Custom Trailer to haul "Toad" vehicle (vs flat-tow)

[calicamper]

Single axle setup seems ideal 3500 and under is no big deal as long as you have quality tires. 1/2 as much moving parts to deal with regarding maintenance. I get the duel axle argument but honestly I’d pick a single axle as long as added stability isn’t something thats needed. A single axle toad trailer with the right length and hitch weight should be rock solid on stability.

The only trailers I have been glad to have doubles were in need of as much stability as physically possible, tall draggy or super heavy. Have towed singles lots and never had any issues when maintained and shod with good tires.

The tracker has a high CG so you will want a wide platform to avoid dumping it over. SXS have a much lower CG and can sit on narrow trailers

 

[mog]

Here’s a thought:

What if instead of a trailer you made a quick-release bracket to mount a wheel and airbag suspension to the midpoint of each side of the tracker frame? Then you could use a relatively simple tow bar that “lifts” the tracker off of its wheels, basically turning it into a single axle independent suspension trailer with light enough parts to carry on/with your truck or itself?

I like that out-of-the-box thinking. Even easier using torsional stub axles



As a 'note' this ↓↓ style trailer ↓↓ is designed to be taken apart and stored underneath the side-by-side (SBS) while it is being transported in a toy-hauler. Then taken out and easily assembled to tow the SBS the last few miles to the trailhead while the toy-hauler stays at the campground.






The tongue weight would be way off for long-distance towing.

 

[NatersXJ6]

That is something along the lines of what I was thinking with respect to collapsing and storing.

 

[Johnboyy]

when maintained and shod with good tires.

This.

a single overspecced axle with quality tyres is the way to go

twin axles are great for weight distribution and load stability in a multipurpose trailer, but if you're building a single purpose tool then you can put the single axle where it needs to be for that purpose. put quality tyres on and replace them before you need to.

 

[calicamper]

I’d even say keep an eye out for a cheap boat trailer. You can tweak / modify it easily to get the right weight balance and it will have the width you need to keep the tracker right side up

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Other benefit of a trailer is... well you have a trailer. Never know when it might come in handy for something else.
Personally, I prefer tandem just due to the fact I find them easier to back up than single axle trailers.

 

[Metcalf]

I built this 'Dolly' trailer a few years back to haul around my current and future play toys....



The short version...

It is a custom designed ladder style frame that uses a rigid 7K trailer axle with electric brakes that is right through the middle of the frame rails. The Milestar SteelPro tires and Sendel aluminum wheels are rated for 4400lbs EACH. The deck is just about 12' long total and 86" wide down inside the pockets. The trailer is 1030lbs ready to roll.

My #LX45 pictured it about 5000lbs loaded for a big trip and the trailer handles that easily.

I've put about 10,000 miles on this trailer over the last few years including long trips from Colorado to California and Montana a few different times not to mention a number of trips to Moab, Sand Hollow, etc from my home here in Southwest Colorado.

The same general idea could be scaled up or down for different vehicles or needs. The trailer is smooth and stable at any speed with the rigid axle as long as the vehicle on the trailer is strapped to the tires as shown. The vehicle then acts like a huge damper that keeps everything very well planted. It is frankly the best handling trailer I have ever used. The maneuverability is amazing and generally if I can turn the truck around, the trailer just follows. The trailer is wide enough I can see it in the mirrors and backing up is easy. If I have to tow it empty, I do air down down the tires to make it less bouncy, but that hasn't been an 'issue' at all really.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

 

[IdaSHO]

Thanks for all the insight everyone. Its appreciated.

A bit more info…

This will be a full-time setup. Within the next 5 years or so we will be hoisting anchor and hitting the road full time. So this isnt a simple get the tracker to the trail type of setup. More along the lines of get the truck to wherever we may make camp for however long, and have the tracker for day-trip & resupply vehicle. Could serve as a city rig if need be, if we dont want to drag the truck into the big city. It will also likely serve as a scouting vehicle if things get dicy for the truck off the pavement. And of course, a life-raft rig, if the truck ever broke down on us. Lots of possible uses.

 

[driveby]

IMHO for that use case 4down is a better choice. It’s goIng to be street legal, it’s 4down ready. 4down is way faster and simpler than any trailer to set up and go. You’ll do this a lot. Every few days. Forever. The trailer will get old fast. I’ve read enough posts on regular RV forums on those that started with a trailer or dolly and then almost 100% moved to 4down. Just get a good tow bar and a permanent brake systems such as AirForce 1 and be done with it. I never regretted spending a couple extra $$ upfront to make my life easier long term. Don’t cheap out on those removable brake systems, get a permanently installed one. And yes there are states that require supplemental braking regardless of what your home state says. BC is one, I think OR might be another. Plus if the TOAD ever separates from the truck the safer everyone is. You, your truck, your TOAD and anyone around you.

 

[Florida Native]

@driveby nailed it. If that’s your use case, 4-down is absolutely the best way to go for the reasons given.

-Mike