles with a long-arm type augmentation with optional dampening shocks for more clearance, travel, and handling boosts.

    The prototype will be a little "extra" compared to what a basic version of the trailer might be because it's going to be pulled by my Tundra that's on 40s. So, naturally, the trailer will have matching 40s.

    For those curious about my Tundra; check out my Instagram: @spvrtan
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2018
    Ostrich, smslavin, Sas and 3 others like this.
  2. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:40 PM
    #2
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    Kris
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    Black '14 CM SR5 w/ SC; 40s on 17s; 5.29s
    Current state of the frame..

    20180809_224035.jpg

    20180809_224106.jpg
     
  3. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:42 PM
    #3
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    :pccoffee:

    Did you have a budget in mind that you are trying to stay within?
     
  4. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:49 PM
    #4
    porkitt

    porkitt New Member

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    :spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending:


    And then......:spending::spending::spending::spending::spending::spending:






    :popcorn:

    I'm sure this is going to be awesome!
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2018
    15whtrd, Sas and jewsNbrews like this.
  5. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:54 PM
    #5
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    Kris
    San Diego, CA
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    Black '14 CM SR5 w/ SC; 40s on 17s; 5.29s
    Not a strict budget but I did some rough mathing on the main raw materials (ie. steel and aluminum) I'd need and third-party products required and that comes to about $1,650. $1k of that are the axles and coupler.
     
  6. Aug 10, 2018 at 1:56 PM
    #6
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    Holden
    North Texas
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    GR Corolla
    :popcorn:
    Tuned in for an epic trailer build!
     
  7. Aug 10, 2018 at 3:38 PM
    #7
    aperezsh

    aperezsh Blessed are the peacemakers

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    cal-exit landed in GA
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    A little this and that...Broke now
    right on brother dial it in and keep us updated!
     
  8. Aug 10, 2018 at 4:24 PM
    #8
    the_midwesterner

    the_midwesterner New Member

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    None, yet....
    Posting to stay updated.

    Lets see them welds though...
     
    Noodle and Sunnier like this.
  9. Aug 10, 2018 at 4:26 PM
    #9
    koditten

    koditten New Member

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    Subbed.
     
  10. Aug 10, 2018 at 4:41 PM
    #10
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

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    Looking forward to see what you come up with. I need something like this for work. I've been thinking about buying a camper, but don't think they would hold up to the amount of travel I'd put it through.
     
  11. Aug 11, 2018 at 12:05 PM
    #11
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    Haha. They're decent. Most are just stringers since a lot of them are butt welds. I did zig-zag weaves for tee joints. I'm not building this with the prettiest welds but damn sure make sure they're strong and I'm getting a lot of heat penetration pretty easy. I'll get some photos.
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  12. Aug 11, 2018 at 12:07 PM
    #12
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    Kris
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    Yea, that was one of my concerns with existing trailer options out there. Wanted something multi-functioning yet durable to last my lifetime and then some.
     
    Sunnier and jewsNbrews like this.
  13. Aug 11, 2018 at 12:16 PM
    #13
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    You certainly have some skills!
     
    jewsNbrews likes this.
  14. Aug 11, 2018 at 12:18 PM
    #14
    saybng

    saybng Just a member.

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    I like your idea and ingenuity...definitely going to follow along..
     
  15. Aug 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM
    #15
    the_midwesterner

    the_midwesterner New Member

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    None, yet....
    Well, post up, we may be able to help. I’ve taught a handful of buddies to weld now, so I may be able to give you some pointer if you want them. No shame in learning. At least you’re out there melting wire.
     
    TheBeast, jewsNbrews and saybng like this.
  16. Aug 11, 2018 at 2:12 PM
    #16
    Tundra Fan

    Tundra Fan Got 17's?

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    In for more...... I predict a slide out.
     
  17. Aug 11, 2018 at 6:35 PM
    #17
    koditten

    koditten New Member

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    Why half axles? I'm assuming you mean torsion axle stubs?

    Leaf springs are tried and and durable and readily available anywhere.

    As a trailer builders, every leaf spring failure was the result of overloading. I've only replaced 7 springs in over 300 utility trailers over the last 25 years.

    Won't your trailer be static loaded? As in the weight change won't be much more than a few hundred pounds, if that?

    Leaf springs ride very well when they have a constant load. I'm not stearing you away from torsion suspension, just commenting on what I've experienced.
     
    TheBeast, Sunnier and jewsNbrews like this.
  18. Aug 13, 2018 at 10:55 PM
    #18
    sdde4n

    sdde4n New Member

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    Leitner Designs ACS
    same
     
  19. Aug 14, 2018 at 5:39 AM
    #19
    Borgs

    Borgs New Member

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  20. Aug 14, 2018 at 5:44 AM
    #20
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

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  21. Aug 14, 2018 at 5:46 AM
    #21
    smslavin

    smslavin Behind a lens...

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  22. Aug 14, 2018 at 5:53 AM
    #22
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    None yet
  23. Aug 14, 2018 at 6:56 AM
    #23
    blue16

    blue16 New Member

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  24. Aug 14, 2018 at 7:07 AM
    #24
    KnuckleHD

    KnuckleHD New Member

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    Yep
     
  25. Aug 14, 2018 at 7:33 AM
    #25
    JC303

    JC303 Same same but different

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  26. Aug 14, 2018 at 9:39 AM
    #26
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

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    In sig
    Looking forward to this! I don’t do near enough camping to warrant one right now, but I love the idea of an offroad trailer.
     
  27. Aug 14, 2018 at 12:02 PM
    #27
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    make it sub $2K :)
     
  28. Oct 17, 2018 at 10:52 AM
    #28
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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  29. Oct 17, 2018 at 10:53 AM
    #29
    Spvrtan

    Spvrtan [OP] Amateur fabricator

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    I was originally wanting to do aluminum for the whole cab but now I think I'm just going to do a hybrid approach. The top half will be aluminum for weight savings and durability since it also functions as the outer shell when closed. The bottom half will be plywood for durability, and strength but also because it can easily be replaced or modified (ie. drilling holes into it for some future additions).

    Now I need to figure out what type of plywood to get. For the sizes, I'm thinking 3/4" thick for the floor and 1/4" thick for the walls. I was going to seal the wood but need to figure out what to use for that, too. The floor piece is going to be covered in rolled truck bed liner on the inside. I think for the underside of the floor I'm just going to coat it with some truck underside liner (ie. that rubber stuff).
     
  30. Oct 17, 2018 at 2:57 PM
    #30
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    Frame looks good!
     

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