Trailer Question (2 Viewers)

[bkdraft]

Just wondering about the guys that pull trailers behind their FJ40, do you worry about the axle width? Do you build/buy trailers that match the axle width so they track? Or not worry too much about that?

 

[scrapdaddy]

This might help....Trailer Wiring Diagrams | etrailer.com

 

[scrapdaddy]

Wow! I must of posted for the wrong question. Sorry man, that link wouldn't help at all.

 

[DTSkyCop]

When you figure out the axle width question... Guess the there might have been a question about wiring of your trailer so he figured... Let's answer that question now...

I do not have the answer, but I looked at the link too and saw NOTHING related to your question which I was curious about as a 40 owner myself looking to get a trailer down the road!

 

[scrapdaddy]

I was trying to help the guy who asked about wiring, but since I'm in this one now, I'll say if you're going to build your own trailer, then build to width. If your buying one much wider than the vehicle, then you always have to remember it on trails. I would think smaller would be better than wider, unless your COG is way off and you need the extra width for stability.

Now about that wiring...

 

[ntsqd]

You pays your money and you takes your chances. If it is the same track width then the inside trailer tire will track inside of the TV's (Tow Vehicle) tracks in a corner, potentially hitting the bump that you just steered the TV around. If it is narrower then it won't do that, but it will shift side to side in deep ruts wider than it and jostle the TV around in process.

 

[cruiserpilot]

I have a highway trailer, slightly wider than my 60. Longer reach for better, smoother tracking. I've used it on
back roads, but think had it been the same track width I wouldn't hit the stumps and rocks that I dodge with the
truck. So I'd say same width. Not narrower, as it will not have the same stability as a truck and will be prone to
rolling. SUA as well for stability and tracking.

 

[BionicCruiser]

honestly if it's close(3-4" per side), it shouldn't matter much, depending on the trailer you have and how you use it. trees are a little more of a concern with wider. for rocks, the trailer just goes over them if I drove the 40 around it (extra width is more stable so no problem). I've had mine on the Rubicon, Utah, the forests here in NM and never had an issue. now the qualifier is this- my tongue is shorter than I would like, so it tracks very close to my 40's track. it was a hair wider initially, but with the new wheels/tires it's about the same or 1-2" narrower, and I can't tell the difference off road. hitch to axle is the same as a 416. SOA, pintle, and it is smooth towing even on the highway, unless I get the tongue too light. I built it for the rubicon trip, so it is a bit of a monster. here's some pics of what I mean-

 

[bkdraft]

I have an old trailer that I am going to cut down and rebuild. Think I will go ahead and cut the axle to make it same width as the FJ40 so it will track.

 

[NMBruce]

I did a home build trailer (55" hub face to hub face) and I also had to use a 2" spacer for the AVE wheels to fit, which axle width about 4" inside my Rubicon track width (61"). The trailer pulled find going down the road and I think the narrow width helped on the trails. I think it should also track great behind my GX470 that has a track of 62" and here I used a 2" spacers to go from 5 lugs to 6 lugs.

 

[peteinjp]

The length from the trailer axle to the hitch relative to the hitch to vehicle rear axle length has a great affect on trailer clearing obstacles. The shorter length on the trailer the better. The tradeoff being a short length is a real pita
to back up - especially without power steering.

My m100 can take as sharp a radius as my bj46- it's perfect for going forward.....

 

[NMBruce]

For that reason and traveling on a ferry, my tongue slides in and out, has 5 different adjustment holes. Normally I keep it so that I can jack knife the trailer.

 

[peteinjp]

Why would you want to jackknife it?


Pete

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

I'm in BionicCruisers camp with a 40 series based trailer. I love knowing if the cruiser fits, the trailer fits. I know the track is the same so I find it easierto plan my my route accordingly.

 

[NMBruce]

Why would you want to jackknife it?


Pete

for camping, I can put it at 90 degs and then use a tarp to make a really nice cover, get into tighter areas.
When backing, let me turn around in tighter stops and don't have to worry about body damage, it clears the jeep or GX