wasted space? (1 Viewer)

[Cannonball55]

Hi, I'm new here so please dont flame me for asking a question.

I've been reading some of the trailer build threads and noticed that generally speaking homebuilt trailers (the only one i saw that was the exception was the mobile base command thread with the utility bed being used for the trailer) the area above, infront, and behind the wheels is usually left open. it often gets a gas/water can mount, but those can just as easily be put inside or on the tongue.

is there some other purpose? or is it for simplicty (even with some of the elaborate build threads) or is it an area that is commonly overlooked?

I plan on building a trailer in the "near" future. meaning within the next few years, and am just trying to get a feel for things.

Thanks!
-Eric

 

[e9999]

I can't see that there is a deep hidden meaning to not using that space. Most people just may not see that as needed.
Personally, I'd put Jerry cans or equivalent size storage containers there as it's just the right size and easy to access, which is a plus.
You'd want to be careful that whatever you put on is on a strong enough mount so it may take some fabbing.
I would be careful not to put stuff on the tongue that will get in the way of tight turning or opening tire mounts, gates etc.

 

[swampman]

that above ^^^ and i dont really want liquids bouncing around inside my trailer,, stuff hapens and gear soaked in fuel is not my idea of fun, , i have a basket on the tounge, where my liquids and propane reside while travelling,,

 

[greentruck]

If you expect to do any serious backing up with your trailer, you need a tongue that's long enough to let you jackknife without fear of crunching anything on the back of the truck or front of the trailer.

The tongue is a good place to put loads that may change in weight. Once the fuel or water is used, the rest of the load is still balanced.

I've got mixed feelings about fuel inside the trailer vs on the tongue. We run 5, 5 gal cans across the front of the trailer bed, mostly water, but can be gas in the mix, too. I've got good cans that don't leak, but having them inside is more protective on the trail.

Eventually, I'd like to put a can carrier on each side of the bed in front of the wheels, though, some of mine will be hanging out in the wind, too, in the long run. But that configuration will let us carry 25 gals water (one can in the truck) and 15 gallons of fuel. I've got a LPG cylinder mount tucked in on top of the towbar of the trailer. I usually don't need a clean drawbar when out in the sticks, but there are some places the rig will go in the Rockies where I know I want it that way

More generally, how you plan to use the towbar and how long it should be are important design factors that should be given more thought than "just hooking up" your offroad trailer. Everyone has different needs and plans, so figure out what you want. The one thing that's not there is a a LOT of room. Heck, I'd like to get another LPG tank, a spare tire, and some batteries to fit there, too... but it doesn't

EDIT: Here's a pic of the drawbar and front of our M101.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

How about 20mm ammo cans? These can be mounted on the sides instead of jerry cans. However, there has to be room for the lid to open (it actually comes off as it is not hinged but clamped at both ends), so take into account spacing from the body.

 

[Shipwreck]

Leaving those spaces open is not necessarily a waste of space.

I had originally planned to mount gas cans or propane in those areas as many others do, but after using my trailer frequently I've decided to leave the steps on either end of the fender open. I've found that having that flat space open to set a wrench, a tool or a beer on is valuable. I have a fold down tailgate, but it is often filled with a stove, kitchen box and cutting board. I need those extra flat spots to step up onto the trailer to retrieve items in the center or to use as stable flat work surfaces. If I were to place anything permanently in that space it might be a vise.
Food for thought...

 

[Vitesse_6]

Eventually I will be building some removable counters for cooking and what not on the sides of my trailer.

I think it is more simplistic to have the fenders on the outside of the trailer, That way you wont have the fenders built into the bed of the trailer, I know some Military trailers have small wheel wells inside the box, But they look relatively small.

The tongue is a good place if you ask me, Just make sure its long enough.

 

[sirenmoses]

I've also thought about, and paper-napkin'd, hauling cans on the outside of both my current beater trailer, and a 416. It looks like a "d'uh", but once you start playing with the measurements, the (lack of) tolerances quickly reveal themselves.

As does the possiblity of thievery (when traveling to/from wheeln spots, not from wheelers), against which preventive measures cost more than the fuel + can, + mount, unless multiple outings over years are planed. Add in possiblilty of puncture by treelimb, rock outcropping, fencepost or other intrusive object, and run your own numbers.

Is the haulage worth the risk, for that location?

Just my ramblings, HTH