DUAL Axle trailer
- Thread starter Dogmann
- Start date
SWITAWI
Doesn't Get Out Enough
The only dual-axle 'off-road' trailers I've ever seen are small ones intended for ATV/UTV use. Seems to me that size and weight considerations along with having more potential failures (tires/shock/spring/spring perch/bearings) in a remote location is why we've never seen a full-size one before. Not that it wouldn't be very interesting to see, but I can't imagine why anyone would choose two 1500lb/2500lb axles over just one 3000lb/5000lb axle with half the moving parts for this :safari-rig: kind of use. How much are you planning to haul out into the middle of nowhere? A boat maybe?
Maybe you can be the first to build one.
PS. Google just brought me straight back to this thread, so that is probably rather significant. Good luck. :ylsmoke:
Maybe you can be the first to build one.
PS. Google just brought me straight back to this thread, so that is probably rather significant. Good luck. :ylsmoke:
Rocket Ship
Banned
"More potential failures" is a double edged sword. You have twice as many parts that may fail. But if they do fail, you could probably limp the trailer back to civilization with 1 axle.
One consideration, dual axle trailers resist turning, so it could be a problem on a tight trail. Not a problem if your definition of "overland" doesn't include Class 3-5 trails.
One consideration, dual axle trailers resist turning, so it could be a problem on a tight trail. Not a problem if your definition of "overland" doesn't include Class 3-5 trails.
Xrunner
Explorer
Gall Boy's Australian 4x4 Adventure
Check out 1:21 - 1:49 for a interesting clip of their dual axle trailer crossing a large rut. Show's some of the underside construction as well.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Little Guy in Ohio makes a dual axle thing and can armor the bottom. They're just getting their feet wet with custom and/or offroad builds and are attacking the learning curve.
I had a custom trailer build by them and they got it about 80% right; it's back at the factory now after one big trip getting retrofitted with some redesigned items.
I think/hope they want to learn and build more and better items.
Anyhow, you can contact them via chat on their website. Talk to Chris Baum.
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/index.php
I had a custom trailer build by them and they got it about 80% right; it's back at the factory now after one big trip getting retrofitted with some redesigned items.
I think/hope they want to learn and build more and better items.
Anyhow, you can contact them via chat on their website. Talk to Chris Baum.
http://www.golittleguy.com/teardrops/index.php
SWITAWI
Doesn't Get Out Enough
It's been a slow day at the office, so I've been looking around. The closest thing I've found to the Gall Boy's trailer (here in the states) is Livin Lite's 'off-road' versions of their CampLite trailers - http://www.livinlite.com/camplite-overview.php
I still can't help thinking it doesn't quite hit mark for a heavy duty expedition trailer. Probably not equipped with skids, biggest tires are 14-inchers, probably has only one spare, only 20gal fresh water tank... Maybe Little Guy would have a better alternative.
As a side note, still wondering why the need for dual axles?.. Just curious. Call it my curse. :sombrero:
Hell, after the truck scraped through the trailer's closely spaced tires made it look easy. Those guys build some stout stuff down there, don't they? And that powdery dirt/sand/brown talcum/whatever evil soil that was... Pretty obvious why there's such a market for diesels and snorkels down under. Wow.
I still can't help thinking it doesn't quite hit mark for a heavy duty expedition trailer. Probably not equipped with skids, biggest tires are 14-inchers, probably has only one spare, only 20gal fresh water tank... Maybe Little Guy would have a better alternative.
As a side note, still wondering why the need for dual axles?.. Just curious. Call it my curse. :sombrero:
Hell, after the truck scraped through the trailer's closely spaced tires made it look easy. Those guys build some stout stuff down there, don't they? And that powdery dirt/sand/brown talcum/whatever evil soil that was... Pretty obvious why there's such a market for diesels and snorkels down under. Wow.
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jeep-N-montero
Expedition Leader
Take a look here, I know one of their staff and they build a great trailer http://www.simplyruggedtrailers.com/gallery
mike r
Adventurer
what sort of prices these go for?
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Call and talk to Chris. It really depends on what options you add. Skids and boxes and wheels and lights, etc.
I only saw one of them up-close. It was a 6'-wide reverse teardrop with the big patio thing out front for an ATV or two. It really looked like a hunter's dream.
I didn't ask about the price; it didn't have a galley and that's my second favorite thing on a teardrop... :drool:
SWITAWI
Doesn't Get Out Enough
Was wondering about tandem axle offroad trailers again the other day and looky here. Google brings me right back around to where I've been before, lol.
I know, I know... Tandem/dual axles on a trailer would be a limitation on rough terrain and in tight spaces due to the extra weight and size. But the idea still intrigues me.
Seems like it would make a great beach/sand dunes camping trailer and one heckuva stout little utility trailer. And in more open spaces it would have better flotation and be more stable.
During my down time I ran across these Aussie utility trailers (mostly with front and rear drop down gates)
http://www.mackaytrailers.com.au/tandem.html
http://www.a1trailers.com.au/trailers.htm EDIT: Website shut down. Replaced picture links...
I also liked this very simple single axle model...
I know, I know... Tandem/dual axles on a trailer would be a limitation on rough terrain and in tight spaces due to the extra weight and size. But the idea still intrigues me.
Seems like it would make a great beach/sand dunes camping trailer and one heckuva stout little utility trailer. And in more open spaces it would have better flotation and be more stable.
During my down time I ran across these Aussie utility trailers (mostly with front and rear drop down gates)
http://www.mackaytrailers.com.au/tandem.html
http://www.a1trailers.com.au/trailers.htm EDIT: Website shut down. Replaced picture links...
I also liked this very simple single axle model...
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86scotty
Cynic
Revisiting this. What have you done since, Switawi? I'm considering building out an enclosed trailer for mile adventures (leaving the trailer when I want to do more serious offroading). I'm considering a 6x12 tandem axle vs. single axle due to the lighter tongue weight (hopefully), balance and of course having extra tires on the ground in case of a failure. I will still carry a spare or spares of course.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
SWITAWI
Doesn't Get Out Enough
I agree with skersfan, but it also depends on what end result you're looking for. Dragging a tandem axle through Black Bear Pass is obviously a pass, but hauling gear for the entire family for a holiday weekend in the Oregon Dunes would be another matter. And when you say 'building out' do you mean to say sleeping quarters, as in building your own offroad travel trailer? That might be more conducive to using tandem axles, but I wouldn't do it unless your needs made it absolutely necessary.
I'd still think it would be cool to see a 'real' tandem-axle offroad trailer, but I also honestly think it would be sheer overkill for 99% of the trailer sizes and they way they are used here in this forum.
Hey, Bob! The voice of experience speaks the truth! Hope you're doing well and staying out of trouble these days. Here's to you, buddy.
Titanpat57
Expedition Leader
You guys better not tell The Gall Boys those double axles are nothing but trouble......:ylsmoke:
https://youtu.be/_ArFVy0Mp84
https://youtu.be/_ArFVy0Mp84