Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Am in the progress of planning a new Camper trailer, have some of the specs sorted.

basics,
-6x4 high sides trailer
-leaf springs with the top spring
-5 stud cruiser pattern to match the car with the big springs
-Custom tent setup by Cockatoo Canvas

The question is do i need/should i fit brakes? It won't legally need them, am i better off without them?

I right on the limit with mine 700kg when loaded up and I don't see that much of a diffrence but I mainly go along the coast not alot off steep hills.

frp88 wrote:I right on the limit with mine 700kg when loaded up and I don't see that much of a diffrence but I mainly go along the coast not alot off steep hills.

So you have no brakes?

can i ask why you chose the 6 x 4 and not a 7 x 10?

is it tent size?

cheers mark

mud4b wrote:can i ask why you chose the 6 x 4 and not a 7 x 10?

is it tent size?

cheers mark

6x4 will keep the same track as the car and still allow for a big enough tent.

Just fit brakes. Not a lot of money for a little help stopping. When I got my trailer made, I said no to brakes, as I thought I would be fine without. I have since fitted them. One accident later.

mud4b wrote:can i ask why you chose the 6 x 4 and not a 7 x 10?

is it tent size?

cheers mark

'cause he's just engaged and still in the romantic mood

cj wrote:

mud4b wrote:can i ask why you chose the 6 x 4 and not a 7 x 10?

is it tent size?

cheers mark

'cause he's just engaged and still in the romantic mood

Sorry, have now had sleep and realise my mistake, trailer is 7x4, this gives me the trac width of the cruiser and a full size double bed.

Will now be going for electric brakes.

The next question is do i need to build the chassis and a frame out of 3mm or could i get away with 2.5mm. Will be a similar design to dieseldudes in the members section.

just use the 3mm straight up...if you want to make it last and be able to go offroad

dave

I sub-contract for a camper trailer manufacturer here in Brisbane, so I have seen quite a few campers...

Most campers are 7 x 4 with 500mm sides and leaf sprung suspension...by the time the tent section is fitted the weight of the trailer comes out in the 550kg area. That only allows 150kg of gear to be packed.

Now throw in the mattress, tent poles for the awning, pegs, ropes, a few bags full of clothes, all your kitchen stuff and other bits and pieces it doesnt take long to go over the 700kg mark.

My advice...put a brake axle on it. Even if you come in underweight (which I would be suprised) when fully loaded, it will at least make towing (braking) a more comfortable experience.

P.S I actually make the canvas sections...so if you would like some advice on what to look out for dont hesitate to ask.

sierrajim wrote:

frp88 wrote:I right on the limit with mine 700kg when loaded up and I don't see that much of a diffrence but I mainly go along the coast not alot off steep hills.

So you have no brakes?

Yes no brakes are you doing more coast or mountain

Frp88 - main purpose is desert touring, it will however do a few trips in the high country

Loomis - cheers mate

80lsy - was thinking the same, just trying to save weight.


With regards to hitches am i better looking at the ORAC hitch or the Treg Polyblock?

Go the ORAC, much lower profile than the Treg. That big block of poly and associated bracketry will no doubt interfere with opening the back door by about 10mm.

on the subject of camper trailers are all the tops able to come completly off i am going to buying one 2nd hand soon and dont want to have to trailers hanging around so if i can take the top (camper part) off i can use the trailer normally

cheers

muduppig wrote:on the subject of camper trailers are all the tops able to come completly off i am going to buying one 2nd hand soon and dont want to have to trailers hanging around so if i can take the top (camper part) off i can use the trailer normally

cheers

Grave dig !, yeah most of the tent tops i've seen can be removed, i am building up a 6x4 trailer as a general use trailer that will have a tent top fitted when needed. G-loomis , would it be hard work to sew up your own tent ? i have access to a commercial sewing machine.