How long is too long? (2 Viewers)

[abosely]

Ok, I know that's like asking how long is a piece of string! Lol

I am working on designing an offroad trailer to be pulled behind a stretched ('18) HJ40, kind of an HJ43.5.

Basically a 30% scaled up M416 trailer.
The bottom width would be about 52" & 90" long, all the other dimentions scaled up also.

Will have widened rear axle with 60" WMS to WMS & 255/85 16 tires and 3.5" BS
So a 52" or there about bottom width. Subject to verification of course.

So is a 7'6" to long for an offroad trailer?
I know most anything can be dragged around but what is a good practical max length?

Allen

 

[John E Davies]

My trailer is 10 feet from tailgate to coupler, the box is around 6.5 ft, and that is as long as I would ever want behind a Series 80. I can usually do a series of maneuvers and u-turn in a wide spot in a forest road, if there are no major obstructions on the shoulders. OTH you can always jackknife it 90 degrees, uncouple it and then reattach after turning around. You really need parking brakes for that maneuver.

Regardless of the length, it's important that the design of both truck and trailer allows you to jacknkife beyond 90 degrees with no contact. Mine will do about 110 degrees on dead level ground, and then the armored rear bumper hits the spare tire - with no damage to either... This makes for confidence maneuvering off pavement.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[abosely]

I'm not going to carry much on the tongue.
I'll prob mount the spare tire vertical on front of box & have a small tongue box in front of that. Just big enough to put a battery, chocks & a few straps.
As small as I can have it & store that in it.

Maybe go with a 7' bed & as short of a cargo tongue. Then a single hitch tongue.

Allen

 

[Chris Wilcox]

I'd be interested to see your design. I have a "HJ43" myself. FJ40 lenghtened 150mm with 2H/Auto/Split case stuffed in. I also have future trailer design ideas.
Chris

 

[se2000]

The most important question is "What Terrain". If there are no serious vertical angles, you can go longer. If you don't have to turn in tight spaces, you can go longer.
You know, a bagged trailer would give you more options for a longer trailer.

 

[ntsqd]

Our TrailBlazer's new frame was built with an extendable tongue. I can say that I've only ever used it to make moving it around the yard easier to do by hand.
It will never be the perfect length for everything. Make it a length that allows it to tow with stability on the highway and live with it everywhere else.