Trailer build on 170mm lug pattern

[loren85022]

I've been building a trailer to go behind my 08 e150 with Quigley 4wd on an 8lug 170mm pattern.

Trailer lug patterns I am learning are not metric in the states. Ok, so I go with a 6.5" adapter, but now I am learning that 8lug hubs are made for 5000lbs axles or more ( yep a bit slow learner here). I need at best 3500lb. 2000lbs would still be excessive.

I had really wanted to keep the van/ trailer on same rims for looks and convenience. Any SMB people gone down this path?

Is there any real reason the 8lug hubs(with brakes) can't attach to a 2000 axle?

Thx

[DisabledExplorers]

Great looking trailer!
But I have always questioned the idea of trailers having the same pattern as the rig....so you will justt leave your trailer out there somewhere?

[Ford_6L_E350]

You could use a 5000# axle with 2000# springs. It is really the springs that are overkill. Or, you could go with an AT suspension:

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/resource.html

Read the article about suspension.

I had the AT suspension added to my trailer, and it is great! They reused my spindles and hubs/wheels, and set the width to my specs.

You adjust the air pressure for the load - never too much spring or too little. The ride went from bouncing off the road surface to smoother than my van instantly.

Mike

[jage]

Originally Posted by DisabledExplorers

But I have always questioned the idea of trailers having the same pattern as the rig....so you will justt leave your trailer out there somewhere?

Why wouldn't you leave your trailer? If you steal a tire(s) from the trailer you drive out, drive back. If you don't have that spare or second, you're walking... the trailer does you no good anyway.

Alternatively your SMB spare can be used if your trailer loses a tire, so you don't have to carry a spare-spare that fits the trailer... preventing you from having to leave the trailer on the road or trail and return with a spare.

As for the thread, are there no spacers that go from (trailer pattern x) to Superduty 170mm? If you only need 2000lbs the spacer/adapter shouldn't cause as much concern as on a full size rig.

[Silver350]

You could just ask a local machine shop to drill a new pattern for you on an existing hub.

[SMBDAD]

I myself dont need to match my trailer wheels to the tow vehicle. I have multiple tow vehicles all with different patterns. I would rather have my trailer have its own spare and my vehicles have their own. If you are going to do extreme adventuring you can always carry that 2nd extra spare.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by DisabledExplorers

Great looking trailer!
But I have always questioned the idea of trailers having the same pattern as the rig....so you will justt leave your trailer out there somewhere?

Leaving the trailer is a last resort. My first thought was a 2nd, 3rd spare if needed. I could jettison most of the weight from the trailer (most of it is firewood) and move the couple of heavy things into the van and pull the trailer out on two flats if I needed to. Kind of depends on where and when it happens.

The other obvious option is to leave the trailer, take the flat(s) into town for repair and come back for the trailer. You might want to move any pricey items (generator, compressor) into the van, again, it depends on where you are. A remote road in Alaska is a lot safer than just off the highway outside Death Valley.

Mike

[loren85022]

4x6 tire theory: Having the rig run on identical tires gives me a few more options. I can relegate older tires on the van to trailer duty where they lasts practically forever. Or, budget permitting I could buy 6 new tires and rotate across six hubs. The small trailer definitely behaves better with larger tires. And of course theres a bit more curb appeal.

As for the escape plan(s), i personally have never blown two tires on the same trip. So I'll take my chances with one spare for 90% of my travels. Come Baja time, sure I'll add a second spare. Its sitting in the shed, as I do loan out the trailer and they need to have it on the trailer. Even a 31" tire can take up alot of space in a trailer box. I may make a mount underneath after all the other stuff gets placed.

Leaving the trailer is a no brainer if there's no other choice. Its insured, has a big-ass lock/chain, and I can transfer anything of value to the van. It has crossed my brain to acquire a gps transmitter that could be left on a trailer during the day when out exploring or fetching a repaired tire. I might even tuck my SPOT atop the RTT if I thought there was zombies near by.

Mario at AT did see the trailer at his last BBQ (july 2011). The frame is 2x3 which is his choice, and thought he could wiggle his indy-arm system around the 16 gallon water tank that sits above the axle now. His suspension would double the value of the entire trailer, and for now I want to explore some DIY alternatives. For my travels, the straight axle is plenty functional. Sadly, my good friend just bought a slightly-used Horizon that was loaded. Mario is getting his jeep and trailer to mate properly this week. I may suffer from suspension-envy and be forced into playing along.


For now, I am thinking I'll buy the 8x6.5" hubs and have an axle made. At under 1000 lbs, I'm not concerned that the axle even have any camber.

If anyone has done similar, would appreciate all insight.