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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: SKI BOY on July 18, 2008, 02:32:57 PM

Title: Cargo Basket or Trailer ?
Post by: SKI BOY on July 18, 2008, 02:32:57 PM

 
  So I'd like to get something to transport camping gear, etc. in, but can't decide between a roof top cargo basket and a small trailer with cargo bin!!

  My Pros & Cons....  Trailer PROS:
                                            1. easy to load/unload
                                            2. more capacity
                                            3. quick to drop & wheel
                                            4. better weather protection
                                            5. could be used by other vehicles
                                            6. better place to carry cooler & tools
                                      CONS:
                                             1. decreased handling - not sure!
                                             2. too much loss of power - don't know!

                    Cargo Basket PROS:
                                             1. looks way cooler - maybe!
                                             2. cool place to mount off-road lights
                                             3. cool place to put stickers
                                             4. better way to carry skis
                                             5. did I say they look cool!
                    Cargo Basket CONS:
                                             1. more difficult to load/unload
                                             2. top heavy/decreased handling
                                             3. not as weather tight
                                             4. will hang up in trees etc.
                                             5. greater loss of power/MPG - not sure!
                                             6. would want to unload before wheeling
                                             7. more difficult to put top up & down - don't know!

Would like some real world feedback from anyone who might have first hand experience with either !!

Thanks in advance!!

Title: Re: Cargo Basket or Trailer ?
Post by: oldjeep on July 18, 2008, 03:09:54 PM

Cargo Basket Cons:
 - cargo basket looks silly
 - if you wheel where there are trees on the trail it will be trashed in no time, and maybe take your windsheild frame and whatever else it's attached to with it.

At the place where my club hosts it's events, we strongly recommend that people remove light bars.  A cargo basket would receive even more damage than a silly light bar.

Title: Re: Cargo Basket or Trailer ?
Post by: Jeffy on July 18, 2008, 04:34:56 PM

I'd go with a trailer but not any trailer.  Something more along the lines of an offroad trailer.  Maybe use the same axle as your rear then gear it the same so you have a complete spare handy.  This one is for a Toy.

(http://www.toyotaholics.com/support/files/scotty/20080717174539_PICT7926.JPG)(http://www.toyotaholics.com/support/files/scotty/20080717174629_PICT7929.JPG)

The thing with a Roof rack is that you do not want to stack stuff up too high.  The CG will defiantly get you if you're offcamber.  Also, the height will kill any decent mileage you have.  For roof racks, you want to put light bulky stuff up there like cloths, sleeping bags and what not.

Something like the Gavin Wilderness can also be removed.

Title: Re: Cargo Basket or Trailer ?
Post by: jagular7 on July 19, 2008, 10:49:57 PM

Trailer all the way. Even if you hotel a run, anything beyond 2 people the Jeep can't handle. Think the overnight bags, cooler (2 if you separate drinks from food), pillows, blankets, dog, etc. If it in the cold season, add cold weather gear. I usually have 2 kids (14/12) with me now wheeling and I needed that extra space. We took the dog also and that turned out to be a real crowded TJ.

I first put together a cargo trailer using the back end of the boat trailer. I used the tongue for another trailer, camping trailer. I intended to throw a car top cargo carrier on the cargo trailer, but it was a little large for that. I dropped the suspension, added 13" rims and sold it. With the boat tongue, I'm putting together this camping trailer. Its basis is a M101 military trailer frame and suspension. I added a Dexter 3500# axle with parking and electric brakes. I'm adding a kitchen box on the back end.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/jagular7/Camper/Mine/100_4101.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/jagular7/Camper/Mine/100_4099.jpg)
Its a Quicksilver truck bed slide in camper. Its just an aluminum box with a canvas top, weighs only 450#s.

I recently purchased this PWC trailer for cheap and plan for a hotel/1-2 sleeper. I'll add suspension drop brackets, swap out the slipper leafs for some Sami leafs using only 2-3 leafs and the shackle.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/jagular7/Camper/Roughneck/100_4260.jpg)

I found this Roughneck idea and this appeals to me. So I'll look for a truck bed camper top, preferably one with a door (contractor), and have something very similar.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d99/jagular7/Camper/Roughneck/roughneck.jpg)

If you still prefer a cargo trailer, search your local CL for a motorcycle cargo trailer. Or you can make you own. Harfor Frieght has 2 mini-trailers in the size about 40x48", one with 8" rims, other 12". Or go with a pwc trailer and add a couple of boxes. You can search for expedition style trailers also.

Title: Re: Cargo Basket or Trailer ?
Post by: SKI BOY on July 20, 2008, 09:27:36 AM

Hey thanks,

  I was definitely leaning in the trailer direction!
Jag- that rig you're building is real nice, great job! I really like the roughneck, also, great idea, wouldn't take too many used components to build something very usable!!