Very short shocks - Pop up camper conversion

[OGL]

Hey all!

Quick question and a status update:

What have you all used for a very short shock with a short travel? Possibly around 15" installed? A quick trip to the local dealer was not fruitful as they could only look up parts by vehicle.

My "build" update:

Removed the original torsion axle with 8" wheels

A quick mockup of new 2000# spring leaf with 12" wheels. I expect to achieve between 6"-8" of total lift with this setup.

The frame has been suitably reinforced to handle the new mounts and other weak spots.

Thanks to you all for great ideas, information and inspiration. The axle swap is probably the first step in a series of exciting mods.

 

[Woods]

I have some short shocks for sale. I had them on my trailer for about a month, for fitment only. They've never seen the street. Extended length from eye to eye is 14.5". Compressed length is 9.25" Most important, they are valved very well for a light trailer. They come from the font of a VW bug. My trailer rides excellently. The shock that I used is a little longer, but has the same valving. They are an EMPI P/N 9650. Would sell them for $30 for both plus shipping.

Do you have a build thread? I have a buddy who would like to do the same.

Hey all!

Quick question and a status update:

What have you all used for a very short shock with a short travel? Possibly around 15" installed? A quick trip to the local dealer was not fruitful as they could only look up parts by vehicle.

 

[OGL]

Thanks for the info!

I don't have a build thread as really the only thing I'm doing at the moment is swapping out the axle. I'd like to live with this setup for a year or so before I decide to do a rebuild in which case I'll likely build from the bottom up.

I don't have the specific measurements. I'll be trying to wrap this up tomorrow.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Why did you go through all of the extra effort to only mount 12 inch wheels? I popped that exact tire last summer on just a dirt road with some sharp rocks before putting a real axle and frame under the trailer. At least put these on there http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-New-Trail...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232182a47e&vxp=mtr to give you more stability and flex in the tire when going over rocks.

 

[OGL]

Why did you go through all of the extra effort to only mount 12 inch wheels? I popped that exact tire last summer on just a dirt road with some sharp rocks before putting a real axle and frame under the trailer. At least put these on there http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-New-Trail...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232182a47e&vxp=mtr to give you more stability and flex in the tire when going over rocks.

There are a number of reasons...not the least of which I admit, is that this is my first attempt at anything like this. In my younger days I bombed around anywhere I pleased in my rusty Suburban and slept in the back. I rarely thought twice before just going. Now there's a family, blah blah, we get older, blah blah and whatever. This combo made sense and was supported by my local trailer guy who I trust and knows what he's talking about.

I live in the midwest. The majority of my miles are gonna be highway miles. Any legit off road travel is gonna be the exception. But I think I'll have more options this way. Either way, I see it as a big step up from what I had before.

I think I fell into some luck that even with these mods the tires are well within the wells. Anything more radical would require some serious reworking of the frame and body.

Good tip on the tires, I still have the opportunity to explore options.

 

[jronwood]

No offense, but the FAT little tires can easily burn out a bearing at 70+mph on a long highway trip.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-New-Trail...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232182a47e&vxp=mtr

Taller is better. For me (I own 10-12 trailers) I would use a soft spring set up with a REAL tire, like 16" or even bullet proof 17.5's. The shock from a stiff tire can be dampened by the springs. The last thing I want is lightweight tire. I typically change all my 16" trailer tires to full steel cased Goodyear 215/225 "G" series tires, no sway, stiff tire, and less chance of puncture. I know I am talking over kill but this is Expo Portal right,...Sorry man.

Nice camper, and at least yo uare upgrading to something better.

Jronwood

 

[jeep-N-montero]

No offense, but the FAT little tires can easily burn out a bearing at 70+mph on a long highway trip.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-New-Trail...Parts_Accessories&hash=item232182a47e&vxp=mtr

Taller is better. For me (I own 10-12 trailers) I would use a soft spring set up with a REAL tire, like 16" or even bullet proof 17.5's. The shock from a stiff tire can be dampened by the springs. The last thing I want is lightweight tire. I typically change all my 16" trailer tires to full steel cased Goodyear 215/225 "G" series tires, no sway, stiff tire, and less chance of puncture. I know I am talking over kill but this is Expo Portal right,...Sorry man.

Nice camper, and at least yo uare upgrading to something better.

Jronwood

Who are you referring to, the tires I linked to will fit under his trailer, last quite well on dirt roads and reduce the possibility of burning up a bearing due to a larger diameter that will result in a slower rotation of the bearings. But what do I know, I have only built 5 trailers in the last 3 years.

 

[Greenmonkey]

I'm running the rancho rs999120 for shocks. There adjustable and u can get them very short. Fully compressed mine are about 10" bolt to bolt. I have mine set up at about 13" bolt to bolt. Hope this helps.

 

[OGL]

I'm running the rancho rs999120 for shocks. There adjustable and u can get them very short. Fully compressed mine are about 10" bolt to bolt. I have mine set up at about 13" bolt to bolt. Hope this helps.

Thanks all!

This is good info. I think I found a Monroe for about $25 that will do the trick. Similar measurements to this. Should be done Tuesday.

 

[jronwood]

Black JZ,

those are the ones you spec'ed on the Ebay link. I would use those only for around town use. I have had those and several friends and they seem to "zip" so fast that they like to burn out bearings. That was my only point, didnt mean to offend.

Jronwood

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Black JZ,

those are the ones you spec'ed on the Ebay link. I would use those only for around town use. I have had those and several friends and they seem to "zip" so fast that they like to burn out bearings. That was my only point, didnt mean to offend.

Jronwood

I was simply saying they would be a bit better than the smaller ones he put on it, I don't run anything smaller than 31's on my trailers.

 

[jronwood]

I hear you, big is good for slow roll and easy getting over stuff.

Jronwood

 

[OGL]

Done and Done

My "overlander" is complete.

This forum has been a true source of inspiration and information. Thanks to you all!

While clearly my rig is not in the class of most of your off road rides, I'm quite confident it will get me to places it wouldn't have gone before. There were some driveways I wouldn't have cleared.

I'd show some underside pics but they're pathetic. This project was the first time I've ever even held a welder. The seams look like a monkey barfed up a bunch of solder. But it's solid.

Thanks again and I'll post pics of our trip in September.

 

[Woods]

Look'n good. Congrats.

We're all looking forward to some adventure pics.

My "overlander" is complete.

This forum has been a true source of inspiration and information. Thanks to you all!

While clearly my rig is not in the class of most of your off road rides, I'm quite confident it will get me to places it wouldn't have gone before. There were some driveways I wouldn't have cleared.

I'd show some underside pics but they're pathetic. This project was the first time I've ever even held a welder. The seams look like a monkey barfed up a bunch of solder. But it's solid.

Thanks again and I'll post pics of our trip in September.

 

[jscusmcvet]

My "overlander" is complete.

This forum has been a true source of inspiration and information. Thanks to you all!

While clearly my rig is not in the class of most of your off road rides, I'm quite confident it will get me to places it wouldn't have gone before. There were some driveways I wouldn't have cleared.

I'd show some underside pics but they're pathetic. This project was the first time I've ever even held a welder. The seams look like a monkey barfed up a bunch of solder. But it's solid.

Thanks again and I'll post pics of our trip in September.

Looks great and the work done seemed weell thought out for your goals for the rig. Congrats! How does it pull behind the Forester?

John