Transmission-powered Expedition Trailer

[Martyn]

This is what I have, as I said video won't be processed until next week.
I'm slightly puzzled by the copper tubing, it seems to be some sort of mechanical/hydraulic override break system.

 

[FotoValpen]

Interesting! Thanks.

 

[FotoValpen]

Today I removed the bed of the trailer. I was held on with 4 U-bolts and was very easy to lift off. It was nice to see that the wood wasn't at all rotten after 40+ years and the the trailer fram was also in fantastic shape.

The next step is to check out the power transfer case for any damage, run new electrical wires, change all the hoses and install the new brake cylinder.

The old brake cylinder.

Vacuum for engaging and disengaging the PT Case to allow drive to the trailer's axel.

 

[Root Moose]

Am I the only one that has the word "harmonics" pop into his head when looking at this picture?

 

[FotoValpen]

Last night we changed the splines on the outlet on the back of the truck to match the splines on the trailer.

Then we mounted the extra power transfer case on the truck in order to connect the outlet on the back of the truck to the trucks main power transfer case.

We could hardly wait to see if the vacuum for engaging and disengaging the power transfer case on the trailer worked so we temporarily connected everything. The lever that will later be installed in the cab looks like this.

Here is a video on YouTube when we test the engagement:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Axsb27cEwE

 

[FotoValpen]

Today we tested the trailer in Rimbo Sweden. The only thing we didn't get hooked up was the brakes. All I can say after todays test is " *?#€%&#!!! Everyone should have one!"

Check out the film here: (I warn all Tread Lightly viewers that the tree was accidentally run over and that we too normally tread lightly)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4JwHQ0PbAU

 

[charlieaarons]

Well from experience, they actually don't unlock, because you have natural windup between front and rear diffs, this force keeps them engaged, the odd accassion you might be lucky, but most of the time no way, the design is all good in theory but not in practice.

The front/rear Lockrites work very well on my Dodge M37. It does have power steering. I wouldn't put a Lockrite on the trailer diff, that might have unpredictable results.
And make sure the trailer tires are a bit smaller than the vehicle's, if possible.

Charlie

 

[FotoValpen]

Why should the tires be slightly smaller?

 

[Martyn]

Why should the tires be slightly smaller?

I'd also like to understand that.

I would have thought that identical tires size throughout would have been the answer, the same reasoning we have identical tires on a 4x4.

 

[Bodo]

I think it's to make sure that the trailer is always being 'pulled' buy the truck, instead of 'pushing'.

 

[Root Moose]

Sounds like a recipe for funky tire wear and drag on the lead vehicle.

 

[alan]

Wow!! I love that trailer! I want one.

I have always wondered about fitting hydraulic motors to a trailer, and drive them from a pump on the tow vehicle, can anyone tell me if it's possible? I'm no hydraulics expert.

 

[Lynn]

There's at least one hydraulically-driven trailer out there:

Maximog

 

[Martyn]

Wow!! I love that trailer! I want one.

I have always wondered about fitting hydraulic motors to a trailer, and drive them from a pump on the tow vehicle, can anyone tell me if it's possible? I'm no hydraulics expert.

Yes hydraulic drive is possible, but the answer in the future may be the electric driven hubs made by Synergy Innovations. They have already made a mini that does 150 mph, powered by four electric motors on the hubs that produce 160hp each.

 

[charlieaarons]

Why should the tires be slightly smaller?

As the other man said, so the truck slightly pulls the trailer instead of being pushed.
Try driving a 4X4 with center diff locked with new tires on the rear and worn in the front, on snow or ice. It is not fun. With new tires on front and worn in the rear, it tracks straight. I have personally tried this.
By "slightly smaller" I mean the same nominal size, but use the most worn pair on the trailer.

Charlie