Trailer Frame Ideas

[N128CG]

So I've been toying around with the idea of building a teardrop for a long time now. And finally decided to get started on it, but seeing as it's currently 107 outside. I'm starting in with a sketchup model. And hopefully I'll be able to bring it to life when it starts to cool off in a couple of months. So I wanted to get some ideas and opinions on what I have so far. So here it is.

Check out the 3D frame model here.

The main box is 5'x8'. Everything but the main center tube is 2x2. With the main center tube being 2.5x2.5x.25 so that I can make an interchangeable receiver for it. I think it would be nice to have a ball on the road and a pintle for off road.

If you were going to build it what would you change? Are there any points that you think will need extra reinforcing? What wall thickness do you think that I should use? Is it generally too big?

 

[indiedog]

The type of suspension you will be using greatly influences the frame design. I assume you are using leaf spring from this layout? With a bit of tweaking you could go for trailing arm. If anything I'd change the orientation of the rear bracing pieces so they triangulate the rear corners and go from the rear bumper centre to the side rail which is what will be supporting the leaf springs.

I used 2x2 by 0.8 (2mm) for my frame and while it's strong enough I think you're better going for 1/8 (3mm) down the sides where the leaf spring mounts will be welded on purely for the fatigue factor where a thicker wall will be more durable. If you won't take it on wash board where those joints can vibrate continuously then maybe the lighter gauge will do the job.

 

[toymaster]

I don't know how long you have been lurking here but there are some fantastic builds on here you could use to get some ideas. I have a link to one of the best below.....

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ttle-Pod-Trailer-Build...?p=955651#post955651


I'd spend a few weeks just going through the build threads here.

 

[NatersXJ6]

I'm not sure I would carry a single unbroken center tube down the entire length of the trailer. I suspect that a rear end collision would create a javelin effect that would end poorly for the tow vehicle or the vehicle striking it.

Mabe someone smarter than me could chime in on that?

 

[N128CG]

I don't know how long you have been lurking here

Few years. I've seen most of the builds on this forum now. And that's where I'm drawing my inspiration from.

I'm not sure I would carry a single unbroken center tube down the entire length of the trailer. I suspect that a rear end collision would create a javelin effect that would end poorly for the tow vehicle or the vehicle striking it.

I hadn't thought about that. Might be worth considering.

Other than that. I am planning on a mostly wood construction for the cabin. I feel much more comfortable working with wood. I'm not sure what I'm going to use for suspension yet. I'm leaning toward a leaf sprung solid axle just for simplicity sake, but the torsion axles look really cool too.

 

[Xrunner]

IMO the angles seem needlessly complex and heavy. I think you could go with a more simple, gusseted design and maintain the same strength with less weight. This would be especially true if you go with leaf springs since they don't require the same middle reinforcement.

Jbreddawg's build comes to mind as a recent example.