Expedition Modded Jeeps - Let's see 'em!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Yukon, Canada
Instead of going the off-road trailer route, has anyone thought of doing a JK8 conversion? I'm really liking the idea of keeping all storage in one place vs. towing a trailer over rough terrain but there have to be pitfalls that I'm not considering yet (apart from reduced storage space vs. a trailer)
Last edited by Septu; Apr 23, 2014 at 08:51 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, CO
If my JKU wasn't my DD, perhaps it would be something to consider. But for a DD, I couldn't imagine not having the interior space of the 4 door. The other very important aspect for me, is that I love the ability to setup camp, then leave and go do different things. So if I was doing a massive trip down to SA (which is on my wish list), I'd have to think long and hard about bring a trailer vs living out of the back of the JKU. However for my trips in NA, I couldn't imagine not having the trailer.
When you set up camp and explore, do you feel safe knowing the trailer isn't getting stolen? I think it may be smart to build a steel bracket that would cover the hitch tongue, just to make it tough for anyone to steal
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Ramona, CA
I had a small trailer I towed and used in semi remote camps for a few years. I insured it against theft and never gave a care as to it getting stolen or not. Insurance is cheap on little travel trailers and if you get a good policy it will more than cover a replacement value plus any "extras" that may have been left in the trailer. People always talk about things getting stolen, I have never met anybody it actually happened too, kind of like 90% of the things that get tossed around on forums.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
For an off-road trailer, consider one of the specialized 360° swivel hitches that companies like Adventure Trailer sells. Then it is unlikely a thief has the hardware to hook into it.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 354
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Things I do to secure the trailer:
1. J-hook lock that goes from leaf spring through wheel (similar to this: Northern tool product_200466898). Earlier I used a wheel boot lock, but it no longer fit when I went to 35" tires on the trailer.
2. I remove the Max coupler and bring it with me.
3. My gas, propane, and tounge box have locks on them.
4. My trailer lid has a padlock.
5. I park it in a very remote place and put a "be right back" note with # on it in case Forest Service or Ranger is wondering.
6. As mentioned previously, it is also insured for theft.
That said, it is a rare occasion that I leave it behind.
1. J-hook lock that goes from leaf spring through wheel (similar to this: Northern tool product_200466898). Earlier I used a wheel boot lock, but it no longer fit when I went to 35" tires on the trailer.
2. I remove the Max coupler and bring it with me.
3. My gas, propane, and tounge box have locks on them.
4. My trailer lid has a padlock.
5. I park it in a very remote place and put a "be right back" note with # on it in case Forest Service or Ranger is wondering.
6. As mentioned previously, it is also insured for theft.
That said, it is a rare occasion that I leave it behind.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 3
From: Pagosa Springs CO
My interest in a trailer has to do with me owning a 2 door and just needing more space in general. Having a trailer will allow me to get the gear out of the JK to keep weight down while being able to pack everything still. I have already pulled my back seat but my great dane comes with me and takes up the space in back. I can divide the area but its still a tight fit.
I have looked at the offerings from Manley, Ruger, Sierra4x4, Adventure Trailer, Dinoot, Turtleback, and it seems many more. I can't get over the price that people want for one of these. I'm not saying they are easy to build or repair but they just cost so much for something so "simple." As such I have started to consider trying to build one myself. It would be a good chance to get better at welding but I'm still a ways out from starting anything. I really hope that someone will post something up that will work for me at a decent price that I'll be able to snatch up. Regardless with what I end up with, it'll be multipurpose. Its got to be able to go camping and do yard and home chores as well.
This is the build that has me thinking I might be able to pull a diy build off. I think he says he is into it like $1500 after the first stage.
I have looked at the offerings from Manley, Ruger, Sierra4x4, Adventure Trailer, Dinoot, Turtleback, and it seems many more. I can't get over the price that people want for one of these. I'm not saying they are easy to build or repair but they just cost so much for something so "simple." As such I have started to consider trying to build one myself. It would be a good chance to get better at welding but I'm still a ways out from starting anything. I really hope that someone will post something up that will work for me at a decent price that I'll be able to snatch up. Regardless with what I end up with, it'll be multipurpose. Its got to be able to go camping and do yard and home chores as well.
This is the build that has me thinking I might be able to pull a diy build off. I think he says he is into it like $1500 after the first stage.
cheap trailers can be build, but you need to re-enforce them
my build starts on on page 81, with more on page 99 & 100
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Box Elder, South Dakota
How much weight do you feel a trailer could weigh without having to add airbag helpers in the back or a auxiliary trans cooler? Do you think a 2,800 lb fully loaded popup or travel trailer would cause any issues? I'm realizing that for me to do the traveling I want to do with a full family is going to have to have a much bigger tow vehicle.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Box Elder, South Dakota
