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Hi

We have an Erde 122 trailer (from Halfords). I'm now trying to work out what extra bits I need for it. My shopping list is below - I'm looking at getting most stuff from Towsure as they seem have better prices than Halfords. Am I right in thinking I need all this stuff and have I picked the right things? Thank you in anticipation if anyone has the patience to look through my list!

Breakaway cable £2.45 http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/481-Breakaway_Cable (or do I need a more expensive one??)

Insertable coupling hitchlock £13.50 (Bulldog ones are a bit pricey) http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/13023-Lightweight_Wheel_Clamp

Lightweight wheel clamp £28.95 http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/13023-Lightweight_Wheel_Clamp OR this one at £19.50: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/394-Clamp_Lock

Jockey wheel £13.95 http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/223-34mm_Jockey_Wheel/Clamp_1_Ton

Spare wheel £15.65 http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.towsure.com/product/7075-350x8_Trailer_Wheel_4_Ply_PCD_4_Inches

Spare wheel support? Can't find this on Towsure but £11 at Halfords

We've not got a proper cover yet but thinking of a DIY mdf job to build up the sides then tarpaulin over the top.

Phew! Think that's about it - any advice would be much appreciated!

Nicola

nicola

i also have an erde 122 (see my gallery)

1) breakaway cable- you should already have a chain attached, therefore no need for an additional one

2) hitchlocks- plenty to chose from this one is very good and fits into the handle of the hitch. it prevents the handle from lifting therefore stopping it from being connected to the towball and also locks the trailer to your towball. http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cylinder-Lock-for-Trailer-Hitch-2-Keys-NEW_W0QQitemZ360034059970QQihZ023QQcategoryZ36631QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

even something as simple as this will do http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5232-2978-1/1?AID=9479574&PID=1428744&mpre=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Horse-Trailer-Hitch-Lock-with-3-keys-Heavy-Duty_W0QQitemZ320230376606QQihZ011QQcategoryZ73934QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3) wheel clamps- in my opinion a waste of time with a trailer that is so small and light as it will be just picked up and placed on the back of another trailer or pickup. better to chain it to the floor or tree etc. b and q do a good plastic covered cable with padlock and mounting bracket. wrap it around the trailer chasis. http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9284312&fh_view_size=6&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB&fh_search=security&fh_eds=%c3%9f&fh_refview=search&ts=1206385191051&isSearch=true

4) jockey wheel and prop stands- again no need as you will hook the trailer up before loading and unload before unhooking. the trailer is light enough to move as is.

5) spare wheel and holder- a must both available from halfords, towsure or rph leasure. the holder is very easy to fit.

6) cover- shop around there are stronger and cheaper ones out there than the original erde ones. search on ebay.

7) side extensions- again stay away from the erde high side extensions. cheaper and longer lasting to make or have made your own. speak to your local metal benders and get ally sheets formed like i did for example or get treated wood, not mdf you need something like marine ply.

hope this helps

mat

1) breakaway cable- you should already have a chain attached, therefore no need for an additional one

The above is correct but the new laws state that you cannot attach this over the towball, as if the trailer does detach the road surface may undulate it up and down and therefore the chain could come off the ball.

Much better to fit a secondary coupling cable, see here , scroll down about halfway, this must befitted securely to the car/towbar not over the to ball.

Victor

Thanks very much for the helpful replies.

Mat - those metal extension bits look ideal - do the metal sheets just sit inside your trailer? I assume they don't need attaching to the trailer as such??? I notice that you're also in Lancashire - can you remember where you went for the metal bits and how much approx it cost?

I'll ring Towsure and ask them about the spare wheel support. I couldn't see one on their site but they must sell them.

Thanks again for all the help - it is much appreciated!

Mat - those metal extension bits look ideal - do the metal sheets just sit inside your trailer? I assume they don't need attaching to the trailer as such??? I notice that you're also in Lancashire - can you remember where you went for the metal bits and how much approx it cost? i chose to make them a permenant fixture so they are bolted with coach bolts. each sheet was bent to sit on top of the existing sides and bent at the top to form a lip, ie the same as the original sides. they are then attached by alluminium right angles in the corners and straight pieces in the middle, each running the whole depth of the internal height of the trailer for extra strength. there are other ways of securing them so they could be easily removed but i could not see the point in this, i have seen a few where the extensions have angles in the corners and just slot into the trailer with the extended sides resting on top of the originals. i was a bit more flash and made them so i could also still use the tailgate. i was lucky in that the metal was supplied and formed as a favour, so costings were minimal to me. it would be an idea to take your trailer or drawings to your local metal benders, have a look in the yellow pages, and seek advice. just remember that for the high side extension from erde you are looking at nothing more than a frame and cover for approx £75 !!!. i am sure you could manufacture something for cheaper.

I'll ring Towsure and ask them about the spare wheel support. I couldn't see one on their site but they must sell them.another way of attaching the spare wheel would be to fasten it to the side of the trailer with a suitable bolt, but as the proper supports are that cheap, and allow you to fasten the spare to the draw bar, it really does not seem worth it.

if you are near wn7 and want to pop in and have a look, get measurements of the materials etc then let me know. or give me your email address and i shall send appropriate photos.

mat

Quote: Originally posted by vmlopes on 24/3/2008

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1) breakaway cable- you should already have a chain attached, therefore no need for an additional one

The above is correct but the new laws state that you cannot attach this over the towball, as if the trailer does detach the road surface may undulate it up and down and therefore the chain could come off the ball.

Much better to fit a secondary coupling cable, see here , scroll down about halfway, this must befitted securely to the car/towbar not over the to ball.

Victor

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