Okay, here is some fun tech that is completely off base.
My pop-up trailer is a decent size, and for the most part it sleeps everyone just fine. Problem is that when I have the whole family with me in the 4runner, there isn't any room for storage left in it with the three rows filled up. The pop-up only holds so much as well. So, I have been wanting to stretch the tongue on the camper a few feet to make more room for carrying stuff.
Also, the tires on the camper are 20" tires. They are tiny, and even with an axle flip, there isn't enough clearance. Especially with the added length I want to add.
So, here are the pop-up's new shoes. I found a set of stock Jeep steel wheels. They are 15x7" with 4.5-5" backspacing. Perfect for what I need. The tires are some Toyo touring tires that I found at the pic-n-pull for $15/ea and they are pretty much brand new. 205/75/15 tires. They measure out around 27" tall. So, the tires alone will give 3.5" of lift. Problem is that I will need additional lift just to clear them. I will add more about that when I get to start modifying it.
Today I started the frame hack. It was sawzall time!
What I started with:
Tongue weight of 150lbs without the propane tank and battery on the front.
Frame extended 36" up front
The box will be 78"x36"
New Tongue weight of 230lbs with the propane tank on the front. That would add around 40lbs
This is the only concern. The crank mount to the front, so I will need to make sure I leave access to it when the box is full built.
I plan on building the rest of the box next week. The rack itself is only tacked in place since I need to add some bracing to the frame before its fully welded on.
