Northern 4/8 Aluminum Trailer

[Yota_Crazy_13]

So I saw this trailer on Northern Tools, I wanted some input if others have used this as their base for off road trailers? Compared to the Harbor freight one? I understand I would change out the suspension and for my needs I would probably remove the folding ability of the trailer.

Thoughts and input please!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660343_200660343?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=050217_FreeShipping_C&utm_campaign=eDeals&utm_content=P16&cm_lm=delacampa91@gmail.com&STATE=CA&HOT_MEM_CODE=&MARKETCODE=&om_rid=AAn5aA&om_mid=_BZCILaB9bWPhot

 

[theick]

I think that by the time you reinforce and modify these small trailers you could have easily built your own rolling frame for much cheaper.

 

[Yota_Crazy_13]

Better idea is to go out by aluminum material and make it to your own specs?

 

[theick]

If you have the ability to weld aluminum than sure. The basic frame is the cheapest part of the trailer. Once you replace the axle, hubs, springs and add brakes you've spent as much as you did on the trailer. And you still have to modify and reinforce the existing trailer.

I think you are better off building the entire thing or start with a trailer that is already up to spec and just needs the box and accessories added.

 

[Graeman]

Aluminum is expensive to purchase and can fatigue crack quickly when traveling empty on anything but smooth surfaces. They will also eat up some tires and vibrate like crazy on rough surfaces. That is probably why a lot of companies have gone to rivet or bolting the aluminum frames together. Steel is heavier, easier to repair and will last so much longer.

 

[Yota_Crazy_13]

So what about those military trailers people use like the m1101?

Aren't those out of aluminum


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[theick]

So what about those military trailers people use like the m1101?

Aren't those out of aluminum


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No, they are steel. Those things weigh about 4000lbs when they are empty.

 

[Graeman]

So what about those military trailers people use like the m1101?

Aren't those out of aluminum


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

They are riveted Aluminum boxes sitting on steel frames.

 

[Yota_Crazy_13]

No, they are steel. Those things weigh about 4000lbs when they are empty.

I believe thats the GVWR. According to Govplanet, the 1101 has a GVWR 3400lbs and a Vehicle Curb Weight of 1460lbs

 

[Yota_Crazy_13]

They are riveted Aluminum boxes sitting on steel frames.

so in that case its strong where it matters. the frame?

 

[Anchor Mtn]

Unless you have an EXTREMELY limited towing capacity, go with a steel frame. The ease of repair and maintenance is well worth the extra few pounds.