Budget Overland Trailer Build Pt2 - DIY Deck Lid, Gas Struts & Mounting an RTT

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Disclaimer: for those that may be new to welding : here are some tips and may answers to some of your questions regarding the welding processes type and weld positions. In this video, I use a Hobart 110v welder and I switch between gas and flux core welding processes, both .035 wire size but each to there own specific uses. Most of the important penetration needed for structural integrity I use flux core with flat position welding techniques. This is because the limitations of my welder (at the time) offers the best penetration based on material thickness. I’ve since bought a new welder that can GMAW up to 5/16” stock and would be the process of choice. All flux core welding positions are performed in the flat position. Down hill welding is a process that proves to be better when dealing with thin metals. This is because as you move down, you get a faster travel speed and the arc will penetrate the base metal less. Thus it has lower heat input thanks to the faster welding speed. This also helps to prevent the excess melting or damage to the material, so you should be able to deal with thin metals without a problem. For instance, in most trailer plants which manufacture small trailers that are made of light gauge metal or thin wall tubing, running a downhill weld can help achieve 100 percent fusion while preventing overheating or even warping of the components. Vertical MIG welding, whether welding uphill or downhill is a daunting task for beginners, trust me I know. Learning it requires patience and if you are not extra careful you will get a rough, uneven bead, possibly with undercuts on both sides of the bead, which as you can assume is a bad thing. Before you start taking on projects in your neighborhood to make a few extra bucks that require vertical welding, make sure that you know what you are doing. Practice, practice, practice! A good vertical MIG welding technique should enable you to fight against gravity as it pulls the puddle downward. If properly adopted and mastered, vertical welding position is the most effective base position after flat position to study and take on other positions in the future.

[@s.wilson5199]

I LOVE the hinged top!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@Mrgstotz]

Hey brother, Glenn here in sunny CA. Just want to take a minute and let you know how much I enjoy your videos and they're done very well.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you Glenn I appreciate it, welcome to the channel 🍻

[@robertkerby2581]

You did a great job! Well done, Sir!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you 🙏

[@damonstone3790]

Love the trailer! I would suggest moving the track boards to the tailgate. When you need them you don’t want to dig everything out of the way. Maybe even hook them to the underside of the tent deck.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I actually thought about putting the track on the tailgate but they were to long. The next best place would be under the Rtt, I do like that idea a lot and it wouldn’t be hard to move over there. Would be very convenient. Thanks for watching and sharing 🍻

[@michael_notMike_stillman]

Put them same place, just on the outside

[@paulquiroz4070]

Really nice setup

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks you

[@brokenrockadventures]

Pismo is always one of our stops. Dune camping is getting harder and harder. We enjoy North Beach Campgrounds right off the beach.

[@carlosandrade7439]

That rear gate would make a perfect fold down tailgate to use as a quick table.

[@NotICON]

This is starting to look like a really awesome build, and I can't wait to see the final product. I think it would be really cool if you built a pull out that you could use as a cooking area with a cooler, gas stove, and a prep area.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy, still waiting on our fenders , but it’s almost done just wanting to keep it stupid simple and light as possible, but still usefull on and offroad. I was thinking about a chuck box build just might end up doing something like it. That’s a good idea. Haven’t decided if I want to do that into the jk out on the trailer! Still considering! Thanks for watching buddy 🍻

[@BottleJackBuddy]

Great build!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you , it’s been a fun build 🍻

[@peten6445]

Great job!!!! Super sweet trailer!!!

[@danpayan9468]

Dude awesome build👍

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you 🍻

[@TNEZCHANNEL]

that's a nice looking trailer, congrats!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

It’s been a fun little build, thank you for watching 🍻

[@brokenrockadventures]

Great build. Pismo svra is a favorite.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Pismo was a really fun trip, thanks for watching 🍻

[@number4777.]

Super nice build and very well done!!Building one now hope to finish before winter.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you I appreciate it. it’s been a fun little build. Good luck on getting it done before winter 🍻

[@NajarOffroad]

Looks great man!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy I appreciate it 🍻

[@Jakethepwasher]

Love it!! Looks killer

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy, it’s been a fun little trailer build! 🍻

[@davidsandoval9096]

Love how the trailer came out. I like it a lot. Oh!! I was in pismo this past weekend and the weather feels really good. Keep the vids coming!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I appreciate it, I’m hoping it does well in pismo, we are excited to check it out! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@barrygrantham3390]

Looks like you might be able to use the tail gate for a side work table with a little fab work, I really like the build! Nice job!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

A solution for this is in the works , a couple more videos I need to get out first , thanks for watching 🍻

[@kulotsgarage118]

Wow!! Great job!!! Genius

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@cindyhook1289]

I would bring the top all the way to cover over the gate. Then lock it. Those pins can easily be busted off. Awesome build though!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Great idea 🍻

[@marshallcox134]

Yall be cool neighbors, Tj jeep and a fk8 type r!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I have awesome neighbors 😎 thanks for watching 🍻

[@Lvl2this]

good job

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you! It’s been a fun project ! 🍻

[@jessejames9576]

Nice job. I like what you’ve done. Maybe in the future you might consider two sliding drawers or trays so you can access the gear area while your r.t.t. Is deployed. Just an idea.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I’m hoping to find a truck decked drawer systems that size of the cargo space , it would be rad ! Good idea thanks for watching 🍻

[@vegasfordguy]

Looks awesome 👍 I enjoy watching your videos and the way you go over all the details is always great. Keep up the good work!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@vegasfordguy]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Here's mine if you're interested in seeing it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHaZaXWKopeZoLs

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

@@vegasfordguy I just checked it out awesome TJ 😎, new subscriber here too👊

[@vegasfordguy]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Thank you!

[@WidlyWesternCanuck]

Awesome videos keep it up!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@c21aaron]

Great work! I believe you said the box is 44" wide X 60" long?

[@charlesrainey6830]

Bring me one!!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Come get it , might sell it. Lol 🍻

[@charlesrainey6830]

$$$

[@adamcraighead3085]

Just curious on the tongue. What was the reasoning for making it as long as you did? What are the benefits? And what are the drawbacks?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I was unsure about the length at the time, and I wanted to be able to leave the trailer connected and parked perpendicular to the jeep, but still have clearance to open the rear tailgate. Also some obstacles I plan to take the trailer on have steep approach and departure angles , a longer tongue will allow the clearance for the trailer to not crash into the Jeeps spare tire. Since I have shortened the tongue to 40” from the box to the hitch. 🍻

[@BTBLive]

Great job. Not sure if i missed it. What steel tube did you use for the deck lid. Looks like 1x2 maybe 1/6 wall?

[@dmorox]

Can you provide source info for the gas struts? Most of what I'm finding is in the UK, and mounting calculators are confusing. I have a heavy steel covered lid on my 3x4 trailer I would like to use struts on. Thanks.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes these are 28” 200lbs gas struts amzn.to/3yYi1FP 🍻

[@raphaelvongelmini8112]

Why aren´t you mounting the xbulls on the underside off the decklet

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

It’s a good idea , but at the moment having those there would allow less space to fit my current totes and gear that I have. Currently Where those would fit when the lid is closed.my tail gate tables set on top of the totes.

[@susanmullen7173]

put your track boards under the tent frame

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

I’m considering this. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@davemac2006]

Great build. What is the trailer size?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

3.5x5’ thanks for watching 🍻

[@bretpemberton2968]

May I ask what was the final price on the build and how do you like it after 2 months. Thks

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

So far I’m loving it , it’s very simple , holds my gear and not very heavy to tow. I have around 2700 into the trailer that’s everything including the tent. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@teamcq9204]

Legit!!!!!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Thank you

[@MUHLMEDIA]

What welder do you recommend for beginners to build custom mods for these trailer builds? Planing to resupport and upgrade mine for offroad/overland use.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

240v Hobart, Miller , Lincoln, Forney, or yes welder and that’s about it. If your interested buy it on Amazon run the crap out of it for 30 days if your not satisfied take it back! Amazon has some good deals! For a newbie to mig I’d suggest starting off with flux core wire and then if your serious you can then decide if you want to spend the extra for a gas setup! .035 is an all around good size wires up up to 1/2 stock. I’ll be doing a video on this subject soon. Thanks for watching 🍻

[@MUHLMEDIA]

@@ATEMOFFROAD Much appreciate the reply I should read your comments on this post. Would the 170 Amp-DC 240 V Lincolns Mig/Flux core welder at Harbor Freight be sufficient enough to get the job done?

[@RustySprocket]

How much $$$ for a duplicate trailer? Will pick up in person!

[@RustySprocket]

Seriously though... Take my money! That'd be right here at home in Wyoming!

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Man I totally would build you one too, almost picked up one today but it sold really quick before I could get to it! I’ll need to find a trailer first. Thank you for watching buddy I appreciate it🍻

[@stevericci3308]

is that a 4x4 or 4x5 trailer

[@austinorr7291]

Hey new to the Overland trailer scene. Why such a long hitch?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Well I had planned on adding a bike rack there and a storage box. I then decided not to, and shorten it 16” still long enough to have the box and park the jeep perpendicular so that I won’t have to disconnect the trailer and still have room to set up and cook off my tailgate with a larger spare tire. With the longer tounge you get the clearances for this. Thanks for watching I appreciate it 🍻

[@mikevargas2293]

How much is that top tent ⛺

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Inspiredoverland.com

[@dougrogillio2223]

11:02 The safety nut is not doing you any good unless the threads extend thru the nylon insert.

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Yes that’s true, but in this case that doesn’t matter because there is a nut on the other side and the frame is threaded, therefore the nuts jam the bolt very secure! In theory that nut is not really necessary! Just additional! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@yemingli643]

how to send the sample for you to test?

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

Any business inquiries reach me on my email at [e-mail] 🍻

[@yemingli643]

@@ATEMOFFROAD thanks.i will connect you.

[@haydendenard2693]

Also flux core is not what you want for structural welds in an ideal world also MIG Vs flux core requires more prep there should be absolutely no oil no mill scale etc. With mig it requires more prep than stick /flux core the flux actively attaches itself to the contaminants and floats it to the top of the puddle and that's what the slag leftover is a mixture of the flux and contaminants this is why they use stick to weld pipelines for instance of mig we're stronger and less sensitive to prep they'd be out there welding with mig welders because it's way faster but not as structurally sound without more prep you've got it backwards be careful what you advise people to do after watching these 2 videos you might want to add a disclaimer to your videos

[@ATEMOFFROAD]

This situation is not “ideal world” outdoors GMAW offers poor shielding properties from the wind. To be clear this video is not a how to weld video , this is sharing how I built my trailer. Every video has a disclaimer. I always suggest that if you are not comfortable welding to never weld and to seek a professional for this task. Welding in the flat position is always suggested. the generally preferred progression for FCAW is uphill. But this is not absolute. All FCAW passes that are structurally made are done in the flat position. The only reason FCAW is introduced in this video is because of the current machine (at the time) limitations. FCAW offered best penetration for the material thickness compared to GMAW processes. I have since purchased a new machine that welds GMAW up to 5/16” stock plenty of penetration for the the job in the flat position and would be the process of choice. At the beginning I meant to say less prep after the welding, it takes time to clean flux off the weld , anything worth welding should be cleaned throughout no matter what the process! I appreciate the insight 🍻