Newbie Question: Jumping Jack Trailer

[Erick Lihme]

Looking for food for thought. A dealer has offered to sell me a 2005 model Jumpin Jack trailer for $3000. The MSRP $5000. The ExpeditionsWest site has an excellent write up
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/Jumping_jack.html
Being retired I've got to watch my pennies if I wish to avoid a regular job otherwise one of those higher dollar trailers might be more useful, as it would be up to the capabilities of a more capable truck. I'll keep the 85' pretty much stock except for tires and inexpensive .438's out of a bone yard. The money has been spent restoring it, so I'll have to stick to 2.5 rated trails anyway
.

This deal looks to good to turn down. Because it is locate some 300 miles away, I thought I'd ask the experts (YOU), before wandering down there. One specific question for the moment: How easy is it to remove and install the tent onto the trailer? The trailer could then be use for other hauling duties.


Thanks in advance,
Erick

 

[Scott Brady]

They are a great solution for comfort and interior space and will work good on a wider 2-2.5 trail. Biggest downside is the suspension. If you travel solo or in a slower group it will be a great buy and very comfy accomodations.

 

[Erick Lihme]

They are a great solution for comfort and interior space and will work good on a wider 2-2.5 trail. Biggest downside is the suspension. If you travel solo or in a slower group it will be a great buy and very comfy accomodations.

The "very comfy" sounds great! I like the ground level entrance as well.

It sounds like it would lends itself more to extended cross county trips rather than overland travel given it's suspension and width, and especially given the tow vehicle. It could be considered an ' all arounder' which excels at neither.
The 1200lbs curb weight, and payload would slow that 22RE down considerably on the trail and limit it's ability to flatter terrain. Yet the stock Yoda does handle 2000lbs easily enough on the "tar" as they say with an mpg of about 18-20. With stock sized tires and lower gears (.438's), it would be less noticeable during month long cross county travel. The "comfy part" is important when the female onboard. I'm willing to sacrifice money for mods for that ah, "comfy" part! A trip to Alaska and beyond is planned.

From what I've just read and learned, for shorter expedition rides of about a week, I should stick with the "light and efficient" model I've used in the past. One mod I've not see yet is a insulated shell for cold weather. Mine is heavily insulated with layers of that aluminum coated bubble wrap type of insulation and .75" poly board where structure is needed. The aluminum reflects back UV just as those space/survival blankets, and thin metal coatings of low-e glass. The result is worthwhile. The cab heater and an auxiliary rear heater from a 4Runner can cook one out the shell in near zero degree temps in a hurry. Body heat alone takes the chill out as the area heated is relatively small, as it is only the area between the raised sleeping platform and ceiling of the shell. Perhaps someone has a propane heater set up in their bed which I could steal. It might also be adapted it to the trailer if need be. The talent around here is impressive!

Thanks again,
Erick

 

[Scott Brady]

In the Jumping Jack, I used the catalytic style heater and it was perfect. I would buy a Jumping Jack way before I would pay for a traditional pop-up trailer. The JJ is simple and has a table for eating and cooking on. When closed up there is room for bags down one side of the floor (I put all the bedding stuff there along with clothing).

You will notice the width on the road too, as it is designed to be pulled behind a full-size truck. There will be more wind resistance.

We have done trips with three guys in that things and it works like a charm.

 

[Erick Lihme]

In the Jumping Jack, I used the catalytic style heater and it was perfect. I would buy a Jumping Jack way before I would pay for a traditional pop-up trailer. The JJ is simple and has a table for eating and cooking on. When closed up there is room for bags down one side of the floor (I put all the bedding stuff there along with clothing).

You will notice the width on the road too, as it is designed to be pulled behind a full-size truck. There will be more wind resistance.

We have done trips with three guys in that things and it works like a charm.

"You will notice the width on the road too, as it is designed to be pulled behind a full-size truck. There will be more wind resistance."

Anther good point to consider. Fortunately it is a good comparison between a load recently towed though the Sierra Nevada up Hwy 395 headed for Montana, the acid test for this example. This is how the stock 85' EFI truck handled it , evidence of it's efficient/simple design. Well, it does has 2" exhaust, plenum up grade, balanced, a strong, fresh 22RE, typical 22R power is not equivalent. The comparable load was about 2500lbs on a trailer of the same width, loaded with upright and empty 55 gallon drums and a buncha stuff. The trailer OVL length is 16', curb wieght 1200lbs, and appears to be made by the same manufacture, a custom order single axle with brakes. On those exceptionally long steep high altitude climbs, the bottom speed was 35mph. Mpg sucked tho at 15. It cruised easily for the rest of the 1200 mile journey at speeds of 55 to 70, mpg 18-20.

"I would buy a Jumping Jack way before I would pay for a traditional pop-up trailer. The JJ is simple and has a table for eating and cooking on."

What did that genius (sp?) say? Keep It Simple Stupid? And who was that genius anyway....?

It seems to be nearly ideal for the 4 banger, ideal for the money, and utility. I'd be nuts to pass on it. This shows the various configurations, I can ditch the 16 footer which cost $1500:

http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/index.cfm

And I do have a large catalytic heater, and a receiver on the front below the deer rack to maneuver it out of tight spots of a trail. Yup, another 'no brainer' decision. Right! Thanks for the help.

BTW, one needs a deer rack around here, the RK, road kill, is seen every 10 to 20 miles. The deer more numerous than cattle, standing literally in every patch of cleared land and lawn. An infestation, yet tranquil sight. You'd swear they were domesticated herds. It is gorgeous up here, and the JJ will be good for local weekend escapes as well.

EL