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Old 07-10-2008, 07:03 PM   #1
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Rock Crawler Trailer

It looks like the Qatar order included a number of Rock Crawler trailers. I thought I heard that these were no longer an option, and I can't seem to find it on the website any longer.

What is the scoop?

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Old 07-11-2008, 01:19 PM   #2
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I noticed that also. Thought I got one of the last SMB trailer, maybe they are available on special order - or if you have enough money.

Mike
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Old 07-15-2008, 12:32 PM   #3
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Don't quote me but I remember being told that SMB never made the trailer rather contracted a company to build them. When a spring broke on my trailer SMB had to call the company to varify what the part number was. They had no info on the trailer at SMB leading me to believe that they don't make the trailer. I would call SMB.
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Old 09-12-2008, 02:25 PM   #4
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Anyone with one of the SMB Trailers, are there any markings that show the original manufacturer?

Has anyone ever had any trouble with one of these trailers?

Does anyone know of any trailers similar to the SMB trailer?

Thanks,
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2008 Ford 6.0PSD EB/E-PH SMB 4X4 Aluminess f/r bumpers (13.5mpg avg, 15mpg hwy) 52k miles [Texas McBeast]
2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (15 to 18 mpg) [Johnnie]
2012 Mitsubishi MiEV (no gas required) ($.50/day in electricity) [Evie]
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Old 09-12-2008, 02:48 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg In Austin

Does anyone know of any trailers similar to the SMB trailer?
Greg,

Check out http://www.adventuretrailers.com/

I have seen their product up close and have read about them in http://www.overlandjournal.com/ (an incredible publication, by the way).

AT's products are top notch and would make a great trailer for your rig.

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Old 09-12-2008, 02:59 PM   #6
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There are no markings to ID the manufacturer. Things like the axle and springs are commercial trailer parts, I believe they came from Redneck Trailer Supplies.

My Rock Crawler Trailer had a couple of engineering problems:

- The axle was too wide for my wheels and the tires rubbed on the fender flares. I narrowed the axle to fit.

- The gas lifts for the top had improper mounting points, and they were keeping the top closed instead of assisting in the lift. I remounted the lower mounts to give assist when closed.

- The tailgate latches were simple bent metal rods that came right out of the latch. I threaded the ends and put nuts on to prevent the piece from coming out.

- The trailer jack was mounted too high and wouldn't lift the hitch high enough for my van (it is made for 4wd, right?). I remounted the jack to get more lift.

- I remounted the license plate and light for more ground clearance.

- The tailgate hinges are in the wrong place and make the tailgate higher than the bed of the trailer. You can't slide anything out, you have to lift it over the tailgate. The hinges are welded on, making it difficult to fix this one.

In short, the trailer needed some simple engineering. Maybe that was one reason it was dropped.

I don't know of a similar trailer. This trailer has some nice features and a great size. Mine uses the same wheels and tires as the van, giving me two extra spares. If I had severe tire troubles, I could probably pull trailer out with 2 flat tires and good tires on the van.

Mike
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Old 09-13-2008, 10:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg In Austin
Anyone with one of the SMB Trailers, are there any markings that show the original manufacturer?

Has anyone ever had any trouble with one of these trailers?

Does anyone know of any trailers similar to the SMB trailer?

Thanks,
Yes I have had a few problems. I broke a spring in Death Valley while a massive storm was coming in. Being in the middle of nowhere sucked. I now carry a spare spring. I had a seal that started to throw grease but was no big deal. Now I have a shock that holds the lid up starting to fail. I like the trailer because of its size. It also tracks equal to the van tires which helps in snow with the van clearing a path. I almost never use the tail gate because that is where I keep wood but it is kind of messed up like Mike said. The springs are too stiff and the first time I got to camp with it All the bottles of beer were broke Lantern mantles take a beating also but I prepare for it and don't really mind. I have not had any problems with tires rubbing but most of what Mike said is on the mark. A better designed trailer like they make overseas would be nice but I use mine as a cargo trailer only. I bought the 8-way hitch because I don't like a pintal hitch. I know some of these links are outside the US but gives you an idea on design.
http://www.adventuretrailers.com/
http://www.haultent.com/
http://www.trackabout.com.au/
http://desert-wolf.com/
http://off-roadinternational.com/toughterrain.html
http://www.outlandertrailers.com/
http://www.tentrax.com/

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Old 09-13-2008, 02:10 PM   #8
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Dave is right about the trailer ride being STIFF!. At least it was.

I took a leaf or two out of the spring ( I now have 2 leafs ). Lowered the tire pressure to 20 psi. Added shocks to the axle (old motorcycle shocks).

I'm happy with the trailer now. It tracks well, doesn't bounce all over the road, has good capacity. The only remaining problem is backing up. A short trailer is very difficult to back up. I have to go real slow because it reacts so quickly. If I need to place it accurately, I put the hitch on the front of the van and then I can place it within an inch.

One reason the springs break is the shackles were too tight. Mine were simply solid!! I loosened the shackles to let the springs move and so far, so good. If you have one of these trailers you may want to check the shackles to make sure they move freely.

Mike
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Old 09-19-2008, 02:25 PM   #9
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Martyn Davies from Adventure Trailers here making my first post.

To my knowledge Sportmobile had their trailers manufactured by an independent contractor in Southern California. My understanding is that they have stopped manufacturing their trailers to concentrate on their core business.

To date we have modified one Sportmobile trailer from it's original solid axle and leaf springs to the AT independent trailing arm airshock system. The owner is planning a trip to the Baja this fall and a write up on this forum.

What we were solving for him was the stiffness of the suspension on the washboard in Baja and the consequential bouncing and vibration.

If anyone is interested I can post some before and after pictures, the true story will come from the Fall Baja trip.
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Old 09-19-2008, 03:56 PM   #10
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Martyn,

Thanks for your help if my learning about the AT products,.... but don't think you are off the hook yet, there will be more questions!
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2008 Ford 6.0PSD EB/E-PH SMB 4X4 Aluminess f/r bumpers (13.5mpg avg, 15mpg hwy) 52k miles [Texas McBeast]
2006 Toyota Prius (48 to 68 mpg) 120k miles [Penelope]
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (15 to 18 mpg) [Johnnie]
2012 Mitsubishi MiEV (no gas required) ($.50/day in electricity) [Evie]
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