Trailer tech questions

[Gator]

I have a few questions for the trailer users here.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of running the same wheel/tire combo on both trailer and rig? Aside from being able to share a spare and cool factor, I don't see a lot of supreme advantages for doing so. School me.

Track width, should the trailer axle width be the same, wider or narrower than the tow rig? This has more to do with off road use. Wider is great for off road stability or narrow for when the trailer does not follow the same track as the tow rig when navigating tight obstacle filled trails.

How would you determine the best coupler to axle length for any given rig? Does it even matter? I can't imagine that the same coupler to axle length would be ideal for both a cj5 and a crew cab Chevy long bed.

Lator.....

 

[rk_az]

What are the advantages & disadvantages of running the same wheel/tire combo on both trailer and rig? Aside from being able to share a spare and cool factor, I don't see a lot of supreme advantages for doing so.

I don't care about cool factor. The one and only reason for me is the sharing of spares. Two spares that can be used by either the truck or trailer. I have been in a vehicle that had two flats at once, and only one spare. Not fun. And I do not want to carry 3 or 4 spares.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: You'll get hardfast info from AT,but my thoughts are-

I have a few questions for the trailer users here.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of running the same wheel/tire combo on both trailer and rig? Aside from being able to share a spare and cool factor, I don't see a lot of supreme advantages for doing so. School me.

Track width, should the trailer axle width be the same, wider or narrower than the tow rig? This has more to do with off road use. Wider is great for off road stability or narrow for when the trailer does not follow the same track as the tow rig when navigating tight obstacle filled trails.

How would you determine the best coupler to axle length for any given rig? Does it even matter? I can't imagine that the same coupler to axle length would be ideal for both a cj5 and a crew cab Chevy long bed.

Lator.....

1)-same wheel/tire is for social advantage and the ultimate spare replacement, if the tow vehicle needs em--better to leave your trailer in the boondocks, than your vehicle !

2)-Having the trailer track width the same is best because your tow vehicle works less, pulling off-road, because the snow/dirt/mud track has already been formed !

3)-This one I'm not to savy on, excert it depends on the towing cap of the vehicle/ acceptable tongue weight/ stability and the length should be at least 1/2 the wheelbase of the tow vehicle, for turning rads and reverse control-

Hopefully you'll get some better stats-

:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

 

[Gator]

Great answers! I agree with leaving the trailer if need be, but I was thinking of a smaller tire (say 35" on the rig & maybe a 32" on the traier) for the same advantage you stated for the width. I was thinking of shorter and fatter for flotation in cases of deeply rutted trails. A 3" hieght differance with the same lug pattern should be able to remove you from most situations, I would think?
Lator.....

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Yeah, I guess it all depends on your terrain and load and fat tires are a deterant to good mileage--it'll all depend on your location

Great answers! I agree with leaving the trailer if need be, but I was thinking of a smaller tire (say 35" on the rig & maybe a 32" on the traier) for the same advantage you stated for the width. I was thinking of shorter and fatter for flotation in cases of deeply rutted trails. A 3" hieght differance with the same lug pattern should be able to remove you from most situations, I would think?
Lator.....

Most of the newer 4x4s use full axle/xfercase ops and you should always use the SAME size (height) tire for spare use-a smaller or larger tire will raise havoc with that axle- differential-

Like the jeep, my '08 Ruby all 4 wheels drive thru both diffs and the xfer case even without 4x engaged, just no xfer case power/drive conn.

If you travel a lotta deeply rutted roads--ya gotta stay on the ridge-however

No matter how well go get prepared--something crazy will sure show up, so just do your preps for MAJORITY trails-

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have a few questions for the trailer users here.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of running the same wheel/tire combo on both trailer and rig? Aside from being able to share a spare and cool factor, I don't see a lot of supreme advantages for doing so. School me.

Trailer tires rarely go bad if properly airing down and not old. With that said for a lot of setups its a moot point if you are running large tires on your rig. Chances are they wont fit your trailer anyway. My trailer tires are narrow and I carry a save-a-spare for space and weight.

Track width, should the trailer axle width be the same, wider or narrower than the tow rig? This has more to do with off road use. Wider is great for off road stability or narrow for when the trailer does not follow the same track as the tow rig when navigating tight obstacle filled trails..

I have wheeled with trailers both way and still somewhat on the fence. With a trailer the same track finding zero low speed off tracking is difficult to obtain. My setup is narrower with very little to zero low speed off tracking. If the trail is rutted it can be irritating but manageable. For off road use I dont see a problem I'm just glad the trailer will always clear if my tow rig does. For design and stability I put more effort into low speed off tracking, lower center of gravity, and rolling center of gravity then width.

How would you determine the best coupler to axle length for any given rig? Does it even matter? I can't imagine that the same coupler to axle length would be ideal for both a cj5 and a crew cab Chevy long bed.

Lator.....

It can and will make a difference in your low speed off tracking. The length will also effect how quick the trailer turns when backing up. I found a minimum basic design formula 1.5 times the width of the trailer. You will find a tongue long enough to go 90° to the tow vehicle a great asset in many situations on and off road.