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BigDaveZJ
07-17-2008, 01:27 AM
So since I was a 'tard and hacked the back off ZJ a while back it now pretty much sucks as a camping and expedition wheeling rig. Pam's works pretty well for that kinda stuff, but is limited on where it can go just because it's not as built as mine, and I always like to have at least 2 rigs anyways. A couple people on CO4x4 have been building some camping/wheeling trailers, and I think I've been bit by the same bug.

My thought is to grab a 3500lb trailer axle like these: http://abctrailerparts.com/axles.html and then build the trailer around the axle. The axle would come with leafs, hubs, electric brakes, pretty much everything I'd need there. If I didn't go that route, I would grab a rear axle out of a YJ or XJ, but I like the option of electric brakes on a trailer axle.

It wouldn't be huge, exact measurements will come at a later date, but it would need to be small enough to make it through trails rated 7/10, and big enough to hold my crap. The "tub" of the trailer would sit entirely in between the wheels to minimize clearance issues with the tires.

For the immediate future the trailer would have a 5x4.5 bolt pattern just like both of our Jeeps, and would run at a minimum 33x10.50 tires, maybe even 35's.

The trailer would be capable of storing camping gear, spare parts, water, add'l fuel, a spare tire for the trailer (that could also double as an add'l spare for either Jeep), and would have the ability to be used as a table/cooking station within a campsite.

As for the coupling, something along these lines: http://www.tregtrailers.com.au/poly_block_couplings.aspx


This guy's trailer gives me wood, and if I had the time, money, and thought I would actually use it enough to justify it I would really try to model it after his: http://go.jeep-xj.info/Trailers.htm

I think something similar to this is much more realistic though: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5284315&postcount=8

So yeah. This is really probably just a pipe dream at this point, but with trails like HiTR, White Rim, and countless mining roads in CO on my wheeling to-do list, I think it would be a kickass project that would be a big benefit.

Ken L
07-17-2008, 11:38 AM
That's a good plan. I'm going to build one later this year too. I've been searching for ideas too, here are a couple of resources.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42
http://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/179520-my-baja-trailer-build.html
http://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/158552-my-scratch-built-expedition-style-trailer-build-up-thread.html

The ih8mud site also has a trailer forum section. Those 'yota guys seem to be into that.

Mtn WJ
07-18-2008, 09:28 PM
Gander Mountain has Jumping Jacks on sale for 4500. Not cheap but a pretty cool trailer.

I am doing mods to a small pop trailer but it will not be enough for the harder trails. Should be fine to take along for light duty trail use.

I really like the hitch coupler you showed there. Nice stuff.

BigDaveZJ
07-19-2008, 04:04 PM
Google Sketchup FTW. Here's a very rough design of what I've got in mind.

http://www.mallcrawlin.com/pics/trailerbuild/trailerdesign2d.jpg