Cargo Trailer A Viable Offroad Option?

[EM98XJ]

Hey all, long time lurker, but first time poster. First I want to say thanks to all that have provided so much useful information here.

I am looking at my options for a camper that will be mainly used off road and not so much at campgrounds. I'm not looking for something to climb over giant rocks or anything like that, just to get to campsites off the beaten path. Down forest service roads, and wash board trails. I originally liked the idea/size of a teardrop, but then started to look into cargo trailer conversions. Will I need to take any extra precautions during my build to be able to handle the extra vibrations and demands of this type of travel? I am planning a simple build, no plumbing, sleeping quarters with ac/heat for all season camping, but most importantly a place to stay dry. Tired of having everything being soaked during a storm. Thinking 6x12 or 6x14 with the extended tongue. Any input is extremely appreciated as I am still in the research phase of this. Thanks in advance!

[crpngdth2001]

Maybe either a torsion axle or straight axle vs. a drop axle that is standard on most cargo trailers (lower entry/ramp height)? The added ground clearance would be a benefit. I ordered a straight axle with mine, and went with the better options for framing (closer centers, tubing instead of channel, one piece roof, etc). My hope was this provided greater durability and a stronger structure, for off-road as well (NFS camping).


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[EM98XJ]

I had been considering the torsion axle, so glad to hear that I am on the right track with that. Good call on the better framing, did you have yours insulated from the factory or did you do it yourself? My main concern with the insulation process was the doors/roof.

[crpngdth2001]

I will be doing the insulation myself. The trailer is a 7x20, and is being used for several moves (nearly done now). Colorado to Ohio last Nov (2016), Ohio to Maryland this past September (2017), and in April 2018 a local move here in Maryland. After that, I will get started in Spring. I think (IIRC), the last move will be my 6th in 5 years...


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[NotJammer]

I have watched this youtube 3 times. Some good ideas. I like how he shows underneath and talks about damage.

https://youtu.be/zRfQqQldGs8

[Rainier70]

I have a 6X12 cargo trailer with a straight axle and springs. I only camp in undeveloped areas in the high mountains. That frequently means I have to negotiate a drop off the road to get into camping areas.
I hit the rear a time or two in the first year, but not bad. After about a year and a half we bought a Dexter Axle conversion kit and flipped the axle, which raised the cargo trailer about 6 inches. I don't think I have hit the back since then and that was 2 years ago. There are a couple of pictures of the height difference in my build on p14. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=55219&start=195

[Socal Tom]

The concerns I would have are:
1) Ground clearance as discussed above, especially for any water tanks etc underneath, so I would try and keep everything inside if possible
2) Weight. The heavier the trailer, the heavier the TV needs to be, and the bigger and heavier everything is, the more likely it is to get stuck somewhere, and the more likely something will break if you have to pull it out.
3) Vibration. Make sure everything is well gussetted, for something on the highway, a normal cabinet may be fine, but the extra bouncing and shaking can loosen screws much quicker than you think, so lots of glue is good too. Make sure all wires are well strapped down. They will move.
Tom

[walkrdg]

EM98XJ

I noticed your interest in "off road" and your mention of "washboard trails". I would suggest you read the short discussion Doug Begley has on his blog https//strollingamok.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/installation-day/#more-5449. Scroll down to just under the picture of the water. It starts - 'I was aware that they also have a reputation of spontaneously disassembling in rough off-road use, but why?

Interesting.

Something that would never have occured to me and something to consider.

Dave

[Iconfabul8]

EM98XJ

I noticed your interest in "off road" and your mention of "washboard trails". I would suggest you read the short discussion Doug Begley has on his blog https//strollingamok.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/installation-day/#more-5449. Scroll down to just under the picture of the water. It starts - 'I was aware that they also have a reputation of spontaneously disassembling in rough off-road use, but why?

Interesting.

Something that would never have occured to me and something to consider.

Dave

https://strollingamok.wordpress.com/201 ... #more-5449
Colon was left out of above link.

Not sure I swallow the reasoning in the link. One failed teardrop does not constitute a widespread problem. Any others know of problems with Torflex axles? Anyone with pics? Is there a bad brand?

[walkrdg]

Iconfabul8

Thanks for fixing the link! I was wondering what I missed.

I didn't read that as pertaining to just one teardrop. I've been following him for years. He's very thorough on research.

Thanks again,
Dave

[McDave]

I have watched this youtube 3 times. Some good ideas. I like how he shows underneath and talks about damage.

https://youtu.be/zRfQqQldGs8

Wow. That is a slick outfit right there. There is a man who knows what he wants. I am not too sure about his 3200 lbs est. There was a lot of stuff there and all that glass is heavy, and all the tile in kitchen and bathroom, and did you see the bathroom door? You know that had a steel frame. Looks like it was "liberated" from an office building. 2 fridges, a bottle of Chivas and a porn drawer for his spank bank. Plus 6" fully boxed 3/16 frame and 40gal fresh tank, independent suspension and some big wheels and tires. Man, it's adding up fast. I'm not too sure if Babydoll isn't sporting a few upgrades as well. But whatever... still a way cool rig.

McDave

[tony.latham]

EM98XJ

I noticed your interest in "off road" and your mention of "washboard trails". I would suggest you read the short discussion Doug Begley has on his blog https//strollingamok.wordpress.com/2015/12/10/installation-day/#more-5449. Scroll down to just under the picture of the water. It starts - 'I was aware that they also have a reputation of spontaneously disassembling in rough off-road use, but why?

Interesting.

Something that would never have occured to me and something to consider.

Dave

We've probably drug our Dexter Torflex axle equipped teardrop for over a thousand miles on serious washboard without an issue.





Washboard. It's where we go.

Torsion axles? Three thumbs up.

Tony

[KTM_Guy]

Washboards = Air down. have a reliable way to air back up. If you go with a compressor make sure it can fill 6 tires without overheating.

I am getting nervous about some of the big "off-road trailers" being built. Like that one in the video. I can see that guy taking that on a trail it doesn't belong and the forest service closing trails to all trailers. Two lane dirt road to remote camping good, Alpine Loop or White Rim trail leave most trailers behind.




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[Charly]

I am planning an off road build. Not any hardcore trails at all, but backcountry roads requiring high clearance.

I am thinking 6 x 12 v nose, straight axle with brakes. I will see where it is at clearance wise with the springs left under the axle. Probably run 31" or 32" tires in a load range of D or E. Tow vehicle has 35s.

I have considered having the axle width shortened to the 5" to tuck the wheels under, but I dont think I want to lose that much interior space, it is already minimal.

Will be living full time in it, hauling a KTM EXC. bike comes out and my truck and the bike are exploring vehicles and transportation. We will be mostly boondocking, but may be at campgrounds for workcamping and such.

Ours will be a light build. batteries for the solar power system will be heaviest things besides the bike and water.

Here's a question: although it wont be a heavy build in itself, any thoughts on going to a 5200 lb axle for the 3" tube and just generally heavier duty axle?

[beachguy005]

You might want to consider Timbren...Axle-Less Trailer Suspension. That's what I would use on my next CT, especially going off road. My fear has always been hitting something that bends the axle, given how skinny they are.