Building an Off-Road Trailer to Be Towed By a Jeep Wired for Electric Brakes

Question:

Im building an off-road trailer to take with me when I go muddin. Will this work for me? Im pulling it with an old jeep, so I think i will need brakes. The jeep is already wired up for brakes because I tow another trailer for work. Am I missing anything else?

asked by: Vic B

Expert Reply:

The Timbren's Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # ASR1THDS02 that you referenced are the axles that I recommend for building your off-road trailer. The axle-less design gives you added clearance under your trailer. When using straight axles, the under trailer clearance for off road purpose can be an issue. The Timbren axles allow for more clearance down the middle of the trailer.

You also need electric brake and hub and drum assemblies for these axles. I recommend the # AKEBRK-35R-SA and # AKEBRK-35L-SA for the electric brake assemblies. These brakes are the complete backing plates that will include shoes, electrical components, and hardware completely assembled ready to be attached to the axles.

Part # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K is a complete hub and drum assembly that includes bearings, seals, lug nuts and E-Z lube dust cap. The Timbren axles are an E-Z lube design with grease zerks located at the end of the spindle. The E-Z Lube caps have plugs that can be removed to allow access to the grease zerks. You will need to order two hub and drum assemblies.

The installation of lights and the wiring for the brakes, lights, and 7-way connection is the next step you need to consider. For the lights, I recommend one of our light kits part # TLL56RK for under 80 inches wide or # TL16RK for a trailer over 80 inches wide. I also recommend Trailer Wiring 7-Way Kit # HS381-9000 and # 10-2-1 jacketed 2 wire 10 gauge wire for the brakes. The 7-way kit has a junction box where all the trailer lights wires and brake wires will conect from the trailer and from the box the 7-way plug be wired to be connected to the tow vehicle.

Tires and wheels would be the last step in your trailer build. It is important to know how much clearance you will have for travel with the new axles. Knowing this information will help you determine what size tire and wheels will work for you new trailer. The the wheel bolt pattern is 5 on 4-1/2 and fits many different size wheels. You will need to measure to see which size wheel will work for your application.

Once you have determined what size you need, I recommend one of the Kenda brand tire and galvanized wheels like # AM31994. This is a radial tire that will give you a better ride on highway travel than a bias tire. Also, with your plans for off-road use the galvanized wheels will help fight corrosion from the outdoor elements. I have attached a link for you that will show you all the tire and wheel combos that have the 5 on 4-1/2 wheel bolt pattern.

I have also linked help articles on trailer wiring and electrical for you to view.