Trailer Build

[jamesurq]

So I'm planning to build out my small enclosed trailer as a camper of sorts. I'd like to avoid the 18" drop hitch for pulling with Biscuit - and the 4 or 6" drop from the 40.

What I'd like to do is do a SOA flip and put some meatier tires - probably 31's or 33's if they'll fit.

Question is, what will that do to the stability of the trailer? The tongue length is quite short - does that make a difference?

Either way, I want a little more height - and SOA and 31's would give me that. But I obviously don't want to create a trailer that sways all over the road.

Any reason why I shouldn't? Or is there a more stable lift that you suggest?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

As a rule of thumb, you want to go out as you go up. Are you planning on sticking with the factory trailer axle or upgrading to something with hubs that match the bolt pattern on your cruisers?

We did a SOA on @Burt88 's little utility trailer and it seemed to be just as stable as before the SOA.

 

[fourtrax]

You can always make the trailer tongue longer and use the extra area to put some storage on the front of the trailer it will also give you a better turning characteristics when you're backing it up. And if you're off-road having the trailer a little bit farther away from the vehicle in an off-camber situations will keep you from creating any body damage.

 

[stevezero]

check out teardrops and tiny travel trailers www.tnttt.com Theyve got a whole section devoted to cargo trailer conversions. Its the mud version of trailer camping

 

[jamesurq]

As a rule of thumb, you want to go out as you go up. Are you planning on sticking with the factory trailer axle or upgrading to something with hubs that match the bolt pattern on your cruisers?

We did a SOA on @Burt88 's little utility trailer and it seemed to be just as stable as before the SOA.

Was planning on using factory axle and wheels although I'd consider swapping to Toyota pattern if I have to run spacers anyway to get the width right.

 

[erymer]

Let me just say that I have been spending a s*** ton of time here lately.

Expedition Trailers - Expedition Portal

Maybe something like this?
Enclosed Cargo Trailer for Offroad Use - Expedition Portal

 

[stevezero]

thats an expensive website to frequent, Eric

 

[GLTHFJ60]

First thing I'd do then is do a SOA, then see if you think it's more or less stable. Get someone to help you flip the trailer upside down and it takes maybe two hours to flip the axle over the springs.

Here's a very fuzzy picture of when Mike and I did this on his utility trailer:

 

[jamesurq]

I don't see flipping it as an option, honestly. It's just a little bit big for that.

Luckily I have a plethora of jack stands, so I think i'll just be lifting it up...

Any clue how much lift he ended up with after the SOA?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

No, we didn't measure. Lift height for your trailer should be the thickness of the axle tube (with spring perches) plus the thickness of the spring pack. If I had to guess for mike's trailer it was somewhere around 5".

 

[Rice]

No, we didn't measure. Lift height for your trailer should be the thickness of the axle tube (with spring perches) plus the thickness of the spring pack. If I had to guess for mike's trailer it was somewhere around 5".

Don't forget the "biscuit" spacers.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

 

[Rice]

So I'm planning to build out my small enclosed trailer as a camper of sorts. I'd like to avoid the 18" drop hitch for pulling with Biscuit - and the 4 or 6" drop from the 40.

What I'd like to do is do a SOA flip and put some meatier tires - probably 31's or 33's if they'll fit.

Question is, what will that do to the stability of the trailer? The tongue length is quite short - does that make a difference?

Either way, I want a little more height - and SOA and 31's would give me that. But I obviously don't want to create a trailer that sways all over the road.

Any reason why I shouldn't? Or is there a more stable lift that you suggest?

On a more serious note .....

They do make adapters that will allow you to keep your axle/hub and swap to a Toyota bolt pattern. If you want extra width that is something to consider. For about the same $$$ you can also pull off the 5 lug hubs on the axle and replace with 6 lug.


Adapter/spacer

All you have to be sure of is the spindle and hub combo match (usually they are matched according to load rating of the axle)

Ultra-Tow Ultra Pack Trailer Hub — 6 on 5 1/2in. 2750 lb. Capacity | Trailer Hubs| Northern Tool + Equipment

For the spring-over conversion don't worry about pulling off the old perches .... a new set from Northern Tool is cheap and can be welded in without issue.

For added stability you may even consider mounting a set of shocks .... also a kit they make for trailers and easy to put on.

 

[jamesurq]

Hocky pucks as spring spacers? GENIUS! I've seen them as body 'lift' spacers before.

So, new spring perches
Shock kit
spacers - I'm not going to bother switching to Toyota, the wheels would be too small to use as a spare on any of the cruisers anyway - so I don't see a lot of benefit. I'll likely just put wider/taller tires.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Why do you need new spring perches? Does this trailer have brakes?

 

[jamesurq]

I didn't think I did. I mean, if I had coil springs I would, right.

No brakes.

I thought I literally pulled the leaf springs off, turned the Ubolts around and reattached the them on top instead of underneath...

 

[Mtbcoach]

When I built mine, I opted to spring over mine, with 33's, brings it right to the receiver on my 80 (9R16's and OME J lift) with 4x4 labs bumper. I'm still amazed how well mine tracks behind with the short tongue. I'm sure one important factor is I put the 20g water tank right over the axle, keeping the 200 lbs low and centered.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I didn't think I did. I mean, if I had coil springs I would, right.

No brakes.

I thought I literally pulled the leaf springs off, turned the Ubolts around and reattached the them on top instead of underneath...

Just flip the axle housing over, exactly, no reason for new spring perches.

 

[Rice]

Just flip the axle housing over, exactly, no reason for new spring perches.

Yup. That's my fault ... I had diff on the brain.

 

[David70FJ40]

Very interesting thread. If I was able to camp often I would consider making one also.