Review: Car trailer Kurganmashzavod KMZ 8136 - An indispensable assistant for a summer residence
I immediately liked it because it was already sold with additional sides and an awning, and the previous owner also made modifications in the form of mounting a spare wheel and legs for convenient parking.
I have been actively using this wonderful trailer for three summer seasons now, and here are the advantages I can note about it. 1. Almost ideal dimensions, its internal length is slightly less than 2 meters, which allows you to transport most long items such as doors, corrugated sheets or fence posts. If this is not enough for you, then you can lower the front or rear side, and if this is not enough, then lengthen the drawbar with a standard spacer, which will allow you to transport cargo up to five and a half meters long. It is very convenient that the wheels are located outside the trailer and we have a flat floor. 2. Additional sides increase the internal height of the body to half a meter, which allowed me to carry refrigerators tall (of course, securing them with additional ropes. 3. The painted body, unlike galvanized, is quite resistant to corrosion. My trailer is already 24 years old, but there are a lot of rusts ( this is taking into account that it was almost always stored outside), but in general the body is still very strong and requires only periodic cosmetic touch-ups. 4. The arches for the awning are conveniently removable, with the awning closed, the cargo remains dry even in very rainy weather. 5. The towbar of the old one like it takes some time to remove it and put it in the car, but it is very reliable. 6. The lever suspension allows you to comfortably drive with it at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. 7. There is a dump truck function, but I have never used it, it’s easier to unhook the trailer from the car. 8. My electrics are all original, I haven’t had any problems with them for 3 years. 9. The previous owner installed small additional springs inside the standard ones, which allowed me to transport up to 700-800 kilograms on a trailer, without such modifications I can safely load half a ton into a trailer. 10. The trailer fits standard VAZ wheels with a 4*98 bolt pattern; I installed 13-radius wheels by removing the 14-radius casting, which was too steep for the trailer. If you wish, you can install a 15 radius without additional modifications, the only question is the price you are willing to pay for the wheels for the trailer. Even with 13-radius wheels, the trailer stands quite high above the road, so I think that they are enough. What shortcomings I found in this trailer: 1. There are no fastenings on the additional sides for quick opening and closing of the side; for reliability, I tighten them with bolts and to open, for example, the tailgate will take several minutes. 2. Taper bearings installed on wheel hubs require attention; they must be regularly checked for “tightening” force, but on the other hand, such bearings can withstand much greater loads. 3. Spare parts for the chassis are not so easy to buy, and the price is not small. At the end of this year I bent one of the arms. This is essentially not the trailer’s fault, I overloaded it, as they later calculated, the total weight of the cargo turned out to be about 1 ton, I loaded a full body of sacks of used expanded clay, which turned out to contain a lot of “heavy” garbage. We had to travel a long way (120 km) and only at the end of the road, when the journey began on asphalt with strong waves, the suspension could not stand it and broke. As a result, the price of one lever with all the “rubber bands” is about 4,500 rubles; they obviously cost to be replaced in pairs, so the total price tag along with the work will be equal to half the cost of the trailer itself. Now I'm thinking about replacing the wishbone suspension with a spring one.
To summarize, I want to say that the trailer is excellent, if you find it in good condition, then feel free to buy it, the main thing is not to repeat my mistakes and do not load more than 600-700 kilograms, take care of the suspension.
Why is this necessary?
And indeed, why take and change a ready-made trailer if initially its layout or design suited you completely?! The question is purely personal and depends on the individual needs of the car owner.
Let's take a few good trailers as an example:
- MMZ 81021;
- Scythian;
- VSW;
- KMZ 8119;
- MZSA;
- Kurgan trailer, etc.
Good vehicles with enviable technical characteristics for many manufacturers. But if suddenly there is a need to use them to transport boats or to transport a motorcycle, then they will not be able to cope with such tasks.
Yes, any standard trailers are perfect for traveling to your dachas and loading several bags of potatoes collected from the garden. But I want something different and more.
I would highlight several main goals that car owners pursue when deciding to change a trailer:
- increase functionality;
- increase carrying capacity;
- change reliability parameters for the better;
- modernize the purely appearance of the vehicle.
Now let’s go through each of the points separately and decide what can be done in this or that situation with your factory standard towed vehicle.
Reliability
If you are concerned about the issue of reliability, then it is better to immediately buy a more expensive trailer that is resistant to all loads and impacts. Then you won’t have to think about whether it can last 5-10 years.
To reduce the rate of wear, that is, increase the reliability of your car, truck or boat trailer, you can:
- make the lining of the body and bottom of the trailer using ordinary plywood;
- replace standard optics with LED ones, which last longer and place less load on the car’s electrical system;
- apply anti-corrosion agent to the body;
- treat the body with high-quality paint;
- put up an awning (we talked about it separately in this article).
It is possible to replace the hubs, modernize the suspension and other improvements. It is very popular to switch the Bee trailer to springs with a standard torsion bar. It has a good effect on the reliability, performance and behavior of the trailer on roads of varying quality. So it's worth thinking about.
Functionality
Many are more interested in the functional side of the trailer, that is, its ability to provide various additional capabilities.
Various options available:
- extension of the standard drawbar for transportation of large cargo;
- switching to R13 or larger wheels to improve cross-country ability;
- installation of auxiliary structures inside the trailer;
KMZ trailers: model range and prices
OJSC Kurganmashzavod has long occupied a leading position in the Russian military-industrial complex. The official date of registration of the plant occurred in the post-war years (1950). At that time, only tracked tractors were manufactured, but today its range includes a variety of equipment, including the KMZ trailer. A wide range of attachments allows for use in agriculture, utility and construction work.
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The plant provides for the installation of a whole list of components and parts, including shock absorbers, bearings and silent blocks, identical to those used on domestic cars. So, you can put a set of wheels from a VAZ or Moskvich on a trailer. An exception is the Moskvich M 2141 model.
The suspension here is of very high quality and durable. It is an independent design with coil compression springs and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Stamp-welded arms are also used, which swing in the longitudinal plane and are hinged using silent blocks on the transverse beam of the trailer frame.
The KMZ 8136 was supplied with the following items from the factory:
The equipment was quite rich. Some components were offered at extra cost, while others were included in the base price. But the price remained at an affordable and adequate level, which largely explains such popularity.
I agree that in some modern KMZ 8136, which have undergone alterations and modifications, even from a photo it is difficult to recognize the outlines of a classic domestic trailer. But nothing lasts forever, so the design needs to be improved and modernized. Even if initially KMZ 8136 has excellent quality.
A little about the company
Despite the fact that the project to create the plant was signed back in 1939, its construction was delayed until 1947. This was facilitated by martial law. But three years later, the first branded product was released - a caterpillar tractor. The production of special equipment lasted until 1962, after which the company directed its production forces to the development of an artillery model range and infantry fighting vehicles.
The year 1992 was marked by the production merger into OJSC Kurganmashzavod, as well as the establishment of export supplies. KMZ trailers and agricultural machinery appeared on the official website relatively recently. Now you can find the following products in the catalog:
- mounted buckets;
- rippers;
- spare parts for KMZ trailer;
- cleaning equipment;
- drilling equipment;
- concrete mixers;
- power units;
- KMZ car trailers;
- transport vehicles;
- mini tractors, etc.
The main production forces are concentrated in Chinese factories. Due to this, the company significantly reduced the cost of its own products. Thus, KMZ passenger trailers were able to seriously compete even with imported equipment.
Model range and prices
The modern market is overflowing with a variety of offers from various manufacturers, but the Kurgan trailer was distinguished not only by its availability, but also by positive reviews from customers. The best variations include the following models:
Trailer KMZ 8119
The tow hitch has a strong welded frame, which ensures durability and reliability of the device. The entire structure is reinforced to eliminate the possibility of deformation from overload. Thanks to the independent suspension, this model is characterized by increased stability and is not subject to rocking, which is so common in modern models.
8119 model 185 cm long, 160 cm wide, side height 30 cm. Trailer load capacity is 500 kg
The wheel hub does not protrude beyond the dimensions, so the device is easy to operate even in confined spaces. The design has a folding drawbar, this allows you to store the towbar in a vertical position. The upper part can be covered with an awning, which makes it possible to transport cargo in any weather.
The disadvantages of the model are that it has not been produced for a long time, so KMZ 8119 can only be found on the secondary market. Here its price varies within 20,000 rubles; the cost is directly influenced by the year of manufacture, condition and safety of the original configuration.
VIDEO: How to properly install the drawbar extension on 8119
Trailer KMZ 8136
The compact trailer KMZ 8136 is designed for transporting small-sized and light cargo weighing up to 390 kg.
Trailer KMZ 8136
The platform area of the model is 2.23 m, and the dimensions are equal to the following indicators:
- length – 1850 mm;
- width – 1204 mm;
- height without covering with awning - 25 cm.
The curb weight of the KMZ does not exceed 160 kg, so the trailer is suitable for installation on any passenger car, even low-power ones. Its price is 30,000 rubles. The features of the model include a monolithic bottom made of aluminum, an extended drawbar with a mechanism for turning the body without the need to disconnect the trailer, galvanization, a traction type coupling system and folding sides.
VIDEO: Where is the serial number on the KMZ-8136 passenger trailer (for registration with the traffic police)
Trailer KMZ 8284
The model is used for transporting a variety of cargo, while it can be used in combination with any vehicle equipped with a towing device. The design has a spring shock-absorbing suspension, and the package includes an awning and a removable frame.
Trailer KMZ 8284
As an additional option for the KMZ 8284 trailer, there are 2-row or single-row sides with a height of up to 33.5 cm. The body of the trailer element is covered with galvanized steel, which, according to the manufacturer, eliminates the possibility of corrosion.
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Everything here is limited only by your imagination, needs and real possibilities. It is clear that it will not be possible to make a whole huge motor home from a small cheap trailer.
Yes, upgrading a boat trailer into a cargo trailer is a more complex process, because you will have to create the frame, sides, and install an awning with your own hands. It is easier to make a boat out of a cargo boat, because all unnecessary structures are removed and the corresponding limiters and fasteners are installed. And that’s it, the vehicle for transporting the boat is ready.
There are many examples of photos and videos where craftsmen slightly changed the design of caravans, or turned them into a real work of art. There is always something to rely on, where to take examples and inspiration.
Load capacity
If you need to transport cargo weighing up to 1.3 tons, then it is enough to have a regular single-axle trailer.
But sometimes it is necessary to increase the load capacity, for which another 1 axle is added. From single-axis we get biaxial. The solution is good if it justifies itself from the standpoint of active exploitation.
Be prepared to stand in lines and deal with paperwork. Such a conversion into a two-axle vehicle requires re-registration of the trailer with the traffic police. Otherwise, fines and even more serious consequences of illegal alterations cannot be avoided.
Appearance
The owner of a trailer does not always need to change its technical and functional characteristics. But the standard appearance is depressing, which prompts the idea to change something from an aesthetic point of view.
Let's use our imagination and get to work. The most common ones include:
KMZ 8136. Overhaul for an honored worker
I use my grandfather’s old trailer KMZ 8136. My grandfather no longer needs it, and he’s not the same age anymore
