The EH-2 Expedition Hauler by 410XCO

[Cappy410]

With the increase mileage on my JK and the lack of fuel economy, it was time to build a full overland trailer. You see, my JK is my daily driver and having the RTT on the rack does not help. I've been thinking of a complete rebuild on the current offroad trailer I had which followed me to Utah, The Yukon and Alaska. Having the wife join me on our big YK/AK trip, she determined that the trailer was not practical. So, with some input (yes, she can come up with great ideas from time to time) it was back to the drawing board.

 

[Cappy410]

The plan was to rebuild the trailer using the existing chassis and build a completely new box with lots of practical features. I had to decide what material to use at a reasonable budget. Aluminum was my preference but the cost way too high. Then I found Crezon plywood which is used for highway signs and has a high tolerence to moisture and a 20 year life span. Plus, plywood is so much easier to work with, especially if you make a mistake. The layout was laid out using 5 sheets of 5/8" 4x8 sheets. Each sheet was used to its maximum with very little wastage.

 

[Cappy410]

The chassis is 6 feet long by 4 feet wide. The idea was to make the box 36" high to allow enough height to walk under the roof top tent when it's open and low enough when it's Park in the garage. I wanted 2 side doors to allow for a fridge slide out and drawers on the other side. In addition, I added 2 side boxes for the kitchen on the passenger side and a living quarters in the annex side.

 

[Cappy410]

My paint choice was Battleship Grey with black trim. The old military tires were to come off and my stock JK wheels and Duratracs to fit on. I had to order Hub spacers in order to fit the 5 on 5 bolt pattern from 5 on 4.5 plus I needed the wheels to come out 2". I found the hub spacers on eBay.

 

[Cappy410]

I had the side doors made by a local fabricator. I used lockable truck latches.

 

[Cappy410]

I purchased all the LED lights and wiring from Princess Auto for around $200 Cdn. The nose box is a black poly Dee-Zee angle box. I chose poly to keep the weight down plus it was half the cost of a checker plated box.

 

[Cappy410]

Next, It was time to check the final height with the RTT. You see, I gained an extra 2" of height with the Duratracs so I had to make sure I could get the EH2 in the garage. Wow! That was close, only 1 inch to spare.

I purchased 2 Watts metal access panels and painted them flat black and install them in the rear bottom accessory boxes. There I can put unwanted items like muddy boots, Jeep care kit like fluids and parts.

 

[Cappy410]

I added aviation cables to the side box doors to use as a counter.

I then found I checker plated tool box lid that worked great as a rear door. A couple coats of flat black paint and it was installed.

I then built the fridge slide out and added a couple Velcro pouches on the door with kitchen accessories and utensils.

 

[Cappy410]

The final steps were getting close. I had to extend the hitch arm and remove the standard 2" ball receiver and add the new max coupler.

 

[Cappy410]

Follow the entire build "The EH-2 trailer build" series on our YouTube channel 410 Expedition.
Get Out & Explore,
Cappy

 

[adventureking72]

Looks good cappy410


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[Arizona Overland]

It looks nice. Is it a highway hauler, or is it intended for off road use? I am looking forward to hearing how well it holds up to off road use.

 

[Graeman]

That is a pretty cool setup. Have you installed a propane bottle to cook with on the inside of the trailer? Or does your stove run off of other fuel?

 

[Cappy410]

That is a pretty cool setup. Have you installed a propane bottle to cook with on the inside of the trailer? Or does your stove run off of other fuel?

The propane bottle will be mounted in the front next to the nose box. I'm still working out the details for the stove.

 

[Cappy410]

It looks nice. Is it a highway hauler, or is it intended for off road use? I am looking forward to hearing how well it holds up to off road use.

It's intended for both. But not for extreme off-road

 

[yabbaz]

this is a dope build! lookin good!

 

[Captain Chaos]

Cool build! Wish I was better at working with wood.

 

[Dustin S. Godtfring]

I like but I think the metal one hold up better and I wish I was better at welding and or I wish I had a welder so I can work on my welds


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[Arabian desert]

Really nice job. I have been gathering info on trailers for some time now, with a project in mind in the future. Your trailer ticks all the boxes. [emoji106]

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[toxicity_27]

Watched the videos on YouTube over the last couple of weeks. Really enjoyed following along on the build, and really made me want a trailer! Nice work Cappy!