njjeepthing
Explorer
I'm looking at an all aluminum 4 x8 trailer. I am thinking the 8" may be too big. What do you all think?
4x8 EXPO trailer??? too big?
- Thread starter njjeepthing
- Start date
jh504
Explorer
I have a very strong 4x8 trailer frame that I have been developing plans for. What is your tow vehicle? I don think 4x8 is too big at all as long as your vehicle can handle it. Check out the Gall Boys. http://www.thegallboys.com/Far NQ Highlights Page.html
They put a tandem axle camper through the ringer.
They put a tandem axle camper through the ringer.
Hill Bill E.
Oath Keeper
I think 4x8 is around the 'maximum' size myself. (for towing with a Jeep CJ/YJ/TJ or other SWB rig)
My M416 is (at the top of the box opening) 4x6, and I'm contemplating rebuilding the tongue, and adding an 18" box in front of the 'tub'.
I think 8 foot would be fine, unless your plan is to bring the trailer down all the trails you run, then shorter might be better.
Mine does fine on the trails, but I generally use it as 'basecamp'. Some of my basecamps have pretty good trails into them, but not as severe as the trails I wheel on.
My M416 is (at the top of the box opening) 4x6, and I'm contemplating rebuilding the tongue, and adding an 18" box in front of the 'tub'.
I think 8 foot would be fine, unless your plan is to bring the trailer down all the trails you run, then shorter might be better.
Mine does fine on the trails, but I generally use it as 'basecamp'. Some of my basecamps have pretty good trails into them, but not as severe as the trails I wheel on.
njjeepthing
Explorer
Towing with an XJ.
Hill Bill E.
Oath Keeper
Where do you plan to bring it?
I have towed my 5x8 trailer all over with my XJ, camping, bird hunting, fishing, etc.
It worked great even down some pretty rough trails and logging roads.
I wouldn't take it over the Rubicon trail, mind you, but for the average 'adventure' trip, even down some unknown to me trails and skid roads, the length was fine.
My problem was the width, and at 4' I think you'll be fine. My 5x8 was 5' across the bed, the tires and fenders making it almost 7' wide.
It tracked way wide of my XJ or CJ, whereas my M416 is the same width as my CJ, and only a bit narrower than the XJ.
The stock 15" tires, stright axle, and low deck height was fine.
Unless your wanting to tow it down some hardcore wheeling trails, I think a 4x8 would be great.
njjeepthing
Explorer
Nothing too hardcore, Vermont, Virginia, the UP of Michigan, and than Moab at some point.
I think is will be ok! But it depend of what kind of trail will you do with it? hard or smooth!
I planning to by a Lionel L400 tent trailer and this setup is about 5' x 8' but is very weightless. Is just 800 pounds ! With all my modifications and my stuff i will be around 1500-1700lbs but I want to go anywhere...moab one day! I need it very leight!
I planning to by a Lionel L400 tent trailer and this setup is about 5' x 8' but is very weightless. Is just 800 pounds ! With all my modifications and my stuff i will be around 1500-1700lbs but I want to go anywhere...moab one day! I need it very leight!
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
Now thats what I am talking about!!!!!
TacoDell
Adventurer
screw 'dat... you'll need a team to winch yer butt thru'
I say smaller and lighter is the ticket.
4 X 8 may not be bad... as long as ya realize it'll have trail limitations.
But if you really wanna see the backcountry with a trailer...
the 500# 1/4 T. military trailers are still the way to go. JMO
of course you won't be able to bring your house with you.
I say smaller and lighter is the ticket.
4 X 8 may not be bad... as long as ya realize it'll have trail limitations.
But if you really wanna see the backcountry with a trailer...
the 500# 1/4 T. military trailers are still the way to go. JMO
of course you won't be able to bring your house with you.
Here's a 4x8 utility trailer behind an XJ. In general it will work with a few caveats.
1. it will drag the tail over rougher terrain so you'll want to keep lights and license plates up higher and avoid construction that leaves grabbing edges on the tail.
2. you'll want to load the trailer up with more stuff than you'd bring if it was 4x6 or 4x4.
3. related to 2, with more stuff on dirt roads it will want to bounce around more with trailer springs so you may want to consider a trailer with auto springs and shocks or at least shocks.
4. with more junk loaded it's harder to manhandle into position.
5. On tight trails where you have to do 3 or 4 point turns on a switchback the longer trailer may be an issue if it backs into the side of the hill (if that extra 2 or 4 feet is important. )
1. it will drag the tail over rougher terrain so you'll want to keep lights and license plates up higher and avoid construction that leaves grabbing edges on the tail.
2. you'll want to load the trailer up with more stuff than you'd bring if it was 4x6 or 4x4.
3. related to 2, with more stuff on dirt roads it will want to bounce around more with trailer springs so you may want to consider a trailer with auto springs and shocks or at least shocks.
4. with more junk loaded it's harder to manhandle into position.
5. On tight trails where you have to do 3 or 4 point turns on a switchback the longer trailer may be an issue if it backs into the side of the hill (if that extra 2 or 4 feet is important. )
jh504
Explorer
The only question I would have about the trailer would not be the size but the aluminum frame. Reading through Caravaner's Forum it seems that aluminum frame trailers offroad have a few problems after time. THose guys in OZ have a lot more real world experience with trailers and rough roads than we do in the states. Seems like steel is the way to go for them.
If your XJ is an auto you definitely need to think about an aftermarket trans cooler, if you havnt already. The AW4 is a great trans as long as you can keep it cool, but it will overheat in a heartbeat.
If your XJ is an auto you definitely need to think about an aftermarket trans cooler, if you havnt already. The AW4 is a great trans as long as you can keep it cool, but it will overheat in a heartbeat.
FosterWV
Baller On A Budget
Bumping a old topic, any new input?
My situation, looking for any advice before I start cutting.
I have a 4'x8' 20" sides with 30" tongue (axle is centered bed). Should I cut 12" off the rear or leave it as is?
Main purpose or use is expedition style trailer to haul camping gear/RTT/kayaks/mountain bikes to camping areas. I'll be traveling interstates, backroads, unmaintained roads. More of a base camp trailer.
Tires will match Jeep 35x12.50
My situation, looking for any advice before I start cutting.
I have a 4'x8' 20" sides with 30" tongue (axle is centered bed). Should I cut 12" off the rear or leave it as is?
Main purpose or use is expedition style trailer to haul camping gear/RTT/kayaks/mountain bikes to camping areas. I'll be traveling interstates, backroads, unmaintained roads. More of a base camp trailer.
Tires will match Jeep 35x12.50
I'd keep the 8' and stay with steel. Mine is 6' with a with a 3' drop gate that extends back if needed making it 9' long. It's getting modified too, but going up, not out. I don't have the GC you'll have and being 3" box steel, it really doesn't matter. It hauls the cruiser or the transalp and canoe with stuff if needed.