BLT Offroad trailer

[HenryJ]

Oh yeah, how about a close up of the hilift jack mounts?

They are part of the receiver hitch that I built for it.

Pretty simple really. That piece of 2" square tubing extends to each side. The bottom has a 1/2" x 1 1/2" slot cut for the lower rib of the jack. The top has a 1" hole bored with reliefs ground on each side to accommodate the lip on the lifting grip of the jack. On the sides a 3/8" hole for the pin to retain it.
A clevis with a 1/2" pin holds the bar up and a slide collar keeps it upright.
The whole slide collar thing was more an adaptation of what I had before me. Not my idea, but working with what I had in front of me. Ignore the stub of pipe at the base. That may eventually be removed. I left it there in case it came in handy.

Pull the clevis pin and the jack functions as a stabilizer. Pull the jack pin and slide the collar up and I have my jack for other needs. Seems to work pretty well. These are both right behind the tires, so I am likely to need some good mud flaps.

 

[HenryJ]

Well I think it is all ready to go now. This weekend I installed the handle keepers for the jacks, urethaned the corners of the lid seal, and made my own coupler to replace the ball hitch. Those were the last items on my list.

Here is a picture of the coupler:

The drawbar can be pulled out and pinned for 10 inches of extended length if needed.

Here is one of a latch and the lid lock:

With the TW200 loaded and the trailers tanks dry there is barely any tongue weight. It pulls Ok, but I think it would be better with wet tanks.

I do not yet have a picture of the tent deployed. My son is not feeling well this weekend, so that will have to wait. Hopefully I will get a chance to weigh it this weekend. I am curious.

I am sure there will be refinements, but for now it is ready for action.

 

[Martyn]

I'm getting a little scared when I'm looked at the pictures and reading your last post.

A couple of things are troubling me.

The motorcycle on the back of the trailer is very scary. Having that much weight counter levered off the back of the trailer is going to cause light tongue weight or negative tongue weight. You'd need some heavy counter balance upfront to make up for that. Light tongue weight causes trailer sway, the leading cause of trailer accidents.

From the pictures the trailer looks like it's tongue high which could magnify the problem.

Your homemade coupler should be used off road only. All couplers used on the road in North America must be SAE certified. It's a liability issue.

 

[HenryJ]

The coupler is easily swapped to a ball mount. I took into account the weight of the bike carrier on the back. Keep in mind that is a 275# TW200, not a heavy DS motorcycle.
Dry weighed I have 150# tongue weight. The pictures may be pretty deceptive as it sits nice and level. The package weighs 1500# with 1350 on the axle once attached to the truck. It pulls smooth and straight up through 65 mph for sure. Once loaded with water fuel and ice it should balance out with a little more tongue weight and be even better.
Thanks for your concern! I appreciate you looking out for us.

Couldn't resist, so I set it up:

The bike has to be unloaded to lift the lid. The handle bar is over it. I probably could deploy the tent, but it would be a pain to work around.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Yeah, that concerns even me, and normally not as concerned with tongue weight. Are you sure it's not negative like that? That's a heck of a lot of weight on the back of a small trailer. Probably plan on filling the water tanks even if you don't need it, just for "ballast".

Otherwise, that's a nice looking trailer! The coupler thing looks decent, but you probably should swap in a ball mount on-road. Do you have chains?

 

[HenryJ]

Are you sure it's not negative like that?

Yes. You can't tell from that shot, but the trailer sits in a hole while the back of the truck is on a rise.
One of the "selling points" the guy made when I looked at the trailer was that we could sit on the trailers tailgate and not raise the front. I didn't have the heart to tell him that means lots of tongue weight. It does pull nice empty though, just as he also mentioned. I thought it was odd that they mounted the axle so far back on this trailer, but it was built to haul a teepee so I designed for a bulky, long, light load. That forces me to load the tail heavy to avoid too much tongue weight. As it turns out it works ok after adding hitch, carrier and stabilizers. I did plan for this as you can see the tent mounted forward. The heavier items in my gear are also carried forward. Generator, fuel, water, iceboxes, etc.
I too had concerns about the weight distribution. That is why I weighed it "worst case scenario". "Dry" trailer and "wet" bike.

Do you have chains?

No. I have two 3/8" cables. You can see one in the picture.

 

[Curtis in Texas]

That's looking good Henry.
I like the idea of being able to take the TW with you on your trips.
As has been pointed out the balance of the tongue weight could be an issue.
But, it sounds like you have it figured out.
Do let us know how it works once the tanks are full for counter balance.

Also let us know how it pulls without the TW and full water tanks.
Probably won't big that big of a deal. But I'm curious.
Mainly because I've been thinking of building one myself and I'll steal you idea if given a chance.
Great Build!

I'd like to copy most of your work and expand on it because I ride a much heavier KLR.

Years ago I built a bike trailer with a sliding carriage and it worked out great. I could adjust the axle placement by 18" with a screw jack and keeper bolts.
It was a small trailer that often times was pulled behind my 4WD Subaru wagon. It could carry one big street bike (GS 750) or two (XL 125's) small trail bikes. The sliding carriage really came in handy for balancing the trailer.
Your build has me thinking about my future build and I'm thinking, what if I attached the gas can holder (5 gallon military type), propane tank, fenders and springs to the carriage and made it with a 24" slide capabilities? On a trailer like yours balance would never be an issue if the KLR was mounted crossways on the rear, and there would be plenty of room for camping STUFF!

But, on the flip side of the coin!
If the bike were on the front end of the trailer and had a sliding tongue and sliding suspension carriage, like I described above, then a person could still get in the trailer through the tailgate. The sliding tongue would be to allow cornering clearances with the bike in place, and could be shortened when not. The carriage would alleviate the balance problem. A guy could effectively use a bathroom scale under the tongue to get it on the money. Course the carriage would mean a little more added weight. But that wouldn't be that much if you used the frame rails as the upper support and angle iron for the carriage frame and guides. But, in retrospect, the sliding tongue would really have to be heavy duty to carry that heavy KLR.

Whoa, my apologies, boy did I get off on a tangent.
Anyway, your build has got me thinking about mine! Thanks!

Curtis in Texas

 

[HenryJ]

That's looking good Henry.
I like the idea of being able to take the TW with you on your trips.

Thank you.

I've been thinking of building one myself and I'll steal you idea if given a chance...Years ago I built a bike trailer with a sliding carriage and it worked out great. I could adjust the axle placement by 18" with a screw jack and keeper bolts...The sliding carriage really came in handy for balancing the trailer.
Your build has me thinking about my future build and I'm thinking, what if I attached the gas can holder (5 gallon military type), propane tank, fenders and springs to the carriage and made it with a 24" slide capabilities? On a trailer like yours balance would never be an issue...

But, on the flip side of the coin!
If the bike were on the front end of the trailer and had a sliding tongue and sliding suspension carriage, like I described above, then a person could still get in the trailer through the tailgate. The sliding tongue would be to allow cornering clearances with the bike in place, and could be shortened when not. The carriage would alleviate the balance problem. A guy could effectively use a bathroom scale under the tongue to get it on the money. Course the carriage would mean a little more added weight. But that wouldn't be that much if you used the frame rails as the upper support and angle iron for the carriage frame and guides. But, in retrospect, the sliding tongue would really have to be heavy duty to carry that heavy KLR.

Awesome! Ideas are really spinning! That is what I like!

Mine is adapted to do what it can with the platform I have to work with.
If I were to build one the front mount would be the way to go. I can already see that it is going to be a pain to access the box with the TW on the back. The tailgate is blocked and the lid can only open about eight inches since the handlebar rides over it. That means the bike has to be unloaded for most everything. A front mount would at least leave the tailgate accessible.
There are other problems with the rear mount. Declination angle is poor. No good way around that. I will have to unload and move the carrier to the front mount to carry.
Next is the "bounce". At the back any vertical motion is amplified. The wheel may travel upward an inch , but farther back it will be more. Think of the forces when you wiggle a stick. Farther back is more leverage and a longer whipping action. Those are not issues on a front mount.
Aerodynamics. On a front mount the bike gets the benefits of the tow vehicle breaking the wind. On a rear mount it is an obstacle for the air flow in a place where a nice low rolled over back is needed.

I can see how an axle "cradle" slider might be handy. Much like a fifth wheel slider. I wonder though if it would get little use once the sweet spot or compromise is found? If the load change was extreme and frequent, it might be an advantage nice to have. You will have to weigh the need with the expense. By expense I mean both time and materials for the need.
My trailer is longer than I really need inside. I use a load bar to secure the cargo. This allows me to shift the load forward or backward as needed to adjust tongue weight. now that I know where I am after weighing it last night, I feel better about my direction. I think I will be permanently mounting the water tanks forward now. I need to move my hitch box forward a little and I should have room for them on the front of the box. That adds about 100# tongue weight , but I can move the load inside back to compensate when not carrying the TW on the back. If I plan the load correctly, as the consumables diminish the load should equally reduce both front and rear.

I think I would be tempted to build for your application. That is what the Teepee hauler did for mine. It probably worked perfectly for that application. Now I am adapting for mine. Not the best way to go always.

If the future of mine is a full frame instead of the unibody construction, I will likely locate the axle forward and move the bike to the front. I do need a hitch on the back as a recovery point, so that I will retain. There are just too many reasons why a front mount makes more sense.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Well, sounds like you've got it under control then. The weight you listed, 1500lbs, is that with the bike? Or is that empty trailer?

BTW, what do you think of the TW? I might be looking for a little bike for my wife to tool around on someday, and was looking at those. I like the fat wheels. Only thing is I think it's a bit heavy for her. I compare it to something like a TT-R125LE which is about 150lbs. Perfectly fine for her to plonk around on. Street legality isn't a consideration.

 

[HenryJ]

The weight you listed, 1500lbs, is that with the bike? Or is that empty trailer?

Trailer loaded with gear and bike, but dry. No consumables like water, ice, food, spare gas, batteries, briquettes or fire wood. No clothing or personal packs either. I am set to carry 28 gallons of water in the bulk tanks. Two large coolers and the rest. I really haven't broke it all out for weight. I was more familiar with the set-up for the truck alone and this is the first I have geared up the trailer. If I had to guess maybe another 450 lbs when you add the consumables? I could probably leave the bike and stay real close to the 1500# if I need to. The whole idea was to be able to extend our outing without any change in living conditions. Maybe even slightly more comfortable.

...what do you think of the TW? I might be looking for a little bike for my wife to tool around on someday, and was looking at those. I like the fat wheels. Only thing is I think it's a bit heavy for her. I compare it to something like a TT-R125LE which is about 150lbs. Perfectly fine for her to plonk around on. Street legality isn't a consideration.

Specs show the TT125 to be 198lbs. That is almost 80 lbs lighter than the TW200. I don't know enough about the 125 to know what the differences may be. I know there are lots of happy girls and guys riding these old mules. There has been little change in them in the 22 years of production. Parts are available all over the world, even in the used parts. They are very simple. there are many desirable aspects as to why I chose this bike.
The female riders seem to like the low seat height. There is even room to lower it a little with simple modification. Funny how many guys buy them for the "wife" and end up getting a second for themselves. They really are a quirky little beach bike. Very easy to handle. Happy just poking along enjoying the trails. And geared right to really go places. That big rear tire and the light weight make it pretty unstoppable.

I have been using it for a daily commute and like the ability to take it offroad too. I have not had it long enough to have really tested it offroad. Less than 400 road miles thus far. I am looking forward to being able to have a camp bike for local exploration. It should offer some range and opportunities that we did not have on bicycles.

I would say that you can not get hurt investing in one. Resale values are very high. The do not last long for sale and very few are willing to sell them cheap. Lots of interest. Almost everywhere you go someone takes notice and thinks that they might not mind having one.
I would be more than happy to offer mine for a test drive if you are in the neighbor hood. Otherwise you can check out one at a local dealer. They seem to sell pretty fast and don't get too many in stock from what I have heard , so you might want to call around.
If she has not taken a motorcycle safety class, and maybe even if she has, the odds are good that they may be using the TW's as their teaching bikes. Many are. I have been told that Team Oregon does. I have see at least two others as well , but can't recall the states. That would be a great way to get a test ride.

 

[ntsqd]

I have been pondering adding a mount for my XR250L to the front of the TrailBlazer, and then using the extending tongue feature to re-set the tongue weight by drilling a new hole. Brilliant minds and all of that.......

One thing I notice about your trailer is the plate. I thought Oregon didn't require plates in single axle utility trailers?
I inherited my granddad's utility and it has not have a plate as far back into my youth as I can remember.
The lack of a plate is making CA DMV a little crazy.
A picture, paint is on the short list:

 

[HenryJ]

I thought Oregon didn't require plates in single axle utility trailers?

I thought I heard something like that years ago too. I think it only applies to fixed load utility trailers. Actually, this may qualify now? Dunno. I went to get the title transferred and got the plate with it. Guess I need it
My boat trailer doesn't have a plate. No title either.

:Wow1: Now you have me second guessing what they did to me

That is a dandy looking trailer. Your Granddad had one built to last generations. I really is worthy of a little attention. Not too much so that you have to worry about it leaving home, but enough so that you can enjoy it.

 

[Curtis in Texas]

I can see how an axle "cradle" slider might be handy. Much like a fifth wheel slider. I wonder though if it would get little use once the sweet spot or compromise is found? If the load change was extreme and frequent, it might be an advantage nice to have. You will have to weigh the need with the expense. By expense I mean both time and materials for the need.
I think I would be tempted to build for your application. That is what the Teepee hauler did for mine. It probably worked perfectly for that application. Now I am adapting for mine. Not the best way to go always.

If the future of mine is a full frame instead of the unibody construction, I will likely locate the axle forward and move the bike to the front. I do need a hitch on the back as a recovery point, so that I will retain. There are just too many reasons why a front mount makes more sense.

On my little bike trailer I did find that I used mostly only two locations with any regularity. One place for the big dressed out Suzuki, and another place for the two little Hondas.

As far as material weight it really wouldn't be that much. Two two by three angle irons to mount the spring hangers under and allow the frame to slide in. Add some 2"x2" or 2"x3"cross braces extending to the outer edge of the fenders to keep everything aligned. Two more on the extreme ends of the angle iron if you want to add fuel cans fore and aft of the Fenders and you'd be set. four bolts drilled through the angle and square tube frame to secure the carriage to the trailer. Add some extra holes for the other axle locations and your done. I mounted a scissor jack flat and attached ot to the front cross bar of the carriage and front cross bar of the trailer frame with an extension crank handle to the side is all it took to move the carriage back and forth. It pushed and pulled the carriage easily. Getting the bolts to line up was the tricky part. But after I found the sweet spots I just welded in stops to the extremes to where the bolts aligned with the holes and that made it much easier.
ont mounte
I agree a front mounted bike carrier is the best location, but not always the the only way to skin the cat. Especially when the trailer you start with already has the axle mounted as far back as your T Pee trailer.

 

[HenryJ]

...I mounted a scissor jack flat and attached ot to the front cross bar of the carriage and front cross bar of the trailer frame with an extension crank handle to the side is all it took to move the carriage back and forth. It pushed and pulled the carriage easily...

It does sound reasonable. Sure seems like it would fit right into the plans for a dump trailer in the other thread. I was wondering how he was going to get the load weight transferred back far enough to be able to back up and dump the bed. Your idea would fit right in on that design.

Add your slider to the box. Put the jack between the nose and bed. Add a shock to the tongue hinge to slow the tilt. You would not need to back the rig up to dump.

Might want to bump your ideas over to Old#7

 

[highlandercj-7]

I like how you can take the bike, noce work. As for the TW 200, they are awesome all around bikes. I can't believe how well it's designed, they perform just as well on the road as they do off road. My Dad sold the one he had and I can kick my self for not buying it. I want another one.