If you are someone who loves cars and spending time in nature you will love going off-roading. This is an activity that brings the two together which makes it the ideal time spent exploring the bush and having fun riding your hot rod. Well, maybe not your hot rod but a vehicle that is capable of keeping you going through uneven terrain. Off-roading in itself is a great way to get away from tech and everyday issues even if it's for a couple of hours.
You get to also learn more about how your 4x4 vehicle works and learn how to rely on yourself better. Especially when it comes to making a safe recovery out in the wild. But sometimes you want to spend more than just a couple of hours in nature and this is where a 4WD trailer can help you get all the gear and equipment you need to make your off-roading adventure more convenient.
What to Look for in Off-Road Trailers
Build Quality
The first and probably most important thing with 4x4 trailers is their build quality. Since they are meant to be used on challenging road conditions they should be a form of heavy-duty trailers, right? Well, that's not always the case. In this case, you should look for 4x4 off road trailers for sale that have a hot-dipped galvanised chassis.
This ensures that they will withstand the rigours of the wild and last you a long time. But the chassis isn't the only part of the trailer that needs to be tough. Things such as latches, clips and hinges must be durable too. If these components aren't galvanised, check if they have a powder-coated finish.
Suspension
The suspension system of any 4WD trailer should be reliable and allow for the best all-around experience. The most recommended and reliable type of suspension system you can get for your 4x4 trailer are torsion axles. Torsion axles may not be the most advanced system but they are definitely the most reliable one in all kinds of road and weather conditions.
They are so reliable even the US Army and NATO forces have them on their trailers. There are also split-axle suspension systems that are more progressive meaning they can make your handling better in cases when you need help the most. This is because split-axle systems are more complicated than torsion axle systems, hence why the latter is more reliable and thus lasts longer.
Compatibility
No matter the type of 4x4 trailer you get for your off-roading adventures it needs to be compatible with your vehicle. This mainly refers to the weight carrying capacity of the trailer. The weight of the trailer and its weight carrying capacity together shouldn't exceed the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of your vehicle. Otherwise, you will end up wearing out a lot of vehicle components a lot quicker and make your 4x4 use a lot more fuel than usual.
Tires
Off-roading will put your vehicle to the test and the same goes for the trailer, or its tires to be more exact. This is why you should look for 4x4 off road trailers for sale that have all-terrain tires. This will allow you to drive with your trailer through any type of terrain and in any type of weather without worrying about traction and performance. Also, you won't have to change tires when seasons change, you'll just continue driving with the ones you already have on your trailer. That is unless they are worn out.
Ground Clearance
The height of a 4WD trailer is as important as its construction if not even more important. If the ground clearance of the trailer isn't high enough it will end up getting your trailer damaged even on the smallest of bumps. A beaten path can be ever-changing from bumps to holes, so you might as well get a trailer that has about the same ground clearance as your 4WD vehicle.
Brake System
Braking is something that we take for granted nowadays especially when it comes to trailers. 4x4 trailers just like all utility trailers come with a brake system. But like suspension systems, there are different types of brake systems. Like with suspension systems, there are two types of brake systems, traditional electric and independent electric-hydraulic systems. The former system applies the brakes on both wheels at once. While electric systems are quite common and work well they are not as reliable as electric hydraulic disc brakes. You will find this system on your vehicle too as they are a lot safer and more effective too.4x4 Off-Road Trailer Buying Guide
Off-Road Towing Tips
When towing on unknown terrain you need to expect any possible situation. You need to ensure that whenever passing through road obstacles you drive slowly and take your time. You should be aware of your surroundings at all times and have the necessary off-roading equipment close by. You should brake a lot earlier and speed up a lot slower since you have additional weight pulling your vehicle at the back.
