Here is another video of my foamie in off road action.
[youtube]zdINI5DeZwc[/youtube]
This year is winding down so it is time for some more thoughts on the foamie.
The foamie has worked out great this last year. I took it on quite a few long distance trips. I had anticipated rougher roads though so a bit disappointed in that. Lots of wash board though, which in reality is probably the worst conditions and a good test to glued joints.
The biggest issue I have found is gravel roads. Kicked up rocks basically sandblasts the metal parts and bigger rocks can dimple the foam/canvas. I guess mud flaps on the Jeep would be good, but I am looking at the trailer to be self protecting. Some thoughts are in mind for that. The gravel also tends to get lodged between the trailer body and the fender support. The fenders flexs when going down the road which allows the gravel to lodge more and more into the foam. I Think this is a bigger issue since I had to raise the fenders 2" to accommodate the 13" tires. Better fenders are probably the solution for this and if done right will cover the damage the gravel has done to the foam.
I have found that the 13" tires were a big improvement over the stock 12" tires. More so than I even thought. I am still looking to go bigger, but it is not as near the top of the list as it was. I still have plans to go to at least a 31" tire and some other modifications I had planned will have to go on the back burner till this modification is done. At this time I do not know how high the trailer will sit with 31" tires since with that modification I will probably be replacing the springs to a longer/shackle style springs. I will also at the same time be installing a new axle to support the larger wheel/tire combination.
2"x2" steel tube for a back bone has been a improvement for off road. I could tell right off a big difference in trailer manners on and off road. To be honest I think all HF trailers should have this modification even if still running the 12" tires.
I am working on a couple of roof rack system that I think will work. They are two different designs and really depends on the way I want to go with another thought.
A tongue box or carrier is on the list as well. This will depend on heating and cooling options that are also in the works.
More thoughts coming as I think of them, George.
[youtube]zdINI5DeZwc[/youtube]
This year is winding down so it is time for some more thoughts on the foamie.
The foamie has worked out great this last year. I took it on quite a few long distance trips. I had anticipated rougher roads though so a bit disappointed in that. Lots of wash board though, which in reality is probably the worst conditions and a good test to glued joints.
The biggest issue I have found is gravel roads. Kicked up rocks basically sandblasts the metal parts and bigger rocks can dimple the foam/canvas. I guess mud flaps on the Jeep would be good, but I am looking at the trailer to be self protecting. Some thoughts are in mind for that. The gravel also tends to get lodged between the trailer body and the fender support. The fenders flexs when going down the road which allows the gravel to lodge more and more into the foam. I Think this is a bigger issue since I had to raise the fenders 2" to accommodate the 13" tires. Better fenders are probably the solution for this and if done right will cover the damage the gravel has done to the foam.
I have found that the 13" tires were a big improvement over the stock 12" tires. More so than I even thought. I am still looking to go bigger, but it is not as near the top of the list as it was. I still have plans to go to at least a 31" tire and some other modifications I had planned will have to go on the back burner till this modification is done. At this time I do not know how high the trailer will sit with 31" tires since with that modification I will probably be replacing the springs to a longer/shackle style springs. I will also at the same time be installing a new axle to support the larger wheel/tire combination.
2"x2" steel tube for a back bone has been a improvement for off road. I could tell right off a big difference in trailer manners on and off road. To be honest I think all HF trailers should have this modification even if still running the 12" tires.
I am working on a couple of roof rack system that I think will work. They are two different designs and really depends on the way I want to go with another thought.
A tongue box or carrier is on the list as well. This will depend on heating and cooling options that are also in the works.
More thoughts coming as I think of them, George.
Glad you are enjoying the videos! George.
