Walking Beam Trailer Build

Sixshooter · Dec 18, 2024

I just made the decision to buy a bare bones "walking beam" trailer from Marlon and do my own expedition trailer build.

It's coming along, but I still have a few things left to do. I had trouble swallowing the prices for some of these expedition trailers like the one polaris is putting out for $16,000.

JTBarlow · Dec 19, 2024

Lookin good!

Is there any access to the box with the tent set up? Or is that not a problem.

Also, a suggestion, if you’re not already working on it… If you put jacks on the back, you can set it up while unhooked. That makes it so you can basecamp and go riding without having to set everything down and tow the trailer everywhere.

Sixshooter · Dec 19, 2024

Hello JTBarlow,

The top will open easily with the tent assembled due to the large gas struts.
Any gear in the tub is taken out and set up as base camp, Including the 53qt refrigerator/freezer. I really haven't found any "mountable jacks" I believe would work well, so I just threw a small scissor jack under the rear. I mounted a 21 gallon fresh water tank with pump in the bottom and that is accessed from the outside. Additionally there is a 2000 Watt power supply mounted inside and power is accessed through outlets mounted on the outside of the trailer.
Having a base camp was the whole idea that started this. I didn't like having to put everything away to go explore.

JTBarlow · Friday at 8:25 AM

Looks fantastic! Lots of thought and work going in to setting it up for how you want it to work.
The problem with a loose scissor jack is the potential for it to topple if the trailer gets bumped and/or you need to be hooked to the trailer while sleeping in the tent.
You might check etrailer.com for a mounted jack solution on the rear. They have pretty much everything trailer related and we use them for several components on our trailers.

I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to pictures you out putting that setup to use!

Sixshooter · Friday at 8:38 AM

Thank you and yes lots of thought and pre-planning. The scissor jack has worked well. Surprisingly stable while the 2 of us occupied the tent. I did some checking on e trailer and couldn't find exactly the right Jack that would stow up and out of the way. What are you using on your trailers?

Sixshooter · Friday at 8:40 AM

By the way, I've watched your videos on YouTube and those trailers look like
they've got the ultimate suspension. Are you combining a timbren and a walking beam suspension?

JTBarlow · Friday at 9:02 AM

Sixshooter said:
Thank you and yes lots of thought and pre-planning. The scissor jack has worked well. Surprisingly stable while the 2 of us occupied the tent. I did some checking on e trailer and couldn't find exactly the right Jack that would stow up and out of the way. What are you using on your trailers?

We’re using the corner steady jacks and fabricating their mounts into the suspension rail. They come with weld on mounts, but the jack just bolts into the mount, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to come up with a different mounting solution. If you mount them on the back rather than underneath, they’ll fold up completely out of the way.

JTBarlow · Friday at 9:08 AM

Sixshooter said:
By the way, I've watched your videos on YouTube and those trailers look like
they've got the ultimate suspension. Are you combining a timbren and a walking beam suspension?

Yes. We originally started with a standard Dexter axle and leaf springs, but when we started using Timbrens the ride was so much better it’s hardly comparable. Then, after a few failures with the solid axles and leaf springs, we just completely dropped that option.

SteelBoss · Saturday at 9:42 AM

This is a great build.. so many great details, and ideas. Little thing we all wish we had when out ... you have me motivated to finish my trailer project...

SteelBoss · Saturday at 9:43 AM

What is the dimensions of the tent when closed up and flat

Sixshooter · Saturday at 12:19 PM

Hello SteelBoss,

I'm hoping it turns out to be a great build and not a "polished turd"! Lol I'm scheduling an inspection at the department of motor vehicles to see about getting it registered and street legal next week. Then i'm going to load it up and take it out to the desert and see what it does.

The Polaris tent was purchased when I bought the expedition and was on top the vehicle. The mounting bracket fit perfectly to the lid on the Marlon, measuring 40" W x 52.5" L. The tent folds down to 44" W x 56.5" L x 12" H. Additionally it weighs in at 146lbs.

Hope that answers your question!

f150harley · Tuesday at 10:42 AM

Sixshooter said:
I just made the decision to buy a bare bones "walking beam" trailer from Marlon and do my own expedition trailer build.

It's coming along, but I still have a few things left to do. I had trouble swallowing the prices for some of these expedition trailers like the one polaris is putting out for $16,000.

6Shooter, can you share any rough pricing and shipping info from Marlon?

Sixshooter · Tuesday at 11:42 PM

f150harley,

These are manufactured in Canada and are referred to as "meat wagons" or "tub trailers". Used by hunters through-out the north to transport moose, elk and other game during hunting season.

Marlon has one distribution location in the U.S., in Madera, California. They generally sell aluminum boats and boat trailers. They just happened to have a couple in storage there when I was doing my research. I made the decision to drive 13 hours and picked it up myself.

My contact there is Keihan Sarkhost at 559.661.9067. Remember, its a bare bones trailer and lid as you see here for around $3500.00 US.

Marlon Recreational Products - Marlon ATV 1605 Pull Behind Trailer

Engineered for tough jobs and demanding environments, the Marlon ATV 1605 pull-behind trailer is your ultimate partner for hauling gear, tools, and anything else you need to get the job done. With rugged, all-aluminum construction and exceptional durability, this trailer is built to withstand...

www.marlonproducts.com

f150harley · 2024-12-25T15:11:24-0600

Sixshooter said:
f150harley,

These are manufactured in Canada and are referred to as "meat wagons" or "tub trailers". Used by hunters through-out the north to transport mouse, elk and other game during hunting season.

Marlon has one distribution location in the U.S., in Madera, California. They generally sell aluminum boats and boat trailers. They just happened to have a couple in storage there when I was doing my research. I made the decision to drive 13 hours and picked it up myself.

My contact there is Keihan Sarkhost at 559.661.9067. Remember, its a bare bones trailer and lid as you see here for around $3500.00 US.

Marlon Recreational Products - Marlon ATV 1605 Pull Behind Trailer

Engineered for tough jobs and demanding environments, the Marlon ATV 1605 pull-behind trailer is your ultimate partner for hauling gear, tools, and anything else you need to get the job done. With rugged, all-aluminum construction and exceptional durability, this trailer is built to withstand...

www.marlonproducts.com

Thanks SS much for the info. I'm very interested in following your build as you give it sometime on the trail. I'm working with one of their distribution reps who resides in Provo, UT.... they are interested in how it works out for you too.

Walking Beam Trailer Build

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