Best Trailer Setup? Post your pics!

[campism]

[Jeff's Old Volks Home]

[Halifaxwesty]

This is day 3. The summer was unkind.

[Steve M.]

I was just in Germany during Oct., last month.
These people are trailer towing enthusiasts! It seemed like half the cars had one behind them and it was October, not exactly the height of the summer season!
I did not get any decent pictures unfortunately and I did see some nice ones.
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[unibagel]

Here is mine:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458571&highlight=

[Halifaxwesty]

Some more pictures....wiring left to go.

LEDs are floods for lighting up the campsite. I will have a 12v supply from the aux battery.

Any other ideas? Blue Seas 12v outlet or USB port?

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84 Westfalia Vanagon
2.2 RMW Conversion
Work in Progress

My first car was a 1968 VW Bug

[kalispell365]

This is my trailer, although since this photo it has had all lights upgraded to LED as well as the crappy house paint removed. It is a rental trailer from a company called Jartran (at the time, in competition with Uhaul) which went under in 1986. It is 4X6, all aluminum construction built by Fruehauf. Its light and tows so nice. I hunted for this thing for like 5 years. Its hard to find a quality commercial built trailer.

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1983 Diesel Vanagon Westfalia chassis with Subaru 2.2l

[Jake de Villiers]

[connorsvw2]

Here's a better shot of my Letsgoaero off-road trailer. Clamshell lids which can be removed, 275# empty with a 25# tongue weight, hauls up to 700 lbs. 13 inch wheels on rubber mounted suspension. I mainly use it to haul road racing bikes around the country either behind the Vanagon or the Outback. You don't really feel it back there unless going up a steep hill 😀

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'85 Westy Wolfsburg camper/2002 2.5 Subaru since 2003.
'85 GTI 1.8L 1-owner 8v-gave up on 9A 2.0L 16v transplant. Keeping her stock!
'99 Passat 1.8T Variant-AKA "The Money Pit". Still limping along...
'09 Subaru Outback XT 5-speed, 245 hp rocket (wife's car)

[southernscouse65]

hi new to this site looking at halifaxwesty pic seems my trailer is very similar painted it to match the van a few years ago but still looks ok it has a name plate saying it was made west germany

[pedrokrusher]

[DeadSetMonkey]

I actually don't have one of these. And, I can not vouch/comment/critique them. And, I know the thread is for posting my own pics - which I don't have.

But, these look like are worth checking out? Maybe there is another thread for an inventory of trailer options.

http://www.spacetrailers.com/
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'90 Syncro Westy 2.5Subi Turbo, BFGs 215/75/15 Rheins

[candyman]

I really am interested in this thread. I am currently considering rehabing an older thule rocket box and mounting it to a very lightweight utility trailer. Question for all. Pros cons of swapping my usual camping gear load from inside the van (as well as using a cargo box on a rear hitch) to a small lightweight trailer like being used in this thread. Anything gained by removing the excess weight (say 200#s) from van to a trailer? Or will pulling a trailer now tax the van in other ways? Basically, Im not looking to add any additional weight by going with a small trailer (other than the trailer weight), Im looking to remove the gear from inside the van and hanging off the rear of the van. So wondering if the trailer option is a gain in anyways like mpg, performance, safety etc... im running a stock 2.1 in the mountains
What says you?

[0to60in6min]

@candyman

Me too I am debating to get a lightweight trailer (I have 2.1WBX) here something to consider

- added the weight of the trailer
- spare wheel for the trailer
- place to store when not in use

****

- reduce clutter in the van
- leave all the stuffs in the trailer at campsite and have the van to go for a day trip around
- no need to pack and repack the stuff in the van every time you go camping

https://www.sylvansport.com/go/

http://www.alumaklm.com/enclosed/single-axle/ae46-all-purpose-enclosed-trailer
- reduce strain on suspension components.

[jimf909]

^^^ That's a good list of pros and cons.

I'd add that parking becomes much Less convenient. That plus storage are barriers to the benefits of trailers for my situation.

I do like seeing all the ideas.
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- Jim

[0to60in6min]

yes, yes... I agree.. parking ... specially parallel parking is a skill which some have it and some don't...

I know how to do it but when I am too tired I just unhook the trailer and walk it around...

[jacrider]

I don't have one, and haven't seen one in person, but this one looks appealing: light, versatile, folds for storage. About the same price as others I have seen online.

http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=24510

[connorsvw2]

Yep, the ability to leave the trailer at a campsite, locked and hobbled, with bikes inside was the reason I went with my trailer design. Not only that but out of the weather and away from prying eyes on the road. I actually went into a parking deck at the St Louis monument last summer and when I found 2 spots together just unhitched the trailer, locked it up and went sightseeing.
_________________
'85 Westy Wolfsburg camper/2002 2.5 Subaru since 2003.
'85 GTI 1.8L 1-owner 8v-gave up on 9A 2.0L 16v transplant. Keeping her stock!
'99 Passat 1.8T Variant-AKA "The Money Pit". Still limping along...
'09 Subaru Outback XT 5-speed, 245 hp rocket (wife's car)

[candyman]

Ok,
So here is a mock up of what im thinking. Trailer is bigger than what I would ultimatley like, 5'x8' weighs close to 200#s im guessing. Its pretty light, aluminum frame, steel boxed. Anyways, i own it so it's free at this point. I also have this sears excargo box that has been sitting in my attic for 15 years, so also free. Here is the basic layout, can probaly mount 3 bikes comfortably and have center storage for spare water or fuel, wood etc...

question: would it make sense to mount the cargo box up fron over the tongue as opposed to the rear for weight distribution? I like it in the rear for ease of access but not married to that idea.

This trailer idea would trump (hate that word now) my current set up which is a cargo hitch that holds a plastic bin. It makes it awkward to also mount bikes etc... plus the bin does not hold all camping stuff so there is spill over into the van which I dont like.

So in theory Im not carrying much more weight say maybe 200#s for trailer. Everything else we usually bring with us. How do you suppose the van will handle pulling as opposed to hauling? Now i would be pulling something that is on wheels as opposed to hanging everything off and in the van. 6 of one 1/2 a dozen of the other? Mostly concerned about tranny temps since its a syncro and of course brakes.

Thanks all

[0to60in6min]