Expedition trailers

[sandwedge]

Hi all

I have decided that I may start my own business designing expedition trailers. I have an initial outline idea of what I want to do. It will involve a standardised chassis, and a modular top, kitched unit, motorbike carrage, roof tent option and so on.

I would appreciate some input from your goodselves on thing you would like in a trailer/expedition trailer, what option would you find useful.

Ian

[jed the spread]

Been looking on youtube have we

jed

[sandwedge]

No Jed why whats there? (links please)

I have a trailer already I just think I can make a better job of it.
As I going to design one for myself I thought it might be an oportunity to expand out of what Im currently doing

[silverbullet]

kitched unit

Oooh! With brightly coloured crystal effect doorknobs, floral roof patterning, crystal ball for desert disco boogie nights...I can see it now

[sandwedge]

Cheeky fo**er

Like the disco ball idea, and thanks for setting the tone for this thread both of you

[silverbullet]

I am the pretender to Jed's crown I pale into insignificance against the Great FlipFlopped One.
Seriously, I was a little disappointed with what I could see of the "Trailbreaker" trailer at VF, looked a bit "Dexion/Handyangle" to me

[poshbuggers]

I looked into this.

Firstly I looked at Sankey trailers and the ex-NATO ones used for the G-Wagen. Both were too heavy, ran odd wheel PCD's and were hugely expensive in comparison to 'normal' trailers.

You can get braked/unbraked 5x112 suspension units/hubs and axles from trailer suppliers if you ask nicely. Or you could build a chassis that allows the buse of van rear trailing arms and suspension parts. Both options would allow you to keep a standardised wheel set onboard (matching the van towing it).

Trailbreaker did a trailer which has been seen at Vanfest which you can see here: http://www.trailbreaker.nl/page39.php?v ... category=3

It looks nicely made but it's a bit large for most people to use practically. Perhaps a scaled down version?

[sandwedge]

Hi

I plan to use IRS not axle, the issue with the axel set up is it effectively half's the ground clearance. I would like to try and use T25 trailing arms and bushes (this would mean the trailer could be used for parts in an emergency). PCD will be the same as VW used on the T25 initially, so common wheels and tyres can be used. If there is enough interest I would look at different PCD's.
I plan to have the initial concept for the chassis worked out in the next 2 weeks. I will post some picture once I have this worked out.
Does anyone know of a tow hitch that articulates vertical as well as horizontally to allow for rough terrain use, standard departure angles for the T25 would also be useful.

Keep the info coming

[armyphil]

A NATO towing eye angles in most planes and as the name suggests is used by all NATO forces.

Maybe not ideal for what you have in mind due to it's size and hitch arrangement.

Just throwing an idea

[v-lux]

Also known as a Pintle hitch/hook

[syncropaddy]

You have a PM

[poshbuggers]

I've fitted a Dixon-Bate hitch on the Syncro as it offers the flexibility to tow most domestic trailers with the ball and more industrial stuff with the pin.

http://www.dixonbate.co.uk/Towing/universal.asp

[sandwedge]

I like that nice solution and looks well made.

[poshbuggers]

Yes, it works for me.

Trailing arms, stock hubs and simple (almost modular) construction would be a great way to go. Not everyone needs the same things from a trailer but if you can 'bolt-on' certain features then it becomes a viable product.

Features I would look at would be : water tanks, fuel cannisters, kitchen unit, compressor, generator, cycle rack, spare wheels, fire extinguisher, sand ladders, portable winch, food storage/cooling, hi-lift jack, spade, pickaxe, ez-up shelter.

[syncropaddy]

Yes, it works for me.

Trailing arms, stock hubs and simple (almost modular) construction would be a great way to go. Not everyone needs the same things from a trailer but if you can 'bolt-on' certain features then it becomes a viable product.

Features I would look at would be : water tanks, fuel cannisters, kitchen unit, compressor, generator, cycle rack, spare wheels, fire extinguisher, sand ladders, portable winch, food storage/cooling, hi-lift jack, spade, pickaxe, ez-up shelter.

Flip flops ....