Utiility Trailer turned into Offroad Trailer

[ACFaulk]

This is awesome. I've been wanting to do this for so long. Thinking it may be time to find the utility trailer to start the build with.

 

[85badger]

When I bought this trailer I knew the tongue would need to be replaced because it looked a bit tweaked and I knew I wanted a 3-axis coupler. So out with old, in with the new. I extended it farther back to tie in with the new cross member that I installed awhile back. The unseen portion is 2"x2"x 3/16". It protrudes into the 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 1/4" wall and 48" long. I wanted to lengthen the tongue some to help with backing so it's roughly going to be 1 1/2' longer.
Original Tongue


New tongue (Northern Tool)

Added a swivel jack (Northern Tool)

 

[85badger]

I wanted a way to monitor the battery voltage so I installed a LED meter connected to the switch for the water.


I mounted it inside the shower kit in order to see it on the outside.



I also was able to take it out for a spin to see how it performed. Took it to a local dirt pile...this is Kansas, as good as it gets for me! Lol

 

[East Coast Overland]

This is awesome. Very inspiring. I have a ghetto trailer that looks just like the one you started with and use it to haul a lof of fire wood around and each time I'm afraid the tires will explode under load over rough terrain. Axle swap definitely seems to be the way to go. My old pathfinder wheels hardly have any offset / Backspacing, how did you figure what would fit and what doesn't?

 

[85badger]

I measured the wheel from the hub mounting surface to the inside of the tire, parallel with the axle. Mine was approx. (6.5"). I then determined the distance from the tire to the frame of the trailer (1 3/4"). Add that together, then add the distance from the frame to the center of the spring perch. Mine was (3.5"). I ordered mine from redneck trailer supply, on their website there is a picture depicting these dimensions that they require to get the axle made. It's very simple, you just need to know where you want your tires.

 

[East Coast Overland]

Awesome thanks!