Okay, so it's not going to be my "ultimate trailer". I found out about 10 days ago that the trailer I was gonna borrow again this year won't be available any more.

I have been updating and have pretty much decided what trailer to build, but I have nowhere near the time to do it. So, plan B. I drew this up this week. It's a bit single-purpose, but it's a lot simpler to build, half the cost and is still tons better than flat-towing.

7k axle, maybe torsion
3500 lb rated wheels/tires
4x2 tube frame, 2x2 wheel pockets
~900ish lbs w/ spare
will fit from a 90 to 118" wheelbase
axle can slide 6"

expaned metal wheel pocket floors (not shown)
wheel pockets about 14" off the ground (more like 12" with torsion axle)
5' tongue to pull & back a little easier










With the axle in the middle position, it'll give about 12% tongue weight with the Amigo loaded up. The forward spare isn't really a spare. It's really a storage box to hold chocks, straps, etc. It just *looks* like a spare. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Think I can finish in 3 weeks? I might possibly be able to beg/borrow one, but I really don't want to. Steel should be here in about an hour. 'Tis going to be a busy weekend... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Small details like gussets and tie-down points aren't all in yet. Whaddya think? (I mean, other than pointing out there's only 1 axle under it)


--Dan

Sounds and looks pretty cool...why not double axle? Simplicity I take it.

Keep us updated.

Steve

I think it will be great for the real reason you're building it. You can always add some tabs for bolting down sheets of plywood to the middle section if you want to haul other stuff. (obviously with a hinged access panel for getting to the spare. You could also use the expanded metal there if you're feeling independently wealthy... last I checked that stuff carried a surprisingly high price tag. Good luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

what program did u make that on

I'm pretty sure it's solidworks, IIRC.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

I'm trying to keep to the minimalist approach. Tandem will add a few hudred $$ and lbs. The biggest problem is the rear axle of the Amigo will need to be between the rear tires on the trailer. Means I can't do a drop-deck and would have to make it wider. I would like a dually, but they're stupid expensive.

It's in the plans, but not before Moab. Outer supports on the wheel pockets, some cross-beams from small tubing and a plywood floor & I can use it as a flatbed for other stuff. It'll probably all store between the frame rails so I can set it up after unloading for a raised tent platform if I ever do over-nighters.

I know you've already done a lot of calculations on this (I know you too well to assume otherwise) but I've gotta say a tandem axle is gonna handle WORLDS better, especially with your somewhat lightweight tow rig. Going over dips and rollers on back highways can get a bit sketchy with that much weight on a single axle. Even with proper tongue weight they really like to porpoise on uneven roads at speed. Another nice thing with tandems, besides how the suspension stabilizes them is if you blow a tire the trailer still tows ok. With a single axle, and the weight of your amigo, I'd really hate to see a tire blow. Trailer tires also aren't exactly known for durability. My trailer probably has less than 10k miles on it and I've blown at least 4 tires now, and they were brand new with the trailer. The last one lost the entire tread layer and I unknowingly drove it that way for over 100 miles on the way to Globe.

I'd do something similar to what wayne did with his buggy trailer, except make the deck a little taller for easier drive over the axles. His trailer is light enough to push around the parking lot by myself, and handles like a dream, even behind his mini-van.

Dallas

Here's a couple pics of the trailer I'm talking about for those who have no idea what I'm talking about. Wayne needed it to be lightweight, and it needed to be narrow and low enough to park inside his single car condo garage WITH the buggy on it.

For Dan I'd raise the deck a bit, and lower the fenders a little, as a normal vehicle would have a difficult time fitting over waynes fenders. They were built about 3" too high by accident.





Dallas

Does he even need the tie downs? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Looks like its not going anywhere. Cool.