Transmission-powered Expedition Trailer

Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
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.

IMG_0230.jpg


IMG_0263.jpg


IMG_0231.jpg


IMG_0232.jpg


IMG_0233.jpg


IMG_0235.jpg


IMG_0242.jpg


IMG_0238.jpg


IMG_0239.jpg
 

FotoValpen

Adventurer
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.

drivkarra41.jpg




drivkarra42.jpg



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.
drivkarra43.jpg




The old brake cylinder.
drivkarra44.jpg




Vacuum for engaging and disengaging the PT Case to allow drive to the trailer's axel.
drivkarra45.jpg




drivkarra46.jpg



drivkarra47.jpg
 

FotoValpen

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

drivkarra51.jpg



drivkarra52.jpg



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.

drivkarra53.jpg



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.

drivkarra54.jpg


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

FotoValpen

Adventurer
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
 
Last edited:
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
 

Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
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

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

alan

Explorer
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.
 

Martyn

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
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.
 
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
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,834
Messages
2,921,465
Members
232,931
Latest member
Northandfree
Top