| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ZuluProwler | Here is my final product with the OEM rims and tires fitted to my trailer. It took a little fiddling to locate the sweet spot. In summary, I dropped the axle (or raised the bin) by 4"s, and moved the axle 1.5" rearwards. The geometry of the axle means that the wheels move forward under suspension compression, hence my decision. It could probably be 1.25", but that's just a matter of taste. I used 2" wheel spacers which allowed the wheels to JUST clear the trailer stands and comfortably clear all the other points. I'm not advising anyone on how to do this, nor saying this is how it should be done, just recording how I did it. The method of obtaining the 4" lift is also up to you. I chose to use 2"x1" heavy wall (gauge) aluminum tube stacked and bolted so as to hide the bolts. Each to his own on this aspect. The final stance, to my eyes, is perfect. On a flat surface the car and trailer hips are at the identical height. The wheel arches look very close so now it all looks balanced. I could only do a shortish test run due to foul weather but it ran perfectly. It takes a little more effort to get it standing upright as the wheels are heavier now but I still managed it solo without getting a hernia.. PS: I planned to plug the tubes with stoppers but the junk I received off Amazon has to go back due to terrible quality. I'm on the lookout for a quality, rubber, alternative to finish off the project.
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 11-29-2020 at 05:47 PM |
| ZuluProwler | Some more images:
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 11-30-2020 at 03:01 AM |
| Michael Pond | I think you did a great job, and it looks factory correct. Not a odd ball, stick it together look. |
| ZuluProwler | quote:
Originally posted by Michael Pond:
I think you did a great job, and it looks factory correct. Not a odd ball, stick it together look.
Thanks Jets. I put a lot of (confused) thought into this. I don't have a machine shop or access to precision tools so it had to be a hardware store solution. Me, a hand drill, a hacksaw, a couple of files and some elbow grease is what it took. I'm busy turning my trailer stand into a dual-purpose rear rack for a bicycle but that's another kettle of fish... :-) |
| garysss | Looks good Ted. |
| ZuluProwler | Trailer wheels are now adding some Prowler class to my Kendon stand-up motorcycle trailer. It took a little engineering to raise the fenders by 2" to accommodate them but it worked out fine. Waste not, want not!
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 12-10-2020 at 05:33 PM |
| SteelCityProwler | Great work, Sir! ------------------
"I refuse to tip-toe through life only to arrive safely at death." - JML |
| ZuluProwler | Mr. DeLuca commented about using inserts in the spacers for the trailer lift. I responded with steel spacers a.k.a. washers to counteract any compression. IMHO it needs none of that if the gauge is heavy enough. The OEM mount is through a 2" box section square tube which should compress first. I think it's probably as strong, if not better, than factory. I'll re-torque after a few trips and confirm. New tube ends are at hand tomorrow to dress it up. Now I need a new project ... |
| ZuluProwler | I've had great success with Larry's stand but thought it could do more. The legs twist when standing it up. If it can hold a trailer in the air, why not be more versatile? I got rid of the thumb screws, added Allen-head bolts with lock nuts and a rack that is the basis for both bracing it when standing and carrying awkward stuff when travelling. It's a work in progress. The trunk clears the cross-braces when being opened so it can actually be a bona fide carrier. It's rigid and robust so I have a few ideas for a bike rack or motorcycle panniers out back. 
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 12-10-2020 at 06:09 PM |
| Marty Usher | Whether people complement what you have done (which I like) or not....to me the i.portant part is that you did something that YOU wanted to do and made it happen. That is one of the cool things about being part of the Prowler community....you have a vision of what is important to you AND you make it happen!!! |
| ZuluProwler | Thanks Marty. It's not intended to win any beauty prizes but it stands up well and can be used to strap on stuff in a pinch. It'll probably never be needed but who knows? It breaks down easily with one Allen wrench and stows in zero space. Maybe it'll end up being chopped up for something different! |
| ZuluProwler | Finishing touches make a difference.. 
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 12-12-2020 at 02:09 PM |
| ZuluProwler | I took the rack and new spacered axle for a run today. I chose bad roads, lots of railway crossings, and kept my foot down. I checked torque before and after and nothing budged. The rack was rigid in my rear mount camera and seems to be a solid load point. Not for everyone, I know, but it's a win for me. I now have some confidence that I can hang my Cannondale out back and it'll make it to the destination. 
This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 12-12-2020 at 02:27 PM |
| padroo | Looks good Zulu. It's funny how big the trailer looks from your picture. I have one taken from a different angle that make mine look very small. |
| ZuluProwler | The 4" lift and wheel bulk make a big difference. It looks much more balanced in the flesh as it now mirrors the rear of the car more closely. I was very pleased with the outcome. |
| ZuluProwler | The next chapter is complete just in time for the great weather. Trailer seems big until you hang a 29er out back. 
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| Landscape Doctor | Zulu,,, you did a great job with all the modifications,,, Love it All. |
| ZuluProwler | Thank you sir. I pale by comparison with your recent truck rebuild and really enjoyed seeing how you went about that. I'm a Minnow in an ocean full of Grouper but that's the cost we bear when when we relocate across continents. My wife is busy selling my oxy-acetylene kit, my (home-made) arc-welder, etc. Life is full of surprises. Maybe that's a good thing, yes! PS: Here's a surprise. The bike rack works very badly with an empty trailer. It's way too light on the hitch and gets swaying crazily. Pretty sure a loaded trailer would work fine but who knows till I have the energy to throw in a bag of sand. Maybe never? A clue to the problem may be that with the bike mounted on an empty trailer, it becomes almost perfectly balanced across the axle. The hitch is floating. Not a good towing scenario as we all know. Either that or the rig is resonating naturally. I'd like to try a longer yoke or some weight up front to damp the oscillation but it's easier to just take a different car and trailer. Oh well... This message has been edited by ZuluProwler on 03-15-2021 at 05:27 PM |
| garysss | Bump |
