OP
Time for a trailer for my LJ
- Thread starter Jorge Bolivar
- Start date
OP
I do understand all of this dolly risk, it's just my limited space that force me to keep looking to it. Maybe I do have to start looking for a new house with more space too. Dam Jeep addiction...
I am not too fond of tow dollies as I think they put too much stress on the suspension when turning. Flat-towing works well because the front wheels turn as the tow vehicle turns on a dolly it is not the case.
OP
OP
You could always use a weight distribution hitch if you have tie down the Jeep more forward than you would like.
I've been looking for a trailer as well. I my need to go pick this one up while it's on sale.
Do you guys think that type of gate would support a Jeep?
https://www.trailersplus.com/California/Fresno/6-Wide-Equipment-Trailers/trailer/4YMBU1429JN009540
Do you guys think that type of gate would support a Jeep?
https://www.trailersplus.com/California/Fresno/6-Wide-Equipment-Trailers/trailer/4YMBU1429JN009540
That type of trailer gate is made for loading much lighter cargo and will not support a Jeep.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...t-landscape-utility-trailer-5-500-lb-capacity
Found it for sale at tractor supply for a bit less. You can read through the Q&A's. Looks like the gate is not strong enough and non removable so if a factory car ramp is available it would be a wise idea.
The more I learn about car hauler trailers the more I am coming to think that for an LJ one would want a trailer with no less than a 16' deck and preferably 18', 10K capacity (trailer + jeep + gear), and drive over wheel wells. Although dovetail trailers look interesting because ramps aren't needed, most of the guys I know with car hauler trailers for their jeeps use a flat deck and ramps because dovetail trailers drastically reduce ground clearance which might not be a consideration for a show car or race car, but would be a problem on dirt and gravel roads.
Thoughts from the car hauler trailer owners here?
Thoughts from the car hauler trailer owners here?
The dove tail is fine unless you are on seriously difficult roads where the truck can hardly do more than walking speed or you plan on some serious hills. Keep in mind departure angle isn't the worst part for a trailer, it's breakover angle between the trucks rear wheel and the trailers axle, your tonge jack isn't usually that high.
If you go dove tail look for something to stableize the rear of the trailer during loading. (I use some blocks of wood but a jack on each corner would be nice.) don't remember if I mentioned this already.
An option for storage could be a hand crank winch on the side of your garage where you pull the trailer up on its tail and store it vertically, they don't have fluids after all
I wouldn't do it on the side though as a hot day could melt the grease in the wheel bearings and cause it to run out.
The trailer you posted the link to is a utility trailer not a car hauler, they are built with fewer crossmembers usually. That one the ramp is only rated for 2500# so it'll probably crush the first time you put the jeep on it. You are also getting close to the max payload of the trailer as a built LJ will frequently push 5000+ lbs with gear. Now if you do mods to the trailer like drive over fenders and stronger ramps you will be over gvwr.
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There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
If you go dove tail look for something to stableize the rear of the trailer during loading. (I use some blocks of wood but a jack on each corner would be nice.) don't remember if I mentioned this already.
An option for storage could be a hand crank winch on the side of your garage where you pull the trailer up on its tail and store it vertically, they don't have fluids after all
I wouldn't do it on the side though as a hot day could melt the grease in the wheel bearings and cause it to run out.The trailer you posted the link to is a utility trailer not a car hauler, they are built with fewer crossmembers usually. That one the ramp is only rated for 2500# so it'll probably crush the first time you put the jeep on it. You are also getting close to the max payload of the trailer as a built LJ will frequently push 5000+ lbs with gear. Now if you do mods to the trailer like drive over fenders and stronger ramps you will be over gvwr.
—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
I would definitely go to a trailer sales place vs Tractor supply to find a trailer for hauling a car. Those trailers sold at big box stores are junk IMHO. They are designed for riding lawn mowers and mulch, not vehicles.
Like I said earlier from everything I have seen online uhaul does not sell trailers. I did find this in my local craiglist list though. It is very interesting the seller claims most people do not want titles and if you do its $20 extra.
Edit: I WOULD NOT BUY THIS. Just found it interesting that it is posted.
OK. Now I googled the phone number and it is a uhaul dealer..... :nusenuse:
Edit: I WOULD NOT BUY THIS. Just found it interesting that it is posted.
OK. Now I googled the phone number and it is a uhaul dealer..... :nusenuse:
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My set up for towing. 4x4 Dodge diesel 2500 with a 16' car trailer. Rolling into Moab at the condo we rented for a week.
Do you ever have strap tension issues when the suspension compresses. I've always tied down equipment not involving the suspension. Your way looks easier. Thanks
I dove across Canada with the suspension sucked down with the straps, I did a lot rubbing on the straps that would have done a lot of damage to em if I hadn't put protectors on the straps.
Axle straps are a much better bet, it's faster to strap down and they can't come loose from suspension movement. Plus it let's the jeep's suspension do its job and not beat up the trailer as much. If you have a really floppy suspension like a friend of mine, he uses axle straps but then runs one strap through the rock rails and under the belly to suck the suspension down a bit for the corners.
—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
Axle straps are a much better bet, it's faster to strap down and they can't come loose from suspension movement. Plus it let's the jeep's suspension do its job and not beat up the trailer as much. If you have a really floppy suspension like a friend of mine, he uses axle straps but then runs one strap through the rock rails and under the belly to suck the suspension down a bit for the corners.
—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
Another LJ owner here. I have an 06 Ram 2500 diesel to tow mine. I have a 7k 18' dovetail trailer. I went with an 18' to have a storage box in front and chose the dovetail so I could unload without pulling the ramps. The LJ isn't built yet to do that but my TJ was and worked great. Usually load using ramps unless the trailer is in a position that the tail is low to the ground.
Once the LJ is built with tons and 38's I'll move up to a 20' 10k trailer with drive over fenders because the LJ width will be right at the width between current trailer's fenders. I want the extra length for a bigger storage box in front.
I think the minimum length with an LJ is 18'. Also get dual axle brakes. It's not much more money but adds more safety and less wear on your tow rig.
I too tie down to the axles using straps. Also make sure the jeep's front sway bar is connected.
Here's mine when I bought it.
Once the LJ is built with tons and 38's I'll move up to a 20' 10k trailer with drive over fenders because the LJ width will be right at the width between current trailer's fenders. I want the extra length for a bigger storage box in front.
I think the minimum length with an LJ is 18'. Also get dual axle brakes. It's not much more money but adds more safety and less wear on your tow rig.
I too tie down to the axles using straps. Also make sure the jeep's front sway bar is connected.
Here's mine when I bought it.