Skersfan's New Shuttle Pod Trailer Build...
- Thread starter SWITAWI
- Start date
TSAdventurez
Blogger/Adventurer
Thanks! now i can finish my basket/RTT rack. The trailer build is awesome BTW:drool: wish i had the money and resources to attempt something like this
Titanpat57
Expedition Leader
Great job Bob!!
Looks like mountain goat country.......lol
(and thanks too RJ!)
Looks like mountain goat country.......lol
(and thanks too RJ!)
Loving this trailer ... the wife and I want to get an offroad trailer (AT Horizon - or similar - was what we had talked about), but reading through this build has me thinking more like what you have done in the teardrop vein. If you're ever out in the Denver area, I'd love to take a look ... skibum315 (at) hotmail (dot) com for pics/updates/etc (assuming you have a running list, if not no need to shoot me e-mails special).
Personal notes/preferences on your build (not that you'd particularly care, but they're floating around in my head, so I want to get them down ... and please don't take these as digs on your design - I actually love what you've got, they're just notes):
- My tow vehicle would be a modded '08 Xterra (very similar performace to your FJ), so I wouldn't want to go any higher in the weight of the trailer than what you've talked about
- What are your thoughts on appearance/compatibility of 255x85r16 tires on a 6x4.5" hub? See tow vehicle ... that's the tire/hub I've got, and will be sticking with ... at least for the forseeable future ...
- You're at the max width I'd probably be interested in; and in fact, the vid had me thinking that I'd love to see the approach/departure angles of the trailer tightened up just a bit (wheeling primarily in the CO high country, but with some trips elsewhere ...)
- I like that some pics show load bars on top of the trailer, I was thinking that would be a neat add-on as I watched the video as well
- I'm seconding (thirding?) the thought about a driver's side door in addition to the pass. side ... and the notion of another window in front; IMO the more interior natural light, the better
- Any thought on mounts for Scepter cans (the military kind, not the hardware store ones) - or NATO metal ones - over Rotopax? I go back and forth on which I like better, but I think I've decided to go with Scepters ... partly because I'd 'only' need 4 of those for a full (20 gal) tank, and would take 5 Rotopax for the same volume
- What about a side spare mount, rather than a front, and run the nose box for storage as noted? Thought being: genset behind one fender, spare behind the other, front of fenders open to allow for doors (or temp. in-transit storage, like for wood), front of box/tongue for storage box with 2-3 gas cans between box and trailer front
- Any thought about stabilizer jacks on the rear? Thinking along the lines of what Campa has on their trailers ... is that even needed?
- Additional counter space on slide/90* mount to existing counter, was a good thought; I like that
- Any concern about brakes on something like this? At the weights you're talking about, I'm not sure it needs it; but a supplemental electric (or surge hydraulic) system might be nice for the long downhills we have out this way ... and I realize that may be affected by the choice of coupler (fortunately the Xterra is wired for an electric brake controller from the factory ... all that's needed to add one is a supplemental controller-side harness and installing the unit itself; so I had already been considering this, to go with the trailer purchase)
- Which leads nicely into my next comment: I didn't see (or maybe I missed) anything on how you're connected to the FJ, is it a 'standard' hitch ball and socket? Or is it something more versatile, like a multi-axis coupler? My guess, and preference, would be the latter ... but again, just a thought.
I think that's most, if not all, of my thoughts ... if there's more, I'm sure I'll chime back in ... and crud, I just realized it's getting on towards 8pm; I got wrapped up in reading this thread ... better get home and make sure the afore mentioned wife's not to annoyed with me.
-Jonathan
Personal notes/preferences on your build (not that you'd particularly care, but they're floating around in my head, so I want to get them down ... and please don't take these as digs on your design - I actually love what you've got, they're just notes):
- My tow vehicle would be a modded '08 Xterra (very similar performace to your FJ), so I wouldn't want to go any higher in the weight of the trailer than what you've talked about
- What are your thoughts on appearance/compatibility of 255x85r16 tires on a 6x4.5" hub? See tow vehicle ... that's the tire/hub I've got, and will be sticking with ... at least for the forseeable future ...
- You're at the max width I'd probably be interested in; and in fact, the vid had me thinking that I'd love to see the approach/departure angles of the trailer tightened up just a bit (wheeling primarily in the CO high country, but with some trips elsewhere ...)
- I like that some pics show load bars on top of the trailer, I was thinking that would be a neat add-on as I watched the video as well
- I'm seconding (thirding?) the thought about a driver's side door in addition to the pass. side ... and the notion of another window in front; IMO the more interior natural light, the better
- Any thought on mounts for Scepter cans (the military kind, not the hardware store ones) - or NATO metal ones - over Rotopax? I go back and forth on which I like better, but I think I've decided to go with Scepters ... partly because I'd 'only' need 4 of those for a full (20 gal) tank, and would take 5 Rotopax for the same volume
- What about a side spare mount, rather than a front, and run the nose box for storage as noted? Thought being: genset behind one fender, spare behind the other, front of fenders open to allow for doors (or temp. in-transit storage, like for wood), front of box/tongue for storage box with 2-3 gas cans between box and trailer front
- Any thought about stabilizer jacks on the rear? Thinking along the lines of what Campa has on their trailers ... is that even needed?
- Additional counter space on slide/90* mount to existing counter, was a good thought; I like that
- Any concern about brakes on something like this? At the weights you're talking about, I'm not sure it needs it; but a supplemental electric (or surge hydraulic) system might be nice for the long downhills we have out this way ... and I realize that may be affected by the choice of coupler (fortunately the Xterra is wired for an electric brake controller from the factory ... all that's needed to add one is a supplemental controller-side harness and installing the unit itself; so I had already been considering this, to go with the trailer purchase)
- Which leads nicely into my next comment: I didn't see (or maybe I missed) anything on how you're connected to the FJ, is it a 'standard' hitch ball and socket? Or is it something more versatile, like a multi-axis coupler? My guess, and preference, would be the latter ... but again, just a thought.
I think that's most, if not all, of my thoughts ... if there's more, I'm sure I'll chime back in ... and crud, I just realized it's getting on towards 8pm; I got wrapped up in reading this thread ... better get home and make sure the afore mentioned wife's not to annoyed with me.
-Jonathan
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Okay, I am going to print this out so I can answer your questions, thoughts and ideas. Way over my max read limit. lol. I will try to get you and answer by morning. I am headed to Arizona this weekend to show the trailer to two current AT owners. I will be in Ouray after Cruise Moab to attend Chamber of Commerice meeting for the FJ Summit, maybe we can meet up then.
That drop on the trailer was a 30 plus inch drop and on to 2x4 120 wall box tubing. I doubt it could be hurt. It has a multi axis coupler and it has electric brakes. The rest I will answer by tomorrow.
I really appreciate your questions and ideas, that is the reason it is on this site. Great minds thinking about off road trailers helps me make mine the best it can be.
Again Thank You for taking the time to read and understand what I am doing.
That drop on the trailer was a 30 plus inch drop and on to 2x4 120 wall box tubing. I doubt it could be hurt. It has a multi axis coupler and it has electric brakes. The rest I will answer by tomorrow.
I really appreciate your questions and ideas, that is the reason it is on this site. Great minds thinking about off road trailers helps me make mine the best it can be.
Again Thank You for taking the time to read and understand what I am doing.
Okay here are my ideas and response: The weight on the production trailers should be a little less, not alot though. Thre trailer is narrower than a FJ, and so far has not been a problem. I plan to test it on John Bull soon. Rubicon has narrow points that would concern me, but the frame and axle are strong enough to be drug over anything. I use the torflex 3500 pound axle configuration with a 2700 pound rubber system.
I have pretty muche eliminated the wider body on the trailer. I am afraid it would hit on tall narrow walls, and trees. I watched it very carefully this weekend. Currently you have 15 inches on each side for clearance.
Driver side door is an option, but has limits. Takes away the carrying area on the driver side, unless un loaded first, same on the passenger side I guess.
It is quite bright inside. I actually tinted the windows because I felt it was to bright.
I am working on curtains for it.
Front tire is a counter balance for the batteries in the rear, no spare, you get a Jetski box with batteries located there. The roto pax will fit behind either on the production trailer and will be out of the way. By placing the tire on the side you eliminate the side door for sure, and it would throw the balance off from side to side. Not much but some for sure.
It is designed to use the tongue jack as the stabalizer on the rear. Two can be ordered. It alllows leveling and twist to balance out the trailer.
They can also be used to change the trailer tire without a highlift.
Send me a picture of your tire set up and I will give you my thoughts, but normally just have to see it.
The trailer has used 31, 33 inch and 35 inch tires. I am not sure of the heigth on the ones you are talking about.
There are limits on every trailer, in and out angles are pretty much set by how the kitchen is set up and the length of the tongue. The FJ's require a little longer tongue and axles a little farther forward than other vehicles. This one is built for an average vehicle, the tongue is too short to open the door on the FJ, and I have doubts that if it was able to open clear, that the trailer would tow correctly. Each vehicle affects the design of any trailer, you just have to live with somethings. FJ's are different to say the least.
I have pretty muche eliminated the wider body on the trailer. I am afraid it would hit on tall narrow walls, and trees. I watched it very carefully this weekend. Currently you have 15 inches on each side for clearance.
Driver side door is an option, but has limits. Takes away the carrying area on the driver side, unless un loaded first, same on the passenger side I guess.
It is quite bright inside. I actually tinted the windows because I felt it was to bright.
I am working on curtains for it.
Front tire is a counter balance for the batteries in the rear, no spare, you get a Jetski box with batteries located there. The roto pax will fit behind either on the production trailer and will be out of the way. By placing the tire on the side you eliminate the side door for sure, and it would throw the balance off from side to side. Not much but some for sure.
It is designed to use the tongue jack as the stabalizer on the rear. Two can be ordered. It alllows leveling and twist to balance out the trailer.
They can also be used to change the trailer tire without a highlift.
Send me a picture of your tire set up and I will give you my thoughts, but normally just have to see it.
The trailer has used 31, 33 inch and 35 inch tires. I am not sure of the heigth on the ones you are talking about.
There are limits on every trailer, in and out angles are pretty much set by how the kitchen is set up and the length of the tongue. The FJ's require a little longer tongue and axles a little farther forward than other vehicles. This one is built for an average vehicle, the tongue is too short to open the door on the FJ, and I have doubts that if it was able to open clear, that the trailer would tow correctly. Each vehicle affects the design of any trailer, you just have to live with somethings. FJ's are different to say the least.
Thanks for the quick response!! You're really on the ball ...
Hmmm ... when's the Ouray event for you guys? There's a slim chance I might be able to make it down there for a night to check things out, but if it's before the first week in June it's probably not going to happen (I've got a big work event we're preparing for that week ... plus Ouray's about a 7 hr trek from Denver - much as I love the area, it's kinda far for a day trip). Interestingly, Moab's about as far (time wise) ... I guess the interstate travel from the big city makes the miles go quicker.
The 255s are a true 33, but narrower than the more typical 285x75r16 ... they're similar to a 33x10.5r16 flotation size. I guess by that question I was more wondering if the 6 on 4.5" diameter hub bolt pattern would be a problem ... it's something we've definitely noticed in the Nissan community, that we've got a bit of an oddball hub pattern.
30" drop is no joke ... and the trailer sure looked like it wasn't batting an eye at it. I guess my comment was more directed at the fact that I like to avoid metal-on-rock contact if at all possible, but that's kind-of unavoidable if you're pulling a trailer ... I'd imagine. I think your design is definitely where it's at ... especially after talking things through with the boss-lady over dinner tonight. I think tear drops are probably where we're going to be looking for our trailer ... so we just have to try and work out the specifics of funding, timing, and all that other good stuff.
If we get to the point of putting down a deposit and all that, I'd guess we'd be in closer contact than forum posts and better able to work specifics of the build. Thanks again for taking the time to address my thoughts; it really means a lot when folks are that responsive.
For what it's worth, here are a few pics of my truck; from when I got the new shoes put on a few years back (I should have new suspension sooner than later; and will ultimately do bumpers as well):
Hmmm ... when's the Ouray event for you guys? There's a slim chance I might be able to make it down there for a night to check things out, but if it's before the first week in June it's probably not going to happen (I've got a big work event we're preparing for that week ... plus Ouray's about a 7 hr trek from Denver - much as I love the area, it's kinda far for a day trip). Interestingly, Moab's about as far (time wise) ... I guess the interstate travel from the big city makes the miles go quicker.
The 255s are a true 33, but narrower than the more typical 285x75r16 ... they're similar to a 33x10.5r16 flotation size. I guess by that question I was more wondering if the 6 on 4.5" diameter hub bolt pattern would be a problem ... it's something we've definitely noticed in the Nissan community, that we've got a bit of an oddball hub pattern.
30" drop is no joke ... and the trailer sure looked like it wasn't batting an eye at it. I guess my comment was more directed at the fact that I like to avoid metal-on-rock contact if at all possible, but that's kind-of unavoidable if you're pulling a trailer ... I'd imagine. I think your design is definitely where it's at ... especially after talking things through with the boss-lady over dinner tonight. I think tear drops are probably where we're going to be looking for our trailer ... so we just have to try and work out the specifics of funding, timing, and all that other good stuff.
If we get to the point of putting down a deposit and all that, I'd guess we'd be in closer contact than forum posts and better able to work specifics of the build. Thanks again for taking the time to address my thoughts; it really means a lot when folks are that responsive.
For what it's worth, here are a few pics of my truck; from when I got the new shoes put on a few years back (I should have new suspension sooner than later; and will ultimately do bumpers as well):
I will be in Ouray the first part of May I think, right after Cruise Moab, I have to attend a Chamber meeting so that will decide the date. The next time I will be in Ouray is mid July is my guess, we will be there for the FJ Summit for 22-26 July, but may come a week early or stay a week later. I think it is about four hours to Denver from Ouray. We drove it last year. Family reunion in Denver.
I will check on the lug pattern tomorrow as I am ordering an axle for the next trailer. I am headed out of town tomorrow, to Phoenix and will be there until Monday morning. I should have internet so will try to keep you informed on the lug pattern capability. I am sure some one makes and an adapter. I used them on my first expedition trailer and never had a bit of trouble with. Torque and locktite are your friends.
This one was built for my wife, and she absolutely loves the thing. the mattress, stove, tv, microwave, fridge, stereo, heat, AC all make mommies happy and we know when mommy is happy we are allowed to be happy.
I will check on the lug pattern tomorrow as I am ordering an axle for the next trailer. I am headed out of town tomorrow, to Phoenix and will be there until Monday morning. I should have internet so will try to keep you informed on the lug pattern capability. I am sure some one makes and an adapter. I used them on my first expedition trailer and never had a bit of trouble with. Torque and locktite are your friends.
This one was built for my wife, and she absolutely loves the thing. the mattress, stove, tv, microwave, fridge, stereo, heat, AC all make mommies happy and we know when mommy is happy we are allowed to be happy.
Sounds good Bob ... have a safe trip, and the wife and I will start seeing if we can't figure out what it is we actually want.
The July time frame is much more likely that I could get over there to meet up with you in Ouray, I think ... although I will be headed south of Moab for a camping trip the weekend of April 21. By the direction on Google Maps (always conservative, IMO) the trip to Ouray looks like ~6 hrs ... so you're probably closer in your estimate than I was in mine. Maybe I'm remembering it as a longer trip, because when we did it the destination was ultimately Silverton, it was winter, and snowing over Red Mountain Pass.
As far as the hubs go, you're absolutely right ... it occurred to me that adapters might be a possibility after I posted; so as long as you don't think they'd be a problem for the bearings (most seem to think as long as they're properly installed and not overly thick, it's not an issue), that seems like a reasonable solution if the pattern's not available to match the Xterra.
Cheers,
-Jonathan
The July time frame is much more likely that I could get over there to meet up with you in Ouray, I think ... although I will be headed south of Moab for a camping trip the weekend of April 21. By the direction on Google Maps (always conservative, IMO) the trip to Ouray looks like ~6 hrs ... so you're probably closer in your estimate than I was in mine. Maybe I'm remembering it as a longer trip, because when we did it the destination was ultimately Silverton, it was winter, and snowing over Red Mountain Pass.
As far as the hubs go, you're absolutely right ... it occurred to me that adapters might be a possibility after I posted; so as long as you don't think they'd be a problem for the bearings (most seem to think as long as they're properly installed and not overly thick, it's not an issue), that seems like a reasonable solution if the pattern's not available to match the Xterra.
Cheers,
-Jonathan
Just got back in town, trailer made the 700 mile trip with no problems and had a great time.
As far as meeting in April that is possible I think, but will know more later. Going to get some rest, and I think start another trailer in the morning. Have some new ideas for it.
As far as meeting in April that is possible I think, but will know more later. Going to get some rest, and I think start another trailer in the morning. Have some new ideas for it.
Website is up, sorta
Started recieving emails regarding options form people I had never heard of before. Alas the web site was put into operation over the weekend, not all done, but the basics are there. Now I can work on becoming a vendor and site sponsor on several sites. Please make comments on it if you have time.
www.aspenxtrails.com
Started recieving emails regarding options form people I had never heard of before. Alas the web site was put into operation over the weekend, not all done, but the basics are there. Now I can work on becoming a vendor and site sponsor on several sites. Please make comments on it if you have time.
www.aspenxtrails.com
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