Change of course, thanks for the help.

[cparkerc]

Good morning, longtime lurker on this great forum!

I have started working on a camping/utility trailer and have a couple of questions before I proceed. Here is what I'm working with..



It is a highway sign trailer that I found on craigslist. I am about to replace the axle with a 3500# axle with hubs to match my 4runner. I will run 285/70/17's (33's) to match the 4runner. I am going to remove the center toolbox and build up the sides and have a swing out tailgate.

So...here are my questions I need help with.

1) trailer brakes...going back and forth on this one. This is a money issue...hobby account doesn't like the idea of adding brakes and a controller, plus my other vehicle, a jeep, would need a controller plus convert the plug from a 4 prong. $$$. Option would be get the brake axle, add the controllers later on when the hobby acct replenishes! What say you?

2) the tongue on the trailer is removable and I would like to keep it that way for storage. If I wanted to extend the front of the trailer for storage of jerry cans or a battery, etc. how would you do it? How would you brace the extension without welding to the tongue?

3) I am deciding on whether to go with a pintle hitch or a lock-n-roll setup. As money is a concern, I may go with the pintle (depends on decision in question #1) to save dough. Here is the question- My tongue is 3" square, how would you reduce the size of the opening so I can use a removable ring with the 2" shaft?

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

 

[Septu]

Have a look at this thread. http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...railer-build-my-brother-and-I?highlight=crush Post 10 shows the frame and the tongue. If I was worried about the length for storage... make it so you can remove the tongue were the A meets. It'll knock off a bunch of the length, and allow one to make adjustments.

While I don't think most small trailers need breaks... the parking break on my m101 gets used everytime I setup the tent, and while I was originally willing to get rid of it, that's since changed after some use.

 

[biskit]

I think you've got a great starter trailer, I have no brakes on mine, as long as you keep the load weight as little as possible you should be ok. Keep the removable towbar. I would like like a different hitch but I'm stuck with a 50mil ball in the UK. Keep us updated with your progress.:ylsmoke:

 

[John E Davies]

I think brakes with a parking feature are worth investing in, even if you don't wire them up. It is so much easier to do it right the first time.

Keep your removable tongue. Just buy a piece of heavy wall square tubing at the local steel store and extend the receiver as far forward as needed.

Build the platform on top with triangulated supports. Keep the tongue long and drill extra holes in it so you can slide it in or out depending on the trailer load and your tow vehicle's rear clearance. Or you can switch bars entirely. As an example - here's my dropped ball coupler tongue, extended beyond the normal position to clear the rear swing door of a RAV4:

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[cparkerc]

Change of course, thanks for the replies!

I have changed my mind on this trailer and have decided to build one from scratch. I removed the center toolbox this past weekend, and looking at the work needed to get this trailer to the point where I can build it up, I might as well start from scratch and have exactly what I want. So, I plan on selling this one. I already ordered a axle with hubs to match my 4runner and have 33' BFG AT's on toyota rims to slap on the trailer. Thanks for the replies, appreciate it.

 

[Titanpat57]

I think that's a very wise move...have exactly what you want and spending the money once.

There's also some great military trailers that make a good start point.

Good luck