Length - Good, bad or depends?

[chucktownsend08]

I've been researching styles, designs etc and I've found quite a few that I like. My dilemma is what is too long? Is there such a thing within reason? I've heard people say that longer trailers are easier to tow as well, any truth in that?

The reason I ask is that I will be towing with my 2008 Wrangler, and storage is ALWAYS a premium so I'm hoping to incorporate some in the trailer I build. I know weight is a concern and I want to keep it lighter, but is it feasible to add something like a 4'x4' flat platform on the front of the trailer for storage/cargo etc?

I've seen some trailers built that have a larger platform built for Toy hauling (ATV's etc) but I don't think I want one that big. I just want to be able to strap coolers/Bear proof boxes and gear on that platform and have it be a dual purpose game carrier for Hunting purposes if necessary. I've even had some crazy ideas that it would be interesting to have my upright smoker mounted up there for camping but that may be pushing it.

Long story short, is there a functional max length I should be considering for my build?

[Dean in Ct.]

With regard to towing, I haven't found any difference in length characteristics with the BIG exception of backing up. Then, the longer the easier. I shortened mine for storage reasons. Also I throw this out there because it may be of interest, many ferries services charge by length. On the coast, like here in Ct. it may be a factor.
Dean

[tony.latham]

Four feet is a chunk of change. We've been known to throw our camp chairs, table, and personal bags inside the tear for the road. Our primary cooler goes in the galley along with seven gallons of water. A "dry box" of food in the back seat. That way the dogs get to ride in the bed of the Tacoma.

I think it depends on your how you camp and how much gear you want to drag along.

TL

[Roo Dog]

Wot Tony sez !

RD

[chucktownsend08]

Well, I have already decided I don't want to off-road with a trailer, some of the places I get into with my Jeep are just big enough for my jeep. I'll tow to a campground and then head off-road from there. The reason I was hoping for the larger cargo platform was really for hunting, anything bigger than a deer and I'll need the extra space. It's not something I can toss inside (the jeep or the trailer). I have a utility trailer that I use now when needed I was just hoping to incorporate that capacity into the teardrop.

Something similar to this little guy but not as long and not setup for an ATV

[bdosborn]

I didn't notice much difference when the trailer went from an 8' long box to an 11.5' box as far as backing up or maneuvering. I did notice a big difference in towing when I went from 4' to 6.5' wide. It's like a big sail on the wind and my mileage went way down. FWIW...

Bruce

[chucktownsend08]

Perhaps it's just time to buy a truck

[Corwin C]

There are very different considerations when towing a long trailer versus a short one. I have driven semi-tractor trailer and dump truck-pup combinations. I have hauled piloted loads close to 80' long and others that were 14.5' wide. Big and long trailers can be REAL tricky on corners and intersections mainly because the back tires do not follow in the tracks of the truck. In sharp corners the tracks of the trailer may not even be in the same lane as the truck. To turn right into a driveway or through a gate is sometimes impossible because it needs the additional room that the oncoming traffic lanes provide. The blind spots become suicidal refuges for idiots in small cars and being able to determine where the back of the trailer is when moving lane to lane in traffic is a true challenge that not everyone is capable of. BUT - I can confidently back one faster than most people jog if I have a clear space and the need to do so.

There is definitely a length at which it becomes more difficult than a shorter trailer.

For our purposes here, however, the "bumper pull" trailer that in my experience has been the easiest to pull and maneuver is a 14' long tandem flat bed (18' ball to bumper.) It is long enough that backing performance is predictable and consistent and yet it isn't so long that I have to constantly watch for the dreaded side tracking that is present in a longer trailer. It is present, but very manageable. The tandem smooths out the front to back rocking that can be present in a single axle trailer especially when loaded. For me it's just comfortable.

Goose-neck trailers behind a pickup are a close second, but even at a mere 20'-25' long that side tracking issue becomes something to be watched ... constantly. Backing a goose-neck seems to require exaggerated turns to get it to change where it is going because the hitch is usually just in front of the axle.

Short trailers are wonderful to pull, in fact some have mentioned that it's possible to forget that they're there, but slow and careful is the absolute rule when backing. They will shoot off to one side in an instant. Contrary to what some may say, I believe that anyone can learn to back one of these up, but it takes practice and patience.

In all of these cases, the configuration of the tow vehicle is a factor as well. The main considerations seem to be how far behind the axle is the hitch point? and how maneuverable is the tow vehicle? A trailer that backs nicely behind a jeep may be a handful behind a pickup truck both because the jeep is more maneuverable (shorter) and because the pickup has a longer distance from axle to hitch.

[bdosborn]

Perhaps it's just time to buy a truck

Got one, seems like it should be big enough.



Bruce

[chucktownsend08]

Nice setup Bruce,

I was saying maybe it's time for me to buy a truck. I've been more than creative bringing items home in the jeep lol. That's why the top comes off right?

[working on it]

With regard to towing, I haven't found any difference in length characteristics with the BIG exception of backing up. Then, the longer the easier. Dean

I'm with you on this, Dean. After I learned to back a tandem trailer, I found that longer ones gave me a better sight plane to judge the trajectory. A couple of adjustments for differing lengths, and I could manage all I tried (with better or worse results). But, until I tried backing my single axle trailer last weekend (for the first time), I never had to give up. I just kept jackknifing it (12 foot length, 100" ball to axle centerline); so I unhitched it, and manhandled it into the space. I never thought it would lick me. My hat's off to those that get it in their spaces under power. Maybe practice will make perfect!

[rowerwet]

the extra 4' should help with backing and make almost no difference towing.
It will make a big difference on your tongue weight.
If you get your 10% tongue weight with the load deck empty, your tongue weight will be way to heavy when loaded. Unlike a 4 wheeler that you know the weight and can account for it, your coolers, water, gas, etc. are a variable amount and will change the balance of the trailer.
If nothing else this changing load will make hitching and unhitching a huge pain, either the tongue will be so heavy you can't lift it, or the trailer will sit on it's bumper as soon as it is unhitched.
this will also be a problem towing, a heavy tongue can make the TV hard to handle, and a light tongue makes the trailer fish tail.

[tony.latham]

I live (and hunt) in Idaho and our weather can be pretty tough too. Grouse, chuckers, and archery elk and deer start out in September and hunts last into December. My 4x10 is a welcome partner until the November like storms roll in (usually in late October). I've camped in mine down to 11º but I sure wasn't hanging out by the galley sipping a Corona!

Winter hunting conditions? Tears are better than Siwashing (hunkering under a tree) but where I live I can commute outa my house!

Build your tear! Add some space up front! (I can highly recommend getting Steve Fredrick's Builder's Manual first). When you build your tear, you can customize it for your own use.

As far as tongue weight, I would think you could compensate by moving your axle forward but keep in mind where your doors are going to be. My battery in my new build is going in the tongue box, but my 4x10, the battery is in the galley (and its been kind of a pain back there –takes up space and is not easy to maintain). Something to consider with tongue weight.

TL

[chucktownsend08]

I'm in Colorado, Archery big game is August/September, which is when I would want to be using it for the extra capacity.

[jstrubberg]

I don't know that total trailer length has an effect, but I know for sure that tongue length does! The longer the tongue, the easier a trailer is to back up.

I have to wonder about setups like the Little Guy, though. If you put a 4 wheeler on that platform, I can guarantee that you will exceed the hitch weight rating of most any vehicle you would consider towing a teardrop with.

I just let my Jeep go a few months ago. I had a blast with the Wrangler, but honestly, it's not a very practical vehicle.