What about expedition trailers?

[DaktariEd]

Has anyone used an expedition trailer?

I've seen a number from South Africa and Australia, and one or two from the U.S. Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/index.html)

I can see some advantages in cargo hauling, fancy kitchen setup, etc.

But what about drawbacks? May be some limitations in what areas you can access, possibly a hindrance to backing out of a "situation."

What other limitations do you see?

Ed

[Brian McVickers]

I agree Ed,
I have been wondering about the same thing myself.
The expanded cargo space would be great. I can see using a trailer on a flat trail or somthing with few technical obsticals but when it gets tight it could be a tricky hindrance. I've pulled plenty of trailers of many sizes and I'd hate to back up around a corner and over a boulder!

Anyone have any real world experience?

[60seriesguy]

The trick to an expedition trailer is to design (or buy) the right dimensions. I converted an ex-military M416 1/4 ton trailer for expedition use and one of the KEY modifications was to extend the tongue, which was originally very short. This not only made it *much* easier to reverse with the trailer hitched, but also prevents the body of the trailer from hitting the Land Cruiser if/when the trailer jacknives.

See attached picture, his name is Junior and it's been a 10 year project for me. Pretty much all that remains from the original trailer is a modified tub, the lunette hitch and half of the original frame. The axle, suspension, tongue, tailgate, landing gear, lockable lid, cooler cage and fenders are all custom. Carries 10 gallons of fuel in jerry cans(lockable mounts), 15 gallons of fresh water in an underbody tank, a 5lb. bottle of propane on the tongue, and a 45 qt cooler on the cage. MARES expedition tent mounted on the lid, gas-assist shocks on the lockable steel lid. Wheels and tires match the Land Cruiser, fenders are reinforced tubing and mount a shovel and axe securely. All stainless steel hardware, custom cargo net on the inside of the lid, and the inside is spray-lined.

I'm getting ready to paint it to match the Cruiser's new color, I'm picking up the paint tomorrow.

[Scott Brady]

I have used trailers for about 10 years now, and currently have two. The one critical design requirement for expedition use IMO is that the trailer have similar suspension compression to the tow vehicle. A trailing arm, coil sprung arrangement with good shocks really improves things.

That has always been my biggest complaint, is the rutted, corrugated roads where the vehicle could travel at 30mph to smooth the corrugations, but the trailer can only travel at 10mph because of the poor suspension.

I talked with Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/) at SEMA, and they are designing a new, high clearance, long travel unit that will compete equally (or better in some cases) with the premium trailers from Australia. I will let you know when I can get my hands on one for a test.

[DaktariEd]

Nice trailer 60seriesguy.
Looks like you've put a lot of time and thought into it.
What type of hitch arangements did you consider? Why did you choose or reject a hitch?
The Adventure Trailer folks offer some multi-axis hitches that are beefy but quite pricey. What about a hook/pintle?

Ed

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Would this be an unreasonable platform to start out with if you wanted to create your own adventure trailer? Looks kinda Kewl..!

..........or is it just too huge?

Maybe some of the guys with bigger rigs might be interested?


LINK: http://www.swissarmyvehicles.com/shpics.php?table=vehicles&idnum=59

[Brian McVickers]

Great looking trailer 60seriesguy.
Now that looks like it could follow you anywhere you go!

[60seriesguy]

Thanks, folks, it's definitely been a learning experience, I've done and redone things to the trailer based on my intended use and budget, which hasn't always been the same.

I re-used the lunette/pintle-hook hitch arrangement from the original M416, and it's worked fine, I'm using a factory Toyota pintle hook that fits pretty tightly around the lunette ring, keeps clunking to a minimum.

In terms of it following me everywhere, I don't normally take it out on very technical runs, but then again, I find myself less and less interested in rock crawling and a lot more interested in dirt roads that lead to middle of nowhere! I'm actually in the middle of changing out shocks on the trailer to improve the handling, and it took me a while to figure out the right PSI for the tires. It also helps that I don't overload the trailer, I prefer to balance out the weight of cargo with the Land Cruiser.

One feature I built into the trailer is the ability to leave it at a campsite securely locked and inmobilized, so I can use the Cruiser for side trips without having to worry about the trailer. All external accessories are lockable and the steel lid locks in a way that blocks the tailgate, too.

I missed the last forum meeting because my Cruiser is at the tail-end of a 6-month drivetrain swap (Cummins intercooled turbo-diesel!), but I'll drag the little moneypit out to the next one for sure. I miss Arizona every day of my life.

Cheers!

Henry

[awalter]

Scott,

How about pictures of your trailers in action? :clapsmile

[BMAN]

Henry! Dude, so good to see you here. You're painting the Princess eh? Someday hopefully my 60 will live up to be half of that rig. I look at a pic of her evry night at home on my desktop and dream... Hopefully someday I'll have the little Princess. I'm stoked that you didn't sell her back when you were debating it. What color is she gonna be? I finally picked up a tent and once mines runnin the trailer build will start. Come back to AZ any time bro. We'd be happy to have ya.

[60seriesguy]

One day, BMAN, one day I'll be back somewhere with the Sonoran desert as my backyard again!

Today my wife ordered me six spray cans of automotive paint, same paint code as the Princess's new color. The plan is to strip the trailer down and paint it in my garage...or better yet, in the garage of the still uninhabited spec home right across from my garage! I'll do that in January when I get back to Texas.

[BMAN]

Where are ya right now?

[60seriesguy]

I'm in expedition hell! :)

Seriously, I'm in Austin, TX, great place to raise a family, safe, good cost-of-living ratio, great job. It's just really far from public lands to explore, the entire @#$%&* state is in private hands!

[BajaXplorer]

I'm in expedition hell! :)

Seriously, I'm in Austin, TX, great place to raise a family, safe, good cost-of-living ratio, great job. It's just really far from public lands to explore, the entire @#$%&* state is in private hands!

I feel your pain. Lived in San Antonio for 5 years. Going there I thought oboy lots of places to offroad (4x4 & XR350). Wrong, hardly any public land to play in. All those "miles and miles of Texas" are private. Padre Island and some river bottoms was about it. At least your in Austin, the most civilized part of TX.
Love your trailer. Know anything about the Canadian trailers. Sound like a great deal to me. http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html
BX

[Suty]

I'm in expedition hell! :)

Seriously, I'm in Austin, TX, great place to raise a family, safe, good cost-of-living ratio, great job. It's just really far from public lands to explore, the entire @#$%&* state is in private hands!
60. I feel your pain also, I am in the DFW area. There are a couple of options for you. 1 if you want some plain ol 4 wheel'n Try Barnwell Mountain Rec area Near Tyler. It is a Four wheel Drive and ATV Park with Trails Rated so you don't get over your head and can't back out. They have camping also. 2 Go to the Big Bend National and State Parks, you can do alot of exploring out there. Hope this helps, Tu Compadres, Suty

[Hltoppr]

"One feature I built into the trailer is the ability to leave it at a campsite securely locked and inmobilized, so I can use the Cruiser for side trips without having to worry about the trailer. All external accessories are lockable and the steel lid locks in a way that blocks the tailgate, too."

That is probably the highest benefit of having the trailer. I had a M416 for awhile that I towed behind my older FJ40. With the rooftop tent, we have to break it down, (not that much of a pain, though) to go explore, and having a set campsite is sometimes nice.

Having a trailer built for conditions is key. On the numerous expedition posts and travel stories I've read where a trailer is involved, many, many issues of trailer repair come to light....

Ever read "Who Needs a Road" Ed?

-H-

[Hltoppr]

O' yeah...having done my grad work in Lubbock.....I feel ya'lls' pain! (Note the plural possessive use of "ya'll", to make you feel at home with the lingo....;) )

-H-

[Suty]

Hltoppr and 60, I have the chance to pick up a M100 Trailer (earlier rounded fender version of the 416) from a friend for 150.00 minus the combat wheels and tires. It is at a Scout Camp and I have not seen it yet , but because of the price I told him I would take it. I was wondering what tires y'all used. I would like to use 255, like on my truck but I think they are to large for the trailer. Did you modify the trailer suspension or just used small tires? Any advice would be appreciated. Tu Compadre, Suty

[60seriesguy]

For me it was crucial that the trailer and truck shared the same wheels and tires, so I sprung my trailer over. Since you only want to run 255's, you can probably get away with just slightly longer shackles on the trailer, which happens to share shackles with 1947-74 Jeef CJs. Daystar and Conferr both make extended shackles, up to I think 3" over stock. Depending on how flat the stock springs are on the trailer, you can probably get away with just 1.5" or 2" over stock.

Oh, and if you do decide to do this, one of the shackles loosens in the other direction. Don't ask me how I know this....:hehe:

[Hltoppr]

I used the stock springs on the trailer, stuck on a set of cheapo Monroe shocks, and kept the stock military 12 ply cooper tires....I had one extra spare tire for the trailer.

All in all, I didn't mod the trailer too much, and ended up selling it to a friend...

-H-

[Desertdude]

Henry I have seen your trailer in a few other posts eleswhere - very nice work and something to aspire to ;)

Still waiting to make the time for restoring these M101s my brother and I bought in the everlong group buy last Dec ( I remember it actually snowed in Phoenix when we picked them up)

http://homepage.mac.com/desertdude/PhotoAlbum70.html

Sand blasting - powdercoating - suspension - toungue - and lid, and more... Maybe by Alaska 2006...:box:

[BajaXplorer]

Desertdude,
Are the M101s you and brother bought the ones offered by Future Logistics in Canada? I have been looking for a M101 1/4 ton myself, but so far have gotten no response to phone calls to them. Are you aware of other sources for these?
BX

[60seriesguy]

My buddy Todd Oldenburg has a couple of dozen of these trailers for sale in New Jersey. I know it's not easy to coordinate, but he does go out to Moab every year at the end of April for a Land Cruiser event. Or if you an get some folks together to share the shipping cost, he might work out a deal for you. You can find Todd in www.IH8MUD.com, he posts as "Koffer".

[Desertdude]

Koffer - bought his load last year the same time our group in AZ did - funny at that time the snow was flying even in Phoenix :Wow1:

here is a number and email of the person we all bought from shipping from Quebec - Michele Knautz 450-424-2399 mknautz@total.net

She is either sending loads down to major cities east and west or posting for sale on ebay

Mention my name - Pasquale - and you might a smile from her :wavey:

[Desertdude]

here is one from our group buy guess he decided to sell it

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/119206241.html


http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=71797

[BajaXplorer]

Desertdude,
Thanks for the clue. Talk with Jared today and looked at the trailer.
BX

[Desertdude]

Desertdude,
Thanks for the clue. Talk with Jared today and looked at the trailer.
BX

Awesome! Good luck :ylsmoke:

[Bishop Creek]

Has anyone had experience with one of these. Saw one on display at a sports show in Reno last year and was quite impressed.
http://www.haultent.com/

[cruiseroutfit]

Great thread... :victory:

I have been compiling a "trailer tech" page on my site, mostly out of my own interest for offroad capable trailers.

http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/tech_trailer.html

[Scott Brady]

Kurt,

I have reviewed the build of your trailer in the past. Most impressive.

I really liked the use of the stock glass top for the lid.

This coming February, I will be doing some testing of a new Adventure Trailer. I will make sure to post my thoughts, and get some input from those on the El Camino del Diablo trip.

[Desertdude]

Kurt - I dig your trailer nice and compact with plenty of ground clearance. I have watched it grow - hope to see you and the trailer at Moab06 :jumping:

[cruiseroutfit]

Kurt - I dig your trailer nice and compact with plenty of ground clearance. I have watched it grow - hope to see you and the trailer at Moab06 :jumping:

They will both be there again this year... :D

Last year I just chained it up in camp and it didn't see pavement again until we hit the road for home. However, this year a group of us are considering camping off of the main grid (downtown Moab ;)), so we might move camp everyday?

[cruiseroutfit]

...This coming February, I will be doing some testing of a new Adventure Trailer. I will make sure to post my thoughts, and get some input from those on the El Camino del Diablo trip.

Cool, can't wait! :cool:

[cruiseroutfit]

To answer a bit of the actual question, what about trailers?

I have been slowly writing a trail trailer article that covers not only the design/build of a capable trailer, but also the additions & advantages of using one. The article is going to appear in an upcoming U4WDA Compass (quarterly magazine) but I will post the info on my site (as well as links on the net) when it is complete...

But a breif synopsis...

For me the choise was simple, I dread preparing for any camping/wheeling trips. I either pack too much or too little, and I wast far too much precious time preparing for trips. I get out on overnighters at least 3-4 times a month during the spring/summer/fall months, not too mention the 3-4 extended trips I try and do a year. That all adds up to ALOT of load/unload/inventory time.

Option 1: No action, continue to load up, make sure I had everything, and unload when I get back. For obvious reasons this was killing me...

Option 2: Leave the Landcruiser loaded. The Landcruiser is my primary camping/wheeling vehicle so leaving it completely loaded works. However, I don't like the idea of having thousands of dollars worth of equipment in my Cruiser that I drive all over town in... just too easy to lose ALL of it. In addition, will it all fit in the Cruiser? Surely I can make it, but not comfortably as I have added so much "required" and redundant gear over the years. Sure I could add a roof rack, but there exists many trade-offs as well. I have my top off most of the summer season, many of the trails I frequent are in alpine setting with lots of low trees, off camber in rocks, etc. I hit my cage & hardtop enough as is, a rack would most likely get destroyed quickly. This option also allows for zero security back at "base camp". I don't care to do anything hard with my truck completely laiden, nor do I care to leave loads of gear unattended back at camp. On of the biggest deciding factors however was the ability to take my Tacoma rather than the Cruiser, this would mean transfering all the gear from one rig to the other and finding suitable mounting, etc for the truck.

Option 3. A trail of some sort. After much delegation and headache, I decided that a trailer was the way to go in my situation. Not only could I leave everything loaded with the exception of fresh food, it would offer a secure way to store my gear both at home and at camp. It can be easily attatched to whichever vehicle I choose to tow with, and it does surprisingly well in the trees, rocks and on the highway.

[Desertdude]

Another off road expedition trailer - Slee (http://sleeoffroad.com/) will be offering these

KingKamper (http://kingkampers.com/kamper/overview.html)

Pricey as all get out :smileeek:

I dig the swing arm coil suspension :)

[blupaddler]

Those KingKampers are really nice! Have you seen how big the awning gets? You would need a pretty big campsite to fully utilize the benefits of that bad boy!


However, I have a difficult time with trailers. I am and have been in a quandry for the last year or so.

I am tired of using my roof rack. It is just too heavy, and I haven't used it yet to the "fullest" extent. I loose use of my sunroof. And I loose precious MPG also. Yet, it seems that I am constantly berraded with advertisements and pictures of people with full-length roof racks. Like they are a necessary piece of equipment. I have a set of Yakima racks that I use to transport my surfboards and paddleboards. Additionally, it seems as though, that the main areas available to mount the "danger" items such as high-lift and shovel are on a roof rack. But you expose them to the elements at the same time. So, what do I do...I have a really nice, superbly built rack that sits on the side of my house, that I have been debating on selling for the last year. ARgggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!
:sport_box :smilies27 :D


Trailers seem very nice. Especially for the ability to park and be able to explore without having to pack things back up. Also the benefit of having dedicated cargo space, and not using or losing any of my vehicle's load. However, you are really slowed down using a trailer. And my macho side says I should be able to fit all of my gear into my 80. After, it is an 80, I have good storage space. Especially compared to Kurt, who wheels in a 40.

So, actually a question for you Kurt...If you were driving something, "bigger", say a 60 or an 80, would you still use a trailer?
And a question for others with a trailer or who have used a trailer in the past...Why did you decide to go with a trailer? Or what made you decide to NOT use a trailer?



Thanks, sorry if I was on a bit of a rant/soap box. Just talking out loud. I guess always evaluating and re-evaluating. :o

:D

[Desertdude]

I am kinda feeling the same way Robb - I think traveling with less is always a better solution - I am thinking of the African load bars to mount our Maggiolina - but when in Moab or some-other slightly hard core wheeling spot the tent on the roof presents a too high center of gravity - which is where the trailer shines - show up at the central camp spot park the trailer set up the tent and viola you are set - no one answer seems to work...

[60seriesguy]

The *need* for a trailer is a very subjective concept, as it's influenced by people's budgets, comfort levels, type of trips, routes, and even geographical location. Having used both a trailer and a roof rack (and sometimes both), I can tell you that it's the terrain that really defines it for me. If you're going to be taking very rough trails, or very technical ones with tight switch backs or the possibility of having to backtrack (like when exploring old mining roads in AZ), you probably want to leave the trailer at home and just use a roof rack. On the flip side, if you're going on a very long trip with more than one passenger (besides the driver), or plan to visit a remote location and then use that as a base camp, or if your expedition rig is also your daily driver and you tend to go on trips on short notice, a trailer makes a lot more sense. Another situation where I see the trailer as an advantage is on long expeditions where you spend most of your day driving, and the trailer becomes a self-contained chuck wagon and "main campsite" that can be quickly prepped with minimal unloading of the rig itself.

I agree that traveling with less gear is probably the ultimate solution, but for some of us (and especially our spouses), rolling up your toothbrush and two Powerbars inside a t-shirt zip-tied to the rollcage isn't an option, even more so if you like to travel/camp with your family.

I think it was Kurt that mentioned this a while back, and I'll reinforce it. Before I had my trailer, I used to come home from a camping trip facing having to unload and store all of my gear in various places. Then, on the next trip, I had to go find all the gear in the various places (now forgotten), then load up the truck and hope that I didn't forget something important. Now, my trailer is a self-contained unit, I keep all of my gear neatly stowed in it, accounted for and centralized, and the only thing I need to add is the food box and other consummables, and I'm ready to go. That, my fellow expedition enthusiasts, is priceless! :)

Granted, I'm not going to go on some highly technical trail with the trailer in tow, but I built mine to follow the Land Cruiser and it's as heavy duty as the truck, I am confident that I could take this trailer around the world with minimum hassle (although I wouldn't want to be on muddy or sandy tracks with it).

For reference, it's a converted ex-military M416 trailer (with extensive modifications) that I tow with my 60 series Land Cruiser.

[BajaXplorer]

Thought I would chime in behind the 60seriesguy with my two cents worth.
We just recently bought a Canadian M101 (similar to US M416) to satisfy our our goal of having a trailer option. The operative word here is "option" and the goal is to have several options.
I/We go frequently to Baja and Nevada with occasional trips to Utah and Colorado. We can carry plenty of gear in and on the Tacoma D/C, but we always have to decide what to take and what to leave because there just isn't enough room for everything we would like to take.
The "problem" has been that we, like most of you, have only had one choice of how we are going to go with regards to what amount of gear and what comfort level we want to experience.
The solution we have decided on is to have a trailer for those times we want to take a lot and the trip length and/or location warrants taking it. The trailer will slow our progress down some but it is capable of going most places we like to go. The rest of the times we will do as we have in the past and just load the truck up and go. Going bare bones, or the ability to haul sufficient food, fuel, water (hot showers), the BBQ, and the chaise lounge, having the option is good.
BX

[cruiseroutfit]

...So, actually a question for you Kurt...If you were driving something, "bigger", say a 60 or an 80, would you still use a trailer?
And a question for others with a trailer or who have used a trailer in the past...Why did you decide to go with a trailer? ...

Absolutely...

I actually spend a good amount of time wheeling my X-cab Tacoma (plenty of gear space) or my 84' FJ60 (I also just sold my FJ55), which also has alot more room. But, as mentioned above, I hate having everything I own in the cab with me when I am wheeling... This of course is unavoidable in non "base camp" style trips.

That combined with the fact I hate the load/unload portion of a trip, and when wheeling 3 different rigs on a given weekend, it is a PITA to determine "what is where"...

One thing I havn't discussed much is the roof rack option... For some it is great, and I have been satisfied using it many times. But a good majority of my trips include some sort of alpline wheeling (low trees, tight trails) and or rock-crawling (narrow, off camber, tight trails), neither of which are too inviting for a roof rack. I rub the top of my cage as is, at a foot (if not more) and I am going to destroy it... A small rack would be great for my Tacoma as it doesn't see the rocks to the extent of the others... but at that I have an entire bed for storage.

There is obviously no "right" answer for everyone, but I think that for me the trailer was simply the best way to go. The only thing I regret is having too much gear with me... makes it very tempting for wheeling freinds to leave theirs at home :chowtime: ;)

[cruiseroutfit]

...I keep all of my gear neatly stowed in it, accounted for and centralized, and the only thing I need to add is the food box and other consummables, and I'm ready to go. That, my fellow expedition enthusiasts, is priceless! :)....

AGREED :ylsmoke:

I am 30 minutes from being ready for a trip up to a week long, and that 30 minutes is spent loading the food/fuel, other than that I have a decent supply of goods.

:camping:

[Mike S]

I am a believer in expedition trailers.

I had one built to my specs a few years ago, and have used it all over the West. It has a spare tire, 40 gal. water tank, 4 5 gal. Blitz cans, tool box with marine batteries, charger, and water pump, hinged aluminum lid, and a very useful extensible tongue that can be pulled out to 5' in length for running in rough country. The lunette swivels for a little extra articulation. This is set up with the same hub to hub width as my FJ60, and uses the same tires and wheels. The tent mounts to the lid. I have towed this over 10,000 miles, and used it for up to three weeks at a stretch. I like being able to set up a camp quickly, detach the crusier and go... fishing, exploring, etc.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/351139.jpg

Adventure Trailers sells a nice unit. They supply most (all?) with tents mounted. If I was starting over today, I would probably buy one of these:

http://www.hunt101.com/img/351444.jpg

[atavuss]

if anyone is looking for Canadian M101 trailers on the West Coast, Acme Truck Parts in Stockton California has a few of them. they are on pallets, wheels and lunette are in the trailer bed, there are no lights on the trailers so you will need to have a utility trailer or some other way to get it home. I have no interest with Acme, this is just a FYI. trailers are 999.00, you MIGHT be able to talk them down some as they have had these for a while now.
don't know if it is kosher to post a link to their Ebay trailer site but here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6527474420&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I have a 04 Double Cab 4x4 TRD Taco and I use a 1946 1/4 ton Bantam trailer for camping trips. have been through some rough roads and it tows like it is not even there. I use the stock 16" wheels with NDT 7.00x16 tube type military tires which gives the trailer around 11" of ground clearance at the lowest point below the springs.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/400648/DSC01338(Small).JPG
I have been wanting to fab a metal top so that I can lock all my camping gear in the trailer so it is already loaded and ready to go. I also am planning on installing a roof top tent as well.

[Scott Brady]

I will be using an Adventure Trailer (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/) for my remote base camp option, and will be towing it for the first time on the El Camino Del Diablo trail this coming weekend. This is the new Chaser Model with long travel suspension, etc.

I will let everyone know how it does...

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/adventure_trailers/showchaser3.jpg

[Desertdude]

Would you look at that chrome :elkgrin:

I look forward to seeing this beauty out on the trail this weekend :campfire:

[Scott Brady]

Oh, crap! there is chrome :gunt:

Twitch, twitch....

[DaktariEd]

So THAT's what the new model looks like!
Nice....looking forward to seeing it up close and personal.

:D

[blupaddler]

So, is there any other difference besides the long-travel suspension? Too bad it doesn't have those side boxes with the kitchen in them.

I will ANXIOUSLY be awaiting your results. Have a safe trip this weekend. I am jealous. :sunflower

[DaktariEd]

So, is there any other difference besides the long-travel suspension? Too bad it doesn't have those side boxes with the kitchen in them.

I will ANXIOUSLY be awaiting your results. Have a safe trip this weekend. I am jealous. :sunflower

I'll see if I or Chris can do a side by side photo and comparison this weekend and post it when we get back...

Ed

[datrupr]

I can actually see Scott out in the middle of nowhere with a can of Hammerite dechroming the trailer.:D

[njtaco]

Help me out here... The long travel on the trailer... Is it to improve the ride for your gear? Or does it help towing over obstacles? I thought an articulating hitch resolved the second, and airing down helped the first. Does the long travel increase "body roll" at slow speeds? (Assuming the shocks dampen roll at highway speeds.) Would this make the trailer "more tippy" on the trail?

Thanks for entertaining my questions. I just never really considered long travel on a trailer, on- or off-highway.

An after thought: I was not thinking of high-speed washboard roads, heavily loaded. I'm still guessing here, but it would seem the longer travel would help here, right?

[ErrinV]

Scott,

Did you make it to the show out here in Pomona last weekend? That pic looks like the show we went to last weekend. Would have been great to meet you.

I checked out the Chaser, which like mentioned before is their new model. It is available both as a DIY kit or assembled, and you can add items a la carte. It seems like a pretty good idea. There were 2 things that I didn't like about it though. First is the lack of the boxes on the side of the trailer. I think they would get used all the time for quick access items. Second was the amount of bolts used to hold it together. I have no doubt that it's a solid trailer, but I think alot of Locktite would be in order and the occasional maintence to make sure everything remains properly fastened, especially after some washboard would be needed. Nothing against the new trailer, I think I just still lust after the Horizon version.

Errin

[Scott Brady]

Help me out here... The long travel on the trailer... Is it to improve the ride for your gear? Or does it help towing over obstacles? I thought an articulating hitch resolved the second, and airing down helped the first. Does the long travel increase "body roll" at slow speeds? (Assuming the shocks dampen roll at highway speeds.) Would this make the trailer "more tippy" on the trail?

Thanks for entertaining my questions. I just never really considered long travel on a trailer, on- or off-highway.

An after thought: I was not thinking of high-speed washboard roads, heavily loaded. I'm still guessing here, but it would seem the longer travel would help here, right?

Exactly.

The long travel improves trailer handling and protects the contents on corrugated and rutted trails.

Lack of suspension travel has always been my concern with trailers, as the travel did not match the tow vehicle, which reduced overland speeds.

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Did you make it to the show out here in Pomona last weekend? That pic looks like the show we went to last weekend. Would have been great to meet you.

Errin

Yes, it would have been great to meet you there.

Unfortunately, I was not at the Pomona show, but I will be at the Phoenix Event

Internation Sportsmans Expo, Phoenix (http://www.sportsexpos.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewlocation&locationnumber=6)

March 10-12, 2006

My truck will also be on display there :ylsmoke:

[Scott Brady]

Now that I have pulled the trailer over 300 miles and 188 miles in the dirt, here are my quick thoughts.

1. Suspension is incredible on the corrugations and high speed sections. I often forgot it was back there. Suspension is so critical to trailer performance. Damping was a little soft on compression, which also affected sway, but plans are already in the works to address that.

2. Built quality was excellent!

3. No failures, and I was even able to add more load when one of the vehicles broke on the trail. Just a few more PSI in the bags and it came right back up.

4. Huge storage area. The trailer would completely eliminate the need for a roof rack, and take most of the weight out of the tow vehicle. Electric brakes ensure safety.

[ErrinV]

Scott, was that the Chaser or Horizon you were towing?

[Scott Brady]

I was towing the Chaser, though there were two Horizon models also on the trail.

[elcoyote]

Scott,

There were 2 things that I didn't like about it though. First is the lack of the boxes on the side of the trailer. I think they would get used all the time for quick access items. Second was the amount of bolts used to hold it together. I have no doubt that it's a solid trailer, but I think alot of Locktite would be in order and the occasional maintence to make sure everything remains properly fastened, especially after some washboard would be needed. Nothing against the new trailer, I think I just still lust after the Horizon version.

Errin
Just to let you know about the numerous bolts in the body, (110 in all), they are backed up with nylock nuts which we have never had any problem loosening. Side boxes are absent from the Chaser to help keep the price down and make the trailer more attainable. We like the convenience they provide too but they are costly to build. Since you are a fan of the Horizon, You may be interested in reading a customers recent review of his Horizon suspension upgrade after completing a Baja surf trip. http://web.mac.com/rgrussell/iWeb/Geezer/Adventure%20Trailer%20Review.html

[ErrinV]

Just to let you know about the numerous bolts in the body, (110 in all), they are backed up with nylock nuts which we have never had any problem loosening. Side boxes are absent from the Chaser to help keep the price down and make the trailer more attainable. We like the convenience they provide too but they are costly to build. Since you are a fan of the Horizon, You may be interested in reading a customers recent review of his Horizon suspension upgrade after completing a Baja surf trip. http://web.mac.com/rgrussell/iWeb/Geezer/Adventure%20Trailer%20Review.html

Just read that review. That must be the same G-Wagen on the website right? Are you Mario? Same handle as on ADVRider. We spoke over there, and I found this site thanks to you. Sorry I didn't get to meet you at the show. I really like the idea of the Chaser, the wife seemed to like it too, mainly 'cuz it was cheaper, but what does she know. :Wow1: Oh wait, she's the one in charge. Damn. I'm sure that the trailer is solid. I just picked up a KTM 640 that vibrates like hell. Seemed like the whole time I was riding in Death Valley I was tightening bolts, so that's why when I saw all those bolts I started to get nervous.

I still go back and forth between trailer or no trailer. Still not sure, but I do know that I've looked at other trailers and the Adventure Trailer still is at the top of my list.

Curious what you think of the Campa ATT trailers. They are available to rent here. (http://www.roveraccessories.com/trailer1.htm) They are in the same price range I think, but not knowing much about them, how does the Adventure Trailer differ.

Thanks,

Errin

[elcoyote]

Yep, I'm the same ElCoyote at advrider...it's a nickname given to me by an old friend that just seemed to stick. Sorry to have missed you at the show but heck, you're always welcome by the shop. Yes that is the same G-wagen on the site. BV is very hard on his equipment and we consider him the ultimate crash test dummy.

The Campa ATT is a South African designed trailer that I believe has been licensed to a company in the midwest. My opinion of the trailer is relative to the type of off road travel we partake in. My opinions are merely just that and are not meant to say that one trailer is better than another, it just depends upon your application and maintenance skills. The SA designed trailers are appropriate for SA type travel, i.e. long stretches of washboard in the bush and leaf spring/beam axles are okay for that but lack ground clearance. We used a torsion in the past to improve ground clearance but have switched to our new trailing arm air suspesion which gives both ground clearance and excellent washboard dampening. Our Horizon trailer has Boulder Bar protection around the chassis specifically for the difficult trails, theirs does not. The Chaser does not require them and the fenders can be unbolted if you're hitting the Hammers. The Boulder Bar design came from our experiences on the Rubicon with our original trailers that needed repair at trails end. The Boulder Bars are angled to deflect the trailer either up & over or around the obstacles and to protect on departure depending upon how you manipulate the in-cab controller for the electric brakes. The Campa uses a mechanical surge brake which we are familiar with (we used to use them from Trailco) but the problem we encountered was that on the steep down hills where we would use engine compression for braking, the surge brake would load up and lock the tires on the trailer. We also experienced trail damage to the surge brake linkages as they hang down underneath the trailer. Our electric brake wiring runs inside the chassis frame, well protected.
Stainless steel is sexy but if it needs repair in a remote location, like aluminum, you need special welding equipment and skills. Our use of cold rolled 14 gage can be repaired with common stick & mig systems. Notice that the standard color for our trailers is white powder coat...perform this simple test, leave a piece of white painted steel and a piece of unpainted stainless out in the sun, test their temperatures to the touch and you will understand why we do what we do. SS gets hot, really hot.
To make a truly informed decision about a trailer, I would suggest you take advantage of the rental that Rover Accessories has available as well as ours (rentals available at the end of April from Adventure Trailers). Try them both and get the one that works best for you, your application and your tow vehicle.

[ErrinV]

The Campa ATT...


...as well as ours (rentals available at the end of April from Adventure Trailers). Try them both and get the one that works best for you, your application and your tow vehicle.

Thanks for taking the time to reply elcoyote. Makes complete sense about the differences. I saw the King Kamper at the Sportsman Show and thought basically what you just said. It's probably great if I'm in Australia, but not really suited for where I would like to travel in California.

That's a great idea about renting them. I will do that as soon as that is available. Now I get to plan not one but 2 trips.
:luxhello: :luxhello:

Errin

[flywgn]

Man, I don't know how the heck I missed this thread, but I'm glad that I've caught up on it.

There are some absolutely priceless comments in above posts related to "stuff", "time", and "efficiency", to name a few. Diana and I loved the one about passing the time when, to paraphrase, "...rolling your toothbrush and a couple of Power Bars in a tee-shirt and zip-tying this to the roll bar", was behind you.

We have back-packed (where only half a toothbrush was acceptable) and we have traveled in a motorhome (yuck) and everything in between. Some years ago after a trip into the Midriff of Baja California we came to the conclusion that we wanted some type of expedition trailer.

We purchased a Conquerer right off the floor at the Pomona Off-road Expo in 1999. Stephen Goetz of Safari Trailers was reluctant to sell it to us because the two he had at the show were his only two, but after I promised to tow ours to SEMA in Las Vegas and to two other shows he relinquished, and we were off and running, so to speak.

The Conquerer was (is) a terrific off-road expedition trailer and we towed it into some incredible spots. We would still own it had it not been for a life-threatening horse-accident that Diana had a few years after our purchasing it. Diana broke five ribs and punctured a lung as well as rupturing an Achilles tendon in that tumble, and for a long time it was too painful to ascend the ladder into the tent on top. We used the lower tent (beneath the cantilevered upper deck) for a year, but I finally acquiesed to the cris de coeur of a friend who just had to have the Conq to tow behind his H1.

We are now in that "need another expedition trailer" mode. (Yes, El Coyote, I know this gives you an advantage. :D ) We loved the advantages of the rugged, off-road qualities of the Conq, and, from what I've heard and read, the Adventure Trailer has the same qualities. We were never prevented from taking any road because of the encumbrance of a 'toad'. Quite frankly, my view is "if the toad can't go, we don't need to."

I'm not sure a small expedition trailer will supplant our 19' ATRV. We'd use them differently. I can even see using them together with the ATRV being Base Camp (actually its nickname) and having the smaller one for side trips. Probably won't do a lot of that, but it's a possibility.

I'm looking forward to seeing the Horizon and Chaser in Phoenix in a couple of weeks.

[blupaddler]

What we need to do is everyone bring the trailer you own or rent one that isn't represented, and have a show-down weekend. Where everyone gets to try the different trailers and tow them, thus seeing first hand how well they work.


:jump:

[Desertdude]

Great idea Robb - :jumping: Seeing is believing

After wheeling in El Camino Del Diablo last weekend and seeing the (three no less) "Adventure Trailers" first hand - I am quite impressed with the attention to detail - the suspension in and out of the rocky washes and the foot of silt - how easy they set up and work - very cool :clapsmile

[91xlt]

i think that trailers are the way to go. i thru one together last year as a "test rat", to see how i liked it. AWESOME!!! now the trailer i have is not really off road worthy...YET! i really wanted to see how it worked out before i built a overpriced paperweight, also wanted to check it out for sizing. i do all year round camping and for winter camping there can be a whole lot of gear. i am going to start build up of serious off road trailer in near future. possible military or custom built, leaning toward custom fabbed but we will see. i want to concentrate on my vehicle for a while first, and the trailer i have works fairly well, but i think using a trailer as a "home base" it just work great!

[VikingVince]

The Adventure Trailers that were on El Camino Del Diablo are very nice units...well designed (handy kitchen, water tank), easy to use, good suspension, storage space, sturdy. IMO, trailers are most attractive to folk who drive jeeps, Landcruisers, or SUV's because they solve the Sleeping, Cooking, Storage (SCS!!!) problems that are a real challenge in vehicles with limited space. (especially Jeeps)

But if you're a pickup truck owner, there are numerous ways to solve SCS without going to a trailer....Flippac, Fourwheelcamper, Shell with sleeping platform/slideout storage. (unless you want to use your truck bed for a motorcycle). And, depending on how you design these approaches, you can have everything that the trailer has to offer and MORE. (ample standing room, easy access to sleeping area, cook inside if you need to..to name a few)

But there ARE drawbacks to pulling a trailer...but as we all know, everything re offroading rigs and mods is a series of trade-offs. And the benefits of having a trailer might offset the drawbacks for some. The biggest drawback that I can see is the difficulty in turning around or backing up in tight situations. I was on a NARROW SHELF road with SWITCHBACKS and came upon a big washout...only choice was to back up half a mile until I could turn around...and then it was a space that I could barely turnaround in (could have kept backing up for 3 miles to get out)...imagine being in that situation with a trailer!!

[colvere]

another trailer option is the units from three feathers mfg. www.threefeathersmfg.com/index.html make few different models.

[The Swiss]

Would this be an unreasonable platform to start out with if you wanted to create your own adventure trailer? Looks kinda Kewl..!

..........or is it just too huge?

Maybe some of the guys with bigger rigs might be interested?


LINK: http://www.swissarmyvehicles.com/shpics.php?table=vehicles&idnum=59I have some experience with those trailers; they were mainly used with Unimogs, Mowags or larger trucks (never seen them behind a Pinzgauer) They are virtually bullet proof, but their weight empty is 2,090lbs. They do have a astronomic payload of 3,300 lbs which brings their total weight to short of 5,400 lbs. Even when empty, driving with one of those is like driving with an anker. Our logistic units would try to avoid to leave the black top or good graded roads with those trailers.

[Steve Curren]

I want to thank all those who have been taking about the traliers. I have been looking at Mario's traliers for about 5 months now, I went to Phoenix and looked at the Chaser. I knew that I would like it and use it, I went home and talked myself into buying it. I had seen the quality of his work and knew it was a good tralier, I know now that I did indeed make the right choice of not only buying a tralier for the liesure years but I also picked a winner after listening to those of you who have used his trailers.
Thanks again to all, especially Mario.

:beer:

[Scott Brady]

Cool Steve, nice to see you here on the forum :) Hopefully we can have you out on an adventure soon!

[Scott Brady]

Here is a great review from a self described "Surf Geezer" of the Horizon trailer, which was retrofitted with the new Chaser suspension. He is also pulling it behind a G-Wagon, which is a very cool thing too...

http://web.mac.com/rgrussell/iWeb/Geezer/Adventure%20Trailer%20Review_files/IMG_6832.jpg

Page one: http://web.mac.com/rgrussell/iWeb/Geezer/Adventure%20Trailer%20Review.html

Page Two: http://web.mac.com/rgrussell/iWeb/Geezer/Adventure%20Trailer%20Page%202.html

[Steve Curren]

Scot, thanks for the welcome and I am looking forward to getting out with some to enjoy the beautiful country we have here in the States. I have passed this site along to a friend who has just completed a tralier of his own and did El Camino Del Diablo about 3 weeks after you did.
Once agian thank you for the greeting.
Steve

love the icons:gunt:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I have some experience with those trailers; they were mainly used with Unimogs, Mowags or larger trucks (never seen them behind a Pinzgauer) They are virtually bullet proof, but their weight empty is 2,090lbs. They do have a astronomic payload of 3,300 lbs which brings their total weight to short of 5,400 lbs. Even when empty, driving with one of those is like driving with an anker. Our logistic units would try to avoid to leave the black top or good graded roads with those trailers.


Thanks Michael,

I realized they were too big when I found these.

Only $800 bucks and never been used!



http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html (http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html)

http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/Nice_Jeep+Trailer+.jpg



http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/1-4TonTrailerRow.jpg

[Mike S]

I visited Adventure Trailers today, and got a first hand look at the new Chaser. This is a very well built trailer. I was especially impressed with the suspension system.

The two, independently sprung wheels are attached to two heavy duty trailing arms, cushioned by aire bags and springs, and carry shocks to help keep the wheels where they belong. While I was unable to 'borrow' the trailer, I think that this is a whole new ides, and much better that leaf sprung or torsion axles. The ground clearance is impressive.

I designed and built my own trailer of high quality materials, and like it very much. Even tho' I got a great deal of satisfaction from the project, and the trailer is what I hope it would be, it was still over $5000 by the time I finished it. This cost does not include the tent, wheels or tires. A reasonable total cost would be closer to $7500. If I had to do it over again, I would buy a Chaser in a heart beat.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/381239.JPG

[flyingwil]

The suspension on the Adventure Trailers is definitely superb. While observing the suspension from behind you can see how the independent travel creates an outstanding foundation for overland travel. While the styling shows similarities with the military 416 trailers, the Chaser shares almost nothing in common with them. It reminds me of the new Mustangs, kinda looks like the old classics, but updated to the current technological breakthroughs.

Not too spill too many beans, but a review will be posted once Scott returns from Morocco in the equipment reviews section.

[Nullifier]

Thanks Michael,

I realized they were too big when I found these.

Only $800 bucks and never been used!



http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html (http://www.futurelogistics.ca/AftermarketSales.html)

http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/Nice_Jeep+Trailer+.jpg

Man I'd love to get one of those. but to far to ship I think. It would cost as much as the trailer.


http://www.futurelogistics.ca/Site02.data/SmartObjects/1-4TonTrailerRow.jpg

I'd love to get one of those they look in top shape. Just wish I wasn't so far. Shipping would probably be more then the trailer.

[Grouseman]

Does anybody have a underneath photo of the Chaser? So we can see the suspension.

Thanks
Gman

[Mike S]

Steve

Why not drop an e-mail to mario@adventuretrailers.com
I am sure he will oblige. This stuff is the bomb!

Mario is a straight shooter, and builds a super tough trailer. I saw one at the shop that was rolled on the highway at 65 MPH and still totally functional - tho' bashed up a bit.

I would not hesitate to buy one of these trailers.

Mike

[elcoyote]

Hey Grouseman,

Drop me a line at mario@adventuretrailers.com and we can talk suspension off the thread. I have had some requests from people who would like to put our suspension on their 416's & 101's. As I have told them, it is not a simple bolt on affair like a torsion or leaf spring axle. It is built into the chassis by design and requires our shop tooling to set it up correctly for camber and toe in. In the spirit of safety and in all good conscience we cannot sell these components seperately. Although it may look simple in appearance, with our experience in developing off road trailers, this took 6 months and 3 generations of design to make this work correctly. And work it does! In its' third generation, it has exceeded our expectaions both on & off road. Check out the pix of Alex playing in Moab this week and you'll understand that there is none other like it. Yeehaw! :Wow1:

[Grouseman]

Mario,

Congratulations on having probably the best trailer out there for outback, expedition camping. It must be nice to be the best. I have just started camping again after many years, but I don't do the desert, rock climbing, etc like you guys get to do out West. My camping will be off old logging roads, etc, mild stuff compared to out there. I am getting ready to make mods to my 101 for that type camping. I was trying to get ideas on how to modify my 101 for a smooth off road scenario. Some have suggested taking out a few of the leafs 3-4, and then changing out the shocks that are on there. Probably will try that first.

Grouseman

[BajaTaco]

:Wow1: Damn, those pics are worth more than a thousand words... :cool: Nice! The pics don't even really do that bowl justice... it's steeeeep.

[elcoyote]

BT, Steep indeed. I can't even walk up that stuff without my FiveTennies

Grouseman, I have never tried removing leaves from a conventional suspension but the theory makes sense. If I were to experiment with something like that I would probably take out enough leaves to make the suspension supple with the trailer unladen and install a set of Firestone air bags to take over the load carrying duties and install some shocks to dampen the action so the trailer doesn't launch after coming out of the ruts. That way I could have a spring soft enough to follow the road contours but enjoy the benefits of the progressive loading properties of the air bag. IMO a shock that is valved 50/50 would work best for the application. Firestone makes a ton of kits for pick up trucks. You could mix & macth their mounting hardware to fit you application. A good source for air bags and hardware selection is Macs Spring, a local mod shop. They have an informative website at www.macsspring.com and are very helpful over the phone. Good luck buddy!

[Grouseman]

Mario,

Thanks for the information. I will try my little 101 on a trip this weekend. After going off-road I will know if the suspension needs to a little tinkering.

Thanks
Gman

[elcoyote]

So how did it go?

[flywgn]

On the subject of trailers, suspensions, etc., Mario, notice today is MAY 1st!!

Thirty days 'til June.....>>>:jumping: Just got back from places where we're looking forward to having BC Jr.

Allen R.

[Grouseman]

So how did it go?

Mario,

Actually just got back from the "Banks" today. The little 101 did fantastic. We couldn't even feel it behind the Cruiser. Every once in a while I would have to look back to make sure it was there. Damn nice trailer. We did a few mods before leaving. Of course we have lots more to do now, after our first trip. We probably had 250 pounds of stuff and it rode very well, not bouncy at all.

Gman

[atavuss]

:arabia:
Mario,

Actually just got back from the "Banks" today. The little 101 did fantastic. We couldn't even feel it behind the Cruiser. Every once in a while I would have to look back to make sure it was there. Damn nice trailer. We did a few mods before leaving. Of course we have lots more to do now, after our first trip. We probably had 250 pounds of stuff and it rode very well, not bouncy at all.

Gman

Pictures man! gotta see pictures!

[Doin_It]

I think "expedition trailers" has got to be the most viewed post here, though the Morocco challenge has been a hit also. Waiting for this to go over 4000 views. So I think it must be everyones hidden desire to have a trailer for more comfort in the sleeping department and the ability to pack more beers with them when they go out camping that makes this thread so popular. I know I want one, so am working on having one built.

[Grouseman]

ATA,

Just got my 35 mm pictures developed. Will put some on disk and display here. Actually got some pretty darn good ones this trip.

Gman

[Grim Reaper]

You guys are killing me here!

I have some sort of trailer disorder or something. I just love them...in particular outfitting and building them.

So how many people are building their own?

I tend to do my offroad exploring without the wife and kids. Wife likes getting out but I tend to go with the 4x4 club and that has worked out to be more my deal then hers. When the family goes camping the Airstream and Suburban will be involved.


I needed a little cargo trailer a few years back before I had the Sub. Haul mowers, building stuff for the house and junk like that. It started life as a $450 wire mesh floor 5x8 utility trailer with a 3500 lb axle and 15 inch wheels.

My trail truck was just that... a trail truck. Always ready to go trail riding for a day trip but seldom had camping gear in it. Most of the trails in the SE are day runs. So a base camp is pretty normal. I would throw some camping gear on the little 5x8 so I didn't have to pack the truck full. Drop the trailer at camp and hit the trail.

I like camping except for the tent on the ground.....Every time I have been tent camping I end up on a flat air mattress with a rock in the middle of my back and a critter ends up in there with me most times, or sopping wet in the rain with a river running under and through the tent then spending a day drying out all my gear or all of the above. So the last day was sort of miserable then having to go home wet and deal with the gear for several hours so it wouldn't mildew.

I got the bright idea to enclose this trailer after getting caught in the rain again. I had set the tent on the bed of the trailer that time because it was already raining by the time we got to camp. So not nearly as wet but the Mattress went flat again but no rock in the back this time.

So I built the "Redneck Special". See picture below. After it was all said and done and a wreck that necessitated building a new frame later It ended up being 5x10 ( 5x8x 5.5 inside main box) about 6.5-7ft overall width with tires. The front 2ft houses storage boxes for gear, Battery for running lights and fan and space for 3 Jerry cans and it will haul enough wood for a weekend with the club. The camper shell has screened windows to fend off the bugs and no jammed zippers. The roof rack on the back has extensions to support a 12ftx12ft canopy to keep the rain out of the back and it supports a tarp over the front that works as a rain fly for the side windows. It also leaves some air space and helps keep it cool in the day.

The inside is still bare for cargo duties. I have a little frame that screws in real quick to support a spare twin mattress off my kids trundle bed. Its ugly as it gets but it does the job.

So I went to Dixie run first weekend in October at Tellico (primitive camping)..Everybody looks at it makes comments and giggles. That night pouring rain they are all under my canopy using my grill. I go to sleep in a nice REAL bed it gets down to 28......and snows LOL.

So next morning everybody but me and the folks that had actual campers are wet and miserable. It seals pretty good so it wasn't so bad in my little homebuilt even without a heater. Wadded up my tarps and bungee them down on the front box and headed home. Other then two tarps I could throw over the car in the garage I had nothing to dry out. It worked out better then expected.


Now I downsized from a K5 Jimmy with a 350 v8 down to a first gen 4Runner with a 4cyl.....The "Redneck special" is a little more then the 4 banger is happy with (I over built the frame so its not lite). Fact of the matter is I could almost get the 4 runner IN the redneck special.

So I am back to looking at a new trailer thats down sized as well. Redneck special will become just a cargo trailer again to be towed by the Suburban.

Now I am as cheap as they come and I like building. I have welders and ways to cut and fabricate. So it sort of irks me to lay out cash on something I can build.

My options:

1. I know somebody that has M101 thats rough and had the back hacked up. Its $250 and I figure it needs at the very least $250 to get it back into basic shape. Then do this http://www.muttmotorpool.com/M416_camper.html to get me where I would be happy with it.

I may buy this regardless because restored I can get $800 if not more for it if I don't end up needing it. It would be handy for running to the home store for stuff. It only costs $25 a year for tags so keeping an extra trailer is not a big outlay if the neighbors won't lynch you for it.

2. I have come to own several aluminum double door boxes (doors on opposite ends). They are 28x32x20. I have 4 that are identical. If they were 40 inches on the long side they would be perfect for expedition trailer. I also have some empty shells of similar width and lengths that would make for a dandy Aluminum body trailer. A quick C channel frame and a little work and I would have a good trailer. Some quick math it would end up having a main body about 7ft long I would have widen the boxes to 40 inches for the front part of the body. That would allow it to track the same as the vehicle towing it. Again add or make a top style tent.

3. Tear drop style....Whats to say...they are just as cool as they get and can be made very light. No need to for a tent (did I mention I really hate tents?) at all but there is more expense and a LOT of build time involved.

4. I may have a chance to get a liner style pickup truck drop in work body. Possibly for free. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one.

Its like a work shell with flip up side doors but it has a full floor. The floor has a built in full length aluminum drawer and it has a full length bed slide that would make an instant table 30x50 that will require no other support. At night it would be the bed frame.

Put two of my aluminum boxes stacked on the front to house battery and some gear and a small water tank 20lb propane tank on the that for a camp grill and lantern. Its a Short bed style thats 80 inches long. With the boxes it would be just over 8ft plus the Hitch length. Rig up my canopy extension and It would be good to go. http://www.brandfxbody.com/fibrebody/inserts.htm thats the body. Put some camper windows in it that have screens and a power roof vent. .Not nearly as heavy as you would think either. About 300lb plus about 70lb for the bed slider. A little wider then I would like but should be able keep it down to under 6ft over all width. So it would track about 8 inches wider then the 4Runner. Thats livable. Hight would end up around 6.5 ft on the trailer.

The big plus is the price if I get it for free. Looking about $250 for a 6 lug axle with brakes, $300 or so in materials. Its probably going to come in around the same weight as I would build a tear drop or the other trailer. It already has internal lighting. Great storage systems in place already with the one side door having a full length set of shelves add a fold out table to set a small stove on and would make an instant kitchen area. Its already water tight. Even if it does leak its all fiberglass so no rot issues. Has about the same head room as a tear drop. Would not be pretty but it would be functional with less effort then my other ideas.

[robert]

Here's a good deal on a m416 if someone is looking for one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Military-Surplus-Quarter-Ton-Trailer_W0QQitemZ6633985399QQcategoryZ588QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

Just type in Military trailer and several auctions usually come up; I've been watching for a while for one closer to home.
and the Canadian trailers
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M101-1-4-Ton-M100-M416-Plymouth-MA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ46093QQitemZ46466804 18QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[dieselcruiserhead]

back to top for this great old thread... Some great info and comments here...

[dbregman]

I am thinking of a trailer and came across this excellent thread! I have a line on a trailer with a RTT built on an old generator trailer. Any thoughts on how that would perform? Or am I better getting a military trailer and building from scratch?

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I only show mine when there are questions about off-road trailers design and manueverability

Never a competition with the likes of AT'S TRAILERS, which are pure EXPEDITION trailers, mine is like a corvette, quick in, move it whereever, quick out

Sit it on it's bumper, if you need to back out of trouble, turn around and rehook

The Airzone airtent, using the jeeps OBA erects in 20 seconds

It's just a follow anywhere trailer, for a SPECIAL purpose


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm83/jimbowby/PICT0106.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm83/jimbowby/PICT0121.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm83/jimbowby/PICT0034.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm83/jimbowby/IMGP0652-1.jpg

www.tentrax.com

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO