Would this make a decent TJ hauler?

Artisan

Artisan

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I have a car hauler from my autocross days that I need to either start using again or sell. It has tandem axles with electric brakes, and though I probably never exceeded a 3000 lb load, it is rated to 7K lbs. It’s only 12’’ x 6’11”, which I really liked, but it’s just shy of bumper to bumper length of a TJ, so it would overhang 3” to maybe 18” depending on aftermarket bumper depths and how it is centered. My TJ has a low profile rear bumper, but an extra foot or so up front with wench. The trailer fenders are not removable which was a pain with a small car, but I figure not a problem with a lifted TJ.
I need to replace three of the seven deck planks, but that’s ~$100. I can configure the tie down D-rings however I need to. It is really heavy duty and can handle the weight, but is it big enough?
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Artisan said:
I have a car hauler from my autocross days that I need to either start using again or sell. It has tandem axles with electric brakes, and though I probably never exceeded a 3000 lb load, it is rated to 7K lbs. It’s only 12’’ x 6’11”, which I really liked, but it’s just shy of bumper to bumper length of a TJ, so it would overhang 3” to maybe 18” depending on aftermarket bumper depths and how it is centered. My TJ has a low profile rear bumper, but an extra foot or so up front with wench. The trailer fenders are not removable which was a pain with a small car, but I figure not a problem with a lifted TJ.
I need to replace three of the seven deck planks, but that’s ~$100. I can configure the tie down D-rings however I need to. It is really heavy duty and can handle the weight, but is it big enough?View attachment 202162

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If your tow rig can handle the tongue weight, that is a near perfect TJ hauler.
 
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Wow it's only 12’’ x 6’11” !!


12 feet long and 82.11" wide will be fine as long as the axles in such a spot that you can balance your TJ on it with proper tongue weight. My TJ in't stock width but I'm also not running full width axles under it. I measure 74.5" outside tire to outside tire.

IMO I like it being short as it is easier to get turned around and tows well.
 
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Looks just about right! One thing to consider is how you're going to strap your TJ down. With a shorter deck length you may need to get creative with your anchor points. Are there any weird laws in your state about cargo being larger than your trailer?
 
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From looking at the trailer layout, I’d think about backing the Jeep on the trailer to put the heavy part over the axles and have the rear of the Jeep hang over the tongue to keep the front end of the Jeep from overhanging the rear.

A quick check with a tape measure would tell you what you need to know.

BTW, nice little trailer! I didn’t know they made them that short.
 
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Modoc Guy said:
From looking at the trailer layout, I’d think about backing the Jeep on the trailer to put the heavy part over the axles and have the rear of the Jeep hang over the tongue to keep the front end of the Jeep from overhanging the rear.

A quick check with a tape measure would tell you what you need to know.

BTW, nice little trailer! I didn’t know they made them that short.
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My custom built Jeep hauler has a 12 foot deck on it. Overall deck was 13 feet. FYI, the TJ has about a 50/50 weight distribution on the axles so unless he can pull it further forward one direction, that won't change the weight on the trailer axles much.

I'd set that up with a weight distribution hitch and pull it on forward.
 
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Proper loading of a car hauler is 60/40, meaning 60% of weight in front of axle center and 40% behind axle center. That trailer looks like you would have quite a bit more than 60% in front. Too much weight in front can cause trailer sway, so as mentioned above I would run a weight distribution hitch to even it all out.
 
Artisan said:
I don’t know about trailer axle ratings, but the tires are rated to 1930 lb. each. Combined with the 7K lb gross trailer rating I would guess they make a 3500 lb rated axle.
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There are lots of 3500 lb axles out there. I just don't know if any of them are 6 lug.
 
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Looks like you are going to be heavy on the tongue for sure, which is better than being tail heavy, but can still cause issues. I think the weight distribution hitch is a great idea. The biggest problem might be strapping it down. I was taught (which doesn't make it the only "right" way) to try and have your front and rear straps pulling against each other as far forward/back as possible. Also my jeep seems to try to vibrate/jump side to side so I cross the straps. I could see all of the above being difficult on that small a trailer. I have used wheel nets with sports cars and sedans - basically strapping tires straight down to the outside - and it worked well. The problem with my Jeep is the more bouncy lifted suspension so I like to pull it down by the frame. I am sure someone on here has a method that works on a Jeep with a trailer that short.
 
My trailer has a 14' deck, the jeep is an LJ model so with bumper and swing out tire carrier the jeep fits well with a few inches of overhang on the rear, I use axle straps through the wheels on the rear and around the axle on the front, haul it back and forth to Colorado and many other places. The jeep fully loaded for off-roading minus passengers weights 4400 lbs. {certified weight). My tow vehicle is an F-250 diesel. I think you will be fine, just work out your tie down system to make sure it is secure.
 
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