equipment trailer

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Hi all--

I have been considering an off-road capable utility trailer for a long time. It seems like a good idea to get hubs that match the bolt circle of my F150.

Any thoughts?

 

[chnlisle]

Redundancy is good and a couple of extra spare tires cant hurt.

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

OK...

erm...

Who makes them?

 

[EdoHart]

You might check out this site.

http://www.tentrax.com/OffRoadAT_Trailer.html

 

[kcowyo]

Fairly close to you in Arkansas is Outlander Trailers.

Their website seems to be down but here are a few pics. I'm sure they could use an axle similar to the F150's for matching bolt patterns -

Mark, I have some of the literature saved with specs and pricing. Too big too attach and if if I resize them, you won't be able to read it. If you want to see that stuff, PM me an email address and I'll forward it to you.

Prices range from $2900 for a base model up to $5K for a fully loaded trailer. Those are very good prices for off road trailers. I have no affiliation with them, I just like the looks.

- K.C.

 

[kcowyo]

Your other options would be to source a military trailer. Like the M416 -

...The M101 with a custom built lid -

...which looks awesome when painted & polished -

...and the old (1940's) Bantam BT3-C -

These are fairly affordable on the used market, eBay, gov't auctions, Craigslist, etc. I've seen them anywhere from $400- $1200, but you can customize them to your liking with a little elbow grease and imagination. They are incredibly rugged and easier to handle on tight trails than I would have imagined.

I followed the Landcruiser and M101 pictured above through some of the more notorious trails in Death Valley and it handled suberbly. Same for the Tacoma & Bantam combo but over the mountain passes of SW Colorado. The Bantam needs some shocks as the owner was getting some bounce recoil in the cab, but it tracked great and held a TON of stuff.

 

[kcowyo]

Your top of the line, go anywhere in style with a real off road suspension design would be the Adventure Trailer. They offer two models.

The Horizon -

....and the Chaser -

I've seen these on the trail also and they are to die for which is good since the price will probably make you choke. But they are the absolute best at what they are designed for and the customer service is top notch too.

Maybe these options will get your gears turning. Personally, I think the best bang for the buck is finding a good used military trailer that needs a new coat of camo paint and some tires. Throw on a lid to keep your gear from getting dusty & muddy and you're all set.

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Whoa.

kcowyo,

Maybe you should change your handle to ka-whump!

Thanks for the wealth of sources.

 

[HERR42]

I have a friend that has a rock crawler jeep. we have been on trips where i tow his jeep to the trailhead as the diesel truck is a LOT more comfortable. Never had a problem with towing that...or my boat..etc.
....but...
I have had problems with short wheelbase trailers...they dont follow very good on roads with a high crown when the road is wet dirt....or even worse - dirt covered with snow.

A trailer that doesnt follow properly is nearly impossible to back up.

 

[jimjxsn]

Seen on denver craigslist

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/392411888.html

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Thanks, Jeff, Jim & all--

Unlike (for me) the camper question, it turns out that getting an equipment trailer is a lot more complicated than just thinking about it.