Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:29:09 +0000
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Utility trailer benefits...yay or any?
In-Reply-To: <201611141912.uAEJCQIN022300@mail163c45.carrierzone.com>
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Whatever trailer you wind up with, spring for the spare tire and mount, if available, or rig one up if it is not. It's nice to know the spare is back there. Also, make sure your van jack and lug wrench fit and work on the trailer. Don't be kicking yourself on a dark rainy night with a trailer flat when you think you're prepared for problems.
We bought a used 4x9 off CL. It was originally a 4x6 and the guy had had a welding buddy add 1.5' to each end, keeping the axle centered under the bed. We've had several minivans over the years, ideal for drayage, and the latest has the Stow 'N Go seating. It's so handy we still use if for plywood and drywall and most stuff that is reasonably clean, but the trailer gets the nod for mulch, manure, rock, and the free oak trunk chunks for firewood that we also find on CL. There's no hitch on the Westy so all our towing is done with the Mopar.
Stephen
On Monday, November 14, 2016 2:12 PM, David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
That would be a custom job, as well as overkill. All the light
utility trailer wheels I've seen are four bolt.
Incidentally, mine came with plans for a stake body with odd metric
dimension for the uprights that turn out to be the actual size of
"2x4" (1.5x3.5) lumber. Rather than the lumber they specified for
the rails, with bolted connections, I used strapping, with
trumpet-head utility screws for connections. The strapping is
marginal and the screws break off, so better to do it their way. If
you put the rails on the inside you can get a big bag (meant as a
disposable dumpster) for $30 from Home Depot etc. that will just fit
over to make a tailored (but not waterproof) cover which is great
for loose loads. ?Bagster? ?Spray on rubberized undercoating to
waterproof? It's intentionally porous so that water won't collect in
it in dumpster service. OTOH if you put the rails to the outside or
raise the bottom rail up it will hold 4x8 sheet goods flat.
Yrs,
d
At 13:31 11/14/2016, Dan N wrote:
>thanks a lot folks for the advice...
>
>I am looking for a 8x4 utility trailer and I am wonder if I can put the 14"
>vanagon steel wheel on it or not...
>
>dan
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