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Old 02-29-2012, 12:34 PM   #1
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SMB Trailer Question

Question for SMB trailer owners:

I am noticing some up and down slop/play in my hitch (where it theoretically it should just spin horizontally according to it's position relative to the tow vehicle). I was wondering if anyone else has noticed any play in their hitch. Looks like the only way to service the hitch is to cut it off, repair/rebuild and then weld it back on, anyone have any ideas?

I'm probably making a mountain of a molehill, but I would rather be proactive as we go pretty far off the grid in Baja. I can't think offhand of any way to jury-rig it if it broke.

Thanks,
Steve

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Old 02-29-2012, 03:36 PM   #2
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

The coupler that SMB used is not well designed or robust. And, to top it off, the coupler is rated at 2000# while the trailer is rated at 2500#.

I changed mine to the AT Max Coupler:

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

This coupler has polyurethane bushings, zerk fittings, etc. It is well designed, well made and rated for 6000#.

I found it fit better for me if I mounted the round, rotating part in the van hitch and the U-shaped piece on the trailer tongue





I made a plastic plug to fill the hole in the end of the trailer tongue.

Mike
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Old 02-29-2012, 07:02 PM   #3
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

Thanks Mike. I think I'll take that route. I had a feeling the hitches weren't that highly rated. What can go wrong will go wrong offroad. Accelerate that in Baja.
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Old 03-01-2012, 06:22 AM   #4
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SMB Trailer Question

Hmmmm, I was unaware SMB made a trailer. Do you have a photo?
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Old 03-01-2012, 09:26 AM   #5
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

loren,

The SMB trailer is no longer in production.

It looks quite similar to the trailer in your avatar.

Here's a picture of mine:



Mike
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Old 03-02-2012, 06:28 PM   #6
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

Anyone have one of these: http://www.hitch-ezy.com/ ? Looks beautifully made. Be sure to watch the video, while mildly pornographic shows its excellent features.

The AT Max Coupler just isn't expensive enough for me.

Z
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Old 03-02-2012, 07:16 PM   #7
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

Zeta,

After you get one, I'll be in line to check it out.

I had to do a web search to find a price - AUD795 or $856 - Wow!

Looks nice. Maybe $350 nice, but not $856.

Mike
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Old 03-02-2012, 07:54 PM   #8
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SMB Trailer Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350
Zeta,

After you get one, I'll be in line to check it out.

I had to do a web search to find a price - AUD795 or $856 - Wow!

Looks nice. Maybe $350 nice, but not $856.

Mike
Sure. I'll put it on the list of stuff I have to buy because nobody else has the ollas to try first--right behind the air/fuel separator.

Z


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Old 03-02-2012, 09:02 PM   #9
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeta
Be sure to watch the video, while mildly pornographic shows its excellent features.Z
Just to make sure I understand the video please tell me if I have the concept right.

If your ball weight is heavy you have to use two hands on the Jockey wheel?
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Old 04-25-2012, 11:49 AM   #10
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Re: SMB Trailer Question

Mine is similar to this one
http://www.off-roadinternational.com/tough.html
It was called an 8-way articulating hitch and came with my SMB trailer. It uses a special receiver insert but the U-joint section is welded to the trailer
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