Greetings all, I have managed to finally and permanently destroy my little Trailex boat hauler due to many miles over dirt roads. I'm going to build a new two-place trailer using an automotive axle and heavier frame works than the Trailex had. My shop is well experienced in such fabrication. I have a pretty good idea of what I want but before I start, I'd like to look at some other trailers for inspiration and new ideas. Any links to photos or diagrams would be appreciated. Thanks in advance and pleasant waters to ya. Holmes Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour: http://tour.mail.yahoo.com/mailtour.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I have a pretty good idea of what I want but before I > start, I'd like to look at some other trailers for > inspiration and new ideas. > It sounds like you would know I lot more then I do about such things, but I would just remind you that the stiffer the suspension, the more bounced around the kayaks will be. Its been my experience that this bouncing can cause jel coat cracking over time. Maybe you could fabricate some sort of shock obsorbing cradles or something. Just an idea. Happy Paddling, Richard T. Magill *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I have a pretty good idea of what I want but before I > start, I'd like to look at some other trailers for > inspiration and new ideas. > Hi, Our system may not be the cheapest but it works very well. Our wheels axis is supported by two sets of blades to the rectangular frame, like the ones used in Tsuru or equivalet cars. From the original set of blades (bought in a junk yard) we removed one of the three blades to make it less stiff. Then we put one small motorcycle shock absorver, on each side, kind of diagonally, such that it will not be totally closed or totally opened when the axis moves up or down. The combination made it very nice and gives such a smooth ride that we have never again had problems of gelcoat cracking due to bumps or unseen holes. We carry from 1 to 12 kayaks there. Best Regards, Rafael Mexico *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Dear Holmes: I have to agree with Richard, that the stiffer the suspension the more bounced around your kayaks will be. Truthfully, if the weight of what you are carrying does not match the spring strength the trailer will bounce right off the road. In this case, stronger springs are not better. A heavy stiff frame is a good idea however. A longer trailer tends to track better and is easier to back up. Personally I have always likes the rubber torsion joint springs on trailing arms for hauling light things like sailboats and kayaks. They provide independent suspension, are lighter overall, and have better shock dampening than leaf springs. This is a personal preference. On of my customers had a slick ryder trailer and was very impressed by it's versatility, and the fact that it adapted roof rack systems. http://www.webdadi.com/WebMgmt/Content/SlickRydr/Default.asp happy paddling Bart J. Boelryk email: bart_at_kayrak.ca web: www.kayrak.ca ph (705) 733-2051 fax (705) 733-2046 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Greetings, Actually, I had planned on using light utility trailer suspension with the autoaxle instead of the standard automotive springs, etc. One poster sent me a link to the SportsRig site, builders of a very nice trailer equipped with motorcycle suspension. Lots of travel and 22" wheels. Unfortunately, they have a build time right now 3 months out. The Slick Ryder looks nice also. Similar to the mods I've made to the Trailex but the Slick Ryder is a bit more robust. So... one more repair for the old Trailex and I'll do something different this winter while waiting for the ice to thaw! Thanks to all for your input and pleasant waters to ya. Holmes --- Bart Boelryk <bart_at_kayrak.ca> wrote: > Dear Holmes: > > I have to agree with Richard, that the stiffer the > suspension the more > bounced around your kayaks will be. Truthfully, if > the weight of what you > are carrying does not match the spring strength the > trailer will bounce > right off the road. In this case, stronger springs > are not better. A heavy > stiff frame is a good idea however. A longer > trailer tends to track better > and is easier to back up. > Personally I have always likes the rubber torsion > joint springs on trailing > arms for hauling light things like sailboats and > kayaks. They provide > independent suspension, are lighter overall, and > have better shock dampening > than leaf springs. This is a personal preference. > On of my customers had a slick ryder trailer and was > very impressed by it's > versatility, and the fact that it adapted roof rack > systems. > http://www.webdadi.com/WebMgmt/Content/SlickRydr/Default.asp *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 8 Jul 2005 at 11:54, Bart Boelryk wrote: Late responding - I've been away on the Pukaskwa coast. > I have to agree with Richard, that the stiffer the suspension the more > bounced around your kayaks will be. Truthfully, if the weight of what > you are carrying does not match the spring strength the trailer will > bounce right off the road. In this case, stronger springs are not > better. A heavy stiff frame is a good idea however. Any mechanical engineer worth his salt can determine the spring stiffness and the damping coefficient for the shock absorber that would be right for the range of load on the trailer. See if you can find one among the local kayak crowd. A civil engineer that knows his dynamics could also do it with a little homework. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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