My off road trailer

[MichaelW]

OK I have been away from this board for a while. I have been focusing on th new JKOwners board as well as that whole work thing and that and having a little episode in the hospital with a 100% blockage of a major artery. Oh well a little roto-rooter and here I am back causing problems.

Well I ran into Justin tonight a the preview grand opening of the new Cabela's up near Boomtown and in our conversation I discussed my new trailer project. So without much further adieu let me bring over some posts I've made on JKOweners.com as well as on the Expedition Portal.

[MichaelW]

Hello,

I figured I'd post up my trailer build here as the progress continues. So that way if I missed out anything someone can jump in as I go along.

I have a 4 door Jeep JK. It's the latest in the Rubicon series and is sitting on 37" tires. I am having a trailer built for it because my dog gets the back seat and Debbie and I share the front space. This leaves just the rear space which is generally adequate and certainly enough for just me and my outdoor, camping background. But for Debbie to want to come I need to make her very comfortable and I don't have any issue with that as I also get a nice cushy cot with an air mattress too. :D

A little bit of background on myself and Debbie. I grew up in southern California and had a pick up since I could legally drive. It always had my camping gear in back and I routinely took off for weekend jaunts as soon as my last class let out in high school. San Diego County offers quite a variety of scenry and environmental regions plus it being temperate for the most part there was almost never a time I couldn't go out. I remember times camping at Burnt Rancheria in the Laguna Mountains at 14 degrees and eating a bowl of cheerios and a lot of sand in Ocotillo Wells to lounging in the Colorado River at Paso Picaccho. Needless to say I love the outdoors and camping. Debbie on the other hand isn't a big camping buff. She likes her comforts plus she is recovering from a nasty bought with cancer that has left her with some wound care issues that require a degree of sanitary conditions. So for the two of us to get out, requires a lot of comfort items. I chuckle when I remember the first time I took her to Yosemite for the weekend and I had to rent a little U-haul trailer for all the "crap" she wanted to bring.

Well lately Debbie has been getting some good clean results back from the docs and she is now wanting to live life again and experience some of the finer things such as a bowl full of Cherrios and a 1/2 a cup of sand for texture. So now that she wants to get out more, I have bought her (me too) a very large expedition styled camping cot, with an air mattress on top of that and a massive 12 man dome tent to fit us and the dog in comfortably. Plus we have some really nice bags one for summer and one for not-so-much-summer. Add in some cooking supplies, food and some water and next thing you know my little (joke) 4 door Jeep is stuffed to the gills.

So it was time for a trailer. I already had an idea as to what I wanted and what I didn't want. As an example Debbie has a bum leg from the cancer so stairs and steps wasn't going to be part of the game plan. I already had a really nice and easy to set up dome tent so I didn't need another one of those anyway. What I did need though was the ability to carry extra gas, extra water plus all the comforts I normally would have put in the Jeep. This way I get the bonus of not having to unload when I wanted to go "play".

So I did some shopping around and settled on Rick Soto and Off Road Trailers (http://www.offroadtrailerz.com/). We talked for a while about what I wanted and I sent him some cartoons of a trailer and then he proceeded to start building.

Elevation of Trailer cartoon in PDF (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/jeep-trailer-1 11x17.pdf)
Plan of Trailer cartoon in PDF (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/jeep-trailer-2 11x17.pdf)

And then the building began. I think both Rick and I are surprised as to the size the 37" tires makes to the scale and construction of a trailer. The trailer will have 24" of ground clearance at the axle.

Here is the progress (finally) on my new 4x7 JK trailer. The lowest part of the frame is the torsion bar axles that are 24" off the ground. :D

The trailer will have almost the same track width as a TJ so a little more narrow than the JK. It is 7' long to accommodate a little quad or a boat load of goodies.

Here is what it looks like so far.... Not a lot to look at but the sides will be on soon and then its off to the powder coaters.

Can't wait to be dragging it behind on the trail.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-01.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-02.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-03.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-04.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-05.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-06.bmp

[MichaelW]

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-07.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-08.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-09.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-10.bmp

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-11.bmp

Maybe I'll have it in time for the grand opening of the new Cabela's in Reno. :wings:

[MichaelW]

Almost forgot...

I asked Rick for places to tie down stiff inside the trailer but I didn't want to be limited to a few points or by figureing out exactly where I wanted the tie downs right now. I pointed Rick to some flush styled tie down rails like you see in pick ups and such and Rick had a source for something called F-Track that was less money than what I found but fundamentally similar. So we are placing two tracks for tie downs, one along the bottom and the other along the top. This way I can really secure my load. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/f-track-01.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/f-track-02.jpg

[MichaelW]

I had to modify this bumper one more time. This time it was so I could actually use it for towing.

The LoD bumper did not come with anyplace to attach the towing wiring harness. It would have been nice had LoD at least allowed the utilization of the factory 4-wire JK harness that many may have opted for as a factory option. However I went with a slightly more robust trailer harness with the industry standard 7-wire plug.

The plug I purchased plugs in the factory harness plus has the extra wires for electric brakes, battery charger/power supply from a dual battery system and an aux power wire that is often used for back up lamps on the trailer.

I found these pdf files of industry standard trailer wiring diagrams. I did not create these documents and these are presented in their original form.

4 pole wiring dia.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/4 pole wiring dia.pdf)
Electric brake control wiring.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/Electric brake control wiring.pdf)
Trailer Wiring Diagrams.pdf (http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/Trailer Wiring Diagrams.pdf)

I also added some quick link hooks so I can attach my trailer safety chains and the electric break-a-way controller wire.

Well here are some pictures of my modifications. - note I am not a welder. I have never been taught how to weld. I bought a welder and enjoy burning stuff with it. :p I need to add that I used my torch on this bumper to make the hole for the 7-way plug. I'm not a torch guy either, apparently. :laughing:

Here is a picture of my license plate relocation along with re-using the factory license plate light.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-60.jpg

My CB antenna mount after I lost my CoolTech (http://www.cooltechllc.com/servlet/StoreFront) mount to a large tree on the Slick Rock trail which also took out my factory license plate mount. The CoolTech (http://www.cooltechllc.com/servlet/StoreFront) mount was the only thing holding my license plate on for quite a while until I actually relocated everything.

Also note how much better my steel corners from AEV-Conversions (http://www.aev-conversions.com/) would have looked had they NOT had the license plate holes in it. Hello AEV.... Did you get this. ;)
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-61.jpg

What the bumper looks like today.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-62.jpg

And here is my most recent modification.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-63.jpg

Note that this plug I bought at Napa utilizes the factory 4-wire harness that came with my JK and the towing package.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-64.jpg

I have mentioned I like the "trunk" in my bumper.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/lod-rear/lod-rear-65.jpg

Well that's my bumper/trailer update for today.

Now to go wire up my electric brake controller and my HellRoaring Technologies (http://www.hellroaring.com/) multiple battery system. Well ok the brake controller first. I still haven't decided on where I am putting the extra battery(s) yet.

I have a huge project in mind that has been postponed because I can't convince the guys at Gen-Right (http://www.genright.com/) to make a big safari tank for the JK. They said something about DC asking them to not build a gas tank relocation kit with safari tank to remove the factory tank and install a nice larger capacity beefier protected gas tank back to the original TJ location. This way I could move my air storage tank to where the gas tank was and mount my batteries there too. So everyone call and email Gen-Right (http://www.genright.com/) and tell them we want a bigger and more protected gas tank to be put back into the center of the vehicle and in between the rear frame rails! :grinpimp:

But since the gas tank isn't going to be moved in the near future maybe I should build an air tank to go where the JK "trunk" is after removing the trunk and put some batteries either under the rear seat or in the back area so they are still somewhat accessible for the Ready Welder (http://www.readywelder.com/).

Oh well decisions, decisions. Now I have more to think about while installing my electric brake controller.

[MichaelW]

Jose, the man that is the fabricator on my trailer is somewhat back in the saddle as his wife is still having some issues after an emergency C-section for the birth of their child. So our prayers go out to him and his family.

However Jose has been back onto my trailer project. And Rick has sent me some updated images.

So here they are!

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-12.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-13.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-14.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-15.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-16.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-17.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-18.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-19.jpg

I am starting to get excited. Obviously there was some changes from design to actual build but so far I am pleased. If anyone has any input, speak out.

[MichaelW]

Well there it sits as of today. I still need to wire up my electric brake controller and multiple battery systems but it's all starting to come together nicely. I can't wait to load it up and take Debbie and the dog out int the middle of nowhere Nevada and relax while the sun travels across the sky purely for my own enjoyment.

If you have any input I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks!

[MichaelW]

Sweet lordie jesus I got me some more images of my trailer from Rick. This is all welded up and ready to go for a bead blasting then a powder coating in Jeep Green to match my JK.

I have to say that I am impressed with what I see in the pictures. This definitely looks like a trailer I can take off road and toss a quad in the back for hunting or to go get a load rocks for the landscaping projects.

I really like the welds and gusseting. I can't wait to load it up and take it on a road trip!

Hmm, I wonder what the weather is like now in Southern New Mexico or Big Bend National Park?

So the next set of images you will see should be after powder coating and with some of the electrical and tool boxes installed.

I am happy thus far!

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-20.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-21.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-22.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-23.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-24.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-25.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-26.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-27.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-28.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-29.jpg

[MichaelW]

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-30.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-31.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-32.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-33.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-34.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-35.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-36.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-37.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-38.jpg

[MichaelW]

Now we have color and the electrical is going in! Almost time for me to drive down to pick it up. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-40.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-41.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-42.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-43.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-44.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-45.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-46.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-47.jpg

I'm really liking how this is coming together!

[MichaelW]

Ready for pick up on Saturday! Looks like I'll be in Santa Paula on Saturday and driving around my new toy. :bounce:

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-50.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-51.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-52.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-53.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-54.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-55.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-56.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-build-57.jpg

[MichaelW]

Well there you have it. I can't wait to go get and more importantly start using it. I hope to be part of the cross Nevada excursion as well as a trip or two to Baja and an AL-Can expedition.

I know of some people looking to get together in Death Valley in February. I can't wait to be setting up a camp somewhere and doing some explorations!

[Air Sierra]

Looks good!
I have a set of plans in my book to match they JK for 3 months that I will be including with my trailer compainy

[MichaelW]

Sure you never tell me these things. FWIW, a lot of the "ideas" in this trailer are my own and part of a fully customized box.

I will be looking forward to comparing products. :thumbsup:

[Air Sierra]

Sure you never tell me these things. FWIW, a lot of the "ideas" in this trailer are my own and part of a fully customized box.

I will be looking forward to comparing products. :thumbsup:

Im on the final stage of my future buisness...You always have to have new design every couple of years to keep the edge.
It would be fun to have alot of rigs with trailers running across Nevada.

GLAD YOUR OK! Time to cut back on pizza

[MichaelW]

GLAD YOUR OK! Time to cut back on pizzaOh hell no! I stopped smoking in July, gave up drinking now you want me to slow down on pizza. Yeah, that's going to happen! :rolleyes:

[72 Virginians]

Looks good Mike :thumbsup:
I like the idea of a 2nd spare mount. Would there possibly be room for a 3rd. (It sounds like overkill but there's places in NV that will kill tires. :eek:)

[MichaelW]

I'll have the spare on the JK and the spare on the trailer, that will give me 8 or two full sets of 37" tires and wheels with the same 5 on 5 bolt pattern to match the JK. I would hope that, that is overkill! Plus the Stauns will act as a run flat and that is on 5 of the tires. If I need more spares than that, I probably shouldn't be there. :D

Thanks!

It was good talking to you last night, did you buy anything? I spent over 5 and that was without the 50cal 3 mile "varmit" rifle.:gapteeth:

[RARECJ8]

i do not see any pix? WTH?

[MichaelW]

Don't know what to tell you bud?

Maybe it's blocked as my website is listed as one of the top ten porn sites on the Internet. :D

[RARECJ8]

ok, got it. for some reason could not see pix from work 'puter. Looks good. I have two trailers i use for trail camping, etc. one has leaf spring suspension, shocks, bump stops, etc and the other has torsion suspension. Having had both thru extreme situations, my experience is the leaf pack design is much more stable and quiet on the trail. The torsion trailer bounces all over the place, even w/ the tires aired down to like 5psi. I added a rear reeiver hitch to the trailer fo added use. Also, where the receiver tube fits into the tongue, i welded on a nut so as to use a set screw style bolt-- really keeps the clunking down on the trail. Hope she remains steady for ya. Also. i'm looking for a short section of hose or mayvbe bike tube to slip over the tailgate chains-- they will rattle like crasy on the trail and all that slapping around will for sure remove all paint w/in its reach. I learned after one trip.

Looks good. sorry for the hijack.

a few pix
almost finished
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC02528.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC00849.jpg

multi front hitch
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC00842.jpg

37's going on soon and this is a 8 luig spindle, so it matched jeep and my truck

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC00841.jpg

Treg hitch from Austrailia
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN3202.jpg


The pcak-mule folds out to a tent
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN3513.jpg

On the Black Rock Playa
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC02650.jpg

Go too fast on the trail and w/ torsion, u'll get this oops! Just a slight bump and over she went...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN1983.jpg

[MichaelW]

I'mmm Baaaaccckkkk! :grinpimp:

I left Friday at 5pm out of Carson City. I hit some of the nastiest fog I've seen in a long time at the 14/5 interchange and then drove the rest of the way at a snails pace, particularly on 126 as I couldn't see 15 feet in front of my Jeep and I was running the wipers to clear off the fog build-up on the windshield.

I arrived at Rick's house at 12:30AM. I did tell him to not worry about it as I could get a hotel in town but he insisted on putting me up in his toy hauler and I was feeling pretty bad that I kept him up so late. Then upon arriving I find that he and his wife both had stayed awake awaiting my arrival. But despite that fact I kept them up waiting for me they both made me feel welcome and Rick took me out to the garage (Man Sanctuary) to get a glimpse of my new trailer.

WOW!

Ok now I am impressed. Very nicely built and all sorts of little "extra's" and a lot of attention to detail. But it is past everyone's bed time, including Daisy their min-pin that is just a sweetheart.

I have to tell you that Rick doesn't skimp on things and I had to reveal the story of the evil mattress they have in the toy hauler. I had just driven almost 8 hours and just had a glimpse of my new trailer and figured I'd be spending a good hour trying to fall asleep. NOT. They have one of those Temperpedic (sp) styled mattresses that conforms to your body. They have several layers of Mexican Blankets that wrap around you and makes you feel like you are back in your mothers womb. I think it took me 3, maybe 5 seconds to fall asleep. I know in the morning I was hesitant to get up and could have laid there and relaxed for hours. But my new trailer awaits.

In the morning Rick invites me into the house and proceeds to make breakfast burritos with eggs and sausage and bacon. Man it is rough being at Rick's house. His wife and daughter provide good company and conversation as the nights fog begins to burn off not only in my head but also outside.

After eating and conversing it's time to go back into the garage and start getting things ready so I can make the return trip to Carson.

Ok I can't say enough good things so before I sound like a used car salesman, let me you start presenting you with some pictures.

Here is the trailer as we measure up the hitch and receiver and find that my hitch was just about a perfect drop.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-01.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-02.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-03.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-04.jpg

[MichaelW]

Heading out of L.A. on 14 you go past Aqua Dulce Canyon and Vasquez Rocks.

I figured that would be a great place to get some pictures. Well it was pretty crowded so I pulled up a little on the way out and got some poser picks.

I didn't see Captain Kirk or the Gorn. Nor did the Flintstones invite me in for lunch.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-05.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-06.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-07.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-08.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-09.jpg

[MichaelW]

Hitting Lone Pine on 395 about dusk was not what I had hoped for but I think it worked out in the long run for some more poser pictures.

And no I didn't see Gunga Din, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart or any giant underground Graboids. Although running into Reba would have been pretty cool.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-10.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-11.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-12.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-13.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-14.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-15.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-16.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-17.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-18.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-20.jpg

[MichaelW]

OK and one last batch as the scenery is just too awesome around Lone Pine to just take a few pictures.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-21.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-22.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-23.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-24.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-26.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-28.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-31.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-31.jpg

Oh and welcome to Bridgeport!
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/trailer/tr-done-32.jpg

[72 Virginians]

Looks great Mike. :thumbsup:
When's the little guy's first run?

[MichaelW]

Tuesday.

Death Valley. Debbie and I are abandoning the family and heading out for a get-a-way. A little camping plus a hotel night in a supposedly "secret" spot.

I'll be at DMV tomorrow and I'm swinging by a friends paint shop to see how much a color match hosing would be.

I won't paint or Herculine it until after the trip.

[BigNorm]

Nice trailer Mike! Could you take a close up pic of the hitch? I'm just curious what design was used.

[MichaelW]

Rick used the Adventure Trailers 3 axis hitch (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/accessories.html). Nice 3-axis movement without the bang and clang of a pintle.

Justin, look on this page as well as this is the tent heater I was talking about.

[Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Reno]

Rick used the Adventure Trailers 3 axis hitch (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/accessories.html). Nice 3-axis movement without the bang and clang of a pintle.

Justin, look on this page as well as this is the tent heater I was talking about.

Sweet! :thumbsup:
But, do I have to lug around another battery to keep the fan running?

[MichaelW]

Well you could just hook it up to your vehicle battery. Or you could use the same battery as the one for the hot shower too. :D

[RARECJ8]

We have found a Trojan true deep cycle battery works well to power incidentals-- ARB freezer fridge, electric blanket, etc. The key is to have a charge wire leading to the remote pattery. This takes the burden off ur primary or aux battery. As a bonus, u can disconnect trailer w/ remote battery and leave in camp, doing its thing, while ur out on a ride.

Or carry a Honda generator, haha.

Looks good! Just take it real slow w/ the torsion suspension...
mb

[MichaelW]

Thanks mb!

Electric Blanket! Ok now thats a bit much, don't ya think. ;)

I will take it easy on the trails and will go slow to watch out for flipping it.

Oddly enough there appears to be a division between those that like torsion vs springs. Then add in the AT style suspension and you have a whole new different player into the game.

I got my plate yesterday after registering it.

GETAWAE

[BigNorm]

I saw you cruising through Carson yesterday with the trailer Mike. You have a real nice setup. All you need now is some Nevada Pinstriping to finish the job! Get out there and use it! Oh and post pics when you are out there.

Is there anything that could help it from turning over? A torsion bar setup or something?

[MichaelW]

Hey thanks Norm!

Yeah it needs some beauty marks. Does it count that I used it to haul horse poop from the barn out to the street? :D

You know I have been thinking of this and tossed some ideas out on another forum and was shot down.

But something like the Sway-A-Way would certainly help but my biggest idea was clutch packs in a LSD in the roll axis. That way you could still roll it but the roll motion would be slightly restricted.

Thanks again!

I'll be out and about a little bit later as I gather some more trinkets. ;)

I still want to find some pizza rollers to put on the bottom tail to be able to roll off things easier. Anyone have any idea where I could get those. I found something I could make work at Mc Master Carr but that could be pretty expensive!

[RARECJ8]

yes, an e-blanket is really nice whern its bone a$$ cold outside, like 3 weeks ago at hunter lake for our overnight.

note in earlier pix on my packmule trailer on the leading edge of the tire is a rock rail-- this helps the tire walk up and over rocks and trail obstacles-- otherwise, ur pulling twice as hard. I'm toying w/ an idea to add some also the rrear or tire to slid off the rock. As for departure angle for trailer, i have just gotten used to it dragging a bit, but now w/ 37's on the trailer, thas is a lot less common than before. Not i added protection loops around the rear lights-- seems i was breaking those on trees, rocks, etc and the hoop does a fine job protecting the rear lights-- altho u have what looks like LEDS. The loops also provide a fine place to grab hold/lash the trailer on the trai if needed-- similar to the old militart jeeps that have the corner grab handles.

Torsion v. leafs are a worthy debate. Go wheel it and get to know how it handles on highway speeds and on trail. While i have two trailers, one w/ each, i found in the long haul leafs are much more supple and articulate better.

here is an old pic from couple years ago-- i used to be a toyota man (:nono:) and the trailer had a complete Toyota front end-- from birfs to steering components-- a nice set of trail spares. Only Toyota items remaining on the present version of the trailer is the leaf pax and the tail gate was sourced from an old hi-lux truck at PNP.
When it had puny 285x16 tires and pre-tailgate/R&R and present restoration and mods..
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSCN3205.jpg

Mine also has the water/gas can mounts behind the axle. The idea is for that fuel to be consumed first, thus better transferring tongue weight fwd as fuel is consumed. Good to see u wisely placed the water cans ahead of axle, and gas cans behind. Was this ur thinking or coincidence?
Now to get the paint jobs to match...


Since we're on the subject of trailers, here are pix of my dump trailer towed behind the Polaris--great for yard work. Am working on a pintle style hitch for it. Out ion a ride lasy fall with Sierra Valley and we flipped this trailer as well... thankfully the ball hitch just popped off and didn't twist and break.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC01171.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC01168.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/DSC01170.jpg

[Mrburns]

Hey thanks Norm!

I still want to find some pizza rollers to put on the bottom tail to be able to roll off things easier. Anyone have any idea where I could get those. I found something I could make work at Mc Master Carr but that could be pretty expensive!

Try a boat trailer place or dealer such as Master Craft. The have been using that sort of setup on their prop guards to reduce the drag marks for a few years now...

[BigNorm]

Here's bunches and bunches of casters
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?No=0&D=Castors&Ntt=Castors&Ntk=All&Dx=mode%20matchallpartial&storeId=6970&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&N=0&Nty=1