Sander's Trailer Build and BS

That would probably work. should be better for mounting the spare tire too.
what's the height difference of the spare if its recessed vs not recessed?

 

Subbed......Good start.

 

4".....at this point the frame is going to be 2" x 4" tubing and I was shooting for it be being flush at the bottom of the frame

 

Well Etrailer just called and informed me that everything I ordered is in stock but the Timbren Axleless suspension. They won't get any from Timbren until sometime in July. I should be able to get a spec sheet on it, so that I can build the frame without. Strange that they work on a Sunday but that's awesome customer service!

 

Ordered, last night, a DeeZee a-frame tool box for over the front of the frame, and since it's free shipping I just decided to get two premade hitch tubes.

I also called my local weld shop to get prices on tubing for the frame.
2"x4"X1/8" was $6.05/foot
2"x2"X1/8" was $3.50/foot

 

Nice!!

 

Should have the materials for next weekend and maybe I can get to building the frame

 

You're going to end up making me build one too

 

sub'd looks like its going to be a badass build!!

 

I see sparks & burning in the near future...

 

Just one guy's opinion but I would really consider using a regular 3500# trailer axle with leaf springs. I'm personally not a fan of the timbren suspension on an offroad trailer. Leaf springs might not be the "cool kid" thing to do but it works and is super reliable. You can use a pair of inexpensive junkyard springs and have a trailer that rides really well and has decent travel without all the wear parts you get with the Timbren axles or airbags that can get punctured or tear. Probably be cheaper too.

As for the Max Coupler. You can get it direct from Kilby Enterprises (that's who makes them).

 

I appreciate when people go "all out" and build crazy incredible things... but there is something to be said about simple and reliable. especially in an off-road trailer when it's suspension travel isn't really all that important as it's not going to put more power to the ground in uneven terrain no matter what flex it has, and really isn't going to flex worth a shit anyways... just tip...

but everyone builds what they want/can afford so not knocking anyone's choice... just agree with Adam on this

 

Yes to both of these. I went with leafs cause I can always add one or two leafs to compensate for an increase in weight as I change things.

 

Keep this thread going, I want to see as much of your process as you're willing to post.

I’m planning a similar project to build a “teardrop” style camping trailer similar to this one: http://www.twistedandes.com/foro/showthread.php?p=610950&langid=1

Do you know if the Electric Brake Assembly can be set up or modified to serve as a parking brake as well?

 

Sub'd and taking notes

 

I see what your saying and it makes sense. You say there is more wear parts in the Timbren vs a regular axle, care to ellaborate? Just off the top of my head all I can really think of that's different is the rubber block that acts as an airbag. They both have wheel bearings, hubs, and electric brakes. Not arguing just curious I know tones don't transfer well on paper.

Thanks just looked it says they are out of stock, so I guess I'll have to wait a while.

I'm not really going for the suspension travel, I more or less wanted the timbrens for the added ground clearance. With timbrens I won't have a axle tube running acrossed down low, which will give me room to mount a water tank tucked up in the frame.

Plan on it

From what I've seen dexter makes an electric brake with a manual parking brake option. Not sure if it is possible to modify a non optioned one or not.

 

No problem clarifying on the suspension stuff. Leaf springs are long hunks of metal and it's difficult to damage or break them. Airbags fail, rubber timbrens can fail, the torsion axles can fail. It's not as serious an issue as I might be making it sound. I think the Timbren is not a bad option and one of the pros of that setup is that you get independent suspension, which you wouldn't get with leaf springs. The downside is that any "soft" parts will wear out eventually. On the flip side there are M416s with leaf springs that were built in the 30's still running around. IMO avoiding the parts that can fail means there is less chance of having a failure in the middle of nowhere, potentially leaving me stranded.

I said in my earlier post, it's just one guys opinion and if leaf springs weren't possible for me, I'd use a timbren axle so don't let me sway you if that's the way you want to go.

Only other factor is cost. My complete axle with custom hubs to match and suspension cost me $120. A timbren axle is going to cost several times that.

 

Thank you! I think the whole reason I'm swayed toward the timbrens is the idea of the independent suspension. I have a good feeling that this trailer's miles are going to be almost all highway with the occasional offroad. Since I'm on the east coast my occasional offroad would be a road trip out west so it's still going to be extremely more highway than dirt. I'm just looking for something that rides extremely well behind the truck.

I guess the big thing for me is its basically a trailing arm suspension without the hassle of me designing and making my own.(which I would have no confidence in doing)

 

one other thing to look at for ride quality is air pressure. I find that LOTS of people have WAY too much air in the tires for these small trailers. My leaf spring suspension is pretty stiff actually because the springs are short. But I only run about 12psi in the tires. Been that way for 8 years now with zero tire issues and the trailer rides and tracks awesome on the road and the lower pressure in the tires makes a huge difference in how it rides offroad. Even with timbrens most offroad trailers just don't have enough weight to really move the suspension much. Especially if you buy a 3500# timbren axle. They'll build that axle/suspension to be able to handle 3500# and my guess is that never in it's life will it be loaded that heavy. Kinda like putting dump truck suspension on your Tacoma. So smooth things out with low pressure in the tires. I've never had my tires heat up or had a single puncture.

 

btw, I'm really digging your design. Anxious to see it come together!