Walking Beam Trailer Build

[Sixshooter]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Sixshooter]

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!