amphib cargo trailer questions

[salamander]

The factory model looks like a Frontier body with two axles instead of 3. There must be more to it than that for the listed price?

Has anyone used non-factory amphibious trailers in the water with thier Argo? I would think at the hefty ODG pricetag; there would be several second-party manufacturers to choose from. Help a newbie out if you know.

I was considering making my own using the body from another older (non Argo) 6 wheeler. Anyone have experience with home building an amphibious trailer for thier amphib?

[Rock Doctor]

Hey Salamander, I would stear clear of the factory trailer. Everyone that I know has had nothing but trouble with them, unless they are heavily modified.
I guess that you could say that I'm a little biassed in this becouse I build trailers, BUT, the reason I got into building them is that there are not many good alternatives out there. I don't do it as a buisness, just a hobby. Interesting point, The last 5 trailers that I sold, all went to guys that used to run the Factory type Argo trailer.
The one you are looking at can be made to work reasonably well, but not what I would call great.

There are a few options out there, and I think that the best one for the back yard handyman is probably to just buy a pre-formed plastic tub, and build your own running gear.

Here is an example of one style that I build. I don't have a better pic right now. This one is for a quad. I like the tandem axle design, with the "walking beam" type suspension (very smooth ride). I like to raise the tongue at the front of the trailer, then drop it back down to the hitch (harder to hang it up on stumps,rocks, ect). I also prefer to build the tub out of Aluminium, it's easy to modify and fix if required.


These guys build something similar, and have some pics that you could check out. Of course a trailer built for behind an Argo will be wider than these model.
Tubs - Marathon Marine - Aluminum Welded Boats, Tubs, Decks and ATV Trailers - Quintrex Boats - Duraboat

One last thing, It has been my experience that swimming an AATV with a trailer in tow is ALWAYS a bad idea

[micmac]

I was wondering about this one anyone have any experience with these:

Polar Trailer Heavy-Duty Tandem Axle Trailer — 1500-Lb. Capacity, Model# 8262 | Lawn + Garden Trailers | Northern Tool + Equipment


Mike

[argohunter]

I was wondering about this one anyone have any experience with these:

Polar Trailer Heavy-Duty Tandem Axle Trailer — 1500-Lb. Capacity, Model# 8262 | Lawn + Garden Trailers | Northern Tool + Equipment


Mike

micmac, the HD1500 is the biggest trailer Polar makes and it's the one you refer to. I am not impressed with it. I have looked at them several times and decided that it's not for me to pull behind when floating or even off-roading with the Max. They are not built that rugged. It's only 18" deep. Even though they are supposed to be watertight I would not feel comfortable trying to float with something that shallow. The mfg says it will float if it is empty or lightly loaded. What does that tell you?

They are real popular around here to pull behind on the ice for hard water fishing but almost anything pulls well on the ice.

[artist1018]

ATV Trailer Search

Went to Google and entered "ATV Trailers" and on the option "Image", found over 20 pages of photos. I loaded some here, goofed-up and some came thru more than onceSorry!! Anyway, hope my effors help out those of you looking for trailer options!!!!

[artist1018]

ATV Trailer Search

Went to Google and entered "ATV Trailers" and on the option "Image", found over 20 pages of photos. I loaded some here, goofed-up and some came thru more than onceSorry!! Anyway, hope my efforts help out those of you looking for trailer options!!!!

[salamander]

...There are a few options out there, and I think that the best one for the back yard handyman is probably to just buy a pre-formed plastic tub, and build your own running gear...One last thing, It has been my experience that swimming an AATV with a trailer in tow is ALWAYS a bad idea

Thanks as always for the advice. Considering all options at this point; definately want an Argo/trailer setup that can swim with reasonable sized loads of firewood or construction materials... Please expand on the last point you made there... Nice pic of your watertight trailer doubling as a pool for the little ones!

[Robio_8x8]

I use a ridding lawnmower trailer

When I head back up north I will get some pictures (if I can get the snow and ice off)
Of the trailer I use. I got it super cheap I think around $150. It holds out water and is one big plastic scoop shape .The wheels are skinny but work fine. In the spring I can show it in the water. It is really strong I also use it to add sand to my beach.
It also doubles as a large wheel barrow with a dump feature.

I was wondering on that Argo style one you talk about if it is ok to transport people in it.

I was thinking of getting a new 6x6 but would like to be able to fit more people in it from time to time. Would a trailer be ok for extra passengers? Or should I stick to the 8x8?

[Silverbullet75]

argo trailer on ebay now...

eBay Motors: ARGO ATV TRAILER OR MAX UTILITY TRAILER, IT FLOATS (item 290201623441 end time Feb-01-08 17:41:48 PST)

[RKlingborg]

wish i was in Ohio the tires alone would be werth it.

[Rock Doctor]

salamander ;
Please expand on the last point you made there...

Just a couple things that I have had trouble with
Argo's ride nose low in the water, and that makes the trailer ride nose high which seems to make it a little more "tippy" (If you load up so that everything runs level, then they don't swim as well)
Trailers seem to make steering harder when swimming (they kinda make the Argo go straight, when you want it to turn)
If there is any current to the water, the trailer will "jacknife", and pull the Argo around. (Very hard to get to shore when the trailer keeps the Argo pointed upstream)

Don't get me wrong, it can be done and I still do it if I have to, but I never have a good feeling when swimming with the trailer.

[Rock Doctor]

Robio_8x8 ;
I was wondering on that Argo style one you talk about if it is ok to transport people in it.

You can, but it's not very comfortable. The ones with tandem axles and "walking beam" type suspensions work well. The last one I built has a "Flex Ride" center axle, with walking beams mounted to it. This is VERY smooth riding, and comfortable to travel in (just make sure that the machine doing the pulling has mudflaps lol)

[Robio_8x8]

I bet this would make a big splash in the water

You can, but it's not very comfortable. The ones with tandem axles and "walking beam" type suspensions work well. The last one I built has a "Flex Ride" center axle, with walking beams mounted to it. This is VERY smooth riding, and comfortable to travel in (just make sure that the machine doing the pulling has mudflaps lol)

I found out the importance of a mud flap when riding behind a snowmobile that did not have one. I was far behind too.

I would not do this but image the trailer in water with people in it LOL

[hdble]

There is an Argo amphib trailer on e-bay now,less than 20 miles from me.

[lamonte Halleran]

argo trailer

Hey Salamander, I would stear clear of the factory trailer. Everyone that I know has had nothing but trouble with them, unless they are heavily modified.
I guess that you could say that I'm a little biassed in this becouse I build trailers, BUT, the reason I got into building them is that there are not many good alternatives out there. I don't do it as a buisness, just a hobby. Interesting point, The last 5 trailers that I sold, all went to guys that used to run the Factory type Argo trailer.
The one you are looking at can be made to work reasonably well, but not what I would call great.

There are a few options out there, and I think that the best one for the back yard handyman is probably to just buy a pre-formed plastic tub, and build your own running gear.

Here is an example of one style that I build. I don't have a better pic right now. This one is for a quad. I like the tandem axle design, with the "walking beam" type suspension (very smooth ride). I like to raise the tongue at the front of the trailer, then drop it back down to the hitch (harder to hang it up on stumps,rocks, ect). I also prefer to build the tub out of Aluminium, it's easy to modify and fix if required.


These guys build something similar, and have some pics that you could check out. Of course a trailer built for behind an Argo will be wider than these model.
Tubs - Marathon Marine - Aluminum Welded Boats, Tubs, Decks and ATV Trailers - Quintrex Boats - Duraboat

One last thing, It has been my experience that swimming an AATV with a trailer in tow is ALWAYS a bad idea

I WAS WONDERING WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ARGO TRAILERS.I HAVE ONE AND THE ONLY THING I DONE WITH MINE WAS WELDED THE TOW BAR TO THE BODY BRACKET ABOVE THE TOW BAR TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT.AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING A PIECE OF TWO INCH ANGLE AROUND THE PERIMITER TO STRENGHTEN IT UP A BIT.