Introduction and initial build concept

[FireMedic82]

That's why I'm thinking c-channel. The design of the metal would provide strength, but yet still be light/ish. A friend of mine has flats boat thats 14' or so that came with an aluminum trailer with this design. And if I'm not mistaken..it is single axel. It is a very beefy frame and its almost all c-channel. I'm not familiar with the area you plan on riding, but going off of what you are discribing it sounds like you may just have a few hard bumps..maybe. I would look into aluminum a little more and ask around. And start asap on saving weight with every body design idea you have. Just my opinion.

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[PINSTER]

That's why I'm thinking c-channel. The design of the metal would provide strength, but yet still be light/ish. A friend of mine has flats boat thats 14' or so that came with an aluminum trailer with this design. And if I'm not mistaken..it is single axel. It is a very beefy frame and its almost all c-channel. I'm not familiar with the area you plan on riding, but going off of what you are discribing it sounds like you may just have a few hard bumps..maybe. I would look into aluminum a little more and ask around. And start asap on saving weight with every body design idea you have. Just my opinion.

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Opinions appreciated, thanks. And id have to agree that most alum trailers ive seen run C-channel and I beams...hmm. But most are designed for highway also. I will definitely talk to a couple shops regarding alum, and run some numbers.

The area I speak of is just a beach, 60 miles long, no development (no stores, no help). After rain, its nice and mild, sometimes very small ripple bumps. In drought years, its deep soft sand. Sometimes the ruts/tracks are a good 2feet deep. During low tide, its an easy ride on hard pack with the occasional wash out dip to worry about. But sometimes riding low tide isnt an option.

From the feedback thus far, I think scaling back on the whole project is inevitable. I will make some changes, and am still learning sketchup, so will try to get a scale model up to discuss around and not waste anybody's time on my space shuttle sketches.

 

[FireMedic82]

Still very cool either way. Ready to see what you come up with.

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[Septu]

What about modifying an enclosed cargo trailer? Change up the suspension to get the ground clearance.

 

[skersfan]

I think septu has the right idea. wells cargo, I have actually seen an 18 foot enclosed single axle. Not very heavy. Frames are good enough for what you are talking I think. I hate to rain on your idea, but I have built hundreds of trailers, from 45 foot fifth wheels to jet ski trailers, and I think this would be a real problem with a fully enclosed steel frame. I am not a fan of Channel or I beams for trailers, but many are built that way. Both when bent are bent, where as box has flex to it and will return to form if not badly bent. I think the Cargo trailers have the option of length you need and width. In the long run modifying one to what you want will be a lot more cost affective.

 

[cwheeler]

Have you considered starting with an existing boat trailer and modifying it for offroad. Flipping axles will provide clearance for larger tires and you could add on your enclosure. Also using I-beam instead of channel MAY be a better option for you. I've seen larger aluminum boat trailers built this way.


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[PINSTER]

I've considered both, a boat trailer and an enclosed cargo trailer. Both are wider than id want, Tacoma track is ~63" and that's one of the most important aspects to efficiency in soft sand. When you get into boat and cargos at 18ft, most are 7ft wide or more

That and enclosed cargos are both taller and wider than Id want. Trying to reduce drag on the highway, and was thinking its just extra weight that i didn't need. Appreciate the suggestions guys, but the thought process went through the "available" and easier options first, then ended up putting me here. Trying to figure out how to build one to suit.

How are the light cargos framed if not steel?

What's the lightest way to build an enclosure?

 

[PINSTER]

I redrew the concept with a minimalist design, reducing kayak capacity to one inside, with the option to rack another on top. Brought in the width to be very close to the track of the tacoma. And removed unnecessary accessories with weight savings in mind.

Here's the quick sketch


some measurements


and initial frame design to scale



Look more realistic in terms of buildability? Thoughts on the frame structure?

Feedback appreciated!

 

[cwheeler]

Looking good. Will you be able to tow it with the wheels in the air like that?


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[PINSTER]

Looking good. Will you be able to tow it with the wheels in the air like that?


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Are you talking about the boat rollers? That will fold up when not in use

 

[FireMedic82]

I like it pinster. Nice job. The only thing I would add is one extra brace for your side bars that's a little closer to the back. Maybe 1' or so from the rear corners? What you have may be good, but it looks like a lot of potential leverage area.

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[cwheeler]

Was a joke your drawings showed up upside down...


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[jruba]

Do i see two Adventure islands in there ? im sure they are ... heres a nice trailer that i have in my favorites , but im pretty sure you have seen it before , i like yours better just for the fact that you plan to keep your kayaks inside the trailer and not on top and exposed to the elements like this one here ..

more pics , and details click here http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=201377&sid=ae208838967caaa96396500eb6a08851

Im subscribed !

 

[PINSTER]

Jruba: haha, that's a buddy of mine and my inspiration to get this project rolling, built up from a boat trailer, which was my original plan. But then the enclosed idea and extra length moved me away from that idea.

I'm "Hookdem" on TKF!