I asked this in the Guy's Run thread, but figured I'd start a new thread to try and get a little more exposure since I only got feedback from a couple people and I don't want to derail that thread any more.

I'm headed to Sheep's Canyon in Anza-Borrego next week to do some camping. If I bring the whole family along, I won't be able to fit everything and everyone in the Jeep. I have a number of ways I can make it work, but the least costly and more convenient option would be to bring my utility trailer out with us. Problem is I'm not sure I can make it without breaking something.

The trailer is a 5'x6' utility trailer. It has 14" rims and the suspension is over the axle, so it has a little better clearance than most trailers I suppose. I need to run a 12" hitch extension to clear my spare tire setup, so that could negatively impact things I suppose. My biggest concern is with the hitch since it has a standard ball/coupler setup. I plan on going with a LocknRoll or pintle setup later on, but it's not going to happen before my trip next week. See pics below if it will help any. My Jeep is on 35's with 2.5" lift. I normally use an adjustable drop hitch with about 4" of drop when towing this trailer, although in this case I'll probably only run it at a 2" drop or maybe even zero drop just to provide more clearance at the tongue.

I drove out to Sheep's Canyon during the guy's run, but was in the middle of the pack so I was dusted out much of the way and didn't get good visual on the trail. Besides that, I wasn't considering what it would have been like with a trailer attached. I remember the trail wasn't challenging at all, but I can't recall if there were any steep angles or off-camber spots that might cause enough articulation to break the coupler on the trailer. Has anyone ever taken their trailer out there?

Thanks to those who chimed in on the other thread, and thanks in advance to anyone else that provides some feedback. I realize there is no way to know for sure unless I actually try it. I'm just looking for more feedback in order to better determine my odds of making it safely.

 

I have not been out in about a year and a half and I have no video of my own but you should probably be ok. It's not a very technical but its pretty long for towing a trailer over this type of terrain. Once you get through the rocks you will be able to make up a little time though. I found this video on youtube and the water level was nowhere near that high last time I went through but it's possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwY56T_KfKk You could call out and talk to the rangers to get trail conditions also.

 

Thanks. I don't remember that creek crossing at all. I recall a couple water crossings, but we crossed perpendicular to the water and didn't have to drive through very much of it. I sort of remember a steeper rocky section, and couple tight sections, but I'm reasonably certain I can make it okay if I go slowly. It's not a military trailer or anything, so I won't be going too fast and beating it up or anything.

Edit: I've been doing a little more research and I'm thinking of adding a couple lifting blocks to the leaf springs. Autozone carries both 2" and 3" lifting blocks in stock for $36. That would give me some more height on the bed of the trailer itself, and allow me to eventually add even larger tires. I'm pretty sure the hubs are 5x4.5. I could probably find someone selling some 15" takeoffs for cheap or maybe even free.

 

Yes you can. From others that I talked to and other forums. It's nice and smooth. They took a dozer to it from coyote canyon to the water crossing. Hope it helps. Looks like a few ppl are headed that way. Have fun and sweet trailer.

 

I've got a similar sized trailer (4x6) and ran a similar situation. I did a 2" lift (use a piece of 2" square tube with a hole drilled in one side for the alignment pin to sit in) as well as obviously putting the spring pack and all on top of the axle. The 2" lift and axle flip allowed me to run 235/75r15 wheels/ tires but just barely. I had to trim up the fenders and order wheel spacers to get the tire away from the frame of the trailer. Looking back- I should have done a 1.75-2" spacer rather than 1.25".

I'll see if I can grab some pics, but I don't have any on the phone now. Even with it loaded down with 600lbs of gear it will still articulate all over the place. I have slipper springs on it.....not sure if you've got the same or standard leaf spring suspension.

 

Thanks. I don't recall it being "smooth" exactly, but I'm getting more and more confident that it'll make it out there. I think I recall some dips at certain points in the trail that may throw the plane of the trailer and vehicle off quite a bit, but I don't know if it would be enough to damage the ball/coupler, and I'm not even sure if I'm thinking of the same trail.

True about quite a few folks headed out that way. Could be a good thing knowing other folks won't be too far away in case I run into too much trouble.

 

I didn't even think about the backspacing on the wheels if I were to try and upgrade to some 33" A/T wheels or something like that. Thanks for that. As expensive as spacers are I think I may be better off just going with a whole new axle with the correct width between the hub faces. I've seen complete axles built to spec and shipped for around $150.

I'm fairly certain I have double-eye leaf springs. I'm out of town at the moment though, so I'll have to verify when I get back. I did think about adding a longer shackle to the rear of each leaf spring in order to get a little more lift. Just not sure what my setup is under there. I had the trailer built about 2 years ago and haven't really farted with it maintenance wise. I'm long overdue to repack the bearings.

 

You should have no trouble taking your trailer out there right now. I was just up Coyote Canyon on Dec. 22. The trail is so easy right now, it's unreal. The rocky hill is smoother than I've every seen it, and the creek crossings were nothing.

 

Great to hear. Thanks. I'm packing up tonight and headed out first thing in the morning. Weather is looking great. Should be a fun few days.

 

Take some pictures if you can, have a safe trip!