Vimetal Baja Overland Trailer?

[TJMexico]

Still digging around for a solution to be able to haul more gear when I head out to the mountains. An XJ is still on the table, I just have not been in town enough to really pursue it. Another option that I have kicked around is a trailer. Building one out of the bed of a small pickup that has been front end wrecked and beefing up the suspension is a possibility.

I found something that grabbed my interest. Given the price, it's something that most likely won't happen, but it is not entirely out of the realm of possibilities.

A company called Vimetal Remolques (or Trailers) has an offering that looks interesting. I think they are based in California, but they have an outlet in Mexicali. (They list phone number both in California [760] and Mexico [696].) They have a model they call the Baja Overland. I was told that there is a stripped down model, but I never did get details about it. The model that in the video runs right at $10,000 usd.

I'll provide links to the US web page about it and a Facebook page with a video in Spanish. (Sorry, I can't download the FB video, else I'd make it more accessible.)

I have no idea what the empty weight is, so I am concerned that it may be a bit heavy for my six-banger to pull. I has a full camping setup; raised tent, cooking stove, water tank with heater, solar panel with battery, etc. Interior storage compartment is 4'X5'X2'.

So, does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this line? Any thoughts?

The English Baja Overland web page is here.

You can see the FB video in Spanish here.

 

[TheBoogieman]

The model that is advertised runs right at $10,000 usd.

That costs more than my Jeep.

Any thoughts?

I should've stayed in school.

 

[TJMexico]

That costs more than my Jeep.


I should've stayed in school.

Yeah, the cost is up there. That's what I paid for my TJ, actuallly.

Probalby an XJ is going to be my best option, but this would be interesting. A home away from home kind of configuration would make it easier to take the old lady out to the villages to spend a few days at at time. That's really the only reason I'd even consider it. I'm happy with a mat on the ground and a camp fire close by, as long as there is a water source in walking distance.

 

[JMT]

We have a teardrop trailer that’s about 2,000lb.

 

[macleanflood]

For $10k you could buy a spool gun welder, aluminum and some nice tools. Build three, sell two and basically make money.

-Mac

 

[TJMexico]

For $10k you could buy a spool gun welder, aluminum and some nice tools. Build three, sell two and basically make money.

-Mac

Kind of in the same vein, I'm thinking that just making a trailer out of the bed of an old Dakota or Ranger and beefing up the suspension might be my best bet if I decide to go with a trailer. I'm just not real sure about how a trailer would handle on the roads I drive.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Just for reference, it's not about what your 6 banger can pull, it's about what your wheelbase can safely stop without getting flipped around the other direction. XJ and TJs have all the same drivetrain and brakes. Only difference as far as a trailer is concerned is the length between the front and rear axles, and that makes all the difference. 2000lb vs 3500lb towing capacity IIRC.

 

[macleanflood]

Hmm trailer with remote cutting brakes...

-Mac

 

[ColoJeep]

Just for reference, it's not about what your 6 banger can pull, it's about what your wheelbase can safely stop without getting flipped around the other direction. XJ and TJs have all the same drivetrain and brakes. Only difference as far as a trailer is concerned is the length between the front and rear axles, and that makes all the difference. 2000lb vs 3500lb towing capacity IIRC.

For a 1999 Cherokee 2000 lb. tow rating for 2,5 and 4.0 without tow package , 5000 lb. with 4.0 and tow package . So 1500 lb. higher than a best case TJU .

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Good to know. And now I realize the 2000lb vs 3500lb rating I was thinking of was TJ vs LJ (TJU) which further exemplifies my point.

 

[TJMexico]

Just for reference, it's not about what your 6 banger can pull, it's about what your wheelbase can safely stop without getting flipped around the other direction. XJ and TJs have all the same drivetrain and brakes. Only difference as far as a trailer is concerned is the length between the front and rear axles, and that makes all the difference. 2000lb vs 3500lb towing capacity IIRC.

Had not thought about that. Thanks!

Thinking I just need to go on a serious XJ shopping expedition. Stop looking at pictures and thinking about it and just do it.

 

[Zorba]

Kind of in the same vein, I'm thinking that just making a trailer out of the bed of an old Dakota or Ranger and beefing up the suspension might be my best bet if I decide to go with a trailer. I'm just not real sure about how a trailer would handle on the roads I drive.

Just keep in mind the weight - those make good trailers, but they're not the lightest.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Option #3. Inexpensive, are not abused or cut up like most XJs, ride better, and can tow more.

 

[RangerTJ]

I loved my WJ.

The 4.7 HO is plenty peppy and the WJ is the best driving/handling solid front axle vehicle I've ever driven.

It's one of the vehicles that I most regret selling.

I should have kept it, especially since I had resolved most of the Chrysler engineered-in stupidity and cost cutting issues.

 

[GATORB8]

That really wouldn’t be that bad to build from scratch for cheaper.

You need a 3500 lb axle setup to get brakes. My camper runs Timbren’s longer travel Tonne (2200 lb) independent with 3500 pound outers. Just don’t load it to that.

Build a frame, top with under chassis big rig tool boxes. Allows you to run hubs that match your Jeep and have a 8 wheel/tire set (giving you two full size spares for the Jeep OR the trailer)

 

[TheBoogieman]

I loved my WJ.

The 4.7 HO is plenty peppy and the WJ is the best driving/handling solid front axle vehicle I've ever driven.

It's one of the vehicles that I most regret selling.

I loved my 4.7 Quadra-Drive with factory tow package option, especially in the snow. I bought it from the local Jeep dealership owner's wife that got it new. Unfortunately, mine had the common dropped valve issue so I had to sell it.

 

[RangerTJ]

I loved my 4.7 Quadra-Drive with factory tow package option, especially in the snow. I bought it from the local Jeep dealership owner's wife that got it new. Unfortunately, mine had the common dropped valve issue so I had to sell it.
View attachment 680717
View attachment 680708

The dropped valve issue was constantly in my mind which is one of the things that convinced me to sell it.

I replaced the valve cover gaskets and that adventure made me realize that I REALLY didn't want to pull the head.

 

[ColoJeep]

The dropped valve issue was constantly in my mind which is one of the things that convinced me to sell it.

I replaced the valve cover gaskets and that adventure made me realize that I REALLY didn't want to pull the head.

Yet another Daimler " upgrade " .

 

[alittleoff]

@TJMexico , Your TJ can handle the weight of a P/U bed trailer. I built this one from a wreaked '85 HiLux that had its cab ripped off by a Semi truck/trailer. The frame is 1 1/4" x 3" channel w/ a 3500# axle and electric brakes.
And relax weight watchers, this load was on an OHV trail.

 

[macleanflood]

@TJMexico ,
And relax weight watchers

They'll probably ignore the trailer and excoriate your for the Hi-Lift jack. (Mine's on the hood... wouldn't have gotten off the Rubicon if someone hadn't brought one.)

-Mac