Hello all, first time poster long time lurker. I recently scored a Bethany camper for $75. I've stripped it all down to the frame now, but now I'm not so sure I should use it as a base for a teardrop type camper that I've been inspired by this forum to build.
The main frame section is 1.5"x3" box tube, and as you can see in the pic, the tongue section is a machined bend from the same piece. My hope is to take this with the fam out west maybe next year - I want this to hold up to washboard as well a light to moderate offroad trails.
...the crossmembers are some 'S' shaped steel, seems to do the job but then I look at the frames here at this forum with 2x3 and 2x2 and I wonder if I'll regret working from this.
I'm concerned that bent tube is compromised especially if its going to be used off road and more stresses put on it. I've already got my money back in scrap (plus scored a 3 burner stove, 15 gallon water tank, & propane heater out of the thing) so I'm not really at a loss if I pass on using this one. I'd like to know what you would do - especially those who have used their trailers in extended rough conditions. Thanx.
The main frame section is 1.5"x3" box tube, and as you can see in the pic, the tongue section is a machined bend from the same piece. My hope is to take this with the fam out west maybe next year - I want this to hold up to washboard as well a light to moderate offroad trails.
...the crossmembers are some 'S' shaped steel, seems to do the job but then I look at the frames here at this forum with 2x3 and 2x2 and I wonder if I'll regret working from this.
I'm concerned that bent tube is compromised especially if its going to be used off road and more stresses put on it. I've already got my money back in scrap (plus scored a 3 burner stove, 15 gallon water tank, & propane heater out of the thing) so I'm not really at a loss if I pass on using this one. I'd like to know what you would do - especially those who have used their trailers in extended rough conditions. Thanx.
