“Swiss army knife” trailer thread

[AdventurePig]

Other trailer thread got me thinking that since y’all have talked me out of a roof rack for the moment. - i’ve been revisiting the reality that we usually need to carry more than our wee rig can hold inside.

Lets assume the following:

1. No roof rack
2. No hitch cargo racks.
3. As small and light as possible.
4. We have ample room to store a trailer at our house.
5. Longer trips possible: PNW, southwest US, etc.
6. Plans are just cabins, hotels and AirBnB’s. We don’t camp but i won’t rule out a possible “Mohave road”, or other long, remote, 1-5/10 trail ride for me and some buddies.
7. Budget is small, SMÖL, meager, wee. $1500 or less?
8. Light as possible, no RTT’s, just gear and possibly fuel/water storage.

So, something that would be useful for home depot runs but also long trail durable?

No custom $8000 M416 reboot trailers required. I’m fine doing minor fab and adjustments. Lots of tools and a good welder for small repairs mods

 

[AndyG]

If your budget is 1500.00 you might consider get a 6 x 8 with 16”-20” mesh sides and rails
At a trailer store (850.00 in our neck of the woods)and outfit as you see best.

 

[alittleoff]

I personally would avoid the HF bolt together kits. To me, that means it can shake loose/apart quicker.
Some good finds on CL and FB marketplace as in another thread today.
For the trail, just get good sidewall and puncture resistant tires.

 

[AndyG]

I personally would avoid the HF bolt together kits. To me, that means it can shake loose/apart quicker.
Some good finds on CL and FB marketplace as in another thread today.
For the trail, just get good sidewall and puncture resistant tires.

He’s got a good point I know where one is here in Alabama that will make somebody a tremendous kayak and camping trailer right now.

You’d be surprised what is sitting around

 

[srimes]

I personally would avoid the HF bolt together kits. To me, that means it can shake loose/apart quicker.
Some good finds on CL and FB marketplace as in another thread today.
For the trail, just get good sidewall and puncture resistant tires.

I've been happy with my 4x8 HF trailer. But it's the heaviest-duty one they make (which isn't saying much), and I did end up welding a lot of it together just in case, even though nothing loosened up on me.

Bearing went out and I couldn't wait to order a new one (metric, of course) so I put a new axle on. Was a simple bolt-on swap. Got it almost 20 years ago and I've gotten my money's worth that's for sure. They're still on $550 now.

 

[srimes]

Collecting firewood last year. Almost time to get going again this year!

Sometimes I wish it was a deckover. Same overall width but an extra foot of deck, plus a lot more frame clearance.

 

[AdventurePig]

I've been happy with my 4x8 HF trailer. But it's the heaviest-duty one they make (which isn't saying much), and I did end up welding a lot of it together just in case, even though nothing loosened up on me.

Bearing went out and I couldn't wait to order a new one (metric, of course) so I put a new axle on. Was a simple bolt-on swap. Got it almost 20 years ago and I've gotten my money's worth that's for sure. They're still on $550 now.

This one?

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62671.html

 

[srimes]

This one?

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...x-96-in-super-duty-folding-trailer-62671.html

That's what I'd pick if I needed another one today. It's very similar at least. Mine doesn't fold.

 

[AdventurePig]

OK, I think I’ve settled on the best candidate for our budget and our needs, after finding a forum, dedicated to modifying carry-on 4x6 trailers with 3500 pound trailer axles set up for Jeep wheels and a spring over suspension configuration. Once this set up is complete folks are able to add whatever they need to carry a variety of camping gear, cargo, outdoor equipment, like kayaks and canoes.

Sounds like a fun project and a useful alternative to a roof rack to me.

I’m estimating that all in, this project would cost around $2500, but that I should be able to cover that in chunks, not all at once. Also an upside is that these trailers are small enough to fit in our tiny garage minimizing effects from weather/sun damage.

• Trailer $1000
• Axle $250
• Light duty springs $60
• Lock and roll hitch. $350
• Used jeep wheels/tires, hopefully $200 or less
• Tongue box $100
• Various raw materials like sheet metal and wood $150
• Rooftop tent/canoe rack $400

That’s what I have estimated so far. I have a good welder and a good amount of experience fabricating and welding on my other trailer, though most of what I have listed above should be a fairly “Bolton” experience. I also have many overland style Jerry can holders and cargo containers, tie-downs, and brackets from other vehicle builds that I can use.

 

[AdventurePig]

Some inspiration

 

[srimes]

Some inspiration

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Why upgrade the axle? I'm having trouble picturing more than a half-ton of camping gear on a 4x6 trailer.

 

[AdventurePig]

Why upgrade the axle? I'm having trouble picturing more than a half-ton of camping gear on a 4x6 trailer.

My understanding is that it’s a better quality axle than stock, comes with the axle tube width you need to run proper backspaced 15-16” jeep wheels (as opposed to the little 12” stock wheels) and 33-35” tires and also comes with the spring-over bracket already welded on to the exact width you need for the softer springs.

The bigger tires, softer springs and lock and roll type hitch are key to being able to roll over rough terrain with ease.

 

[bucky]

Consider a pintle hitch. I have several trailers that I use to take equipment way off the beaten path. A pintle gives you more articulation. Also a pintle hitch works well for attaching a tow strap. The down side is the added weight. Most of my trailers have a C-chanel that the hitch mounts to. This allows for hight adjustment for different vehicles and I can swap a conventional ball hitch when needed.

 

[srimes]

My understanding is that it’s a better quality axle than stock, comes with the axle tube width you need to run proper backspaced 15-16” jeep wheels (as opposed to the little 12” stock wheels) and 33-35” tires and also comes with the spring-over bracket already welded on to the exact width you need for the softer springs.

The bigger tires, softer springs and lock and roll type hitch are key to being able to roll over rough terrain with ease.

I'd at least take a look at what it comes with first. Most axles can be installed spring under or over with the same spring perches, so it's just a question of getting the right perch width.

I fit my old wheels and tires on the trailer with a couple of 2" wheel spacers. 4' wide trailer, 4' spring perches, 5' wide axle. The wheel bolt pattern was the same as the TJ, just needed a little more width to clear the sides.

Needs fenders. Gonna build side boxes over the top and hang mud flaps.

 

[Space Naught]

Some inspiration

Deleted the pics so its not a stupid long reply, but is that a trailer being towed by a Kia Soul in pic 1?

Dang that thing has some towage if so..... now to find a trailer just like that...

 

[AdventurePig]

Deleted the pics so its not a stupid long reply, but is that a trailer being towed by a Kia Soul in pic 1?

Dang that thing has some towage if so..... now to find a trailer just like that...

Yup, i think so!
These little carry on trailers are sold by lowe’s.
4x5 and 4x6 is what i’m looking at.
Dry weight is 300lbs or so.
Max capacity is 1700lbs.

 

[Space Naught]

Yup, i think so!
These little carry on trailers are sold by lowe’s.
4x5 and 4x6 is what i’m looking at.
Dry weight is 300lbs or so.
Max capacity is 1700lbs.

That would be perfect for what I have planned...

Simple pop up tent with some storage underneath, need something small and light to tow behind the TJ when I go out in the woods. Getting tired of a bag tent and cot.
I dont need any fancy pintle or lock and roll hitch since its mostly dirt roads where I go. Just a simple tiny trailer to lug some camping supplies and a roof top tent.

 

[AdventurePig]

That would be perfect for what I have planned...

Simple pop up tent with some storage underneath, need something small and light to tow behind the TJ when I go out in the woods. Getting tired of a bag tent and cot.
I dont need any fancy pintle or lock and roll hitch since its mostly dirt roads where I go. Just a simple tiny trailer to lug some camping supplies and a roof top tent.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-T...e-Mesh-Utility-Trailer-with-Ramp-Gate/3013702

 

[Space Naught]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Carry-On-T...e-Mesh-Utility-Trailer-with-Ramp-Gate/3013702

Dammit, I just removed the rats nest of trailer wiring the PO installed… welp, time to install one properly. And get a trailer, and a better tow hitch (its currently a bumper with a hitch mount, but its no where near strong enough for my liking)

 

[TJ Jim]