Expedition trailer, 2 wheels or 4 ?

Hello All,
Well I have been thinking more about our forthcomming expedition from UK to Cape Town.
I could load load up the 4x4 with a good roof rack, or I could pull a trailer.
Top heavy, or pull heavy.

There are pros and cons in both, roof rack or trailer.
Then I ask, what trailer, should it be 2 wheel or 4 wheel.
Should the suspension be.
1 Coil
2, Leaf
3, indespension units ?

If I took a trailer I expect it would be about a 5 foot by 4 foot max.
Would it be a 'box' trailer with a hard lid, for a roof rack, or a soft canvas type top.

Like, the bigger the trailer, the junk you can carry.

So, is 5 foot by 4 foot too small, just right, or too big.
Trip will last 2 and half to 3 months.

'vette

how many questions u put in there?
a decent trailer will basically double ur capacity so its down to u to decide how much shoite ur taking. indespenshion is probably the way to go, but whatever, if ur taking a trailer make sure its a good un

If you look at most of the overland trailers, simple leaf design seems to be the norm. It also depends alot on the terrain. if your sticking to major routes then a trailer is not such a bad idea. If your going to be in mud country then maybe consider a roof rack more carefully.

Whats your tow vehicle? I have been considering buying a Sankey to tow behind my 90. this will allow more fuel and water to be taken BUT you will limit your capabilities somewhat.

1st you need to make a list of all your kit you need and the weights of each item. total it all up and see what you get. work out for fuel consumption, the amount you carry, furthest gap between fills add a buffer of say 20% and see how much fuel you will need. Water to. Do the same. Daily consumption over days between fill up.

If you have the choice of getting it all in the vehicle and keeping within its limit i wouldnt buy a trailer. Im only considering a sankey for a trip like yours. We managed in a 90 for 4weeks in Marocco, Alps this year and other similar small trips. we are approx 150kg off its weight limit, but thats full to brimming everything.

sorry, waffled on enough! 2 wheel, leafs, small as possible, hard top for security

G

look at the howling moon website in south africa,
you know the trailers are bundu bash proof.....

johnnyafrica said:

look at the howling moon website in south africa,
you know the trailers are bundu bash proof.....

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God, them guy's in South Africa have the lot !
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I have a connection in the transport business, so perhaps a proper off road trailer might be a good buy.
the Sankey, although good, just seems a little over the top, for what want.
Sure they have big payload, but then, I feel I need a combination of volume and say max. of 200kg carrying capacity.

300kg, as original idea is far too much.
Graham Smith (from Smith family Oddesy)had a nice trailer called Dassie, any one see it.
Looked ideal.

You might want to look at IFOR WILLIAMS trailers ,in particular the GP6x4. I have no connection with this company ,but have used them in the course of my work over the years on very difficult ground and they are faultless,having frequently been overloaded and towed over rough ground. Downside is they are a bit expensive.

hill man said:

You might want to look at IFOR WILLIAMS trailers ,in particular the GP6x4. I have no connection with this company ,but have used them in the course of my work over the years on very difficult ground and they are faultless,having frequently been overloaded and towed over rough ground. Downside is they are a bit expensive.

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what size wheels and ground clearance hill man? We have some of their trailers for towing drilling rigs around, but they are not designed for offroad use. well built though, not light either.

G

Towing a trailer is to be avoided unless absolutely no option , they suffer unless used on very good surfaces, i.e. high maintenance, They can be very dangerous on slippy mud etc , as they will jacknife if trying to stop quickly, as they are generally unbraked, and if braked they do not balance with towing vehicle. Its taken air brakes with abs to get to something approaching safe with HGV.
As mentioned leaf springs are best as they can be easily repaired or bodged to carry on. Fit good shocks as near vertical as possible to stop "bounce"
Coil springs can be good , but spring rates and good damping is critical , was involved with this in OZ when Rangerovers etc being used in bush, as the rangy susp was so good that leaf spring trailers were being destroyed double quick because driver didnt realize how bad the surface was.
Indespension works well, but needs to carry complete units for repair/replacement purposes.
If at all possible change to bigger vehicle rather than tow trailer .
Most "off road" trailers are dirt road trailers, A frame strength, and spring attatchment points are usually weak points.
trailers can greatly increase fuel usage in soft conditions as they are a big anchor, one of the reasons they developed powered axle trailers for 101 trans sahara (as well as powering 105mm gun axle) JMHE