Hey guys. If I get my project Argo ready in time for moose season this will be my first year hunting with my own (road with a friend in his last year) & I'm wanting to build a trailer to pull behind it.
I'd love to see your designs (I'm a visual guy) & hear what you have found to be good or bad over the years. Things to look for, things to avoid etc.
Vance,
I didn't have a lot of time to put into building a trailer and don't currently have a shop. I bought a Pac-Rat (built by Plaschem). It is a 4-wheel model with walking beam suspension. Being fiberglass, it will float when empty, but I don't know how it will do loaded. I suspect it will do okay as long as it isn't loaded too heavy. I suspect it will float a considerable load, but the AATV will lose the ability to propel through the water with too much added waterline. I will let you know how it performs after I get it out into the field for hunting this year. Of course, you will want something before I can report, but I just picked it up last month.
It seems like a very well-built unit.
We hunt in a track vehicle area and have two trailers with walking beams and 4 tires. Even with tracks installed on them they tow well. The tow vehicle has to be heavier than the trailer. Ive stood in the swamp moving moose meat from a trailer loaded to heavy. The trailer helps hold up the rear of the buffalo trucks in the water. Be carefull in moving water the trailer will pull the rear downstream a lot. Less than 2 months till September 1.
Thanks guys.
msafi65, I am all to aware of how fast moose season is approaching this year We will probably hold off on "the trip" until mid month, but hopefully can get out locally earlier.
I want6 to build my own trailer but unfortunately this year time is not on my side. I don't even have the project Argo I bought running around the yard yet! With that in m ind I'm guessing I will be looking to pick up a used meat trailer locally that will get me through the season until I can build the one I want. Akcrawler, I have looked at the Pac-Rats & they are sweet, but out of my price range for now, but definitely looking forward to your report!
And thanks for the tips msafi65. A friend & I broke in his brand new Argo last season (had .5 miles on it when we headed north) & neither of us had ever ridden in one before he put the .5 miles on it around the house. It was an adventure! Unfortunately, NOT a bloody one.
Vance - just something to consider- if you each have your own machine, it is very realistic (as long as you pack sensibly) to carry everything you'll need in an 8-wheel machine W/O needing a trailer. You'll end up with a pretty good load in the back, but it's not a big deal, and your machine is incredibly capable this way. Once in a while, you have to unload everything to work on your machine (bring your bug dope), but travelling w/o trailer is just so nice if you have an 8-wheeler. Once you get more than one guy to a machine, that goes out the window.
I think walking beams pull the best. As long as you size the spindles large enough and also make your beam removeable so that a single hub/tire can be put in it's place if needed, you can't go wrong. Even a basic straight tongue works, and the tires just need a moderate amount of travel (don't need to fully rotate). If you want to get fancy in either one of those areas you certainly can, but the spindle size and removeable beam take priority. Good Luck!
Last edited by Buzz; 07-09-2015 at 01:33 PM.
Hadn't even thought of that aspect! My partner has a walking beam setup with a homemade center that does not use a standard spindle so that's not an option on his. If I scratch build I will definitely go the way you describe. Would love to find hubs with Argo wheel spacing so I can have overlap on spares.Originally Posted by Buzz
My 12 yr old son may be riding with me. We will see. Trailer is not on the top of my priority list since my buddy has one.
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