Expedition trailers

[poshbuggers]

bump!

Any progress?

[sandwedge]

Not had much time over the last two weeks, only got this far and its just in the laying out stage.

[Aidan]

why not use the new 16" ones from classic parts then if you need to can swap onto van ? I know they aren't cheap but they are ambidextrous and have adjustable shock position

[sandwedge]

Aidan

I agree with what you are saying in principle.

My only issues with the 16" trailing arms, are:
Cost, I hope to get a whole trailer for less than the price of 2 trailing arms.
Weight, my original intention was to produce a very light, strong trailer.

I dont believe the trailing arm its self is a component that fails, although I could be wrong, I would think it would be the bushes etc that fail.

I may try to replicate the size and spring/shock mounts of the vw ones but as a fabrication, so in extreme situations they could replace the vw ones on a van.

The design is still in a very early sketching out stage, once I have an overall scheme that works I will go over it again and add the detail.

[jebiga41]

would be worth adapting them to include a bearing housing that could be used as a spare even a 14" one?

[syncropaddy]

Not had much time over the last two weeks, only got this far and its just in the laying out stage.

If you need to keep the cost down get rid of that bend in the box section. That will remove an expensive rolling operation

Have a look >> here <<for 'the ultimate trailer'. He uses airbags for his suspension. Using a T3 hub will add to the weight and make the suspension arm heavier and more complicated than necessary I feel. I considered using aluminium for the suspension but ditched it because if it did break the chances of getting it fixed are greatly reduced

[Simon Baxter]

Personally I think you would be bonkers to consider using any T3 parts on a trailer.
Too big, too heavy, too old.
The bearings always have play in them and the bearings housings are knackered more often than not.
Then theres the fact that the bushes in the arm are not aligned in a line, they are like this to giver certain characteristics when the van is loaded or cornering, not so for a trailer.
isn't there some new rulings on new trailers now too?
I've not read the whole thread so I might just go back and read it!

[poshbuggers]

Just use 5x112 hubs from a trailer supplier and fabricate the arms.

They will be lighter, new, cheaper and better for resupply

[syncropaddy]

isn't there some new rulings on new trailers now too?
I've not read the whole thread so I might just go back and read it!

I know in most of Europe trailers must be rated and have chassis plates and a log book but it hasn't hit the UK and Ireland yet. Pukka trailer manufacturers are already doing this. I suppose its only a matter of time/

[Simon Baxter]

Never really paid much attention to be honest, I can't reverse a trailer for sh!t.
That old one I had I just took it off and pushed it!

Useful link, can't see anything about any new legislation though. - http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/

[silverbullet]

Just use 5x112 hubs from a trailer supplier and fabricate the arms.

They will be lighter, new, cheaper and better for resupply

I'm sure I suggested to Ian that independant suspension was a lost cause.
Consider a portal beam axle for cheapness, ground clearance, lightness, simplicity..?

[poshbuggers]

I said hubs. Not the complete units.

Just use 5x112 hubs from a trailer supplier and fabricate the arms.

They will be lighter, new, cheaper and better for resupply

I'm sure I suggested to Ian that independant suspension was a lost cause.
Consider a portal beam axle for cheapness, ground clearance, lightness, simplicity..?

[silverbullet]

We seem to be getting across purposes. I picked up on the "fabricate the arms" bit.
I agree with the common hub/wheel as it could give you potentially 2 more spares for the front, which is what you'd really want if a wheel got trashed or a bearing collapsed. The dead one could be fitted back on the trailer to keep going.

[syncrosimon]

The Australians seem to have the off road trailer thing sewn up. This video makes me very jealous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk6KJXeOM0k

[silverbullet]

Incredible, but surely the antithesis of "less is more"?
Dragging that huge trailer after the ol' Landcruiser when a roof tent would have done the job
Caravan owners