SMB (and other) Trailers

DUKCSUN · 01-29-2009, 08:29 AM

I noticed that SMB doesn't sell their trailers anymore and heard a rumor that they were having a hard time sourcing the necessary parts.

Does anybody have experience with them if I come across one? Or does anybody have any recommendations for substitute products? What were they selling for when they offered them?

I'm not interested in the "tent" or sleeping components of the trailer and more interested in the weather-proof box and ability to put some racks on top for easy access.

I need something that I can haul around my pontoon drift boat/s and/or float tubes all ready to go and would like the extra storage for things like duck/goose decoys, etc.

I'm also considering a side ladder for access to the roof basket as an alternative but I think I would rather have a trailer for my use.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Jammyauto · 01-29-2009, 09:31 AM

There are allready a couple treads about trailers over in the "towing and Toys" section. Take a look there.

Ford_6L_E350 · 01-29-2009, 12:33 PM

The SMB trailer was pricey. So, maybe you could find someone who has one. And take it to a trailer manufacturer and have them quote on making one. Maybe the price would be less than SMB wanted.

Wait a minute, maybe I should do that. Then they could sell trailers and I could get $100 for everyone they sell.

Just an idea.

Mike

PeasBugs · 01-30-2009, 08:34 PM

I have used my roof rack for my decoy bags and for float tubes. I have put two inflated float tubes on the rack but they stick up pretty high and you have to watch out for tree branches. I usually keep the float tubes deflated until I get to the place I am going then inflate them. It is nice to keep wet and muddy decoys and tubes outside the van. For a big pontoon boat I think you would need a trailer.

jage · 01-30-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

The SMB trailer [...] take it to a trailer manufacturer and have them quote on making one.

Was the SMB trailer that special? Apart from matching the van, what is different about SMB trailers, Adventure Trailers and say, old military trailers?

DUKCSUN · 01-30-2009, 11:22 PM

Jage (thanks for moving, it was a late night post),

The thing that I remember liking about the SMB trailer was that there wasn't a lot of muss and fuss and gadgetry about it. All I'm looking for is a good, weatherproof box that can support my tire size and put a rack on top. The AT trailers, et al, seem to be a little over-engineered (and heavy) for what I'm looking for. I wanted something that, when empty, I could unhitch and just walk it to where I wanted to put it and the simplicity of the SMB trailers seemd to fit that bill. I don't truly know bc I never got that great a look at them.

Anyway, looks like numerous options are out there, I just didn't want to go towing around the old pick-up bed, welded into a trailer option. I'm a redneck, but not that redneck!

**daveb** · 01-30-2009, 11:54 PM

The SMB trailer is quite large, like the back of a short bed pickup. (Good)

The suspension sucks. (Bad)

The hitch on mine is killer, a U-joint type. It works great. (Good)

The top is nice looking but the ram shocks that hold the top up have been a problem after I added a pod to the top. I need to replace them. SMB gave me the shocks but the part numbers? Probably need an extra set. (Trouble)

Those with larger tires than 285's might have a problem with rubbing. (It may be a problem especially if you change tire size) (Future expense?)

The tail gate? Maybe for some but I only use it to clean it out.

I wish I could:
Add a mini Aluminess rack to the corners for protection that has spots to haul a few jerry cans. Like a mini SMB rear bumper setup (front and back).

Add better suspension. AT addressed this.

Add brakes.

Have a dedicated awning system or attachment points. I have used my trailer to rig a tarp off the lid in the up position to make a shelter. A good system would be nice.

Because the SMB trailer is not made anymore I would think a custom AT trailer would be a great value.

I'm sure there is more.

DUKCSUN · 01-31-2009, 06:01 AM

Good feedback. Thanks DaveB. As someone mentioned in one of the other posts it seems AT is truly proud of their trailers and I can't fathom what custom work might cost with them. That might be an indication of how nice they truly are but I would have to weigh heavily the cost for the utility. Such is life.

Thanks for the feedback.

jage · 01-31-2009, 09:07 AM

Trailerman is the AT trailer guy's username on this forum. Hit him up for a stripped bare model, I'd be curious if that is something they're willing to entertain.

trailerman · 01-31-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

Trailerman is the AT trailer guy's username on this forum. Hit him up for a stripped bare model, I'd be curious if that is something they're willing to entertain.

We sell stripped down versions of our trailers, we call them "Base Trailers" From the pricing page on our website http://www.adventuretrailers.com/trailer_price.html
BASE TRAILER INCLUDES:
CHASSIS, ZINC COATED STEEL, POWDER COATED, CARGO BOX, LID WITH
GAS STRUTS, 14 GAUGE ZINC COATED STEEL, POWDERCOATED, INDEPENDENT
TRAILING ARMS, SINGLE UNIT AIRBAG & SHOCK ABSORBERS,
DROP LEG JACK AND WHEEL,
RUBBER MATTING.

Does not include tires and rims, they are matched to the vehicle.

I enjoyed the "over engineered" comment, it make me chuckle. When you see how much stuff people put in their trailers, what they take their trailers over, how fast they take their trailers over obstacles, and how they are used and abused, you'll understand why we engineer them the way we do.