right size FJ40 hauler? (1 Viewer)

[devildoglt]

Still building up my FJ40 and need to tow it back and forth to the shop on base before it starts running. After I get it done I would like to be able to tow my FJ and three dirt bikes.

Can I make this happen on a 16' trailer or should i go with an 18'?

Thanks.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Fj40 is 13' long. I expect you'll have a tough time getting 3 dirt bikes on the remaining 3' of a 16' trailer.
Balance in a consideration here, tow vehicle, etc. as well. I'd think 18' would manage it ok

 

[batcon]

I have a 16' trailer and I have hauled my 40 with bikes on it, but it's a challenge. Get the 18 footer.

 

[devildoglt]

Will this one get the job done?

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/for/4626017373.html

 

[Fast Eddy]

Yea, that one looks pretty nice actually.

 

[devildoglt]

thanks Eddy. Having wife go get it soon.

 

[Mace]

looks kinda on the lite side to me...

 

[Helipilot]

That trailer is very light, just an angle iron frame on two 3,500 # axles. I would not trust it to last very long. The trailer will probably weigh close to a grand, the FJ40 is about 4,500 and the bikes around 350 each, so you are pushing close to 6,000. Sounds like you are OK but the frame is the limiting factor. On smooth pavement you could get away with it, on rough roads it will be dicey. It must have electric brakes or it can be a disaster. Good luck!

I just looked at the photo of the hitch, it does have brakes and the required break-a-way battery. So you are legal for 50 state trailering.

 

[batcon]

Trailer looks lightly built to me. You mentioned hauling bikes along with the 40, so the weight will creep up on you.

 

[Mace]

3,500 lb axles are not really that big of a deal. The main thing is the way the trailer is built, Angle Iron is prone to flexing considerably more than C channel or box steel. And I'm wary of how the tongue supports the rest of the trailer. Look at how this trailer is constructed, it's supported all the way back to the axles. Which is a good thing IMHO.

 

[Fast Eddy]

You don't think the full square tube frame, all the way around, makes up for the angle iron? I do.

I didn't notice the square tube tongue didn't go all the way back to the axle. It's pretty hard to tell what's going on underneath by the pictures in the ad.

 

[Mace]

I honestly do not. I also don't see a full square tube frame (angle Iron instead) or a square tube tongue.

That is a light duty trailer, I hope it has brakes on at least one axle...

Light angle special
http://www.txcustomtrailers.com/trailer/light-angle-special

 

[Mace]

Here's about the best write-up that I have found on what makes a good trailer.

http://www.synthx.com/articles/trailer-design.html

 

[devildoglt]

So just picked this up at an auction on base. 16' long deck by 83" between the wheels. Was hoping to find a 18 footer but this was $1500 out the door so I couldn't pass it up. Other than new lights I need to put in some tie down spots. Going to get some weld on D rings for the front and sides but can anyone tell me about the recessed points? Will they hold? Should I weld them on? Do I need backing plates or any other support for metal decks? All I have found is installation on wood but see pics of them online installed on this type.

Lastly, I am going to reaping it... What color should I go with? Black is obvious but it gets to 120 here in the summer and I am afraid to fry eggs on it. Or should I go that route anyways?

Thanks for all your advice

 

[CycloSteve]

OD 383 Green

 

[Mace]

Looks good. All colors will get hot. White is a bit better tho.

 

[ntsqd]

I'd go with a light tan, maybe one of the Cruiser tan/beige's. That way it won't show dirt as much.
I'd suggest building fenders that can be driven on. Bury the tail lights in their trailing face to better protect them.

 

[sggoat]

3,500 lb axles are not really that big of a deal. The main thing is the way the trailer is built, Angle Iron is prone to flexing considerably more than C channel or box steel. And I'm wary of how the tongue supports the rest of the trailer. Look at how this trailer is constructed, it's supported all the way back to the axles. Which is a good thing IMHO.

That one looks a little too tongue-heavy to me(I'm not a trailer person, mind you).