It will be a dual-purpose rig much like 'The Swiss' [http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37964], and will be a 2 phase build. First the basic utility trailer, second the expo module. It will be used as a utility trailer to occasionally haul dirt, yard waste, limestone, rocks, mulch, etc. These items can have a fairly significant weight, so a 1-ton *load* capacity is my goal. For the Expo side of the coin, I intend to build a standalone unit that can slide in and be bolted to the trailer frame. Much like a truck camper slides into the pickup bed. My TV is a Jeep WK, more or less stock at the moment. We don't do rock crawling or heavy-duty offroad trails, the more moderate stuff is our thing. However, we do like to get far away from the crowd and much of it in the off-season, which is one reason why I am leaning towards the air suspension. (Carry a few spare parts in case something does break, and then hopefully not get stranded?)
Here are my trailer questions, issues and the areas I would appreciate advice on:
1) Suspension - independant air-ride or leaf spring or coil over or what?? (It's not that money is no object, but for the ride quality and ability to 'pump up' to handle utility loads, plus the reason above I am leaning toward air)
2) Design - I know the bed dimensions and shape that I am after, but what about supports, suspension mounting points, tongue length, axle placement, etc.? Does anybody have a design they would be willing to share or a good resource for planning? Anybody use Google sketchup for something like this?
3) Materials - from what I have read here and on other forums, 2x2 1/8 wall seems to be the standard, right? Where to get it? What should I expect to pay these days?
4) Builder - I have no metal fabrication experience or equipment, so the trailer portion will all have to be farmed out. I have done some preliminary contact with local shops who all say no problem. But from what I have read, fab'ing the swing arms for air susp. is not easy. Can these be bought anywhere?
5) Wheels and tires - it seems that most try to use the same wheel and tire size as the TV, as well as matching overall width to the TV, correct? Better tracking, one spare fits all?
[TRAILER] Interior bed dims 50" x 72", 12" side rails with a hinged, removeable 24" gate (so that it can lay flat when necessary to accept 4x8 sheets of whatever). [Tow vehicle] 9 foot wheelbase. P245/60R18 tires. Currently a 52" spacing between the tires - this will make it tough to have the trailer spacing match the Jeep. I may add some 1 1/2" spacers to the Jeep, this should be enough?
In addition to all the above, any guesses on what this might cost? (just the utility trailer portion, not worried about phase 2 right now.) Any sound, detailed responses much appreciated!! :wings:
Here are my trailer questions, issues and the areas I would appreciate advice on:
1) Suspension - independant air-ride or leaf spring or coil over or what?? (It's not that money is no object, but for the ride quality and ability to 'pump up' to handle utility loads, plus the reason above I am leaning toward air)
2) Design - I know the bed dimensions and shape that I am after, but what about supports, suspension mounting points, tongue length, axle placement, etc.? Does anybody have a design they would be willing to share or a good resource for planning? Anybody use Google sketchup for something like this?
3) Materials - from what I have read here and on other forums, 2x2 1/8 wall seems to be the standard, right? Where to get it? What should I expect to pay these days?
4) Builder - I have no metal fabrication experience or equipment, so the trailer portion will all have to be farmed out. I have done some preliminary contact with local shops who all say no problem. But from what I have read, fab'ing the swing arms for air susp. is not easy. Can these be bought anywhere?
5) Wheels and tires - it seems that most try to use the same wheel and tire size as the TV, as well as matching overall width to the TV, correct? Better tracking, one spare fits all?
[TRAILER] Interior bed dims 50" x 72", 12" side rails with a hinged, removeable 24" gate (so that it can lay flat when necessary to accept 4x8 sheets of whatever). [Tow vehicle] 9 foot wheelbase. P245/60R18 tires. Currently a 52" spacing between the tires - this will make it tough to have the trailer spacing match the Jeep. I may add some 1 1/2" spacers to the Jeep, this should be enough?
In addition to all the above, any guesses on what this might cost? (just the utility trailer portion, not worried about phase 2 right now.) Any sound, detailed responses much appreciated!! :wings:
