Our big red Carson trailer is the toughest workhorse in the stable. It sees more junk, abuse, miles, dirt, and mayhem than most of our 4x4s. It has been across America numerous times. It gets bounced down rutted dirt roads and over curbs, all the while hauling some big-tired trail machine on its back. And since we first drug it home from Carson over five years ago, Big Red has been working like a slave. So it was finally time for the full monty refresh. Rather than another patch job, we opted to return the trailer to Carson for a major redo. The axles and suspension were upgraded, and prior to that we fitted a new set of tires and wheels from Carlisle and Black Rock wheels. Big Red is now ready for another 100,000 miles of work in all terrains. Specifications Make & Model: Carlisle Radial Trail RH Size tested: 235/85/R16 Type: Radial Load Range: F Maximum load (lb): 3,960 @ 95 psi Tread: 3 polyester plies, 2 steel, 2 nylon Sidewall: 3 polyester Approved Rim Width (in): 6 Tread depth (in): 13⁄32 Tread width (in): 7 Section width (in): 9 Overall diameter (in): 32 Weight (lb): 44.8 Sizes available (in): 21-32 This scene was getting old. Our Carson trailer had seen too much use and needed more than a simple repair; it needed a complete makeover.This scene was getting old. Our Carson trailer had seen too much use and needed more than Our old trailer tires were telling us something. Odd wear like this meant a major problem. We found that one of our trailer axles was actually bent from too many run-ins with curbs and off-road abuse.Our old trailer tires were telling us something. Odd wear like this meant a major problem. The Carlisle Radial Trail RH tires are load range F! That means a single tire can carry 3,960 pounds at 95 psi. Carlisle touts its Dura-Trail belt package and Heat Shield rubber compound for strength and resistance to overheating with heavy loads as well as mileage and longevity.The Carlisle Radial Trail RH tires are load range F! That means a single tire can carry 3, Our first upgrade was new tires from Carlisle. These 235/85R16 radials are specifically for trailers.Our first upgrade was new tires from Carlisle. These 235/85R16 radials are specifically fo We had the tires mounted on Black Rock Yuma series 908M wheels. These 16x6 aluminum wheels are true trailer wheels with a 3,960-pound weight rating to match the tires. They are lighter than our old steel wheels, but we are not fond of the required thin-wall socket to change the lug nuts.We had the tires mounted on Black Rock Yuma series 908M wheels. These 16x6 aluminum wheels After the tire and wheel upgrades we returned the trailer to Carson, where new axles were fitted under it. These were suspended by heavy-duty springs with a massive equalizer bar suspension to replace the worn-out pieces.After the tire and wheel upgrades we returned the trailer to Carson, where new axles were A fresh coat of red paint laid down on the steel deck and frame really makes the old girl look good. We hate to admit that it will be scratched up before long, but it will. Our trailer is a workhorse, and axles and junk get drug across that beautiful red paint constantly.A fresh coat of red paint laid down on the steel deck and frame really makes the old girl All the wiring was freshened up with new lights and fresh copper to all the electric brakes. A new breakaway emergency brake box was also installed; hopefully we’ll never need it.All the wiring was freshened up with new lights and fresh copper to all the electric brake We mounted a new Warn M8000 winch on the deck for serious dead-truck dragging power. With our insatiable hunger for bringing home nonrunning 4x4 junk that we feel could someday be a super truck, this winch will see plenty of use.We mounted a new Warn M8000 winch on the deck for serious dead-truck dragging power. With SOURCES Black Rock Wheels Ontario CA www.blackrockwheels.com Carson Trailer 14831 S. Maple Ave. Gardena CA 90248 310-516-6046 www.carsontrailer.com Warn Industries 12900 S.E. Capps Road Clackamas OR 97015 800-910-1122 www.warn.com Carlisle Transportation Products 803-643-2900 www.carlisletransportationproducts.com By Fred Williams Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
