4×4 Off Road Trailer

What to Look For When Buying a Trailer

4X4 off road trailer have become a practical alternative to roof racks for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re going off road, you’ll need a off road trailer to haul your 4×4 cargo and bulky safari equipment. But all trailers are not created equal! The more complicated the designs become, the greater the risk that one or more of the ‘special feature’ component will be faulty. As with any 4X4 equipment it is essential that you get all the information you need in order to make an informed decision when buying an off road trailer. If you are buying a new camper trailer, read as many reviews as you can, and check the different warranties on offer. Go to the showrooms and get in the trailers to get an idea of how they feel. Talk to the salespeople. Try to get an idea of which are best supported with after sales service.
There are so many models, finishes, sizes and options to consider when buying a trailer; it can sometimes be a little overwhelming. The ‘nice to have’ extras on off road trailers can often be the very things that break and need constant repair.
A good place to start is by answering the following questions. The answers to these questions should give you a reasonably good idea of the type of trailer that would best suit your needs.

• What type of vehicle do you have? This will determine the size of the trailer you can pull and the hauling capacity of the trailer. It will also determine how much storage space you have in the car and how much camping equipment needs to fit into the trailer. To determine if you vehicle has the capacity to tow a specific trailer look in your vehicles owner manual. Here you will find the gross trailer weight (GTW) and the tongue weight (TW). The GTW shows the maximum weight that the car will pull. Check that against the weight of the trailer. Make sure you have some in reserve so you don’t over work your motor. The TW is the maximum downward force that the tow bar can take.

• On what terrain will the trailer be taken? (Some 4X4 trailers never see dirt except for the 500m of gravel from the camp ground gate to their site while other trailers need to be built for extreme rugged terrain and will only drive on tar when being driven out the driveway.)If you will be travelling off the beaten track then you will need a off road trailer that will allow you to be self sufficient for extended periods.

• Look of how easy it is to load and unload the trailer/ set it up.

• Where will the trailer be stored when it is not in use?

• How many people does the trailer need to accommodate?

Trailer service check list before hitting the road

Unless you are experienced in checking brakes, wheel bearings, electrical circuits and gas connections, these tasks should be left to trained service technicians.  Tuffstuff  suggest the following routine check before using your trailer.www.tuffstuff.co.za

Wheels
•    Check tyres for irregular wear
•    Inflate tyres to correct pressure
•    Wash, grease tighten wheel bearings
•    Refit split-pin
•    Fit grease caps
•    Grease jockey wheel screw threads
•    Check jockey wheel turns and rotates freely

Brakes and coupling
•    Free brake system of interference
•    Clean and check brake Iinings
•    Adjust handbrake mechanism
•    Synchronise brakes
•    Check action of coupling and safety chain
•    Tighten wheel nuts to correct torque

Chassis and suspension
•    Check chassis members for rust
•    Re grease corner steadies and worm washer
•    Check condition of under floor timber, wiring, hoses
•    Tighten axle bolts

Exterior bodywork
•    Check all locks and catches, hinges and fittings
•    Check all visible screws & fasteners
•    Check fitting of door and windows for sealing
•    Check operation of elevated roof and locking mechanism
•    Check condition of plastics and aluminium panels

Interior bodywork
•    Check all locks and catches, hinges and fittings
•    Tighten all visible screws
•    Check operation of hammocks

Gas equipment
•    Check regulator pressure setting
•    Check leaks on gas system
•    Check operation of cooker and stove
•    Check fridge and LED
•    Check condition of gas cylinders

Electrical equipment
•    Check operation of road lights
•    Check operation of interior and exterior 12 v lights
•    Check operation of 220 v plugs
•    Check operation of 220 v earth leakage
•    Check operation of 220 v circuit breakers
•    Check operation of 220 v charger
•    Check condition of 220 v extension lead
•    Check condition of 220 v inlet plugs
•    Check water inlet socket