Utility trailer w/no suspension - worth fixing?

[Thorne]

I picked up a utility trailer to use with my Jetta diesel wagon, and am wondering if it is worth putting money & time into.

All of my previous trailers (all boat trailers) have had suspension of some sort, which of course makes trailering safer as the whole rig doesn't bounce around when it hits potholes at 50mph.

This was originally some sort of gardeners trailer, with a decent frame and automobile bearings & spindles welded to the frame -- sits very low.

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1001/4000928/8302360/323609194.jpg http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1001/4000928/8302360/323609193.jpg

The size is perfect for the Jetta - 4' wide x 4' tall x 7' long. I need to haul objects slightly over 7' in length, and can modify the front of the trailer to do just that. No commercial trailers available in this size -- either 4x6 or 5x8, and all too heavy for my needs anyway.

I plan to remove the flat front panel, fab up some metal frame supports, and make the front of the trailer V-shaped for less wind resistance and more space.

Anyway - any feedback from experienced folks? Don't want to put a lot into this trailer, only to find that when loaded it bounces around too much to be safe at highway speeds..

The tow rating for the Jetta is about 1100 lbs, ditto for the towhitch on the car, and I don't plan on having the trailer and contents be over 800 lbs or so.

Thanks!

[Dan McCosh]

Having tried using a "free" trailer that had some problem with the suspension--still undiagnosed--that caused it to hop around alarmingly at 25 mph or so, I would say driving a cobbled-up rig at highway speeds would not be wise. Think of 800 lbs swinging back and forth as a pendulum, and you would get the idea. Also, no springs would put an amazing amount of shock into the load, should you hit a bump.

[andrewe]

I am surprised that trailers without suspension are legal over there, other than for low speed farm use. Goodyear tried to get car suspension working without springs by using balloon tyres a few years back. Gave up on the damping issues. The loads are horrible, even the common `twist with rubber inserts´ ( which is an abomination) reduces them to acceptable.
Remember that whatever loads are not absorbed are transmitted to your cargo. I read of an 18ft ply trailer sailer that split a seam on the way to Greece from road loads, and that was with a pro. built trailer. My 2 centimes worth.
Andrew
BTW. Full marks for your tow car, I couldn´t believe the numbers of huge SUVs and trucks in urban areas when I was in the US last week.( and the nos for sale) -A

[Ron Williamson]

Maybe look into something like this
http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3181-adjustable-425-lb-torsion-half-axles.aspx
It should weld right on.
R

[Woxbox]

Ron, Don't those torsion axles slide into a piece of square axle tubing? If so, it wouldn't be hard to weld the axle tube to the frame, and then add the torsion units.

[Thorne]

Good ideas, thanks!

I've only pulled a few trailers without suspension, those were farm trailers and never hauled anything very fast or far with those old things...