Toyota sunrader
- Thread starter Edward Terry
- Start date
FreedomTraveler
Observer
Edward,
Sounds like an ambitious project.
You might want to consider posting pictures on this site as some of us don't do FB.
Having done two Sunrader project; one Truck Camper model on to a Silverado and one side door shorty on to a Dodge W250 I might have some ideas.
In the meantime, if you haven't all ready check out http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php there are a lot of knowledgeable folks on this site that can help you with the Toyota information. There is also some great Sunrader builds including a 4x4 project ongoing with YouTube videos.
Good luck with your project,
Sounds like an ambitious project.
You might want to consider posting pictures on this site as some of us don't do FB.
Having done two Sunrader project; one Truck Camper model on to a Silverado and one side door shorty on to a Dodge W250 I might have some ideas.
In the meantime, if you haven't all ready check out http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/index.php there are a lot of knowledgeable folks on this site that can help you with the Toyota information. There is also some great Sunrader builds including a 4x4 project ongoing with YouTube videos.
Good luck with your project,
Edward Terry
New member
For sure! HaGoing to be a neat project, but you going to need more truck
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FreedomTraveler
Observer
Edward,
I'll try not to be negative, since your in the planing stage I will bring up the following for you to consider;
If you upgrade the motor I see no issue with pulling the load, however controlling, supporting, and stopping the combination may be an issue.
-With a single axle trailer like you propose, all of the weight you place in the area under the sleeper will be transferred to the Tongue.
Tongue weight is simply the downward force that the tongue of the trailer exerts on the hitch that is connected to the vehicle. ... Weigh Safe – as well as most experts agree – that an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer is somewhere between 9 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight
-Does your 81 Have the full floating six lug axle? If so, what is is rated to support? If not, go no further until you address this issue. ( Much discussed on Toyota Motorhome Forum. )
-What is the frame / truck rated to tow? ( Pulling and Tongue. ) You may? be able to upgrade the brakes and add power, but you still are left with a frame that was built to just support the Sunrader body.
-Another major issue I see from your drawing is the distance from the trailer wheel to the tow vehicle, going downhill or in cross winds this may cause sway issues. You can use a sway bar hitch but these are very heavy and would add to your tongue weight.
https://www.hensleymfg.com/trailer-sway-101/
Attached is a picture of my W250 / Sunrader towing a parts truck in excess of 7000lbs. This truck has a much stronger frame, axle, and braking system designed to tow this weight safe and legal.
Finally, I noticed that your plan calls for two spares on top of each other at the back of the trailer. Attached is a picture on how I did it on my project;
-Relocated the SR Taillights down low, bolt a cheep trailer tire holder(s) thru the body and support on the inside with pressure treated 2x6 running down to the base to transfer the load. Add second set of lights above the spare tires for safety. This would allow you to retain the use of the big back window in the dinette.
Look forward to seeing what you end up with.
Safe Travels,
I'll try not to be negative, since your in the planing stage I will bring up the following for you to consider;
If you upgrade the motor I see no issue with pulling the load, however controlling, supporting, and stopping the combination may be an issue.
-With a single axle trailer like you propose, all of the weight you place in the area under the sleeper will be transferred to the Tongue.
Tongue weight is simply the downward force that the tongue of the trailer exerts on the hitch that is connected to the vehicle. ... Weigh Safe – as well as most experts agree – that an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer is somewhere between 9 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight
-Does your 81 Have the full floating six lug axle? If so, what is is rated to support? If not, go no further until you address this issue. ( Much discussed on Toyota Motorhome Forum. )
-What is the frame / truck rated to tow? ( Pulling and Tongue. ) You may? be able to upgrade the brakes and add power, but you still are left with a frame that was built to just support the Sunrader body.
-Another major issue I see from your drawing is the distance from the trailer wheel to the tow vehicle, going downhill or in cross winds this may cause sway issues. You can use a sway bar hitch but these are very heavy and would add to your tongue weight.
https://www.hensleymfg.com/trailer-sway-101/
Attached is a picture of my W250 / Sunrader towing a parts truck in excess of 7000lbs. This truck has a much stronger frame, axle, and braking system designed to tow this weight safe and legal.
Finally, I noticed that your plan calls for two spares on top of each other at the back of the trailer. Attached is a picture on how I did it on my project;
-Relocated the SR Taillights down low, bolt a cheep trailer tire holder(s) thru the body and support on the inside with pressure treated 2x6 running down to the base to transfer the load. Add second set of lights above the spare tires for safety. This would allow you to retain the use of the big back window in the dinette.
Look forward to seeing what you end up with.
Safe Travels,
Attachments
Edward Terry
New member
This was just an i
This is a cool idea for a trailer built out of a sunrader. I have been educated and understand the foolishness that would take place to try and tow such a trailer with a sunrader. I still think it would be a sweet trailer build. I have now turned my sights on purchasing a "Kustom Police Radar Trailer" for my sunrader. I will be starting the sunrader build soon. Its a strange one, I've never seen one like it. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, I have been planed to plan about planning, but the closer it gets the more ignorant and unprepared I feel. I will be grateful for any type of support and advice. I
Edward Terry
New member
This is more practical, I am planning for something more reasonable now. I like the Kustom Police Radar Trailers. I also like the idea of building my own teardrop style trailer.
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