Scratch Building a trailer... got a few questions

[Rezarf <><]

I already have the RTT so more of a chaser style trailer is what I am gunning for.

Drew

 

[Rezarf <><]

Hey Guys-

What do you think about electric brakes on a unit this size (similar to the chaser) I know that they use them and their design seems very top notch!

Opinions? I can add it to my axle that I am having built for 75 bucks... just thought I would see what you think.

Thanks in advance.

Drew

 

[njtaco]

I will always be an advocate for trailer brakes, electric or otherwise. Bear in mind you will need a brake control added to your tow vehicle unless you opt for surge (hydraulic) brakes. $75 sounds reasonable to add at this point.

If the flanges are in place on the axle tube, you could add them later, BTW. It is probably more expensive to retrofit than $75, though.

I like electric brakes better than surge because of the adjustability a good controller offers.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Ditto. You can never have too much brakes. Last thing you want is to be going down a steep hill and hav the trailer start pushing you.

Invest in a good controller like a Kelsey Hayes or a Jordan. http://www.bestbrakecontroller.com/ The inertia's would be easily tricked on hills. If you have to go with an inertia get the Prodigy. Its the best of them.

 

[elcoyote]

Avoid surge brakes. They are problematic in off road conditions such a drop offs and steep descents. Electrics allow you to manipulate you brakes with the overide control from inside your vehicle, very handy indeed when you are trying to nerf your trailer around an obstable rather than over it. Be sure to tuck your wires away, use waterproof connectors and run seperate wires to your drums. if you use the one wire approach, you will experience a voltage drop.

 

[njtaco]

if you use the one wire approach, you will experience a voltage drop.

Never thought of that for brakes...good advice.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Hey Guys-

What do you think about electric brakes on a unit this size (similar to the chaser) I know that they use them and their design seems very top notch!

Opinions? I can add it to my axle that I am having built for 75 bucks... just thought I would see what you think.

Thanks in advance.

Drew

I opted for no brakes when I had my trailer built. Soley based on towing over in California. In Ca. if your trailer has brakes and there are snow chain controls, then your trailer must also have chains. Not that big of a deal, but it was one less thing to deal with. Although the tentrax is not a very heavy trailer.

 

[offroadchef]

go to this site http://www.ctc-parts.de/ it is in german,but the pics might be helpful

 

[d110pickup]

I stumbled onto this buildup thread on an Australian board; it may be of some use to ya'll.

http://z4.invisionfree.com/Vic_All_Terrain/index.php?showtopic=375

Mike

 

[Grim Reaper]

I stumbled onto this buildup thread on an Australian board; it may be of some use to ya'll.

http://z4.invisionfree.com/Vic_All_Terrain/index.php?showtopic=375

Mike

Very cool site. The trailer I am designing will look something like Echo IV. It will have a sleeping bunk in it so it will be about 50 inches floor to ceiling. Body ill be about 7-7.5 ft.

Black for the Reefer box doesn't make a lot of sense though.

 

[elcoyote]

I opted for no brakes when I had my trailer built. Soley based on towing over in California. In Ca. if your trailer has brakes and there are snow chain controls, then your trailer must also have chains. Not that big of a deal, but it was one less thing to deal with. Although the tentrax is not a very heavy trailer.

On a small trailer, it is very rare that the CHP enforces the req. The only time I have seen them do it, they also required chains on 4WD vehicles too. If you do not have chains in the snow for your trailer, simply turn your brake controller way down to prevent lock up.

 

[elcoyote]

Hey Guys-

What do you think about electric brakes on a unit this size (similar to the chaser) I know that they use them and their design seems very top notch!

Opinions? I can add it to my axle that I am having built for 75 bucks... just thought I would see what you think.

Thanks in advance.

Drew

Assuming that this is a leaf spring set up, get the longest springs possible to smooth out the ride. A shackle in the rear will help too.

 

[d110pickup]

Here's a trailer build on a Land Rover site from the UK. Again hopefully this will be fodder for ideas.
http://forum.landrovernet.com/showthread.php?t=79838
Looks heavy to me.
Mike

OK, just tried the link and some photos are visible and some want you to register on the site. Sorry.

 

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

On a small trailer, it is very rare that the CHP enforces the req. The only time I have seen them do it, they also required chains on 4WD vehicles too. If you do not have chains in the snow for your trailer, simply turn your brake controller way down to prevent lock up.

That is what I was trying to convey. Yes, Elcoyote you are right. I meant that if there are chain controls being enforced, the tow rig and the trailer need to have them. That is if the trailer is equipped with brakes. It's a very minor consideration.

 

[Rezarf <><]

Well, I just returned from my Honeymoon with my beautiful bride in Australia and I must say I am now VERY motivated to get this trailer going. I have decided to change my design a bit and go for a 7' long box, and to make it around 30" tall vs. the shorter m416 style sides which are a little less than 20" if I remember correctly.

I saw a LOT of very cool trailers with the Ultimate Trailer being one of the very coolest. I must say however, for the price of these things I have become more and more impressed with the US based Adventure Trailers... hats off to those guys for a quality product at a fraction of the AU prices!

I have just about everything in place to begin fabbing stuff up. I am really excited to get moving on this agian.

...More questions to follow!

Rezarf <><