Pulling a trailer down gravel roads?

[CRay]

I like to do some " out of the way" camping and was wondering about damage to the under carriage while pulling down gravel roads. I have an 18 ft X 189FBR. Any thoughts?

[chily3]

Should not be a problem if you go slow and watch the center so you do not high center.

[profdant139]

We do a lot of that kind of towing, on some really sketchy roads. Slow and careful is the key. We also got an axle flip for more clearance. Some folks add diamond plate on the front of the trailer, to protect against gravel thrown up by the tow vehicle. On a long trip to Alaska, that might be a good idea -- it would not be fun to make that drive at 20 mph!

Also, I added a mud flap on my trailer so that gravel from the trailer tire would not damage the sewer valves, which are just behind the left tire. And I wrapped my sewer valves in reflectix, both for gravel protection and for a little extra insulation in freezing weather.

[Travels with Yoly]

Originally Posted by profdant139

We do a lot of that kind of towing, on some really sketchy roads. Slow and careful is the key. We also got an axle flip for more clearance. Some folks add diamond plate on the front of the trailer, to protect against gravel thrown up by the tow vehicle. On a long trip to Alaska, that might be a good idea -- it would not be fun to make that drive at 20 mph!

Also, I added a mud flap on my trailer so that gravel from the trailer tire would not damage the sewer valves, which are just behind the left tire. And I wrapped my sewer valves in reflectix, both for gravel protection and for a little extra insulation in freezing weather.

Those are all very thoughtful mods Dan .... this is why I read stuff on forums

[CRay]

Great advice. The trailer has pretty good clearance but I was worried about gravel flying up into the underside of the trailer. I will definitely get some mud flaps... hopefully with some appropriate silhouette on them

[runner421]

So slow and easy sounds good - but I think the trailer is well protected underneath and I'm not convinced that the tow vehicle will kick back too much gravel.
Just me-but I've travelled many miles on gravel roads. And washboard/gravel are the worst. But I lock the truck in 4WD and do about 50mph. Road permitting, that is. That speed seems to let the truck and trailer "skip" across the top of the washboard surface.
Now-probably kicked a few rocks up and "pinged" on the trailer but it is what it is.
Opinions/Experience vary, but that's how I head down gravel roads.

[shawno]

Does anyone know where to buy larger sheets of diamond plate for the front of their TT? Any idea on how to / or what kind of adhesive to use to stick it on to the gel coat?

[APD]

Originally Posted by shawno

Does anyone know where to buy larger sheets of diamond plate for the front of their TT? Any idea on how to / or what kind of adhesive to use to stick it on to the gel coat?

DiamondLife specializes in cargo/horse trailers but they sell by the piece:
Diamond Plate, Stainless Steel and Aluminum

And the site says they ship to Canada....



Alan