New to trailers, new advice on starter cargo style

[osros]

Hi all,

Im new to trailers and towing. I do not own anything right now. I would love to have a cargo type trailer for the camping gear and stuff. I use a Jeep JK 08 2dr with unfortunately a 1000lbs towing capacity at time of purchase towing anything was not on my mind.

I am interested in any recommendations on a lightweight cargo trailer that wont break my wallet. I have seen the Tentrax, AT, Septra? and others. They all very nice but a bit too much for me right now and also Im a rather new camper so I cant justify spending that much right now.

Im not much on building or modifying my own stuff just not my area of know how, but I am willing to try adding or some modding to a basic trailer that I can start towing now and add stuff or build upon it later as my needs and experience grows.

Thanks

 

[R_Lefebvre]

What are the options you have that result in such a low tow limit? I think you'd be well served to upgrade a few things to get you up to 2000lbs. That will really expand your options. Heck, I tow 1000lbs with a Ford Focus.

Chances are you could simply add an auxilliary transmission cooler to do the job.

 

[computeruser]

I thought that the 2-door towing capacity was 2k. Where did the 1k figure come from?

Where are you planning to tow the trailer - roads, graded dirt, 2-tracks, rocks, etc? What do you want the trailer to do for you?

In any case, you should be fine with some gear in a surplus military trailer or even one of those 4x4' kit trailers from Northern. See how it works for you, and upgrade/replace as necessary.

 

[highlandercj-7]

Try Potsy, Here is the link:
http://www.rrorc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34769
Super lite, strong and reasonable.

 

[crawldit]

I was in the same boat. I have a Wrangler and knew that I wanted a small trailer for camping gear. I couldn't afford the decked out expedition trailers with RTT's so I started looking at used utility trailers. After a couple of weeks I ran across a great deal on the local Craigslist. It's a 2003 Magneta with a 48"x48" fiberglass box and locking lid. Best part....it cost a whopping $200 with permanent tags. It's not much for offroading yet, but it will work just fine for forest roads and campground camping.

 

[osros]

What are the options you have that result in such a low tow limit? I think you'd be well served to upgrade a few things to get you up to 2000lbs. That will really expand your options. Heck, I tow 1000lbs with a Ford Focus.

Chances are you could simply add an auxilliary transmission cooler to do the job.

I have a 08 Jeep Sahara 2dr w/ 3.21 ratio from what I found I got a 1000lb tow limit as is. I agree on upgrading but I was hoping to get out doors with what I got and build up later. I figure if I can get a trailer max 600lbs or less I really dont have 400lbs of gear anyway.

 

[osros]

I thought that the 2-door towing capacity was 2k. Where did the 1k figure come from?

Where are you planning to tow the trailer - roads, graded dirt, 2-tracks, rocks, etc? What do you want the trailer to do for you?

In any case, you should be fine with some gear in a surplus military trailer or even one of those 4x4' kit trailers from Northern. See how it works for you, and upgrade/replace as necessary.

08 Jeep Sahara 2dr w/ 3.21 ratio according to Jeep website 1000lbs. I plan on roads, gravel roads, some dirt trails nothing major off road wise. I want the trailer to haul my camping gear, inflatable pontoon (75lbs), fuel, some fire wood if needed Im a 1-2 day camper atm.

Got info or link on the 4x4 kits from northern?

Thanks

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Well, the real question is what did they do to give a higher tow rating in other models? It could be as simple as a transmission oil cooler for about $100.

 

[osros]

Well, the real question is what did they do to give a higher tow rating in other models? It could be as simple as a transmission oil cooler for about $100.

I think regearing is needed. My same jeep with 3.73 gears is rated at 2000lbs. Although its doable it would mean adding $600-$800 to have that done plus the trailer. I just feel even if I do regear my towing needs will still be light. I am finding some possiblilities online that may work. Still looking tho.

 

[computeruser]

I suspect they're just being ultraconservative, so I wouldn't stress about a few hundred pounds either way.

Anyway, if you go the Northern/Harbor Freight route, a couple things to consider: check bolt torque from time to time, carry a spare tire and bearing/seal kit, maybe an extra spring, and keep the slipper end of the spring greased (which means clean it and regrease from time to time). I ran the fold-in-half 4x8' version of this trailer for years. It had OSB decking and sides, and hauled hundreds of loads of mulch and soil during my college days. The only problem I ever had was a bearing seized up, but that was my own fault for negligent maintenance. It was still in good shape, many, many miles later, when I sold it for $50 less than I paid originally. For $200, a couple sheets of OSB, and some latex house paint colormatched to your tow vehicle, you can hardly go wrong.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I think regearing is needed. My same jeep with 3.73 gears is rated at 2000lbs. Although its doable it would mean adding $600-$800 to have that done plus the trailer. I just feel even if I do regear my towing needs will still be light. I am finding some possiblilities online that may work. Still looking tho.

If it's just the gears, then my opinion is that as long as you drive reasonably, you'll be fine. Add an aux trans cooler, watch engine temps up hills, drive the speed limit and a 1500lb trailer with a small frontal area would be a total non-issue. Now you're in AT Chaser territory, or small homebuilt like the BoxRocket trailer. In fact, I bet Martyn can tell you of customers using his trailers with the EXACT same truck you've got.

You can take the advice or leave it, I'm just suggesting I don't think you need to go down this road.

 

[mrchips]

I tow an AT CHASER with a 06 UNL RUBI and have no problems. With 4.88 gears a 6 spd tranny, I am getting about 15-16 mpg cruising freeway speeds or a little above. Jeep handles weight no problem.

 

[Poorboyota26]

I don't know where you are but mine is up for sale. 300. obo

 

[osros]

Good news! doing some more digging I found that I do have 3.73 gears in my jeep. Although Im still rated at 1000lbs the only thing Im missing comparing mine to a 2000lbs rated jeep of same type is the following:

Trailer Tow Group: Hitch receiver, 4-Pin Wiring Connector, 3.73 axle ratio.

Includes:
Trailer Sway Damping
Trailer Tow with 4-Pin Connector Wiring

All things I needed anyway. Im not sure what the Sway Damping is tho? Anyone? I feel alot better now not so much worried about weight but what to get and the $$$. Im still on the quest for a Lighter or lower priced rig will post my findings.

Thanks for all those who questioned the Jeep tow capacity made me dig deeper!

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Tow ratings are funny things these days, and some people look at them like they are black magic.

I read a story once where somebody had bought a Ford Explorer without the "tow package", but then decided she wanted to tow a travel trailer. The travel trailer was over her reduced tow rating, but below the tow package truck rating. The difference was the gear ratios. That's it.

The trailer dealer wouldn't sell the trailer to her unless she showed up in a truck rated to tow it, for "liability reasons". She went to the dealer to find out, the trailer tow package included an axle ratio difference, as well as other "unspecified changes" (according to the dealer). She asked if they could change the axle ratio, which they could, but the dealer would not certify that she then had the higher tow rating... for "liability reasons." Anyway, it went on and on and was quite commical from an engineering perspective. Everybody was just being silly about the situation.

She ended up trading in a 1 year old truck, took a huge depreciation hit, to buy a new truck with the tow package. Just crazy.

"Trailer sway damping" could be as simple as a tab on the trailer hitch to hook up a trailer sway damper.