|
02-29-2012, 12:34 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 412
|
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
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 03:36 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington - Ridgefield
Posts: 4,728
|
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
__________________
Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper
|
|
|
02-29-2012, 07:02 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 412
|
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.
|
|
|
03-01-2012, 06:22 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 233
|
SMB Trailer Question
Hmmmm, I was unaware SMB made a trailer. Do you have a photo?
__________________
Phoenix Arizona
2008 E-150 5.4L w/Quigley. Vangator II Wheelchair lift,
|
|
|
03-01-2012, 09:26 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington - Ridgefield
Posts: 4,728
|
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
__________________
Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper
|
|
|
03-02-2012, 06:28 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Preston, ID
Posts: 1,213
|
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
|
|
|
03-02-2012, 07:16 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington - Ridgefield
Posts: 4,728
|
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
__________________
Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper
|
|
|
03-02-2012, 07:54 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Preston, ID
Posts: 1,213
|
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
http://www.tomsinclair.net
|
|
|
03-02-2012, 09:02 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Washougal, Wa
Posts: 1,047
|
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?
__________________
John
Gnarvan 1992 E350 Clubwagon
Advanced 4WD Systems Conversion
Sotar Legend 12.5' X 22" Cataraft
2003 BMW R1150GS-Adventure
2013 BMW R1200GS-Adventure
|
|
|
04-25-2012, 11:49 AM
|
#10
|
Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
|
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
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures.......... On and off road adventures
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|