Off Road Trailer build Question

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Goebeler

Goebeler

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Apr 9, 2003
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Libertyville, Il.
My son and I are going to try to build an offroad trailer. I have a small old military trailer to start with. Years ago I did a spring over on it but now think I want to get a newer axle that will have the same wheel pattern as the 4runner we are woking on. The goal is to run 285's on it that match the 4 runner.

Anyone know how to build an axle for something like this? We can go to some local shops but would like to learn a bit before going that route.
 
I suppose you can make a beam axle and attach spindles to the outside.

But I would just get a Tacoma rear axle with the same gear ratio as the 4 runner (assuming this is what this is for). It should be cheap and is a good place to store axle shafts and 3rd members.
 
I/we (not me) could make you an axle but obviously the spindle could be a problem, so..... we could just make you the beam with springs (or a torsion axle) with out the spindle and you would have to figure out the spindle.
Or, maybe we could get lucky and we would have a stock spindle that would match up with bearings that would fit whatever hub you are using.
 
I'm with john and just get a Toyota axle and use that. Bonus points if you cut the cab off a frame and use the bed/frame/axle for a trailer.

I would love to build one of these trailers with a roof top tent.

Link to thread dedicated to trailers: The "Un-Offical" Off Road Trailer Pic Thread
 
It is going to go behind the 4runner at this point. Looking to build it with a bunch of storage, two bikes, and rooftop tent. Tent could also go on 4runner or bikes can. I am hoping to run the same wheels as the 4runner. I looked at the link and the majority have matching wheels and some type of straight axle. What the heck is a beam? My goal is a good looking trailer that can carry lots of crap for two people on trips.

Tacoma idea sounds simple if I can find the axle and the width is close. The other idea Gappy sounds better but sounds like the coming up with spindle option is a pain in the ass. Could we get lucky and find something to fit the Toyota pattern? Stupid money?
 
Toy pattern is 6x5.5
 
I have several rear ends from IFS trucks.
You can have one , gratis, if it'll work for you.
Lemme know your width & I'll check it out.
 
if you (or someone) let me know the inner and outer bearing part numbers that would be used I can tell you real quick if I have a stock spindle to fit. If I do then this is easy peezy and with the friend of gappy discount it would be cheap.
 
mmmm. FOG discount.
Mmm.webp
 
I put 6x5.5 trailer brakes on my trailer. The axles are 6000 lb. I'll see if I cank dig up a link.
 
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Cool links. Thanks for that. I am not sure i have the skills to build the axle though.
Gappy,
Do these parts translate to anything you work with? I could order some stuff up and find the tube. Then find someone with better welding skills then I have and get it built somehow. My ear is that if I do it, it will work til i get to some road out west in the middle of nowhere and fall apart…

Good Tech so far! Keep it coming.
I was originally thinking to match for bringing spare parts, but now think I will bring a few parts and just get the trailer built so it looks cool and serves a purpose of dragging a bunch of crap on trips.

John, what is the pipe diam the pipe bender die works with? Thinking of a few ideas for tent rack, bike rack, and slides..
 
Pipe is for poop. The only die I have for the tube bender is 1.75".
 
x factor said:
Spindle 2.25" RD x 6" STUB Redline Trailer Spindles R50642

Trailer Hub Assembly - 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 Dexter Trailer Hubs and Drums 42655UC1

This is what you would need to build your own axle except of corse the tube. They have round tube spindles.
Thomas could check the specs and see if that is one of his common sizes.

The 6x5.5 brakes for my trailer have the turbo trucks stock wheels on them so it is the correct pattern.
Click to expand...

Goebs, I have these hubs and spindles in stock and could whip you up a torsion or spring axle to your spec pretty quick.
Not something we ever do for the public cuz we aint retail and we hate people but you are a friend of Gappy.
The spindle would also be "bearing lubed" or some know as a "buddy bearing", basically no disassemble needed to lube the bearings.
 
Friend of Goebs.
Works.


I will figure out trailer width next time I go north so I can get width. I will most likely fk up the width...

Thanks for helping! Can't wait to start this project and have it ready by spring.
 
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