TucsonWJ 5x8 Off-road CT

[TucsonWJ]

Yep, same bolts.

[CGRotorhead]

I will be using one of these kits. Imjust have to see which axle I have before I go ahead and order it.
http://www.etrailer.com/comparison.aspx ... K71-384-00

[TucsonWJ]

Looks like a solid kit!

[TucsonWJ]

So the last few weeks have been dedicated to gathering the material to run the electrical in my trailer. So piece by piece this is what I have gathered so far. There are a few little things that aren't here yet but I think I have enough to get started with my wiring project. Have not undertaken a wiring project like this so I may be asking you all some questions.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi TucsonWJ 5x8 Off-road CT,

As you probably already know ... but I thought I would add my $.02
As you realize by your comments on your axle flip ... Most trailer axles are designed with a “bend” in the tube that will deflect when the load (weight of the trailer) is applied. An interesting point is that a trailer that runs long distances without a load may be better without axle camber. In thinking about this, a heavy duty straight axle may work in your build, if the overall/gross trailer weight is low. take a look below:
http://blog.easternmarine.com/trailer-axle-camber-what-its-all-about/

When I did my build, I changed the axle from a 4" drop to an under slung straight axle. I kept the same 3500 lb. rating and camber as the trailer was to be used double-duty (cargo & off-road) ... it has worked great so far and has over 6,000 miles of close to rated load or maybe even slightly more without issues. It also has a number of prospecting trips into the Bradshaws and Black Canyon mountains north of Phoenix and quite a few trips into the rough mountains north of Arivaca, south of Tucson. I have been happy with the build and the trailer now lives in Minnesota where it will travel to Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, and of course, make annual prospecting trips to Washington, Oregon, California and the Southwest ... and anywhere else my mood takes me, but lots & lots of miles

The end use of the axle should play a role on the camber desired, e.g., if the load remains low, but the terrain is rough, strength may be the determining factor and not a lot of camber ... anyway, just my thoughts

Good luck on your build

[TucsonWJ]

Thanks for the input Desert Rat,
At this point I'm so early into my build that I have no idea the weight I will accumulate during the process. I'm going to be honest, I know the axle flip is not ideal but it was free to try. I've taken it on a few highway runs and seems to track well. My final plan is to get the build done, then evaluate the tire wear/stability issue at that point. Swapping out the axle, if needed will probably be one of the last things hat will be done. I finally got all my electric parts and pieces and the other home projects done so it's time to get to work on the wiring. I really appreciate all advice as this is going to be my first CT conversion. Please keep it coming!!

[TucsonWJ]

Another quick question, at what weight does the trailer axle hit 0 degrees camber? (With the cambered axle) Is it at the max load rating or would it be somewhere in between? Any way to figure it out. Just asking.

[RBRHSV]

Nice build.
I am planning on the same size 5 x 8 to follow my Nissan Frontier.
I was also happy to see the axle flip that provides the added clearance.
(Luckily, my Nissan already has the 5 x 4.5 spacing)
Looking forward to seeing your fender supports/running boards.
Think this will be great for protection as well as the necessary step into the side door.