Advice on trailers
Submitted: Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 03:36
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Bware (Tweed Valley)
Looking at getting a trailer to make life easier. So that you know where I'm coming from; roofracks suck because I'm short. I have a canoe.
The basic perameters were; waterproof and lockable.
I was considering a tradesman trailer with the racks above the trailer but realised that the rack is generally as high as the vehicle creating wind resistence etc once the canoe is on top.
Then I came across this website, www.austrailers.com.au/011.htm and thought that it was a good design; box trailer height with a hinged lid that has a rack for the canoe (or tinnie etc). The canoe would be below the vehicle height.
I've only used trailers in a hire sitation to move house etc (can cope with reversing) but was wondering if there are some major things I haven't considered about this design, trailers, and towing in general.I am aware of
parking , the advantages of a trailer with the same track and wheels/tyres as the tow vehicle, having heavy duty suspension/build quality etc.
Thanks in advance
Regards, Brian
Reply By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 03:41
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 03:41
No affiliation etc. I would be looking, ideally, to buy second hand and this design is a good guideline for what I need or to build or get built.
AnswerID:
198363
Follow Up By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 03:47
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 03:47
Oh yeah, forgot to add that it would be convenient if you could just raise the lid with the canoe still tied on the racks. Obviously you would need to be confident that the hinges could take the weight.
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Reply By: Moggs - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 07:17
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 07:17
Hi Bware,
I have an Obriens Explorer butterfly top trailer - details are in my rig pic. We will be selling it soon so if you are interested in a second hand unit in 'as new' condition I can send you some pictures.
AnswerID:
198367
Follow Up By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:02
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:02
That looks excellent! Unfortunately, this is all theory at the moment. If I win lotto tonight you will hear from me (better go buy a ticket).
cheers, Brian
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Reply By: Member - qld_bushpig - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 08:04
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 08:04
Hi Brian
As
well as the excellent advice on this
forum take a look at www.campertrailers.org
Site is for camper trailers and the folk there have years of experience to help you.
Cheers
Jack
AnswerID:
198369
Follow Up By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 14:36
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 14:36
Thanks for that link, Jack.
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Reply By: Moose - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 13:12
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 13:12
G'day Brain
Firstly shouldn't it be "Frankensteinian" :-)
Re trailers:
suspension - don't want to shake the contents and canoe to bits
wheel track to match vehicle
wheels - interchangeable with vehicle
hitch if going "real" offroad
draw-bar length (easier reversing if longer)
Wouldn't have thought that a canoe would create that much wind resistance even if above vehicle height.
Hope that's of some help.
Cheers from the Moose.
AnswerID:
198398
Follow Up By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:07
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:07
Shouldn't that be 'Brian', not 'Brain' LOL
Cheers for the info, Moose.
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Follow Up By: Moose - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:09
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 15:09
Oops!
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Reply By: D-Jack - Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 21:37
Monday, Oct 09, 2006 at 21:37
Hey shorty!
How bout one of those steel wheel steps, sits on the wheel and gives you an extra couple of feet, then transfer to other wheel, presto! Available at supercrap, repco, etcSure beats towing if you don't realy have to. If you do have to, how bout a 2nd hand camper so you can also
camp as
well, with a swing away boat loader for the canoe (or multiple if you want)
D-Jack
AnswerID:
198458
Follow Up By: Bware (Tweed Valley) - Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 at 11:38
Tuesday, Oct 10, 2006 at 11:38
Hi D-Jack, what's the weather like up there? LOL
I actually carry a small step-ladder on our travels at the moment! Thanks for the suggestions; am trying to keep the options open and agree if we can do without a trailer it would be better.
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