Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks, the video was taken with a GoPro Hero 3. What are you referring to as for a picture?

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I was having trouble uploading pictures from my phone to photobucket and finally got it all worked out.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...90767_high.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...90767_high.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Decided to lock one of the differentials, it helped a small bit but I wasn't completely satisfied. So I locked both and that helped a little also. Since this rig sits so low, it gets hung up often while driving in the dirt or on grass. Seems that it's a little too lightweight to gain traction. I suppose some new rubber would help in the traction department but I don't plan on much off-road driving until I get a dump trailer and then I'll see about powering the front axle.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

nice rig man !!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks!

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Nice looking truck. Most of the tractors are bad about traction until you get a load on them. Just like the real thing. Put some BB's in the rear tires to add weight to get better traction.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks! I've thought about doing the bb thing, its a simple solution until I start adding more aluminum upgrades and the weight starts adding up. The rear of the truck is tricky with just swapping the wheels and axles, its not much for a considerable weight difference bobtail. An unpowered front axle doesn't help either whether how much traction the drive wheels have(in dirt).

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Installed a 3;1 GRU onto the motor. I had to raise the transmission and then lower the servos so that they would clear . still have to finish rerouting wires and creating a new floor.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0422_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I may not be a metal fabricator but I know my way around wood. Started to make a flat deck trailer out of scraps I had laying around in my "shop". I do plan on using some aluminum for the edges though.

This is a pretty layout picture of the deck boards. Veneer strips are going to be sanded and a coat of white wash stain and a sealer. I'm going to do some testing before anything is final.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0423.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Not too shabby for some scrap wood and liquid nails. The trailer is coming together. Now I need some wheels and axles. The wheels in the picture are from my truck.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0429.jpghttp://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0425.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

There's nothing I can't do with a table saw and nail gun! Been working out the kinks an new designs making it pretty. I'm just waiting for axles and wheels then I can begin loading it up.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...0548693527.jpg

The next trailer I building will be aluminum.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I started another trailer build once I finished my flatbed. I thought maybe it's time for a box. It is about 80℅ complete. I got the top marker lights in place so I'm going to add the lower marker and taillights soon once I get the rear doors on and working.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0536.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Cool trailers!
Its nice to see some that aren't the kits, or cnc aluminum

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks! I really like them and with a syrene sheet you really can't tell its structure is wood.

Finally got a new RadioLink AT9 radio. Still trying to learn my way around it and all of its functions. For the price this radio is excellent and does everything that I need it to do.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thought I would share an update on my truck. This is a recent video of some new functions on my rig. Nothing to special but you can see my fifth wheel hook stealth operation with braided steel wire.

https://youtu.be/pxxRoEUZ0aQ

Re: My first semi build thread
 

You need to set the video to public its currently private and know one will be able to see it.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks, I uploaded from my phone and didn't see any option to make it public but I'll get it fixed.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Almost done with building the box trailer and only needs some lights on the bottom and rear lights, wheels, doors, and trim which is in the mail. This is the first time that this trailer has been hooked up for a test haul.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0558_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Update with lights on

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...182758_990.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Very nice, lights are always cool.

Chris

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Yea I decided to go a different route with the blue lights and changed them to amber but kept the inside cabin blue for now. I'll be getting some underglow lights for under the chassis that will be purple. Still a lot more lights to add on the air filters and along the bottom of the sleeper.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Making some progress today.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0611.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0612.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0629.jpg

Update of the progress. Working on an array of 12 more amber lights on the front of the trailer.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Added some more lights and finally put the correct wheels on the trailer thanks to the tamiya flatbed trailer I was able to give it a proper chassis(minus about 10") and operational legs.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...184356_499.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...180552_008.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Very nice and I love the color scheme.

Is that your JK in the background?

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thank you and yea that's my JK.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

It's been a while since my last update but sometimes life takes turns. So here's a few pictures of where I'm currently at.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...12_high1_1.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1..._high1_1_1.jpg

Yes its still missing headlights and that's next on my list.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Finally headlights are mounted!
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0766.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0775.jpghttp://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0779_1.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0764_1.jpg

I also tied in some taillights,brake lights,turn signals on the trailer via my $20 tamiya light kit.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Such a wiring disaster! I think its time to cut down some wire length where possible. Which is just about the whole mess. I'm embarrassed to post this picture so I'm hoping it will give me a slap upside my head to do something about it. Just plain laziness!http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...IMAG0783_1.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Atleast the outside of the truck and trailer looks really nice.
Even if you don't cut down the wiring, atleast grab something and tie it into service loops to hide the slack.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Yea at least I have that. I've been working on moving things around and zip tying up the the slack in the wires. I'm currently working on a tilting hood and moving what I can up front so everything isn't all crammed into the sleeper where I now have two 6cell NiMH 5k may batteries, one powers the esc/motor and servos and the other is solely used for lighting on both the truck and trailer.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Doesn't look bad to me:). I hate all the birdnests of wire I have, usually find a way to zip tie and hide!! Right before I realize I need to replace something. Lol!! Truck looks good.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Thanks Cooper! I suppose spring cleaning has really got to me recently.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0795.jpg
Working on the gap between the hood and the cabin. I'm thinking magnets will do the trick.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0796.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0797.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Do you actually have enough lights to need 5Ah of battery for just lighting during a run? If I were trying to clean up or make room, I'd probably drop it to more like a 1500mAh pack for lights, or run everything off a single battery

If it does need the 5000mAh for lights, if you go to a show please bring enough sunglasses or welding hoods for everybody. :)

Re: My first semi build thread
 

I prefer to have enough battery life for long runs and not needing to charge often. I mostly run it at night up and down my road to put some kilometers on my Pokémon Go game to hatch eggs and have a reason to drive my truck and enjoy looking at my truck all lit up. It's a win win! I've named my rc trailer Pokémon Eggspress. I'm even going to add a cellphone charging station in my trailer. So that's where the 5000mah comes in handy. It's only 7.2v spread out to 36 LEDs including brake turn signals and taillights on the trailer plus 25 on the truck. That's including headlights taillights an one interior dome light.

Re: My first semi build thread
 

Painted and polished the air filters
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k1...s/IMAG0804.jpg

Re: My first semi build thread
 

👍very nice

Re: My first semi build thread
 

That's one sweet 359 man, I love the detail of the turn single on the front fender.