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YotaAtieToo

YotaAtieToo

Thick skull
Joined
May 19, 2020
Member Number
142
Messages
12,646
Loc
Bonners Ferry, ID
Family is getting into riding now that the kids are growing. So long story short, I'm thinking about building a motorcycle trailer. Last time I needed one, I modified the $350 trailer from tractor supply. It worked great, but they're just so bouncy and those tiny tires suck. We have a 16' angle iron side trailer with a ramp that works perfectly for the highway, and obviously has extra room.


I'd like to build one that just fits the bikes, a few fuel jugs, maybe a nice box for gear. I'm thinking about doing some air bags vs bouncy ass springs. I'd like to be able to take it down semi rough fire roads. Having the little kids ride on fire roads isn't happening for a while. So the idea would be to get to a area with trails, or to a camp site, ect.

I've only seen one air ride trailer up close. It was a gooseneck 16k PJ. It used traditional 8k axles with a single link on each side and an air bag. It used big rig leveling valves too maintain the same level no matter the load.

I'm thinking more like an independent system with a unit bearing hub. Just a simple Y with leaf spring bushings, then a common air bag mounted midway. Probably no fancy load level valves, just air up to the level I like. Hopefully be able to dump for loading and unloading.

Am I missing something?
 
One of the guys at work built almost exactly what you are talking about for his tear drop trailer. He did use a traditional trailer axle spindle, but he just put an airbag about halfway down a y style / VW style trailing arm and it seems to work great.
 
Will you move it empty often? Maybe just put shocks on the angle iron 16 foot trailer.

My bike trailer isn't too bouncy with two bikes. But it's only good for 3 bikes.

Empty it definitely bounces bad. Not sure if air would be ideal on it, but empty with air at least you can adjust it. Not sure it would be worth the work for the difference.
 
Last edited:
bobbywalter said:
Maybe just put shocks on the angle iron 16 foot trailer.

My bike trailer isn't too bouncy with two bikes. But it's only good for 3 bokes
Click to expand...

:laughing:

No,

it's a 7k, 2 axle trailer. Serves it purpose, but it's too big and rough for what I want.

I'm talking like mild wheelin being a possibility. I'd like to run some type of 6 lug hub to match our 4runner and run some decently tall tires. 33x10 or so.

crazybluerider said:
One of the guys at work built almost exactly what you are talking about for his tear drop trailer. He did use a traditional trailer axle spindle, but he just put an airbag about halfway down a y style / VW style trailing arm and it seems to work great.
Click to expand...
Sweet, that's exactly what I'm thinking.

Any idea what bags he used? Typical pickup helper bags or?
 
This style


There are kits for 400 ish you may be able to fit up.


www.x2industries.com

1982-2005 Chevrolet S10, Hombre Rear Air Suspension, Custom 4-Link / Bags / Brackets (no fittings) (Bolt-In 4-Links) - 7.5 Inch Axle

1982-2005 Chevrolet S10, Hombre Rear Air Suspension, Custom 4-Link / Bags / Brackets (no fittings) (Bolt-In 4-Links) - 7.5 Inch Axle. This Complete Air Ride Assembly is built to be bolted-in and is specifically built to accommodate your Chevy S10 / Hombre Pickup rear axle only. Does not
www.x2industries.com www.x2industries.com
 
I was thinking more like some $75 jobbers :flipoff2:

hornblasters.com

Firestone 1/2" 224C 2600 Style Air Bag

Upgrade your vehicle's suspension with the Firestone 224C 2600 Ride Rite Airbag. This airbag features high-flow 1/2" port, two-ply walls, and a limited lifetime warranty. Experience a smooth ride with Firestone air suspension today.
hornblasters.com hornblasters.com
 
 
A buddy of mine used Timbren on his off road expedition trailer. He had a few issues with them and said the company was very good to deal with, and found a solution, sending him the parts he needed for free.
 
YotaAtieToo said:
I was thinking more like some $75 jobbers :flipoff2:

hornblasters.com

Firestone 1/2" 224C 2600 Style Air Bag

Upgrade your vehicle's suspension with the Firestone 224C 2600 Ride Rite Airbag. This airbag features high-flow 1/2" port, two-ply walls, and a limited lifetime warranty. Experience a smooth ride with Firestone air suspension today.
hornblasters.com hornblasters.com
Click to expand...
I was just looking at doing something like this (literally researching it in one tab then switched to irate and saw your thread). One thing I’m not sure of is how you determine the lid capacity of the airbag. The one you linked doesn’t seem to indicate the maximum load it can handle. Is there something I’m missing?
 
flexy flatty said:
I was just looking at doing something like this (literally researching it in one tab then switched to irate and saw your thread). One thing I’m not sure of is how you determine the lid capacity of the airbag. The one you linked doesn’t seem to indicate the maximum load it can handle. Is there something I’m missing?
Click to expand...
2600 lbs, I had to put the part number into Google. Makes sense because it's in the part number.

If I half that, I think it would be perfect. Not near capacity, but also not to little of weight on it. Plus it gets more travel.
 
My utility trailer has a regular 5200# axle welded to a swing arm with 8" travel Firestone bags holding it up. Super reliable. Adding shocks is the single best thing you can do to a trailer. Dumping the bags for loading is also handy.
 
20210731_203158.jpg


Not air ride related, but I have been trying to think of something lightweight to use for the bike channels. Then I was looking at the cheap ramp I got. $50 x 5 would be $250, so not super cheap, but not bad.
 
Just use any old pickup truck leaf spring and a $20 shock.

Trailer springs bounce like shit because they're so short and stiff. You can fix that without the added complexity of air.
 
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