camper rich
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2016
- Messages
- 363
We made it to Salt Lake today, roads were good because we didn't leave until 10 am. The trailer handled great behind the truck. Milage from Grand Junction to home was 12.2 mpg.
Here are a couple of pics, I have more, but I can't figure out how to make the files small enough:
(Click to make larger)
Walowa, I mispoke when I said "bid". What I meant was the price was as per the quote Steve gave me.
As for the trailing arm suspension, we went that route because we were advised that it was the way to go for the washboard in Baja. The Ruger uses Timbrens instead of air shocks, and is not as adjustable as the airshocks and Rancho 9000 shocks on the Adventure Trailer, but since I have Timbrens on my truck, I've been happy with the lack of problems and the ride. I don't know if I will regret not having the air shocks and Ranchos, but the Ruger IMO was more affordable and a good compromise for my budget.
Regarding the tires I chose, Steve recomends you use the same spare as on your tow vehicle. That cuts down on the need to carry 2 spares. That works for Moab or places where you might be able to easily get a new tire, but for Baja, I felt I wanted a separate spare for the trailer, and since it will probably be carrying less than 1000 lbs per tire, I felt a C rated tire was sufficient, especially because they are way oversize. I can run the air pressure way down to give the trailer a softer ride on the miles of washboard we want to drive. An E rated tire has very stiff sidewalls and will give a harsher ride IMHO. I ran 31 10.50 x 15 C rated BFG tires on my '98 Dodge Dakota and never had a problem even carrying my old Ranger II Shell.
The reason for the 15" size is that using 17" tires to match my truck would have really run the price up. The 15" Pro Comp wheels fit on the standard Jeep hubs Steve uses. I would have had to buy wheel adaptors to match my wheels. Another reason is that in Baja, you are more likely to find 15" tires than 16's or 17's considering you could end up buying a used tire from a little llantera. I may not get the big BFG, but at least I should be able to find something to fit my rim.
I wish I could get more (and larger) photos to post
Here are a couple of pics, I have more, but I can't figure out how to make the files small enough:
(Click to make larger)
Walowa, I mispoke when I said "bid". What I meant was the price was as per the quote Steve gave me.
As for the trailing arm suspension, we went that route because we were advised that it was the way to go for the washboard in Baja. The Ruger uses Timbrens instead of air shocks, and is not as adjustable as the airshocks and Rancho 9000 shocks on the Adventure Trailer, but since I have Timbrens on my truck, I've been happy with the lack of problems and the ride. I don't know if I will regret not having the air shocks and Ranchos, but the Ruger IMO was more affordable and a good compromise for my budget.
Regarding the tires I chose, Steve recomends you use the same spare as on your tow vehicle. That cuts down on the need to carry 2 spares. That works for Moab or places where you might be able to easily get a new tire, but for Baja, I felt I wanted a separate spare for the trailer, and since it will probably be carrying less than 1000 lbs per tire, I felt a C rated tire was sufficient, especially because they are way oversize. I can run the air pressure way down to give the trailer a softer ride on the miles of washboard we want to drive. An E rated tire has very stiff sidewalls and will give a harsher ride IMHO. I ran 31 10.50 x 15 C rated BFG tires on my '98 Dodge Dakota and never had a problem even carrying my old Ranger II Shell.
The reason for the 15" size is that using 17" tires to match my truck would have really run the price up. The 15" Pro Comp wheels fit on the standard Jeep hubs Steve uses. I would have had to buy wheel adaptors to match my wheels. Another reason is that in Baja, you are more likely to find 15" tires than 16's or 17's considering you could end up buying a used tire from a little llantera. I may not get the big BFG, but at least I should be able to find something to fit my rim.
I wish I could get more (and larger) photos to post