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Trailer question

2K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  MouthfulOfGrass 
#1 ·
I recently acquired one of those little "flat bed" cargo trailers (a relative bought it and is storing it at my house for now = mine).

It has those little mini wheels and tires and the leaf springs are mounted under-axle.

Would there be a problem with mounting the leaf springs over the axle ?

I'd like to tow it behind the Jeep, to carry camping gear, but I'm pretty sure it won't make it over some of the trail(s) that I'd like to take it. If it would work to reposition the leafs, then I'd be able to put taller tires on it also and it would be pretty trail ready. Curious if anyone has done something like this.
 
#3 ·
To answer your question, I don't see why you couldn't.

I'm no expert by any means, but why not just replace the springs and axle combination so it can handle bigger tires? I'm sure they have this available at TSC or Farm and Fleet. It may be a viable solution and the expense wouldn't be too bad. Just a thought...
 
#5 ·
I'd rather spend no money at all, 'cause money saved is money spent on the Jeep.

But thanks, I'll look into what it would cost to re-fit the trailer with different rigging. I just know that if moving the leafs over the axle would work, I would only have to spend $50 for a pair of new, taller, trailer wheel & tires.

What are "TSC" & "Farm and Fleet" ?
 
#11 ·
(imho)
Those are actually refered to as slipper springs on small trailers like that and they work slightly different than a stock leaf spring. Could be wrong about yours though. Have two smaller trailers like the ones you refered to in the op and both have slipper.

Remove the wheel wells from the frame, make longer supports for the wheel weels and install larger sized rims and ties onto the axel you already have. If need be you can get a new axel and hubs from farm-n-fleet, or the like. Else just have the rims made to fit the trailer.

C
 
#12 ·
Yes, you can do a spring over axle but it won't be as strong.
Those little trailers do good, we've got one with the larger tires on it.
We got it from Harbor freight for less than just buying an axle assembly to build my own would have cost.
 
#13 ·
Ok

I was thinking the spring over axle would give me more clearance below the axle, not as much stuff to drag.

But if I'm sacrificing strength, then I won't do that.

I guess I would gain enough height just with the taller wheel/tire combo. I would have to alter the wheel well.

I think I'll just use it as-is, and if it gives me trouble I'll get a different one for myself and give this one back to the owner and tell 'em "no thanks". There's not much room in the wheel well as it is, to put a taller tire on. It seems to be made for its low profile.
 
#15 ·
Any trail really, but we go out to Mojave mostly. I would also like to camp in some of the Southern Sierra areas that can only be reached by Jeep trail.
I've only been to Big Bear once, and didn't get a chance to get on any trails other than fire roads.
 
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