Just need a basic trailer.

[ken richardson]

Hi folks. Been lurking here for a while trying to learn what I can. Most of you live in places and have vehicles that unfortunately will not be in my future...well as far as I can tell.

Anyway, I want a trailer to haul gear for camping. Mind you I dont go off road....i.e the rubicon, nor do I crawl on rocks. I have a Dodge Durango 2wd and it does all I can do in Texas and in my camp places in Arkansas etc.

This trailer will be used for highway and gravel mountain roads and obvious cut aways for camping. Its the type of terrain you need a truck for but not something you need modifications for.

My question is, concerning trailers, what can you do to a stock trailer to lift the ground clearance. For instance, I am looking at a small trailer from wells cargo, and think all things considereed it meets my needs but I might like to get it a bit off the ground. Can you just replace the wheels , assuming the bolt pattern matches and be done with it. I realize tire width etc has to work within limits of trailer and fenders, but would taht basically be all thats needed for this basic application?

I appreciate any feedback here.

Ken in Dallas

 

[mtnbike28]

One thought

Welcome to EP. People much starter than me will respond, but my first thought would be just unbolt the springs and mount them over the axle. This would gain you enough room for a larger tire and clearance. Of course this doesn't help if it comes that way. Somebody please step in and tell me/him if there is a safety concern doing his, other than using new U-bolts.

hth

Jay in NY

 

[ken richardson]

Jay,

Thank you for the reply. In this case the trailer has torsion axels and no springs. From my reading, I realize these are not the most desirable axels but its what the rig comes with. For my use, limited bumpy roads, gravel etc. and the camp spot cut backs which have an occasional rut or mud puddle type stuff.

This is the link to what I am looking at.

http://www.wellscargo.com/wells/model.html?model=27

Thanks again.

 

[mountainpete]

Hi Ken,

First welcome to ExPo

The Wells Cargo you linked to there is a nice trailer. They have a good design, however they really aren't made for off-road travel. First there is the axle/suspension combo you already mentioned, but there also is concerns with the overall design and how it handles things like washboard roads or anything that causes torsional flex. Also some of the models have a long rear overhang that gets caught up on almost everything...

Let me ask this question: Do you need an enclosed trailer or can it be open? If enclosed, how tall? Also, do you have a minimum floor size?

Pete

 

[ken richardson]

Thanks Pete. i think the size is about right, at least the volume. I would like something covered to cut down on dust but primarily to kep my gear in at all times and be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Even though all my stuff is in gear totes, it still seems like forever trying to get away.

My camping is 99% traversed on pavement. Its that last bit that can be rough. While I would give my left u know what to own a Campa, or Adventure trailer, Im just having trouble with the cost aspect. Keep in mind Im a Southern boy who has seen crap that should never be on the road hauled into places it had no place being. Bottom line, sometimes we tend to spec ourselves right into the pocket book for no reason.

While I admit that the "offroad trailers" have merit for there intended usage, Im not sure the price point equates to a wise decision on my part based on my extreem limited usage of there full potential.

Thanks again.

 

[Rhode Trip]

Ken,
I considered those trailers when I was looking and decided that they just weren't rugged enough for my use. As I recall, they were not that much cheaper than the Outlander trailer I ended up purchasing, especially when you start figuring in new wheels , axles, etc. Call Robert at Outlander and see what you can get a base model Sherpa for.
Outlander Trailers
501-681-4573
He is in Sheridan, AR
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[ntsqd]

I can't claim any experience with that line of Wells Cargo trailers, but I can claim experience with a much larger Wells used for hauling around road race cars. They serve the function, but they don't leave me impressed with them.

Seems like if one of the Outlanders or similar is out of range that a hard cover on a 1/4ton ex military trailer would be a possible option.

 

[MaddBaggins]

Welcome Ken! This a great place for good info.

As a thought, how about an old mini truck bed with a heavy duty axle and tonnuea cover. If you have anyone who could help you a little with some of the fab, it would be a cheap, rugged solution. You can get an axle at any decent trailer place, leaf spring to the frame and fab a proper tongue.
I have limited experience with the Wells Cargo, but I think a washboard road might be a bit hard on it.

 

[The BN Guy]

Welcome to ExPo Ken!

What part of Texas?

I'm kinda in the same boat. LOVE the Adventure Trailers but Outlander is closer and might be a more viable option for me as well.

Hard to find info on them but what I've seen has been impressive and have heard no complaints. On that same note, I haven't heard any about AT either. Good products from both.

 

[ken richardson]

Everyone,

Thanks so much for the replies. I had seen Outlander mentioned b efore but could never get a link to work. Someone suppl;ied one here that does and that just may be the ticket. .......What I want....what I probably need...and at a price point that is digestable. Thanks again for the input from all of you.

Someone asked, where in Texas........Plano to be exact.

 

[greenhorn]

Here you go! And welcome!

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8588&highlight=Outlander+Trailers

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5636&highlight=Outlander+Trailers