KTM_Guy wrote:
For me when I was planing my build I had images in my head of pulling the camper on any trail or mountain pass in Colorado or spending a week or two in the desert. It sounded good, I now say I was drinking the Overland Kool-aid. We like green and blue trails and forest roads. It's not fun to my wife if she is white knuckled all the trip or trashing the Jeep. So have a realistic idea on where you want your trailer to go and build to that.
Todd
Ottsville wrote:Here is a thread that talks about determining axle length. One of the best suggestions I saw was to tape out a mock up of your frame on a garage floor to get a solid idea of how things will lay out.
https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/ ... th.195579/KTM_Guy wrote:
For me when I was planing my build I had images in my head of pulling the camper on any trail or mountain pass in Colorado or spending a week or two in the desert. It sounded good, I now say I was drinking the Overland Kool-aid. We like green and blue trails and forest roads. It's not fun to my wife if she is white knuckled all the trip or trashing the Jeep. So have a realistic idea on where you want your trailer to go and build to that.
Todd
This is so true. Like jacked up pickup trucks, most people will never take a trailer anywhere a manufactured trailer couldn't go and are just caught in the need to look cool. Be honest with yourself about your needs.
KTM_Guy wrote:2X2X1/4 is over kill. 1/8" is probably over kill to, but unless you can find 12 gage it's probably the best bet. I have heard people using 14 gauge but it seems a little thin to me but I tend to over build.
1200# is very light for an offload build. Even with 1/8 tube. I'm using Timbren 3500# with 2000# springs. It's their HD offload axle with 4" lift. I haven't weighed it yet but just one side with brake drum is heavy. I think when I'm all done I'll be pushing the 2000#, and I was thinking I would be in the 1200-1400 pound range.
Nice thing with the Timbrens you don't need to worry about how wide the axle is.
What is the backspace on the wheel? Also know if you are going with breaks you need a 66MM or 2.60" ( or larger) bore in the wheel to fit the spindle.
As far as leaf springs vs Timbren vs torsion axle, it's like asking which oil to use. They all have their good points and bad. My next build will be with torsion axles probably.
For me when I was planing my build I had images in my head of pulling the camper on any trail or mountain pass in Colorado or spending a week or two in the desert. It sounded good, I now say I was drinking the Overland Kool-aid. We like green and blue trails and forest roads. It's not fun to my wife if she is white knuckled all the trip or trashing the Jeep. So have a realistic idea on where you want your trailer to go and build to that.
Todd
eagle24 wrote: I like the idea of a heavier axle, but I don't want to go too heavy with the springs and beat the trailer to death with a stiff ride. My off road will be mild and probably infrequent. Mostly will be camping in parks with camper sites.
Greg
eagle24 wrote:KTM_Guy wrote:2X2X1/4 is over kill. 1/8" is probably over kill to, but unless you can find 12 gage it's probably the best bet. I have heard people using 14 gauge but it seems a little thin to me but I tend to over build.1200# is very light for an offload build. Even with 1/8 tube. I'm using Timbren 3500# with 2000# springs. It's their HD offload axle with 4" lift. I haven't weighed it yet but just one side with brake drum is heavy. I think when I'm all done I'll be pushing the 2000#, and I was thinking I would be in the 1200-1400 pound range. ...
... Is your trailer going to have a kitchen galley? You might be right that I can't get it done and be in the 1200# range, but keep in mind that mine will basically be a 4x5x8 box on a trailer frame. I'll have a window a/c, Fantastic Fan, 2 small windows in the doors, electrical converter/charger, battery, and that's about it. You do have me thinking about how much weight I might put in as far as cargo (gear) goes. I like the idea of a heavier axle, but I don't want to go too heavy with the springs and beat the trailer to death with a stiff ride. My off road will be mild and probably infrequent. Mostly will be camping in parks with camper sites....
tony.latham wrote:My 5x10 weighs 1300 pounds empty and I have never felt the need for trailer brakes with my 2007 and now 2016 Tacoma. And I too think the 1/4”chassis is gross overkill. Put that in your tongue. Weight on or off road is not your pal. Me and the U.S. Army put Dexter Torflex axles under our trailers. Each is manufactured for the weight of the specific trailer....
eagle24 wrote:This is a sketch of the trailer I'm building. You guys have convinced me to go to a 3500# axle with brakes. I'm waiting on the wheels so I can have the tires mounted and measure the offset before I have the axle built. This trailer will not have a hatch/galley, only a simple cabinet for storage in the rear. I'm thinking 67/33 for the axle placement rather than 60/40. Any thoughts on that?
KTM_Guy wrote:I like the design, Looks cool, I saw the Oregon Trailer at Overland Expo a few years ago and liked it but it's a little to small for us.
We do have a galley on ours and that will add some weight.
How will you access the storage under the cabinets?
I like a tongue box for misc camp gear and the batteries and electrical stuff, but you might not have much weight in the back to offset the weight.
Will the AC go in the cabinet? Just remember you need to get rid of the heat it puts out.
Todd
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