My Backcountry Camper Trailer Build

[R_Lefebvre]

Ok, just another update. I started on the weatherstripping for the doors with some success. I found a nice black rubber EPDM rubber automotive weatherstripping at Lowes of all places. I've put it on the front doors but need to pick up some more. I also installed some Hella Matador knock-off work lights. These can be swivelled so I can have coverage to the back and front, or on either side. I also painted the wheels with the same bronze colour as the truck wheels. This *really* makes the whole thing look better. I took it for a little drive with the slightly increased tongue weight, but it's still not enough. The side-to-side tramlining was greatly improved with the bolted in tongue extension, and I recommend anybody else with an extendible tongue give it a shot. I may pull the trigger on the dual golf-cart deep cycle batteries, which will further help the tongue weight.

[RgrBox]

Wow.. it looks great.. you have it loaded for the pull?

RB

Finished the inside yet? If so you got any pics..

[Curtis in Texas]

If you added just the rail for the bike to the tounge that should give you the weight you need up front.
OR
Maybe a removeable battey box between the front rails , forward of the main box, that will allow you to add or move your battery forward when the bikes not loaded. This would give you the option of dual batteries too!

Lookin Good!

[R_Lefebvre]

Nope, inside is not done yet.

Curtis, the rail won't weigh enough, and it certainly won't be on full time, so that's not a solution. I have actually been contemplating adding a battery box right in front of the main box, slung kinds between the tongue bars, and putting the battery up there. I figure I have to get the TW up to at least 100lbs, and I think it's about 20-30 right now.

[JIMBO]

RL, Please allow me to make some "behind camera observations"

These are neither destructive or constructive, just based on my experience with a much lighter camping trailer

1) High center of gravity on BOX, mass weight ctr, too high (sway)
2) spare tire mounted too high, off ctr, subject to offsetting wind flurries and reduction of tongue weight
3) tongue length too short/light for trailer stability
4) Maggiolina airfoil design, backwards for trailer design-causing "downforce" on rear of trailer-at speed- thereby reducing tongue weight

If you think none of the above is correct-KEWL

Just a thought and your welds look great !!

JIMBO

[njtaco]

I went through the tongue weight issues with my camping trailer too. Too much sway at speeds over 50mph. I took the spare off the back (50 lbs?) and put an extra lp tank on the front for a net gain of 100-ish lbs of tongue weight. Well, a little less at the coupler, but it solved my swaying issues. This was a 1100lb, 12 foot long, 6-1/2 foot wide, 8 foot tall travel trailer, btw.

How about removing the spare and taking the trailer for a ride to see if its better?

[R_Lefebvre]

I'm not sure where people are getting that I'm having a sway or instability problem. It's not. The only issue I'm trying to solve with more tongue weight is to stop a clunking back and forth which only occurs under sharp throttle or brake input, and which is largely caused by the sloppy drawbar fit. There's an 1/8" slop in that joint, and it's an 8" drop hitch.

I'm *not* having a stability issue.

Also, the center of gravity is the same as other off-road trailers with huge tires and ground clearance.

I realize the tire location isn't optimal, but it was the only place that it "fit". Can't put it on front, because it interferes with the motorcycle. Can't put it low, because it would interfere with the rear door.

[njtaco]

Ah, now I think I understand. Sorry 'bout that.

I read more thread, and it sounds like the 8" drop drawbar is giving you side-to-side and up-and-down play because it is undersize compared to the receiver. Am I getting that right? If so, how about one of these or something like them?

Here

or Here (video) (Product link)

(That second one may not work with your wiring on the truck.)

And a Reese/drawtite product

Of course, more tongue weight will probably resolve the up-down movement, but the side-to-side may require more.

Another idea I heard of (which I don't endorse) is laying some beads of weld on top and one side of the drawbar, and grind to fit so it's snug in the receiver. No slop!

Of course, if I'm still not "getting it", please keep my 2c and put it towards the build

[R_Lefebvre]

No, that's basically the issue at this point. The side to side is mostly gone, and the up and down it better with the bolted in tongue extension tube. But it still clangs a bit up and down. I'll probably look at some of the anti-clunk products if it's not fixed after the tongue weight adjustment.

[njtaco]

Hey Rob, how much "overlap" is there between the receiver box and the drawbar? Would a longer drawbar (the part that goes in the receiver) reduce the amount of "looseness"?

Just throwin' ideas out there, hope you don't mind.