zook off road trailer AKA Tadpole

[christover1]

The support legz have been done.
Not intended to take much weight, just to take the rockin out if I get lucky, or if it gets windy (inside or outside)
And to stop it fallin over backwards when not connected to the Zook.
Most often won't even be used, but got em if needed.
Project is officially finished now, which means probably be werkin on it fer years to come, but all original planned jobz r done.

[christover1]

Finaly got around to shocking the trailer.
Lots of opinions as to are they needed, but time will tell.

You'll all be glad to know I used zook parts entirely
Top shock mount is a slightly trimmed zook engine mount bracket.
Bottom is a redrilled zook axle plate.
Was almost same hole to hole, just needed redrilling larger on 2 holes, and 2 new holes.
I kept the original trailer U bolt plate, as it had a better locating hole, and the zook plate hit the springs without hit.
They are stock rear Sierra shocks.
Can't comment on handling, yet, as 1 shock is siezed and the other has no oil in it
Will chase up some better ones later.

Now for a laugh at my expense.
After making up, and being happy with, the mounts on one side, I made up another set for other side.
They didn't work, had all sorts of clearance issues on that side.
After 2 hours of measuring trailer and shox, looking for my mistakes, I noticed 1 tyre was wider than the other..problem solved

[christover1]

So far so good.
Shocks seem to be a good thing.
The 3 bounces I was getting, is now only one bounce per bump.
Trailer is still empty, and no camper top on.
Its not too stiff or soft, I believe it will be ok when loaded.
Trailer is quieter now, too. Springs are not clunking on extension.
Rotation on bushes is almost negligible.
Nothing is coming unscrewed.
I guess we now need the test of time.
Thanks for everyones help, and B4T for a good set of shox.

christover

[christover1]

I decided the slipper springs needed throwing away.
See last pic for part of the reason.
Also they had sagged, more weight carried than expected, and a bit too weak.
The slippers were binding on the mounts, causing jamming.
They were also bent from a little woops into a crash barrier, when T-case siezed.

The decision to go shackle springs was partly so I could UP the carrying capacity, without loss of free movement.
Now 3 leaf, and 8mm instead of the cheapy 6mm originals.
Seems to have worked out OK.
Happy with the empty towing, but have yet to load it up fully.

I have gained a bit of height, too.
I am considering bump stops, just in case.
I can see where tyres were hitting guards, with old springs, even tho I doubt they will hit now.
May go one size down on tyres, yet, to give better clearance to shox, and less rolling resistance causing strain getting of the mark.

[christover1]

Front zook bumpstops would be easier to fit, but I have broken and used up all my spares.
The rears were a dime a dozen, rarely worn out, and had 2 kicking around.
If it don't last, is easy enuff to change to a different type later.

[andrew_wale]

Not sure If I am wrong, but is the shock on a strange angle.

I thought Shocks were supposed to be straight up & down not at a 50degree angle to the axle..

[christover1]

Not sure If I am wrong, but is the shock on a strange angle.

I thought Shocks were supposed to be straight up & down not at a 50degree angle to the axle..

Yes it is on an angle.
This is to "soften" the ride, as they too stiff for a light trailer.
It was also constructional, no strong points up high to mount to.
Rearward rake is because springs move back as they compress.
Shox movements almost match the spring movements.

Of course this could be all wrong, and subject to change later

[christover1]

Took a few loads of garden refuse to the tip, one load being 140kg.
Trailer was very well behaved, and very quiet.
Plenty of travel left when loaded now, too.
Loving the shackle springs.
I'm pleased so far.

Definately need to get the tyres away from the shox, as there is more lateral movement now.
I will either fit smaller tyres, to match the rims, or larger rims, to match the tyres.
This could solve the shake and shimmer from tyres movements.
(10.50 tyres on 5.5 rims leaves a lot of billowing of sidewalls, and I believe correct rims should straighten up sidewalls, getting them away from shox and make tyres more stable, etc)
I could be wrong, tho, it can happen

christover

[christover1]

I finaly got some Tall n Skinnies (Thanx Mock)
16" rims from a LJ Zook.
Sleight drop in height has the camper sitting flat, cool.
(Can fit up to 7:50's later if needed)
Track width is such, that now trailer tyres follow car tyres exactly.
(better in sand and stuff)
And plenty of shock clearance.
An added bonus is, they weigh 12kg each less than the original tyre/rim combo.
(Can put 24kg more gear in it)
And I can pick them up a lot easier
A spare now fits under the camper top more easily, too.
Thats all gotta be good.

christover

[gwagensteve]

And it's going to take less power to tow as well.

Looks good Chris.

Steve.