highlandercj-7
Explorer
Awesome work. I like the kitchen too, very clean and well thought out design.
Light weight rock crawler trailer
- Thread starter Woods
- Start date
I answered one of my own questions this past weekend and thought I share what I learned.
I was planning to run the North Side of Afton Canyon and knew that there would be a VERY steep blow sand hill that I'd have to go down. I wanted to take my trailer on the trip, but didn't want to take it down the hill without brakes. I knew the brakes would help, but was still very concerned. So my question was how much would the brakes help...
So I spent last week installing brakes on the trailer.
I honestly believe that the brakes turned the trailer from a liability to an asset on this very steep hill. Out of the 7 or 8 rigs that went down, I think I had the easiest time. I locked the brakes up and easily dragged the trailer down the hill. No side sliding on the Jeep at all. I know that setting your parking brake a little will help keep you strait while descending a hill on sand, but chose not to do that. I wonder if it helps when pulling a trailer???
I was planning to run the North Side of Afton Canyon and knew that there would be a VERY steep blow sand hill that I'd have to go down. I wanted to take my trailer on the trip, but didn't want to take it down the hill without brakes. I knew the brakes would help, but was still very concerned. So my question was how much would the brakes help...
So I spent last week installing brakes on the trailer.
I honestly believe that the brakes turned the trailer from a liability to an asset on this very steep hill. Out of the 7 or 8 rigs that went down, I think I had the easiest time. I locked the brakes up and easily dragged the trailer down the hill. No side sliding on the Jeep at all. I know that setting your parking brake a little will help keep you strait while descending a hill on sand, but chose not to do that. I wonder if it helps when pulling a trailer???
They are slim stop turn tail lights. I buy quite a bit from R & P Carriages on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-inch-Sli...Parts_Accessories&hash=item564686addb&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-inch-Sli...Parts_Accessories&hash=item564686addb&vxp=mtr
I used High Tech Coatings in Santa Ana. They do all the parts that I manufacture. Not sure if they give me a deal because of that, but they seem very reasonable.
Let me know when the timing is right. I can make a call for you.
Let me know when the timing is right. I can make a call for you.
bobholthaus
Observer
Can you please tell me where you go your trailing arms? They look "pre-fabbed". You mention Dodge bushings. I'm trying to add a trailing arm setup to my trailer and would appreciate any info you care to share. I will buy airbags and mounts and shock mounts from AT. Where did you get your valve that allows the side to side air play so easily? Thanks.
I made the trailing arms. AT used to make a kit with everything you need. No longer???
Yes, I used Dodge bushings and am very happy with how they perform. If you can find a local shop that does suspension work on Dodge trucks (probably other manufacturer's too) you may be able to pick up a set of take off control arms. Maybe try our local Dodge dealer.
The valves are standard brass ball valves from Home Depot. The manifold may be a little more difficult to source. If you have a hard time finding them, I can sell you one for $25.
Yes, I used Dodge bushings and am very happy with how they perform. If you can find a local shop that does suspension work on Dodge trucks (probably other manufacturer's too) you may be able to pick up a set of take off control arms. Maybe try our local Dodge dealer.
The valves are standard brass ball valves from Home Depot. The manifold may be a little more difficult to source. If you have a hard time finding them, I can sell you one for $25.
What a great trailer,, and the details in this thread are very helpful.... I did not see if the frame tube size and wall thickness was listed.... I'm planning of building a trailer to pull behind my Jeep using a Datsun shot bed truck bed to start, but do not what to use the truck frame so will build one. The trailing arms are a great idea, but I think I will stay with leaf springs on mine the first time around.