Expedition/Motorcycle trailer

[LaOutbackTrail]

So, I am trying to figure out how to setup a trailer... or which trailer to even begin looking at.

What I am wanting to do is have a trailer to use as a support vehicle for motorcycle tours (in Mexico) that acts as both a motorcycle hauler for 1 or 2 bikes as well as gear hauler. I'm thinking about starting with a utility trailer and then building something from that. My main concern is suspension. How should the suspension be setup to haul gear most of the time and then a motorcycle or two if they were to break down on the road?

Road surfaces would look similar to this at times.... and plenty of corrugations... so suspension and trailer should be stout.... thoughts ideas and suggestions?

 

[TheGillz]

You could check out jackrabbittrailers.com and maybe beef up the suspention a bit.

 

[ntsqd]

You could check out jackrabbittrailers.com and maybe beef up the suspention a bit.

I'm not finding anything with that URL, can you link it?

My first thought is the AT air sprung ITS system. I don't know how the max & min weights compare, but their system or something like it would do what you need to do.
Is security an issue, or will an open trailer work?

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'm not finding anything with that URL, can you link it?

My first thought is the AT air sprung ITS system. I don't know how the max & min weights compare, but their system or something like it would do what you need to do.
Is security an issue, or will an open trailer work?

And a google search returned no results...

I forgot to mention that I am looking for an economical alternative too... As in a find and weld onto an existing trailer sort of thing.... which I have... just a 5x8 utility trailer with leaf springs and light axle. Is fine for hwy and is pretty light but well made. It's not the cheap things you find at your local home improvement store.

The support vehicle wont be trying to keep up with the bikes... but will follow the route and meet up with the bikes at certain checkpoints or if there is a problem.

What sort of suspension improvements can I do to the trailer... ? I'll put a couple pics of the trailer up tomorrow.

 

[GeoTracker90]

When I read your post about having to haul the bikes on occasion I immediately thought of the tent trailers with the deck over the tongue. Here are a couple of pictures from the Fleetwood site.

I was just thinking that if your trailer was set up in a similar way you would still have a lot of cargo area behind to haul all of your gear for such a trip. As far as the suspension being able to haul a variable load I would be looking for an air bag set up of some sort. Here is one that I drew up using a straight axle and then one that I drew up using an independent suspension.

For the straight axle version the bushings at the axle end could be urethane, but the front two that attach to the frame should be either a heim or a Johnny Joint, or other joint that allows for misalignment. I would also use threaded inserts on the front of the front links and at least one end of the pan-hard bar for alignment purposes.

These are just the things that came to mind after reading your question. As far as getting one of these built you could tackle either one if you felt like you had the ability. Another option is to take the three linked picture to any competent 4x4 shop that builds linked suspensions and see what they would charge to knock one out for you.

Hope you find something that works for you and you have a smashing good time on that trip.

Mike

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thank Geo,

I like the solid axle design. Seems to be more up my alley... and cheaper. But the independant design seems easier to build.... but more complex angles and welds...(Novice welder here). What sort of airbags should I look for? There is a nice junk yard that gets all the wrecked izuzus with airbag setups. They also have a good selection of axles and such.

I have a friend who works for a company that builds trailers... although they are all relatively simple, well (over)built utility trailers and such.
http://cftrailers.com/

I could probably get all of the components to do whatever suspension setup from them.... come to think of it, but they would probably charge an arm and a leg...

 

[kcowyo]

You could check out jackrabbittrailers.com and maybe beef up the suspention a bit.

Maybe you meant Jumping Jack Trailers?

I saw a couple of these on display last week in Salt Lake City at The Sportsmen's ExPo show. Very impressive set up and versatile too.

Expeditions West did a nice review of the trailer here -


This could be a great solution for your needs. :roost:

 

[GeoTracker90]

Thank Geo,

I like the solid axle design. Seems to be more up my alley... and cheaper. But the independant design seems easier to build.... but more complex angles and welds...(Novice welder here). What sort of airbags should I look for? There is a nice junk yard that gets all the wrecked izuzus with airbag setups. They also have a good selection of axles and such.

I have a friend who works for a company that builds trailers... although they are all relatively simple, well (over)built utility trailers and such.
http://cftrailers.com/

I could probably get all of the components to do whatever suspension setup from them.... come to think of it, but they would probably charge an arm and a leg...

For airbags I've been considering some like these. They are a Firestone airbag so they should hold up quite well. Not too much $'s that you couldn't keep a spare on hand just in case.

Check with your local trailer supply house. They should be able to build an axle to about any width, or hub spacing, that you desire. Also Redneck-Trailer offers their 3500 lb. axle with a 3" HD tube. That would make using brackets such as these a simple deal.

Mike

 

[TheGillz]

I'm not finding anything with that URL, can you link it?

My first thought is the AT air sprung ITS system. I don't know how the max & min weights compare, but their system or something like it would do what you need to do.
Is security an issue, or will an open trailer work?

Sorry,
Jumping Jack Trailers

Clark

 

[nickatnite]

When I read your post about having to haul the bikes on occasion I immediately thought of the tent trailers with the deck over the tongue. Here are a couple of pictures from the Fleetwood site.

Hope you find something that works for you and you have a smashing good time on that trip.

Mike

I've been looking at the Fleetwood Evolution E2 and according to the brochure, the front cargo area can hold 500 lbs. It seems like I would be pushing it a bit if I put my GS on there.

 

[mountainpete]

Scott did a review on the Jumping Jack trailer a few years ago:

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/Jumping_jack.html

Pete