EXPO trailer build Bantam T3-C w. RTT

[ABNTROOP]

Well just bought it today for a song and a dance. Frame is solid, was stripped and soda blasted and POR-15'd as was the tub. Floor is solid and the only areas needing minor TLC are the bottom of the front wall and the tailgate. 1st mod is pulling g these fenders off, and figuring out whether I need a new axle or can get wheel adapters to fit H3 wheels on it. I'm hunting and not finding any info. Looks like the free floating hubs are 5x5.5 and I believe I need 6x 5.5 yeah? Anyway, once I get that puzzled over, then I need to see trailer height to see if I need to revert to spring under to keep the height similar to my rig. Then fab up fenders.

 

[Bigunit]

Depending on what axle you have, you might just be able to change out the hubs to 6x5.5. Can get them from Dexter.

 

[ABNTROOP]

Am pretty sure it's the original axle, so not sure..

 

[RamRod]

Awesome find brotha! We'll have to get a Washington Trail(er) run organized now that I am only going to be a short ferry ride away by the end of the month!

If you are able to measure the size of the drums that will be a big help, if it's a 10" drum there are replacement drums available.... To be honest I believe that would most likely be your size and you can pick up the drums for $30-50

If you want to switch to electric brakes I believe this is where you might run into trouble


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[RamRod]

I got ahead of myself, I assumed that the bantam had drum brakes like the M416 & CndM101... I guess you need to figure out what size of spindle you could replace for out bolt pattern.... But to be honest for the time and money I think I would just order a 3500lb axel with the right bolt pattern and e brakes installed and avoid the hassle (I think you can do it for $150 or so)


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[ABNTROOP]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking as well. I've just never ordered an axle before, so trying to read up to figure out where to start.

 

[ABNTROOP]

Wheels and tires ordered. Now the waiting game...

 

[RamRod]

These guys are a staple in the axel industry
http://www.dexteraxle.com/home_
You could try and order direct from them or find a near by supplier


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[ABNTROOP]

I think once the wheels and tires come in and I get them mounted & balanced I'm just going to take them and the trailer to a local place and show them what I've got and let them work their magic. Measuring spring to spring for perches is clear and the bolt spacing for wheels is clear, but the total length of the axle to make sure the wheels and tires clear the trailer is vague.

 

[ABNTROOP]

Wheels are in, plastidip is drying! Tires in next wed.

 

[RamRod]

matching OEM rims?

 

[ABNTROOP]

Yep, and matching 35" BFG AT/KO's on the way. Glad I grabbed them now since the new version with the meatier side lugs is working it way out to replace the style I have.

 

[Renagade132]

Can you post progress pics brother?

 

[ABNTROOP]

Sure. When there's progress being made.

 

[ABNTROOP]

I guess I did demo out two walls in my garage so I'd have room to park the trailer & both rigs inside.

already towed it to the dump once with all the wood and Sheetrock. Pulls great! Got one more dump run coming before assembly time.

 

[ABNTROOP]

Got my matching tires in, mounted and balanced, and got my lock n roll hitch. Ordered a 14' 2" receiver. Long enough to weld to the crossmember and the A arms and extend about another 4-5" past where the ball hitch currently sits. Between that and the lock n roll that'll extend the tongue about 2'. Next will be axle and suspension. I'm gonna gut the existing stuff and swap to a timbren axle less setup with a 4" rise. http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR35HDS02.html

 

[ABNTROOP]

Well, got the hitch and landing leg removed last night. Nothing quite like the pleasure of dealing with old bolts and castle nuts. What a PITA. Anyway got it all out and got a 4' long receiver bolted in and to the front crossmember. Will drag it in to work and tack it all together in the next couple weeks. I'll snap some pics tonight. Was wayy too tired last night. Will be ordering axles this week. Changed my mind and am ordering these instead to gain more clearance for the tires. http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/ASR2KHDS03.html

hopefully I'll have them bolted in next week. Cut a 38" piece of square tubing this morning to bolt between the two and it'll all get tacked together as well. Then I can start fabbing up new fenders. Might build a new tailgate as well as this ones seen better days. Will see.

 

[ABNTROOP]

UPS guy dropped off the axle!!!:woot:

 

[ABNTROOP]

Made good progress this afternoon, I'm beat!
got the old axle & suspension removed

mocked up the axles for placement.

then drill, tap, bolt etc everything together.

gouped up the bearings and assembled the hubs (first time I've ever done that!) thank god for paper towels!!
got wheels on!

flipped her back over and rack reinstalled

mounted up the RTT and took it for a spin. Man what a difference this suspension and the locknroll hitch make. Smooth as butter and no bounciness.

got two more drop leg jacks ordered. Will get fenders fabbed up this Friday.

 

[ReconH3]

How much do you charge to make another?


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

 

[ABNTROOP]

I'll let you know when this ones done LOL! :cheers:

 

[RamRod]

Dude that's looking great!

Theses are useful little trailers too!

Just used mine to move to Victoria this weekend and it's amazing how much I was able to fit in her!


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[ABNTROOP]

Thanks bud! Yeah, I used to make a couple dump runs. Nice having a trailer!

 

[RamRod]

How much do you charge to make another?


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

I might have to sell mine soon, it costs me an extra $100 (for each way) to cross the ferry with it..... And considering the fact I just moved to an island, I think that I'll be going back to the bed cage setup like I had this summer


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[4speedfunk]

Looks like you're ready for some THORparts expo trailer fenders...