Flatbed Off Road Trailer?

[ntsqd]

It's gotta be a photoshop. But what's unusual is the quality of the image. Normally the forger would make a low res creation. It made the rounds a long time ago.

It made the email rounds about 4-5 years ago along with a few closer-up pics. Reportedly occurred on CA 178 between Bakersfield and Isabella Lake. Snopes may have a page on it.

I'd just like to have the power-train out of that truck.

 

[indiedog]

Versatile trailer

Hey Dzzz. Being an Aussie pardon me if I don't fully get some of your terminologies. Did you want the flatbed to be without sides or do you just want it to be versatile enough so that you only need to own one trailer? What is it exactly you want it to do?

I've designed a trailer which I'm hoping will do everything :Wow1: I've got the trailer built (read rough but usable) and now trying to design the camper top to go with it. There seems to be nothing on the market here (and it seems in the US) to do this. If I get it right I'm seriously looking at commercially producing it.

 

[Robert Bills]

You might search for a surplus M-716 flatbed trailer. It is the same frame as an M-416, used to haul a generator or cable splicing gear.

 

[rynosurf]

I saw someone selling a teardrop utility combo. The teardrop was on an aluminum utility frame and could be removed by two people so the trailer could be used for other purposes. It was not set up for off roading but it would have been easy to upgrade the springs and tires if need be. I'll post a link if I can find the manufacturer.

 

[Erich_870]

I'm interested in ideas for an off road flat bed trailer as well. I have a tiny flat bed I use for duck hunting and utility purposes that I want to replace with something larger and with a real suspension.

Here's my current set up.

Erich

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Great thread! I've been wanting to build a small trailer capable of carrying up to 3 dirt bikes, fuel and a small amount of camping gear. 32-35" tires, decent suspension capable of high speed travel on washboard roads, etc. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I never bottomed it out...

Hrrrrrm, hemmmm... I'll have to dig out some pics for you of that time the U4WDA borrowed it to take fencing material up Forest Lake. When others refused to pull it (bent the bumper on a custom Rover) I decided to give it a go. Likely well overloaded per capacity but that thing rocked for the job! Come to think of it that would make a killer base for a dirt bike hauler?

 

[klmore]

Any company building an off road flatbed trailer? I would like to have a modular camping trailer that I can also use for projects.

Also, how long is too long for rough road travel? How wide? (as a proportion of truck width?) How much of an issue is height if my rear view is with trailer mirrors and video? Do you have trailer brakes? What's too bog or too small on your trailer? Thanks.

This will be pulled by a heavy pickup camper or a full sized SUV. Weight is not an issue, except for fuel economy.

I'm in the process of starting a similar build next week. I bought a m101a2 trailer for $650 last week. It's currently at the axle shop having a new eight lug axle installed to run a matching wheel to my Suburban.

Having a full size truck opens up many options to larger trailers. It will be tough on tight trails, but I really don't have that problem.

I have unique needs for my trailer and will be starting a thread in the trailer section some time next week. It's not a flat bed, but it sounds similar to what you are wanting.

The person I bought my trailer from actually has two of the flat bed models for $650. PM if you want more information.

 

[WhereTheHellIsJames?]

Hmmm... This suspension design holds a striking resemblance to a domestic trailer manufacturer that I'm familiar with.

 

[OutbacKamper]

Hmmm... This suspension design holds a striking resemblance to a domestic trailer manufacturer that I'm familiar with.

It is a very commonly used suspension system for offroad trailers. In fact in Oz you can buy a bolt on trailing arm (I think this is the right name for it?) system for your home made trailer.

http://sugarglider.com.au/suspension.php

 

[Martyn]

It is a very commonly used suspension system for offroad trailers. In fact in Oz you can buy a bolt on trailing arm (I think this is the right name for it?) system for your home made trailer.

http://sugarglider.com.au/suspension.php

One of the things that makes this work is that chassis are a standard width so produced suspension units can be made that will fit a huge variation of trailers.

Here in the US there is no standardization, even the two main military trailers the Canadian 101 and the US 416 have different widths.

 

[Martyn]

Great thread! I've been wanting to build a small trailer capable of carrying up to 3 dirt bikes, fuel and a small amount of camping gear. 32-35" tires, decent suspension capable of high speed travel on washboard roads, etc. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

AT is doing a custom trailer to fit one of the larger Polaris style ATV's or two dirt bikes.

It has a wider and longer Chaser chassis with the usual fittings on the tongue.

I'll post up once it's complete. Be warned ahead of time, the chassis and suspension components are not inexpensive.

 

[indiedog]

It is a very commonly used suspension system for offroad trailers. In fact in Oz you can buy a bolt on trailing arm (I think this is the right name for it?) system for your home made trailer.

http://sugarglider.com.au/suspension.php

Many companies here have been using trailing arm for years. While AT do a top notch product I doubt they can lay claim to inventing that system. Average camper trailer companies here do axle and leaf as standard due to economics with trailing arm a more expensive option. Some such as http://www.ultimatecampers.com.au only offer trailing arm.

http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/content/contentDetails.asp?ContentID=626

Dzzz did you work out your requirements for the trailer?

 

[Martyn]

Many companies here have been using trailing arm for years. While AT do a top notch product I doubt they can lay claim to inventing that system.

No claims to inventing the system.

The one we developed has it's own unique set up, that we believe makes it "better" than others on the market.

Trailing arms are not the easiest of suspension systems to install, as their alignment is crucial. The kits available in Australia are complete bolt on or weld on units, so everything has been taken care of by the fabricator.

Unfortunately the market in the US hasn't reached a point where making kits is viable from a business point of view.

 

[indiedog]

Continual improvement is what we all seek. That's what I like about this site.