Well, it is automotive powered....

[Yummi]

I have conquered the RivNuts!

So, the first side took four hours total.  The other side?  About two.  Experience goes along way in this game. 

My taker on the Lund product?  It could be better. 

First, the Rivnut tool they give you sucks balls.  If you have access to a better tool, get it.  In the event you want to proceed before you get going, run to the Ace Hardware. 

Get some of this in assorted sizes.  Be certain to get a grade 8 bolt or two for the rivnut tool.  The piece of shit China crap they send with it?  Yes, it does snap right in two.  Get some of this and some of that.  All 1/4x20 so it comes in handy even if you don't need it. 





now, on the rinnut deal, once you get a sense for the feel of it, it is pretty simple.  Do not be tempted to over tighten it.  You can feel as it tightens.  Just as it tightens, about 1/8 turn beyond that and you are good.  I used an impact wrench. 


Which brings me to the next gripe on the Lund Product.  All told it is about $600 +-  At that price point they should sport an extra Rivnut or two.  Cause you gonna end up breaking a bolt in one.  Drilling one out, etc etc.  I went through three.  Fastanal does not stock them.  Maybe Grainger?  IDK.  My solution?  The little square spring loaded nut.  Standard 1/4 x 20 size.  Drill the hole a bit bigger, snap into place and it blows a Rinvut out of the water.  Get some. 



On this application they use a hole that is big.  They provide a molly bolt thing.  Yep, broke one of them too.  Get the round insert and a longer bolt at the ACE.

Most folks seem to freak on cutting the liner.  Easy peasy.  Make certain you have one of these:



The cut is not as precise as you might think. 



All in all I am well pleased with the product.  Just wish they would pack a few more bits of hardware for the oh shit moments.  You will have oh shit moments.   

All four sides now done. 




Tomorrow, off to Phoenix to get the cool accessory. 

[fabr]

Obviously rivnuts are smarter than yummi......................................

[fabr]

0BTW,,,,,,,,,,,your rig and trailer is looking very classy!!!!!! I'm liking it.

[Yummi]

Obviously rivnuts are smarter than yummi......................................

Almost.  They require a deft touch.  Once you figure out the feel, it is easy.  Trouble is that requires blowing through a few of them first.  Ehh....  Life lessons.  Besides what fun is it if there is nothing to bitch about?

[Yummi]

0BTW,,,,,,,,,,,your rig and trailer is looking very classy!!!!!! I'm liking it.

Thanks, 

Tomorrow should be good.  We will see.....   

[fabr]

Almost.  They require a deft touch.  Once you figure out the feel, it is easy.  Trouble is that requires blowing through a few of them first.  Ehh....  Life lessons.  Besides what fun is it if there is nothing to bitch about?

So ,that's why you refused to buy a proper rivnut tool!!!!!  

[Carlriddle]

Sounds like the rivnut=woman??  Atleast accord to Yummi.   

Jeep looks good, cant wait to see the trailer.  Oh and some of the "outta da way camping spots". 

[D Walker]

I think you're going to need to step up to a nice rig to tow it.


May I make a suggestion?

[fabr]

OH,DW,that is cool!!!!! I think yummi was shooting for something a bit more compact though.

[Yummi]

Seriously cool DW. 

For a while I contemplated a similar trailer.  Mount a camper to fifth wheel and have open deck.  Seems like a good call?  Other than weight transfer, which could be a workaround, seems like an ideal set up?   

[D Walker]

You could get a real fancy class 8 to pull it and weight would not be an issue. Lol

[Yummi]

To get a fancy class 8 I would need a loan from you.  I would default.  Then I would demand that I keep the fancy ride because it was only "fair."   You would not want it back anyways, I will have a mural of Catlyn Jenner and other "heroes" on it.  Oh, and it would smell like ass.  No reason, just have hygiene issues. 

Still a good plan?

[fabr]

You could get a real fancy class 8 to pull it and weight would not be an issue. Lol

^^^^^^ DW's daily driver.

[dsrace]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/933732-48-crawler-hauler-build-up.html

this guy did a nice job

[Yummi]

Well, managed to get the trailer back from Phoenix.  Absolute deluge on the way home.  Generally no big deal, but well, the top is off.  Tarps, bungee cords and drive real fast.  I was wet to say the least. 

Too the new trailer out for a few "glamour shots" in its "natural environment."  Pictures were only 6.5 miles from the house.  Will spend the week getting it ready / rigged and see what next weekend has in store. 

Already have a few changes planned.  Need to move battery box so rear gate opens up better.  Paint fenders to match the Jeep.  Was supposed to get matching wheels yesterday, but well that got put off for a week due to delay at trailer place on brake controller install.  So, wheels to match jeep in a week, spare, and first camping adventure. 

It seems to do well over rocks, creeks, etc.  Pintel hitch no doubt helps. 












Got a call from Don @ RPM Fab.  Rear bumper / carrier is done.  Don't know if I can fit that in next week, but will be on / done with bumper, carrier, rack and full skids sooner than later.