steel or aluminum

[s.e.charles]

cost aside, which is "better" for a light trailer. maybe 3,000# total (trailer & box).

i understand steel bends and aluminum breaks, but is that the deciding factor?

99% of its life will be on paved or dirt roads (right coaster).

thanks

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Galvanized steel for frame, aluminum for structure.

 

[s.e.charles]

oops; sorry if i was not clear. the box will be wood & isolated from the frame w/ 70 durometer rubber (sheets/ washers/ bushings)

like this material:

Sorbothane Vibration Isolation Washer

These washers are great for isolating vibration and shock. The unique Sorbothane urethane is a durable, resilient, polymer that provides outstanding vibration isolation and non-skid properties.

www.isolateit.com

[carr-mcmasters has much more variety]

i want to build the box from wood because i understand how it works & is done, but have no metal working skills.

is the cold-galvanized spray worth the trouble? i'm not unfamiliar with por-15 but only on small pieces.

 

[s.e.charles]

bringing me to the next consideration: through axle w/ leaves & shocks or timbren style?

again, for the weight of the entire unit, i am thinking lighter than not. i'll not have more than 10 gallons of water & a power pack. it's a one person stand up sleeping cocoon!

no integral wires, plumbing, solar save a notebook size panel for the novelty & learning. think backpacker with a solid tent for rain & wind.

you know how most days in a tourist town are not busy when the sun is not shining and it's too cold to go to the beach? well, those are my target times of the year.

between Halloween & Easter.

edit: this weekend is my 5 year purge and tools, household items, & unused hobby stuff (as well as canned goods & overstocked consumables) are all getting donated.

next hour, i start on the sock & T-shirt drawers. one person does not need 40 of either.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I would use longer conventional leaf springs from a common vehicle. Even better if they are from your own vehicle. Include dampers.
If you ever break a leaf you will get a replacement at the next rubbish tip.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[s.e.charles]

i like the idea of at least two leaves & shock absorbers even if they are light duty.

the damping action makes sense to enable the superstructure weathering the ride.

 

[s.e.charles]

i am intending to buy the trailer. as mentioned, my iron mongery is not exactly up to par!

i just want to educate myself as a consumer and not take what the salesman needs to get off his lot unless it is going to fit my need.

all suggestions appreciated.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

Trailers under 3,500# often don't run shocks as the 4 leaf interfriction is sufficient to dampen oscillations.

Wheels Falling Off Trailers

Wheels falling off trailers, wheel studs breaking and wheel nuts loosening still happens. Here is why it happens, and how to prevent it.

rvbooks.com.au

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[s.e.charles]

excellent link; thanks.

i was just running out of internet rabbit hole and now another appears!

this is a favorite "down under" vintage trailer site i visit from time to time:

Home | Vintage Caravans

Visit our forum at: vintagecaravans.proboards.com

vintagecaravans.proboards.com

this one too, but not so often for whatever reason:

Links to websites that I have found usefull. | Classic Caravans

Hi all, here is the list as follows. Happy surfing. :D :D The following sites are sources of information and parts that I have found usefull in the re-building of my caravan and have publi

ditzygypsy.proboards.com

 

[s.e.charles]

i don't think i'll be having crystal. maybe some tupperware and a snow peak cup - if i hit the lottery!

 

[jim65wagon]

I added shocks to my 3500 pound teardrop after 6 years of use. They made a noticeable difference in towing on all roads - paved, unpaved, washboard, rocky or dirt two tracks. It was enough to make me wonder why I didn't have them in the first place.

Secondarily, I'm running standard trailer springs that I've replaced once (the originals were slightly under rated to the true weight of the trailer) and the replacements were easy to get. Having standard equipment that you can find in nearly any hardware, automotive or RV parts store makes finding replacement parts on a trip easier.

And our aluminum frame is still going strong after 50,000 miles

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