Trailer to Haul Argo 8x8 - Build Thread

[bluebruin]

It looks like you did a good job. I think the decision to leave the top off the trailer is a good one. I can only imagine the contortions that would be required to access your Argo if it were fully enclosed. Maybe if you had a door on the side...?

I can tell you from experience that the shield on the front is a good idea. I hate getting to my jump-off point with mud/ice all over the windows and lights on my AATV.

Anyway, it looks good. My only question is the load rating on those tires. They are probably good, but it might be worth checking on them.

Mike

well, the trailer says its rated for 1700lbs, and I looked up the average weight of a sled, which is about 500lbs. Two sleds = 1000lbs, or about the weight of an argo 8x8, so I figured I was good. I'll have to check the side of the tire today. I am working on the trailer a bit again, I'll post an update.

[bluebruin]

last weekend when I tried out the trailer/argo, I arrived at my cabin in the dark & cold. I was in a bit of a rush to get unloaded, and I forgot to put jack stands under the back of the trailer. So, when I moved the argo back, the trailer naturally tipped back a bit. But since the ramps I made have supports that rest on the ground, the ramps stayed put. So, I ripped the hinges partially off the deck....


I fixed that up today.


Next, I addressed the issue that there is no good place to connect straps or chains to this trailer. I had to wrap the straps around the edge of the trailer, it was a pain, and probably not real safe since the straps could be cut by the sharp edges and harsh angles. I found some 10,000lb d-rings at harbor freight for $4.99 each on sale. I just welded them onto the deck, and in the corners where there is good steel members below. Hope they are strong enough. Obviously the rings are fine, but there just isn't any super thick metal on this trailer, everything is pretty thin for weight. I know its perfectly good for normal use, just don't know if the deck might peel up in an accident. Hope I never find out.

[tattooman]

I took two weldable d rings and welded the on the back of my trailor about 16" to either side of where the hitch on my max rides. I use a chain that I run over my hitch. Chain is secure with a clevis to both d rings. I use one d ring in the front. I drilled a hole in my winch plate. I run a single strand of chain from plate to trailor bed. My machine doesn't move much at all. I don't ever worry about straps any more. I have had straps break in the past, not anymore. I think your ramps are a great idea!

[Dozerlarry]

Blue, next time you put down a d'ring on thin metal cut a doubler plate of the same or greater thickness about 3" larger all the way round than the ring mount, weld it to the trailer and then weld the ring mount to the plate. A little extra insurance is to drill a 1/2" hole in the middle of the doubler plate and weld through it to the trailer. Won't come off then! Trailer looks nice. Did you make the shield where it will fold down when you deadhead to save some gas?

[akcrawler]

Looks good.

Have you considered permanently attaching some swing-down supports under the rear of the trailer? you would still have to remember to deploy them, but that would be one (two?) less thing bouncing around in the back of your vehicle. They would also be the correct length and right where you need them when the time comes.

Just a thought. I know ideas are easy. Doing takes a little more effort.

[beagle man]

Nice looking project. You got me thinking about my trailer along the lines of putting a shield with a little different twist. I think I would put a strut down to the tongue ( clamp around the tube steel, welding there will weaken it ) and a steel connector of some type to attach to the winch mount or crash bar to secure the front of the argo, no ice and snow up there and two straps on the back for tension because loads on trailers tend to move backwards. By the way, akcrawler nailed it, Ideas are easy doing takes more effort lol.

[bluebruin]

folding shield would be a cool idea, just more work than I needed to do since I don't really ever plan to use the trailer without argo. besides, I have noticed my gas mileage is about 13-15 without trailer, and 10-12 with. Crappy either way.

folding supports in the back under the trailer might be nice, but they would have to be adjustable, to account for different heights depending on the terrain you are parked on. Its never perfectly flat. Couple that with the jeep sitting higher or lower than the trailer depending on terrain, and that affects the height of the rear of the trailer. So, for now I'll just jack stands since they are adjustable. Otherwise, I know i'd weld some support under there, and the first time I arrived at my cabin, I'd be sitting 1/2" lower and not be able to unfold them all the way....

[bluebruin]

I took two weldable d rings and welded the on the back of my trailor about 16" to either side of where the hitch on my max rides. I use a chain that I run over my hitch. Chain is secure with a clevis to both d rings. I use one d ring in the front. I drilled a hole in my winch plate. I run a single strand of chain from plate to trailor bed. My machine doesn't move much at all. I don't ever worry about straps any more. I have had straps break in the past, not anymore. I think your ramps are a great idea!

yeah, I am hoping to upgrade to chains and load binders soon. straps are PITA when you get to your destination and they are covered in slush and ice, and its 0deg outside.