I will let Gabe Pari answer the particulars on the build materials, assembly and how it's tied together... so i don't goof it up explaining it wrong.. but to answer all the questions as best i can...
The Krawler 459 is made out of wood frame with ribs for strengthening with an outer anodized aluminum skin. For people that think this trailer may be weak, i can honestly say it is not. We aren't the first owners of this trailer, you may not know. This was our test unit that we acquired as we didn't want to wait for production times to have our own. So we bought the unit that has been through the thick of it.
Literally, Racetrack road in Death Valley, Saline Valley - north and south pass. It's also been through Mojave Road and out to Johnson Valley surrounding trails where folks jaw dropped when they saw it drop off ledges. All this before we even bought it.
We've never ever had a problem with the wood flexing, creaking or any of the sort. I think you need to look at your suspension if you think the trailer is taken that kind of beating. In actuality we watch our side mirrors and hardly ever our rearview mirror. Beings that we watch the tires flutter up and down with the suspension and the actual teardrop sitting still.
Also, the So-Cal Teardrops bodies were called upon by Adventure Trailers as an addition to their line up. They're known for not running junk or something that's going to fall apart. They still assemble SCT's tears on their chassis all the time. If the wood was a problem or the trailers wouldn't hold up, they'd not install them on their chassis.
There's something to be said about lightweight too. Our trailer dry weighs in at 1400 lbs with a tongue weight i can lift myself. If you choose thicker, heavier steel that goes away really quick. Not saying wood construction is the end all to be all, but for this application it works.
Just a few weeks ago our trailer was on display at the Off Road Expo in Pomona, where i heard many people say they thought it was brand new. If only the trailer could talk.
Just for those that may not know, we also have an Expedition Planned for December where we'll run thousand miles off road. I'll let you know how it does on that after we get back, but don't hold your breath as it's already proven itself and im sure it will hold up fine.
After 6 months of ownership, this is still our personal favorite peace of equipment and i offer anyone just like Gabe said, to stop by their shop to check them or heck.. you're more than welcome to stop by ours and see how ours looks after tons of off highway miles.. .our door is always open.
