My Expedition Trailer build has started. Ideas wanted.

[ORACLElights]

Looking good so far, this sounds like a really fun project! One thing we'd definitely consider adding as the build comes together is dedicated scene lighting around the trailer, especially if it's being used for camping.

Our Angled LED Scene Light Flush Mount Bars are available in 5-inch and 9.5-inch sizes and work really well for lighting up a campsite, cooking area, or the side of a trailer without needing bulky external flood lights. The angled optics help throw light exactly where you need it while keeping the installation clean and low profile.

Depending on how many accessories you end up adding, it may also be worth putting them on an auxiliary controller like our TRIGGER system. That way you can independently control scene lights and other accessories, instead of powering everything at once and drawing unnecessary battery power.

We're looking forward to seeing how it comes together!

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[Alpine Warthog]

Solid. Are you planning on installing a rock-and-roll or similar articulating hitch?

My M416 was modified by a previous owner to take the lunette off and insert a 2" hitch on the A-frame behind it. I lost about 18-20" overall from the data plate. Pic below is after I stripped the rust and rattle canned the outside and Herculined the interior. I threw a HF jack on it. I really miss this thing, it was super lightweight and ultra-strong.

I've been hunting for a 416 for myself but have never had opportunity and fundage meet at the right time lol. I want one so bad. But now Im falling into the too many projects trap!
Right now, I'm thinking about doing a pintle set up. Not sure yet. It will probably be something I upgrade down the road.

Looking good so far, this sounds like a really fun project! One thing we'd definitely consider adding as the build comes together is dedicated scene lighting around the trailer, especially if it's being used for camping.
Our Angled LED Scene Light Flush Mount Bars are available in 5-inch and 9.5-inch sizes and work really well for lighting up a campsite, cooking area, or the side of a trailer without needing bulky external flood lights. The angled optics help throw light exactly where you need it while keeping the installation clean and low profile.
Depending on how many accessories you end up adding, it may also be worth putting them on an auxiliary controller like our TRIGGER system. That way you can independently control scene lights and other accessories, instead of powering everything at once and drawing unnecessary battery power.
We're looking forward to seeing how it comes together!

Thanks! Since your new corner lights for the flush mount taillights have come out, I'm considering using those for this trailer too. (Curving the trailer corners to match the lights is going to be a nightmare LOL) Bonus is that they will match the Gladiator and I'm already running matching wheels. This trailer might end up being all Oracle lighting after all.

The trigger runs on RF and not bluetooth right? What freq band does it operate on? I'd be interested to see how that works. a rolling code like garage door openers?

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

If you decide to go Goal Zero their Boulder 200 is a pretty good portable panel suitcase thing. I’ve had mine for a couple years and it still works like a champ. Not cheap but effective. Saves having to figure out how to run solar cabling too.

 

[VA6489]

Pintle hitches are noise and annoying. if you don't mind the constant bumping and grinding then please disregard.

The hitch in the link i posted is quiet and free of the usual bumping of a pintle hitch. Been using mine for a few years now and made a couple cross country run with it.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Pintle hitches are noise and annoying. if you don't mind the constant bumping and grinding then please disregard.

The hitch in the link i posted is quiet and free of the usual bumping of a pintle hitch. Been using mine for a few years now and made a couple cross country run with it.

You are so right lol. My only experience with pintles was with the military pulling trailers with Hummers and Dueces. It does get old. I was thinking I'd stick with it since its what I know. But I checked out yours and it looks very slick.
I once heard that pintle hitches and the one like yours aren't highway legal. Haven't gotten to that point in the research yet, so I'm hoping thats out of date info.

 

[VA6489]

You are so right lol. My only experience with pintles was with the military pulling trailers with Hummers and Dueces. It does get old. I was thinking I'd stick with it since its what I know. But I checked out yours and it looks very slick.
I once heard that pintle hitches and the one like yours aren't highway legal. Haven't gotten to that point in the research yet, so I'm hoping thats out of date info.

Driven mine cross country several times to include a DOT stop. No issues.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Pintles are geared more towards heavy duty applications. Think 10ks lbs. a good articulating hitch may run you a bit more cash but for the weight of what you’ll pull with a Gladiator you’ll be happier. Right tool for the right job.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Driven mine cross country several times to include a DOT stop. No issues.

Pintles are geared more towards heavy duty applications. Think 10ks lbs. a good articulating hitch may run you a bit more cash but for the weight of what you’ll pull with a Gladiator you’ll be happier. Right tool for the right job.

Thanks, I'll have to look into them more as I get to the final product. I'm hoping to get the frame paint finished up this weekend so I can start building a frame base. From there I have to finalize the shape and dimensions of the box.

 

[ORACLElights]

The trigger runs on RF and not bluetooth right? What freq band does it operate on? I'd be interested to see how that works. a rolling code like garage door openers?

Great question! The included handheld remote communicates with the TRIGGER controller over RF, not Bluetooth. Bluetooth is only used for control through the free TRIGGER ACS PLUS mobile app. The remote is also programmable for security (RF frequency), similar to a garage door opener.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

And you need shooting platforms. With expanded steel cages. For the Zombies.

 

[Tyler_OverlandJT]

Custom trailer builds take so much planning, it’s cool to see you mapping everything out ahead of time.

 

[azmojave]

First you need a hitch on the truck LOL

I’ve been using the Max Coupler for about 7 years now and it’s been awesome. Just have to grease the bearing once in a while. Zero slop. I’ve never heard of it not being street legal.

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