Our Manley ORV EXPLORE Build Thread

[shane4x4]

So our Manley ORV EXPLORE model arrived last week and is patiently awaiting a few mods. Here she is on day #1:


We have a few things to do before our maiden voyage to Sedona in April, and of course we'll be at the FJC/Tacoma camping area with her at Overland Expo. And you may see her cruising around Moab this spring as well.

I'll post updates here of course, and I'll have more information on both the FJC Magazine website as well as our Off Road Trailer Info website.

Factory Specs:
Fully boxed 2"x4"x1/8" thick mitered and fully welded frame.
Front and rear receivers are tied into the cross members
14 gauge gauge tub with 1/8" thick floor
Solid axle with leaf spring suspension. 3500lb. capacity
Tailgate features a smooth exterior similar to a truck and slam shut, one-handed close operation.
35 Total tie-down points (21 hidden).
All stainless steel hardware that will never rust.
LED lighting for brightness and longevity in the harshest conditions.
Tailgate lanyards and safety "chains" are made of coated steel cable
Locking aluminum lid with front hinges
Tall trailer rack system

Wheels: Level 8 Tracker 16" from Discount Tire Direct
Tires: Nitto Trail Grappler 285/75/16 to match the FJC from Discount Tire Direct

Added the first mods today

 

[shane4x4]

Here are a few pics of the trailer when we picked her up, and on our first test drive:

You can see how well the trailer is wrapped for shipping


There are plenty of straps holding her down, and the jack is bolted to the pallet


Padding on all the corners to avoid dings & scratches during shipment


Outfitted for the first trip to Arizona next month


She looks great behind the FJ

You can read my initial review in the April 2013 issue of FJC Magazine

 

[shane4x4]

Our first full update (See it in full in the October 2013 issue of FJC Magazine)

After about 4,000(ish) miles on the trailer she's holding up very well. Other than an unfortunate incident with an old stove that wasn't secured properly that banged around in the back for about 50 miles on dirt, the inside is great too.

I intentionally didn't do much in the way of mods at first because I wanted to get a little experience, with that being said, the winter upgrades will include:
-Line-X the inside of the trailer
-A more family friendly tent (since we number 2 adults + 2 kids now)
-Permanent tongue box
-Solar charger w/battery system
-LED lights throughout the new tent area
-Semi-permanent water storage
-Rack inside the cover for scabbards and other flat-ish items
-Fine-tune our kitchen & camping gear storage

 

[shane4x4]

Upgrades for the 2014 Season:
http://tctmagazine.net/july-2014-volume-7-issue-3/morv-explore-upgrades

More on the Rhino Lining:
http://offroadtrailerinfo.com/trailer-components-accessories/rhino-lining-the-morv-trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPPy2H2xRfo

 

[mtntrekker]

I will be at the Overland Expo too. Plan to camp too. Working on my Sierra 4X4 trailer I pickup used a few months ago. Adding 20 gal water tank, 12V system, pump for shower unit for now. Hope to see you at the Expo.

 

[shane4x4]

Added a few pics now that the initial review is published

 

[Mark Harley]

Manley Makes a great trailer, and they are very accomodating to the buyer.
Wheels, hub lug patterns, tires and NOW Custom Painting.
They also offer spring over in house to those with lifted tow vehicles.
Manely is #1 in customer service too! I have annoyed them with tons of questions and They reply within the hour.

 

[java]

How does it feel with the tent mounted up that high? I have wanted to mount my tent to my trailer, but want it above 6' when deployed. haven't found a lift system that will work well for me yet. so id be interested to hear what its like up there all the time.

 

[jeepfreak81]

How does it feel with the tent mounted up that high? I have wanted to mount my tent to my trailer, but want it above 6' when deployed. haven't found a lift system that will work well for me yet. so id be interested to hear what its like up there all the time.

You would not want it at 6' when towing. I towed with mine at 6'6" on my M416 and it was enough drag to start taking weight off the tongue. I would have had to load my heaviest items in the front to prevent sway, and that would cripple moving it by hand at camp. That and the added stress on the supports was enough to crack some welds. The Manley system is lower which is how I think they can get away with it.

 

[java]

You would not want it at 6' when towing. I towed with mine at 6'6" on my M416 and it was enough drag to start taking weight off the tongue. I would have had to load my heaviest items in the front to prevent sway, and that would cripple moving it by hand at camp. That and the added stress on the supports was enough to crack some welds. The Manley system is lower which is how I think they can get away with it.

ok it was hard to tell how tall it was. I really dont like the idea of it way up there towing either, but i wanted to see how it did. It would be a lot easier than making a moving rack system.

 

[ManleyORV]

Keep in mind we also have a Short Trailer Rack (same design, just shorter) that comes standard on the Utility model. We can switch out the short rack for the tall rack on the Explore if someone wanted to keep the total height lower.

That being said, we tested the Explore (tall rack w/ tent) behind a large number of vehicles and as long as the total height of the trailer did not exceed the height of the tow vehicle, we never ran into any issues. I have couple years of testing and thousands of miles towing the Explore behind my stock height Jeep and it tows great.

-Josh

 

[Woods]

Very nice - Subscribed.

 

[shane4x4]

It's been a little busy the last couple of months with magazines, events, and a new baby girl
Here are a few shots Bob took when he was pulling the trailer to the FJ Summit last week:

 

[shane4x4]

Added more pics to the top of the thread, See the full update in the October 2013 issue of FJC Magazine

 

[shane4x4]

Updated the build thread (post #3) with Upgrades we did this year, as well as info on the Rhino Lining...

http://tctmagazine.net/july-2014-volume-7-issue-3/morv-explore-upgrades

http://offroadtrailerinfo.com/trailer-components-accessories/rhino-lining-the-morv-trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPPy2H2xRfo