Trailer build

[meatc]

I am (as some are prob aware) building a trailer only toy as per my signiture.

Now as its trailer only I need to trailer to put it on. I have a tandem axle general purpose trailer but at a deck size of 2770mm x 1400mm its a bit small for the toy. Need a couple of hundred longer and about 500 wider.

So do I chop up/mod the one I have. (would have to be able to be used as general purpose cause thats why I've got it) Its pretty solid as its sits and is really over kill for the maybe 1000kg toy.

Or build a custom one for the toy. I have the front half (A frame and draw bar, coupling etc) from a boat trailer that rusted the back end). Was thinking same wheels as my courier ute (tow vehicle) drive over wheels to keep as narrow as possible, no floor just rails to drive on. If I do build a custom one has anyone got any experience with no springs. Thinking was light simple and low. It would be for the toy only and would only really be towed with load on it.

Or sell the one I've got and build a multi purpose one? Guess this would mean putting up with a trailer that is over kill for the toy cause i like having a trailer I can put what ever I like on weight wise and not worry (well to 2000kgs or so anyway)

Opinions , experience, comments welcome. and as always pics!

[tweake]

a couple of things.... most tow vechiles have fairly crappy unbraked tow capasity generally far under 1000kg.
you toy mayby 1000kg but what about fuel, spares, tools and any other items you may want to take. take note of the weight limits of the tires you use on the trailer.

i would be inclined to either mod the existing tandam or sell it and buy one/build one better suited to your needs. also i would make the trailer more universal so it can be used for other things.
a right pain having a lot of $$$ invested in a trailer and you can't use it for much else eg shift gear, get soil/metal etc.

[rokhound]

I built a braked tandem for my wreck. You drive over the wheels and it has a removable deck that goes on when not being used for truck. Deck is also tippable. Is rated to 3tonnes.
This is from when i was building it.


and with the pos on board

[Jafa]

the ole POS lookin nice an straight there Westy!

[Rotazuk]

Sounds like you are in the same spot I was , to a certian degree anyway . I had a tandem trailer , 3x1.8m . Was a gen use trailer that happened to fit the 413 . It was to heavy for my little grand vitara to tow ( old tow wagon was a rangie so no hassles there ) so I built a single axle braked trailer as you decribe .



I used hubs that are the same as the suzuki so I do not have to carry a spare . I run springs but many trailers I know of do not run springs . I thought there was a speed restriction without springs but Someone here pointed out it was for heavy vehicles .



Chris

[tweake]

nice trailers

one question, how do you guys get it on when you have busted tires/wheels ?

[rokhound]

Mine has been towed on with the help of ramps from the ground to top of the gaurds.
The bit that is the real trick is getting it off again. Still don't have an easy answer to that.

Yeah Jafa, it does look a little more twisted at the moment, but hey, it is lighter without all that glass

[pagar]

HI I would go multi purpose myself, one less rego, one less thing in the drive for the missus to moan about, as to running no springs not really a problem but when you strop wagon on it is advisable to attach via axles / wheels so wagon suspension still works to ease large bumps or it will do what mine did (2 tonne of stockcar and spares on) and bend the axles (did handle well though with 10 odd degrees neg camber each side

[tweake]

would highly recommend springs.

without springs the tires and drawbar act as springs. you tend to wear tires out more and often end up cracking the ends of the drawbar. some people make the draw bar on the light side so it flexs more to handle the bumps. a car only trailer is not to bad if the vechile is tied down by the axles as the vechiles springs and shocks dampen the mass of the vechiles. different story if its an unsprung load (rock/dirt etc), all the impact goes on to the tires/drawbar.

[darinz]

I am (as some are prob aware) building a trailer only toy as per my signiture.

Now as its trailer only I need to trailer to put it on. I have a tandem axle general purpose trailer but at a deck size of 2770mm x 1400mm its a bit small for the toy. Need a couple of hundred longer and about 500 wider.

So do I chop up/mod the one I have. (would have to be able to be used as general purpose cause thats why I've got it) Its pretty solid as its sits and is really over kill for the maybe 1000kg toy.

Or build a custom one for the toy. I have the front half (A frame and draw bar, coupling etc) from a boat trailer that rusted the back end). Was thinking same wheels as my courier ute (tow vehicle) drive over wheels to keep as narrow as possible, no floor just rails to drive on. If I do build a custom one has anyone got any experience with no springs. Thinking was light simple and low. It would be for the toy only and would only really be towed with load on it.

Or sell the one I've got and build a multi purpose one? Guess this would mean putting up with a trailer that is over kill for the toy cause i like having a trailer I can put what ever I like on weight wise and not worry (well to 2000kgs or so anyway)

Opinions , experience, comments welcome. and as always pics!

I think you need to build it so that something that is 2100mm wide can fit on!!!!!!!! Also I'm thinking strong enough to carry a 2000kg vehicle and spares would also suit our oops your needs better!!!!!
Oh yeah, I have an account at Fletchers and I know where there's a welder to put it together!!!!!!!!!!!

[mercutio]

why bother with a trailer

this way is heaps better costs a little bit more though

[dazza85]

I would highly recommend springs .... I have used one without springs a number of times.
The guys are right. If you do use one with out springs defintly tie it down by the axles. The first one I did on the body loops the transporters use, lucky I had a couple over the axles ( Was told it was overkill ) 1 of the body straps broke ...

Another thing some one told me is - if you take to the likes of John Bates Wheel alignments and they will straighten it out so that it tracks better.

[meatc]

I think you need to build it so that something that is 2100mm wide can fit on!!!!!!!! Also I'm thinking strong enough to carry a 2000kg vehicle and spares would also suit our oops your needs better!!!!!
Oh yeah, I have an account at Fletchers and I know where there's a welder to put it together!!!!!!!!!!!

Anything is possible especially if Fletchers sell trailer parts to and your paying

How long would it need to be. I spied a truck deck in my travels that at a first look appears soild. My current tandem may becoma a single and get the flick and the axles may find a new home.

[meatc]

why bother with a trailer

this way is heaps better costs a little bit more though

I like your thinkin. Parking at home might be a problem but recovery from the bottomless bog would be a breeze. No worries about big slips in Dome Valley either.

[mercutio]

one of the guys at work bought this in today to take something home and i saw the the ramp setup and liked it alot thought you guys might like a look

[dazza85]

Now that's thinking outside the square.
I am thinking that when the ramps are folded down they then push across towards the center. is that right ?
Looks like a great idea for a multi use trailer

[aroma]

hi
my 5 cents worth
borrowed a workmates un sprung trailer and towed from chch to gore empty it bounced a lot I forgot to let down tires that would of helped the bounce loaded up new toy and other stuff and towed home didn't know it was there (except for hill and bloody wind) tied down by body front and rear
if I was building dedicated recovery or toy trailer would go this way and use tyres 12 or 14 ply as they will handle the weight better

[mercutio]

Now that's thinking outside the square.
I am thinking that when the ramps are folded down they then push across towards the center. is that right ?
Looks like a great idea for a multi use trailer

yeah you fold the ramps over and then slide them towards the centre and the lights are mounted on supports for the ramp so the back of the trailer doesn't drop too far