XV-T trailer build....

[AKC]

I think I am starting to lean towards build over buy....

The first salvo of questions;

1) My tow vehicle is a 2014 Subaru XV. I would like to pick up a set of stock wheels from someone changing theirs out. (I like the stockers) This would give me a full-size spare for the XV, a pair for the XV-T, and a spare for the XV-T.
Wheels are 17"x 7", 5 on 100mm bolt pattern. Dexter does 5 on 4.5" hubs, so it looks like adapters will be necessary. Or not?

2) I'm pretty sure I'd like to go with Dexter TorqFlex axles in the 2k to 2.5k range. I plan to keep the gwv as light as possible, and it's just me at the moment, so there won't be a preponderance of gear. I would like the XV-T to be at least as off- road capable as the XV. It's no rock-crawler, but it is all wheel drive. Being light, would elec brakes be necessary, and are TorqFlex's a good choice?

3) Has anyone investigated the use of modular railing components (ie: http://www.hollaender.com/) for frame and cabin construction? I plan to minimize the use of wood to the fullest extent. I don't have a huge garage, and I live in a retirement community, so construction needs to be somewhat considerate and stealthy. The components are rated for 30k and 40k loading, not terribly expensive and aluminum. I would think that Sch80 aluminum tubing would make for a fairly stiff buildup, especially if the joints were through-bolted in place of the set screws. Or even welded.... Do you think CA DOT would have a problem with this type of construction?

I know there'll be more ???, but these are the first ones that come to mind.

[Woodpecker]

I have used the Bosch equivalent for many reasons and I love the stuff. It's a little pricey, especially for 45's and such but you can really load it up and it comes in a ton of sizes and profiles.
Just get the trailer tagged before you build the top. Then you don't have to worry either way.

http://www.boschrexroth-us.com/country_ ... /index.jsp

McMaster has a less expensive version but it doesn't come in as many profiles.

[grant whipp]

You didn't say how big or estimate how heavy your trailer will be, but IMHO, 2K# to 2.5K# on the axle weight rating is going to be overkill ... you need to rate the axle closer to your estimated trailer weight. Dexters are good axles, but the people at Dexter can be a real PITA to work with and get the dimensions and hubface you want ... for my money, I'm going with FlexiRide from now on. If you are going off road with lots of hills, trailer brakes will be a welcome addition!

I had to get adaptors to fit the custom wheels I use on my Saturn to fit my teardrop ... they are actually a plus when you are using FWD wheels, as they can put the wheels/tires far enough away to clear the trailer walls ... of course, that depends on the hubface measurement you end up getting. Just be careful and think this part of the build through very carefully and thoroughly.

I can't speak to the aluminum framing questions ... my only experience, there, is with aluminum-frame camper shells/toppers, and some aluminum work on pop-up campers. In that experience, though, I've decided that IF I ever build an aluminum-framed anything (especially if it is going off road), every joint will be welded ... I've seen too many assembled and/or partially-welded frameworks that have failed with even light off road work.

Good Luck, and as always ...

CHEERS!