How large can they be safely?

[SandraMort]

If I'm looking at a 4x8 trailer, is there any reason I can't put a sturdy 6x8 frame on the trailer and then build on top of it. so it's 1' extra on the left and right? Or does the foundation (or whatever it's called in a trailer) have to be exactly the size of the trailer?

How do I know how tall the whole unit can be built (not counting the trailer itself)? Is there any reason I can't make it high enough for my 6' husband to stand comfortably?

Thanks!
Sandra

[tony.latham]

Why not build on a 5'-wide trailer? You're asking a lot from something that skinny. Six bits says you'll have to upgrade the suspension and there's the crosswind issue. We were headed to Chaco Canyon one fine day and the winds were 60 mph. Our camper did fine... but there's a point.



Tony

[S. Heisley]

Why not build on a 5'-wide trailer? You're asking a lot from something that skinny. Six bits says you'll have to upgrade the suspension and there's the crosswind issue. We were headed to Chaco Canyon one fine day and the winds were 60 mph. Our camper did fine... but there's a point.



Tony

Tony is correct and, anyway, you'll want more leg space when you lay down. A 5x10 chassis would give you that in both directions, as well as probably giving you a better quality trailer frame to work with. Have you ever heard the expression, "It has good bones"? In my opinion, it starts there. I have never heard anybody say they regretted building a 5' wide, but I have heard that numerous times about a 4' wide. If not a 5x10', then at least a 5x8'. That's my opinion.

PS. A 5' wide trailer bed can be just 1" narrower (59") than a queen size bed (60") at home!

[S. Heisley]

...How do I know how tall the whole unit can be built (not counting the trailer itself)? Is there any reason I can't make it high enough for my 6' husband to stand comfortably?

Thanks!
Sandra

While it's possible, it may not be practical to build too high. The higher it travels, the more you will be blown about by not only the wind but also tractor-trailers/semis. The taller these little trailers are when they are being towed, the more unstable they can become.

Maybe build one with a lifting roof? It's not as difficult as one might think. Take a look at some of the trailers here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50969

Will you be building out of Styrofoam (see foamies) or plywood or...?

[SandraMort]

Why not build on a 5'-wide trailer? You're asking a lot from something that skinny. Six bits says you'll have to upgrade the suspension and there's the crosswind issue. We were headed to Chaco Canyon one fine day and the winds were 60 mph. Our camper did fine... but there's a point.



Tony

*laugh* Simple reason why not. I'd only seen 4' wide so far! How wide are the mid-range (not too expensive, but not flimsy) trailers available?

Merci,
Sandra

[SandraMort]

While it's possible, it may not be practical to build too high. The higher it travels, the more you will be blown about by not only the wind but also tractor-trailers/semis. The taller these little trailers are when they are being towed, the more unstable they can become.

Blown about by large vehicles? Are you referring to the way the car will swerve as large vehicles pass by? Or do you mean something else?

Maybe build one with a lifting roof? It's not as difficult as one might think. Take a look at some of the trailers here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=50969

Thanks! I will take a look. Yes , I was concerned that it would be too difficult.

Will you be building out of Styrofoam (see foamies) or plywood or...?

DEFINITELY a foamie. My prius isn't going to pull much more. As it is, I think I need to wait until I park at my final destination to put water into the tanks.

Grazie,
Sandra

[S. Heisley]

Blown about by large vehicles? Are you referring to the way the car will swerve as large vehicles pass by? Or do you mean something else?

Yes. That and the wind.

[KCStudly]

Wind resistance is a bigger factor than weight when towing with an "underpowered" TV. You will feel the degraded performance more towing a large "foam wall" then you will from towing a heavier, but shorter cabin that is closer to matching your vehicle's frontal area. Lift up or flip up, or even trolley top would be better than just going tall. Other option is to sink the part of your floor where you want to stand, or a combination of these techniques.

[terrymorse]

DEFINITELY a foamie. My prius isn't going to pull much more.

A Prius? Yeah, you'd better be going ultra-light. Aluminum frame, with composite unibody.

Northern Tool makes an aluminum 5 x 8 trailer.