My Next Project

[Pikeman]

Ok so it isnt a 4Runner but it will be towed by one. I am not sure, might be a little big but for the price i couldnt pass it up. I went to Government Surplus Auctions at Government Liquidation and won the auction for this for $210. I went all the way to Vegas today round trip to pick it up. Here are some pictures of the trip, and a little goofing around midway home.

Double checking it was still back there because it towed so nice.

Stopping at State Line to have lunch

The goofing off part

 

[Pikeman]

Tires are 235/75/16 on GM 8 lug. I am planning on swapping out the axle for a regular #3500lb trailer axle with 10x2.5 electric brakes and Toyota lug pattern. It does have the full military bows but the tarp was shredded. Initial plans are to place angle Iron along the sides about 2" below the lip on the inside with 3/4" gas spaced for rubbermaid totes. I will have plywood vertically to load block the totes and then when I reach campsite pull them up and lay horizontally to create sleeping platform. Once I use it a few times and decide if it is usable(also saving my pennies) decide how to build it.

 

[tmaxx13]

Dude that thing is sweet for $200 I would take it in a heartbeat! I can't wait for the build

 

[brian2sun]

Congrats Pikeman! That thing is nice!

 

[Baja Runner]

Does it have a standard ball mount or does it have one of those high angle attachments (forget what the real term is?) ... If not, something to look into!

 

[fightman80]

Cool man! Just a question.....why get rid of the current axle and lug pattern??? That sounds like a pretty good setup........

 

[Pikeman]

It currently has a Pintle/Lunette hitch set-up. When I do the axle conversion i plan on using a Max Coupler.

Fightman- It is a nice set-up and even though it is a 3/4 ton trailer and max allowable weight is 3800lbs. The current axle is more along the lines of a 6k axle. The logic behind swapping is as follows:
1. Sheds 300lbs by swapping to electric braked trailer axle
2. Gives me same lug pattern so spare will work truck or trailer
3. In order to swap to better hitch system would have to get rid of surge brakes anyways.
4. Surge brakes can stay engaged on the trail going down steep hills while a good electric system will be proportional to vehicle braking.
5. Possibly have a buyer for current axle surge brake assembly so the cost would be a wash.


Paint scheme is frame, underside of box inner wheel wells black. Outside of box matching white or 08 FJ cruiser Sand. The metal brackets for the side rails and bows powder coated to match armor on truck, wood on the rails light medium stained hardwood. Inside of box will be line-x.

 

[liv2bike]

too cool man. sounds like you got it figured out. keep us updated as you build her. I kinda like the army green color myself...

 

[donkeyhoatie]

Wow, I really dig the look of that. Congrats on a great score. Looking forward to what you'll do with it.

 

[Pikeman]

Started my build finally and have posted a thread in the new Towing sub forum.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/towin...po-base-camp-build-us-m101-a2.html#post957940