On road trailer off road

[vogue]

Hi all, i need a box trailer for work (7x5) and was wondering how far off road i could take it? I was thinking of putting 31" offroad tyres on it.
I would be taking it to a few camping spots in the high country and maybe to Frazer Island.
What do you think?
I know that a off road trailer would be better, but it would only get very occasional use off road.

[nornalup]

Hi am in the same position. Am currently ordering a box trailer but like to entertain the idea that I will drag it offroad abit.

As I have never busted a trailer offroad I am only speculating but I see three problems. Trailers vary in build from standard to heavy duty to offroad. It's not only the thickness and dimension of steel that increases but the bracing of stuff like wheel arch and corners. Therefore;

1. When loaded you may not have enough structure, meaning the trailer flexes and results in busted welds.

2. Components may not be up to it, such as springs, hubs etc.

3. May bounce like a bunny. IMHO I think a 250kg trailer bouncing behind you is far more dangerous than a overloaded one.

In the end I have ordered a off-road build. all this means is that the sheet metal is a couple of mm thicker, stuff is well braced and I can have sdame diameter rims. Figure if nothing else the trailer should last a fair bit longer. I have had a few old ones, and it's busted welds and rusted through sheets that always bring them undone.

[Blknight.aus]

Depends on how hard you are willing to abuse it or skull the chassis of it when it runs out of clearance...

Ive found that on most 6x4 trailers to get them onto the tow hitch properly (level so that its ass isnt on the ground) Ive needed to spring over the suspension on the trailer which gives plenty of body clearances.

my 8X5 tandem is brillaint off road but its on pootrol sized rubber.

[walker]

We had a 7x4 trailer made up for work a while back. I just got them to put on Heavy duty springs and axles then whacked on some 32" tyres. It has traveled easily through the high country and some tougher off-road tracks. When traveling on off-road tracks you are normally going slower so the trailer will cope. The biggest limiter is the hitch but with enough grunt in the fourby you can drag the trailer anywhere.

I would not use a trailer like this in the outback! Out there it is the corrugations that kill the trailer.

Also, you will have a bit of trouble on some tracks with a 7x5 because of the width.

[Michael2]

How much do you want to spend?

How much work are you prepared to have done on it?

I once had a trailer made from a LWB Land Rover. I used the chassis, cut at the seat box (it was damaged at the front). I welded on a 4" square tube A-frame. I removed the axles from the housing so it could be rolled easily. The trailer retained the Land Rover springs and shocks so it could handle a load. I opted to use the original alum tray, so weight was kept low and the tail lights, tailgate etc... were already there. This also gave me the option of fitting a roof (hard-top or soft-top).

[rangieman]

the first port of call would be the hitch have a treg type hitch which will out perform a standard trailer hitch

you dont want to scull drag your trailer all the way home cause of a bronken hitch cause it could,nt handle extreme angles :angel:

[wovenrovings]

You could take any of the above trailers anywhere it all depends on how fast you want to go. The thing that kills trailers is bouncing. i.e corrugations. Your car might be riding fine but the poor trailer is getting hammered. I guess if the axle is too low it would make it hard to tow in high centred tracks.

[Michael2]

Thanks Rangieman, I forgot to mention the Treg Hitch.

Also a long draw bar makes for easier maneuvering.
Maybe consider a reversing camera on the Rangie.

I wouldn't trust standard trailer suspension, the springs are too small, and you really need shocks.

[rangieman]

Thanks Rangieman, I forgot to mention the Treg Hitch.

Also a long draw bar makes for easier maneuvering.
Maybe consider a reversing camera on the Rangie.

I wouldn't trust standard trailer suspension, the springs are too small, and you really need shocks.

cool no probs i was suprised it had,nt been mentioned:D

[vogue]

ok, i've found a place that can build me an off road trailer for a good price.
http://www.apelright.com.au/trailers/offroad.html.
It's $1600 in standard form, but that only uses eye to slipper 45mm springs. Should i spend the extra and upgrade to 60mm eye to eye springs?
Also runs landcruiser rims and tyres which i would like changed to match the Rangie, but due to $$$ that may have to wait, unless i can find some very cheap rover rims.
Also only uses standard 50mm ball, which i will change in the future.
What do you think???:(

[vogue]

oh forgot to mention decided to stick with a 7x4 instead of a 7x5 which was too wide.

[Michael2]

Give me a call, I think I've got a pair of rims you can have.

Definately go for the eye to eye springs. Read the discussion on Shock absorbers for a trailer in this forum for some further nfo on springs. While you're at it conside fitting shocks to the trailer.

The frame on the pics looks a bit light in its construction - make sure there is plenty of support under the trailer and gusseting on the angles.

[Michael2]

I was just having another look at it. Get them to build the frame only - this should be much cheaper. Pop River or teck screw chequerplate alum cladding. This will look better, not corrode, never require painting and be lighter. Once all the holes are drilled etc and you've made it to fit, remove the alum and have the frame galvanized. If you can't afford galvanizing, then paint it with tar prior to assembly and pour some oil into the tubing.

[vogue]

thanks Michael, im still looking at diferent options. Money and time are always the problem.
What size are the rims you have? i need some 16x7's since i currently run 265's.
Thanks

[solaros]

Hi Vogue,

I have recently been through this exercise. I finished up having a 7 x4.6 made by Tru Blu Campers in Boundary rd Mordialloc. They did a superb job !! I had it fully spec'd. Do it once, do it properly, is my motto. Treg hitch, electric brakes, full chequer plate.... I also specified Land Rover hubs and rims. I am currently looking for some 265/70 tyres as this will bring it up to the same spec as the Disco with off road wheels. I went to 4.6 wide as I often found the old 6x4 just too small. Also had the sides at 15 inches. This trailer will easily carry 2 mtrs of soil. Happy to recommend Paul at Tru Blu, I am a fussy B&^%$ and he built exactly what i was looking for. Price - you gets what you pays for, but they were very competitive.

Regards
:)